Abstract: A method of preparing a reforming catalyst is disclosed wherein a large-pore zeolite is impregnated with an aqueous solution of platinum and the zeolite is only allowed to soak in the solution for less than three hours to form a catalyst. After the catalyst is dried, it is calcined in an atmosphere containing steam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hard hat which may be collapsed and easily stored when not in use. The hat uses a brim as a structural support, multiple curved segments and means for locking the segments into place. The multiple curved segments have raised and lowered portions, decreasing radii, and a common pivot point on the sides of the brim. In the collapsed position all the segments are stacked on one side of the brim, but when the hat is to be extended, the first curved segment is rotated about the common axis. As it is rotated a lowered portion on the back inner surface of the segment engages a raised portion on the front outer face of the next segment and it is drawn (as are the remaining segment) along with the first segment. Once the first segment has reached its position on the further side of the brim, the first segment is then locked into place and the hat is complete.

Abstract: A punch tool is disclosed for puncturing the walls of heat exchanger tubes when they become worn in order that the tubes may be repaired. Said tool comprises a hardened, longitudinally drilled, steel rod that is able to fit within the heat exchanger tube. A piston with a cutting bit is fit within a milled slot that communicates with the longitudinally drilled hole of the hardened rod. Once the tool is inserted into a tube to be repaired hydraulic pressure is applied and the piston is forced outward thereby puncturing the tube.

Abstract: Apparatus for collecting an immiscible liquid from the surface of a body of higher density liquid, including in combination: a floating containment boom and catch basin coupled therewith, the catch basin having a self-adjusting weir for regulating the flow of liquid therein; means for transporting the higher density liquid from the basin to the interior of the floating containment boom for recycling; and means for transporting the lower density liquid from the catch basin to a containment vessel to await further processing.

Abstract: Generally speaking, the present invention relates to an electromagnetic valve for subsea applications. It comprises a valve body, a rotatable core (with an aperture) located within the valve body (it may be shaped like a plug or a ball), a means for creating a magnetic field located between the valve body and the core and electrically conductive windings wrapped around the rotatable core. The windings are connected to a source of DC power and when energized they cause the core to rotate in one direction or the other depending on the polarity of the DC current.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices and methods used to suppress the motion of an offshore structure due to wind, wave, seismic, and current forces. More specifically, the invention suppresses structural excitation due to secondary wave forces.The apparatus comprises a mechanical energy absorbing means and a submerged mass. The mechanical energy absorbing means may be a combination of linear or non-linear springs and dampers and is attached to the structure so the vibrating motion may be transferred to the motion damper. The proper weight or size of the damper and mechanical energy absorbing means is determined by first measuring the natural frequency of the structure and the mass of the structure then using those numbers in an equation to calculate the mass and spring constant for the desired apparatus.

Abstract: A method for metering two-phase flow wherein the successive accelerational pressure drops across an orifice plate and across a venturi coupled in series with the orifice plate are correlated to obtain one or more flow-rate parameter.

Abstract: Method and means are provided for determining the position of a submerged marine streamer towed behind an exploration vessel. An array of at least three transponders secured to the ocean floor generate distinguishable acoustic pulses upon a command signal from the ship. These signals are received by hydrophones housed in the streamer and by the ship. The distance to each hydrophone may be triangulated from the data generated including accounting for changes in velocity between the vessel and the seismic streamer and the bottom transponders during the taking of such data.

Abstract: A weir-type skimmer employing a wave diffuser for efficiently collecting an immiscible liquid from the surface of a body of higher density liquid in turbulent waters, including in combination: a floating containment boom having a wave diffuser disposed therein and a catch basin coupled therewith; a catch basin having a self-adjusting weir for regulating the flow of liquid therein; a water pump for removing and discharging water from the catch basin to the interior of the floating containment boom, forward of the wave diffuser; and an oil pump coupled with a skimming head for removing oil from the catch basin.

Abstract: Pressurized gas filled tubular tendons provide a means for detecting leaks therein. Filling the tendon with a gaseous fluid provides increased buoyancy and reduces the weight supported by the buoyant structure. The use of a corrosion inhibiting gaseous fluid reduces the corrosion of the interior tendon wall.

Abstract: An automatic fuel shutoff system for preventing fuel flow into a tank being filled when the level of fuel in the tank reaches a predetermined level. This system stops fuel flow when the passage of light from a light transmitter to a light receiver is blocked by the presence of fuel in a detector gap formed near the outlet of a fuel-dispensing nozzle.

Abstract: A vacuum system is disclosed for reducing heat loss within the annular chamber of a steam injection well. The apparatus includes elements for drawing vapor within the annular chamber outside the well, elements for condensing the vapor and elements for discharging the fluid. In addition, the apparatus incorporates elements to isolate and bypass the vacuum and condensing means in the event of high-steam leakage that may damage any components thereof.