Abstract: In a correction tape dispenser, wherein a backing ribbon carrying a layer of correcting composition is fed from a supply spool (2) around the edge (6) of an applicator tip (10) used to press the tape against a paper surface (P) to transfer the layer of correcting composition onto the paper, and back to a take-up spool (3), a tape guide system (11,12; 22,23) is provided near the tip to redirect the tape, the tip edge (6) being at an angle to the feed direction so that the body of the tape dispenser may be held in a forwardly and downwardly inclined orientation similar to that in which a writing instrument is normally held.

Abstract: A flat clip or staple is manufactured from a continuous strip of flat sheet material in coil form by first stamping out intermediate portions of material between each of the blanks to be formed into a discrete staple while retaining the blanks in the continuous strip. The strip is then subjected to a second stamping process where each discrete staple is severed from the strip, formed into the required shape and the excess waste material removed from the continuous strip. The second stamping process is located immediately adjacent the final stapling assembly operation, such that the staples never need to be transported to the final stapling operation site in separated form.

Abstract: A method for the reductin of mold cycle time. A heat recoverable member in a compressed state is placed within a channel defined relative to the surface of a mold. A hardenable liquid used to form the article then flows in an accelerated manner through the channel. Thermal energy supplied to the heat recoverable material causes the heat recoverable material to expand within the channel, thereby displacing the hardenable liquid from the channel. The temperature of gelation of the hardenable liquid and the recovery temperature of the heat recoverable material may be selected such that the channels are substantially filled by the heat recoverable material prior to the hardening of the hardenable liquid. In this manner, the heat recoverable material becomes flush with the surface of the mold prior to hardening of the liquid so as to yield an article of manufacture having a relatively planar surface.

Abstract: A method is presented for the comparison of a second surface with a normalized surface model generated by reference to a group of esthetically acceptable first surfaces. A light pattern is typically projected onto a plurality of first surfaces moving beneath a light projection apparatus such that the light reflected from the first surfaces is received by a light receiver apparatus, and thereafter evaluated by appropriate computer software to define a nominal surface for the first group of esthetically acceptable surfaces. Each additional second surface passed below the light projection and light receiver apparatus is then compared to the normalized model generated by the first articles, such that undesirable surface deformities in the second article become readily apparent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the detection of undesirable surface deformities is disclosed wherein a known (linear) light pattern is reflected off a fabricated part having a nominally smooth surface, the reflected light pattern subsequently being analyzed for distortions from the expected light pattern. The extent of the detected distortions may be quantified by the use of a computer having appropriate software, in order to identify and quantify unacceptable surface deformities.

Abstract: A well valve assembly is disclosed for the control of well fluids that flow in the tubing and the annulus of a well. The well valve assembly consists of two parts, the first part being a housing that forms a portion of the well that has flow openings defined between the tubing and the annulus. The second portion of the well valve apparatus comprises a valve insert that may be lowered down through the well tubing and latched in a position adjacent the housing means. By proper selection and location of seals and flow passages on the valve insert well fluids in the tubing and the annulus may be controlled in a predetermined manner. Since valve inserts having different configurations may be interchanged within the same housing, the well valve assembly may interchangeably direct the flow of fluids within the well.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for the fabrication of pultruded articles. The apparatus includes a means for heating the interior of a bundle of resin-wetted reinforcing material prior to the bundle passing into a heating forming die which heats the exterior of the bundle. Insertion of a thermocouple wire into the interior of the bundle prior to the bundle passing into the heated forming die allows the temperature of the bundle interior to be monitored during the curing process that occurs within the heating forming die. Adjustment of the bundle interior temperature relative to the bundle exterior temperature eliminates stresses caused by adverse thermal gradients that normally would exist without the use of such a bundle interior heater. Use of such a bundle interior heater allows the pultrusion of parts having a greater or thicker cross section than those now normally available.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the determination of the shape of a flat section of fabric prior to application of the fabric to a curved surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for use in reduction of well assembly time. A dual hanger casing head is supported by a previously driven drive pipe at the desired surface location of the well. A diverter assembly is connected to the upper end of the dual hanger casing head. Both a large diameter casing assembly and a small diameter casing assembly are installed downwardly through the diverter assembly and supported within the dual hanger casing head, prior to disconnection and removal of the diverter assembly from the top of the dual hanger casing head. Removal of the diverter assembly only after the installation of both casing assemblies significantly reduces the well assembly time, and reduces the risk to the equipment and personnel associated with the well assembly process.

Abstract: A vessel wave heading control apparatus is disclosed for use on a floating vessel. Linear acceleration signals from two accelerometers, which sense the rotational acceleration of the vessel due to waves which impact the vessel from a particular direction, are processed by a computer which subsequently produces vessel heading change signals to the steering and propulsion means of the vessel. These signals indicate the required heading and required rate of change of vessel heading necessary to turn the vessel into the direction of the oncoming waves in a timely manner.

Abstract: A rotor element for use in extrusion and compounding machinery that incorporates means for mixing a low viscosity or immiscible additive with high viscosity base stocks such as polymer melts. The rotor incorporates a combination of one or more helical flights with an array of mixing pins arranged in the cylindrical screw root.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for use in drilling a well from a floating vessel by means of a riser which connects the vessel's drilling equipment to a wellhead assembly adjacent the ocean floor. Braking apparatus is provided which is capable of arresting the vertical motions of the drilling riser and of securing the upper end of the riser to the vessel whenever the riser is disconnected from the wellhead.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for the installation and removal of a ring gasket from a ring gasket retainer assembly which forms a part of an underwater wellhead connection. A buoyant ring gasket installation tool, tethered to an underwater vehicle, carries the gasket to the wellhead connection. Due to the buoyancy of the installation tool it floats above the underwater vehicle. By proper placement of the tool beneath an opening defined upwardly through the wellhead connection the tool may float the ring gasket upwardly through the opening and position the ring gasket properly with respect to the ring gasket retainer assembly, which may then be actuated to retain the gasket within the underwater wellhead connection.

Abstract: A down-hole drilling motor is provided with a bearing unit which supports the output shaft in such an inclined position relative to the motor housing, that the central axis of the output shaft intersects the longitudinal axis of the motor housing at a point of intersection located below the lower end of the housing.Directional drilling of a borehole is carried out by actuating a drill bit by means of the down-hole drilling motor, and simultaneously therewith rotating the drill string--and consequently also the motor housing--over periods that are preceded and succeeded by selected periods over which the drill string is not rotated.