Abstract: A tie bolt comprises a shank provided thereon with equally pitched screw-threaded portions (16, 18) separated by a spacer portion (14) capable of sliding through a hole created by the leading screw-threaded portion (16) so as to permit rapid screw-engagement of the trailing screw-threaded portion with said hole, characterized in that said threaded portions are provided by separate components (16, 18) arranged at a predetermined distance apart.

Abstract: What is provided is a water line connected onto the outflow end of the whirlpool bath; a source of pressurized water, for example from a hose connected onto the second end of the flowline, so that introduction of water from the hose introduces the water into the line and up through the outflow pipe into the pump which in turn would be expelled from the intake ports around the base of the mechanism; a valving means at the end of the flow line, in order to reduce the pressure of the fluid flow to avoid movement of the fluid into the motor assembly adjacent the juncture of the flow line and the flow pipe; a second line forming a juncture with the fluid line, the second line capable of adapting a volume of cleaning solution thereunto, so that upon introduction of fluid into the line from the hose, the cleaning solution may in turn be introduced into the flow of the water into the mechanism to provide a cleaning solution or disinfectant through the mechanism; a second valving member means for controlling the amoun

Abstract: A cooling tower assembly comprising at least first and second layers of fill within the tower chamber, each of the first and second layers of fill having a source of water introduced above the fill for moving through gravity downthrough the fill during the cooling process. There is further included an upper fan member circulating at the top portion of the tower for drawing air through inlet panels along the walls of the tower through the first and second layers of fill to cool the water as it is percolating through the fill contents. The first and second layers of fill would be separated by a horizontal baffle member so that air pulled through the lower layer of fill would be prevented from the first layer, but would flow through a centrally located air flow chamber within the upper layer of fill to be drawn out of the chamber by the fan.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement in marine cranes.An additional controllable variable lifting capability is operably connected to the load line of a marine crane, which may be motion compensated, to provide a safe initial lift of the cargo from a supply vessel. The additional lifting capability may be used alone or in concert with the drawworks to make the initial portion of the cargo lift.A variation of the improvement may be used in mooring of vessels adjacent a marine installation.

Abstract: An apparatus providing a tunnel-way for mice along a vertical surface including a first entrance way into a tunnel chamber having a flared open wall portion, the inner wall of which makes contact with a vertical surface. The walls forming a tunneling entrance into the tunnel-way. The tunnel-way is positioned intermediate the first and second entrance portions into the tunnel, so that a mouse would encounter the flared entrances to the tunnel-way and move into the tunnel from either direction. The tunnel further comprises material along its interior surface to make contact with the pelt of the mouse, as it moves therethrough. The interior material is provided with a toxic dust introduced into the tunnel which adheres to the material and is deposited onto the mouse as it moves therethrough. To introduce dust, a first open end of the tunnel is secured with a stopper, and dust shaken into the tunnel.

Abstract: An oil spill retrieval vessel has an interior that contains skimmed oil and separates the oil within the vessel and underwater using a plurality of separator surfaces vertically stacked to catch and accumulate oil as it rises within the vessel interior.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a tester for determining the operating condition of a Reed Relay Printed Circuit Board (PCB) device. A Reed Relay PCB to be tested is connected directly to the tester for testing in a data flow per path environment as it would be functionally connected with a data acquisition system, such as a "Ramp Scanner" model 128RR by Kaye Instruments, Inc. The tester develops accurate voltages for the test and connects them for powering components as well as for simulating data flow. As each data flow path is sequenced in its turn, the time of opening of a previous relay contact as a next contact is closed is monitored, and if it exceeds a predetermined amount of time, a visual indicator light is energized and latched in its energized state. Also, the tester includes other test circuits for testing the operating functionality of each data flow path.

Abstract: An apparatus which is attachable at a first end to the upper portion of an automobile steering wheel, and an second end which rests upon the dashboard of the automobile. The apparatus further includes an extended body member extending between the steering wheel and the dashboard. At one end of the body member there is defined a U-shaped section into which an upper member of the steering wheel is engaged, so that a standard padlock can be positioned between the end of the U-shaped section extending past the steering column and through the member of the body member so that the steering column is engaged therewithin. On the face of the U-shaped section there is included a first transverse body member extending across the upper stance of the steering column with each end of the body member engaging a portion of the column approximately thirty (30.degree.) to forty-five (45.degree.) in radial diameter.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining maximum usable memory size is disclosed. Permanent connections on a base memory unit and additional memory modules provide signals indicative of the amount of memory installed at each location. The signals are read by the processor and used in conjunction with a lookup table or size counting method to determine maximum usable memory size and the existence of installation or operation errors. The maximum size is written to a latch which provides the value to logic which enables the appropriate memory locations when addressed by the processor.

Abstract: A well sealing device using an internal propellant charge to drive slip segments outwardly against a well casing. A pin shears, releasing the device from its wire line prior to final setting of the slip segments.

Abstract: A composite rupture disk includes a slit-slot, tension loaded disk having a plurality of circumferentially spaced radial slits (e.g. six in number) that terminate before reaching the disk center, thereby defining an uncut disk central portion which can be sized to at least partially influence the disk burst pressure. A radial strap, spot welded at each end attaches respectively at its end to the disk central portion and to the disk periphery, thereby preventing a downstream flow of the central portion upon rupture.

Abstract: A multi-hose flexible lance tube cleaning apparatus for cleaning the interior of heat exchanger tubes, the apparatus having a spool and means for rotating the spool. A plurality of tubular flexible lances are reeled on the spool assembly. Each flexible lance is in communication with a high pressure fluid source and is adapted to fit within a heat exchanger tube. The flexible lances advance into the interior of the heat exchanger tubes as the spool is rotated to reel out the flexible lances and as the high pressure fluid exits the jetting tips of the flexible lances. The cleaning apparatus also includes tube guides to guide and support the flexible lances and further includes a positioning assembly for positioning the flexible lances in substantial alignment with the heat exchanger tubes.

Abstract: What is provided is a system which would utilize a plurality of glare modules, constructed of a lightweight foam material, and that could be positioned spaced apart end to end, along the length of the highway median barrier. Each of the modules would be secured to the barrier by a pair of mounting rods firmly secured to the upper face of the barrier and slideably engagable into a pair of openings in the bottom of the barrier module. The barrier panel would then be secured to the mounting rods with a locking pin.

Abstract: An elongated water ballasted oil spill containment boom made of flexible, compact, and easily storable material and having an inner and an outer chambers. When inflated with water the inner chamber assumes a substantially circular cross section and is cylindrical in shape. The selection of the ratio of the size of the outer and inner chambers controls the degree to which the boom floats above the water level and is submerged below the water level. The portions of the boom above and below the water level prevent, respectively, splashover of oil and the escape of oil under the boom. The boom is statically stable in that a strong righting moment tends to automatically properly reorient the boom in the event of undesirable wave, current or wind forces.

Abstract: A power switch cover having an elongate base member with a track formed therein and adapted to support a sliding member which includes an end portion to protect a recessed switch. The switch is accessible through the base member and once turned on is protected by the sliding member. The sliding member includes at least one spring for biasing the sliding member against the base member and provides for continuous contact of said sliding member with the track of said base member. A top member is inserted over the sliding member and the base member to provide the contact points for the spring thereby biasing the sliding member against the recessed track.

Abstract: A computer system unit including a tower unit having a generally narrow base with respect to the depth and height of the tower unit. An extensible leg capable of extending in a generally transverse direction to the depth of the tower unit may be extended on only one side of the tower unit to prevent the tower unit from overturning. Means are provided for attaching the extensible leg to the base of the tower unit.

Abstract: A mobile tube bundle cleaning apparatus comprised of a truck mounted fluid and hydraulic pressure sources including high pressure pumps and diesel engines. The apparatus further includes a trailer mounted tube bundle cleaning system including an articulable mobile crane, outriggers for stabilizing the trailer during cleaning operations and a system for supporting and rotating a tube bundle during cleaning operations. The apparatus further includes a remote control pedestal from which an operator may control the fluid pressurizing system, the crane and the operation of the tube bundle rotating system.

Abstract: An artificial ankle system which is mounted within an artificial foot, such as a S.A.C.H. foot, with the ankle system comprising upper and lower plates, having a pair of spaced apart solid compressible members known as bonded rubber springs, which are attached to the upper and lower plates via gluing or the like, the rubber spring and plate system boltingly attached to the lower portion of the foot, and attached to a prosthesis to the upper prosthetic portion of the leg. This system further provides at least a posterior strap member secured around the upper and lower plate, the strap member serving as a means for compressing the posterior rubber spring to a certain degree, so that it is pre-compressed while being utilized in static or standing position, but allowing the rubber spring to also function in tension or elongation to a predetermined point. There may be further included an anterior strap, which likewise would compress the anterior spring as a strap that is fitted around the upper and lower plates.

Abstract: An insert for use in a mandrel used in the production string of a well utilizing a gas lift operation is disclosed. The tubing unit and the valve lug forming the mandrel have communicating bores into which the insert, which is formed of an abrasion resistant material such as carbide, is placed. The insert is soldered in place, with the soldering to the valve lug being accomplished through a temporary opening in the valve lug. A method for assembly of the mandrel is described and an abrasion resistant sleeve for inclusion in a valve lug for use with a fluid operated valve is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for isomerizing a chlorofluorocarbon of the formula:CClFYCClFXwherein X and Y are independently selected from chlorine and fluorine provided that X is not --Cl when Y is --Fto the compound of the formula:CCl.sub.2 YCF.sub.2 XThe process comprises contacting the chlorofluorocarbon with an activated aluminum trihalide catalyst. The catalyst is prepared by contacting the chlorofluorocarbon with anhydrous aluminum trichloride in the presence of a metal. The metal is selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, chromium, manganese, molybdenum, tungsten and combinations thereof.