Abstract: An apparatus for providing regulated direct current to magnetizing coils of a non-destructive magnetic testing apparatus for detecting welding defects in pipe, which includes a variable output auto-transformer, a rectifying and filtering circuit, a meter relay for detecting direct current output magnitudes from the rectifying circuit at upper and lower bounds of a predetermined range required for proper operation of the testing apparatus, and a synchronous motor for adjusting the output of the variable transformer, in response to a control signal from the meter relay, until the direct current magnitude is within the predetermined range.

Abstract: In a crane having a boom adapted to be mounted on a pedestal, a crane mounting system having a crosshead assembly and a bearing means, the crosshead assembly for connection to the crane boom and adapted to be rotatively mounted in proximity to the upper end of the pedestal and the bearing means allowing rotation and limited pivotal movement of the crosshead assembly with respect to the pedestal.

Abstract: An improved process for the production of a soot-free hydrogen and carbon monoxide-containing gas by non-catalytic partial combustion of a carbonaceous fuel is described. In this process high yields of hydrogen and carbon monoxide are obtained by staging the partial combustion reaction in a manner such that a substantial portion, e.g., up to 95%, of the carbonaceous fuel charge to the process is reacted with diluted oxygen in a first reaction zone maintained at 1200.degree. to 1700.degree. C to form a first reaction zone effluent made up principally of hydrogen and carbon monoxide and this first reaction zone effluent is passed into a second reaction zone maintained at a temperature at least 100.degree. C lower than the first reaction zone wherein the remaining carbonaceous material is substantially completely converted to gaseous partial combustion products.

Abstract: A novel process for removing endotoxin from biological fluids such as parenteral fluids and for removing or reducing the level of endotoxin from the blood of animals is disclosed. The novel process includes the utilization of certain non-ionogenic hydrophobic synthetic plastic polymers that have been found to be capable of adsorbing endotoxin from the biological fluids when placed in intimate contact therewith.

Abstract: A new and improved method and apparatus for forming a circular double-jacketed gasket and the new and improved double-jacketed gasket formed thereby, wherein a substantially linear double-jacketed gasket assembly having a substantially rectangular cross-section is formed from first and second metal strips and a core strip of filler material, and wherein the gasket assembly is edgewise curved in the plane of its greater dimension to a predetermined curvature in the nip between compression rolls, and thereafter, a circular gasket unit is severed from the gasket assembly and the ends of the severed gasket unit are secured by welding to form a circular gasket having a single joint connection in the entire circumference of the gasket.

Abstract: Pipe handling apparatus for transporting pipe in a pipe carrier between a pipe rack and a derrick floor wherein the pipe carrier is supported by a first cable and is manipulated between the pipe rack and the derrick floor by a second cable which is operably connected to a lateral displacement means mounted with the pipe carrier for lateral displacement of the pipe carrier and the pipe therein as the pipe carrier nears the derrick floor thereby to position the pipe for unloading at the derrick floor without detrimental contact of the pipe with any object to accomplish such lateral displacement.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for quenching of the partial combustion product gas of a slagging coal gasifier containing suspended molten slag particles wherein the hot product gas of the gasifier is passed through a tubular quench zone into which a shielding gas is introduced circumferentially to form an annular layer or protective gas shield between the product gas and the walls of the quench zone and a cooling gas is injected radially to effect direct cooling of the product gas to a temperature at which the molten slag particles solidify and lose their stickiness, said protective gas shield being maintained for a sufficient distance along the axis of the quench zone to prevent contact between the quench zone walls and the hot product gas during said cooling.

Abstract: A wrapping machine for use in constructing layered vessels having at least one layer formed of adjoining vessel sections wherein the wrapping machine has an interlooped band mechanism for positioning adjoining vessel sections adjacent one another and a tightening mechanism in operative engagement with the band mechanism for tightening the band mechanism about adjoining vessel sections with the interlooped band mechanism providing concentric loading of the layered vessel when the tightening mechanism draws the vessel sections together.

Abstract: A vessel assembly including an improved connection of head and shell wherein annular seal rings are pre-compressed by insertion of radial pins, which pins are placed and retained in an inserted position by a retention, lock shaft.

Abstract: A new and improved ram lock for blowout preventer rams which permits locking of the ram at multiple and adjustable positions to compensate for wear on sealing elements of blowout preventer rams and increase sealing action of the ram without requiring separate special control lines. Automatic locking of the ram at a desired position, such as in sealing position, is obtained.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating a surface comprising a first frame adapted to be moved across the surface to be treated, a sliding frame mounted on and adapted to slide relatively to the first frame in a direction perpendicular to the surface to be treated, an adjustable frame mounted on and adapted to be adjusted relatively to the sliding frame in a direction perpendicular to the surface to be treated, a tool carrier mounted on the adjustable frame and means for maintaining the sliding frame at substantially a predetermined distance from the surface to be treated.

Abstract: Dry coal powder is fed to a high-pressure coal gasification reactor from a high-pressure chamber in inert gas. The powder is introduced in the chamber via a centrifugal pump having an inlet tube passing through a wall of the chamber and a rotor inside the chamber, which rotor throws the powder into the chamber through radial nozzles by centrifugal force. Gas leakage from the chamber through the centrifugal pump is created to prevent blockage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming flanges of fiberglass reinforced plastic on a tubular member, the method including the steps of soaking at least one fiberglass strand which is directed to a rotating tubular member whereinafter such strand is wound and laterally distributed about the tubular member forming a plurality of layers with such layers being constrained to form an annular flange on the tubular member of a predetermined axial cross sectional width and height.

Abstract: An excavating implement adapted to be pulled behind a vehicle to form a ditch or trench. The implement includes a cutting trough for cutting through soil and a soil removing structure mounted with and extending into the cutting trough for receiving soil from the trough. The soil removing structure forms a passageway for soil to pass laterally beyond the cutting trough so that soil may be removed from the trough while the trough is cutting. A depth control structure controls the depth at which the cutting trough cuts through the soil, thereby controlling the depth of the ditch made by the apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cementing well conduits in a well which is particularly advantageous when used in cementing wells having a subsea wellhead.

Abstract: A surface-controlled wire-line retrieval subsurface safety valve apparatus and method of utilizing the safety valve having a rotatable ball closure element and a movable operator mechanism that controls the operating stroke when the valve is operably installed as well as moving the ball and seat into sealing engagement.

Abstract: A new and improved method and apparatus for transporting, laying and connecting flowlines to subsea structures, such as wellheads on the ocean bottom wherein a submersible marine propulsion apparatus is used to tow a buoyed flowline to its desired location and underwater flowline connectors are used to connect the flowline to a wellhead or the structure. During the transporting and laying of the line, the flowline is supported by a series of spaced adjustable buoys which support the flowline at a desired depth beneath the surface and which can be remotely actuated to lower the flowline to the ocean floor.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted to be run into a well on a wireline for explosively cutting tubing having an explosive cutting member mounted with a body member connected to the wireline, a settable hanging member for securing the body member within the bore of the tubing prior to detonation of the explosive member, and a wireline actuated firing mechanism to explosively activate the explosive cutting means for severing the tubing in the well.

Abstract: A surface-controlled subsurface safety valve apparatus and method of utilizing the safety valve in through-the-flowline serviced wells. Both the valve frame and valve operator are provided with ball and socket universal joints to enable passage of the safety valve past restrictions in the flowline resulting from bends and curves in the flowline by flexing the safety valve in moving to and from the subsurface operating location.

Abstract: A platform structure adapted for rapid assembly and a method of assembling the platform structure. A plurality of prefabricated column assemblies are removably anchored on a platform foundation, and prefabricated landing assembly means are removably mounted with the column assemblies to form a landing above the platform foundation. Subsequently, a stair assembly is removably mounted between the landing assembly means and the platform foundation to provide a passageway permitting ingress and egress to the landing.