Abstract: A Space Management System for a Data Access System of a File Access Processor for servicing requests from a set of Application Support Processors, which can exist in a global network, with each Application Support Processor sharing access to data in files stored by the File access Processor. The File Access Processor manages access to a set of data files and information about files held in file directories, which allow for managing file collections, can relate to each other hierarchically, and may be shared. Each Application Support Processor also maintains therein an internal cache of file information to improve performance by reducing communications required with the File Access Processor for informatin about files. The File Access Processor provides the Application Support Processors with information for updating and maintenance of local caches of directory and file description information through a centralized accumulation and distribution of cache change notifications.

Abstract: An interlock system for use on a conventional gasoline dispensing nozzle with an automatic shut-off system is disclosed. The interlock system includes a valve mounted in the discharge spout and connected to the vent tube so that when the valve is in its open position, the vent tube is open to the inside of the discharge spout. The valve actuation system is designed so that when the nozzle is not properly inserted into the vehicle fillpipe, the valve obtains an open position so that in the event dispensing of gasoline is attempted, the vacuum created in the vent tube by the venturi in the automatic shut-off system causes gasoline which flows down the discharge spout to be drawn into the vent tube, thereby causing the automatic shut-off system to disable the nozzle. The valve actuation system is also designed to act in response to the weight of the nozzle resting on the fillpipe and to provide the latching capability for the nozzle.

Abstract: A system for transporting parallel digital data in which the parallel digital data is converted to serial digital data, transported as serial digital data, and then reconverted back to parallel digital data. Each parallel digital word to be transported is stepped into a parallel to series shift register which has associated with it a separate digital code to identify the particular digital word. The data in the shift registers is serially stepped out, one shift register at a time, and then transported as serial data to a plurality of series to parallel shift registers. Each series to parallel shift register has associated with it a particular digital code associated with a particular digital word. Each shift register receives the serially transported data, and if the digital code of the shift register matches the digital code of the received word, the data in that particular shift register is stepped out as a parallel digital word.

Abstract: A test fixture designed to measure selected electrical parameters of a wax which is utilized as a dielectric in telephone transmission lines. The test fixture is mounted on top of and plugged directly into a commercially available Q (quality factor) meter. A high Q coil is also mounted on top of and plugged directly into the Q meter. A T-shaped ground shield plate separates the test fixture from the coil, and also covers the front of both components to shield them from stray capacitance and interference from operator proximity and system configuration.

Abstract: An ice cutting system in which a low density fluid, such as air or exhaust gas, is injected into the cutting region. The injection of the low density fluid results in a more efficient cutting operation, and also reduces the buoyancy of the ice chips resulting from the cutting operation. The reduced buoyancy of the ice chips results in the chips sinking in the slurry surrounding the cutter and being dissipated into the water beneath the surrounding ice.

Abstract: On a ship, a folding structure serves a dual function of a stern door in its folded position and a ramp in its unfolded position. The first and second decks of the ship have internal ramps which angularly swing up and down to accommodate different heights of the ship relative to the pier. The folding structure may be coupled to the internal ramp on either deck. The capability of coupling the folding structure ramp to either movable internal ramp allows the ship to be loaded or unloaded over wide variations of tide and draft.

Abstract: An acoustical pick-up apparatus for use with a borehole acoustical telemetry system and which may be positioned on a drilling rig at a number of locations above the drill pipe, includes an electro-acoustical transducer coupled to a pick-up block having an arcuate contact face to conform to a cylindrical member on the drilling rig and a strap connected to the contact face at points spaced from the edge thereof.

Abstract: In order to increase the "sale" or "cost" registering capacity of a standard, conventional three-wheel register (counter) used in gasoline dispeners, a modified price wheel has been developed as a substitute for the lowest-order price wheel of a conventional register. This new wheel carries indicia from zero to 99 and during counting makes one revolution for every one hundred cents' worth of gasoline dispensed. The new wheel has an antibacklash arrangement for eliminating inaccuracies during the counting mode, and has an improved reset stop and a linkage mechanism associated therewith, for providing accurate resetting and for preventing improper operation during the resetting mode.

Abstract: A spectroscopic system for measuring the discontinuous far infrared radiation emitted by a semi-transparent material, and including compensation for background, graybody, emitted radiation.In a first embodiment, a system is disclosed for measuring the far infrared radiation emitted by a lubricant in contact with a steel ball under high pressure. The lubricant is coated on a small diamond disc mounted as a window in a steel plate. The steel ball is rotated over the window to form a sliding elastohydrodynamic (EHD) contact region with the lubricant. Some of the radiant energy generated in the contact region, both in the fluid and at its boundaries, passes through the window into an infrared interferometer, which generates an emission spectrum. The spectrum is separated, by a balancing technique utilizing a rotating chopper blade, into contributions from the fluid and contributions from the steel ball.

Abstract: A register designed to count and display cost on a gasoline dispensing pump. The register has a 100 cent wheel which is driven by a stepping motor. As the 100 cent wheel rotates it biases a spring which, after the 100 cent wheel has completed a revolution, incrementally drives a dollar register wheel. Likewise, as the dollar wheel rotates it biases a spring which, after the dollar wheel has completed a revolution, incrementally drives a 10 dollar register wheel. The energy stored in the springs is also utilized to reset the register to zero, such that all of the power utilized to both drive and reset the register is supplied by the stepping motor.

Abstract: An improved valve for separating and sealing adjacent pneumatic tube sections of a pneumatic tube delivery system. The valve includes a pair of flap seals positioned on opposite sides of the travel path of a carrier through the valve. Each flap seal is spring biased closed, and has a shock absorbing element positioned behind it such that when the flap seal is kicked open by a carrier, the spring bias and the shock absorber will absorb the momentum of the kicked open flap seal. An air inlet section in the valve is designed to minimize the intake of rain and snow and further to minimize the coasting distance experienced by a carrier traveling through the valve.

Abstract: A system for injecting a predetermined amount of additive fluid into a main stream of fluid which controls the amount of additive injected by a timing circuit. A pump continuously circulates the additive through a circuitous path having a valve which diverts the additive into the main stream. A control system receives signals from a turbine meter in the main stream and opens the valve a predetermined length of time at a frequency depending on the signals received from the turbine meter, thereby maintaining a constant concentration of the additive in the main stream.

Abstract: A system for performing an on-stream analysis of the chemical composition of a refinery stream. A U-shaped radiation waveguide having a plurality of small apertures therein is inserted into the refinery stream. Far infra-red radiation is introduced into one end of the waveguide. The apertures in the waveguide allow the chemical stream to circulate freely within it, resulting in selective absorption of the radiation traveling through the waveguide which is dependent upon the chemical composition of the stream. A detector detects radiation exiting from the waveguide, and produces a graph of radiation intensity versus wavelength for the far infra-red portion of the spectrum. A spectroscopic analysis of the graph indicates the chemical composition of the stream.

Abstract: In order to prevent malfunctioning of an automatic liquid fuel dispensing nozzle which is being used for vapor recovery while dispensing, the pressure inside the tank (into which liquid fuel is being dispensed) is used as a reference pressure for the actuating diaphragm of the nozzle cut-off arrangement, rather than using atmospheric pressure for this purpose. Displaced vapors from the tank are directed through a vapor recovery boot having a flexible, exterior cylindrical sleeve and an interior of reticulated material which provides passageways for the vapors to travel through.

Abstract: A system for detecting the presence of a contaminating fluid in other, normal fluids. In one embodiment the system detects the presence of hydrocarbons in a liquid which is normally water. A barrier which is soluble in hydrocarbons but insoluble in water has one side in contact with the liquid. A liquid sensitive switch is positioned on the other side of the barrier. If hydrocarbons are present, they will dissolve the barrier and close the switch which will set off an alarm. In a second embodiment wherein water is the possible contaminant in hydrocarbons, a barrier which is soluble in water but insoluble in hydrocarbons is utilized.

Abstract: A system for preventing substantial pollution of the atmosphere by benzene vapors displaced from a tank truck during loading of the truck with benzene. The benzene is loaded into the truck at its ambient temperature, and benzene vapors displaced from the truck are cooled to condense them to a liquid state. The system for cooling the benzene vapors is one in which natural gas at high pressure is expanded to a lower pressure, and the cooling effect which takes place during the expansion is utilized to cool and condense the benzene vapors.

Abstract: A work platform for oil drilling, oil production, or other purposes is constructed in arctic waters by locating a natural ice island of suitable area and thickness, and moving it to the desired platform location. The ice island is anchored to the sea floor by installing at least one, but preferably a number of, generally cylindrical sheaths beneath it which extend from the island to the sea floor below. The sheaths are filled with water, and a thermosiphon is installed interiorly of the sheath. As the thermosiphon extracts heat from the water within the sheath, the water is converted to ice, and eventually the entire body of water within the sheath is frozen, thereby forming a column of ice which anchors the island to the sea floor in the desired location.

Abstract: In a liquid dispensing apparatus, a train of control pulses are produced at a rate representative of equal fractional parts of a unit volume of the liquid being dispensed, and for each of these control pulses a divider gates to an output circuit a number of pulses (derived from a continuously-operating generator) digitally equal to the price per unit volume of the liquid being dispensed. The gated pulses appearing in said output circuit are counted in continuous fashion by a counter which, during a sustained operation, produces a resultant output pulse at the conclusion of every one thousand pulses fed to its input. These latter output pulses are fed to decade counters which drive the final display devices for exhibit or indication of the total price.

Abstract: For connecting an offshore structure to a submarine pipeline, a vertically-extending pipeline is built as an integral part of the structure and is provided with a receiver fitting at its lower end which is adapted to mate with a connector fitting provided on the end of the submarine pipeline. By means of special tools, all manipulatable from the surface, mating, locking, and sealing of the two fittings are accomplished, followed by pressure testing of the coupling between such fittings.

Abstract: Automatic aerosol spray apparatus which contains an aerosol container with a mechanically actuated spray valve, includes a drive motor for driving a mechanism which actuates the valve at regular intervals each initiated by a relatively brief motor drive cycle during which the motor is energized fist through a timer circuit and then through a motor drive switch is improved by light actuated testing apparatus integrated therewith. The testing apparatus includes a light actuated photocell which produces an electrical output for controlling a test switch electrically connected in parallel with the motor drive switch so that the spray apparatus is tested by illuminating the photocell causing the motor to drive through a cycle and actuate the aerosol spray. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is energized by a battery and a battery test circuit is connected to the battery and also to a battery test indicator which is activated by the test switch.