Abstract: After the pumping station set points for a desired pipeline operation are calculated, they are used by process controllers at the individual pumping stations to control operations at the station. Measured values of the station's performance are compared with the set points. If these values differ enough as to require a change in the speed of the compressors, the speed of the compressors then operating is then slowly changed (or ramped) so as to bring the pipeline into operation at the set points that were calculated. Ramping is performed so that the operating efficiency of the compressors is always maintained at approximately a predetermined level. If it is found that a change is required in the number of compressors being used, this is brought to the attention of the operator of the pipeline who must then decide to let the controller effect the change. At frequent intervals, each compressor is checked for surge and stonewall conditions.

Abstract: A self-adjusting cable control device for automatically compensating for wear in a control cable system. The device includes a termination member connected at one end of a control cable and a connecting member attached to an actuation member. The connecting member carries a clutch for locking with the termination member upon application of force to the actuation member. Spring means are provided to move the cable with respect to the actuation member when the clutch is disengaged from the termination member.

Abstract: A tilting carrier conveyor system comprising a track, a plurality of carriers movable along the track, and means for moving the carriers along the track. Each carrier has a load carrying member supported on the carrier for tilting movement in a plane transverse to the direction of movement of the carrier. Tilt control means comprise a guide track member in the form of a single vertical wall extending along the path of the carriers, a guide follower on each load carrying member comprising a bifurcated member defining a downwardly open-ended slot into which the vertical wall comprising the guide track member extends such that as the carrier is moved along the track, the load carrying member thereon is guided in its tilting movement by the vertical wall.

Abstract: A loader-unloader system for loading and unloading workpieces into a machine tool wherein each workpiece is held in position about an axis during which various machine operations may be performed. The tool comprising a loading chute or conveyor adapted to deliver articles in succession to a loading position, an unloading chute or conveyor adapted to receive workpieces, and a loader-unloader assembly. The loader-unloader assembly comprises a track extending along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the machine, a carriage movable along the track and means for moving said carriage back and forth along the said track. A loader-unloader head assembly is mounted on the carriage, and includes a head having a multiplicity of fingers movable radially inwardly and outwardly for gripping a workpiece.

Abstract: A loader-unloader system for loading and unloading workpieces, into a machine tool wherein each workpiece is held in position for rotation about a longitudinal axis during which various machine operations may be performed. The tool comprising a loading chute or conveyor adapted to deliver articles in succession to a loading position, an unloading chute or conveyor adapted to receive workpieces, and a loader-unloader assembly. The loader-unloader assembly comprises a track extending along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the machine, a trolley movable along the track and means for moving said trolley back and forth along the said track. A loader clamping head assembly is mounted on the trolley, and an unloader head assembly is mounted on the trolley. Each assembly includes a head for gripping a workpiece, means on the trolley for mounting said head for swinging movement into and out of position adjacent the machine and for reciprocating movement toward and away from the axis of said machine.

Abstract: A self-adjusting cable conduit mechanism for automatically compensating for wear in a control cable system adapted to connect a controlled member with an actuation member in order to maintain proper tension and tolerances in the system.

Abstract: A termination anchorage for anchoring a circular termination member having an annular groove into a U-shaped slot contained in a bracket. A coil spring lock surrounds and engages the tubular member and has a tip which engages a hole in the bracket to lock the termination member into the slot.

Abstract: A stamped yoke end and a method of making the same where the yoke end has a flat stamped center piece. A tab is cut out of the center piece to form a slot and the tab is bent to one side of the slot to form a lever engaging surface having a section of constant radius.

Abstract: A conveyor system comprising a track along which a plurality of carriers are movable. Each carrier includes a pusher dog that is movable into and out of position for engagement by a pusher lug of a conveyor chain. Each carrier is provided with wheels, and a pivoted anti-back up cam member which is normally urged by gravity in a direction to hold surfaces thereof out of engagement with the track. Each carrier further includes an actuator operable when it engages a preceding carrier or an obstacle to move the pusher dog out of engagement with the pusher lug. A spring is provided between the actuator and the anti-back up cam member so that when the actuator is operated to move the pusher dog, the cam member frictionally engages the track.

Abstract: A two-piece anchorage device for securing a cable conduit to a wall opening. The device includes a tubular body piece adapted to extend through the wall opening and to be secured to the outer periphery of the cable conduit. The body piece includes a collar adapted to operatively engage a side of the wall opening and a lower body portion adapted to extend longitudinally along the cable conduit. An upper body portion is connected to a side of the collar opposite the lower body portion and has a groove therein. The anchorage device also includes an anchor clip piece having stops engaging the groove of the upper body portion and a plurality of depressible prongs adapted to engage a side of the wall opening.

Abstract: A loader-unloader system for loading and unloading work pieces, particularly work pieces having thin portions, in a machine tool wherein each work piece is held in position for rotation about a longitudinal axis during which various machine operations may be performed by the tool comprising a loading conveyor adapted to deliver articles in succession to a loading position, an unloading conveyor adapted to receive work pieces, and a loader-unloader assembly. The loader-unloader assembly comprises a track extending along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the machine, a trolley movable along the track and means for moving said trolley back and forth along the said track. A load-vacuum clamping head assembly is mounted on the trolley, and an unload-vacuum head assembly is mounted on the trolley.

Abstract: A safety hook having a hook body and a safety latch rotatable to open and closed positions with respect to the hook body. An axlepin is fixed with respect to the latch and extends through and is rotatable with respect to portions of the hook body. The axlepin has locking surfaces adapted to engage a locking pawl whereby the latch may be locked against rotational movement with respect to the hook body.

Abstract: A conveyor system including a conveyor which is adapted to move articles past a predetermined area and a diverter device at said area for removing articles from the conveyor. The diverter device includes a ratchet which is shock mounted in order to hold the diverter at the initial position alongside the conveyor and to absorb energy when the parts of the diverter are stopped by the ratchet device. The diverter further includes a linear air cylinder that is mounted by a simple clevis mount and utilizes a crank arm which is offset from the top dead center of the air cylinder when the diverter is in the initial non-diverting position.

Abstract: A continuous, flexible, helical wire conduit is terminated at predetermined cut-off points along its length by the steps of molding around the conduit adjacent said predetermined cut-off points, cylindrical termination members of thermoplastic material. The plastic members are molded onto the continuous conduit by injection molding at a sufficiently high pressure that the plastic penetrates into the recessed portions between adjacent helical coils, thereby assisting in sealing the interior of the conduit against corrosive liquid. In addition, the flexibility and length of the termination members are chosen to distribute vibration or bending stress along the termination members when the conduit is inserted into a fitting and thereby to reduce the concentration of stress at the conduit exit point. Conveniently, the termination member is provided with a reduced diameter at the predetermined cut-off point in order to minimize cut-off burrs.

Abstract: A conveyor system comprising a motor power unit, a load carrier and a track along which the motor power unit and the load carrier can move. A vacuum pad is mounted on the motor power unit and extends rearwardly and a vacuum power unit is mounted on said motor power unit for applying vacuum to the vacuum pad. A plate is mounted on and extends forwardly of the load carrier and is adapted to be engaged by the vacuum pad whereby when the vacuum pad engages the plate and is activated a coupling is provided between the motor power unit and said load carrier so that the motor power unit will move the load carrier along the track in either direction.

Abstract: A towcart conveyor system comprising a conveyor movable below the floor surface and having a pusher, and a plurality of towcarts. Each towcart comprises a body movable along the floor surface and an upright member on the forward end of the body. A towpin support member is pivoted at its upper end adjacent the upper end of the upright member. A towpin is mounted on the support member and a combined spring and shock absorber assembly is interposed between the towpin support member and a portion of the body and is operable to absorb the shock of engagement of the pusher of the conveyor with the towpin and is operable to return the towpin support member and the towpin to its original position when the pusher becomes disengaged from the towpin.

Abstract: An ingot grab apparatus comprising a pair of grab legs supported for general horizontal movement toward and away from one another. A grip point is associated with each leg and is mounted on its respective leg for movement along an incline extending downwardly and inwardly and upwardly and outwardly. The grip points generally face one another for engagement with the side surfaces of an ingot such that when the legs are moved toward one another to engage an ingot and the carrier is elevated, the grip points are forced downwardly and inwardly into the ingot.

Abstract: A power and free conveyor system comprising a power track along which carriers are moved by a power conveyor. Each carrier comprises a plurality of substantially identical trolley bodies which are interconnected to one another. Each trolley body includes forwardly and rearwardly directed cantilever portions having open-ended vertical slots therein and guide wheel assemblies having axles disposed vertically in said slots.

Abstract: A self-centering, push-pull cable apparatus for automatically returning a controllable mechanism from an actuated position to a neutral, centered position. The cable apparatus includes a push-pull cable having an outer housing element and an inner movable core element and a two-way spring device operatively connected at one end to the outer sheath and at its other end to the core element. The spring device is oriented in axial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the cable apparatus and applies a force in both axial directions. This permits automatic return of the core element to a centered position when the input load is relaxed.

Abstract: An FSK receiver for a single channel analog telemetry system comprises an FSK demodulator, a frequency multiplier, and a frequency-to-voltage converter. An FSK transmitter comprises a voltage-to-frequency converter, a frequency divider, and an FSK tone generator. The principal advantages of this system are greater speed due to faster settling time and reduced errors in accuracy and linearity.