Abstract: An aerial duct having a first duct in which a support strand is contained for aerially mounting the aerial duct, and a second duct in which an inner duct or liner is contained through which a transmission or other cable is strung. A multiplicity of support strands or several braided support strands could be contained in the first duct. The first duct and second duct are joined by an intervening web so that the first and second duct have substantially parallel longitudinal axes. The inner duct has spaced apart ribs formed within its inner surface. Valleys are formed between the spaced apart ribs and adapted to retain lubricant placed therein for facilitating the passage of a transmission or other cable through the inner duct. The ribs can be either longitudinal, corrugated or spiral. If desired, the aerial duct and support strand could be made of an all-dielectric material.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of facing a surface of a weldable iron based material with a consumable iron based electrode and alloy forming elements by creating an electric arc between the electrode and the surface of the weldable base material effective to form a weld puddle of which the weldable base material provides from about 35% to about 80% by weight, and preferably a major portion, of the weld puddle formed by the electrode and the base plate and by depositing and melting a predetermined quantity of alloy forming elements in the weld puddle to form an alloy abrasion resistant or corrosion resistant facing. Also disclosed are plates having abrasion or corrosion resistant surfaces in which from about 35% to about 80% and preferably a major portion of the weld puddle formed by the electrode and the base material is the weldable iron based material.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of hardfacing and hardfaced tool joints used for connecting together drilling pipe for drilling bore holes in the earth, such as drilling to possible oil and gas formations. The hardfacing is welded to the outer surface of the box member of the tool joint and forms a surface harder than silicious earth particles but a surface which does not cut casing through which the drilling pipe and tool joints move. Hardfacing alloys having the foregoing properties contain primary carbides in a matrix which are present in an amount to form a plurality of cracks of not less than one in 3 inches on cooling from molten to solid state are satisfactory. Such cracking causes no damage to the box member, provides an indication of the primary carbides present and hence the abrasion resistance of the hardfacing and provides a long wearing service life for the box member.

Abstract: A duct for transmission cable including a polymeric tubing having an inner and an outer wall. Spiral ribs having peaks and valleys are located on the inner wall. The valleys are adapted to receive lubrication and the peaks form a surface over which cable may travel at reduced friction. The spiral makes one revolution from about one to six linear feet, at rib heights from about 0.005 to 0.125 inch, and the spacing between the ribs is about 0.025 to 0.500 inch. The duct may be located in an outer duct which is normally buried underground, or directly buried or plowed. There may be a plurality of ducts placed in the ground with an outer duct. Longitudinal ribbing on the external walls prevents rotation.

Abstract: An inner duct is disclosed which can fit inside a duct and extend along a length thereof for receiving communication cable, particularly a light-guide cable. The inner duct has a continuous side wall with protruding ribs on the inside and outside surfaces to maintain an effective supply of lubricant during the installation of the inner duct and cable in the inner duct. The ribs on the inside surface of the inner duct guide the cable during the placement operation. It is preferred to install a plurality of inner ducts into a duct during which the ribs on the inner duct interlock with one another to prevent spiraling. The ribs also facilitate the dissipation of heat due to friction and ambient sources of heat.

Abstract: A tractor provided with a cable reel at one end and a plow at the trailing end includes a system to monitor tension applied to the cable during underground placement. A capstan engages the cable while driven by a hyraulic motor and the pressure of the fluid supply to the motor is monitored by a pressure transducer. An electrical signal from the pressure transducer is fed to a control which also receives a setpoint signal corresponding to a maximum allowable tension on the cable. An output signal from the control is used to slow down or stop advancing movement of the vehicle and a second signal is used to operate a valve to divert fluid pressure from the hydraulic motor. Tension on the cable extending between the capstan and the reel can be monitored as well as tension on the cable between the capstan and the plow.

Abstract: A cable is pulled in a duct or along an overhead support line according to a method and through the use of a tape comprised of warp and weft threads. Indicia printed on the web is used to indicate the length of the course of travel for the cable along which the web extends. The width of the web is sufficient to affix indicia on the surface thereof. The web has an elongation of 10% or less at a break strength which is in excess of 750 pounds of pull force. The pull strength of the woven web is about 2900-3000 pounds. The web is comprised of strands of parallel filaments of yarn consisting of aromatic polyamide fibers. Insulated conductors are incorporated in the tape as two of many warp threads according to a second tape embodiment for conducting a tension signal along the tape. After a length of the course of travel is measured with the tape, one end of the tape is connected to the leading end of a cable while the remaining end of the tape is connected to a winch.

Abstract: An inner duct is disclosed which can fit inside a duct and extend along a length thereof for receiving communication cable, particularly a light-guide cable. The inner duct has a continuous side wall with protruding ribs on the inside and outside surfaces to maintain an effective supply of lubricant during the installation of the inner duct and cable in the inner duct. The ribs on the inside surface of the inner duct guide the cable during the placement operation. It is preferred to install a plurality of inner ducts into a duct during which the ribs on the inner duct interlock with one another to prevent spiraling. The ribs also facilitate the dissipation of heat due to friction and ambient sources of heat.

Abstract: Heat stabilization of polyurethane elastomer catalyzed with organo-metallic catalyst is accomplished by adding a minor amount of elemental sulfur or sulfur-donor material to the liquid mixture of polyol and organic polyisocyanate at the time the catalyst is added. The sulfur remains inert during the polymerization reaction, and as long as the temperature of the cured elastomer does not exceed about 200.degree. F. When the temperature of the urethane exceeds 200.degree. F, the sulfur reacts with the catalyst to form a metallic sulfide, which results in the complete neutralization, or deactivation of the catalyst. Elimination of the organo-metallic catalyst prevents depolymerization of the urethane, and the urethane therefore remains solid at high temperatures for much longer periods of time than has heretofore been possible. The amount of sulfur required to deactivate will depend upon the metal content of the organo-metallic catalyst.

Abstract: Apparatus for filling a vehicle tire with a reactive liquid elastomer which when cured results in a flat-free tire. The apparatus provides for pre-filling the tire with air of desired pressure to properly set the tire bead on its rim and to maintain such tire pressure during the liquid filling operation. The apparatus enables removal of residual air within the tire as the tire is being filled with liquid and also indicates when the tire is completely filled with such liquid.