Abstract: In order to provide a shaft coupling between two aligned shafts in which the absolute minimum of torque transferred across the coupling due to misalignment is desired, and to further provide for the capability of mutual axial movement between the two shafts, a unique magnetic coupling is employed. The input shaft terminates in a yoke structure with permanent bar magnets mounted on the yoke facing surfaces. Like poles of the two bar magnets are disposed facing one another. The output shaft terminates in a third bar magnet which is introduced into the space between the other two bar magnets oriented with its north and south poles disposed, respectively, between the facing north poles and the facing south poles of the magnet pair on the yoke. There is thus mutual magnetic repulsion between the centrally disposed bar magnet on the output shaft and each of the bar magnets on the input shaft.

Abstract: In order to determine the pulse repetition rate of a fluidic oscillator through which a test gas, whose density is to be determined, is flowing, the pressure pulses appearing at one outlet port of the oscillator is sensed with a pressure transducer. The pulses are integrated for a sample period such that, upon transfer or display, the accumulated count directly represents the average pulse repetition frequency during the sample. Means are provided, in a surge tank, for controlling the temperature and pressure of the test gas, and temperature and pressure transducers in communication with the sample fluid in the surge tank are each coupled to voltage-to-frequency converters which drive counters in order that the temperature and pressure of the test gas may also be displayed. An interface to a thermal printer allows the preservation of written records of prf, temperature, and pressure readings. An interface to a digital tape recorder permits magnetic recording of the data for subsequent processing.

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: The radio frequency resistance between a pair of conductive elements, for example, adjacent pipe sections of a pipeline, which are coupled together through an insulator, may be determined by contacting each pipe section with one of a pair of probes or electrodes connected across the output of a radio frequency oscillator which is coupled to the input of a rectifier and filter circuit. The probes are connected across the oscillator output through a resistor which insures that the direct current output of the rectifier is directly proportional to the RF resistance between the pipe sections. The output of the rectifier is coupled to a meter through an operational amplifier. The meter, which provides a direct readout of the resistance being measured, may be provided with a current limiting circuit which protects the meter from excessive DC current. Calibrating means may be provided to enable adjustment of the gain of the operational amplifier for resistance readings within several ranges.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inclinometer particularly adapted for use as a top-hole indicator in drilling operations. The inclinometer employs a ferrofluid in a closed tube; the fluid serves as an angle-sensitive movable core of a differential transformer. The secondary coils of the transformer are wrapped around the tube; the primary coil is wrapped around a core piece or the tube. Equipment is provided for comparing the outputs of the secondary coils to produce an angle signal. A sturdy construction for downhole use is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for the construction of a modular barge is provided wherein individual floatation modules are assembled and secured one to another by the positioning and linking of separable alignment pins therebetween and the threading of tensioning cables therethrough. Each alignment pin has a generally elliptoid shape and an axial cable receiving bore therethrough. Each flotation module is formed with a plurality of sockets complementally shaped for the alignment pins and linked in pairs by transversely extending passages therethrough and spaced along adjacent side walls of the modules to be in registry with one another. With the modules in a spaced array, assembly cables are threaded through certain ones of the module passages. First ends of the cables are anchored to perimeter modules and the opposite ends are tensioned to draw the modules and alignment pins together, wherein the configuration of the alignment pins then facilitates alignment and coupling.

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: Methods of gravel packing are disclosed utilizing controlled melting point materials with the gravel placed behind a liner located in the wellbore. The controlled melting point materials can be coated on the gravel prior to its placement behind the liner or circulated behind the liner separate from the gravel. After placement of the gravel and controlled melting point material behind the liner, heat is provided to melt the material so that it acts as a consolidating agent.

Abstract: Buoyant bodies such as those used for drilling oil and gas wells in water-covered areas are moored to the floor of the body of water with lines in the catenary configuration. Rotational motions induced by such configurations are reduced by providing for vertical adjustment in the point of attachment of the lines on the buoyant body.

Abstract: A detector having particular utility in a gas chromotograph uses a sensor to produce signals indicative of parameters of components of a gas. A signal whose level is related to a gas parameter is generated and sent to an amplifier. The output of the amplifier is stored and a signal related to the amplifier output signal is sent by means of a feedback loop to the input of the amplifier to compensate for losses in the amplification and storage processes.

Abstract: A zeroing circuit for use in conjunction with devices that produce output signals in response to input data signals feeds a compensating signal into such a device to produce a zero output signal when there is a zero input signal. The device being compensated is intermittently tested for the zero condition, and an aspect of the compensating signal is altered to produce the zero condition.

Abstract: An ice chipper comprising a pair of cylindrical drums each mounted for counter-rotation about parallel, generally vertical axes. Each drum includes an outwardly rounded, disk shaped bottom surface and an auger flight spiraled helically about the outer cylindrical surface thereof. The auger flights each include a plurality of spaced, outwardly extending teeth to chip the ice abutting the front of the system. The chipper is mounted to the front of a tractor and each drum includes a hydraulic motor which is operated by a hydraulic pump also carried by the tractor. Rotation of the drums causes the auger teeth to chip the ice and tends to pull the drums forwardly while the auger flights carry the ice particles up and out away from the cleared area. Tilting the system forwardly and rearwardly upon the rounded drum bottom surfaces varies the depth of cutting in the vertical direction.