Abstract: A marine platform provides a plurality of buoys, a platform having a peripheral portion that includes a plurality of attachment positions, one attachment position for each buoy, and a connection that connects each buoy to the platform at a respective attachment position, the connection allowing for sea state induced buoy motions while minimizing effect on the platform. Each connection can provide first and second portions (or devices) and a load transfer mechanism that transfers load from the first portion to the second portion so that one of the portions (or devices) can be serviced.

Abstract: A subsea pig launcher, that can launch either 1 or more pipeline pigs simultaneously. The pig launcher can be assembled on a subseas production pipeline with the aid of an ROV. In the preferred embodiment, the pigs are connected to each other and spaced apart by a spine. The pig launcher is configured to capture the next pig to be launched in such a manner that the spine behind it is in alignment with a shearing valve; for example, coiled tubing or wireline. Sequential valve operation shears the spine and applies pressure behind the pig to launch it from the launcher past the pig detector and onto a platform for recapture.

Abstract: A combination step and ramp apparatus for floating docks for providing safety for boaters ascending and descending the floating dock.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating an asphalt-paved road surface by forcing gases heated by a heater against that road surface and then returning those gases to the heater for reheating and recirculation, wherein the temperature of the returning gases is measured by a temperature sensor, and the heater is automatically adjusted so that the temperature of the gases being directed against the road surface is automatically decreased as the temperature of the returning gases increases. This prevents damage to the asphalt and premature rupturing of the road surface.

Abstract: The finding produces a self-propelled vibratory finishing machine for asphalting road surfaces comprising a frame which supports a storage device and distribution of the bitumen to be deposited on the surfaces comprising a pair of screw feeders moved by a transmission unit and a pressing device the deposited bitumen aggregate set behind the screw feeders. Connected to the transmission unit and next to the screw feeders there is a flow divider device having surfaces symmetrically shaped to create at least one cutting edge suited to aid the flow of bitumen towards the screw feeders.

Abstract: A self-propelled concrete finishing trowel has a power steering control system that steers the machine by tilting the driven shaft(s) of the rotor assembly or assemblies of the machine without requiring the imposition of fatiguing actuating forces by the machine's operator. The steering control system includes at least one electric actuator, such as a ball screw actuator, coupled to each rotor assembly of the machine and controlled by an operator-manipulated controller. The controller preferably includes at least one, and possibly two, joysticks that can be manipulated by the operator to steer the machine in the direction of joystick motion and preferably at a speed that is proportional to the magnitude of joystick movement. In the typical case in which the machine is steered by pivoting a gearbox of at least one rotor assembly about two axes, a separate actuator is provided for each axis of gearbox pivoting.

Abstract: A road finisher has a chassis and a floating laying beam, which is located behind the chassis. The beam includes a centrally divided basic beam, and extendable beams which can extend laterally from the basic beam and can be height-adjusted, with respect to the basic beam. The basic beam and the extendable beams are arranged offset one behind the other in the direction of travel. The height adjusting devices are adjusted automatically in such a way that they keep the respective rear edges of the basic beam and of the extendable beams in the same plane. A control signal for the height adjusting devices is derived from measured values for the setting angle of the basic beam. The control signal is picked up by a sensors on the front of the tie bars for measuring the distance from a reference plane independent of the road finisher, and utilized to determine the height of the rear edge of the basic beam and of the extendable extendable beams.

Abstract: A reflective pavement marker integrally molded in one piece structure having retroreflective face and structural body. The marker provide a mean to enhance agglutination to the roadway, if needed when bituminous based adhesive is used by maximizing the base area for adhesive wetting parameter. The reflective face and the structural body integrally made of high impact and abrasion resistance thermoplastic. Recessed reflective cells within the reflective face tend to minimize contact with tires and other abrasive roadway elements.

Abstract: An apparatus having a horizontal compacting roller and a side edge confinement roller or shoe for compacting an asphalt concrete lane. A sensor is on the carrier vehicle for sensing the position of a defined edge of the lane, and a control is provided for steering the carrier vehicle so that the horizontal roller and the edge confinement force roller or shoe follow the defined edge of the lane to provide uniform density.

Abstract: A process and device for rehabilitating old pipelines laid in the ground is described. The extent of above-ground prefabrication of a hose-shaped lining for the old pipeline is increased and a closed system for guiding a heatable pressure medium is described. Above-ground, a calibration hose (4) is inverted into the flat-lying lining hose (6) or a lining hose (6) is inverted into a tubular film using compressed air. The lining hose (6), which is provided with the calibration hose (4) and with the tubular foil, is drawn through a shaft into the old pipeline and by means of a heatable pressure medium, which circulates in a closed system, is pressed against the interior wall of the old pipeline and is kept in this position until the resin of the lining hose has hardened. With the process, underground sewer pipes are rehabilitated.

Abstract: A contouring device and method for contouring three-dimensionally curved surfaces includes an elongated contouring assembly that is supported at opposite ends by a pair of fluid cylinders. The fluid cylinders are controlled to raise and lower the ends of the contouring assembly independently of each other, thereby allowing the contouring assembly to create a three-dimensionally curved surface as it passes over an area to be contoured. The control of one of the fluid cylinders is based on a comparison of the measured position of a first end of the contouring assembly with a profile of the surface to be leveled that is stored in a computer memory. The measurement of the position of the first end of the contouring assembly is achieved by a tracking device which tracks the position of a target positioned on the first end of the contouring assembly and which determines the three dimensional position of the target.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for milling rumble strips into a pavement surface with a cutting wheel. The cutting wheel has rows of a cutting and non-cutting surface and is rotated to alternately present and withdraw a cutting surface and a non-cutting surface to the asphalt and cut a periodic rumble strip pattern as the apparatus moves forward. This alternating pattern is achieved without any up and down motion of the cutting wheel, and the apparatus can be operated a relatively rapid speed.

Abstract: A dock leveler having a ramp, a support leg for supporting the ramp, and an extension lip that is movably connected to the ramp. The support leg is capable of movement relative to the ramp from a supporting position to a retracted position, and the lip is movable to an extended position. Movement of the lip toward the extended position results in movement of the support leg from the retracted position to the supporting position. The dock leveler is operated by raising the ramp above a resting position, retracting the support leg from a supporting position to a retracted position, contacting the lip with a vehicle, extending the lip to an extended position, and moving the support leg from the retracted position to the supporting position during the extending step.

Abstract: A device for removing dirt adhering to the tire (2) of a roller used for compacting soil and for spraying the tire (2) with water. The scraping unit (5, 6) and a nozzle system (10, 11, 12) are joined into one modular component and the scraper (6) forms a cavity (10) that is sealed off from a scraper support (5). A water supply pipe (11) leads into the cavity (10) from which nozzles (12) branch off through the wall of the scraper support (5).

Abstract: A machine for preparation of soil comprises a soil lifting device for lifting a layer of soil, a soil breaking device for breaking up the layer of soil, and a frame, the soil lifting device and soil breaking device being attached to the frame.

Abstract: A continuous process for removing organic contaminants from a subsurface formation. Including the steps of (a) injecting steam into the subsurface formation via an injection conduit, (b) removing a liquid stream from the subsurface formation via a liquid recovery conduit, (c) removing a vapor stream from the subsurface formation via a vapor recovery conduit, the vapor stream comprising both condensible vapors and non-condensible vapors, (d) combining the liquid stream and the vapor stream to create a combined stream and cooling the combined stream in a heat exchanger so that substantially all of the condensible vapors are condensed to condensed liquids, the condensed liquids being combined with the ground water liquid stream to form a combined liquid stream, and (e) separating the non-condensible vapors from the combined liquid stream.

Abstract: A bi-directional surface leveling system comprises a chassis attachable to a motion source and having a hitch, a grader frame pivotably connected to the hitch and supporting a box grader, and a forward frame pivotably attached to the grader frame and having a caster wheel for supporting the chassis. The box grader holds a bi-directional earth grading tool. Also included is a damping assembly attached to the hitch to dampen upward movement of the grader frame. A powered assembly is pivotably connected at one end to the forward frame and at the opposing end to the grader frame, and a control unit connected to the power assembly selectively extends and retracts the power assembly.

Abstract: High performance, multiple rotor riding trowels for finishing concrete comprise hydraulic circuitry enabling complete joystick control to the operator. The rigid trowel frame mounts separate spaced-apart, downwardly-projecting, bladed rotor assemblies that frictionally engage the concrete surface. The rotor assembly blades finish the surface while supporting the trowel. The rotor assemblies are tilted with double acting, hydraulic cylinders to effectuate steering and control. Double acting hydraulic cylinders also control blade pitch. Separate gimbaled, hydraulic motors revolve each rotor assembly. A joystick system enables operator hand control with minimal physical exertion. The joystick system activates electrical circuitry that fires solenoid control valves to energize various hydraulic cylinders that tilt the rotors and alter blade pitch. The hydraulic steering control circuit driven by a motor driven pump pressures a flow divider circuit to control the solenoid tilt control valves.

Abstract: An energy absorbing, retractable security barrier used to stop the movement of vehicles. The device is employed to control access to entranceways, driveways, roads and to secure a security perimeter around buildings and objects requiring such protection. The device consists of a reinforced telescoping bollard inserted into a foundation casing which is imbedded below ground. The device is manually operated and is extended by a self-contained gas-charged spring lift mechanism. The device contains a locking mechanism for securing the telescoping bollard in the extended and retracted positions. When in the retracted position the bollard is flush with the surface and can be traversed by a vehicle. The device is of simple design, easily installed and easily maintained.

Abstract: An edge-of-dock leveler includes a deck plate hingedly interconnected to a dock, a lip plate hingedly interconnected to the deck plate, an air pan mounted on the face of the dock to allow the air pan to rotate with respect to the dock, and a blower mounted on the air pan. The blower inflates an air bag that causes the air pan to rotate away from the dock face. A deck plate bearing is provided between the air pan and the deck plate, and causes the deck plate to rotate with the air pan. A locking arm hangs pendant from the lip plate until the deck plate has raised to a fully raised position, at which time the locking arm engages a bearing. The blower is turned off, allowing the air to escape the air bag, and the lip plate to extend as the air bag deflates.