Abstract: In a first aspect, a Torpedo-type Support-Pile Module (SPM) is disclosed, which includes a panel for wet connection, a burial restrictor device, and a base jointly mounted to a Seismic Sensor Module (SSM), which houses a combination of a pressure sensor with particle velocity or particle acceleration sensors, in addition to inclination sensors. In a second aspect, a telescopic-type SPM is disclosed, which includes a panel for wet connection, a base jointly mounted to a SSM, and at least two cylindrical sections capable of being inserted into each other, thereby reducing the storage and transport volume of the SPM. The panel of any one of the SPMs is connected to a wet connector of a Subsea Seismic Data Acquisition Module (SSDAM), the SSDAM in turn providing power to the seismic sensors of the SSM during the seismic data capture. At the end of the capture, the seismic sensors send the acquired data to a memory located in the SSDAM, and the connection between the panel and the connector is finally disconnected.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method wherein a test body is assembled in specific configurations to be submitted to testing in a conventional hydrostatic chamber. The method calls for assembling a test body that simulates cementing failures, the presence of stress anisotropy and a borehole of irregular geometry, by pressurizing said test body in a conventional hydrostatic chamber. The uniform forces are distributed circumferentially around a casing stream in a non-uniform way, simulating operating conditions that are as close as possible to reality, enabling an analysis of how the structure reacts in scenarios similar to actual conditions.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method wherein a test body is assembled in specific configurations to be submitted to testing in a conventional hydrostatic chamber. The method calls for assembling a test body that simulates cementing failures, the presence of stress anisotropy and a borehole of irregular geometry, by pressurizing said test body in a conventional hydrostatic chamber. The uniform forces are distributed circumferentially around a casing stream in a non-uniform way, simulating operating conditions that are as close as possible to reality, enabling an analysis of how the structure reacts in scenarios similar to actual conditions.

Abstract: Readily disassembled and reassembled apparatus for extruding composite food products, especially simulated slab bacon, includes an extrusion assembly comprising a die having a housing within which extend a plurality of individual die conduits from a front wall provided with openings leading into the die conduits. The space surrounding the die conduits within the housing form die passages interleaved with the die conduits. Means are provided for extruding a food material through the front wall openings and through the die conduits into a convergent discharge conduit removably attached to the housing. Separable supply conduits connect a pressure source of supply of a different food material with the housing at opposite sides thereof as well as between such opposite sides.

Abstract: A coextrusion apparatus and method for producing simulated cuts of meat from fat and lean meat is improved by providing in the apparatus, means for the controlled heating of parts of the discharge structure leading from the coextrusion die or of the die structure or of both structures to a temperature during the extrusion procedure substantially no greater than will melt fat interfaced with such structure. The preferred heating means is a water jacket supplied with hot water of suitable temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing raw, dry, corn kernals into a milled masa product for use in making corn chips, tortilla chips, and similar products, comprises the steps of heating and soaking such corn kernels, breaking the hulls of the soaked corn kernals, and forcing entirely the hull-broken, corn kernals through a plate perforated as a sieve, the perforations of the plate being very small relative to the size of the corn kernals. Preferably, the moisture content of the masa product is adjusted to about 50% by weight. The perforated plate is advantageously a closed-ended tube, within which a screw conveyor operates to transport the mass of hull-broken corn kernals through and along the tube to its midpoint from feed locations adjacent to the closed ends of the tube while forcing the mass through the perforations of the tube.

Abstract: Deboning machines of the type in which an auger conveys ground meat and bone materials through a perforated conduit from one end thereof while exerting pressure on said materials to force meat components out of the conduit through the perforations thereof at the same time that bone components are being conveyed to discharge at the other end of the conduit through and adjustable valve ring which surrounds an extension of the auger and is adapted to control pressure within the conduit, are improved by constructing the valve ring with an internal, circumferential series of indentations confronting the auger extension and extending axially so as to be open to discharge for positively expelling bone components. Preferably, the indentations are of scallop formation and the confronting face of the auger extension passing through the valve ring is provided with a circumferential series of axially extending recesses that cooperate with the indentation of the valve ring in facilitating discharge of bone components.