Abstract: An apparatus and method for safely using a speed-sensing mobile phone with a speed-disabled state, in order to prevent phone communications from distracting a driver in a vehicle yet still allowing emergency use. In a first form, the phone includes a traffic delay timer communicating with the speed sensor, and the phone is latched or held in the speed-disabled state for a preprogrammed period of time even after the vehicle/phone speed drops to zero. In a further form, the phone includes a one-touch emergency override switch that makes an emergency phone call to a preprogrammed number, even when the phone is speed-disabled and without altering the speed-disabled state of the phone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to coat preformed polystyrene cores with a layer of stucco-like material. The apparatus includes a coating chamber which is adjustable vertically and horizontally to suit the core height and width and includes a knife guide to maintain straightness of the core. Three chains with teeth drive the cores through the apparatus. The three chains can be individually raised or lowered to engage the core from the bottom by a depth suited to the core thickness. A roller table provides a low friction surface to ride on as the core is guided with guide fences and held down with wheels. The cores are placed close to the operator side for easy access.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention involves a method for servicing a choke valve that includes disconnecting a choke actuator and at least one internal valve component engaged therewith from the choke valve body of the choke valve and moving the same in a generally linear path away from the choke valve body along the axis of the choke valve body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for use in field servicing a choke valve system. The apparatus is used for lifting, manipulating, and handling the heavy components of hydraulic choke valves. The apparatus includes an elongated track, a choke valve support structure, a trolley that selectably reciprocates along a length of the trolley, and an attachment mechanism for attaching a choke actuator to the trolley.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanism for preventing damage to the actuator of a hydraulic choke valve in the event of excessive backpressure on the outlet of the choke. The backpressure relief device is applicable to a choke valve which meters flow from a high pressure annular region around the axially reciprocable choke throttling member into a low pressure exit channel coaxial with the throttling member. In particular, a shearable means is used to connect the reciprocable control shank of the actuator to the throttling valve member of the choke valve. In the event of excessive pressure on the exit channel of the choke valve, the shearable means will shear, thereby fully opening the valve and permitting the excessive pressure to escape. The shearable means is readily replaced so that the valve easily can be put back into operating condition.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a simple coupling means for interfacing linear acting actuator shafts with valves or hydraulic chokes. The coupling means of the present invention allows either an actuator or an interconnected valve or choke to be rapidly, safely, and efficiently interchanged with a replacement part. The present invention is broadly applicable to a wide variety of actuator types having rectilinear motion outputs and to a large variety of valve and choke types which are operated by linear motions, including gate valves with or without balanced stems.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a simple, easy to operate hydrocyclone separation system that removes the heavy phase containing the produced solids intermittently, rather than continuously. The desirable, lighter portion of the well production, from which the aggressive solids of the propant have been removed, is continuously separated from the well production and treated by the existing surface fluid conditioning equipment at the well site. The heavy phase is collected in the bottom of the hydrocyclone. The outlet for the heavy phase flow stream is normally closed by a shutoff valve and is only dumped when the separator is full. The solid containing fluid exiting from the heavy phase outlet valve is passed through a standard oilfield hydraulic choke in order to reduce its pressure sufficiently so that normal piping and solids collection equipment can be used to handle the dumped fluid.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a simple coupling means for interfacing linear acting actuator shafts with valves or hydraulic chokes. The coupling means of the present invention allows either an actuator or an interconnected valve or choke to be rapidly, safely, and efficiently interchanged with a replacement part. The present invention is broadly applicable to a wide variety of actuator types having rectilinear motion outputs and to a large variety of valve and choke types which are operated by linear motions, including gate valves with or without balanced stems.

Abstract: A folding machine includes a vacuum conveyor and a plurality of flip folders spaced along the length of the conveyor. A length of sheet material is fed downstream along the conveyor to position the lead end of the sheet in clamp members at a first flip folder. The end is clamped and rotated downstream and up above the remainder of the sheet which is continuously fed down the conveyor. The clamps are released to allow the lead end to fall over the trailing edge of the sheet, thereby completing a first fold which reduces the length of the sheet 50 percent. Successive lead ends of the sheet are folded by second and third flip folders to reduce the length of the sheet to 1/8 the length of the original sheet and increase the thickness of the sheet to eight plies. The final folded bundle is fed to a tuck folder which further reduces the length of the package 50 percent forming a folded package 1/16 the length of the original sheet and having 16 plies.

Abstract: A protective sheath for use with a hypodermic needle comprises a tubular body for accommodating the needle and at least a portion of the syringe barrel adjacent the needle. The sheath is latched in protective relation on the syringe, but may be released by rotation relative to the syringe or by deflection of part of the latch.

Abstract: A protective sheath for use with a hypodermic needle comprises a tubular body for accommodating the needle and at least a portion of the syringe barrel adjacent the needle. The body is latched in protective relation on the syringe, but may be adjusted relative to the latter to enable the needle to be exposed for use.

Abstract: A Hinge Assembly for supporting a storge-type door in a cabinet, the assembly including a cabinet plate in the form of a square having guide grooves along two sides, the grooves intersecting at one corner of the square, a door plate mounted on the cabinet plate for rotary motion between a first position in alignment with one edge of the door plate in alignment with one edge of the first plate to a second position with one edge of the door plate in alignment with the other edge of the cabinet first plate, the door plate having two guide members on the one edge, the guide members being aligned in one of the grooves in the first position and moveable into the other of the grooves on rotation of the door plate with respect to the cabinet plate whereby the door plate rotates within the angle formed between the guide grooves, and a pivot post on one of the plates and a guide member on the other of the plate having a track to define the path of motion for the pivot post on rotation of the door plate with respect to

Abstract: A dock support having a piling composed of an upstanding rod the lower end of which is adapted to be embedded in the bottom of a body of water and an external telescoping sleeve having a cap at its upper end which normally confronts and seats on the upper end of the rod. A passage exists between the confronting surfaces of the inner and outer telescoping members and such passage is occupied by air, rather than water. The air prevents water in the passage rising to the level at which it may freeze, but should water in the passage rise to the freezing level compressed air may be admitted to the passage via a valve under sufficient pressure to purge such water.

Abstract: This invention pertains to low-shrink polyester molding resin mixtures primarily based on a certain low-shrink thermoplastic additive produced by synthesizing the vinyl copolymer thermoplastic additive in a hydroxyl terminated polymeric diluent. The resulting vinyl copolymer is dispersed in the hydroxyl containing polymeric diluent which can be post reacted with isocyanate material to produce a polyurethane-vinyl copolymer thermoplastic additive. This thermoplastic additive can be added directly to the thermosetting polyester polymer and monomer mixture to provide a low-shrink molding resin system.