Abstract: A wing camber command system (28) is provided for calculating the optimum camber of a wing (52) during aircraft operation. The wing (52) has at least one movable leading edge surface (42, 44) and at least one movable trailing edge surface (46, 48, 50) for varying wing camber, while maintaining smooth upper surface contours. Flight conditions and aircraft parameters including aircraft speed (30), normal acceleration (32), weight (34), and the dynamic pressure of air (36) are sensed during the aircraft maneuver. An onboard computer (40) monitors the sensed conditions and parameters and calculates a coefficient of lift therefrom. The computer contains stored data indicating the desired positions for the leading and trailing edge surfaces necessary to achieve a wing camber that optimizes the wing lift/drag (L/D) ratio during aircraft operation. The computer uses this stored data to command optimum wing camber.

Abstract: A system for reducing wing root bending moment load during aircraft maneuvers. The system operates to reduce the lift on the outboard section of the wing by moving an outboard flap upward in response to commands calculated from aircraft parameters and a predetermined wing root bending moment load limit.

Abstract: A fluid sealing apparatus for use on telescopic slip joints of marine risers. A sealed housing is secured to one of the two telescopic members of the slip joint in a concentric surrounding relationship to the other tubular members with an annular recess disposed adjacent thereto. Positioned within the annular recess is one or more resiliently deformable packing elements operably deformed by sliding movement of an associated fluid pressure responsive packing follower. The packing follower is movable within the recess toward a central guide bushing for urging the packing disposed therebetween to be radially inwardly deformed for initially establishing and maintaining the desired fluid leakage blocking seal.

Abstract: A pulsation dampener for dampening undesired pressure surges in a fluid comprising a pressure vessel having a first zone for receiving a fluid under pressure, a second zone having a compressible fluid therein at a preselected pressure and a third zone in communication with the second zone having a compressible fluid therein at a preselected fluid pressure greater than the preselected fluid pressure of the second zone. The pulsation damper can be designed as a supplemental pressure vessel to be added to conventional dampeners. The pulsation dampener can include a magnet assembly valve.

Abstract: Treatment of a steel well pipe connection involves use of an electrical coil and a cylindrical sleeve carrying the coil, and includes the steps:(a) relatively applying the sleeve to a position about the pipe connection so that the coil extends about the connection, and(b) passing electrical current through the coil to effect induction heating of the connection to temperatures within a range of between about 75.degree. F and 500.degree. F, and(c) relatively removing the sleeve from said position.

Abstract: Rotary blowout preventer apparatus includes:(a) an upright tubular body adapted to receive an annular packer to be constricted about a rotating well element,(b) and a rotary annular assembly carried in the body to rotate relative thereto and with the packer when the packer is constricted about said rotating element, said assembly including an actuator movable in the body to effect said constriction of the packer,(c) said assembly also including an annular head member having a shoulder located to receive vertical thrust exerted by the packer when the actuator effects constriction thereof.

Abstract: Sealing apparatus seals off between first and second member faces and about registered ports opening at the faces, the members being relatively movable. The apparatus comprises:A. first and second concentric tubular inserts carried by one of the members for relative telescopic movement, the inserts extending about the port in said one member, at least one of the inserts having an end portion projecting endwise outwardly relative to said one member to be forcibly engaged by the other member for inwardly displacing said one insert in response to said member relative movement toward one another, andB. elastomeric means located between said inserts to transfer compressive force from said one insert to the other insert in response to said inward displacement of the one insert, and to be compressively urged in an outward direction into annular sealing engagement with the face of said other member about the port mouth therein.

Abstract: An annulus of elastomeric material in a well blowout preventer packer unit is differentially anchored about the packer axis, in order to reduce the stress levels in the elastomeric material during its inward flow toward the axis. In addition, packer inserts incorporate differently formed webs and end plates to facilitate the sought advantages.

Abstract: A transducer useful to measure fluid pressure over a wide range incorporates dual diaphragms for biasing a shaft whose axial motion operates a motion sensor, the movement of one diaphragm limited in one direction of shaft axial movement, and the movement of the other diaphragm limited in the opposite direction of shaft axial movement.

Abstract: Double epicyclic gear structure including a housing, a drive shaft rotatably mounted within the housing, first epicyclic gear structure mounted on the drive shaft, an input shaft connected to drive the first epicyclic gear structure, speed control structure connected to the sun gear of the first epicyclic gear structure for regulating the speed of rotation thereof, second epicyclic gear structure mounted on the drive shaft and engaged with the first epicyclic gear structure for rotation therewith, a brake band for stopping rotation of the planet gears of the second epicyclic gear structure and one-way clutch means mounting the ring gear of the second epicyclic gear structure on the drive shaft whereby on stopping of rotation of the planet gears about the drive shaft the drive shaft is driven in a forward direction, a brake band operable to prevent rotation of the ring gear of the second epicyclic gear structure and one-way clutch means mounting the planet gears for rotation on the drive shaft whereby on stopp

Abstract: The gas content of well drilling mud under pressure is determined by extracting or isolating a sample of the pressurized mud, as for example at a down-hole location, reducing the pressure of the sample, and sensing the fluid pressure of the sample prior to and following such pressure reduction.