Abstract: A self standing marine riser is provided which comprises a base, a riser column, a flexible joint between the base and the riser column, and means for providing a loose coupling between the top of the riser column and a vessel, rig or platform on the surface above the location of the riser. The riser column comprises an upper column section which includes at least one buoyancy chamber, and a lower, relatively slender column section. The riser includes, or is adapted to support, at least one conduit for the conveyance of a fluid (e.g. oil or gas) or a control line. The buoyancy provided by the upper section of the riser column is preferably variable, and this facilitates the connection and use of the riser. The riser may be used for drilling operations or for production operations. By employing a riser in accordance with the invention, it is not necessary to use large riser tensions in order to maintain the position and structural integrity of the riser in deep water and rough weather.

Abstract: A method of delivering oil from an off-shore well to the shore is provided which comprises the steps of (a) supplying oil from the well to a floating storage vessel stationed close to the well; and (b) transferring oil by means of a flexible pipeline from the floating storage vessel to a service tanker which plies between the shore and the floating storage vessel. An oil storage vessel is also provided which has (a) a flexible hose for delivery of oil, one end of said hose being adapted for connection to the oil storage capacity of the vessel; and (b) a support system over which a hose selected from said flexible hose and a further hose connected to said flexible hose may be carried so as to extend from the stern of the oil storage vessel towards another vessel. Apparatus for and methods of mooring such a vessel are also provided.

Abstract: An energy conserving shutter assembly for the inside of a window for securely additionally closing a window opening in a building so as to insulate the window further and inhibit air leakage past it includes upper and lower track members and a sliding shutter slidable in and between said tracks to open and closed positions, in the closed position of which the shutter closes off said window and maintains an insulating dead air space about it. In preferred embodiments of the invention a pair of shutters is present and is employed cooperatively, sealing means are provided between the shutters, the track and a window frame to inhibit air leakage, the shutters, sealing means and tracks are of thermally non-conductive material(s) and draping members are fastened to and cover the shutters, providing additional insulation.

Abstract: A capacitor discharge ignition circuit, adapted for retrofitting conventional breaker point ignition systems, provides gating of the electronic switch and spark advance responsive to an electrical signal generated by the magneto coil of the conventional system and provides force commutation of the electronic switch and a selective engine shut-off. Gating of the electronic switch is induced by a voltage drop of a fixed magnitude following a wave peak of the magneto coil signal. An inductor in series with the capacitor and the electronic switch induces a reverse bias across the electronic switch following the gating thereof to force commutate the switch. Engine shut-off may be achieved by grounding the relatively low voltage induced in the magneto coil, which, during engine operation, is stepped up for charging the capacitor.

Abstract: A capacitor discharge ignition circuit in which charging, trigger and shutoff coils are wound as a single coil and disposed on one leg of a two-legged magnetic core.