Abstract: A composite mandrel includes a filament-wound composite tube, and composite material molded over the filament-wound composite tube. For example, the composite material includes chopped fibers and a matrix of thermoset resin. The chopped fibers are arranged in layers upon the filament-wound composite tube, and the chopped fibers in each of the layers are randomly oriented along first and second orthogonal directions in each of the layers. The composite material includes at least one sheet of the composite material wound over the filament-wound tube, and at least one strip of the composite material wound over the sheet of the composite material and forming a head on the composite mandrel. An internal cavity of the filament-wound composite tube may provide a lumen for the composite mandrel. The internal cavity may be threaded to receive a removable bridge plug.

Abstract: A composite mandrel includes a filament-wound composite tube, and composite material molded over the filament-wound composite tube. For example, the composite material includes chopped fibers and a matrix of thermoset resin. The chopped fibers are arranged in layers upon the filament-wound composite tube, and the chopped fibers in each of the layers are randomly oriented along first and second orthogonal directions in each of the layers. The composite material includes at least one sheet of the composite material wound over the filament-wound tube, and at least one strip of the composite material wound over the sheet of the composite material and forming a head on the composite mandrel. An internal cavity of the filament-wound composite tube may provide a lumen for the composite mandrel. The internal cavity may be threaded to receive a removable bridge plug.

Abstract: A method of providing remote configuration access for a programming terminal via one or more data networks (113) to remote terminals (102) that are designed to be remotely configured using a programming terminal (134) adapted to program said remote terminal(s) via the PSTN using an analog dial up modem (132) via the PSTN (113), wherein a first remote interface means (RIM) (202) is connected to the remote terminal (102), the first remote interface means being adapted to provide a bi-directional interface between a remote terminal and a data network (222), and a modem emulator function (232) is provided to interface the programming terminal (134) with the network (222), including programming capabilities adapted for transmitting information via the network, the method including the steps of: obtaining an address for the first RIM or the remote terminal; converting the programming terminal output signals to a format suitable for transmission via a data network; establishing a data connexion between the programmi

Abstract: In a remote monitoring system, a supervision terminal (37) monitors the status of the communication link (32, 34, 36) between the supervision terminal and each of a plurality of remote terminals (33) connected to the supervision terminal via a data network (35). The remote terminals may be used to emulate a line interface for monitor devices such as fire alarms (31), while providing continual assurance of the integrity of the link between the supervision terminal and the alarm.

Abstract: A composite mandrel includes a filament-wound composite tube, and composite material molded over the filament-wound composite tube. For example, the composite material includes chopped fibers and a matrix of thermoset resin. The chopped fibers are arranged in layers upon the filament-wound composite tube, and the chopped fibers in each of the layers are randomly oriented along first and second orthogonal directions in each of the layers. The composite material includes at least one sheet of the composite material wound over the filament-wound tube, and at least one strip of the composite material wound over the sheet of the composite material and forming a head on the composite mandrel. An internal cavity of the filament-wound composite tube may provide a lumen for the composite mandrel. The internal cavity may be threaded to receive a removable bridge plug.

Abstract: The gripping capability of a composite slip for a downhole zonal isolation tool is enhanced by applying high friction material to the outer surface of the composite slip. Preferably the high friction material is granular abrasive arranged in circumferential rows on the outer surface of the composite slip. The composite slip including the high friction material is easily formed by matched metal compression molding of epoxy fiberglass sheet molding compound. By molding circumferential grooves in the outer surface of the composite body of the slip, granular abrasive is easily bonded with epoxy adhesive to the composite slip body in order to form the rows of granular abrasive. It is also possible to embed the granular abrasive into the composite material of the slip when the composite slip is molded.

Abstract: In a remote monitoring system, a supervision terminal (37) monitors the status of the communication link (32, 34, 36) between the supervision terminal and each of a plurality of remote terminals (33) connected to the supervision terminal via a data network (35). The remote terminals may be used to emulate a line interface for monitor devices such as fire alarms (31), while providing continual assurance of the integrity of the link between the supervision terminal and the alarm.

Abstract: In a remote monitoring system, a supervision terminal, 37, monitors the status of the communication link, 32, 34, 36, between the supervision terminal and each of a plurality of remote terminals, 33, connected to the supervision terminal via a data network, 35. The remote terminals may be used to emulate a line interface for monitor devices such as fire alarms, 31, while providing continual assurance of the integrity of the link between the supervision terminal and the alarm.

Abstract: An underwater chain stopper and fairlead apparatus for offshore structures, drilling platforms, ships or other vessels. The apparatus comprises a mounting member, a fairlead member and a chain stopper member. The mounting member is attached to an underwater surface of the offshore structure or vessel and includes a bracket for coupling the fairlead member. The bracket may comprise a hinge allowing the fairlead member to pivot in an approximately horizontal plane. The chain stopper member is coupled to the fairlead member through a hinge which allows the chain stopper member to pivot with respect to the fairlead member in an approximately vertical plane. The chain stopper member includes a chain stopper flapper having a horseshoe shaped opening at one end. The other end of the flapper is connected to the chain stopper member through a hinge which allows the flapper to swing between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: In a remote monitoring system, a supervision terminal, 37, monitors the status of the communication link, 32, 34, 36, between the supervision terminal and each of a plurality of remote terminals, 33, connected to the supervision terminal via a data network, 35. The remote terminals may be used to emulate a line interface for monitor devices such as fire alarms, 31, while providing continual assurance of the integrity of the link between the supervision terminal and the alarm.

Abstract: Stacking distribution transformers for shipping and storage includes providing a first pallet on top of which a first distribution transformer is attached and a second pallet on top of which a second distribution transformer is attached. Two side supports are attached to opposite sides of the second distribution transformer such that upper support surfaces of the two side supports extend above an upper surface of the second distribution transformer. The first pallet is placed on the side supports above the second distribution transformer, and the first pallet is secured to the side supports. A center support may be attached to the first pallet and to the second pallet on a side of the second distribution transformer different from the sides of the second distribution transformer to which the side supports support are attached.

Abstract: The present invention are powered devices for removing scales from fish. A scaling element consisting of three or more blunt edged radial arms are provided with a shaft. The shaft is secured to, or configured to be retained by, a battery powered portable drive. The drive imparts a rotation motion to the scaling element which is pressed to the skin of a fish in operation. The drive may be a portable battery powered consumer drill. The blunt edges provide safety from accidental contact with the user. The invention provides a low cost and safe method of scaling fish.

Abstract: Absorbing ambient on a visual display with a support and at least one board on the support with a driving circuitry therefor. A plurality of light sources on each board are electrically coupling thereto. A light absorber mounted between the board and about the light sources shaped to reduce reflection of ambient light received and to prevent the ambient light from radiating. At least one narrow crevice for absorbing light and light reflective surfaces opposed at an acute angle to receive ambient light and reflect toward the narrow crevice positioned whereat the pairs of light reflective surfaces join. The light absorber with adjacent pairs of opposed light reflective surfaces joined at a plurality of sharp edges facing front so if viewed in cross section the pairs appear as a series of “WWW” with a slight arc such that when viewed in cross section the curvature is dished.