Abstract: A system for operating and/or lubricating a plurality of valves. The system includes at least first and second control units, each of which is associated with a respective valve. Each control unit includes a hydraulic pressure inlet, a hydraulic pressure outlet, a hydraulic pressure line connected between the hydraulic pressure inlet and the hydraulic pressure outlet, and a hydraulic port which is connectable to the valve. The hydraulic pressure inlet of the first control unit is connectable to a hydraulic pressure source and the hydraulic pressure outlet of the first control unit is connectable to the hydraulic pressure inlet of the second control unit. In operation, the control unit is operable to selectively communicate hydraulic pressure from the hydraulic pressure line to the hydraulic port.

Abstract: A system for operating and/or lubricating a plurality of valves. The system includes at least first and second control units, each of which is associated with a respective valve. Each control unit includes a hydraulic pressure inlet, a hydraulic pressure outlet, a hydraulic pressure line connected between the hydraulic pressure inlet and the hydraulic pressure outlet, and a hydraulic port which is connectable to the valve. The hydraulic pressure inlet of the first control unit is connectable to a hydraulic pressure source and the hydraulic pressure outlet of the first control unit is connectable to the hydraulic pressure inlet of the second control unit. In operation, the control unit is operable to selectively communicate hydraulic pressure from the hydraulic pressure line to the hydraulic port.

Abstract: A system for operating and/or lubricating a plurality of valves mounted on a number of christmas trees, each valve including a hydraulic actuator operated by hydraulic pressure from a hydraulic pressure source and a lubricant inlet connected to an interior portion of the valve. The system includes a plurality of control units, each of which is associated with a respective valve and each of which has at least one of a hydraulic pressure line which is connectable to the hydraulic pressure source and a lubricant line which is connectable to the lubricant source. Each control unit is operable to selectively connect the hydraulic pressure source to the hydraulic actuator to thereby operate the valve and/or to selectively connect the lubricant source to the lubricant inlet to thereby communicate lubricant into the interior portion of the valve.

Abstract: A system for operating and/or lubricating a plurality of valves mounted on a number of christmas trees, each valve including a hydraulic actuator operated by hydraulic pressure from a hydraulic pressure source and a lubricant inlet connected to an interior portion of the valve. The system includes a plurality of control units, each of which is associated with a respective valve and each of which has at least one of a hydraulic pressure line which is connectable to the hydraulic pressure source and a lubricant line which is connectable to the lubricant source. Each control unit is operable to selectively connect the hydraulic pressure source to the hydraulic actuator to thereby operate the valve and/or to selectively connect the lubricant source to the lubricant inlet to thereby communicate lubricant into the interior portion of the valve.

Abstract: A system for operating and/or lubricating a plurality of valves which are mounted on a number of christmas trees and which each include a hydraulic actuator which is operated by hydraulic pressure from a hydraulic pressure source and a lubricant inlet which is connected to an interior portion of the valve that is configured to receive a lubricant from a lubricant source. The system includes a plurality of control units, each of which is associated with a respective valve and each of which has at least one of a hydraulic pressure line which is connectable to the hydraulic pressure source and a lubricant line which is connectable to the lubricant source. Each control unit is operable to selectively connect the hydraulic pressure source to the hydraulic actuator to thereby operate the valve and/or to selectively connect the lubricant source to the lubricant inlet to thereby communicate lubricant into the interior portion of the valve.

Abstract: A system for operating and/or lubricating a plurality of valves which are mounted on a number of Christmas trees and which each include a hydraulic actuator which is operated by hydraulic pressure from a hydraulic pressure source and a lubricant inlet which is connected to an interior portion of the valve that is configured to receive a lubricant from a lubricant source. The system includes a plurality of control units, each of which is associated with a respective valve and each of which has at least one of a hydraulic pressure line which is connectable to the hydraulic pressure source and a lubricant line which is connectable to the lubricant source. Each control unit further includes at least one of a hydraulic port and a lubricant port, and the system further includes at least one of a hydraulic conduit which is connected between the hydraulic port and the hydraulic actuator and a lubricant conduit which is connected between the lubricant port and the lubricant inlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an umbilical 10 comprising a first independent 3-phase power supply circuit 14, the 3-phase power supply circuit 14 comprising at least six power cables 12 wherein each phase R, T, S of the 3-phase power supply circuit 14 consists of at least two power cables 12 connected in parallel with each other.

Abstract: Cumulative thermal exposures monitors and remote indicating cumulative thermal exposure monitors and system for reading the same are disclosed. The monitors have a thermally insulative housing with a cavity and a thermally-responsive member therein formed of shape memory material, which may be provided with a coating or sheath of insulative or shape memory polymer material, that gradually changes from a first shape to a second shape over a prescribed temperature range wherein the thermal capacity and insulative properties of the housing, cavity, and shape memory material transition temperature range are correlated relative to one another and calibrated to closely match a thermal decay profile (time-temperature profile) of the product being monitored. In remote indicating embodiments, the data can be retrieved remotely via RF transponder technology without directly viewing the monitor device.

Abstract: Threshold calorimeter/shelf life monitors having a thermally moderating housing containing a liquid solution and one or more low melting point solids all having properties correlated relative to one another and calibrated to closely match a thermal decay profile (time-temperature profile) of a perishable product being monitored and indicate, by a change in color, electrical capacitance and/or impedance, transmitted RF signals, or combination thereof, the cumulative thermal history of the product while in transit or storage and whether its time-temperature profile has been violated to a detrimental extent or if a significant amount of shelf life has been consumed.

Abstract: A cumulative thermal exposure monitor (10) having a housing (11) with a fluid sealed interior cavity (16) and a thermally-responsive member (20) therein formed of a shape memory material which moves an indicator (21), wherein the thermal properties of the housing, cavity, and shape memory material transition temperature range are calibrated relative to one another to function in mutual cooperation such that the thermally-responsive member gradually changes from a first shape to a second shape upon absorption of heat energy over time to closely match a thermal deterioration profile of a perishable product, and to indicate the cumulative amount of heat energy absorbed and whether, at any time, the temperature has been above a preferred storage temperature range for a period of time sufficient to cause any degree of deterioration based on a known time and temperature thermal deterioration profile of the perishable product.

Abstract: A cumulative thermal exposure monitor (10) having a housing (11) with a fluid sealed interior cavity (16) and a thermally-responsive member (20) therein formed of a shape memory material which moves an indicator (21), wherein the thermal properties of the housing, cavity, and shape memory material transition temperature range are calibrated relative to one another to function in mutual cooperation such that the thermally-responsive member gradually changes from a first shape to a second shape upon absorption of heat energy over time to closely match a thermal deterioration profile of a perishable product, and to indicate the cumulative amount of heat energy absorbed and whether, at any time, the temperature has been above a preferred storage temperature range for a period of time sufficient to cause any degree of deterioration based on a known time and temperature thermal deterioration profile of the perishable product.

Abstract: A thermal exposure monitor has a thermally-conductive housing adapted to be placed in close proximity to a product to be monitored and at least one thermally-responsive shape memory alloy member in the housing that has a first shape at temperatures below a critical temperature and a second shape at temperatures above the critical temperature and a transformation temperature range encompassing a prescribed detrimental temperature related to the product being monitored. An indicator associated with the thermally-responsive member is moved from an initial position as the thermally-responsive member changes from the first shape to the second shape so as to be visually observed through a window on the housing to visually indicate whether the product being monitored has been exposed to temperatures above the prescribed detrimental temperature for a period of time that would be detrimental to the product.

Abstract: A method for post-production precision modification and enhancement of pre-existing shape memory alloy (SMA) forms to precisely alter their chemical composition and properties and produce greater accuracy and versatility. The present process includes carefully controlled electrodeposition or electroless deposition of alloying agents such as Nickel, Copper, or other elements on the surface of the pre-existing SMA form to produce the desired shape memory properties, followed by application of a protective coating, then high temperature heat treatment in combination with gentle physical kneading to speed up the homogenization process (thermal diffusion) and produce rapid diffusion of the plated metal throughout the form. The present method may also use the skin effect of AC current for localized heat treatment of the SMA form and neutron activation tracer analysis for in-line quality control and diagnostics. The process can also be used to impart shape memory properties to non-SMA alloy forms.