Abstract: A system includes a rack with rows for storing drill pipe, and a moveable structure having a control support coupled to an upper portion and a lifting device coupled to a lower portion. The moveable structure travels along a guide for positioning adjacent any of the rows. The control support includes a pivoting actuator, a rotating actuator, an extension arm having a drill pipe capture actuator, and an extension actuator. The lifting device includes a lifting actuator that raises a stack of drill pipe. The system further includes a controller that interprets a control support state including actuator positions and a position index value, and records a position description including the control support state corresponding to the position index value. The controller interprets a position request signal and provides actuator control signals in response to the position request signal and the position description.

Abstract: A system includes a rack with rows for storing drill pipe, and a moveable structure having a control support coupled to an upper portion and a lifting device coupled to a lower portion. The moveable structure travels along a guide for positioning adjacent any of the rows. The control support includes a pivoting actuator, a rotating actuator, an extension arm having a drill pipe capture actuator, and an extension actuator. The lifting device includes a lifting actuator that raises a stack of drill pipe. The system further includes a controller that interprets a control support state including actuator positions and a position index value, and records a position description including the control support state corresponding to the position index value. The controller interprets a position request signal and provides actuator control signals in response to the position request signal and the position description.

Abstract: An outdoor desk and document storage cabinet for use at a construction site to selectively provide a writing surface or to shield documents from the elements comprising a cabinet cover including at least one document retaining device to be attached to a post, wall or other support structure and a desk top including a writing surface movable between a storage position and a writing position such that when the desk top is in the storage position the desk top and cabinet cover cooperatively form a document storage compartment to isolate documents disposed therein from the elements and when the desk top is in the writing position the writing surface is accessible to provide a stable desk-like writing surface.

Abstract: A pressure vessel for fluids containing hydrogen and subjected to a neutron flux. The vessel comprises an inner sealing layer and an outer load bearing layer. The inner sealing layer is composed of a material having a radiation induced diametral deformation rate higher than that of the outer layer to minimize stresses therein. The outer layer is provided with apertures, and the boundary between the inner and outer layers is non-metallurgical such that any fluid which penetrates the sealing layer will readily pass through the outer layer where it can be detected, by suitable detector before it produces embrittlement of the load bearing layer. The preferred application for the invention is in pressure tubes for a nuclear reactor.

Abstract: A solar heating system including a unit for converting the sun's rays into heat, comprising an insulated tank lined with a heat reflecting metal and containing a fluid heat transfer medium, a cover of insulating material enclosing the top of the tank, having a series of apertures therein, which may be of conical shape, heat absorbing metal positioned below the apertures and immersed in the fluid heat transfer medium, a framework located above the apertured tank cover supporting a lens system comprising a plurality of lenses located directly over the apertures and focused on the heat absorbing metal immersed in the heat transfer medium, means for maintaining the lens system in focus with the heat absorbing metal during daylight hours, and means for circulating the fluid heat transfer medium through the solar heating unit and through a heat exchanger.

Abstract: Photographic film handling equipment is disclosed, wherein photographic film is positioned relative to a photographic lens system. The film is advanced in a first direction by a film transport mounted on a carriage which is restricted by bars to movement in opposed parallel second and third directions. The carriage is driven via an endless timing belt disposed in a loop having a straight portion extending parallel to the latter second and third directions. Motive power is transmitted from the timing belt to the carriage by a bracket connected to the straight loop portion of the timing belt. A motor drives the timing belt in opposite senses.