Abstract: A riser recoil control system (10) adjusts tension forces (F1, F2) applied to a marine riser (60), which is attached to an anchored, floating vessel (30) and a wellhead (80). The riser (60) is attached to the vessel (30) using tension forces (F1, F2) asserted by riser tensioners (20). Each tensioner (20) has an air shutoff valve (110), and an orifice-controlled fluid valve (120). A disconnection sensing means (200) provides a disconnect signal when the riser (60) is disconnected from the wellhead (80), which closes the valves (110, 120) and adjusts the tension forces (F1, F2) applied by the tensioners (20). The invention includes a method for adjusting the tension forces (F1, F2) applied to the riser (60), including sensing the disconnect signal and adjusting the tension forces (F1, F2) supplied to the riser (60) by closing the air shutoff valves (110) and partially closing the orifice-controlled fluid valves (120).

Abstract: An automated riser recoil control system (10) including a plurality of riser tensioners (20), a vessel heave measurement system (210) and a control processor (70) with each tensioner (20) having a piston travel indicator (27) which signals the processor (70) and a method of operation is disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for effectively and economically annihilating non-indigenous marine species and pathogenic bacteria in ship ballast water. A preferred embodiment comprises adding a killing agent to ballast water tanks and subsequently adding a reducing agent to the container. Oxygen is subsequently introduced to the ballast water to eliminate any excess reducing agent, and to ensure compliance with the dissolved oxygen discharge requirements of the receiving water.

Abstract: A riser recoil control system (10) adjusts tension forces (F1, F2) applied to a marine riser (60), which is attached to an anchored, floating vessel (30) and a wellhead (80). The riser (60) is attached to the vessel (30) using tension forces (F1, F2) asserted by riser tensioners (20). Each tensioner (20) has an air shutoff valve (110), and an orifice-controlled fluid valve (120). A disconnection sensing means (200) provides a disconnect signal when the riser (60) is disconnected from the wellhead (80), which closes the valves (110, 120) and adjusts the tension forces (F1, F2) applied by the tensioners (20). The invention includes a method for adjusting the tension forces (F1, F2) applied to the riser (60), including sensing the disconnect signal and adjusting the tension forces (F1, F2) supplied to the riser (60) by closing the air shutoff valves (110) and partially closing the orifice-controlled fluid valves (120).

Abstract: In one embodiment, the automated riser recoil control system (10) includes a plurality of riser tensioners (20), a vessel heave measurement system (210), and a control processor (70) in electrical communication with the heave measurement system (210) and riser tensioners (20). Each tensioner (20) includes a piston travel indicator (27) which signals the processor (70). In another embodiment, a method for adjusting at least one of the tension forces (F1, F2) applied by the tensioners (20) to the riser (60) includes determining piston travel velocity for each riser tensioner (20), measuring vessel heave velocity, calculating the differences between each of the piston travel velocities and the heave velocity, and adjusting the tension force when some preselected number of the velocity differences exceeds a preselected critical velocity difference. Tension force control is typically effected by throttling at least one fluid flow rate within one or more riser tensioner (20).

Abstract: The active deployment system (10, 10′) comprises a passive cylinder system (410) coupled with an active cylinder system (400). The passive cylinder system (410) including a pre-charged accumulator (440), provides load balance for the equipment or other mass/load being deployed. Pressure provided to the blind end of the passive cylinder supports the load (60), such that the passive cylinder is balanced mid-stroke with the load hanging from a cable (30). A sheave arrangement (120, 130), placed at opposite ends of the passive cylinder-active cylinder combination, is used to introduce a line travel multiplier for cylinder displacement. The active cylinder is controlled hydraulically to add or remove load to/from the passive cylinder system in order to provide a compensating balance. The method comprises the steps of measuring a heave movement (velocity and direction), and adjusting the tension force applied to the cable (30) upon determining that the heave velocity exceeds a pre-selected critical velocity.

Abstract: A thermal sensor incorporating an improved retention clip is disclosed herein. The improved retention clip is both easily fabricated from either sheet stock or wire stock and is designed to be easily and securely assembled to the sensor housing and provides a convenient easy to use retention system for attaching the sensor to a tubular or generally cylindrical conduit member. The retention clip includes a gently angled lead-in portion which aids in guiding the clip into the conduit with little force coupled with a more sharply angled retention portion that substantially increases the force required to dislodge the sensor once assembled. Additionally, the clips are designed to minimize contact surface engagement with the conduit so as to minimize crevice corrosion. Portions of the clips may be covered with a suitable material to further limit the possibility of localized corrosion as well as to insulate the clip from the conduit member while also resisting relative movement therebetween.

Abstract: Systems and methods for effectively and economically annihilating non-indigenous marine species and pathogenic bacteria in ship ballast water. A preferred embodiment comprises adding a killing agent to ballast water tanks and subsequently adding a reducing agent to the container. Oxygen is subsequently introduced to the ballast water to eliminate any excess reducing agent, and to ensure compliance with the dissolved oxygen discharge requirements of the receiving water.

Abstract: A spring clip is attached to a thermostat bottom wall for attaching the thermostat to tubing in heat exchange relationship. The spring clip has an opening that faces transversely of the thermostat longitudinal axis so that installation forces act in a direction that is more parallel to the bottom wall to avoid denting of the bottom wall. The spring clip has a flat mounting base attached to the thermostat bottom wall to spread forces over a large area of the bottom wall and to reinforce the bottom wall against deformation.

Abstract: A decorative cover assembly for a substantially vertical surface is disclosed. The vertical surface is in the form of at least one panel having a front surface, a back surface, a top edge, a bottom edge and a pair of side edges. The cover assembly includes a mounting bracket removably attachable to the panel top edge with attachment elements being disposed on the bracket. A plurality of first connecting members are positioned along the panel front surface at spaced intervals proximate the panel side edges. A plurality of decorative sheets are then provided and adapted to align with each other to form a coherent piece of art. The sheets are sized for placement adjacent each other and include second connecting members releasably attachable to the first connecting members to position the sheets over the outer surface of the panel to display the coherent piece of art.

Abstract: A heat transfer apparatus for use in measuring a rheological property of a test sample includes a receptacle for receiving the test sample and a heat conveying member in heat transfer relation to receptacle. The heat conveying member has internal passages extending substantially equidistantly from one another through at least a portion of the heat conveying member to provide for counter-flowing circulation of a fluid. A cold cranking simulator includes a hybrid heat transfer system having heat exchanging elements in heat transfer relation to the receptacle responsive to electric current to transfer heat to or from the receptacle. The cold cranking simulator further includes a heat conveying member having internal passages providing for counter-flowing circulation of a fluid.

Abstract: A spring clip is attached to a thermostat bottom wall for attaching the thermostat to tubing in heat exchange relationship. The spring clip has an opening that faces transversely of the thermostat longitudinal axis so that installation forces act in a direction that is more parallel to the bottom wall to avoid denting of the bottom wall. The spring clip has a flat mounting base attached to the thermostat bottom wall to spread forces over a large area of the bottom wall and to reinforce the bottom wall against deformation.

Abstract: A spring clip is attached to a thermostat bottom wall for attaching the thermostat to tubing in heat exchange relationship. The spring clip has an opening that faces transversely of the thermostat longitudinal axis so that installation forces act in a direction that is more parallel to the bottom wall to avoid denting of the bottom wall. The spring clip has a flat mounting base attached to the thermostat bottom wall to spread forces over a large area of the bottom wall and to reinforce the bottom wall against deformation.

Abstract: A method and system for providing radio, TV audio, and other broadcasts over a telephone. The preferred method allows a listener to telephonically access an automated system capable of connecting to a plurality of broadcasting stations, permits the listener to select a desired station, and transmits broadcast of the desired station via the telephone.

Abstract: A method for providing searchable electronic databases for use in tradeshows and similar events. In the preferred embodiment, tradeshow information is collected via the Internet and electronically compiled into a database in a format compatible with a searchable reader software. The database is electronically stored on a CD, a computer hard drive, a personal digital assistant (PDA) compatible database, uploaded on a web page, or accessed on a wireless network located at the tradeshow. A user may obtain a CD, a PDA download, or an access password for the web page, and may access the database using a personal computer or a computer system provided at the tradeshow.

Abstract: A product stocking device that retains a plurality of display packages, so that the plurality of display packages are readily aligned for simplified mounting onto a display hanger is disclosed. The stocking device has a tag section and a tail section, the tail section loops through apertures in the plurality of display packages and the tail section is coupled to a coupling portion on the tag section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a storage box in an open truck bed is described. The storage box is removably secured to the truck bed by employing an adjustable plate on each side of the storage box that is tightened against the side of the pickup. The adjustable plates when tightened into place will secure the storage box until the plates are loosened.

Abstract: A method for blending and windrowing hot plant mix asphalt which has been deposited onto a roadway in preparation for paving the roadway utilizes a V-shaped plow formed by a first plowing member extending in a first direction, and a second plowing member extending in a second direction, with rearward ends of each of the first and second plowing member being connected at a vertex and the opposite forward ends being spaced apart to form the open side of the V-shaped plow. The V-shaped plow further comprises an opening in the vertex and a movable gate for adjusting the size of the opening in the vertex. The V-shaped plow is further provided with an attachment device for attaching the V-shaped plow to an earth moving implement, such as a front end loader. Movement of the V-shaped plow along the roadway causes the hot asphalt to be thoroughly blended and deposited from the opening into a perfect windrow having the desired amount of asphalt for paving the roadway at issue.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for blending and windrowing hot plant mix asphalt which has been deposited onto a roadway in preparation for paving the roadway comprises a V-shaped plow formed by a first plowing member extending in a first direction, and a second plowing member extending in a second direction, with rearward ends of each of the first and second plowing member being connected at a vertex and the opposite forward ends being spaced apart to form the open side of the V-shaped plow. The V-shaped plow further comprises an opening in the vertex and a movable gate for adjusting the size of the opening in the vertex. The V-shaped plow is further provided with an attachment device for attaching the V-shaped plow to an earth moving implement, such as a front end loader. Movement of the V-shaped plow along the roadway causes the hot asphalt to be thoroughly blended and deposited from the opening into a perfect windrow having the desired amount of asphalt for paving the roadway at issue.