Abstract: A wedge-shaped vehicle barrier, including a top assembly pivotably coupled to a bottom assembly; a mechanism coupled to the top assembly and coupled to the bottom assembly, where the mechanism moves the top assembly between a first position that is substantially horizontal and a second position at a first angle; and one or more flexible slings coupled to a distal portion of the top assembly and a distal portion of the bottom assembly, where the one or more slings prevent the top assembly from rotating beyond a second angle when the top assembly is engaged by a vehicle, the second angle being greater than or equal to the first angle.

Abstract: One embodiment of an inherently unstable vase with a magnet (3) attached to the base of the vase container (1). One pole of the magnet (3) allows the vase to be magnetically attracted to any metal object, including a ferrous metal base (4) plate. A ferrous block (2) near the opposite magnet pole augments the force provided by the magnet. The center of gravity of the vase would not allow the vase to remain upright without the use of the magnetic forces. A non-ferrous material can be placed between the vase magnet (3) and base (4), hiding the method by which the inherently unstable vase remains upright. Vases can be magnetically attached to one another, creating multi-tier vase arrangements. Magnetic forces allow the vases to be easily arranged and reconfigured to the desired angle, height, and shape. Also, the magnetic forces inhibit the vase from toppling due to perturbations.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of an electromagnetic generator and a pressure bladder located within a biological body in such a position to take advantage of the pressure fluctuations found within that body to produce electrical power. The invention uses these pressure fluctuations to displace the moving parts of a generator, to produce electricity in accordance with the Faraday principal, to power implanted devices.

Abstract: A method according to this invention employs a set of valves, a series of pressure checks, and a physical stop for verifying the closing of a locking system of a cylindrical passageway. The method may also employ an equalization piping. The valves isolate a tapping machine, a pipeline, and the equalization piping from one another so that product cannot flow from one to the other. The valves are then opened as a series of pressure checks are performed. A completion plug is then lowered into the passageway until the plug comes to rest within the passageway and is oriented so that a locking ring of the plug is in a filly expanded position. The expanded position is then confirmed by raising the plug until its upward travel is restricted. The plug is then released and pressure above the plug is reduced to 0 psi gauge.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention is directed to the in situ measurement of fluid density and/or flow rate in tubular conduits, wherein such measurement comprises measuring dynamic fluid level and/or load (weight) in a region of the conduit and correlating these measurements of the fluid with a density and/or flow rate. Such measurements are typically directed toward drilling fluids transported within the tubular conduits—particularly the return flow, wherein the fluid comprises extraneous material (e.g., cuttings, etc.) which can alter the density and flow rate of the drilling fluid.

Abstract: A method according to this invention employs a set of valves, a series of pressure checks, and a physical stop for verifying the closing of a locking system of a cylindrical passageway. The method may also employ an equalization piping. The valves isolate a tapping machine, a pipeline, and the equalization piping from one another so that product cannot flow from one to the other. The valves are then opened as a series of pressure checks are performed. A completion plug is then lowered into the passageway until the plug comes to rest within the passageway and is oriented so that a locking ring of the plug is in a filly expanded position. The expanded position is then confirmed by raising the plug until its upward travel is restricted. The plug is then released and pressure above the plug is reduced to 0 psi gauge.

Abstract: A capsize alerting apparatus (40) for a maritime vessel (10) is provided. The capsize alerting apparatus comprises an antenna (15) which is fixed on the maritime vessel in an orientation which permits communication with a receiver when the vessel is in a capsized state. The antenna is further operable when the vessel is in the capsized state to transmit a capsize alert message indicating that the vessel has capsized. Accordingly, by fixing an antenna to the vessel in an orientation which permits communication with a receiver when the vessel is in a capsized state, the vessel is able to communicate a capsize alert signal to a receiver (20) even though the vessel is in a capsized state in which a conventional communications system will not function.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention is directed to the in situ measurement of fluid density and/or flow rate in tubular conduits, wherein such measurement comprises measuring dynamic fluid level and/or load (weight) in a region of the conduit and correlating these measurements of the fluid with a density and/or flow rate. Such measurements are typically directed toward drilling fluids transported within the tubular conduits—particularly the return flow, wherein the fluid comprises extraneous material (e.g., cuttings, etc.) which can alter the density and flow rate of the drilling fluid.

Abstract: A personal safety system is disclosed. The personal safety system comprises: a personal safety device and a base unit coupled over a local communications link; transceiver logic operable to transmit a periodic status message and an acknowledgement message generated in response to each received status message between said personal safety device and said base unit over said local communications link; and alert logic operable, in the event that said transceiver logic indicates that a number of either of said status and acknowledgement messages fail to be transmitted between said personal safety device and said base unit, to activate an alarm mechanism on both said personal safety device and said base unit. Accordingly, the member of crew wearing the personal safety device will detect the alarm mechanism activating and be provided with the assurance that a similar alarm mechanism is activating on the base unit.

Abstract: A plug for closing an opening in the sidewall of a pipe, including a base member having a radial flange portion, a tubular portion and an annular elastomeric seal member slideably received on the base member tubular portion and in engagement with the flange portion. A rigid compression member is slideably received on the base member tubular portion and in contact with the elastomeric member and has a frusto-conical circumferential surface. A plurality of rigid segmented slips are received on the compression member and have teeth for biting into the cylindrical sidewall when displaced on the frusto-conical surface. An actuation member is received on the base member tubular portion providing a surface in engagement with the segmented slips. A tightening nut can be tightened to cause the segmented slips to lock the plug in position and to sealably close the pipe cylindrical sidewall.

Abstract: A circular cutter is provided for use in cutting a hole through a main pipe wall from within a branch pipe, the circular cutter including a shaft rotated about a rotational axis, a circular cutter having at an outer end cutting teeth and an inner end secured to the shaft, and at least one centering ring secured to the circular cutter external cylindrical surface and of external diameter greater than the circular cutter external cylindrical surface and less than the internal diameter of the branch pipe, the centering ring serving to centrally position the circular cutter as it is rotated within the branch pipe and also serving to provide a positive stop to axial advancement of the circular cutter after it has cut through the main pipe wall.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of an electromagnetic generator and a pressure bladder located within a biological body in such a position to take advantage of the pressure fluctuations found within that body to produce electrical power. The invention uses these pressure fluctuations to displace the moving parts of a generator, to produce electricity in accordance with the Faraday principal, to power implanted devices.

Abstract: An outsole construction having an integral display layer. The outsole includes a main body and a plurality of lugs extending from the main body to define a plurality of ground engaging elements. The display layer is disposed at the surface of the main body such that it is visible in the main body of the outsole and is spaced away from the surface of the lugs such that it is not visible on the surface of the lugs. The display layer may include a printed pattern, such as a camouflage pattern. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing an outsole including the general steps of (a) providing a mold defining a main body and a plurality of lugs extending from the main body, (b) placing a permeable display layer in the mold and (c) injecting sole material into the mold. In this method, the permeability of the display layer and/or the viscosity of the sole material may be selected so that the display layer lies along the surface of the main body of the sole but not the surface of the lugs.

Abstract: A method of providing access to the interior of a cross-line that intersects with a primary pipeline of equal or greater diameter, including the steps of attaching a branch fitting to the exterior of the primary pipeline on the side thereof opposite the point of intersection of the cross-line, affixing a full opening valve to the branch fitting, securing a hot tap machine to the valve, by use of the hot tap machine, cutting an opening in the primary pipeline diametrically opposite of the cross-line and of a diameter at least equal to the internal diameter of the cross-line, and removing the hot tap machine leaving an access through the valve and diametrically through the primary pipeline into the interior of the cross-line.

Abstract: A method of providing access to the interior of a cross-line that intersects with a primary pipeline of equal or greater diameter includes the steps of attaching a branch fitting to the exterior of the primary pipeline, affixing a full opening valve to the branch fitting, securing a hot tap machine to the valve, using the hot tap machine to cut an opening in the primary pipeline of a diameter at least equal to the internal diameter of the cross-line, and removing the machine leaving an access diametrically through the valve and primary pipeline into the interior of the cross-line for installing pipeline inspection or cleaning pigs and/or a locking plug. A rotation resistor facilitates securing a locking plug within the pipeline.

Abstract: A method of providing access to the interior of a cross-line that intersects with a primary pipeline of equal or greater diameter, including the steps of attaching a branch fitting to the exterior of the primary pipeline on the side thereof opposite the point of intersection of the cross-line, affixing a full opening valve to the branch fitting, securing a hot tap machine to the valve, by use of the hot tap machine, cutting an opening in the primary pipeline diametrically opposite of the cross-line and of a diameter at least equal to the internal diameter of the cross-line, and removing the hot tap machine leaving an access through the valve and diametrically through the primary pipeline into the interior of the cross-line.

Abstract: An outsole construction having an integral display layer. The outsole includes a main body and a plurality of lugs extending from the main body to define a plurality of ground engaging elements. The display layer is disposed at the surface of the main body such that it is visible in the main body of the outsole and is spaced away from the surface of the lugs such that it is not visible on the surface of the lugs. The display layer may include a printed pattern, such as a camouflage pattern. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing an outsole including the general steps of (a) providing a mold defining a main body and a plurality of lugs extending from the main body, (b) placing a permeable display layer in the mold and (c) injecting sole material into the mold. In this method, the permeability of the display layer and/or the viscosity of the sole material may be selected so that the display layer lies along the surface of the main body of the sole but not the surface of the lugs.

Abstract: An outsole for an article of footwear including a base and a plurality of lugs extending from the base in the forefoot and in the heel portions of the outsole. The lugs each include a leading edge and a trailing edge, and are individually contoured to include a profile increasing in height relative to the base from the leading edge to the trailing edge. The plurality of lugs can also collectively form a contour having an increasing height profile from toe to heel in both the forefoot portion and the heel portion of the outsole. The shape of the lugs, both individually and collectively, permits efficient energy return when walking and simultaneously provides localized, independent reactivity to accommodate a wearer's pressure profile and gait.