Abstract: The present invention relates to a particularly compact and safe extendable access device for gaining access to elevated locations via a hatch opening. The access device comprises a telescopic ladder with a plurality of sliding elements movable between an extended position and a retracted position, each sliding element comprising two stiles connected by a rung. The stiles of each sliding element are interlocked with the stiles of adjacent sliding elements, wherein each sliding element comprises a first locking mechanism for releasably connecting at least one of the stiles to an adjacent stile of an adjacent sliding element, the first locking mechanism being adapted to lock each sliding element in its retracted position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a particularly compact and safe extendable access device for gaining access to elevated locations via a hatch opening. The access device comprises a telescopic ladder with a plurality of sliding elements movable between an extended position and a retracted position, each sliding element comprising two stiles connected by a rung. The stiles of each sliding element are interlocked with the stiles of adjacent sliding elements, wherein each sliding element comprises a first locking mechanism for releasably connecting at least one of the stiles to an adjacent stile of an adjacent sliding element, the first locking mechanism being adapted to lock each sliding element in its retracted position.

Abstract: A centralizer system is provided for use in a marine riser system, the centralizer being preferably heat-shrink fitted to an upset portion of a keel joint, the upset portion having tapered sections on the upper and lower ends that gradually blend into the outer diameter of the pipe used as the keel joint, the centralizer preferably comprising axially extending annular grooves in surrounding relationship to the upset portion, the grooves serving to permit forces acting on the centralizer to be redirected or dissipated to thereby prevent excessive buildup on a selected region of the upset portion adjacent the radial grooves.

Abstract: A marine riser assembly having a first tubular member having an external surface with a plurality of first axially spaced formations, a second tubular member having an external surface with a plurality of second axially spaced formations thereon, a segmented ring in surrounding relationship to the first and second tubular members, the segmented ring having an inner surface with a plurality of formations engageable with the formations on the first and second tubular members, the engageable formations serving to urge the first and second tubular members toward each other when the segmented ring is subjected to radially inwardly directed compressive forces, a sleeve in surrounding relationship to force the engageable formations together and a seal assembly for sealing against external and internal pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) is provided for dispersing heat from an integrated circuit (202) to a heat sink (404). The apparatus (100) is formed on a nonconductive body (102) having at least two conductive surfaces (110, 112) disposed thereon. One of the conductive surfaces (110) is reflowed to a heat generating lead of the integrated circuit (202), and the other conductive surface (112) provides a surface for contacting a heat sink (404). The apparatus (100) and integrated circuit provide a package (200) which can be tape and reeled (300) for easy mounting to a printed circuit board (402) of a communication device (400).

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for installation and removal of a mobile communication device (102) to and from a bracket (104), such as mounted in a vehicle, is provided. The apparatus (100) includes a handle (120) pivotably coupled (160) to the mobile communication device (102), the handle having first and second lever arms (122, 124). The apparatus (100) further includes a bracket (104) having first and second pivot point pins (130, 132) and a compliant member (144). During installation the handle (120) is pivoted in a first direction such that the first and second lever arms (122, 124) engage the first and second pivot point pins (130, 132), and the handle compresses the mobile communication device (102) into the compliant member (144) for retention. The lever arms (122, 124) disengage the pivot point pins (130, 132) as the handle (120) is pivoted in an opposite direction thereby releasing the mobile communication device (102) from the bracket (104).

Abstract: A centralizer system is provided for use in a marine riser system with an insulated pipe, which may be a titanium stress joint. The centralizer system utilizes one or more centralizers mounted such that insulation material is provided in an annulus between the one or more centralizers and the stress joint. A clamp is utilized to axially affix either one centralizer or multiple centralizers to the stress joint. The clamp is comprised of a plurality of sections with cylindrical interior surfaces which are tightened together using fasteners. The cylindrical interior surfaces avoid damage to the insulation layer which may be elastomeric. The clamp and each centralizer have radially directed projections thereon which interlock the clamp with each centralizer. Because the clamp is axially affixed, the centralizer is then also axially affixed. In one embodiment, the centralizer is axially moveable to a desired axial position prior to being interlocked to the tightened clamp.

Abstract: A centralizer system is provided for use in a marine riser system with an insulated pipe, which may be a titanium stress joint. The centralizer system utilizes one or more centralizers mounted such that insulation material is provided in an annulus between the one or more centralizers and the stress joint. A clamp is utilized to axially affix either one centralizer or multiple centralizers to the stress joint. The clamp is comprised of a plurality of sections with cylindrical interior surfaces which are tightened together using fasteners. The cylindrical interior surfaces avoid damage to the insulation layer which may be elastomeric. The clamp and each centralizer have radially directed projections thereon which interlock the clamp with each centralizer. Because the clamp is axially affixed, the centralizer is then also axially affixed. In one embodiment, the centralizer is axially moveable to a desired axial position prior to being interlocked to the tightened clamp.

Abstract: A centralizer system is provided for use in a marine riser system to provide a stress joint or keel joint with a upset portion. The centralizer is preferably heat-shrink fitted to the upset portion of the keel joint. The upset portion has tapered sections on the upper and lower ends which may be of various shapes and lengths that gradually blend into the outer diameter of the pipe used as the keel joint. The centralizer may also be heat-shrink fitted to one of the tapered sections. The centralizer may or may not utilize guide sections mounted on either end thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the centralizer comprises axially extending annular grooves in surrounding relationship to the upset portion, the grooves serving to permit forces acting on the centralizer to be redirected or dissipated to thereby prevent excessive buildup on a selected region of the upset portion adjacent the radial grooves.