Abstract: An apparatus includes a first housing portion comprising a first adjustable gripping system moveable between an engaged position that grips a cylindrical outer surface of a first tubular structure having a first diameter and a disengaged position that permits relative movement of the first housing portion and the first tubular structure. The apparatus also includes a second housing portion fixed relative to the first housing portion so that rotation of the first housing portion results in rotation of the second housing portion. The second housing portion includes a second gripping system to securely grip a cylindrical outer surface of a second tubular structure that is threadably attached to the first tubular structure and has a second diameter different than the first diameter. Methods of breaking tubing hanger connections are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first housing portion comprising a first adjustable gripping system moveable between an engaged position that grips a cylindrical outer surface of a first tubular structure having a first diameter and a disengaged position that permits relative movement of the first housing portion and the first tubular structure. The apparatus also includes a second housing portion fixed relative to the first housing portion so that rotation of the first housing portion results in rotation of the second housing portion. The second housing portion includes a second gripping system to securely grip a cylindrical outer surface of a second tubular structure that is threadably attached to the first tubular structure and has a second diameter different than the first diameter. Methods of breaking tubing hanger connections are also disclosed.

Abstract: A treatment chamber 20 for a liquid, in particular a beverage such as wine, is disclosed. The chamber consists of opposed walls 29 and 3 which are permeable to the surrounding air but substantially impermeable to the liquid being treated. These walls are made from resiliently tensioned oak planks or other semi-permeable material. The illustrated example shows spring loaded oak planks 31 being used to form the opposing walls 29 and 3. The liquid is circulated from a reservoir through the space 21 between the opposed walls and back into the reservoir such that a transfer of flavourant compounds or air takes place into the liquid being circulated.

Abstract: A short-haul escape system includes an elongated line for detachable suspension from a support member on an airborne vehicle, a load-carrying receptacle attached to an end of the line, a container attachable to the airborne vehicle in proximity to the support member thereon and releasably stowing a parachute such that the parachute can be pulled from the container, and a flexible strap attached to the parachute stowed in the container and extending from the container and secured to the short-haul line such that upon detaching the line from the support member of the airborne vehicle, which will cause the line and receptacle to fall away from the airborne vehicle, the flexible strap will pull the parachute from the container so that the parachute can inflate and slow the fall of the line and receptacle to a soft landing.

Abstract: A short-haul escape system includes an elongated line for detachable suspension from a support member on an airborne vehicle, a load-carrying receptacle attached to an end of the line, a container attachable to the airborne vehicle in proximity to the support member thereon and releasably stowing a parachute such that the parachute can be pulled from the container, and a flexible strap attached to the parachute stowed in the container and extending from the container and secured to the short-haul line such that upon detaching the line from the support member of the airborne vehicle, which will cause the line and receptacle to fall away from the airborne vehicle, the flexible strap will pull the parachute from the container so that the parachute can inflate and slow the fall of the line and receptacle to a soft landing.