Abstract: A dual phase riser flotation system contains a number of passive phase buoyancy modules of syntactic foam contained within an outer skin, and a number of active phase buoyancy modules which are similar to air canisters in that they may be inflated or deflated as required to provide levels of buoyancy. The passive phase buoyancy modules may contain tubes filled with air, a compressed gas such as nitrogen, or evacuated to provide additional buoyancy. Charge and discharge valves connect gas flow lines to a manifold system serving the active phase buoyancy modules.

Abstract: A fuel product derived from waste products and processes for using and forming the products are provided. Broadly, the fuel product comprises a self-sustaining body formed from a homogenous mixture including solid components derived from livestock waste (e.g., swine manure) and a second waste product different from the livestock waste (e.g., sawdust or paper). The mixture has a moisture content of from about 10-40% by weight and the formed body has a bulk density of from about 20-40 lbs/ft.sup.3. The mixture or formed body is heated to a temperature of at least about 800.degree. F. in order to produce at least about 5000 BTUs of energy per pound of mixture or body heated.

Abstract: A robotic apparatus for positioning a tool or work hand that incorporates a compliant wrist effective to adjust to delicate but misaligned portions of the workpiece, comprising (a) structure for magnetically supporting a positioning member carrying a gripper tool; (b) pneumatic structure for selectively separating and floating the positioning member from said supporting structure to permit lateral adjustment of the positioning member in response to small forces received from the gripper tool as it carries out gripping; and (c) structure for locking the positioning member to the supporting structure upon completion of the desired lateral adjustment.

Abstract: A new wellhead housing structure which utilizes identical units of a unique wellhead housing of selected internal diameter and pressure rating. Each wellhead housing utilizes a new flexible bowl ("flexbowl") hanger support ring which may be installed and removed as desired during assembly of the wellhead structure during completion of the well. Each wellhead housing forms an internal circumferential groove to receive the flexible bowl hanger support ring in position to receive and support different kinds and sizes of hangers for casing, protective sleeves, and the like. The flexible bowl support ring is drawn into a contracted position. The contracted support ring will pass through the wellhead housing and is seated by a setting tool. Subsequently, a tubing or casing hanger may be landed upon the support ring and supported by the support ring which serves the same functions as the bowl seat in a conventional wellhead housing. The support ring may be removed by a removal tool.

Abstract: A fire resistant connection (28) that embodies a sealing means (36) and that is operable for purposes of effectuating the establishment of a fire resistant seal between mating surfaces (32, 34), and in particular mating surfaces (32, 34) of the type that commonly are found to be present in wellhead and valve equipment (10). The subject fire resistant connection (28) includes mating seal surfaces (32, 34) and the aforementioned sealing means (36). The sealing means (36) comprises a seal ring (36), which includes a plurality of seal lips (38, 40) and a pair of scalloped ribs (42, 44), the latter (42, 44) being formed on the seal ring (36) so as to be located in interposed relation between a pair of adjacent seal lips (38, 40).

Abstract: A fire resistant connection (14) that embodies a sealing means (44) and that is operable for purposes of effectuating the establishment of a fire resistant seal between mating surfaces (52, 54), and in particular mating surfaces (52, 54) of the type that commonly are found to be present in wellhead and valve equipment (10). The subject fire resistant connection (14) includes mating seal surfaces (52, 54) and the aforementioned sealing means (44). The sealing means (44) comprises a seal ring (44), which includes a plurality of seal lips (46, 48) and a dovetail-shaped rib (50), the latter (50) being formed on the seal ring (44) so as to be located in interposed relation between the pair of adjacent seal lips (46, 48).