Abstract: A vessel transfer system utilizes a larger, surface effect vessel with a hull and a cargo deck, having a pressurized volume of air under its hull. The larger vessel cargo deck is lowered relative to a water surface in order to receive a smaller vessel. Lowering is achieved by depressurizing the volume of pressurized air under the hull. Movable propulsors on an air cushion vehicle permit efficient operation under way in an outer position, while minimizing the envelope dimensions for stowage in a well deck, providing clearance from bridges, docks, etc. in an inner position. In the outer position, the propellers operate in more uniform inflow conditions, resulting in improved performance and lower noise levels. In addition, the craft can be arranged to use a full width stern ramp resulting in time saved during cargo loading/unloading. The propellers will be less likely to ingest green water in high sea states.

Abstract: A vessel designed to operate efficiently as both a catamaran and air cushion vessel can travel at low speed in a catamaran or displacement mode, high speed in an air cushion mode, and amphibiously with the aid of deployable side seals. The vessel includes catamaran hulls and flexible air cushion bow and stern seal systems together with retractable side seals having hinged doors containing inflatable, retractable flexible components. The doors form part of the side seal system in the deployed position, and protect the flexible components of the seal in the retracted position. The arrangement reduces the drag associated with the side seals while the vessel operates in its catamaran or surface effect ship modes, and prevents damage to the seals during operation in the high speeds SES mode.

Abstract: An electric downhole heating system for formation heat treatment in the field of oil and gas production contains a separate wiring chamber, heating chamber, and cooling chamber, the latter being inserted between the wiring chamber and the heating chamber. The heat treatment is carried out by inserting the heater in a borehole to be treated. A gas, preferably nitrogen or air, is brought to the heater with a hose or tube. The gas flows through the wiring chamber and cooling chamber, and is heated by following a tortuous path in the heating chamber before it is expelled from the heater.

Abstract: A batch method of in situ steam generation for steamflooding which comprises injecting hydrocarbons into an upper zone of the formation to serve as fuel for in situ combustion, injecting oxidant into the lower zone causing at least a portion of the oxidant to contact and combust with the injected hydrocarbons, injecting water into the upper zone to be converted into steam by the hot formation, followed by ceasing oxidant injection, injecting a non-oxidant material into the lower zone so that the combustion zone does not approach the wellbore, and generating a steam front to drive formation hydrocarbons towards at least one production well.

Abstract: There is disclosed a marine vessel which is particularly suited for mine hunting operations or the like because of improved survivability characteristics in the presence of multi-directed underwater transmitted excessive shock or vibration forces, such as are generated by a nearby exploding mine or the like. The ship is of the propeller driven type having a propeller shaft driving engine and gearbox unit mounted inboard of the vessel hull upon a rigid sled-like platform which in turn is resiliently supported relative to rigid structure of the vessel by spring means sandwiched therebetween. The spring means are of such nature as to resiliently yield in response to excessive compression, tension, shear or roll forces encountered from any direction. The spring means comprises an array of spaced apart spring devices, and back-up blocks of non-resilient compression-deformable material are provided in association therewith.

Abstract: An electronic roll-a-long switch for use in a seismic exploration system and method of seismic exploration are disclosed. For a group of N sequentially numbered receiver points, N/2 input channels are provided. Each input channel receives input from one of two receiver points which are spaced N/2 receiver points apart. The input channels are multiplexed to a data bus in an order corresponding to the sequential numbers of the receiver points comprising the input channels.

Abstract: There is disclosed in a multiple lobe air cushion seal system an auxiliary air inflated bounce damping lobe interfacing the cleft between the lower ends of the two lowermost lobes of the system.

Abstract: A two-stage spring suspension is provided by employing vertically acting rectilinear movement shear rubber springs as full range springs, and vertically acting compression springs to provide helper or second stage springs essentially operative only under heavier loading. Desirably the compression springs are in the form of upright action rubber bodies. The subject disclosure is patterned after the single stage suspension shown in my U.S. Pat. No. 3,811,700, dated May 21, 1974. As compared with this patented disclosure, this invention reduces the rubber and metal required, retaining equal capability, stability and rollover or sidesway control, reduces the unsprung weight and cost, has a longer effective life, and, of course, a softer and better ride at low loadings.

Abstract: The maternity supporter comprises a narrow strip of contoured elastic material having continuous harness straps at either end. VELCRO hooks are located at the inside ends of the straps, with receiving pile portions located further down on the outside of the straps. The maternity supporter is designed to be worn over undergarments by placing the narrow strip around the lower part of the abdomen, crossing the straps behind the back, and stretching them over the shoulders and toward the sides, where the hooks from one strap are then readily applied to the pile portions of the opposite strap.

Abstract: In a friction-free vehicle suspension having axle ends pivotally connected by side walking beams, which are journalled on the ends of a cross rod, the improvement resides in the mounting, arrangement and proportioning of both helical compression springs and rectilinear movement shear rubber springs to support the vehicle frame on the ends of the cross rod. This is done in such manner as to achieve the maximum advantages from the distinctive characteristics of each type. The helical springs, which provide, in a very small space, a very large amount of resilient support, but no lateral control, are located inboard along the cross rod. The shear rubber springs are so mounted outboard along the cross rod to be fully effective in providing adequate resilient control of axle movement both laterally and longitudinally of the line of vehicle movement, as well as vertically, and also to provide high and wide stable spring centers for sidesway control.