Abstract: An on-board aircraft system for determining the weight and load-related characteristics of an aircraft having landing gear struts (which each have a strut cylinder, a strut piston, and a working fluid in the strut cylinder) includes an accelerometer associated with each gear strut for measuring acceleration. The system further includes a pressure-adjustment means coupled to each strut cylinder for selectively adjusting the pressure in each strut cylinder to cause each landing gear strut to extend and retract; a plurality of pressure transducers coupled to the plurality of landing gear struts for measuring a pressure in each strut cylinder; and a computer. The computer is operable to cause retracting and extending the strut, to store pressure measurements of the strut cylinder during the retraction and extension of the strut, to store acceleration measurements corresponding to each pressure measurement taken, and to calculate the weight based on the pressure measurements and the acceleration measurements.

Abstract: A sonic logging tool which includes a relatively short sonic wave isolation section and further includes a structural member surrounding a pressure wave generating apparatus for creating a damping shorted turns effect is disclosed. The isolation section includes interlocking ends having serpentine edges which are spaced from each other, but which are interlocked for preventing longitudinal separation of the two ends. The isolation section also includes a damping material disposed between the spatially separated serpentine edges. The structural portion permits an electrical current to pass therethrough around the pressure wave generator apparatus.

Abstract: A sonic logging tool which includes a relatively short sonic wave isolation section and further includes a structural member surrounding a pressure wave generating apparatus for creating a damping shorted turns effect is disclosed. The isolation section includes interlocking ends having serpentine edges which are spaced from each other, but which are interlocked for preventing longitudinal separation of the two ends. The isolation section also includes a damping material disposed between the spatially separated serpentine edges. The structural portion permits an electrical current to pass therethrough around the pressure wave generator apparatus.

Abstract: An improved flange connector construction for remote actuation to connect flanges on prefabricated sections of an offshore drilling platform support structure. A flange on the end of a first prefabricated section has a downwardly extending annular skirt which supports a plurality of clamp dogs spaced about the inner circumference of the skirt. Each clamp dog is moveable in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the annular skirt and is rotatable between a first retracted position generally tangent to the skirt and a second extended position generally radial of the skirt. The first prefabricated section is moveable to telescopically receive a flange on a second prefabricated section in the annular skirt on the first prefabricated section.

Abstract: A tube closure for use in a pile or leg connectable to the inside of a pile or leg between the ends of a pile or leg to divide the pile or leg into separate compartments to permit control flooding of each compartment. A locking ring is installed in the inside of the pile or leg to allow engagement of locking dogs with the pile or leg to limit longitudinal movement of the closure system through the pile or leg. The locking dogs are operably connected to a hub which when lifted moves the locking dogs away from the locking ring to disengage the system. An inflatable rubber packer is formed around the closure to seal off the area between the closure and the inner wall of the pile or leg. Once the piling or leg is in location, the rubber packer is deflated and the system is removed by a wire line which lifts a hub secured to the dogs to move the dogs out of engagement with the locking ring before lifting the assembly from its position.

Abstract: A diaphragm closure support system connectable to the inside of a pipe adjacent a diaphragm closure on the end of the pipe to prevent rupture of the diaphragm closure by hydrostatic pressure when the pipe is submerged in water. A diaphragm closure support ring having slots formed therein is welded to the inside of the lower end of the pipe. A diaphragm support plate, slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the support ring, is positioned to engage the resilient diaphragm closing the end of the pipe. A plurality of T-bolts are pivotally secured to the support plate and positioned to extend into the slots in a support ring. A T-bolt retraction ring is moveably secured to the support plate and positioned to urge the T-bolts into a locked position in the slots in the support ring.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cushioning motion and dissipating impact energy, preferably in a marine environment, including a piston and cylinder assembly, impedance means associated with the piston and cylinder for impeding translation of the piston within the cylinder assembly and an isolation and restoring assembly protectively surrounding the piston and cylinder assembly and continuously biasing the piston and cylinder assembly in a normally extended position operable to dissipate impact energy. The method includes the steps of isolating the piston and cylinder assembly from an ambient environment, cushioning impact forces imparted to the piston and cylinder assembly and restoring the assembly in an extended posture operable to dissipate subsequent impact energy imparted thereto.

Abstract: A shock absorbing interconnect assembly employing a hydraulic cushioning device of relatively short stroke, mounted in a scissors-like system of levers having respective length ratios which effect an amplified stroke as concerns the interconnect assembly. The ends of the hydraulic cushioning device are pivotably mounted to respective ones of a pair of arm members that, themselves, are pivoted about a common pivot axis. Stroke amplification is realized between mounting plates pivotably mounted to respective ones of the arm members at points longitudinally displaced from the common arm pivot axis. Limited motion between relatively movable members permits bonded seals at all otherwise environmentally exposed points.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for dissipating the energy of random dynamic forces exerted against a pier. The dynamic forces are received by a bumper connected to the side of a pier. The normal components of the forces exerted against the bumper are cushioned and the energy of these forces dissipated by means of reactive forces developed incident to compression of a plurality of compressible, self-restoring cushions connecting and extending orthogonally between the bumper and the pier. Lateral displacement of the bumper relative to the pier in response to components of the dynamic forces acting parallel to the bumper is rigidly restrained by restraining members connecting the bumper and the pier. Once the normal components of the dynamic forces are dissipated, the cushions restore themselves to uncompressed, fully extended conditions and the fender is prepared to receive subsequent loads.