Abstract: A drop-in loop hanger includes a U-shape portion or saddle for receiving an object to be supported, such as a pipe run, and an arm that guides the object to be supported into the U-shape portion. The hanger may include a moving portion that pivots at a hinge to allow entry of the object, then closes off the entryway to help retain the object within the hanger. The hanger may include a threaded portion for receiving a threaded rod, for example to mount the hanger from a ceiling or other structure or objects. The object may be placed in a series of already-installed hangers, for example placing a run of pipe in a series of hangers that support the pipe at different axial locations along the pipe.

Abstract: A process for generating animated images of a two-dimensional array of objects advancing in a third dimension includes the steps of: defining an array of objects; defining a start position, an end position, and an advancement path associated with each of the objects, each advancement path extending from the associated start position to the associated end position; defining an associated rate of advancement for each of the objects along the associated path; defining a manifold surface including a locus of points each being defined in a three dimensional coordinate system and having an associated height coordinate value, each of the objects being associated with one of the points on the manifold surface; determining an associated advancement start time for each of the objects based on the associated rate of advancement and an associated height coordinate value of an associated point on the manifold surface; and defining animated images of the array of objects advancing along the associated advancement paths in