Abstract: A method of manufacturing faucets and spouts, faucet inserts and faucets and spouts manufactured by the method. The faucet or spout includes an upper housing plate and a lower housing plate, a peripheral flange being provided on each of the housing plates such that the flanges mate with a seal disposed between them in fluid sealing relationship, the housing plates having spaced apart surfaces extending from their respective flanges to define a chamber. The faucet inserts include a valving member rotatably received within a housing member, the housing member having an internal conical surface adapted for mating engagement with an external conical surface of the valving member, the valving member having a port adapted to be reversibly aligned and misaligned with a port in the housing member for selectively allowing and shutting off fluid flow.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing spillage in connection with a liquid product loading dock. It has a double funnel arrangement with one funnel attached to the first swivel of plural fill pipes which have swivel joints to permit placing the free end into a mobile tank to be filled. That funnel moves with the fill pipes through about one hundred eighty degrees of freedom, and has structure for receiving the free end of the fill pipes after a filling operation. Consequently, run off of product from the fill pipes goes into the funnel. There is a conduit connected to the funnel outlet that moves with it and extends into a second funnel that is coaxial with the product delivery pipe. From there, the run off is returned to a collection tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a downpipe (10) provided with a longitudinally extending slot (16). When joining two downpipe sections together, by means of a longitudinal join or an angled join, the longitudinal slot enables the upper downpipe section to be compressed slightly so that it can be readily pushed into the lower downpipe section. Pipe-bends intended, for example, to serve as water outlets, may readily be formed by cutting a notch or recess (22', 22") through the flanges (14) defining the slot (16) and through the laterally located legs (18) of the downpipe, and then forming a fold at the bottom of the notch in the rear side (20) of the downpipe. Pipe-bends and water outlets can be fixed in position by joining together the overlapping sides with the aid of screws, rivets or like fasteners (26). The longitudinal slot of two adjacent sections can face in opposite directions.

Abstract: A concrete pumping system includes a pipe extender unit for adjustment of a pipe length between two fixed points. The extender unit includes a ductile steel pipe telescoped over a standard pipe, with a seal therebetween. Four jaws of hardened steel have inner teeth on the center portion only which abutt the exterior of the pipe section. The pipe and jaws have end exterior shoulders. A two-piece annular clamp has spaced clamping legs engaging the shoulders to connect the members and force the jaw teeth into the outer wall of the pipe section to affix the pipe extender to the pipe section thereof. The teeth have a radial side and an inclined side joined by an outer flat land.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to mobile concrete delivery devices and similar heavy equipment, which includes a plurality of carrier arms which can be moved or swung with respect to one another. Along the carrier arms are provided conduits or pipes of a concrete distributing apparatus. At the terminal carrier arm an output unit is arranged which is comprised of an additional carrier arm and an additional concrete conveying conduit. The output unit is connected in such a way that in its rest position it extends parallel with respect to the terminal carrier arm. The output unit is adapted to adjust itself when it assumes the operating position to assume a tight coupling position with respect to the terminal carrier arm and the associated concrete conduit. The apparatus makes it feasible to enhance the longitudinal reach of the concrete delivery apparatus by the length of the additional carrier arm without requiring substantial additional efforts for the installation thereof.

Abstract: A rotatable swivel adapted for assuring the passage of a scraper pig or a separator pig through a conveyance system of which and the swivel is a part is disclosed. The swivel includes a guide vane pivotally mounted in an inner ring of a swivel body to enable movement between a retracted position for assembling the inner ring with an outer ring and an operating position for insuring the passage of the pig from an inlet to an outlet communicating with a toroidally shaped conduit chamber of the rotatable swivel. A removable locking pin secures the guide vane in the operating position to assure the passage of the pig. A retracted position port and an operating position port are disposed in an outer ring of the swivel body to enable movement of the guide vane between the retracted and operating positions.

Abstract: A connector assembly for connecting a faucet body to a swivel spout. The connector assembly comprises a spout hub fixedly attached to the spout, a spout socket fixedly connected to the faucet body and rotatably received within a through passageway in the spout socket, and a resilient flexible lock ring disposed between the spout hub and spout socket. The lock ring integrally comprises a collar extending at least partially around the spout hub and a pin projecting outwardly from the collar. The lock ring collar is normally inwardly flexed and urges against the interior of the spout socket. The spout socket is provided with a side opening which receives the lock ring pin under urging from the collar. Interference contact between the spout socket and the pin within the side opening serves to limit longitudinal movement of the spout hub inside the spout socket.

Abstract: A valve or liquid dispenser which regulates the flow of liquid by means of the movement of its spout, consisting basically of a body of two main parts, one of which is coupled by means of an integrated tube, which may require an adapter, to the liquid outlet, and the other is coupled to the spout or final outlet tube, both parts having ducts or passages for the passage of liquid which, depending on their relative position, allow for the regulation of the desired flow rate, including a mechanism for the adjustment of pressure and for the compensation of wear between said main parts, which prevents leaks and secures the position of the spout or final outlet tube.

Abstract: A hose arrangement for use in a car wash of the type which provides a hose with a spray nozzle on the end and means for mounting the hose for rotation around a central pivot point including a boom which extends away from the pivot point and rotates around the pivot point. The boom is formed of a pair of flexible wires arranged on either side of the central pivot and each having coils at a position intermediate the length so as to allow the wire to flex downwardly out of the horizontal plane when the hose is pulled. The central pivot can be arranged to pivot about an axis at a small angle to the vertical whereby the boom has a lowermost position at one point in its rotation to which it tends to rotate.

Abstract: A fluid flow system comprises a plurality of operational elements which are interconnected by rigid conduits. One type of rigid interconnecting conduit includes a statically adjustable assembly including two telescopically associated members having a combined length which is variable to accommodate objects spaced at different distances. The assembly also includes a member for clamping the relatively movable elements to provide a rigid linkage once the interconnection of the objects is made. Another type of rigid interconnecting conduit automatically compensates for distance variations under dynamic operating conditions. This dynamic coupling assembly includes two ball joints and a telescoping assembly which provide for transverse and longitudinal distance adjustments, respectively.

Abstract: A directional dump valve is disclosed which allows for the rapid dumping of water from a standard tank truck or similar vehicle. The device has three main dumping ports, which are quickly selected by adjusting the position of the water control doors. This adjustment can be made quickly with the handles provided on the device. A quick action locking device is disclosed which will lock the handles into position once the proper port has been selected. Two of the outlets are fitted with conduits to channel water from the rear of the vehicle laterally past the ends of the truck. Baffles are provided on the control doors to reduce turbulence in the valve, and to help quicken the flow through the side discharge conduits. The conduits can also be extended by the use of extensions, which can be folded up on top of the conduits when they are not needed. The valve is designed to be flange mounted to the tank truck and can be disassembled for quick repair.

Abstract: A fold control mechanism and method is provided in a foldable conduit system for accurately controlling the movement of a diagonal pipe section which extends above and below the pipes in the system. The fold control mechanism includes a first wheel rigidly secured to an extensible boom and a second wheel connected to the first wheel by a flexible connecting means. The second wheel is rigidly connected to the diagonal pipe section, rotates about its own axis, and rotates aproximately 180.degree. about the axis of the first wheel to maintain control of the several pipes in the conduit system during the folding and unfolding operations.

Abstract: A tray is mounted along a telescoping structure, typically suspended beneath a segment of the telescoping structure. The tray provides a space for a flexible conduit to be gathered into and payed out from as the structure changes in length. A conduit connector couples segments of the conduit and defines a fluid path which makes two substantially right angle turns to increase the minimum radius which the flexible conduit must assume during the expansion and contraction of the structure. The flexible conduit can be attached to rigid conduits extending between the tray and either end of the structure. A Z-shaped conduit connector can be pivotally mounted to the tray, or can be articulated, to increase the usable length of flexible hose stored within the tray.

Abstract: An apparatus for horizontally casting concrete comprises a horizontally foldable multilink support arm composed of an attachment frame, a proximal boom, intermediate booms, and a distal boom which are pivotally coupled by joint tubes, a drive mechanism composed of worm wheels mounted on the joint tubes and worm gears mounted on the booms and held in mesh with the worm wheels for enabling the support arm to move in articulatory motion, a concrete pressure-feed pipe extending from a pump along the booms and through the joint tubes with swivel joints, and an attachment jig mounted on the attachment frame for being mounted on a column.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for selectively extending and retracting a mobile telescoping boom assembly and for independently extending and retracting an articulated pipe service line mounted on the boom assembly. The circuit can be used with a hydraulic ram to extend and retract the boom assembly or a winch and cable arrangement can be used. A pair of winches are used to extend and retract the articulated service line.

Abstract: An apparatus for hoisting materials and placing concrete, having a non-rotating mast and a boom which is swingable horizontally and vertically, and consists of boom segments pin-jointed together in line so as to be foldable only downwardly. A line of concrete transport piping extends from the base end of the boom to the free end thereof, and a line of hoisting sling extends from the base end of the boom to the free end, hangs down to hold a load handling block, rises up and extends back to the base end, each such line being supported alongside of the boom. In service for hoisting materials, the boom is stretched and fixed at each pin-jointed connection for reinforcement by releasable pin-fastening members, whereas in service for concrete placing, the hoisting sling is raised up and seized in place to avoid interference. The apparatus is remotely controllable.

Abstract: A telescoping boom assembly supported articulated well service pipeline for the transfer of pressurized fluids from service vehicles to petroleum wellheads for the treatment and stimulation of production oil wells. The boom assembly is mounted on a truck, trailer, or other suitable mobile transport, and the articulated pipeline comprises a plurality of long straight pipeline sections interconnected by a plurality of shorter pipe sections and by swivel joints. The inboard end of the pipeline is connected to a supply line by an inboard pipe and a pair of swivel joints. The pipeline can be folded into a cluster and tilted for storage adjacent the inboard end of the boom assembly and the clustered pipeline moved away from the service vehicle before unfolding the pipeline from the cluster.

Abstract: Multi-path rotatable fluid couplings are formed from modular elements so as to have one, two or three axes about which relative rotation of supply and discharge conduits may occur. These modular elements may be employed in an articulated delivery system for multiple fluids wherein, for example, six pivot axes are provided through a combination of two or more couplings with interconnecting rigid conduits.

Abstract: A pneumatic conveyor system for transporting bulk materials from a shore-based hopper (2) to a ship includes a pipeline comprising an inlet section (4), an intermediate telescopic tubing (36) and an outlet section (45). One end of the telescopic tubing (36) is interconnected to the inlet section (4) by means of a universal joint (8,10), a length of flexible tubing (12) interconnecting the hopper (2) with said one end of the telescopic tubing, while the outlet section (45) is mounted on the other end of the telescopic tubing (36) by a further universal joint (48, 50), a further length of flexible tubing (52) interconnecting said other end of the telescopic tubing (36) with an outlet from the outlet section (45).

Abstract: A folding boom assembly supported articulated well service pipeline for the transfer of pressurized fluids from service vehicles to petroleum wellheads for the treatment and stimulation of production oil wells. The boom assembly is mounted on a truck, trailer or other suitable mobile support and the articulated pipeline comprises a plurality of long straight pipe sections interconnected by a plurality of pipe elbows and by swivel joints. Each of the pipe sections is supported by a corresponding boom section aligned generally parallel to the pipe section. The boom sections and their corresponding pipe sections are folded onto the service vehicle for transportation and are extended for connection to a wellhead. Supports between the ground and the boom sections reduce the loads transmitted to the service vehicle and allow the use of lighter and less costly boom assemblies.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable faucet spout includes a base formed and adapted to seat upon a sink top, escutcheon plate or the like including a downwardly-extending guide sleeve. A vertically movable post is slidably mounted in the base and sleeve for movement relative thereto. A flexible water supply conduit is connected to the post at the lower end thereof to supply water to the assembly. A spout is positioned on the upper end of the post and is seated upon the base when the post is in the fully lowered position. The spout is rotatably movable, as a unit, and is vertically adjustable. The exterior of the post has recess means thereon and there is retaining means on the base to cooperate with the recess means to position the post, and spout in a vertically raised position relative to the base. The spout is pressure balanced whereby back pressure therein caused by flow control devices on the spout will not cause undesired vertical movement thereof.

Abstract: A telescoping boom assembly supported articulated well service pipeline for the transfer of pressurized fluids from service vehicles to petroleum wellheads for the treatment and stimulation of production oil wells. The boom assembly is mounted on a truck, trailer, or other suitable mobile transport, and the articulated pipeline comprises a pair of long straight end pipe sections interconnected by a plurality of shorter intermediate pipe sections and by swivel joints. The two end pipe sections are aligned generally parallel with the telescoping boom and the intermediate pipe sections flip-flop to change their direction of alignment as the pipeline is extended and retracted. The flip-flop feature provides a maximum change in length of the pipeline between the extended and the retracted positions with a minimum number of pipe swivel joints.

Abstract: A rotary coupling for connecting tubular members is disclosed including a first tubular base member having external threads and a second tubular member with one end telescopically mounted within the first tubular member. Near the lower end of the second tubular member there is provided an exterior circumferential bead and a bearing member shown as a split ring is provided which encircles the lower end of the tubular member and holds it against relative axial movement. An O-ring seal is also fitted over the second tubular member within the bearing member. A retaining nut encircles the second tubular member and threadably engages the external threads of the first tubular member. When the nut is tightened, the bearing member axially grips the bead, with a lip on the bearing member engaging the bead flexing so that the telescoped members can still rotate relative to each other.

Abstract: A fluid swivel is described, of the type which includes an annular chamber formed at the interface between the stationary and rotatable parts of the swivel, which facilitates the passage of a pig through the chamber. A pig diverter device lies beside the outlet formed in one of the parts through which fluid normally exits the chamber, to divert a pig moving through the chamber into the outlet. The diverter device can include a projection lying on the downstream side of the outlet. The projection can extend radially only up to the interface between the two swivel parts, to facilitate disassembly of the swivel. The diverter device can also include a valving mechanism that can shut off fluid flow immediately downstream of the outlet, to direct the fluid stream and pig into the outlet, and the upstream end of the outlet can extend tangent to the chamber to facilitate pig entry therein.

Abstract: A front-discharge nitrate truck with an articulated boom is disclosed. The boom is anchored about a pivot point which allows it to travel in a horizontal arc of at least 180.degree.. A joint in the boom near the anchor point enables the boom to be elevated in a substantial vertical arc. The boom elevation and orientation can be controlled by controls within the truck cab to locate the distal end of the boom at any ground position within a horizontal arc described by the distal end of the boom. The boom may further be folded alongside the truck for easy transport. The truck has its bed upon scales so that the truck operator may discharge a predetermined amount of prilled nitrate in a bore hold.

Abstract: An articulated marine fluid loading arm comprising rigid, pivotally-interconnected inner and outer arm members with the inner arm member pivotally mounted on an upstanding riser for movement about horizontal and vertical axes, and a system for controlling the arm during emergency disconnection thereof from a tanker or other marine vessel. The system includes an auxiliary counterweight pivotally mounted on a support beam that is fixed to, and extends rearwardly from, the riser end of the inner arm member, a pantograph-type sheave and cable assembly interconnecting the counterweight and the riser, and hydraulic cylinders to control the operation of the sheave and cable assembly so that the moment exerted by the counterweight can be imposed either on the inboard arm member or the riser.

Abstract: A vehicular concrete pump assembly having a semitrailer and a truck tractor interconnected therewith with a mechanism being provided on the semitrailer for elevating the truck tractor and supporting it in the raised position while the semitrailer is braced on the ground by extendable support legs to enable the raised truck trailer to operate as ballast to stabilize the semitrailer against the weight of an articulated concrete distribution pole having a concrete line through which concrete is distributed by a pump on the semitrailer.

Abstract: An articulated marine fluid loading arm comprising rigid, pivotally-interconnected inner and outer arm members with the inner arm member pivotally mounted on an upstanding riser for movement about horizontal and vertical axes, and a system for controlling the arm during emergency disconnection thereof from a tanker or other marine vessel. The system includes an auxiliary counterweight movably mounted on a support beam that is fixed to, and extends rearwardly from, the riser end of the inner arm member, and a hydromechanical system for automatically adjusting the position of the auxiliary counterweight between that wherein the loading arm is substantially balanced in an empty condition and that wherein the arm is substantially balanced in a fluid-filled condition.

Abstract: A bottom loading arm for bulk liquid carriers, such as gasoline tank trucks, is disclosed. In accordance with the invention, a single continuous reinforced flexible loading hose extends horizontally over large radius arcs from a vertical supply standpipe to a pendant bulk carrier connector. The arrangement is held in such large arcs by a pair of pivot arm means mounted for vertical and horizontal pivotal motion on the standpipe. One of the pivotal arm means is supported by horizontal arm means horizontally rotatable on the standpipe. The other pivotal arm means in turn is pivotally mounted at the outer or forward end of the first pivotal arm means. A vertically pendant portion of the flexible loading hose and the carrier connector is thus supported from the pendant end of the other pivotal arm means. The pivot arm means, hose and connector are counterbalanced by counterweight means supported on the other end of the first pivot arm means which extends rearwardly beyond the standpipe.

Abstract: A system for sensing the position in space of the outer end of an articulated loading arm connected to a marine tanker or other transport vessel, for predicting if the arm will move outside a safe operating envelope, for discontinuing the flow of fluid before the arm reaches an unsafe area, and for disconnecting the arm from the vessel when the arm reaches an unsafe area. The sensing system includes means for determining various angles representative of the orientation of the limbs of the loading arm, and a computer for using these angles to compute the spatial position of the arm's outer end. The computer uses the spatial position and movement of the loading arm to predict future positions of the outboard end of the arm, and to determine if the loading operation should be terminated and the arm disconnected from the vessel. When the computer predicts that the loading arm may move outside a first operating envelope an alarm is sounded.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with an improvement in the method of connecting pipe pieces incorporated in a node-equipped riser pipe interconnecting a floating facility and a sea bottom facility. A rocker pipe is connected through a swivel joint to each main pipe piece fixed to corresponding riser pipe piece. A relay pipe is disposed in a universal joint through which the riser pipe pieces are coupled to each other. The rocker pipes are connected to respective ends of the relay pipe through substantially U-shaped connecting pipes provided at their both ends with ball joints.

Abstract: An offshore loading system especially suited for transferring petroleum products from a floating production vessel to a marine tanker. The system comprises a cantilevered support boom mounted on the deck of the production vessel, a fluid conduit extending generally horizontally along the boom from a riser on the deck of the production vessel, an articulated loading arm connected to the outboard end of the horizontal conduit, and a multiple swivel joint for connection between the outboard end of the loading arm and a pipe manifold on the deck of the marine tanker. The inboard end of the loading arm is connected by swivel joints to the outboard end of the horizontal conduit to facilitate pivoting the loading arm in both a vertical plane and a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A piggable fluid swivel comprising a first element on which a second element is rotatably mounted. Grooves in both the first and second elements align to form a continuous flow passage between the elements. Openings are provided through the first and second elements and into the flow passage whereby fluid can enter through one element, flow through at least a portion of the flow passage, and then exit through the other element. A flow barrier means similar to a gate valve is provided on one of the elements and includes a baffle plate that is extendable between an open position and a closed position. In an open position, the elements can be easily assembled and disassembled. In a closed position, the baffle plate blocks backflow in the fluid passage which allows pressure to build behind any pig that may become stuck in the flow passage to free the pig and carry it from the swivel. The swivel may be coaxially stacked to provide a multiline piggable fluid swivel.

Abstract: A mono-rail boom supported articulated pipe well service line for the transfer of pressurized fluids from service vehicles to petroleum wellheads for the treatment and stimulation of production oil wells. The boom is mounted on a truck, trailer, or other suitable mobile transport, and the articulated pipe line which comprises a plurality of pipe sections interconnected by swivel joints to provide the required rotational freedom and flexibility, is suspended from the boom by trolleys to facilitate extension and retraction of the pipe line either independently of movement of the boom, or concurrently therewith.

Abstract: An articulated fluid loading arm especially suited for transferring petroleum from a storage or loading terminal to a marine tanker, and for returning vapor from the tanker to the terminal, comprising a support boom pivotally mounted on the deck of the terminal, a pair of fluid conduits extending along the boom from risers at the terminal, and a dual flow-passage drop-pipe assembly suspended from an outboard end of the boom. The drop-pipe assembly comprises a pair of upper conduit members, a pair of lower conduit members and a pair of intermediate conduit members pivotally interconnected by a plurality of knee joints and swivel joints into a pair of articulated diamond-shaped structures. One set of upper, intermediate and lower conduit members comprises an assembly for the transfer of fluid from the terminal to the tanker, and the other set of conduit members provides an assembly for the return of vapors from the tanker to the terminal.

Abstract: A system for loading liquids, particularly useful with water-borne oil tankers, which is basically constructed of liquid conduits articulated in the form of lazy tongs and vertically suspended from a cantilevered boom to enable oil to be loaded from a drilling platform onto a vessel. The lazy tongs system is formed with at least two vertically displaced articulated joints to enable the lower end of the system to move vertically for attachment to or during loading of a vessel. A block and tackle is provided for vertical actuation of the lazy tongs system.

Abstract: A ball and socket articulated connection in which the socket has an associated enclosed chamber for fluid transfer through the connection. A fluid conduit hole extends through the ball and a fluid conduit communicates with the chamber. It can be used at the base of an offshore tower secured to a sea floor site.

Abstract: A mooring assembly connects a submarine conduit to another conduit of a pipe-line or fixed installation. The mooring assembly comprises a mooring frame, a movable mooring arm and a mooring head. The conduit is to be connected to the mooring head having a lateral passage through which the end of the conduit may extend. The movable mooring arm is pivotally mounted on the mooring frame. One end of said other conduit is fixed on the pivot axis of the mooring arm. A connecting pipe connects the end of the submarine conduit to the end of the other conduit. A coupling assembly at the outwardly extending end of the mooring head pivotally connects an axial extension of the end of the conduit to be connected to the mooring head.

Abstract: A locking device is integrated in a coupling fixed on a ram cylinder for feeding the cylinder with a first fluid. The circulation of that fluid is controlled by a second fluid. The device has (1) a cylindrical member with a tightening head at a first end, a second threaded end to engage in the cylinder, and an intermediate portion between the two ends. The intermediate portion has an axial outlet passage to the cylinder, and a lateral opening terminating at the passage. The device has a coupling head with a through bore, and an internal passage for the first fluid. The bore is shaped to receive the intermediate portion and to couple the opening to the feed passage. The device has movable internal members to modify circulation of the first fluid by moving under the combined effects of a resilient element and the pressure of a second fluid applied to an external locking inlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting the hose reel frame of an irrigation machine on a support frame in a manner such that the hose reel frame may be rotated to a desired position while water under pressure is passing through such hose. The reel frame is rotatably supported about a substantially vertical axis so that water under pressure flows from a source through a rotary axial connection to the hose carried by the reel.

Abstract: A loading arm utilizing a counterbalancing mechanism in which half sheaves are utilized to provide one interconnection between the counterbalance and the outboard arm and a member is pivotally connected to both the outboard arm and the counterbalance to provide the other interconnection between the counterbalance and outboard arm to provide for full retracted storage of the arm. Preferably, rods provide the majority of the interconnection between the outboard arm and the counterweight.

Abstract: Hydromassage apparatus for a whirlpool bath system includes a novel adjustable nozzle assembly adapted to be mounted on the wall of a bathtub or other water holding receptacle to directionally discharge a high velocity jet stream of fluid. The system includes a novel, venturi type, air injector for introducing air flow and intermixing air and water to form a high velocity, turbulent stream of fluid which is discharged from the directional nozzle assembly. The system further includes a novel air inlet control valve for selectively controlling the amount of air introduced into the water stream in the injector and the valve is also provided with a safety shut off capability for preventing the back-flow of water out through the air inlet passage.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for refueling an aircraft primarily fron a ship at sea, the ship being subject to changes in vertical and horizontal position due to pitch, roll, and heave, and combinations thereof. The apparatus comprises a first beam having a first end pivotally attached to the ship and extending upward therefrom. A second beam is pivotally attached at its first end to the second end of the first beam and extends substantially in a horizontal direction therefrom and preferably is supported by an air spring mounted between the first and second beams. A positioning device, preferably in the form of a hydraulic actuating cylinder, is coupled to both the first beam and the ship and is adapted to adjust the angular position of the first beam with respect to the ship in response to a first control signal.

Abstract: Apparatus by which a fluid can be transported through a conduit from a first body to a second body joined together by a universal joint comprising first and second fluid swivels positioned about 90.degree. from each other and with each swivel located exterior of, and axially in line with an axis of, a universal joint having two definable axes of rotation, an elbow conduit exterior of the universal joint having its ends connected to the two swivels, a first conduit extending out from the first swivel and secured to the first body, and a second conduit extending out from the second swivel and secured to the second body.

Abstract: A mooring and cargo transfer terminal is described, for use in transferring a fluid such as LNG (liquified natural gas) which is supercooled and therefore likely to cause severe icing of pipes and joints. The terminal includes a table support in the form of a tower extending from a base at the sea floor up to the sea surface, and a table device rotatable about a vertical axis at the top of the table support. The table device carries a pair of fenders that can press directly against the side of a ship, hawser couplings for tying the table device to a set of hawsers that hold it tightly against the ship, and one or more loading arms which can extend beyond the table device to connect to an LNG coupling on the ship. A pipe carries LNG from an underwater pipeline up to a fluid swivel at the top of the table support, and the rotatable portion of the fluid swivel connects to the loading arms to deliver the LNG thereto.

Abstract: An arrangement for establishing a mechanical connection between two relatively movable structures, such as a fixed or floating marine structure and a vessel for facilitating the transfer of things between them has a double boom assembly carried by a support rotatably mounted on one said structure for enabling the boom assembly to be slewed about a generally vertical axis, the double boom assembly comprising a main boom pivotal on the support so that it can be raised or lowered, and an auxiliary boom pivotal on a trolley movable along the main boom, and, coupling means connecting the outer end of the auxiliary boom to co-operating means of a second structure, and including a universal joint which permits movement between the second structure and the boom assembly.

Abstract: An offshore oil production terminal system is described which includes a transfer structure having a nonrotatable turret anchored to the sea floor and a rotatable portion fixed to a dedicated storage vessel, and also a fluid conduit extending from the seabed up through the turret to a fluid swivel and from the rotatable portion of the fluid swivel to the vessel, which facilitates use of a moderate cost fluid swivel. A choke located on the nonrotatable turret, decreases the high pressure of oil from the seabed (e.g. 2000 psi) to a moderate pressure (e.g. 200 psi) for passage through the fluid swivel, so that a moderate pressure fluid swivel can be utilized. The turret has a control deck at the same level as the vessel deck, to facilitate entry of personnel to operate controls directly connected to valves at the seabed without requiring rotational joints between the controls and the devices they operate.

Abstract: A lightweight articulated loading arm for transferring fluid from an offshore articulated loading column to a marine tanker, and for monitoring the position of the loading arm relative to a safe operating envelope. The arm includes an inboard conduit member mounted on the loading column for pivotal movement about a first horizontal axis, and an outboard conduit member connected to the inboard member for pivotal movement about second and third horizontal axes. A tensioner, mounted on the loading column, provides power to rotate the loading arm about the first horizontal axis and to bias the loading arm toward a stowed position. Power to operate and control the loading arm is provided by sources located on the marine tanker and coupled to the loading arm by hydraulic and/or electrical lines which are mounted on the loading column and on the loading arm.

Abstract: Apparatus by which a conduit, secured to two bodies which are connected together by an articulated joint, can bypass the joint.The articulated joint includes first and second pivots perpendicular to each other. A conduit extends through the first pivot and through at least part of the first body. A portion of the conduit projects lateral to the second pivot and between two spaced-apart guides supported by the second body or the articulated joint whereby the second body can pivot on the second pivot with the conduit laterally projecting portion arranged between the guides. Rotation of the second body causes the guides to apply torque to the conduit laterally projecting portion. The conduit extends from the conduit laterally projecting portion into supporting arrangement on the second body.

Abstract: An offshore oil production terminal system is described, of the type which includes a tall transfer structure that has a nonrotatable tower anchored to the sea floor and a rotatable portion that rotates with respect to the nonrotatable tower and is connected to a dedicated storage vessel. A fluid conduit of the system has a nonrotatable portion extending from the sea bed up alongside and through the tower to a fluid swivel at the top of the tower, the conduit also having a rotatable portion extending from the fluid swivel to the vessel. A choke located in the nonrotatable tower along the fluid conduit, decreases the high pressure of oil from the sea bed (e.g. 2,000 psi) to a moderate pressure (e.g. 200 psi) for passage through the fluid swivel, so that a moderate pressure fluid swivel can be utilized. In a system wherein the rotatable transfer structure portion is fixed to the vessel, the tower has a control deck at substantially the same level as the vessel deck and with a circular periphery.