Abstract: An elongated milking hose for a quarter milking machine. The milking hose has four elongated, flexible conduits, of which two conduits are connected to one another along a first common connecting segment, extending parallel with respect to the longitudinal axis of the hose. The two other conduits are each arranged on opposite sides of the first connecting segment of the two first conduits and extend parallel therewith and are each connected to the two first conduits along a second and third, and fourth and fifth connecting segment.

Abstract: A continuous drip irrigation tube having a series of longitudinally extending capillary tubes formed on its wall integrally with said wall.

Abstract: An impact- and tension-resistant control line suitable for attachment to an underwater oil or gas flow line, for attachment to a downhole tubing string or for control in subsea workover operations. The control line protector includes a resilient elongated body, any number of hydraulic tubes, electrical and electronic lines within the body and at least two impact-resistant, tensional-bearing members such as wire ropes within the body. When viewed in cross-section, the wire ropes are disposed within the body so that the protected control lines lie between the two wire ropes and a planar force or impact from any direction cannot directly contact the protected control lines. Additional impact-resistant, load-bearing members can be disposed among the protected control lines to insure that a planar force cannot directly contact the protected control lines while the device is attached to a flow line.

Abstract: A composite flexible tube is disclosed. The central portion of the core of the tube is formed of a plurality of hollow elements dipsosed concentrically about the longitudinal axis of the tube.

Abstract: An evaporative thermal protection system for use in hostile environment well logging applications, the system including a downhole thermal protection cartridge disposed within a well logging sonde or tool to keep a payload such as sensors and support electronics cool, the cartridge carrying either an active evaporative system for refrigeration or a passive evaporative system, both exhausting to the surface through an armored flexible fluidic communication mechanical cable.

Abstract: A whirlpool system has a pair of channels which connect sources of water and air to a plurality of outlets in a water receptacle. Each of the channels is formed in a continuous piece of tubing which is connected to the outlets by a plurality of connector assemblies removably mounted to the tubing between the ends thereof. If the tubing is made from a thermoplastic material, the tubing may be inserted into a hot liquid bath and, after the thermoplastic material becomes sufficiently soft, bent into a desired shape or configuration.

Abstract: Flow restricting devices are provided for individual tubes connected into bores in a tube bank and are each formed with a convoluted passage of restricted cross-sectional area and extended length to produce a required flow restriction.

Abstract: A multichannel pipette is disclosed having an improved arrangement of replaceable tip containers in which the individual tip containers are connected together by flexible connecting members which are deformable to permit connection of the tip containers to differing configurations of tip cones.

Abstract: A tubular enclosure for a pipe which provides air-blanket insulation around the pipe, and an electric heater cable in the enclosure running along the underside of horizontal lengths of the pipe, cooperate in a system to prevent condensation of moisture on the pipe, loss of heat from a hot liquid in the pipe, and, with the benefit of convection in the air-blanket, heat around the pipe from the heater cable, to prevent freezing of the liquid.The tubular enclosure has thin walls of substantially uniform thickness which are corrugated in the direction of the tubular longitudinal axis to provide an array of axially spaced circumferential air cells around the pipe. The innermost diameter of the corrugated enclosure walls is larger than the outer diameter of the pipe to provide space between the enclosure and pipe for the heater cable. The corrugations render the enclosure freely flexible transversely to its longitudinal axis for following the pipe around curves.

Abstract: Elongate, deformable, composite tubing for use in maintaining or controlling the temperature of a fluid conveyed therethrough comprising one or more tubular fluid conveyance lines or one or more tubular fluid conveyance lines disposed in heat transfer relationship with one or more heating lines and having disposed in encompassing relationship thereabout an improved flexible thermal barrier. The improved thermal barrier comprises one or more flexible, flame resistant, low chlorine bearing, sheet-like layers of low bulk fibrous glass elements having a density of less than about 20 lb./cu. ft. providing improved thermal insulation characteristics in combination with improved flexibility and reduced outer diameter.

Abstract: A multi-core duct is constituted by a plurality of resilient conduits bunched together within a protective sleeve. Each of the conduits is formed from a high-strength synthetic plastics material and the protective sleeve is made of a flame-resistant synthetic plastics material.

Abstract: A long-distance heating conduit comprising one or more tubes which carry the heating medium, are laid in the conduit and are surrounded individually or jointly by at least one layer of heat-insulating material and are covered by at least one cover foil which extends in a closed path round the tube or tubes and is provided with holes.

Abstract: An underground conduit-forming structure made of concrete for easily forming a protection conduit line for laying underground cables, e.g., power cables, communication cables, etc. For snug coupling between the leading and trailing structures, each structure is provided with a flat bottom, a plurality of through-holes for cables, a receiving surface and a corresponding mating surface, a protuberance and a corresponding fitting hole, operation holes for the coupling operation, joint metals, and a reinforcing bar secured by welding some of these members. A seal member encompassing the through-holes keeps them water-tight when a series of structures are sequentially coupled to form the protection conduit line.

Abstract: The invention consists of an apparatus for laying a pipeline, such as an oil duct or a gas duct, in a body of water, wherein the pipeline, or a section thereof, is enclosed within a ballast tube such that an intermediate space is formed between the pipeline or pipeline section and the ballast tube, said space being filled with a liquid less dense than water, such as a light hydrocarbon, while the pipeline is being laid, but may be filled, after the pipeline has been laid, with soft water or with a liquid heavier than water such as a grouting having a base of a hydraulic or hydrocarbon binder. The invention also comprises the provision of a plug at one end of an assembly of pipeline section and ballast tube whereby a free end of said assembly may be secured as by welding to a second assembly of pipeline section and ballast tube at a position remote from the liquid contained in the intermediate space in said first assembly.

Abstract: A cap for installation over the open end of a tubular member that has a pipe or pipes of smaller diameter projecting through the open end of the tubular member. The cap has a rubber discoid portion that covers the open end of the tubular member and a rubber apron extending from the discoid portion and adapted to encircle the tubular member adjacent to its open end. An aperture or apertures for the pipes of smaller diameter are provided in the discoid portion. The cap is split except at the back where a portion including the apron provides a hinge. The split intersects the aperture or apertures. A split, flexible metal band is embedded in the apron and has a latch for tightening and locking the apron about the tubular member. To install the cap, it is hinged open and placed over the end of the tubular member with the smaller diameter pipes passing through the apertures, and is then closed around the tubular member and locked.

Abstract: At least three elongated flexible elements bonded together lengthwise to form constraint means arcuate in cross-section for forcing said elements to move in a predetermined path in which the flexible elements are bent longitudinally to form a loop of substantially uniform radius intermediate the ends thereof so that at least a portion of the loop is forced into a flat cross-section while the straight portions or trailing lengths of said elements on opposite sides of the loop are self-constrained in relatively stiff and straight runs whether either straight portion is pulled or pushed in relation to the loop, such that the flexible elements move as if reeved on a reel, sheave or the like.

Abstract: A motorcycle swingarm is shown in which each arm is an extrusion of lightweight metal which in cross-section is a diamond with a cross rib and integral upper and lower fins. The upper fin is the larger, and is shaped to taper from both ends. The arms are bent slightly intermediate their ends, and at one end have a sleeve bearing welded thereto. At such one end, arcuate plates are also located between the arms and welded to them. At their other ends, each arm is slotted to receive an oblong slotted block which is welded to the arm. Also, the arms intermediate their ends have tabs welded thereto for providing connection points for shock absorbers and chain tensioners.

Abstract: An irrigation emitter including a fixed longitudinally extending passage wall element having a longitudinally extending restricted flow groove therein, and a flexible longitudinally extending passage wall element overlying the fixed wall element and contacting the fixed wall element along its side margins to define therewith a flush passage and adapted to collapse against the fixed wall element to confine flow to the restricted flow groove. One embodiment of the irrigation emitter having a single fixed wall element and flexible wall element forming a single flush passage and restricted flow groove. Another embodiment includes a ring of fixed wall elements and flexible wall elements forming a ring of flush passages and restricted flow grooves which may be modified for axial discharge or deflected discharge, and the grooves arranged for drip flow, or spray flow; and when arranged for spray flow, may be deflected to produce a segmental spray of selected circumferential extent.

Abstract: The invention consists of a method and apparatus for laying a pipeline, such as an oil duct or a gas duct, in a body of water, wherein the pipeline, or a section thereof, is enclosed within a ballast tube such that an intermediate space is formed between the pipeline or pipeline section and the ballast tube, said space being filled with a liquid less dense than water, such as a light hydrocarbon, while the pipeline is being laid, but may be filled, after the pipeline has been laid, with soft water or with a liquid heavier than water such as a grouting having a base of a hydraulic or hydrocarbon binder. The invention also comprises the provision of a plug at one end of an assembly of pipeline section and ballast tube whereby a free end of said assembly may be secured as by welding to a second assembly of pipeline section and ballast tube at a position remote from the liquid contained in the intermediate space in said first assembly.

Abstract: Flexible closure strips to be releasably interlocked wherein each of the closure strips has first and second sets of interlocking profiles with the first set facing in a first lateral direction and the second set facing in the opposite lateral direction and being shaped and sized so that they interlock with each other in either lateral direction.

Abstract: An articulated riser including at least two framed structures comprised of a plurality of fluid-handling lines connected by multiple fluid-handling line flexible joints. The articulated riser of the present invention provides a system wherein fluid-handling lines may be connected between a structure on the subsea bottom and a floating vessel either for the production of crude oil and natural gas offshore, or for the operational functions before or after producing a subsea well, or any combination thereof. The articulated riser of the present invention may extend to a foundation structure situated on the subsea bottom or to an upright self-standing riser, providing a manifold for a plurality of fluid-handling lines to be connected to a floating vessel. Means may be provided for either partially or substantially totally providing buoyancy for the articulated riser.

Abstract: A plurality of parallel constructed members that have means for securing the two parallel members together along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the members to lend structural support of the members relative to each other. This allows the structurally secured members to have structures having high strength to weight ratios and requiring minimum volume for the securing structure.

Abstract: A flooring system for sties and other animal shelters having thermoplastic slats, means provided in the slats for circulating a heat exchange fluid therethrough to heat or cool the flooring, means for joining the slats into a floor panel, and manifolds for enclosing the adjacent ends of the slats.

Abstract: A drain trough having longitudinally lined plastic round pipes and plastic connectors for connecting the pipes to each other in order to form a long drain trough. The plastic pipes each has slits longitudinally and intermittently extending and formed in the peripheral wall of the pipe. The inner space of the pipe has a partition wall of various shapes, which wall extending along the length of the pipe so as to divide the space into two, three or four compartments, through which drain water flows. The drain trough is slantly buried in the ground or track and field.

Abstract: The present invention provides a highly automated agricultural production system which comprises, as essential components:1. A sensing subsystem comprising direct and indirect sensing means in an agricultural production area. The direct sensing means are generally ground or plant mounted. The indirect sensing means are remote from the area being sensed. The direct and indirect sensing means are adapted to jointly generate data on all important parameters in the homogeneous agricultural production area;2. A data transmitting subsystem for forwarding data generated by the direct and indirect sensing means to computing means and for transmitting instructions from the computing means via interfacing means (controllers) to various devices (field effectors) in the agricultural area to perform various functions;3. A computing subsystem linked by way of said data transmitting subsystem to said indirect and direct sensing means in a pattern of many feedback loops.

Abstract: A method for forming integral internal channels defined by a wall with an annular cross-section inside high softening temperature glass tubing is described. In particular, a reduced pressure is provided inside a rotating tube with heating outside which softens the glass for deformation by the reduced pressure while a smaller tube is maintained in position in contact with the inside walls of the larger tube. The pressure in the smaller tube is usually the same as that in the larger tube and is such that it can collapse at the point of contact to form at least one fusion band along the inside wall of the larger tube. The position of the smaller tube is maintained such that the larger tube has concave depressions between the fusion bands. Usually the heating is accomplished by a gas flame ring burner positioned under the larger tube and moved progressively along the larger tube until the desired fusion of the tubes is completed.

Abstract: An improved header construction for a heat transfer apparatus of the type utilizing a plurality of concentric, longitudinally extending tubes including an inner tube, an intermediate tube and an outer tube with the intermediate tube extending beyond the outer tube and the inner tube extending beyond the intermediate tube. The header includes sealing members for the intermediate and outer tubes. Each sealing member is butt welded at one end to its associated tube. The other end of the sealing members defines a radially inwardly directed sanitary radius which is welded to an outwardly directed sanitary radius formed in a band which, in turn, is welded to the next innermost tube section. The method of assembling a header in accordance with the above is also provided.

Abstract: This invention discloses an insulated, longitudinally segmented, rigid conduit containing several pipes of varying sizes. The conduit comprises any number of separate pipe carrying segments wherein the rigid casing, the rigid insulation, and the pipe constitute integral parts of these segments providing rigidity to them. The invention discloses multiple unit conduits and a single unit suitable for use as a conduit by itself, which can be attached to similar units or to other surfaces such as floors, walls or ceilings. The conduit is designed to withstand external bending and shear stresses and internal fluid pressures.

Abstract: A long-distance heating conduit comprising one or more tubes conveying the heating medium, which tubes are supported in the conduit by support means consisting of an insulating material resistant to compression and surrounded by a heat-insulating material also resistant to compression and enclosed by cover foils having holes, the size and shape of which are dimensioned in such a manner that water substantially cannot penetrate, but that they are permeable to gases and vapors.

Abstract: A prefabricated water supply system for supplying water from an underground source to mobile homes or stock tank waterers and the like includes a riser pipe encased within an outer pipe spaced from the riser pipe. A third hollow pipe is located adjacent to the riser pipe and parallel to it. The space between the outer pipe and the riser pipe and third hollow pipe is filled with a rigid polyurethane foam insulation. A heat tape controlled by a thermostatic switch is located within the third pipe and a pair of end caps are used to hold the unit together. The provision of the third hollow pipe for the heat tape permits ready insertion and removal of the heat tape even after the unit has been installed in the ground under a mobile home or a stock tank waterer. An access opening aligned with the upper end of the third pipe is provided in the top end cap for facilitating this replacement and removal.

Abstract: Sintered ceramic articles having a high surface area-to-weight ratio and containing a plurality of ducts that extend through the article to permit fluid flow therethrough are prepared by forming an extrudable admixture of pulverized ceramic material. The admixture is forced through a forming zone in which initial shearing forces form the admixture into a plurality of discrete ribbons, and the discrete ribbons are flowed into the upstream ends of a plurality of spaced, longitudinally-extending members to form a web member containing a plurality of longitudinally-extending ducts as the ribbons flow together about the members.

Abstract: .Iadd.An elongate closed flexible integral plastic film tube for use in making reclosable bags with the tube having first and second interlocking rib elements and first and second groove elements on the surface thereof each shaped for cooperative pressure engagement and forcible separation between the ribs and grooves with the elements spaced apart from each other in both circumferential directions and the film at one side of the elements for forming the body of a bag formed from the tube and the film at the other side of the elements providing a flange forming portion. The elements are spaced so that the bag portion is wider than the flange portion. .Iaddend.

Abstract: Pipe heat transfer assembly and method of making same, wherein a strip of heat transfer material is pre-shaped to a solid flexible form for closely .[.comforming.]. .Iadd.conforming .Iaddend.with a heat transfer element for either heating or cooling and which is also pre-shaped to fit closely within an external channel member, whereby the entire assembly may be more easily and rapidly installed with unskilled labor in the field on a pipe to be heated or cooled, using retaining band means as the holding means for the assembly, with the assurance of complete coverage of the heat transfer element by said heat transfer material so as to eliminate air gaps. The heat transfer material may be pre-shaped by molding or extruding, with the heat transfer element embedded therein during such pre-shaping, or with a preformed space for the heat transfer element.