Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided that allows two or more compositions to be filled with a spiral configuration into a single container. Each product may have completely different chemical and physical properties, and each product may have a different function and purpose. The method includes providing at least two compounds, arranged in separate storage bins each having a pump and a hose attached thereto; rotating a container, for receiving a resulting product formed by the at least two compounds, into position relative to a support and alignment funnel; pumping the at least two compounds through the respective hoses into a nozzle assembly having at least two nozzles for filling the container; and combining predetermined amounts of each of the at least two compounds for creating the resulting product housed in a single container, wherein the resulting product has the at least two compounds formed in a spiral configuration.

Abstract: An aircraft refuelling cart includes a chassis (10) having ground-engaging wheels (11, 12) and a refuelling platform (20) upon which an aircraft refuelling operator can stand. The platform (20) is mounted to the chassis (10) by a scissor-action mechanism (22) which is typically activated by hydraulic means. An extendable hydrant hose (14) has a coupler (15) for connection to an airport fuel hydrant. A fuel conveying boom (24) conveys fuel from the hydrant hose to one or more fuel hoses (26) at the platform (20). The fuel hoses (26) convey fuel to the aircraft. The fuel cart can remain on the apron at a particular aircraft bay and is readily movable from one side of the aircraft to the other and is capable of servicing the full range of aircraft which may use the bay at which it is stationed. This is achieved by way of the variable height adjustability of the platform (20).

Abstract: Substrate beads for combinatorial synthesis are selected individually from a mixture by suspending the mixture in an electrically conductive liquid, in a bead selection vessel, causing the liquid to flow at a controlled rate through an aperture in the side wall of a pipette extending through the vessel, and detecting the passage of a bead through the aperture by monitoring an electrical resistance across the aperture. In an alternative embodiment, beads are passed through a tube into a collection passage in which a continuous laminar flow takes place. Detection takes place at the tip of the tube, and, in response to the detection of a bead, the flow through the collection passage is diverted to cause the bead to be deposited. In both cases, the selected bead is deposited into a well of a plate having rows and columns of wells in a rectangular array, while a vacuum is drawn through a filter in the bottom of the well.

Abstract: A refuelling system for use with an aircraft, and a related a hand-held control apparatus for use in an aircraft refuelling system. The hand-held control apparatus for use in the aircraft refuelling system is intended for use in refuelling systems in which fuel is delivered to an aircraft from a location remote from the aircraft via a refuelling nozzle at an end of a hose, which is wound upon a hose reel at the remote location. The hand-held control apparatus, includes a control trigger for transmitting of an activation signal for activating a refuelling process, so that fuel is delivered from the refuelling nozzle at the end of the hose to the aircraft, along with a device for transmitting a fault signal for shutting down fuel delivery. Additionally, included is device for changing the control trigger from transmitting the activation signal to a hose reel re-wind mode, so that activating the control trigger causes a signal to be transmitted for effecting a re-wind of the hose reel.

Abstract: A system for conveying particulates which includes a trough adapted for receiving and holding the particulates being conveyed and a fluid operated, piston and cylinder mechanism for oscillating the trough. The mechanism allowing oscillation by first increasing rate and or fluid pressure to the cylinder, the piston being connected to the trough so that the fluid delivered to the piston at the gradually increasing rate drives the piston to a desired speed. A stop is also provided rapidly decelerating the trough, so that particulates carried in the trough may be accelerated to a desired speed by the piston and then rapidly decelerated with the stop, so that the momentum gained by the particulates received in the trough as the trough is accelerated allows the particulates to move relative to the trough when the trough is rapidly decelerated.

Abstract: A service system is arranged for at least one docking position for a craft, which requires the supply of various utilities and the discharge of waste. The system comprises a plurality of service boxes (3) lowered into the ground in the docking position. The service boxes each comprise a casing (9) and a cover (10) forming the top of the service box. The service boxes each accommodate a connecting device (22-26) for connecting an underground supply or discharge conduit (5) opening into the service box and connected to a utility source and a waste receiver, respectively, to a corresponding inlet and outlet, respectively, of the craft. At least one of the service boxes (3) comprises a cassette (15) accommodated in the casing (9), said cassette being liftable up from said casing when the cover (10) is removed, the connecting device (22-26) of the service box and the associated equipment, if any, being mounted in the cassette.

Abstract: An apparatus attached to a fuel hose and deployed rearwardly of a tanker craft, the apparatus for inflight refueling of an aircraft and includes a fuel valve for controlling the flow of fuel through the valve, a coupler attached to the fuel valve for receiving and locking onto the probe of a receiving aircraft and for conveying fuel through the coupler and to the probe of the receiving aircraft, and a plurality of struts attached to the coupler, the struts configured and arranged to compress inwardly when acted upon by sufficient compressive forces and to expand outwardly against aerodynamic forces when located in the airstream, the struts forming a bell shaped target for guiding the probe of the receiving aircraft into the coupler.

Abstract: A system 10 fluidly connects a bulkhead B to a portable transport using a flexible fill line or liquid hose LH. The system includes a coupling 12 for separating the liquid hose LH from the bulkhead B during an inadvertent pull-away. An arm 24 is pivotally supported by the bulkhead B, and a support plate 36 is supported at the upper end of the arm 24. A release disk 50 is normally supported by the plate 36, and in turn supports a saddle 42 for supporting the liquid hose LH. Three circumferentially spaced pins 38 function as retaining members to support a release disk 50 on the plate 36. The components thus function to prevent the discharge end of the hose from dropping onto the ground. During a pull-away, at least one of the coil springs 64 associated with each release pin is compressed, thereby releasing the disk 50 and allowing both the saddle 42 and the liquid hose LH to become disconnected from the arm 24.

Abstract: A system for offshore production of hydrocarbons via a vessel arranged for quick connection to and disconnection from a submerged body. The system comprises an outer buoyancy member for introduction and releasable securing in a submerged downwardly open receiving space in the vessel, and a center member which is rotatably mounted in the outer member and is anchored to the sea bed and is connected to at least one riser extending between a production well and the vessel. A swivel device is arranged at the upper end of the buoy for interconnection and transfer of process fluid between the risers and a tube system on the vessel. The swivel device comprises an outer female member permanently fastened to the center member of the buoy with its opening coaxial with the center member, and an inner male member which may be lowered into and raised from the female member via an operator on the vessel.

Abstract: A container or hopper with a flexible weigh container as an inner member, in which the weigh container is supported through at least one weigh cell on a frame. In order to weigh-in a material to be proportioned, a throttling device is provided at the bottom end of the weigh container. To avoid complicated distributing arrangements and assure precise dosing, the flexible weigh container extends further downwardly like a hose through the throttling device and its bottom is attached to a movable spout which in turn is displaceable in such a manner that the flexible, hose-like extension of the weigh container is carried along with it so as to selectively discharge through different outlets of the container or hopper.

Abstract: A fixed installation is placed close to at least one aircraft parking area. The installation includes a pipe connected to the system. Said pipe is routed into a fixed base erected on the ground and then into an articulated structure. Its extremity for connection to the aircraft is mounted on a pod vertically mobile at the extremity of the articulated structure. The chassis rests on the ground by means of orientable driving wheels whose drive controls the deployment and folding of the structure. When deployed, this structure forms a bridge permitting the passage of vehicles.

Abstract: A system which precisely arrays small objects into a plurality of containers which comprises a vessel containing the objects in a fluid suspension; a tube, the proximal end of which is positioned substantially at the bottom of the vessel and the distal end of which is connected to a member which directs gravitationally-formed fluid drops from the distal end downward into a container positioned below said distal end; a small-objects detector, for detecting the objects in the fluid in the tube, disposed near the distal end; a drop detector connected to the member below the distal end; a device for controlling flow of the suspension through the tube by pressurizing the vessel; or device for discriminating between those signals from the small-objects detector caused by the small objects and those signals caused by other events, i.e.

Abstract: A powder molding machine capable of providing a uniform density of molding powders filled in a molding cavity of a die for improving the strength of molded products includes a die, upper and lower punches and a feeder, and is further provided with a feeder driving unit, which reciprocates a feed shoe between an advanced position at which molding powder is supplied to the die and a retracted position at which no interference occurs during a pressing operation by the punches. The feed driving unit includes a mechanism for enabling the feeder shoe to pass over the die and also to be swung in left and right directions while retracting and while still over the die.

Abstract: A refuelling system is provided, the system comprising: a plurality of vertically telescoping elements, the telescoping elements containing a constant length of flexible conduit for transfer of fuel; at least one vertically movable pulley to maintain a constant length of flexible hose within the telescoping elements; an overhead gantry capable of moving the vertically telescoping elements in two horizontal essentially perpendicular axes; and a rotating lower portion of the telescoping elements capable of rotating about an essentially vertical axis and supporting a fuel nozzle. The refuelling system of the present invention does not result in significant segments of unsupported lengths of conduits for fuel, compressed air, vapor recovery, electrical power or control or sensor signals. It is relatively simple and utilizes readily available components and parts, and does not required significant machining of components. This results in an installation that is economical to install and operate.

Abstract: A retractable, concealable peripheric gas station for refuelling in particular military vehicles, which is connected to a main station supplying it both with fuel and hydraulic fluid and has an outer metal tank (10) closed by an upper cover (11) hinged thereto, a metal frame (14) hinged under the cover so as to pivot between a lowered rest position and a raised operating position, a take-up reel (15) for a hose supplying fuel, and a hydraulic assembly (24) operating between the frame and the tank under control of the oleodynamic main station which causes the frame to pivot between the lowered and raised positions.

Abstract: A device for automatic filling of a mobile container (4) with a material stream (13) from a harvester (1) moving alongside a discharge knee/discharge pipe which is controllably pivotable around a vertical and/or horizontal axis, with a pivotable discharge flap (5) at the end from the harvester (1) to the container (4). At least one optical and/or acoustic range finder (6) for measuring the container (4) and measuring fill levels is disposed on the discharge knee/discharge pipe (3). The range finder (6), either together with the discharge knee/discharge pipe (3) or independently thereof, can be pivoted horizontally and/or vertically.

Abstract: A dispenser refilling system includes a bulk container for refilling a cartridge of a dispenser, so that the cartridge need not be disposed of after a single use. The system preferably includes one or more fill tubes that are movable by lever operation for extension into the chamber of the cartridge when desired. Each fill tube couples to a piston in the cartridge and directs the component to be replenished in the cartridge chamber through a port in the piston. In certain embodiments, the system includes two bulk containers and a dual chamber dispensing cartridge, and structure is provided to prevent inadvertently reversing the position of the cartridge and for insuring placement of the containers in proper receptacles.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the automatic quantitative filling of powdered or granulated samples for analytic measurement purposes as well as a shaking and holding device for sample substances utilized therefor with which precisely admeasured amounts of the sample substance can be filled into a measuring vessel. The shaking device permits the sample substance to be filled in a continuous, slow and defined flowing stream. The shaking and holding of the sample vessel transpires preferentially pneumatically.

Abstract: In order to carry out the refuelling of an aircraft, use is made of an installation associated with the loading bridge used for the transfer of passengers between the air terminal and the aircraft. The installation includes a retractable extension mechanism supported by the loading bridge and a deformable hose permanently connecting a pressure intake of a fuel distribution network to a coupling carried by the extension mechanism. The installation is controlled by the energy available on the loading bridge from a console. It can be partly or totally automated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suspension device for an oil conveying pipe or hose for loading or unloading of a vessel. The device is cardanic, and during unloading the oil is conducted towards the cardan center from one or both sides along a horizontal axis (A--A) through one or more pipe swivels (24) and possibly also bearings (10,10'). Thereafter, the oil flow is diverted and is conducted back towards the cardan center along the second cardan axis (B--B). After having passed the next pipe swivel (5) the oil flow is diverted to the third cardan axis (C--C), and in order to relieve this pipe swivel (5) bearings (3,3',4,6) may be arranged coaxially with the pipe swivel (5). The pipe bend (2) is in this case suspended in brackets (3,3') attached to a cylindrical load cell (4), which in turn pivots in a beam structure (6,8,8') which is an integral part of the pipe structure (9, 14, 13, 9'14',13') and which pivots about the first cardan axis (A-- A). The load cell (4) is able to register the hose tension.

Abstract: The apparatus for the automated fueling of a launch vehicle includes a mobile fuel line platform assembly for carrying a fuel line assembly. A gross mechanical actuation mechanism provides gross positioning of the platform assembly relative to a fuel tank inlet. A micro-positioning mechanism provides micro-positioning of the fuel line assembly relative to the fuel tank inlet. A floating plate assembly securely connects the fuel line assembly to the fuel tank inlet. Leak detector detects any leaks in the connection between the fuel line assembly and the fuel tank. The present invention augments existing space program hardware thereby removing human involvement and increasing vehicle/environment safety.

Abstract: A transfer system for flowable solids or particulates is described. The transfer system includes an air seal assembly having an upstream side and a downstream side. The air seal assembly is constructed such that an air pressure differential can be maintained between the opposite sides thereof, but particulate material can be transferred through the air seal assembly. The transferring system includes an arrangement for transporting flowable solid material to the upstream side of the air seal assembly, the transfer taking place within a moving airstream at a pressure of less than ambient. Also, the system includes an arrangement for transporting the flowable solid material from the downstream side of the air seal assembly, preferably under gravity influence and ambient pressure. The transfer system includes an articulated arm arrangement on which the air seal assembly is mounted, for convenience.

Abstract: A movable frame member is so mounted on a stationary frame member as to be movable reciprocatingly. A plurality of developing mechanisms are provided on the movable frame member to perform developing in different colors. The same number of toner containers as the number of developing mechanisms are arranged in a fixed manner, and toner feeders for feeding toner into the corresponding developing mechanisms are provided.Each of the toner feders includes a toner conveying device for conveying toner to an upper end portion of a cylindrical member, and a toner dropping passage means for feeding toner conveyed to the upper end portion of the cylindrical member to the developing mechanism. The toner dropping, passage includes an expansion/contraction device so disposed as to extend along the moving direction of the developing mechanism.

Abstract: A hydrant refueler is provided for refueling an aircraft. The hydrant refueler is suitable for use in an airport having a hydrant for supplying fuel. The hydrant refueler includes a hydrant cart and a self propelled land vehicle. The hydrant cart includes a fuel hose for coupling to the hydrant, and a delivery fuel hose for coupling to a fuel intake valve of the aircraft. The land vehicle includes a platform for supporting a refueling operator during transportation and during refueling. The platform may be raised and lowered. The platform has controls for operating the land vehicle, and for raising and lowering the platform. The hydrant cart may be attached to the land vehicle for transporting and controlling the hydrant cart. During operation, one end of the delivery fuel hose is raised with the platform to a height for coupling with the aircraft fuel intake valve for conducting fuel to the airplane. The land vehicle and hydrant cart are detached from one another for maintenance and repair.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for in-flight refueling of unmanned aircraft includes a manned tanker aircraft having a refueling probe mounted thereon. The probe is extendable for increased visual reference. A drogue mounted on the distal end of a flexible refueling hose is trailed from the unmanned aircraft. The refueling hose is stored on a reel assembly mounted on the fuel tank of unmanned aircarft. The reel assembly is remotely actuated from the manned tanker to pay out the refueling hose. A homing system transmits signals from the manned aircraft guiding the drogue to the probe. Upon insertion of the probe into the drogue, automatic coupling occurs and the unmanned aircraft is refueled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuelling system comprising a fuelling arm composed of several pipe elements, which each are connected with one another through a joint having one degree of freedom, and which is connected to a supply line. The supply line is arranged inside a vertically opening enclosed space. The fuelling arm is liftable and lowerable to ground level by means of a lifting and lowering device. In order to assure a fuelling radius which is as large as possible, and on the other hand in order to be able to completely move the fuelling system during nonuse to an out of the way location, the lifting and lowering device includes a plate liftable to a position flush with respect to the ground, on which plate is supported a first joint pivotal about a vertical axis. The respective adjoining pipe elements are horizontally arranged, are angled at their ends and are each connected with one another by means of at least one vertical joint.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for the remote positioning of an elbow coupling from a main installation situated above the distant installation. The device or frame supports the coupling and is held at the level of a suspension member by means of a support element such as a cable for being possibly immobilized on the distant installation. The suspension member allows movements of the frame in a horizontal plane with respect to the end of the cable. The support member may move along three axes orthogonal to each other by means of jacks and in rotation about a vertical axis. These two members allow the frame and the elbow coupling to be positioned as well as the end of the coupling to be connected to a first line connected to the distant installation. The frame may include a clamp for connecting a second end of the coupling to the end of a second flexible line.

Abstract: A device for filling a container with a highly viscous fluid substance comprises a tank for receiving the fluid substance of high viscosity; a communicating tube provided with a mechanism for discharging the substance in a constant flow rate and in communication with the tank; a filling nozzle connected to the discharging side of the communication tube and disposed so that a downward oriented discharge outlet thereof is positioned just above a path of a conveyor for transporting containers; an arm having an upper portion and a lower portion and to which the filling nozzle provided with a spool is mounted on the lower portion thereof; a horizontal axle supporting the arm in a freely rotatable and reversible manner at the upper portion thereof; and a mechanism for vibrating the arm on the horizontal axle serving as the vibration center.

Abstract: The invention relates to equipment for the transfer for fluids, much as oil or gas, e.g. from a platform or buoy located by attachments to the sea bed, but otherwise with complete freedom of movement, due to the action of wind and wave, to a vessel with similarly complete freedom of movement. The equipment includes systems for automatically acquiring a target (10) to which is attached a tage line (11) and a transfer hose line (9), and for automatically transporting that target (10) accurately to a winching system (16) mounted on the said ship. The transfer hose line can be reeled in by the winching system (16) and the fluid transfer hose thus connected automatically to the ship-mounted receiving system. The equipment includes a self-sealing fluid coupling through which fluid flow can take place, and a hose having sufficient length to accommodate the stand-off of the vessel from the platform or buoy.

Abstract: A flat tire inflation device for emergencies is provided which includes a flexible hose a supply chuck that is temporarily securable to a inflated tire by means of a spring loaded retaining clip and having a pressure gauge on the inflation chuck at the other end of the tube. An extension projects from the inflation chuck for connecting the inflation chuck to recessed valve stems.

Abstract: Beverage preparing and dispensing apparatus, in which powdered ingredients are pre-placed on the bottom of a drinking vessel (14). The feed conduit (32,34) through which liquid is dispensed is caused to move as the liquid is dispensed, so as to agitate the ingredient and facilitate their dissolution and/or suspension in the liquid. Thus, a moving jet of liquid (68,69') is caused to sweep over the bottom of the drinking vessel in a substantially circular path, without leaving dead zones in which the ingredients are unaffected by the jet and thus might remain undissolved on the bottom of the vessel.

Abstract: An improved hose structure is provided for passing fluid across a pivot joint, that permits a transfer structure to pivot about two horizontal axes with respect to a vessel or the like at the sea surface. A middle conduit has a lower end connected to a pipe on the transfer structure and an upper end connected to a pipe on the vessel. The middle conduit can pivot, either by being flexible to bend along its length, or by being rigid but with flexible joints at its opposite ends. The pipe on the vessel can move up and down and is biased upwardly. When the transfer structure tilts, to raise or lower the lower end of the hose, the upper end can also rise or fall.

Abstract: An improved hose structure is provided for passing fluid across a universal joint, that permits a transfer structure to pivot about two horizontal axes with respect to a vessel or the like at the sea surface. A hose or other flexible conduit has a lower end connected to a pipe on the transfer structure and an upper end connected to a pipe on the vessel which can move up and down and which is biased upwardly. When the transfer structure tilts, to raise or lower the lower end of the hose, the upper end can also rise or fall to minimize bending of the hose, so that a substantially straight hose can be used.

Abstract: An offshore oil storage and transfer facility is provided to receive and store crude oil from one or several sea floor located production wells. The storage facility includes an ellipsoid dome having an outer wall and an inner wall. The inner wall, which defines the closed chamber to receive and store crude oil, is spaced inwardly from the outer wall so as to create a closed pocket therebetween. At or near its top, the chamber communicates with the pocket whereas the pocket, near the bottom of the dome, communicates with the sea. When the storage facility is submerged and positioned, water in the pocket is forced therefrom with compressed air at a pressure substantially equal to the water pressure head existing at the sea floor. The compressed air in the pocket defines a moving bubble. As a result of this moving air bubble, the crude oil is stored in the chamber under pressure and may be unloaded via a suitable conduit to a surface vessel without using submerged pumps.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering viscous fluid such as asphalt, which utilizes an elongated insulated buoyant housing with an elongated heating element disposed therein. The heating element extends through the elongated housing and out at an open end thereof to heat the viscous fluid. A pump located at a second end of the elongated housing is utilized to draw the heated viscous fluid through the housing. The insulated nature of the housing concentrates the output of the heating element into the fluid within the housing and prevents heat loss.

Abstract: A fueling system includes a hydrant coupling and a filler-neck coupling which can respectively be connected to a supply line and a tank which is to be refueled or emptied without the need of using hoses. The filler-neck coupling can have any desired orientation in space without handling difficulties, and the fueling system has nominal diameters of 4" or more and thus permits quick fueling. The system includes a center and two outer pipe sections connected by two pairs of swivel joints. The center pipe section is carried at its ends by carriages and has bent ends which each have thereon a respective swivel joint of each pair, the swivel joints of each pair having perpendicular axes. The outer pipe sections are also carried by carriages and each have at the outer end thereof an end swivel joint with an axis perpendicular to the associated outer pipe section. One of the end swivel joints is connected to a hydrant coupling arrangement and the other to a head piece which includes the filler-neck coupling.

Abstract: A device for dispensing separate supplies of fluids has a circular array of valves which are moved selectively to position a selected one of the valves at the central axis of the array, the selected valve then being actuated to dispense a metered quantity of the fluid supplied to that valve, subsequent to which the selected valve is returned to its position in the circular array.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is an apparatus for moving dispensing pistons (5) and filling tubes (18) in the charging of containers, it being necessary on the one hand during the dispensing and depending on the filling product, to vary the rate and on the other hand to suit the travel rate of the filling tube to the rising filling level. This is achieved substantially by the fact that the dispensing piston (5) and the filling tube (18) are operated in each case with the assistance of screwed spindles (7 and 11), the drive being provided through infinitely variable electric motors (10, 12). Programmes can very readily be set for the individual movements, the drive being controlled for this purpose and the spindles (7, 11) being particularly suitable for the transmission of the movement.

Abstract: A single point mooring apparatus for tanker loading and discharging is disclosed having a submerged base and a submerged rigid yoke connected directly to the base by a triaxial articulation joint for allowing the yoke to move while connected to a vessel in yaw, pitch and roll with respect to the submerged mooring base. The submerged yoke is connected to the vessel with weighted pendants on port and starboard sides of the bow of the vessel, providing a resilient position restoring force to the vessel as the vessel moves in response to wind, wave and currents.

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 provides an improved structure for aerating potable liquids used in the preparation of drinks. The structure includes a movable part which provides access for a container; a pneumatic seal arrangement engageable with the container, a traveller arranged to allow the movable part to move vertically; and a control system for supplying compressed carbon dioxide to the seal and to the liquid in the container.

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: A system for eluting a daughter radioisotope from a parent radioisotope and containerizing the resultant eluate in an evacuated container having a rubber stopper, providing for delivery of eluant from a reservoir through a charge of the parent radioisotope in a generator and thence to a tubular needle adapted to be pierced through the stopper of the evacuated container for suctioning the eluant from the sealed eluant supply into the generator and for suctioning the resultant eluate into the container. The needle is at the lower end of a valve body having a valve plug rotatable therein between a closed and open position. The plug is adapted to be pushed down to push the valve body down to cause the needle to pierce the stopper, after which the plug is rotated to open position, in which it effects venting of the eluant reservoir to atmosphere, delivery of eluant from the reservoir to the generator, and delivery of eluate from the generator to the needle.

Abstract: A method of delivering oil from an off-shore well to the shore is provided which comprises the steps of (a) supplying oil from the well to a floating storage vessel stationed close to the well; and (b) transferring oil by means of a flexible pipeline from the floating storage vessel to a service tanker which plies between the shore and the floating storage vessel. An oil storage vessel is also provided which has (a) a flexible hose for delivery of oil, one end of said hose being adapted for connection to the oil storage capacity of the vessel; and (b) a support system over which a hose selected from said flexible hose and a further hose connected to said flexible hose may be carried so as to extend from the stern of the oil storage vessel towards another vessel. Apparatus for and methods of mooring such a vessel are also provided.

Abstract: An adjustable spray rack comprises a winch driven movable carriage mounted on a fixed support post, the carriage having a spray head provided with a pair of downwardly directed spray nozzles separated by a predetermined critical distance, the spray nozzles permitting spray into a load, such as can be carried in an open top truck. Spray of the load, such as rock salt, or the like, can be achieved by the truck load or bucket load, with control of the vertical distance of the spray heads over the load permitting increase or decrease of the pattern of spray in order to accommodate varying sizes of truck boxes.

Abstract: A mast for use on a gasoline pump or pedestal wherein one end of a fuel dispensing coaxial hose is supported by the mast while the other end of the coaxial hose has a nozzle connected thereto. The nozzle has a boot which collects the vapors for conveyance back to the coaxial hose while the nozzle dispenses the gasoline. The mast supports the coaxial hoses in a vertical attitude and permit the pivoting of the hoses about a vertical axis which prevents twisting or kinking of the coaxial hoses since it rotates inside of the mast and has means for assuring continuous passage of the vapors and the liquid fuel without interruption during manipulation of the fuel dispensing coaxial hose and nozzle.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting a fluid cargo transfer hose to a marine tanker manifold, comprising a flow control valve and a flanged spool on the end of the hose, and a pipe coupler-valve operator assembly on the tanker manifold. In one embodiment of the invention the pipe coupler-valve operator assembly is mounted on an articulated pipe assembly and supported by a guide structure that facilitates moving the coupler into and out of contact with the spool flange on the end of the hose, and moving the valve operator into and out of engagement with the valve stem, during coupling and uncoupling operations. In another embodiment of the invention the pipe coupler-valve operator assembly is mounted in a fixed position on the tanker manifold, and the flow control valve and flanged spool are brought into coupling position by means of a winch and a guide assembly mounted on the tanker deck.

Abstract: An improvement in a fluid delivery apparatus which comprises a fluid input tube communicating via a flow through swivel joint with a fluid output tube which extends orthogonally of the input tube. The improvement comprises a pair of spaced apart bearings, each comprising an inner cylindrical bearing structure and an outer cylindrical structure. The outer cylindrical bearing structures are supported by the output tube and the inner cylindrical bearing structures are supported by the input tube. The bearings serve for taking up substantially the entire radial load created by the weight of the output tube thus protecting the swivel joint from such radial load.

Abstract: A bottling machine wherein a nozzle holder having a plurality of charging nozzles is installed in rotatable and vertically movable fashion above a round table devised to hold a plurality of bottles on the periphery thereof and be capable of rotating intermittently, a member for elevating said nozzle holder and a member for biasing it to rotate opposite to the direction of rotation of said round table are provided, and said nozzle holder and round table are equipped with an engagement member so that they should be engaged with or disengaged from each other when the holder descends or ascends, whereby when the nozzle holder descends and rotates together with the table, the charging of the bottles is performed by means of the nozzles, and upon completion of the charging, the foregoing working member elevates the nozzle holder.