Abstract: A nurse vehicle carries a supply of liquid chemicals or fertilizer for being applied by a sprayer vehicle. A fluid transfer conduit of the nurse vehicle has an end defined by a receptacle that is selectively connected to a complementary dimensioned insert defining an end of a fluid intake conduit of the sprayer vehicle. The receptacle and insert define a coupler assembly that includes an inflatable seal that surrounds the insert and locks the insert and receptacle together when inflated. Flow through the coupler assembly is controlled by first and second poppet valves, which are normally closed preventing flow through valve bodies of the receptacle and insert. Selective inflation of the seal and opening and closing of the poppet valves is automatically controlled in accordance with sequencing logic of an electronic controller so the seal is inflated before the valves are opened and remains inflated until the valves are closed.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon transfer system includes a first structure with a length direction and a transverse direction having a frame carrying a vertical arm with at its end a fluid connecting member for connecting to a second structure which is moored alongside the first structure. The connecting member includes a winch and first guiding elements for engaging with second guiding elements on the second structure by connecting a wire to the winch on one end an to the second structure on the other end, and a tension device for moving the vertical arm away from the second structure for tensioning the wire.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon transfer system comprising a first structure with a length direction and a transverse direction having a frame carrying a fluid transfer duct with at its end a fluid connecting member for connecting to a second structure which is moored alongside the first structure and wherein the fluid transfer duct is placed on a movable frame part which is displaceable in the transverse direction.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for filling reusable containers employing a plurality of moveable spigots located in a planar rectangular arrangement inside two frames positioned to move back and forth on X and Y axes to position a selected spigot over the open top of a reusable container.

Abstract: A chemical loading system is used for loading a molten chemical into a tanker. The chemical loading system includes a source supplying a molten chemical and a tanker for receiving the molten chemical. The chemical loading system has a stationary feed line supplying a chemical from the source. An extendable loader has a feed passage that is in fluid communication with the feed line. The extendable loader has a retracted position and an extended position relative to the feed line. The feed passage is adapted to have at least a portion thereof inside the tanker when in the extendable loader is in the extended position. A hoist assembly selectively extends and retracts the extendable loader assembly between the retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: Tanker loading assembly includes a first on-board hose arrangement with first coupling portion and a second submerged buoyant hose arrangement provided with second coupling portion for cooperation with the first coupling portion for obtaining a fluid-tight connection between the first and second hose arrangements. The first coupling portion is positioned in an internal vertical passage of the tanker, wherein a lifting device is provided for engaging the second coupling portion and lifting it towards the position for engaging the first coupling portion.

Abstract: A system for offloading a fluid from an offshore structure comprises an annular conduit support structure disposed about the offshore structure. The support structure is fixably coupled to the offshore structure. In addition, the system comprises an annular reel disposed about the offshore structure and rotatably coupled to the support structure. The reel includes a conduit fairlead configured to move relative to the support structure. Further, the system comprises a flexible conduit having a fluid inlet end and a fluid outlet end. The flexible conduit includes a first portion wrapped around the conduit support structure and a second portion extending from the conduit support structure through the fairlead.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for conveying concrete for the construction of multi-storey concrete buildings. The arrangement comprises a concrete-distributing mast which is height-adjustable on completed parts of the building, for example on storey floors (48?, 48?, 48??), the mast comprising a supporting column (10), a rotary unit (12) and an arm assembly (14) preferably designed as an articulated boom, and the mast being equipped with a conveying line (16) which is guided over the height of the supporting column (10) to the arm assembly (14) and which is supplied with liquid concrete.

Abstract: A device for dynamically positioning a ship, assisting in offload of a processed hydrocarbon fluid, and assisting in return of hydrocarbon vapors is disclosed herein. The device can be a soft yoke that is pivotable and collapsible with at least two telescoping mooring arms having a boom and jib in a nested arrangement to safely hold floating stations to transport vessels. The boom and the jib can form a gangway to move personal and loads.

Abstract: A floating natural gas processing station for receiving dry gas and forming liquefied natural gas for offloading is disclosed herein. The station can use a station heat exchanger, a natural gas liquefaction train, and an offloading device having a primary quick connect/disconnect device, a secondary emergency disconnect device, and a tertiary emergency disconnect device to allow quick connect/disconnect or emergency disconnect of the floating natural gas processing station from a transport vessel. At least two telescoping mooring arms with a boom and a jib in a nested arrangement can hold the transport vessel at a nominal distance from the floating natural gas processing station, while forming a gangway to safely move personnel and loads between the floating natural gas processing station and the transport vessel.

Abstract: A station and transport system for receiving, storing, and transporting liquefied natural gas is disclosed herein. The system can include a transport vessel, a floating liquefied natural gas processing station with a heat exchanger for receiving the dry gas from a pretreatment source and forming liquefied natural gas using a natural gas liquefaction train, a primary quick connect/disconnect device, a secondary emergency disconnect device, and a tertiary emergency disconnect device mounted to a station hull to allow quick connect/disconnect or emergency disconnect of the floating natural gas processing station from the transport vessel. The system can include a soft yoke with at least two telescoping soft yoke mooring arms, a boom, and a jib that form a gangway to safely hold the floating station to the transport vessel and to move personal and loads.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing nozzle includes a removable valve subassembly that controls the flow of fluid and the recovery of fluid vapor through the body of the nozzle. The subassembly may be pre-assembled and installed within a nozzle body as a single unit. The nozzle may include a vacuum-driven automatic shut-off system which prevents fluid from flowing through the nozzle when the downstream end of the nozzle spout is submerged. The shutoff system may also be magnetically actuated to allow for dry testing in which the automatic shut-off functionality is testing without dispensation of fluid.

Abstract: A chemical mixing apparatus has a mixing tank having an inlet and an outlet, means for introducing a liquid into the mixing tank, and a tubular conveyor assembly having a first end and a second end. The second end of the conveyor assembly is sealably connected to the inlet of the mixing tank. A portable hopper having a sealable inlet and a sealable discharge conduit is detachably and sealably connected to the first end of the conveyor assembly such that a solid chemical contained in the chemical storage chamber of the portable hopper may be transported within the portable hopper from a remote location and conveyed from the portable hopper to the mixing tank without exposing the area surrounding the mixing tank to the solid chemical.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrocarbon exploration system, comprising a first vessel (1) having a turret (3) around which the vessel can weathervane, the turret being moored to the sea bed (4), and a second vessel (7) connected with at least one riser (12) to a subsea well (5), the first vessel (1) being connected to the second vessel via a fluid transfer duct (20) comprising a first end section (23) attached to the turret of the first vessel (1), a substantially horizontal mid section (24), and a second end section (22) attached at or near the second vessel (7), the second vessel (7) weighing between 2,000 and 15,000 ton its base being attached to the sea bed via taut tendons (9), the weight exerted by the fluid transfer duct (20) on the second vessel being below 1,000 ton, a power generator being situated on the first vessel (1), power being transferred from the power generator via an electrical swivel on the first vessel.

Abstract: A system and method for quickly refilling a pressurized irritant dispenser is disclosed. In the system and method, either the dispensing nozzle or the connection between the dispensing nozzle and the valve assembly is replaced with a quick connect fitting. The quick connect fitting allows for both the quick refill of irritant and the quick attachment (and detachment) of various accessories to the pressurized irritant dispenser.

Abstract: Assembly for loading and unloading products, comprising a balanced loading and unloading arm installed at a first location and having a compass-style duct system mounted by one of its ends on a base and provided at the other of its ends with a connection system suitable for connecting the compass-style duct system to a coupling means installed at the second location, this assembly comprising, in addition, a cable joined on the one hand to means integral with the base and suitable for subjecting this cable to a constant tension and suitable for being joined, on the other hand, to the second location, the assembly also comprising guiding means capable of co-operating with the cable so as to guide the connection system along a trajectory materialized by the said cable until the connection system is brought into a position of connection to the coupling means.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic concrete pump with an articulated mast (14) serving as a support for a supply line and with two forward and two backward support extensions (16?,16?,18?,18?) which can be supported on a base platform (32) and which can be lowered from a driving position into a support position, each with a telescopic support leg (30). According to the invention, each support extension comprises one inner support position near to the chassis, and at least one outer support position away from the chassis, which can be freely selected by forming defined support configurations (V,SL,SR,YL,YR,N) for the four support extensions.

Abstract: A hydrogen tank filling station includes a high-pressure hydrogen storage tank, a hydrogen supply nozzle for filling a hydrogen tank mounted on a vehicle with hydrogen from the high-pressure hydrogen storage tank, a hydrogen supply pipe, a holder stand for holding the hydrogen supply nozzle, a limit switch for detecting whether the hydrogen supply nozzle is held on the holder stand or not, a cooling system for cooling the hydrogen tank, and a valve controller for controlling a cooling operation performed by the cooling system on the hydrogen tank.

Abstract: The current invention includes to systems and methods of transferring cryogenic fluids between two locations. More particularly, some embodiments of the invention are related to systems and methods of using cryogenic risers and rotatable connections for transferring cryogenic fluids, including liquefied natural gas, from an ocean going vessel to a second location. One embodiment of the invention includes a system for transporting a cryogenic fluid between a floating vessel and a second location. The system including a cryogenic riser, a submersible turret connector. The being riser adapted to allow the vertical position of the first end of the riser to be changed, the second end of the first riser located in a body of water and in fluid communication with the second location. The submersible turret connector connected to the first end of the first riser.

Abstract: An automated filling system to conduct a filling operation in which a bulk liquid transport vehicle is filled with a bulk liquid and quality assurance tests are performed by a gas analyzer. A programmable logic controller, employed to control the filling operation, is responsive to pressure within a fill line connected to the vehicle and is programmed to determine that there exists sufficient pressure within the vehicle to conduct an initial quality assurance test and that the fill line is properly connected to the fill line, without breaks in its flow integrity. The programmable logic controller also initiates and controls a pressurization process if there is not sufficient pressure to conduct the initial quality assurance test.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mooring system with a first vessel for containing hydrocarbons having at its bow and/or stern a transverse arm and a fluid transfer mechanism of a duct connected to a tank on the first vessel and a coupling end for connecting to a second vessel. The second vessel is moored alongside the first vessel and is attached via at least one cable, extending from its bow in the length direction of the vessel, to a mooring end of the arm. The mooring end of the arm is situated at or near a longitudinal centerline of the second vessel. The arm, during use, is in a fixed position and a pulling force element is attached to the cable for applying a pulling force on the cable upon relative movement of the second vessel with respect to the arm. The force element allows a predetermined maximum displacement of the second vessel.

Abstract: A boom section includes a first, a second, a third, and a fourth fiber reinforced thermoset composite material layer and a flex core layer. The first fiber reinforced thermoset composite material layer has glass fibers in a vinyl ester matrix. The second fiber reinforced thermoset composite material layer is disposed over the first composite material layer and has carbon fibers in an epoxy matrix. The flex core layer is disposed over the second composite material layer. The third fiber reinforced thermoset composite material layer is disposed over the flex core layer and has aramid fibers in a vinyl ester matrix. The fourth fiber reinforced thermoset composite material layer is disposed over the third composite material layer and has glass fibers in a vinyl ester matrix.

Abstract: A method for loading LNG on a floating vessel through a conduit having the inlet, an outlet and an intermediate port located between the inlet and the outlet. The method includes the step of pumping a reduced flow of LNG into the inlet and the step of pumping a reduced flow of LNG into the intermediate port so that different sections of the conduit can be cooled simultaneously. When the conduit has cooled to a temperature suitable for transferring LNG, the method further includes pumping an increased flow of the LNG into the inlet of the conduit. The LNG can then be directed from the outlet to a storage tank onboard a floating vessel.

Abstract: A method for transferring a cryogenic fluid from a floating vessel. The cryogenic fluids to be transferred can include liquefied hydrocarbon gases such as LNG. The method includes the steps of pumping a reduced flow of a cryogenic fluid into a first end and/or a second end of a conduit to begin pre-cooling the conduit. Pre-cooling also includes pumping a reduced flow of the cryogenic fluid into the conduit at a point intermediate the first end and the second end so that different sections of the conduit are cooled simultaneously. When the conduit has cooled to a temperature suitable for transferring the cryogenic fluid, an increased flow of the cryogenic fluid is pumped into the first end of the conduit to transfer the cryogenic fluid from the floating vessel. The cryogenic fluid can then be directed from the second end of the conduit to a storage tank on shore or onboard a second floating vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile concrete pump provided with a chassis, a concrete distribution boom arranged on the chassis, and a boom support unit whereon the folded distribution boom can be supported in the transport position. According to the invention, the boom support unit comprises a housing part which extends above the chassis, is accessible from the outside via closeable openings and comprises at least one support block for the distribution boom which support block is arranged on the top side thereof. The boom support unit can be provided with a switch element which can be actuated by the lying thereupon of the distribution boom, releasing the actuation of the support struts of the mobile concrete pump.

Abstract: A filler device for filling reservoirs with a fluid, the device having a fluid injector, a filler nozzle connected to the injector, a support for receiving a reservoir, and relative movement device for moving the nozzle towards and away from the support along an axis. The support is coupled to a rotation device for driving the support in rotation and thus causing the reservoir to revolve about the axis.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon transfer system includes a first structure having a substantially vertical first arm hingingly connected to the first structure via a first articulation around a substantially horizontal axis and a second arm attached to the first arm in an articulation joint, the second arm having a connecting arm part carrying a releasable connector for connecting to a floating second structure and a restoring arm part carrying a counterweight for exerting a restoring force on the second structure that is connected to the second arm upon relative movement of the first and second structures, characterized in that damping elements are provided above water level, acting on the second arm for damping movement of the second arm around the articulation joint upon transition of the second arm from an operative position to an inoperative position after disconnecting the releasable connector from the second structure.

Abstract: A system for supporting a fuel delivery device in a fueling position with respect to a vehicle is provided with an elongated retaining member, having first and second ends. The first end removably couples with a portion of the fueling system. The second end of the retaining member is coupled with the vehicle. Various structural devices are provided for coupling the retaining member with the fuel delivery device as well as the vehicle. Various safety designs provide a detachable coupling with the vehicle. The retaining member may be provided to be length adjustable to customize its use.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon transfer system includes a first structure with a length direction and a transverse direction having a frame carrying a vertical arm with at its end a fluid connecting member for connecting to a second structure which is moored alongside the first structure. The connecting member includes a winch and first guiding elements for engaging with second guiding elements on the second structure by connecting a wire to the winch on one end an to the second structure on the other end, and a tension device for moving the vertical arm away from the second structure for tensioning the wire.

Abstract: A filling valve apparatus for a beverage filling machine includes a primary valve portion. A replacement valve portion is coupled to the primary valve portion. A release mechanism is slideably mounted to the primary valve portion. The release mechanism selectively couples the replacement valve portion to the primary valve portion, and the release mechanism is moveable between an engaged position securing the replacement valve portion to the primary valve portion and a disengaged position releasing the replacement valve portion from the primary valve portion.

Abstract: A filling device for container filling machines including an exchangeable centering socket for a mouth of a container, a bayonet joint for mounting the centering socket to the filling device, and at least one permanent magnet for removably fixing the centering socket in a locked position.

Abstract: A fill head for depositing hazardous waste materials into a container movable between a filling position seated on the container, and a container exchange position withdrawn from the container; a control arm carried by the fill head directing movement of the fill head between the filling and exchange positions; a drip tray movably carried on a support platform adjacent the fill head for extending underneath the fill head to retain drippings of the hazardous waste material from the fill head when in the exchange position; and, a lifting arm carried by the drip tray engaging the control arm, wherein the lifting arm biases the control arm to raise the fill head from the filling position to the exchange position when the drip tray is extended underneath the fill head so that as the fill head is withdrawn from the container any dripping hazardous waste is captured by the drip tray.

Abstract: A general-purpose fluid injecting device is provided that can be used if an air bag is accommodated in a box of a different height. A fluid injecting device is provided that injects a fluid into an air bag through a nozzle projecting from a box the air bag being housed in the box. The device includes a detection apparatus for detecting a height position of the nozzle and a control apparatus for varying the height position of fluid injecting device in accordance with the detection.

Abstract: A system is provided for transferring fluids such as liquefied natural gas between a floating transport vessel and a floating storage vessel utilizing a transfer vessel to deploy, operate and return a fluid conduit to the storage vessel. The fluid is transferred through at least one submerged-subsea catenary flexible conduit, at least one floating flexible conduit, or any combination thereof. A transfer vessel, including a releasable mooring system, is provided for deploying the conduit from the storage vessel to the transport vessel, mooring with a transport vessel, maintaining a unified connection during fluid transfer, releasing the mooring once fluid transfer is completed, returning to and parking on the storage vessel, and storing the conduit between fluid transfers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a headpiece (01) for movable or fixed-position fueling systems (02) having a coupling member (03) for connection to a tank, in which multiple rigid pipe segments (06, 09, 12, 15, 18, 21, 22) are provided and in which the pipe segments (06, 09, 12, 15, 18, 21, 22) are attached to multiple swivel joints (04, 07, 10, 13, 16, 19) for adjustable spatial arrangement of the refueling coupling, and in which at least a first swivel joint (04) is able to swivel about a horizontal swivel axis (05) to enable adjustment of the height of the refueling coupling, and in which the first swivel joint (04) is attached to a directly adjacent second swivel joint (07) via a first rigid pipe segment (06), in which the second swivel joint (07) can also be swiveled about a horizontal swivel axis (08).

Abstract: A system and method for quickly refilling a pressurized irritant dispenser is disclosed. In the system and method, either the dispensing nozzle or the connection between the dispensing nozzle and the valve assembly is replaced with a quick connect fitting. The quick connect fitting allows for both the quick refill of irritant and the quick attachment (and detachment) of various accessories to the pressurized irritant dispenser.

Abstract: Methods and systems for transportation of a cryogenic fluid. The system includes a floating liquefaction unit receiving a gas from a source, a shuttle vessel for carrying liquefied gas away from the liquefaction unit, and a floating regasification unit for receiving the liquefied gas from the vessel, regassifying the liquefied gas and providing the gas to a distribution system.

Abstract: An integrated energy hub facility capable of bringing together all aspects of hydrocarbon and other fluid product movement under controlled conditions applicable to the reception, storage, processing, collection and transmission downstream is provided. Input to the energy hub includes natural gas and crude from a pipeline or a carrier, LNG from a carrier, CNG from a carrier, and carrier-regassed LNG, as well as other products from a pipeline or a carrier. Storage can be above surface, in salt caverns or in subterranean formations and cavities, and include petroleum crude, natural gas, LPG, NGL, GTL and other fluids. Transmission downstream may be carried out by a vessel or other type of carrier and/or by means of a pipeline system. Cryogenic fluids are offloaded and sent to the energy hub surface holding tank, then pumped to the energy hub vaporizers and sent to underground storage and/or distribution.

Abstract: A system for offloading LNG (liquified natural gas) from a tanker (26) in shallow waters, for regasing, or heating the offloaded LNG to produce gaseous hydrocarbons, or gas, for pressurizing the gas, and for flowing the gas to an onshore station (56), includes a structure that is fixed to the sea floor and projects above the sea surface and aids in mooring the tanker. In one system, the structure that is fixed to the sea floor is a largely cylindrical tower (12) with a mooring yoke (20) rotatably mounted on its upper end. A floating structure (14) such as a barge that weathervanes, has a bow end pivotally connected to a distal end of the yoke, so the barge is held close to the tower but can drift around the tower with changing winds, waves and currents. The tanker is moored to the tower so the barge and tanker form a combination that weathervanes as a combination.

Abstract: Methods and systems for transportation of a cryogenic fluid. The system includes a floating liquefaction unit receiving a gas from a source, a shuttle vessel for carrying liquefied gas away from the liquefaction unit, and a floating regasification unit for receiving the liquefied gas from the vessel, regassifying the liquefied gas and providing the gas to a distribution system.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a fluid product between a fluid transport vessel and a storage vessel includes a tubular arrangement for conveying the fluid between the two vessels. The tubular arrangement includes a flexible transfer pipe hanging freely between ends in its transferring position and connected to a manifold of the transport vessel. Each of the ends of the transfer pipe has a pivoted connection with a vertical pin to avoid torsional stresses in the transfer pipe. The invention is useful to transferring liquefied natural gas.

Abstract: A portable fuel assembly has a holder that securely holds a fuel pump, at least one tool and at least one spare part, while at the same time having a base, which may be attached to a fuel container in order to transport fuel for a remote controlled vehicle to a desired position.

Abstract: A mobile concrete pump comprising at least five mast arms (1 to 7) which are pivotable relative to each other about horizontal rotation axes (B to G). The first respective mast arm is hinged to a mast block (22) so as to be pivotable about a horizontal rotation axis (A), said mast block being rotatable about a vertical axis (20), while one end of the last mast arm has no joint. In order to be able to add other mast arms in a modular manner, a first Z-type folding group comprising the last three mast arms, a first coil-type folding group comprising the penultimate, third to last and fourth to last mast arm, and a second Z-type folding group comprising the third to last, fourth to last, and fifth to last mast arm are provided in a preferred embodiment.

Abstract: Refueling booms with multiple couplings, and associated methods and systems, are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a deployable boom carrying a refueling passage. A first coupler carried by the boom can be operatively coupleable to the refueling passage. The first coupler can be configured to be releasably connected to a receiver aircraft during refueling. A second coupler can be carried by the boom and can be operatively coupleable to the refueling passage, with the second coupler being configured to be releasably connected to a receiver aircraft during refueling. In particular embodiments, the first and second couplers can have different configurations so as to be compatible with aircraft having different refueling arrangements.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a head piece (01) with a refueling coupler (02) for being connected to a tank, wherein several rigid pipe sections (03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08) are provided for conveying the fuel, wherein the pipe sections (03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08) are connected by means of several swivel joints (09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14) in order to realize an adjustable spatial arrangement of the refueling coupler (02), and wherein at least a first swivel joint (09) and a second swivel joint (10) can be respectively swiveled about a horizontal swiveling axis (25, 26) in order to adjust the height of the refueling coupler (02). A parallel lever drive (15) is provided on the head piece (01) in order to hold a first pipe section (03) in a certain angular position during the height adjustment of the refueling coupler (02).

Abstract: A hydrocarbon transfer system includes a first structure carrying an articulated arm. The system has at a free end a first connector part, and a vessel comprising a second connector part, wherein each connector part comprises a housing with at least two fluid ducts within the housing. The ducts can be placed into sealing engagement along respective sealing faces, and a locking member for locking the housings of the connector parts together, wherein the fluid ducts in either the first or second connector are connected to a respective fluid swivel or flexible duct section to allow at least partial rotation of the ducts along their longitudinal axis, and are connected to a drive member for jointly rotating the ducts along a centreline of the connector parts.

Abstract: The invention concerns a liquefied gas transfer installation, in particular for liquefied natural gas, adapted to transfer liquefied gas between two surface tanks and distally spaced apart. The installation comprises a transfer line. The transfer line is immersed in water. The invention is applicable to installations for loading ships with natural gas.

Abstract: A device for transferring a product between a ship and a fixed installation. The device is supported at one end by a support structure and the other end is capable of being connected to the ship's manifold. The support structure includes a boom carrying a transfer pipe, rotatable about a vertical axis above the ship, and a deformable transfer device, one end of which is connected to the pipe, and the other end is mobile between a stowed position proximate the boom and a position for connection to the ship's manifold. The invention is useful for transferring liquefied natural gas.

Abstract: The invention concerns an assembly comprising balanced loading and unloading arm (14) installed at a first location and having articulated pipeline arms (15, 16) mounted through one of its end on a base (18) and provided at the other of its ends with a system connecting (28) the articulated pipeline arms to coupling means (29) installed at the second location. It further comprises a cable (32) linked through one of its ends to the connecting system (28) and through the other of its ends to means (35–39) adapted to subject said cable to constant tension, and a connecting winch (42) whereon is wound a connection cable (41) for bringing the connecting system (28) in a position to be connected to the coupling means (29).

Abstract: The present invention is a boom system comprising a first boom section having a distal end and a proximal end. A second boom section includes a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the second boom section is rotatably coupled to the distal end of the first boom section. At least one of the boom sections is substantially formed from composite materials.