Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for the installation of VIV suppression during the S-Lay installation of a subsea pipeline. A locking member will be interposed between a pipe and a fairing rotatably mounted on the pipe, sufficient to bias the fairing against rotating. Upon marine application, the locking member will degrade, thereby releasing the fairing.
Abstract:
A surge relief apparatus for sensing, tracking and responding to pressure changes in a flow system. The apparatus includes a fluid storage tank that is in fluid communication with the flow system. The apparatus also includes a control valve that is connected to the fluid storage tank, wherein the control valve compensates for pressure in response to pressure change in the flow system. The control valve also controls the rate of pipeline pressure rise in the flow system. The surge relief apparatus also includes a hydraulic accumulator in fluid communication with the control valve along with a surge relief valve in fluid communication with the accumulator.
Abstract:
Methods of fabricating magnetic write heads and electrical lapping guides (ELG's) using a split gap deposition process is described. A removal process is performed on a magnetic material to define a main write pole and to define a corresponding ELG for the main write pole. A first non-magnetic gap layer is deposited. A mask and liftoff process is performed to deposit an electrically conductive material on the first gap layer disposed along a front edge of the ELG. A second non-magnetic gap layer is then deposited and a shield is fabricated for the write pole.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for the installation of VIV suppression during the S-Lay installation of a subsea pipeline. A locking member will be interposed between a pipe and a fairing rotatably mounted on the pipe, sufficient to bias the fairing against rotating. Upon marine application, the locking member will degrade, thereby releasing the fairing.
Abstract:
There is disclosed a system comprising a structural element, at least one helical strake about the structural element, and at least one ramp to provide a transition from the structural element to the helical strake.
Abstract:
A system for remotely detecting properties of an underwater structure in a body of water comprising a sensor connectable to the structure; a first receiver which can be positioned at or near a top surface of the body of water in the proximity of the structure; a first transmitter for transmitting property information from the sensor to the first receiver; and a second transmitter for transmitting the property information to a second receiver which can be located at a remote location.
Abstract:
An adapter for converting a tag-along or standard trailer to a gooseneck trailer. The adapter has a main elevated horizontal frame with three principal structures depending therefrom comprising: (1) a forward gooseneck of adjustable vertical length for connection to a gooseneck towing point on a tow vehicle; (2) an intermediate vertical-tension-resisting rectangular frame carrying a hitch ball to be received in a ball-hitch coupler of the standard trailer, and small light-weight retractable or removable wheels with pneumatic tires providing manual mobility of the adapter by a single person, with its weight balanced over the wheels, between the standard trailer and a parked adapter position when the adapter is disconnected from the trailer; and (3) a rear vertical-compression-resisting rectangular frame having a vertically adjustable horizontal beam member which spans, rests atop, and is secured to, upper surfaces of trailer tongue members extending rearwardly divergently from the trailer ball-hitch coupler. The intermediate and rear frames in combination with the elevated main horizontal frame define a cage structure which may be suitably enclosed as an additional storage space.
Abstract:
An analog to digital convertor (20) comprises an amplifier (100) for amplifying an analog input signal to generate an amplified output signal. A conversion means (110) periodically samples the amplified output signal to generate a digital word as a function of each sample. A compensation means, preferably including a microcontroller logic circuit (130), compensates for drift in the output signal steady state level of the amplified output signal. The compensation means includes a tracking means (130) for summing a digital offset value and the digital word in response to, and to compensate for, the drift in the output signal level between upper and lower limits. The compensation means also includes a bias means (130,140) for changing a bias signal level at the input of the amplifier (100) in response to, and to compensate for, the drift extending beyond the limits. The compensation means further includes a logic means (130,190) for modifying the digital word in response to, and to compensate for, the step change.
Abstract:
A brassiere having flexibility, durability, and improved comfort for the wearer is provided. The side panel of the brassiere comprises a folded fabric and two elastic bands. The folded fabric has two opposing longitudinal edges, a top edge, and a bottom edge. Each of the two elastic bands is positioned in the interior of the folded fabric along a respective longitudinal edge, which also includes notches for orienting the bands. The folded fabric is sewn together at each of the top and bottom edges such that the two elastic bands are held in place. One of the longitudinal edges may be formed by sewing the folded fabric together to form a seam using a pull-out stitch. Each of the two elastic bands may include either of a woven elastic band or a knitted elastic band. The present invention further relates to a brassiere in which the side panels can flex independently of each other in conformance to the wearer's movements.