Abstract: An improved method of and apparatus for reconcentrating a liquid absorbent in an absorption system which method includes the steps of heating the rich liquid absorbent in a heating zone to vaporize a portion of the solute therefrom, flashing the partially reconcentrated absorbent into a flash separator and separating the lean liquid absorbent from the flashed vapors in the flash separator with the lean liquid absorbent being recycled to the absorption system and with the separated vapors being cooled to condense liquids and returning the stream of condensed liquids and vapors to the heating zone.

Abstract: An explosion-proof fluorescent light fixture for use in hazardous environments, comprising a pair of fluorescent lamps each shielded by a protective globe and electrical contact containing end connectors at the opposed ends of the lamps and globes. The end connectors and globes form integral one-piece self-contained units and, in case of breakage or a globe, the entire unit of globe and end connectors can be easily detached and replaced simply the unloosening or re-fastening of bolts which normally secure the end connectors to the light fixture. The end connectors are provided with detachable end caps enabling a burned-out tube to be withdrawn and replaced.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus are provided for recovering high viscosity oils from a sub-surface earth formation utilizing horizontal well apparatus. A plurality of horizontal drill holes extend from a large diameter vertical shaft hole into the formation of interest. Steam may be injected into the formation through selectively placed conventional vertical wells terminating within the oil-bearing formation, while oil is recovered from the lateral drill holes. A noncondensible gas or cold water may be injected into the formation subsequent to steam injection to enhance the overall recovery of oil.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus are provided for recovering high viscosity oils from sub-surface earth formations. In particular, a large diameter shaft hole is employed and a plurality of substantially horizontal drill holes extend radially from the shaft hole into the formation. It is a feature of this invention to provide vertically spaced drill holes oriented to improve the recovery of the oil. Methods are provided for further enhancing oil recovery by coordinating the injected fluid with the location of injection within the formation.

Abstract: An improved access port structure for a vessel, such as a coal gassification furnace, in which a closure member is mounted for movement, on the vessel to open or close an opening, a means of providing a steam vortex flowing into the opening to prevent the escape of gases from the vessel, and an interconnection to the steam supply to assure that the vortex is operating prior to the opening of the closure member.

Abstract: An improved galvanizing system is provided having a centrifuge assembly wherein an elongate member positively couples a motor means to a container holding articles to be spun. This positive engagement results in more rapid rotational acceleration and deceleration. A dumping means is provided to automatically remove articles from the container. Further, an automated ejection means is provided for removing the empty container from the centrifuge assembly.

Abstract: A pump for moving conductive or non-conductive liquids having a closed loop duct with an inlet and an outlet. An impeller is located within the duct and includes a plurality of serially connected iron cores arranged for rotation within the duct. Movement of the cores within the duct is effected by a plurality of solenoids arranged externally and concentrically of the duct. Control means in the form of sensors actuate and de-actuate one or more of the solenoids. A method for pumping discrete and separated portions of fluid along a path of confinement is also set forth herein.

Abstract: A thread protector apparatus is disclosed for drill pipe. The apparatus is similarly constructed for both male and female threads. The apparatus utilizes an encircling tubular member which is spaced away from and concentric with the threaded portion of the drill pipe. At the edge of the tubular portion next to the end of the pipe, it is turned radially outwardly. The tubular portion supports a layer of resilient material adjacent to the threads. The resilient material is jammed against the threads by a wedge-shaped member which latches against the tubular member. The tubular member is provided with a number of tabs which protrude outwardly along angled directions to receive the tapered lock member. The tabs are adjacent a parallel protective ridge. The tapered lock is slidably inserted and removed. The tapered lock member has angled edges which match the angled directions of the upset members.For both male and female versions of the apparatus, a cup-shaped end closure is disclosed.

Abstract: A medicated ear rod is provided for cleaning the pierced ear hole of the earlobe. A grooved or ruffled rod member containing an absorbent material loaded with a cleaning agent is adapted to be passed into and out of the earlobe hole and then disposed of. In another embodiment, the ear rod is constructed as part of a permanent earring which can be worn to provide a constant supply of cleaning solution to the earlobe to prevent infection of the ear hole.

Abstract: An array of photovoltaic cells in a back wall-type configuration supported by a rigid transparent vitreous substrate, such as glass, for admitting incident radiation to the cells. A plurality of cells are interconnected into a desired electrical configuration by one or more layers of electrically conducting materials which overlie the entire heterojunction of each cell to minimize the internal resistance of the cell and may conveniently protect the heterojunction from degrading environmental conditions. Various component layers forming the photovoltaic cells are selectively removed and strips of insulating material are applied prior to forming the heterojunction. The electrically conductive material is thereafter applied and separated at areas protected by insulating material. The resulting series array contains no exposed heterojunction areas, thereby obtaining improved operating stability and performance.

Abstract: An implantable pacemaker having circuit means for indicating, by pulse width modulation of the delivered pacing pulses, the programmable control states which control the selected pacemaker operating perameters. The circuitry includes a parallel to serial shift register adapted to receive the control states from a pacer circuit and to generate a serial multiple bit word when the pacemaker is switched to a magnetic mode. The shift register is clocked by stimulus timing signals, and the multiple bit word drives a one shot generator, the output of which is combined with the timing pulses to produce pulse width modulated pacing pulses.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for collecting seminal fluid for artificial insemination is provided and wherein the apparatus has a flexible wall closed at one end and with a rim at the other open end movable in a reciprocating fashion back and forth with respect to the closed end wall. An inflatable sphincter member is located within the vagina adjacent the closed end and applies pressure to the penis during thrusting actions by the animal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for forming films of materials which are component layers of solar energy conversion devices, e.g. photovoltaic cells and heat collector panels. A selected substrate, generally glass, is heated while being sprayed with solutions which react on the heated surface to form a particular film. Films of SnO.sub.x and CdS are particularly produced. According to the present invention, a thermal energy input gradient is provided to approximate the energy loss gradient during the spray process. Radiative heaters provide a rapid resupply of energy to the substrate and, in some instances, directly to the film forming surface. Temperature detectors, such as thermocouples, monitor substrate temperature to provide the radiative energy input needed for substantial temperature uniformity.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell having an electrically conductive substrate, which may be glass having a film of conductive tin oxide; a first layer containing a suitable semiconductor, which layer has a first component film with an amorphous structure and a second component film with a polycrystalline structure; a second layer forming a heterojunction with the first layer; and suitable electrodes where the heterojunction is formed from a solution containing copper, the amorphous film component is superposed above an electrically conductive substrate to resist permeation of the copper-containing material to shorting electrical contact with the substrate. The penetration resistant amporphous layer permits a variety of processes to be used in forming the heterojunction with even very thin layers (1-6.mu. thick) of underlying polycrystalline semi-conductor materials.

Abstract: A duct increasing in cross-sectional area is provided with a screen means on its upper wall. An adjustable baffle is hingedly fixed to the lower wall of the duct at the inlet. Air-borne material carried in an air stream introduced at the inlet is separated from the stream by projection against the screen. The adjustable baffle directs the air-borne material onto the screen.

Abstract: An epicardial lead with an insertion assembly for attaching same into good stimulating contact with the heart wall, the lead having movable fixation means for fixing the distal electrode head to the heart wall in combination with a stimulating probe electrode for delivering stimulus signals to the heart. The fixation element is preferably of a corkscrew configuration, oriented normal to the lead axis, and is normally contained within an enclosed electrode chamber. The insertion assembly provides means for releasably holding the electrode head while screwing the fixation member into the epicardial wall. Since the fixation member is free to move with respect to the electrode head, the lead can remain free to be hooked to an external pacer during the fixation step.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for determining the compatibility between a selected implantable pacer and a patient within which the pacer is to be implanted wherein the pacer does not have to be directly connected to the patient during the compatibility check.Actual cardiac signals from the patient are digitized and a storage frame is established about a complete cardiac waveform. This cardiac waveform can be reproduced in analog form for presentation to the pacer. Further, the amplitude of the reproduced cardiac waveform may be varied in a manner determined by an active search routine wherein the threshold response of the cardiac pacer can be determined. In a preferred embodiment, the threshold response determination is also used to provide an output signal indicative of the degree of compatibility between the selected cardiac pacer and the actual patient selected to receive the pacer.

Abstract: A back-up tong for use with a power tong holds the lower pipe in a pipe joint from being rotated, so as to effect makeup or breakout of the pipe joint. The back-up tong employs sliding heads which are driven by camming surfaces on a ring-like member fixedly positioned about the pipe, when the heads are arcuately rotated about the pipe. The assembly holding the heads is arranged to be released automatically from the bottom of the back-up tong frame, in the event that the drill string begins to slip back down into the hole, or in the event a portion of the string is prematurely lifted, thereby preventing damage to the back-up tong. The back-up tong is constructed so that only a minimum amount of clearance is required at the top working surface, thereby permitting the sliding heads to be located as near the joint as possible when simultaneously using a power tong.

Abstract: A container for suspending various small articles such as toiletries, poisons, spices, and plants from an overhead support at a plurality of elevations is provided. A releasably locking member for one-handed height adjustment of the container is further provided, as well as automatic retracting means for returning the container to a convenient storage position.

Abstract: A double acting turbine for converting water wave energy to electrical power in a marine buoy or platform. A tubular body is provided one end of which is adapted to be inserted into the water wave and the second end is adapted to extend out of the water whereby the rise and fall of water in the body creates a flow of air in alternate directions through the body. A turbine having a plurality of outwardly extending blades is positioned in the body above the water level and exposed to and rotated by the flow of air and is connected to an electrical generator for generating electricity in response to the rotation of the wheel. The turbine is designed to operate with air flowing in either direction through the turbine so that power is generated as the water both rises and falls in the tubular body. The turbine blades include a concave surface on one side and a convex surface on the opposite side.