Abstract: A wedge gate valve having a valve body defining a valve chamber and flow passages and upwardly diverging circular seat surfaces of circular, flat configuration and defining seat planes. A valve disk or wedge having downwardly converging sealing surfaces is movable within said valve chamber between open and closed positions for controlling flow through the valve. Pressure boundary plates connected by hubs to the valve disk define the sealing surfaces of the disk and have bottom corners that establish line contact with the downstream seat surface and prevent any portion of said sealing surfaces of said valve disk from crossing the sealing plane of the downstream seat in the event of flow responsive downstream movement of the valve disk during its opening and closing movement. Guide ears of the disk are provided with flexible upper and lower extremities and rounded or chamfered inner end surfaces to minimize localized peak contact stress with disk guide rails of the valve body.

Abstract: The invention is a system for interacting with computer graphics. A scene display is generated in response to a list which includes data related to computer generated objects which are to be included in a scene display and ad application program identifier for the application programs which are the source of each computer generated object. An object in the scene is manipulated by a user command and at least one interrogation command is generated which interrogates the list to retrieve data relating to each object affected by the manipulation and an application program identifier related to each application program which is the source of an object affected by the manipulation. The data related to the objects affected by the manipulation and the application program identifier are transmitted to each application program which is a source of an object affected by the manipulation. Additional steps as are required are performed by the application programs.

Abstract: A compression cap assembly for the end of a spreader bar or pipe used in lifting heavy loads with a crane includes a compression plate, spaced-apart plate members on the outer side of the compression plate that carry upper and lower pins that extend through loops on the ends of cables, and semicircular coupling members on the inner side of the compression plate that receive an end portion of the spreader pipe. The coupling members having clearance between the adjacent edges thereof, and fasteners are used to reduce the clearance and cause the coupling members to tightly clamp and grip such end portion.

Abstract: A portable bath tub (20, 20A, 20C) and a supporting frame (46, 17A, 200) for the bath tub (20, 20A, 20C) are positioned alongside a bed (10, 10A, 10C). The bath tub (20, 20A, 20C) has a front side (76) which overlaps a mattress (12, 12A, 12C) on the bed (10, 10A, 10C) and is supported thereby. The tub (20, 20A, 20C) bridges the bed (10, 10A, 10C) and the supporting frame. The bed (10B) has a bed frame (14B) which is movable vertically for raising and lowering the bath tub (20) which is partially supported on the mattress (12B).

Abstract: A rotary cutter cone type drill bit having a body structure with a plurality of depending cutter support lugs each having a spindle integral therewith and defining a cylindrical bushing support surface and a spindle head. A cutter cone is positioned for rotation about each of the spindles and is supported for rotation and axial retention by a dual split bushing arrangement. The dual split bushing arrangement has an inner split bushing received in immovable relation about the cylindrical bushing support surface of the spindle and outer split bushing being received in rotatable bearing relation about a portion of the inner split bushing and functioning to retain the inner split bushing about the cylindrical bushing support surface. The inner split bushing also retains the outer split bushing so that the cutter cone is maintained in assembly with the spindle. The outer split bushing is secured in immovable relation within the cutter cone by a lock element or by threaded connection.

Abstract: A convertible gurney (10) has an outer fixed support frame (12) which includes a pair of side frames (16) connected by lower horizontal cross frame members (30). An inner frame (14) includes a base (84) and hinged segments (42, 46 and 48) which define rear, seat and leg segments. Inner frame (14) is positioned between the side frames (16) and removably connected thereto by four fasteners (90). A detachable manual operator (170) is mounted on a selected side frame (16) opposite a bed (36) for a patient and effects movement of the segments (42, 46, 48) between gurney and chair positions by operation of a hand crank (184). Each side frame (16) has a foldable side panel (190) which may be utilized in transfer of a patient between a bed (36) and the convertible gurney (10). A patient is first positioned on a hard transfer board (36) as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 and moved with the transfer board (36) across the side panel (190) forming a bridge between the bed (36) and the convertible gurney (10).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for acquisition of downhole well data such as bottomhole pressure, bottomhole temperature, etc. which is utilized in conjunction with other well equipment such as gravel packer tools especially for data acquisition at well depths that are ordinarily rendered inaccessible by tools and other equipment located within the well. An instrument housing is fixed to other well equipment and is provided with equalizing ports which are normally closed by a sealing collet element. As the instrument is run into the well and into the instrument housing its upper end establishes sealing with the instrument housing to isolate the data acquisition chamber thereof from the flow passage from the well servicing tool. As it is run into the housing, a collet actuator mechanism unseats the collet to equalize pressure internally of the instrument housing with the external fluid pressure environment.

Abstract: A method of communication in a computer system is provided for transferring information between multiple, concurrently operating programs, each of which may have a respective window display. The user communicates with each of the application programs through the window display as well as through an input device, such as a mouse or keyboard. A list of information codes is registered with a dispatcher program for each of the application programs which requires data. One or more of the application programs generate templates which include data and a corresponding information code. The generated templates are transmitted to the dispatcher program. The dispatcher program then compares the information code in the received template to the registered list of information codes to find any matches and thereby identify the one or more application programs which have registered to receive the information in the received template.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for deleting and rescanning areas of a horizon display on a computer monitor is disclosed. A cursor, controlled by a pointing device such as a mouse, is directed to a first area on the monitor which is adjacent a second area of the horizon which is described to be deleted and rescanned. The cursor is dragged from the first area across the second area while a user pushes the control button of the mouse thereby defining coordinates of an area for which all points are to be deleted. The points in the first area are scanned to designate them as seed points. Such seed points are used to pick horizon points in the second area. Such picked points are then used to fill-in the second area.

Abstract: A fiberglass pipe joint with threaded ends has rough surface areas adjacent to such ends which allow strap wrenches to be used to tighten the threads with a high torque that prevents leakage. The rough areas are formed by partially embedded sand grains which are sprinkled on the resin component prior to curing, or on a wet bonding material after curing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing a flexible bag (54B) containing dry particulate material within a hopper (25B) for dispensing of the dry particulate material from the hopper (25B) through a lower discharge opening into a mixing chamber for the mixing of the dry particulate material with a liquid as shown particularly in the embodiment of FIGS. 9-11. An inflatable seal (49B) is mounted within the hopper (25B) about the receiving opening (14B). A pre-packaged flexible cylindrical bag (54B) has a rigid support member (59B) inserted therein prior to filling with dry particulate material. The upper end of bag (54A) is sealed upon the filling of bag (54B) with the dry particulate material. Upon insertion of the pre-packaged flexible bag (54B) within hopper (14B) the rigid support member (59B) is positioned in opposed relation to inflatable seal (49B).

Abstract: A helmet having an electrically energized air blowing system for discharging a broad curtain of flowing air along the face of the user for cooling and comfort. The helmet includes a rigid crown section to which is integrally connected a visor and is provided with a vent housing located externally of the domed shell of the helmet and having an air flow chamber terminating at a narrow transverse discharge opening through the helmet visor near the juncture of the visor and the domed shell. An electrically energized fan is mounted within the upper portion of the vent housing and is powered by an electrical circuit having a dry cell battery via manual actuation of an on/off switch. The motorized fan directs a downward flow of air through the flow passage of the vent housing which increases in velocity from the housing inlet to the discharge opening of the housing so that maximum air flow velocity is achieved at the discharge opening.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for sensing and measuring the flow of dry particulate materials including a sensing device (20C) connected to a remote measuring device by a coaxial cable (25). The sensing device (20C) has a probe (24) defining an electrode which may be positioned within a flow line (18). Particles passing over the probe (24) produce a measurable electrical charge to the probe (24) due to the triboflow effect which may be transmitted to a remote measuring device by a coaxial cable (25). A shield (40) envelopes the probe (24) in a telescoping relation and comprises a wire mesh screen, which permits the flow of dry particulate material over the probe (24) while restricting stray electrical interference and electromagnetic radiation to the probe (24).

Abstract: A safety relief valve (10) having a main valve member (22) in a normally closed seated position has a diaphragm actuator (24) with a dome chamber (34) adjacent the outer side of the diaphragm (26). A pilot valve (28) is in fluid communication with the dome chamber (34) through a dome line (35) for controlling the opening and closing of the main valve member (22). An underdome chamber (40) on the inner side of the diaphragm (26) has an underdome line 44 extending to an underdome control valve (42) for controlling fluid communication to underdome chamber (40) from the inlet (18). An inlet line (48) extends from the inlet (18) to the underdome control valve (42). When the set pressure of the pilot valve (28) is reached, inlet fluid pressure on the inner side of the diaphragm (26) increases while dome pressure in the dome chamber (34) decreases.

Abstract: A self sheathing safety needle comprising a needle assembly (50), a needle guard (52), and an outer casing (54) is shown in exploded relation in FIG. 1 . Needle guard (52) has a locking tab (100) mounted on the free end of a spring finger or lever (98). Locking tab (100) is received within an internal track on outer casing (54) which has a cam lug (148) for effecting movement of locking tab (100) between a locked extended position of the needle guard (52) and an unlocked extended position of the needle guard (52) to permit retraction of the needle guard (52). Casing (54) is mounted for limited rotation on bearings (60, 62) on the hub (86) of the needle assembly (50) to effect movement of the locking tab (100) to an unlocked position. Stops (76, 78, 80, 82) on bearings (60, 62) limit relative rotation of casing (54) between locked and unlocked positions of needle guard (52) and locking tab (100).

Abstract: A prosthesis delivery system having a balloon catheter with an inflatable balloon on its exterior. The balloon is inflatable by injection of fluid through a lumen in the catheter and the balloon is initially partially constrained against inflation by a constraint. A tubular prosthesis is disposed on the catheter over at least a portion of the balloon and a portion of the constraint. The tubular prosthesis has a contracted condition and an expanded condition. The tubular prosthesis is initially disposed on the catheter in the contracted condition. Further, a balloon catheter includes a constraint so that the balloon may be sequentially inflated for dilatation purposes such as in a valvuloplasty operation.

Abstract: A portable bicycle stand is provided having a base from which a support strut projects upwardly and outwardly. The upper portion of the support strut is provided with a bicycle support element having an upwardly facing recess which is adapted to receive the horizontal tube of a bicycle frame so as to support the bicycle in upright position with its wheels above the ground. The bicycle support is provided with a bicycle frame stay which enables the bicycle frame to be locked by the stay in supported assembly with the support element. The base of the bicycle stand defines a vehicle wheel engaging portion on which a vehicle wheel is to be positioned to secure the base to the ground and stabilize the bicycle stand as well as preventing theft of the bicycle stand when it is left unattended.

Abstract: A through tubing stripgun detonating charge assembly for well perforating activities, comprising an elongate explosive resistant retrievable perforating charge support strip having a perforating charge interlocking track situate along the length thereof. A plurality of explosive well casing perforating charges having support elements thereon are connected in supporting and selective positioning interlocking engagement with the perforating charge interlocking track for support of certain ones of a plurality of perforating charges in 180 degree phase oriented and adjustably positionable relation on the perforating charge support strip. The perforating charge strip is also provided with a plurality of perforating charge connectors in spaced relation along the length thereof for support of a plurality of perforating charges in 0 degree phase relation with the perforating charge support strip and in 90 degree phase orientation with each of the 180 degree phased perforating charges.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for sensing and measuring the flow of dry particulate materials including a sensing device (20C) connected to a remote measuring device by a coaxial cable (25). The sensing device (20C) has a probe (24) defining an electrode which may be positioned within a flow line (18). Particles passing over the probe (24) produce a measurable electrical charge to the probe (24) due to the triboflow effect which may be transmitted to a remote measuring device by a coaxial cable (25). A shield (40) envelopes the probe (24) in a telescoping relation and comprises a wire mesh screen, which permits the flow of dry particulate material over the probe (24) while restricting stray electrical interference and electromagnetic radiation to the probe (24).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for separating solid particles from well fluids in the bore hole including a separator separation device (34) adjacent the lower end of a tubing string (14) positioned within a perforated casing (10). The separator device (34) includes concentric tubular members (44, 46) defining an annulus (60) therebetween. A spiral guide (62) is positioned in the annulus (60) about the inner tubular member (44) below perforations (54) in the outer tubular member (44) and extends about the inner tubular member (46) for around a complete turn or 360 degrees. A helical motion is imparted to the well fluids received through the perforations (54) and solid particles settle downwardly within the vortex or swirl chamber (79) below the inner tubular member (46). The liquid separated from the solid particles is pump by a downhole pump (18) upwardly through the inner tubular member (46).