Abstract: A valve apparatus of the ram type having a pair of ram assembly bodies in opposed relation transverse to the valve bore. The ram bodies carry, in recess, respective inner seals which, upon inward movement of the ram bodies, effect sealing engagement so as to restrict flow through the valve bore. A plurality of locking pins are included disposed vertically through each seal, each such locking pin having projections extending outward of its respective seal beyond the top and bottom thereof. Each projection is matingly received by a corresponding slotted portion of the recess within and defined by said ram assembly body for restricting relative movement of said inner seal with respect to movement of its respective ram assembly body.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus are provided for drying polish or brightener applied to fingernails. A compact housing is provided with an opening for receiving the hand of the user, and a thermoelectric refrigeration unit is provided within the housing for cooling the air below ambient temperature. Air is recirculated by a fan in a portion of the housing, and a deflector directs the cool air away from the opening and onto the fingernails.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for handling and threading tubular products, including tubing, pipe, and casing for the petroleum production industry. In one embodiment of the present invention, an improved pipe handling system is utilized to transfer segments of pipe sequentially to a press, a threading machine, and quality control stations. The pipe handling system may include a plurality of plates driven by a common motor for raising and positioning the pipe, V-rollers for supporting and pre-positioning the pipe, a powered cart for transporting the pipe to the threading machine, and a plurality of steady rest assemblies for supporting a joint of rotating pipe during the threading operation.

Abstract: An improved flange protector for sealingly engaging spaced flanges and protecting the flange gasket from the environment. A ring-shaped elastomer body preferably includes a grease fitting for injecting the protective fluid through the body and into engagement with the flange gasket. The elastomer body includes a self-centering rib, and is structured for flexing to relieve excessive pressure in the event of flange gasket failure. An improved method of manufacturing flange gaskets according to the present invention is also provided.

Abstract: A battery powered manicuring device is taught which uses an improved drive mechanism for reciprocating a manicuring implement. A battery energizes a motor. Extending from one end of the motor is a shaft. Interconnected with the shaft is an offset device comprising either a bearing or a sleeve positioned at a non-perpendicular angle with respect to the shaft. The lower end of an attachment arm is affixed to the outer portion of either the offset bearing or the offset sleeve. The upper end of the attachment arm is affixed to the lower end of a manicuring implement. As the shaft rotates, a reciprocating motion is imparted to the attachment arm and thus to the manicuring implement.

Abstract: A power tong includes a frame and a pipe-gripping mechanism associated with a throat at one end of the frame. Power is transmitted to the pipe-gripping mechanism from a power unit through a drive train. The pipe-gripping mechanism cooperates with the throat to receive a pipe section to be rotated and includes a partial ring rotatably mounted within the frame and having an opening which may be aligned with the throat. The ring may be rotated in either direction by the power unit. Mounted on the tong is a die carrier which is rotatable relative to the ring. Die members are mounted on the die carrier and include dies positioned to grip the external surface of the pipe section. The die members are arranged to cooperate with cam surfaces on the ring so that, when the ring is rotated relative to the die carrier, the dies are moved rectilinearly into engagement with the pipe section.

Abstract: Improved back-up tongs are provided for use with powered rotary tongs for making and breaking sections of drill pipe in a drill string. The tongs include a pair of jaw members which are slidably and radially driven into engagement with the drill pipe by levers having one end urgeable against corresponding ones of the jaw members, and having their other end hingedly coupled to a hydraulically driven push rod. Improved means are included for coupling the back-up tongs into close releasable association with the rotary tongs, and are further included for providing a more accurate measurement of the torque being applied to the pipe member during make-up of the drill string.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a multilayer pipe joint and, more particularly, to a pipe joint for effectively joining sections of pipe having an outer metal casing, an inner plastic pipe, and an annular cement grout sleeve. The joint comprises a dual material ring which is at least partially fitted within a recessed annular space at the end of each multilayer pipe section. The metal casing may be welded to the outer steel component of the ring, and the inner plastic pipe is sealed against the plastic component of the pipe.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for protecting nuts and protruding threads of bolts from corrosion and damage. A cup-shaped cap is provided for sealingly enclosing the exposed threads. A suitable protecting fluid may be introduced through a charging port, and an expandable bladder protruding from the side of the cap indicates that the cap is maintaining the protective fluid under pressure. A nut cover is slidably mounted to the cap, and serves to protect the nut from the environment.

Abstract: A particulate separation device having a particulate outlet structure for transporting particulate from a particulate-laden gas chamber to a main housing particulate outlet so as not to pass through individual cyclone separator units in said separation device.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell is formed by combining a spray process, forming a crystalline layer containing cadmium and sulfur, and an evaporation process, depositing copper chloride for converting to Cu.sub.x S. The crystals containing cadmium and sulfur are heated in an atmosphere of cadmium and chlorides to obtain crystals having at least one dimension greater than 0.5 micron and a planar layer of Cu.sub.x S is formed on the large crystals. A layer of Cu.sub.x S having a thickness of 0.5-1.0 micron is obtained. Electrodes are formed from evaporated gold or chromium or a metallic paste including silver or copper. Zn.sub.x Cd.sub.1-x S may be substituted for CdS through at least part of the crystalline layer for improved Voc.

Abstract: An emergency resuscitation and defibrillation apparatus is provided by an endotracheal tube having a tracheal obturator and a second expandable cuff for sealing against the pharyngeal tissues to provide an alternate sealing means for respiratory fluids if the blind intubation is not successful. A laryngeal tube passes through this pharyngeal obturator for alternatively introducing respiratory fluids into the lungs through the larynx. The endotracheal tube may also be used as an esophageal obturator and inserted without the intubating guide means. Two internal electrode areas are provided; one of which may be in the oral region for contacting the tongue and one of which may be in the esophagus for contacting the esophageal wall. An internal conducting path is formed thereby for introducing electrical stimuli suitable for terminating cardiac fibrillation and other arrythmias.

Abstract: An improved grease fitting is provided particularly suitable in high pressure applications where a polyester plasticizer is intermingled with a lubricant. In one embodiment of the invention, a metal ball is biased by a cylindrical helical spring for sealing engagement with a plastic seat. A leg of the spring passes through the axis of the fitting, so that when grease is forced through the fitting, the unseated ball moves rapidly to allow the plasticizer and lubricant to pass through the fitting with less resistance. The helical spring is enclosed in a sleeve, and a stop on the sleeve enables the end of the sleeve to compress the plastic seat to a predetermined extent, thus prolonging the expected life of the plastic seat.

Abstract: A multi-cyclone particulate separation device having a particulate-laden gas structure and a clean gas structure mounted longitudinally within a main housing chamber. A particulate transfer means is mounted at the bottom of the particulate-laden gas structure to transfer particulate from the particulate-laden gas structure outwardly of the main vessel housing prior to separation by the cyclone separators. Mount means for the high-temperature, high-pressure environment are disclosed.

Abstract: A pattern of transparent conductive material, such as tin oxide, is formed on a transparent vitreous substrate using a polycrystalline material, such as cadmium or zinc sulfide, to mask the substrate surface while depositing material forming the transparent conductive layer. The polycrystalline material and any overlying transparent conductive material are easily removed by a chemical etch, leaving the desired pattern of transparent conductive material adhering to the substrate. Two electrically conductive patterns may be formed in intersecting relationship and isolated, one from the other. The degree of electrical connection between the two patterns will be a function of the resistance of the polycrystalline material therebetween at points of crossing. In some instances, electroluminescence may be obtained by selecting the proper crystalline material wherein an electrical display may be created by selectively energizing crossing electrical conductors.

Abstract: An improved conveyor assembly is provided for transporting a transparent vitreous substrate along a group of controlled radiative heaters. A plurality of control groups are formed from the radiative heaters and the illumination for the various control groups is isolated so that areas of the conveyor or substrate are illuminated by only a single control group at any one time. Heater control thermocouples are affixed to the radiative heater elements and the output signals from the control thermocouples are calibrated from a calibration thermocouple extending to a position between the control thermocouple and the substrate surface. A wire mesh belt assembly permits illumination of the substrate through the conveyor assembly while supporting the substrate in a manner effective to obtain uniform heating of the substrate.

Abstract: A filter assembly for use especially with air conditioning and heating ducts, comprising first and second rectangular frames, the latter frame being detachably positioned in the first one, and a filter element sandwiched between the rear end of the second frame and a flange seat on the first frame. Interiorly separable snap lock elements on the first and second frames serve to retain the latter frame and filter element in position in the first frame. The second frame is formed into a louver or grill and includes a plurality of horizontally-spaced and inclined slats, the spacing being so as to permit ample flow of air through the assembly, the slats serving as a handle for the insertion and withdrawal of the second frame relative to the first one.

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 backup 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.