Abstract: A ram lock for blowout preventer rams which permits locking of the ram at multiple and adjustable positions. Automatic locking of the ram at a desired position, such as in adjustable sealing positions to compensate for ram elastomer wear, is obtained. The ram also automatically unlocks in response to opening fluid pressure acting on a cylinder liner which contains a ram carrier moving the ram.

Abstract: A grip-seal apparatus for connecting together flowline end portions having first and second housings having alignable bores therethrough, with gripper member mounted in the first housing for moving radially inwardly into gripping engagement with the first flowline member. A sealing assembly is mounted with the second housing for moving radially inwardly into sealing engagement with the first flowline member. An activating sleeve mounted in the second housing and with the gripper members moves longitudinally into engagement with the gripper members and the sealing assembly.

Abstract: Subsurface apparatus and method for using same in a hydrocarbon producing well to enable retrieval of a full opening subsurface safety valve mounted in the well tubing without disturbing the major portion of the well tubing located below the safety valve. The apparatus includes a subsurface tubing hanger below the safety valve from which the major portion of the well tubing is suspended and through which tubing the hydrocarbons flow to the surface. Disposed above the safety valve is a tubing holddown apparatus and a controllable safety joint. The holddown apparatus provides a lower anchor for the portion of the tubing disposed above the tubing hanger and the stinger which is received in and seals with the tubing hanger.

Abstract: An apparatus to remotely control the depth in the water of a marine cable, such as a streamer of seismic geophones or hydrophones towed behind an exploration boat during seismic surveys of submerged formations, and maintain the cable at a desired depth. The depth at which the cable is maintained may be remotely adjusted for a range of selected depths. A new and improved attaching mechanism for attaching the depth control apparatus to the cable is provided.

Abstract: A subsurface safety valve having a flapper-like pivoting closure element that is moved to and from the open and closed positions by a reciprocating operator assembly. When moved to the open position, the closure element is pivoted out of the flow path to protect it from possible damage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for desalinization of salt water to render it potable, wherein the salt water at ambient temperatures is forced through multi-stages at high centrifugal velocities, generating heat to vaporize the water to water vapor, and separating and suspending the salt and other minerals in the water vapor. The centrifugal force separates the salt and other minerals for discharge separately from the water vapor or steam so that the water vapor may be condensed to essentially mineral-free potable water.

Abstract: A multi-purpose exercise enhancing device which is easily assembled and modified for a variety of exercise uses and is easily disassembled for storage and ease of transportation. The multi-purpose exercise enhancing device includes vertical support members releasably connected with base members and horizontal members to form a vertical support assembly and includes a slidably mounted inclined back support panel for performing hackleg exercises. The device further includes an adjustable horizontal member, a plurality of pulley assemblies, a plurality of pull ropes, and weights interchangably connected therewith for performing cable pull-type exercises.

Abstract: A solid moldable fuel composition comprising an acetal resin containing from about 0.5 to about 1.5% by weight fumed silica to increase the flame temperature at which the acetal resin will burn. The composition may further include an antimony oxide flame retardant in an amount of from about 0.05 to about 0.8% by weight to regulate the flame temperature of the composition between about 1500.degree. and 2500.degree. F. and increase the combustion time of the composition. Further ingredients such as a cellulose ester and alkali or alkaline earth metal carbonate may be incorporated to facilitate ignition of the composition and increase its combustion time.

Abstract: A freezable, edible substance is placed in a forming cup mounted by the base upon a lid. A serving cup is invertedly mounted over the first cup and closed by the lid after which the substance is solidified. When final preparation of the beverage is desired, the two cups are inverted and the first cup and lid are removed, leaving a frozen mound in said serving cup into which a drinkable liquid is poured around the solid substance.

Abstract: A device for the filtration of particulate from a particulate laden gas, including a housing containing a circumferential, vertically stacked arrangement of separator units and transfer structure to transfer the particulate laden gas, the clean gas and the separated particulate between the housing inlets and outlets.

Abstract: An insect trap which comprises a chimney member adapted to allow a flow of air to be forced therethrough, a reservoir of insect attractant which under the influence of the flow of air is evaporated and borne as a stream of attractant vapor emanating from the chimney member into the surrounding atmosphere, and a tacky substance provided inside the chimney member which will trap flying insects lured therein by the stream of attractant vapor.

Abstract: Subsurface well apparatus and method of operating same, wherein a controlled ball valve or closure means is provided, with means for mounting same in a well tubing for normally opening and closing flow through the well tubing, and wherein a fluid flow control assembly having a replacement ball valve therewith is adapted to be dropped in or otherwise lowered through the well tubing so as to position same above said controlled ball valve for subsequent operation of said replacement valve to thereafter serve as a replacement for said controlled valve.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing highly viscous minerals from a subterranean formation by injection of an acidic, thermal vapor stream without substantial scale buildup in downstream piping, pumps and well bore. The process comprises heating the formation by injection of heat, preferably in the form of a thermal vapor stream composed of combustion gases and steam and injecting an acidic compound simultaneously with the thermal vapor stream into the formation at a temperature above the dew point of the thermal vapor stream. The acidic, thermal vapor stream increases the solubility of metal ions in connate water and thus reduces scaling in the downstream equipment during the production of viscous hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A new and improved anti-two block system adapted to be used with a crane for the prevention of damage to the boom tip of the boom of the crane by the travelling member wherein the two block system of the present invention includes an engaging mechanism movably mounted with the boom tip for engaging the travelling member when the travelling member moves into close proximity to the boom tip during lifting operations of the travelling member with the crane for the prevention of damage thereto.

Abstract: An improved operating room surgical lamp having a concave reflector housing, an inverted conical reflector disposed therein and one or more circular fluorescent lamps disposed within the concave reflector and about the inverted conical reflector. The surgical lamp of the present invention provides an evenly illuminated light field having a centrally illuminated portion of even greater illumination.

Abstract: Industrial waste-water, particularly cooling water containing water conditioning chemical additives, which heretofore has been discharged to the environment as blowdown because of high silica content, may now be treated for selective silica removal to condition it for reuse in industrial systems. It has been discovered that silica may be effectively and selectively removed from such waste-water streams without the consequential removal of its beneficial chemical conditioning additives by passing such water over activated alumina and thereafter returning it to the system from which it was withdrawn thereby maintaining the silica concentration in the system below its scale formation level.

Abstract: A sample conditioner for cooling, cleaning and drying hot vaporous samples for subsequent GLC analyses is disclosed. It comprises a heat exchange chamber for cooling such sample to near ambient temperature, and a separator chamber for the separation of condensable components from the sample.

Abstract: A control valve assembly for controlling fluid flow in a flowline with an onstream seal removal feature, the control valve assembly including a housing to be mounted with the flowline, flow control members mounted with the housing, seal members for preventing unwanted fluid migration between the housing and the flow control members, and access members mounted with the housing for providing access to the seal members while maintaining fluid flow to the housing.

Abstract: A downhole stabilizing tool communicating with a fluid conductive drill string having a sleeve assembly mounted for movement within the tool housing between selected positions and having camming members therewith for actuating stabilization pads mounted with the tool housing for lateral movement thereof in response to movement of the sleeve assembly between the selected positions, pawl members with the tool housing for cooperating with the sleeve assembly for limiting movement of the sleeve assembly to the selected positions, and pawl engaging members with the sleeve assembly for limiting movement of the sleeve assembly to the selected positions. The actuator assembly includes a piston body member adapted to be positioned within the stabilizing tool and having programming members therewith for cooperatively engaging compatibly formed engaging surfaces with the stabilizing tool that are also spaced apart a programmed distance for moving the stabilization pads between the selected positions.

Abstract: A pipe joint includes pin and box members having interengaged threads characterized as producing hoop tension in the pin member and hoop compression in the box members.