Abstract: Cementing plugs for use in the cementing of casing in oil and gas wells. The cementing plugs are well-suited for use with a polycrystalline diamond compact drill bit.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus is provided for quick coupling of pumping equipment to a cylindrical member.

Abstract: Cementing plugs for use in the cementing of casing in oil and gas wells. The cementing plugs are well-suited for use with a polycrystalline diamond compact drill bit.

Abstract: An antimony recovery process is disclosed in which antimony-containing material is leached in a solvent including elemental sulfur and a caustic to preferentially leach antimony. The antimony-containing leach liquor from the leaching step is separated from the insoluble residue by filtration, and the antimony compounds in the separated leach liquor are crystallized to separate the antimony compounds from impurities which are left in solution in the leach liquor. The crystals are then redissolved and treated to create marketable antimony products of high purity, such as antimony metal, sodium hydroxy antimonate, sodium antimonate, antimony pentoxide, and antimony pentasulfide. Alternatively, the crystallized antimony compounds comprising primarily sodium thioantimonate crystals may be recovered and sold without further treatment. Waste products may be treated with soluble iron compounds and lime to render the waste products safe for disposal.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus is provided for quick coupling of pumping equipment to a cylindrical member. The coupling apparatus includes at least one sealing member that may be hydraulically biased to provide a fluid tight seal between the coupling apparatus and a cylindrical member.

Abstract: Cementing plugs for use in the cementing of casing in oil and gas wells. The cementing plugs are well-suited for use with a polycrystalline diamond compact drill bit.

Abstract: A laparoscopic medical instrument for performing blunt dissection, as well as irrigation and aspiration of the operative field. The instrument comprises an elongated suction tube having proximal and distal ends, with the proximal end connected to a source of irrigation fluid and to vacuum suction equipment. A cannulated mandrel is partly inserted into the distal end leaving a portion of the mandrel extending outwardly from the elongated tube. A strip of cloth having a textured surface is wound around the outwardly extending portion of the mandrel for performing blunt dissection. An inner tube extends within the mandrel such that the bore of the inner tube is in registry with the bore of the elongated tube to provide a continuous internal bore extending through the entire instrument for supplying irrigation fluid and for removing the fluid and debris during aspiration. An X-ray opaque strip is wound within the cloth strip.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus is provided which comprises a flexible, collapsible fluid container in fluid communication with an adjustable volume multi-dose dispensing means.

Abstract: Methods for the improvement of mechanical properties of aluminum can stock materials. In one method, an aluminum alloy is cast into an ingot, heated at an elevated temperature to homogenize the alloy, hot rolled at an elevated temperature to form hot band material and cold rolled to final gauge. After the heating step, the alloy is hot rolled immediately to minimize the cooling of the alloy between the heating and hot rolling steps.

Abstract: A free-standing rack assembly including a plurality of dividers which is useful for supporting books, charts, files, or the like. The assembly may be placed upon an open shelf or cabinet with the shelf or cabinet bearing the weight of the supported items and the rack assembly maintaining the supported items in an upright manner.

Abstract: Processes for producing aloe extracts including the separation of the leaves of the aloe plant into distinct portions. In particular, a first process is described for producing an aloe extract which is substantially free of anthraquinone-rich yellow sap and a second process is described for extracting the active chemical substance in the aloe plant.The active chemical substance in the aloe plant is extracted from aloe leaves and its characteristic properties are described.

Abstract: An absorber/solution pump for pumping strong concentration liquor up a pressure gradient to a vapor generator in a heat-pump system, said pump comprising a pump body defining a first vertically disposed cylinder and housing a first piston which reciprocates within said cylinder, dividing it into an upper pumping chamber and a lower working chamber, a header tank for the system strong concentration solution integral with said pump body and surmounting said pumping chamber, said header tank and said pump body being interconnected via a one-way valve which allows the strong-concentration solution to be drawn by suction and gravity into the pumping chamber, a second piston within a second cylinder which is connected to the first piston so as to reciprocate with it, said second cylinder opening at the bottom into the pumping chamber and opening at the top into the base of the header tank, and a third piston acting vertically in a third cylinder which is closed at the bottom from the atmosphere but is selectively c

Abstract: A process is described for extracting a pharmaceutically active polysaccharidic substance from the aloe plant.The pharmaceutically active polysaccharidic substance and its characteristic properties are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medicaments with a high degree of dissolution rate and solubility. These medicaments are characterized in that they are in amorphous form produced by spraying in the presence of a stabilizer and of an agent inhibiting the formation of crystals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medicaments with a high degree of dissolution rate and solubility. These medicaments are characterized in that they are in amorphous form produced by spraying in the presence of a stabilizer and of an agent inhibiting the formation of crystals.

Abstract: A device for transdermal administration of a drug comprises a reservoir containing the drug and a supporting strap, or band, which substantially surrounds a limb of the patient and holds the reservoir in position on a limb of the patient. The reservoir is generally non permeable to the drug, but has a membrane, or plate, of defined surface area through which said drug can pass. In use, this membrane or plate is held against the patient's skin to allow the drug to be absorbed. The device further includes cooperating locking mechanisms for detachably securing the reservoir on the strap or band whereby the supply of drug can be replenished by removing the spent reservoir and inserting a fresh one containing a new supply of the drug.

Abstract: A new, lightweight reflective surgical drape which is effective in reducing the rate of heat loss in human patients during a variety of surgical procedures is disclosed. The drape comprises a core layer of non-conductive aluminum and a first and second adjacent layer of a thermoplastic material. A non-woven layer of absorbent material is attached to either the first or second adjacent layer of thermoplastic material.In a preferred embodiment, the drape of the present invention comprises a first layer of non-conductive aluminum and a second layer of a thermoplastic material. A third layer of non-woven absorbent material is attached to the first layer of non-conductive aluminum.