Abstract: An apparatus for heating an electrically conductive liquid, such as water, includes a rotatable, balanced, buoyant heating assembly floating in a quantity of conductive liquid partially filling a tank. A pair of opposite polarity electrodes are mounted on the buoyant assembly and a neutral electrode is mounted in the liquid in the tank for heating the liquid by current flow between the electrodes. The buoyant heating assembly is hingedly mounted in the tank and is rotatable by means of a bimetallic coil responsive to the temperature of the liquid from a first position, wherein the pair of electrodes is immersed in the liquid to heat the liquid, to a second position, wherein the electrodes are out of the liquid to terminate the heating process. In one embodiment the spacing between the electrodes on the buoyant heating assembly may be selectively adjusted from outside of the tank to vary the heating rate.

Abstract: An improved method for separating minute, weakly magnetically susceptible particles from an aqueous clay-water slurry containing said particles in minor concentration with substantially non-magnetic minute mineral particles. In accordance with the improvement, the effects of subjecting said particles to separation in a magnetic field, are augmented by subjecting the slurry to a preliminary treatment which mechanically works the dispersed phase of the slurry as to effect release of the contaminant particles. Such working may, for example, be provided by subjecting the slurry, preferably at high solids content, to mechanical shear, to high velocity impact, or to kneading.

Abstract: An anti-testosterone serum is provided which is highly selective to the measurement of testosterone using radioimmunossay techniques in both male and female plasma without resorting to chromatography even though the plasma may have a high 5.alpha.-dihydrotestosterone content. In addition, the high progesterone concentration normally present in female plasma has no effect on the assay of this plasma. The preferred hapten for producing the serum is 17.beta., 19-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one 19-carboxymethyl ether although related compounds as disclosed herein are also useful.

Abstract: There is disclosed well apparatus which comprises a well conduit having a bore therethrough and a well tool having means thereon for releasably locking it within and sealing it with respect to the bore of the well conduit when lowered therein.

Abstract: There is disclosed a light fixture having a ballast mounted on the housing thereof by means of a metal bracket having side walls which are connected to one another to form a corner and a base wall connected to each of the side walls intermediate their opposite ends. The side walls of the bracket are secured to adjacent metal side walls of the housing which are connected to one another at a corner thereof, and the ballast is releasably connected to the base wall of the bracket.

Abstract: Well apparatus is disclosed in which an inner member is adapted to be sealed with respect to an outer member by means of a seal ring of elastomeric material surrounding the inner member for movement from a first position about a first cylindrical surface in which its outer diameter is spaced from a cylindrical bore in the outer member, and a second position about a second, larger cylindrical surface in which its inner and outer diameters are sealably engaged with said second surface and bore in the outer member, respectively.

Abstract: There are disclosed several embodiments of a method for stimulating the recovery of crude oil from a formation penetrated by a well bore. In each embodiment, a mixture of the vapors of a solvent for the crude oil and gas which is a product of combustion is injected into the formation.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for recovering small particles of gold or platinum from a slurry by feeding the slurry onto a layer of Mercury which is flowing downwardly along a generally conical, downwardly converging inner wall of a housing. The housing is rotated about the vertical axis of the conical wall at a speed which induces particles to settle out or a malgamate with the layer of Mercury and causes the remainder of the slurry to move upwardly over the Mercury layer and out of the housing. Upon collection and separation of the particles therefrom, the Mercury is returned to the housing for resupply to the inner wall thereof so as to maintain a continuous layer of Mercury.

Abstract: An overshot tool having a cylindrical grapple seated within the bowl of a tubular body, each of the grapple and bowl having longitudinal slots extending from each end thereof, and tangs being carried within the body and extending into the slots to limit rotation of the grapple with respect to the body.

Abstract: There are disclosed several embodiments of a well tool which is adapted to be connected as part of a pipe string through which drilling fluid is circulated, and which comprises inner and outer members which are rotated with respect to one another by a motor between them.

Abstract: There is disclosed a tool which is connectible as part of a drill string and which is adapted, upon lifting of the drill string, to permit drilling fluid therein to by-pass a motor in the lower end of the string below the tool.

Abstract: There is disclosed a bearing assembly comprising first and second bearing elements arranged in axially spaced relation about a shaft which oscillates about its axis through a relatively small angle, the bearing element which sees thrust loading from the shaft comprising a radially inner bearing part having a conically shaped outer surface which is slidable over a similarly shaped inner surface of the outer bearing part.

Abstract: A method and system is provided wherein water is injected into a producing formation, particularly one which is partially depleted, for flow laterally into an offset well and thence downwardly into a separation zone or cavity which is located at a depth greater than the producing formation. The oil and water separates in the separation zone or cavity and each is separately flowed to the earth's surface. The arrangement is such that substantially no back pressure is exerted from the well into the formation. Preferably, the water is recirculated back for reinjection into the formation. Also, a treating chemical, such as an emulsion breaker can be injected into the separation zone or cavity for phase separation of the oil and water.

Abstract: There is disclosed an assembly including a pair of tubular members for suspending inner and outer casings with the bore of an offshore well.

Abstract: A pipe connector having tubular members whose telescopically interfitting end portions are latched against separation, wherein one of the tubular members is stretchable to preload the latch means and move a shoulder thereon in an axial direction away from the latch means, and a nut is threadedly mounted on the other tubular member to permit a shoulder thereon to be moved against the shoulder on the one member to hold the preload on the latch means.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for a Dasher or Audi-Fox automobile wherein a compressor is mounted on a bracket bolted to tapped holes in the right side of the engine block.

Abstract: Well apparatus is disclosed in which an inner member is adapted to be sealed with respect to an outer member by means of a seal ring of elastomeric material surrounding the inner member for movement from a first position about a first cylindrical surface in which its outer diameter is spaced from a cylindrical bore in the outer member, and a second position about a second, larger cylindrical surface in which its inner and outer diameters are sealably engaged with said second surface and bore in the outer member, respectively.