Abstract: A method of inhibiting corrosion on metal surfaces and downhole equipment and above surface separation equipment from a mixture of brine and crude oil extracted from underground formations. The method comprises the injection on a periodic basis of an effective amount of an oxime compound having the formula: ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are the same or different and are selected from hydrogen, lower alkyl groups of one to eight carbons or aryl groups. In addition to functioning as a corrosion inhibitor for the metal surfaces in contact with the mixture, the oxime compound is less susceptible to neutralization by contact with acidic species, and is less likely to emulsify the brine and crude oil mixture brought to the surface.

Abstract: A compact disc storage container for single compact discs, having storage locations for identifying graphics and a graphics in booklet form. The compact disc storage container includes a flexible sheet, preferably transparent, which is cut to form a flap, the cut terminating at two ends and having arcuate regions adjacent the ends. The arcuate regions resist tearing as the flap is opened to insert and remove the compact disc from the compact disc storage container.

Abstract: Corrosion resistant instruments such as those used in medicine and dentistry are efficiently made from raw materials that are difficult to machine. Round bar stock is rolled or otherwise deformed to have flat sides and rounded edges. The parts of the instrument are cut from the flattened bar, by combinations of transverse and longitudinal cuts, so that the rounded edges of the bar define the shape of convexly curved finish surfaces of the instrument. Expensive machining steps are eliminated. An orthodontic pliers is particularly disclosed, made according to the method, by making one or more Z-shaped cuts that preserve the rounded sides to define the outer surfaces of a handle and opposing jaw on each of two plier parts, pivotally joined together.

Abstract: A reclining furniture mechanism which generally includes footrest linkage, backrest linkage, a seat link, stationary base structure as well as drive linkage and seat supporting and actuating linkage connected between the seat link and base structure. Footrest drive linkage is provided for smoothly and simultaneously extending and retracting the footrest linkage on opposite sides of the furniture item. The mechanism is particularly suited for use with T-cushion type frames associated with such furniture items as sofas, loveseats and modular sectionals.

Abstract: A water based dredge includes a grizzly with a sieve and a pair of bi-directional rakes. The rakes translate relative to the stationary sieve to slide waste or recoverable material off of the grid and onto a refuse barge or material processing apparatus, respectively. A grab deposits dredge material onto the sieve and an operator determines whether the material includes waste such as clay or the like or recoverable material such as rocks, dirt, or sand. If the operator determines that the dredge material is waste, the rakes will be actuated for movement from a first direction to thereby push the waste off of the grizzly and onto a refuse barge. If the operator determines that the dredge material includes recoverable material, the rakes will be operated in a second direction so the recoverable material is slid from the grizzly and into a crusher or other appropriate processing apparatus.

Abstract: Magnetic domains in a thin magnetic film on information storage devices are aligned during manufacture of the device, preferably at the time the film is deposited onto a substrate by sputtering. A compact magnetic field generator generates a parallel magnetic field across the substrate with a magnet assembly that is not larger than approximately twice the size of the substrate or not larger than the sputtering target cathode assembly. The magnet assembly includes an interior magnet with poles at opposite ends of the substrate and two side magnets having pole pieces spaced by an air gap from the poles of the interior magnet. The interior magnet preferably includes a central magnet and two intermediate magnets, which share the same pole pieces as the central magnet. The interior magnets are located between the central magnet and the side magnets.

Abstract: A plasma processing system for sputter etching a substrate with reduced particle contamination comprises a plasma processing chamber having an interior surface which defines a processing space containing a substrate. An electrical element couples electrical energy into a portion of the processing space to generate a plasma therein for etching the substrate. A heating device is coupled to the reactor and is operable for controllably heating the processing chamber interior surface to a selected temperature. The heating device is controlled by a temperature control circuit which turns the heating device to an ON state and operates the heating device to heat the processing chamber to a selected temperature when the electrical element is not coupling energy to the processing chamber and the plasma is extinguished.

Abstract: A system is provided for vending food products such as individually packaged beverages from a temperature maintained storage unit to a remote location such as a service counter or the service island of a gasoline service facility. Preferably, a pneumatic tube conveyor moves the product from storage to a dispensing unit at the remote location in response to product selection made by a customer at the remote location. Preferably, payment for the sale of the product item is coordinated with information from another vending or accounting system such as a gasoline charge system that includes a credit card reader associated with a fully automated self-service gasoline pump. The product is moved through the conveyor in a reusable carrier or in its own product packaging container that serves as a carrier.

Abstract: A cover assembly and methods for coveting undersink piping includes insulative cover pieces placed over respective pipe sections such that their ends are adjacent at pipe junctures. Collars are slidable over or inside the cover pieces to be moved to cover the junctures. An alternative cover structure may be wrapped around the pipe juncture to form a generally continuous insulative cover, or alternatively, the fastening structures are insulated such that when the pipe sections are assembled together, the cover pieces and insulating fastening structures form a continuous insulative cover. In an alternative embodiment, one of the cover pieces is dimensioned to slide upwardly and downwardly on a pipe section and a collar structure is placed over the exposed pipe section to provide a continuous cover piece.

Abstract: A universal aquatic exercise machine that includes a plurality of exercise devices, for example, a first exercise device rotatably mounted on a base that moves through a rotary path of motion, a second exercise device rotatably connected to the base that moves back and forth in a reciprocating motion and a third exercise device mounted on the base for reciprocating back and forth motion. The aquatic exercise machine includes a pivoting seat that permits the exercise devices to be performed in either a seated or an erect posture. The exercise devices may have fixed area resistance elements or variable area resistance elements. In addition, underwater footwear facilitates submerged leg exercises and activities such as sliding, skating and other activities.

Abstract: Objects which have been abraded are coated with a coating material which is normally solid at room temperatures. The material is liquified at elevated temperatures and sprayed onto the cooler objects in a heated cabinet, whereupon the material at least partially solidifies on the object. Thereafter, heat is applied to the coating material to cause it to flow out over the coat surface. A cooled conveyor system prevents disruption of the coating material. Overspray is maintained in liquified form within the cabinet where it is reclaimed and flows to a heated sump for direct recirculation to the spray apparatus. There are no deleterious solvent emissions. Apparatus and methods are provided.

Abstract: A spring core for a mattress consisting of a plurality of side-by-side rows of identically configured helical coil springs each made of a single piece of wire having a central portion of a first radius defining a central spring axis and terminating at opposing ends with unknotted upper and lower end turns disposed in planes substantially perpendicular to the spring axis. The springs are connected with each other at their upper and lower turns by connecting lacing wires. The upper and lower turns are each substantially U-shaped, having a longer relatively straight leg and a shorter arcuate leg located at the free end of each end turn, the legs connected to each other by a base web. The radius of the shorter arcuate leg is substantially less than the first radius of the central portion of each coil spring. All the coil springs are oriented in the same direction, except along an edge region of the spring core.

Abstract: A semiconductor device having tungsten strapped gate electrodes and source/drain regions and a polysilicon resistor. The gate electrodes and the polysilicon resistors are all formed from the same layer of polysilicon by initially coating the deposited polysilicon layer with an insulating layer and subsequently a layer of phosphorus doped silicon glass. The electrodes and resistor areas are formed by selectively etching the silicon glass and the polysilicon. This leaves the electrode polysilicon and the resistor polysilicon coated with the phosphorous doped glass. Spacers are then provided along the electrode and the glass removed only from above the gate electrode polysilicon leaving the resistor coated with the phosphorus doped silicon glass and silicon nitride. Tungsten then can be selectively deposited upon the gate electrode and along adjacent source and drain regions.

Abstract: A multisided refrigerated display cabinet preferably being hexagonal in cross section and at least one door for accessing the interior product compartment from one side. Rotatable or non-rotatable shelves are provided within the display compartment. Three alternating insulated walls each include a recessed air duct leading from a refrigeration unit within a base of the display cabinet upwardly into the product compartment and opening to the product compartment. Three lights are mounted within the walls of the cabinet at locations substantially equally space about the periphery of the product compartment. Each major outer surface of the display cabinet also includes an adjustable bumper pad for protecting that surface from the impact of shopping carts and the like.

Abstract: An adjustable cap has a fully removable adjustment strap that may be releasably secured to both sides of the gap in the back of a cap for accommodating any size user. The adjustment strap includes at least one graphic display that is centerable across the gap in the back side of the cap.

Abstract: A plasma noise and arcing suppressor apparatus and method includes a suppressor circuit electrically coupled between a DC power supply and a sputter target inside of a deposition chamber. The suppressor circuit includes an inductive element electrically connected in parallel with a rectifying element. An anode of the rectifying element is coupled to the negative output terminal of the DC power supply such that during a random fluctuation in sputtering current level at the output of the power supply, attributable to random electrical noise and arcing conditions in the sputtering plasma inside the chamber, the rectifying element is negatively biased and is generally non-conductive and the inductive element stores current energy from the sputtering current level fluctuation.

Abstract: A bone anchoring assembly and method for attaching a body part to a patient's bone which includes a bone anchor that is implantable in bone having an opening leading to a cavity formed therein. A coupling member with at least one portion made of a shape memory material having a transformation temperature range. The coupling member is movable through the opening and in and out of the cavity at temperatures below the transformation temperature range. With it in the cavity and at temperatures above the transformation temperature range, the coupling member is locked within the bone anchor. The coupling member is attachable to the body part.

Abstract: A device to facilitate securing an endotracheal tube to an adaptor connected to a suction or gas source is disclosed. The device is comprised of a collar slidable over an endotracheal tube and adaptor. The collar has a prong for engaging the endotracheal tube. The device is further comprised of a ring for temporarily locking to the collar and forcing the collar prong into fastening engagement with the tube.

Abstract: An adjustable panel cutter including a table for supporting the workpiece horizontally, semi-vertically or vertically, a guide frame mounted for pivotal movement at a lower end thereof with respect to the table and a cutting tool carriage slidably received on the guide frame. A power cutting tool is mounted in the cutting tool carriage. The guide frame is moveable angularly across the plane of the table following an arcuate slot in the table in which a guide and locking pin, attached at an upper end of the guide frame, is attached. A quick locking and release mechanism is operatively connected to the guide and locking pin to allow an operator to easily set the guide frame and cutting tool at a desired angle.