Abstract: A method and system are shown for protecting the threaded ends of tubular goods such as oil field tubulars from physical damage and corrosion due to environmental factors. A thread protector is formed of a polymeric body having cylindrical wall portions which engage the threaded ends of the tubular goods. Instead of relying upon a separate thread compound or corrosion inhibitor applied to the exposed threads, the polymeric body has incorporated therein a corrosion inhibiting compound, which is blended within the polymeric body as a part of the manufacturing process used to mold the polymeric body. The thread protector of the present disclosure includes a weather barrier to minimize exposure of the threaded ends of the tubular goods to moisture and other contaminants. The weather barrier includes a weather barrier ring and an air vent.

Abstract: An improved shell-and-tube steam instantaneous heat exchange system of a closely coupled feedback design which overheats water in the heat exchanger portion of the system and then blends the water, as needed, with proportional amounts of cold water to achieve the correct outlet temperature for a wide range of flow rates. The system uses at least two primary heat exchangers to provide redundancy in the case of failure of a major component of the system. Steam flow through the heat exchangers is controlled by the use of steam traps, rather than using a thermostatically controlled valve to vary the supply of steam. To obtain precise temperature control during varying water volume use, water is directed from the blended outlet of a first water tempering valve into the hot inlet port of a second water tempering valve.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition is shown for rejuvenating the appearance of skin with reduced or minimal potential for skin irritation, in the form of a lotion or cream which includes as a major component aloe vera as well as vitamins A, B, C, D and E.

Abstract: The present invention is a cardiac-assist device and technique used to maintain a patient's cardiac output when normal cardiac output is insufficient. Blood is removed from a selected ventricle using an arterial or venous side approach. The use of a right side approach reduces the amount of work required and reduces the number of foreign objects present within the left side of the heart and associated blood transferring conduits. The device of the invention includes a flexible catheter positionable within the patient's body. An external assist mechanism connected to one end of the flexible catheter receives blood from the arterial circulation and includes a pumping membrane. A flexible cannula is connected for reinfusing blood. A control console is provided for alternately supplying vacuum and pressure to the pumping membrane. A synchronizing means varies inflation and deflation in synchrony with the cardiac cycle of a patient.

Abstract: A transport tank for use in live haul truck transport of aquatic species such as catfish is formed of rotomolded plastic. The tank has a grooved floor which is covered with a perforated plate. The grooves contain aeration lines which run along the length of the floor. The aeration lines have threaded end fittings which engage a doubly threaded nut which is received in a sidewall opening of the tank. The hoses can be removed for servicing by simply unthreading the doubly threaded nut and pulling the aeration lines out of the sidewall openings.

Abstract: A method is shown for producing stable, non-settling calcium hydroxide slurries with defined solids, viscosity, reactivity, and particle size. A traditional hydrated lime is first blended with an organic solvent. The hydrated lime and organic solvent blend is then wet-milled in a media mill. The resulting slurries can be used in applications where the addition of aqueous calcium hydroxide slurries would be a disadvantage such as in the production of solvent based oils, greases and lubrication products. The process can also be used to produce stable, non-settling, ultra-fine particles of calcium oxide in organic solvents, where fine particles are needed for processing in organic matrices.

Abstract: An apparatus is shown for attachment to a plumbing system for the rapid on-demand delivery of hot water through the plumbing system to an ultimate point of use. The apparatus includes a diverter valve located in a hot water supply line upstream of the point of use. The diverter valve is actuated for a predetermined interval by a user to initially purge cold water from the hot water line to a drain. After the preset interval, the valve automatically closes. The initial diversion of cold water standing in the water supply line causes rapid delivery of hot water to the point of use once the diverter valve has completed its cycle.

Abstract: The invention is an adjustable wrench comprising a handle with a terminal end and grip end, the terminal end defining a lower bolt claw. A jackscrew is slidably coupled to the handle, the jackscrew being movable to control the movement of the upper and central bolt claws. The upper, central, and lower bolt claws are fitted to the shape of a standard hexagonal bolt head, being adjustable to different sized bolts upon terminal or distal movement of the jackscrew relative to the handle. The central bolt claw is fitted through a slot in the upper bolt claw which defines an inclined ramp surface such that movement of one claw is coupled to movement of the other claw. The claws move cooperatively in reaction to the stationary, lower bolt claw to form a tightly fitted surface for a bolt head.

Abstract: A welded low carbon dual phase (ferrite plus martensite) and/or low carbon martensitic stainless steel PIPE having requisite yield strength and corrosion and/or erosion resistance is shown. Pipe can be manufactured up to a maximum outside diameter from finished plate or coil by utilizing a high speed-forming mill rather than using the traditional costly seamless pierced billet methods, or utilizing U-O-E or break press. An ERW technique is also used rather than utilizing the traditional laser, tungsten inert gas, gas metal arc, plasma arc, submerged arc or double submerged arc welding methods; or the parameters and procedures for ERW traditionally used to weld carbon steel pipe. Welded pipe dimensions and mechanical properties can be achieved which comply with the heat treatment process and the continuous roll forming mill's capability to produce the yield strengths and dimensional tolerances required to meet the service criteria of the pipe's intended application.

Abstract: An asset tracking system is provided, having particular usefulness in connection with the marking and tracking of sealing gaskets of the type used in water and sewage systems and in fluid conveyance systems generally. Interrogation of RFID tags located on the sealing gaskets insures that the gaskets are properly tracked, identified and sorted.

Abstract: A coil tubing or jointed dual wall drill string assembly for subsurface drilling. The drill string assembly includes a metallic outer tube having an outer tube first end and an outer tube second end opposite the outer tube first end. The assembly also includes a flexible, substantially non-metallic inner tube that is substantially enclosed within and generally coaxially aligned with the outer tube. The flexible, substantially non-metallic inner tube has an inner tube first end, an inner tube second end opposite the inner tube first end, and an inner tube inner diameter. The inner tube and the outer tube define an annular channel therebetween. The drill string assembly also includes a means for conveying fluid through the annular channel toward the inner tube first end. The annular channel is adapted to convey drilling fluid under pressure toward the inner tube first end and the inner tube is adapted to convey cuttings toward the inner tube second end.

Abstract: A thermal energy transfer unit is provided for conventional Freon air conditioning. One or several thermal energy transfer units are operatively interconnected to one or several conventional air condition systems and share a common energy storage tank. Each thermal energy transfer unit converts energy from the compressor and condensing coil of the conventional air conditioner and stores it in the common energy storage tank when electricity is in low demand. Each thermal energy transfer unit retrieves stored energy from the common storage tank and provides air conditioning without the use of the compressor when electricity is in high demand. Each thermal energy transfer unit can be disabled to allow the air conditioning unit to perform as if they and the energy storage tank were not connected. One or all of the units can be disabled without affecting the performance or purpose of the others.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a diagnostic test kit and method for detecting the presence of certain metabolic by-products in human urine. The kit includes a test strip with an exposed face side containing chemical reagents which react in the presence of selected metabolic by-products. The reverse side of the test strip has an adhesive backing which allows the strip to be mounted in the interior of a commode bowl, initially above the water level. Flushing the commode causes the water level to rise and contact the chemical reagents. The reaction can be visually observed by removing the test strip from within the commode bowl.

Abstract: An flexible coupling is shown for an insulated piping system of the type used to convey steam and other high temperature fluids. The coupling uses a flexible bellows and additional insulating and joining components to couple conventional lengths of insulated pipe. The bellows arrangement compensates for any relative movement of the inner fluid conveying pipes with respect to the outer layers of insulating material and outer jacket in order to protect the integrity of the assembly and prevent the intrusion of water or other contaminants which could lead to corrosion or early failure of the piping system.

Abstract: A dual wall drill string assembly for subsurface drilling. The drill string assembly includes a metallic outer tube having an outer tube first end and an outer tube second end opposite the outer tube first end. The assembly also includes a flexible, substantially non-metallic inner tube that is substantially enclosed within and generally coaxially aligned with the outer tube. The flexible, substantially non-metallic inner tube has an inner tube first end, an inner tube second end opposite the inner tube first end, and an inner tube inner diameter. The inner tube and the outer tube define an annular channel therebetween. The drill string assembly also includes a means for conveying fluid through the annular channel toward the inner tube first end. The annular channel is adapted to convey drilling fluid under pressure toward the inner tube first end, and the inner tube is adapted to convey cuttings toward the inner tube second end.