Abstract: A method is disclosed for dispersing gums in hydrocarbon streams, particularly low molecular weight, sticky polymeric materials formed in refinery and petrochemical plant operation. The dispersant comprises a free radically polymerized copolymer of an .alpha.-olefin of from about 10 to about 36 carbon atoms and maleic anhydride wherein the anhydride moieties along the copolymer backbone are substantially unhydrolyzed. The copolymer has a ratio of olefin to maleic anhydride of from about 1 to about 0.5 and a molecular weight of from 5000 to about 100,000. The dispersant alternatively comprises a dispersant mixture wherein the first component comprises the .alpha.-olefin/maleic anhydride copolymer and the second component comprises an alkyl substituted phenol/formaldehyde liquid polymer, such as nonyl phenol/formaldehyde polymer, or a lipophilic/hydrophilic vinylic polymer, such as hydroxyethyl methacrylate/lauryl acrylate copolymer. Also disclosed is a hydrocarbon dispersion made by the method.

Abstract: Dispersing asphaltenes in liquid hydrocarbons, particularly formed during the refining of crude petroleum, is disclosed. The dispersant comprises a free radically polymerized copolymer of an .alpha.-olefin of from about 10 to about 36 carbon atoms and maleic anhydride wherein the anhydride moieties along the copolymer backbone are substantially unhydrolyzed or otherwise not derivatized. The copolymer has a ratio of .alpha.-olefin to maleic anhydride of from about 1:1 to about 1:5 and a molecular weight of from 5000 to about 100,000. Alternatively the dispersant comprises a mixture of the .alpha.-olefin/maleic anhydride copolymer and an alkyl substituted phenol/formaldehyde liquid polymer, such as nonyl phenol/formaldehyde polymer, or a lipophilic/hydrophilic vinylic polymer, such as hydroxyethyl methacrylate/lauryl acrylate copolymer. Also disclosed is a liquid hydrocarbon dispersion containing asphaltenes and 1-100 ppm of the .alpha.-olefin/maleic anhydride copolymer.

Abstract: A removable core cylinder lock having separate key-operated tumbler controlled fences is disclosed. The separately keyed fences permit differentiation between a locking/unlocking operational mode and a core insertion/removal mode to enhance security and applicability of the lock. The lock comprises a core received by a housing. The core has a longitudinal fence retractable by alignment of one group of tumblers and a transverse retainer retractable by alignment of a second group of tumblers wherein both fence and retainer engage the housing to lock the core therein. Insertion of a proper unlocking key permits retraction of the fence without retraction of the retainer so that the core can be rotated in the housing but not removed therefrom. Insertion of a proper removal key permits retraction of the fence and retainer for removal of the core from the housing. In such manner, one core can be rapidly substituted for another to change the keying for the unlocking mode.

Abstract: A low viscosity drilling fluid and method for stabilizing a downhole shale formation are disclosed. The fluid comprises an aqueous solution of a partialy transamidated hydrolyzed acrylamide copolymer, potassium chloride, a weighting agent and an optional viscosifying agent. The copolymer comprises from about 50 to about 98 mole percent primary amide functionality, from about 0.1 to about 15 mole percent secondary amide functionality and from about 2 to about 50 mole percent of the acrylate salt. The drilling fluid has a density out from about 8 to about 18 pounds per gallon and a viscosity of from about 5 to about 30 centistokes.

Abstract: A aqueous oil well scale inhibiting composition is disclosed as well as a dispersion and scale inhibiting method. The inhibitor comprises a phosphate ester or phosphonate calcium carbonate inhibitor and a sulfonated alkyldiphenylether zinc and/or lead sulfide dispersant. The dispersion includes at least 1 ppm of effectively dispersed zinc and/or lead sulfide particulates up to a concentration of about 200 ppm or more.

Abstract: A clay swelling inhibitor additive for oil and gas well treatment is disclosed. The additive comprises an aqueous solution of tetraalkylammonium chloride, preferably tetramethylammonium chloride and a quaternary amine-based cationic polyelectrolyte, such as methyl chloride quaternary salt of ethylene-ammonia condensation polymer. The additive composition synergistically retards water absorption by the down-hole clay formation.

Abstract: A jet propulsion unit is provided for marine craft where a stream of water is induced in a converging inlet section and delivered as a steady laminar shaped flow regime to an impeller section whose novel impeller/diffuser vane combination and converging annular volume enables operation of the vessel over a wide range of speeds and sea conditions without cavitation. Acceleration of water energized by the impeller through an interchangeable nozzle provides additional thrust and maneuverability. The propulsion unit additionally incorporates an arm-hole duct in the inlet housing for easy clean-up of any fouling and a bypass valve positioned upstream from the impeller to eliminate balling and drag caused thereby.

Abstract: A clay swelling inhibitor additive for oil and gas well treatment is disclosed. The additive comprises an aqueous solution of tetraalkylammonium chloride, preferably tetramethylammonium chloride and a quaternary amine-based cationic polyelectrolyte, such as methyl chloride quaternary salt of ethylene-ammonia condensation polymer. The additive composition synergistically retards water absorption by the down-hole clay formation.

Abstract: A film-forming corrosion inhibitor suitable for use in 2-cycle engine oils is prepared from the reaction product of 1 mole of dodecenylsuccinic anhydride with 0.6-0.95 moles propylene glycol. The anhydride-glycol adduct is prepared in a relatively short reaction time, and the engine oil containing the corrosion inhibitor is compatible with other oil and fuel additive components, while industry standard performance properties are maintained.

Abstract: A device for removing and cleaning asbestos containing material from a surface is disclosd. The device has a housing which is moved in a path to clear a swath of asbestos-containing material from a surface. A plurality of knives are positioned on an open face of the housing to make a plurality of incisions in the asbestos-containing material layer as the housing is moved along the surface. A scraping blade trailing the knives scrapes the asbestos-containing material from between the incisions. A sheet of water from a pressurized source is sprayed onto the scraped surface at an oblique angle to wash residual asbestos-containing material from the surface. The liquid spray and asbestos-containing material is aspirated together by a vacuum source connected to the housing, and the mixture of liquid and asbestos-containing material is removed in a separating receptacle.

Abstract: A portable ladder assembly adapted to be removably mounted in the space between a body and a rail spaced therefrom, e.g. between the body of a conventional truck trailer and tie down rail. The ladder has a main ladder section having an elongated vertical support member and a plurality of step members transversely secured thereto. Means are disposed adjacent a top end of the elongated member for removably securing an upper end of the main ladder section in the space between the body and the tie down rail. Extension members are provided for extending the ladder above the rail to facilitate personnel climbing on the ladder assmbly. An optional lower ladder section having at least one transverse step member supported by at least one elongated member attached to the main ladder section adjacent a lower end thereof is repositionable between at least two different elevations.

Abstract: An aqueous-based composition comprising a glycerophosphoric acid ester and a diacetyltartaric acid ester of mono and/or diglycerides when combined with viscosifier, sealant and weighting agent is suitable for use as a spotting fluid for downhole drilling operations for releasing stuck drill string. The present invention also enhances drill fluid lubricity, is nontoxic to marine life, non-polluting and may be safely disposed of in off-shore waters.

Abstract: A suspension ceiling for clean room installations is disclosed. The ceiling has a suspended ceiling support structure having a plurality of grip openings including a vertical member between each grid opening and flanges extending horizontally from each vertical member so as to form a horizontal surface around a periphery of each grid opening for peripherally supporting a ceiling insert therein. At least one ceiling panel is positioned in a grip opening and peripherally supported by the flanges. An edge cap sealingly engages the ceiling panel edge surface for inhibiting particle emission therefrom. The edge cap comprises an elongated rigid or semi rigid strip of generally U-shaped cross-section having first and second horizontal portions respectively compressively engaging the periphery of the back and front ceiling panel horizontal surfaces and a vertical portion joining the first and second horizontal strip portions adjacent the ceiling pane, edge surface.

Abstract: A compound tapered flange assembly for sealing axially aligned flanged tubular members. Opposed annular recesses are formed in each flange. Each recess has a radial shoulder tapered with respect to a transverse plane disposed between the flanges such that the axial distance between the radial plane and the shoulder at a maximum diameter is greater than the axial distance from the plane to the shoulder at a minimum diameter. Each recess also has an inside frustoconical surface tapered with respect to the longitudinal axis with a minimum inside diameter adjacent the shoulder, and a maximum inside diameter adjacent a face of the flange. A bifrustoconical annular seal ring has outside and end surfaces complementarily tapered to engage the shoulder and the inside surface of the recesses.

Abstract: A brake locking mechanism of the anti-theft type for use with an automobile vehicular brake system having one or more fluid operated brakes, a master cylinder and an actuator for reciprocating a piston in the cylinder to apply and release the brakes. The locking mechanism has a housing adapted to fit between the master cylinder and the actuator, means such as a ratcheted rod within the housing for reciprocating the piston responsively to the actuator, and means such as a pawl operatively associated with the ratcheted rod for locking the reciprocating means with the piston in the brake applying position. The locking means is remotely controlled from a keyed or combination lockable control mechanism located in the driving compartment of the vehicle which may be mechanical or electronic.

Abstract: A swivel flow line connector is disclosed for use in misaligned connections. The connector includes male and female flange tubular members and a seal ring positioned therebetween. The male member and the seal ring have mating annular spherical surfaces which are respectively convex and concave. The female member and the seal ring have mating frustoconical tapered surfaces, but the outside diameter of the seal ring is slightly larger than the inside diameter of the female member frustoconical surface. Prior to drawing the male and female members together by bolting respective flanges thereof, the convex male member surface is pivotably engaged with the concave seal ring surface for alignment of the members in the desired swiveled position. Upon drawing the members together by tightening the flange bolts, the seal ring is radially compressed by axial displacement of the female member frustoconical surface with respect to the corresponding tapered surface of the seal ring.

Abstract: A swivel flow line connector is disclosed for use in misaligned connections. The connector includes male and female flanged tubular members and a seal ring positioned therebetween. The male member and the seal ring have mating annular spherical surfaces which are respectively convex and concave. The female member and the seal ring have mating frustoconical tapered surfaces, but the outside diameter of the seal ring is slightly larger than the inside diameter of the female member frustoconical surface. Prior to drawing the male and female members together by bolting respective flanges thereof, the convex male member surface is pivotably engaged with the concave seal ring surface for alignment of the members in the desired swiveled position. Upon drawing the members together by tightening the flange bolts, the seal ring is radially compressed by axial displacement of the female member frustoconical surface with respect to the corresponding tapered surface of the seal ring.

Abstract: Fluid streams containing hydrogen sulfide from a steam tubine or from a sour gas stream are contacted with an aqueous solution of a polyvalent metal chelate and a bisulfite whereby the hydrogen sulfide is converted to free sulfur and then to soluble sulfur compounds. The metal chelate is reduced to a lower oxidation state metal chelate and reduced metal chelate is subsequently oxidized with air back to the higher oxidation state and reused. The bisulfite is formed by combustion of a portion of the fluid stream and subsequent absorption of the sulfur dioxide formed thereby in a two-stage countercurrent scrubber operating at conditions favorable for high bisulfite and low sulfite formation and selective away from carbon dioxide absorption.

Abstract: A plunger lock with a readily removable core is disclosed. The lock has a cylindrical housing and a core. The core is provided with a detent which is retractable when the proper key is inserted in the keyway of the core to permit rotation of the core within the housing. The rotation and longitudinal movement of the core within the housing is defined by the cooperation of a stop in a locking/unlocking groove formed on the core to permit the core to move longitudinally between locked and unlocked positions. The keyway opens to the surface of the core adjacent the locking/unlocking groove. A core insertion/removal groove is formed on the core adjacent the keyway on the opposite side from the locking/unlocking groove. A normal operating key which is inserted in the keyway permits retraction of the detent so that the core may be moved between the locked and unlocked positions, but prevents passage of the stop between the locking/unlocking groove and the core insertion/removal groove.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft device. The device is amenable for use with a vehicle having a gear lever. The device includes a removable housing which fits over and encloses the gear lever. The housing is locked in place to prevent movement of the gear lever by a bolt passing through the housing in interengagement with the gear lever and penetrating a barrel lock housing fixedly attached to the gear lever housing. The bolt has a head at one end which prevents rotation thereof, and a hole at the other end in mutual register with the bolt-engaging portion of the barrel lock. The locking of the housing in place over the gear lever prevents movement thereof so that the vehicle cannot be driven without unlocking the housing.