Abstract: A method for deterring forgeries and authenticating signatures placed on any document or other object (collectively "Item") is disclosed. A first forgery-proof diffraction grating pattern or similar information bearing medium (Electronic Fingerprint or "EF") is issued to a person whose signature is being protected ("Principal") by a central registrar ("CR"). A personal identification number ("PIN") which has been assigned by the CR to the Principal is encoded on the EF. The PIN remains constant and is encoded on all EFs distributed to the Principal. In addition to the PIN, the EF contains another code ("Code") that is distinct for each EF distributed to the Principal. The Principal must acknowledge to the CR, through the use of his or her PIN, that he or she has received physical possession of the EFs before the EFs are considered valid.

Abstract: A local buffer circuit for use with a magnetostrictive transducer is disclosed wherein the magnetostrictive transducer includes a pickup coil and the local buffer circuit includes two diodes in parallel with the pickup coil to clip or short the energy produced in the pickup coil generated by an interrogation pulse, and also includes a common emitter amplifier to reduce the electrical impedance of the pickup coil, also in parallel with the pickup coil.

Abstract: A retractable syringe includes a barrel [212], one end of which comprises a mounting collar[214]. A needle carrier [216] is releasably mounted within the collar [214], and releasably supports a needle cartridge [218]. A hypodermic needle [20] is mounted within the cartridge [218]. The collar [214] has inclined threads [650] in its bore wall for engaging lugs [248] on the carrier [216]. A cap [910] is provided with a flange [960] having a lower surface [962] wider than the proximal end of barrel [212] and dogs [952]. The dogs [952] are sized to insert into threads [650], whereby dogs [952] ride threads [650] to seal surface [962] against the proximal end of barrel [212].

Abstract: A high pressure valve is disclosed having dual, independent seat to closure member seals, the dual seal arrangement including a primary seal and a second seal, each operating independently, in proper sequence, each acting in the same direction, and each being pressure actuated, with provision for sealing fluid.

Abstract: A seal ring and a stack of seal are disclosed wherein each seal has a knitted mesh section substantially surrounded by an outer coating covering substantially all of the knitted wire mesh section, the coating forming raised sealing surfaces to form interference seals with the outer and inner surface of an annulus. The stack includes spacing between seals in the stack to prevent damage to the sealing surfaces of succeeding seals in the stack. The stack may be bidirectional.

Abstract: A dry liquid concentrate mixture is disclosed comprising crumb rubber particles and tall oil, tall oil derivatives or other fatty acids, which may be enhanced by other components, such as modifiers, for use to enhance the properties of parent materials, such as thermoplastic compounding and coatings and elastomers and recycles and asphalt and epoxies and aliphatic urethane.

Abstract: A shale shaker having two feeds, two screens, two mud outlets and a removable tray between the screens is disclosed. Each screen receives one feed and produces one outlet of cuttings and another outlet for separated mud for either bypass or direct feed to the mud tank or the other screen. The removable tray or trays facilitate the two screens acting in cascade. Valves are provided to control the overall flow rate to the shaker and to the lower level screen.

Abstract: A wave guide suspension device and modular construction for sonic waveguides, including a damping element for use with a waveguide that supports a current pulse and results in a torsional or longitudinal strain wave, is disclosed. The damping element is to prevent the reflection of the sonic strain wave and includes a sleeve surrounding the waveguide and a mechanism for applying pressure on the sleeve so the sleeve exerts pressure on the waveguide, thereby gradually dampening the sonic strain wave energy along the length of the waveguide surrounded by the damping element sleeve to prevent reflection of the sonic strain wave. Further, the return wire placement is determined by measuring system response to provide minimal ringing of the signal received from a pickup coil. In addition, the suspension mechanism is used to contain the waveguide thereby avoiding extraneous noise. Finally, a bracket is disclosed that facilitates the process of assembly of the waveguide assembly.

Abstract: A sealing device having a body section and two anti-extrusion sections is disclosed, the body section being disposed between the anti-extrusion sections. The body section includes sealing surfaces for enclosures in which the sealing device is located. The anti-extrusion section prevents extrusion of the body section.

Abstract: A damping element for use with a waveguide that supports a current pulse and results in a torsional or longitudinal strain wave is disclosed. The damping element is to dampen the reflection of the strain wave and includes a sleeve surrounding the waveguide and a mechanism for applying pressure on the sleeve so the sleeve exerts pressure on the waveguide, thereby gradually dampening the strain wave energy along the length of the waveguide surrounded by the damping element sleeve to prevent reflection of the strain wave.

Abstract: A high pressure valve is disclosed having dual, independent seat to closure member seals, the dual seal arrangement including a primary seal and a secondary seal, each operating independently, in proper sequence, each acting in the same direction, and each being pressure actuated, with provision for relieving excess fluid pressure.

Abstract: A high pressure ball valve is disclosed having dual, independent seat to ball seals, the dual seal arrangement including a primary seal and a secondary seal, each operating independently, in proper sequence, each acting in the same direction, and each being pressure actuated, with provision for relieving excess fluid pressure.

Abstract: A dry liquid concentrate mixture is disclosed comprising crumb rubber particles and tall oil, tall oil derivatives or other fatty acids, which may be enhanced by other components, such as modifiers, for use to enhance the properties of parent materials, such as thermoplastic compounding and coatings and elastomers and recycles and asphalt and epoxies and aliphatic urethane.

Abstract: A closed loop system for processing the effluent of drilling mud, cuttings, diesel, water and ultrafines includes a first mechanism for separating the cuttings from the mud, ultrafines and diesel utilizing washing fluid and shaking mechanisms. A second system is also provided to separate the majority of the diesel and water and ultrafines into water and diesel and ultrafines separately.

Abstract: A gate valve [10] is disclosed having a primary [300, 302] and secondary [316] seal on the upstream and downstream sides of the gate [15], wherein the gate [15] forms a seal with the seat [300] which is activated mechanically [320] and is fluid powered, and wherein a resilient seal [316a] is moved toward the gate [15] by mechanical actuation [31 ] to form a fluid powered secondary fluid-tight seal with the gate [15].

Abstract: A retractable syringe includes a barrel [212], one end of which comprises a mounting collar [214]. A needle carrier [216] is releasably mounted within the collar [214], and releasably supports a needle cartridge [218]. A hypodermic needle [20] is mounted within the cartridge [218]. The collar [214] has inclined threads [650] in its bore wall for engaging lugs [248] on the carrier [216]. A cap [910] is provided with a flange [960] having a lower surface [962] wider than the proximal end of barrel [212] and dogs [952]. The dogs [952] are sized to insert into threads [650], whereby dogs [952] ride threads [650] to seal surface [962] against the proximal end of barrel [ 212].

Abstract: A scrubber for processing barite contained in drilling mud is disclosed. The scrubber includes a tank mounted above ground and has an inlet and outlet for the mud and a second outlet for heavier material that settles out from the mud. A set of blade agitators maintain the flow of the mud while a set of paddle wheel agitators concentrate and convey the heavier materials.

Abstract: A spa control system which calculates the time required to heat the water in the spa system to a desired temperature. From that information, the heating rate of the spa system can be determined, and the heating element of the spa system can be activated at the proper time to raise the temperature of the water to a selected temperature by a desired time. The spa system also monitors information which might show errors in the operation of the spa system such as a blockage in the flow of water over the heating element in the spa system.

Abstract: A high pressure ball valve is disclosed having dual, independent seat to ball seals, the dual seal arrangement including a primary seal and a secondary seal, each operating independently, in proper sequence, each acting in the same direction, and each being pressure actuated, with provision for relieving excess fluid pressure.

Abstract: A gate valve [10] is disclosed having a secondary seal, wherein the gate [15] forms a metal to metal seal with the seat [29, 134] and wherein a resilient seal [36a] is moved toward the gate [15] in a closed position to form a secondary fluid-tight seal with the gate [15]. A device [31, 34] for deenergizing the secondary seal is provided in order to prevent wear of the secondary seal upon opening of the gate and also to reduce the gate [15] drag caused by the energized secondary seal. Also disclosed is a pressure relief mechanism [40, 141] for the secondary seal adapted to prevent damage to the seal and a mechanism for evenly applying opposing secondary seals.