Abstract: A method for removing and inserting a tubular frusto-conical seat (26) from the seat cavity (22) of a valve chamber (20) in a valve body (12). The tool (46) for performing the method has a laterally extending protuberance (60) on its inner end adapted to be received within a port (38) of the seat (26) for prying the seat (26) loose upon a prying action of the tool (46). An annular shoulder (56) on the tool (10) engages the outer annular surface (42) of the seat (26) for providing a pivot axis.

Abstract: An intermediate weight member (10) having a variable cross-section or bending moment of inertia as a function of member length is disclosed. At one end of the member (10) a slip and elevator section (14) is provided. A partially grooved section (16) of a diameter greater than that of the slip and elevator section extends between the slip and elevator section (24) and the other end of the member (10). The partially grooved section (16) includes two variable depth grooved sections (18, 20) separated by an ungrooved section (22). The ungrooved section (22) includes hardbanding rings (26, 28). The spiral grooves (30A, 30B, 30C) of variable depth grooved section (18, 20) vary in depth as a function of member length such that the bending moment of inertia varies as a function of length from the slip and elevator section (14) to the lower end of the member (10).

Abstract: A method and means for covering an opening (14) in the damaged metal hull (12) of a ship (10) including a flexible covering material (16) having a plurality of electromagnets (36) embedded therein between inner and outer layers (30, 34) and arranged in generally transverse rows. Electrical energy is applied in sequence to the electromagnets (36) after unrolling of the flexible material (16) alongside the hull (12) from the uppermost row of electromagnets (36) to the lowermost row of electromagnets (36). Air assist members (48) are provided to force the flexible material (16) toward the hull (12).

Abstract: A mounting plate (20) is positioned between a manifold (18) and a pair of fluid pressure transmitters including a differential pressure transmitter (22) and a gauge pressure transmitter (24). The fluid pressure from high and low pressure taps or lines (14, 16) placed on opposite sides of a flow restriction (12) of a main flow line (10) is measured and transmitted to a remote location by the transmitters (22, 24). The mounting plate (20) has low and high pressure ports (62, 64) for differential pressure transmitter (22) and a low pressure port (66) for a gauge pressure transmitter (24). A connecting fluid passage (68) connects the low pressure ports (62, 66) and a block valve (80) is movable between open and closed positions to permit or block fluid communication between the ports (62, 66) and fluid communication between the transmitters (22, 24).

Abstract: Water absorbent polymers provided, in the form of a thixotropic hydrocarbon gel, demonstrate controlled water absorption. This property enables improved usage of such polymers in the reduction of the loss of circulation fluid or as a viscous sweep in the drilling of subterranean wells.

Abstract: A lawn trimming tool (10) has an elongate support column or member (12) with a cutter head (16) mounted for rotation at a lower end thereof and a flexible line or string (20) extending from the cutter head (16) for cutting in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation. An edging attachment (28) is removably mounted by a bolt (50) to a support assembly (32) mounted on the support column (12). Front and rear rollers (58A, 58B, 58C, 58D) are mounted for rolling contact along a curb, driveway, or sidewalk (D) and an edging guide (60) secured to roller 58D rides alongside the driveway (D) for guiding the trimming tool (10).

Abstract: A rotary drill bit (10) has fluid discharge nozzles (36A, 36B, 36C) positioned between adjacent pairs of roller cutters (20A, 20B, 20C). A fluid discharge nozzle (36A) provides a stream of drilling fluid (44) toward an adjacent roller cutter (20A) inclined radially outwardly toward the side wall (34) of the bore hole (30) and slanted toward the roller cutter (20A) for first striking the side wall (34), and then sweeping inwardly across the bore hole bottom (32) in a flat high velocity stream tangential to bit rotation and beneath the cutting elements (26) during cutting engagement of the gage row (28D) with the formation.

Abstract: A pilot valve (40) for a control valve (14) has a separate auxiliary source of high pressure fluid (106) for the operation of the pilot valve (40). The dome chamber (36) of the control valve (14), the inlet fluid chamber (72), and the intermediate fluid chamber (104) are exposed only to the auxiliary source of fluid (106). Thus, process fluid from the sensing line (62) does not contaminate the spool valve (76) or the dome chamber (36).

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a plastic clip-on stair edge identifier includes a channel member having a U-shaped front portion that has front, rear and bottom walls, the rear wall inclining upward and inward toward the front wall, a rearwardly extending flange having its front edge joined to the upper edge of the rear wall of the channel member and inclining downward and rearward therefrom, the identifier being made of a resilient plastic material that is colored red or yellow. The identifier member is clipped from the bottom side onto a rectangular metal bar that provides the front edge of a stair step, and provides a highlight for the front surface of each step to one ascending or descending the stairs.

Abstract: An underwater pelletizer (10) has a hub or rotor (24) with a plurality of improved holder and blade assemblies (40) mounted thereon each having a blade (44) carried by a holder body (42). Holder and blade assembly (40) is mounted within an opening (34) defined by boss (32) projecting from hub (24) for relative cushioned movement against an elastomeric washer (62) between the holder and blade assembly (40) and the hub (24).