Abstract: A rotary cone bit, having a functionally-engineered surface of this invention, comprises a bit body having at least one leg extending therefrom, and a cone that is rotatably disposed on the leg. The cone typically comprises a plurality of cutting elements that project outwardly therefrom. The cutting elements comprises a cermet material selected from the group consisting of refractory metal carbides, nitrides, borides, carbonitrides and mixtures thereof. A functionally-engineered material is disposed over a surface portion of at least one of the cutting elements to form a wear resistant surface thereon. The wear resistant surface has a hardness that is different than that of the underlying cutting element. The wear resistant surface is provided by forming a conformable material mixture by combining one or more powders selected from the group consisting of cermets, carbides, borides, nitrides, carbonitrides, refractory metals, Co, Fe, Ni, and combinations thereof, with an applying agent.

Abstract: Valve boxes of this invention comprise a housing including an inner chamber that extends axially through the housing from a housing base. The housing chamber includes a diameter that is defined by a housing sidewall surface that extends outwardly from the base, forming a chamber opening. The chamber opening includes a seal surface that is positioned radially inwardly towards the chamber. The valve box further includes a lid that is positioned over the housing chamber opening. The lid includes a concave center section and a seal surface disposed radially therearound. The lid seal surface is positioned radially towards the chamber, and is placed opposite the chamber opening seal surface. An annular seal is interposed between the housing chamber and lid seal surfaces.

Abstract: Faceless PSA label constructions of this invention comprise a flexible substrate having a release surface, and a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive disposed on the release surface. A nonblocking continuous film that, in combination with the pressure-sensitive adhesive is sufficiently self supporting, is disposed over a surface of the layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive to render the pressure-sensitive adhesive tack free. The continuous film is selected from the group of film-forming polymers consisting of polyamide resins, polyester resins, polyurethane resins, polyacrylate resins, vinyl acetate resins and mixtures thereof having a tensile strength of at least 200 psi, and a percent elongation of at least 50. The continuous film can be applied sequentially or simultaneously with the PSA. For purposes of simultaneous application it is desired that the continuous film be formed from a material having a hot melt viscosity that is within a factor of about two times a hot melt viscosity for the PSA.

Abstract: Prelaminate pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) constructions comprise, a first substrate, a coating or release material on a surface of the first substrate, a PSA layer disposed on the coating of release material, and a detackified layer (DL) disposed on a surface of the PSA layer to form a continuous film covering the PSA layer. In first and second embodiments of the construction the DL is activatable to form a tacky layer on top of the PSA layer for lamination with a second substrate. In a third embodiment, the DL includes constituents that when activated migrate into the PSA layer to expose the PSA layer tacky surface for lamination with a second substrate. The prelaminate PSA constructions are completely nonblocking to a minimum 24 hour blocking temperature of about 50° C. at pressure of about 40 kilopascals, thereby allowing such prelaminate PSA construction to be collected, stored, and or transported before being laminated without adhesive interference occurring between continuous layers.

Abstract: Seals of this invention comprise an annular elastomeric ring-shaped body having a dynamic surface disposed along a first body portion, the dynamic surface comprising at least two surface elements that project outwardly therefrom to provide multiple barriers to fluid and debris migration thereacross when placed into contact with a rock bit rotary dynamic surface. The seal dynamic surface includes a recessed portion disposed between the surface elements, and a static seal surface disposed along a second body portion. At least one of the surface elements includes a wear surface that is formed from a material that is more wear resistant than materials that are used to form a remaining portion of the seal. A preferred wear surface is one formed from a composite material comprising a fabric of nonelastomeric polymeric material that is bonded together with an elastomeric material.