Abstract: A focus improver for a concave reflector having a circular cross section. It has an array of plane mirrors diametrically across the mouth of the reflector. The angle of tilt of the mirrors is relative to parallel rays incident upon the reflector, and each mirror has an angle of tilt such that a central parallel ray reflected therefrom will focus at a common location.An application of the focus improver provides a solar energy collector that employs a cylindrical reflector which may be oriented in an east-west direction. The mirrors are thin strips that are coextensive in length with the cylindrical reflector. And, a solar energy utilization device may be located along the focal line that is created.

Abstract: A seismic type electrical multiconductor cable. It is made up with a predetermined length of cable, and has a number of geophone takeout connectors spaced along that length of cable. These takeouts are electrically connected to individual geophone circuits. Half go to pig-tail connected plugs at each end, and there are program circuits that may be plugged into the pig-tail plugs.By arranging the takeouts in pairs, physically on the same conductor but electrically isolated, only half the number of conductors are needed. There are additional conductors in the cable with multi-circuit connectors at each end. The cables are symmetrical and may be laid out end-to-end. A spread of cables would be made with connection to a recording station centrally of the spread.

Abstract: An improved multiphase fluid flow meter for fluid which contains gas. It has a full circle loop to subject the flowing fluid to centrifugal force, and it can measure the pressure differentials between the center and the outside and inside radii of the loop. Also it can measure the density of the average fluid flowing, plus the density of a continuous sampling of the gas and of the liquid constituent of the fluid.

Abstract: A simplified downhole pressure reading instrument. It has a cylindrical body which holds a charge of gas at one end. There is a concentric cylindrical element which slides longitudinally inside the body with a low friction seal between them. The body has an opening at the other end from the gas charge, to admit the downhole fluid pressure. And, there is an arrangement for taking a reading of the maximum compression of the gas charge by the longitudinal movement of the inner cylindrical element.

Abstract: An oil skimmer in combination with a channel that directs the flow of waste water from surface drainage, or the like. There is a weir at the downstream end of the channel to maintain the level of the waste water in the channel. A pivotally supported tray goes across the channel and is mounted so that it has a normal attitude parallel to and beneath the surface of the channel water. This tray has an open end on the upstream side, and there is a means for periodically tipping it so as to wash any floating oil and debris back to the opposite end of the tray where it may be removed.

Abstract: A heavy-duty large-torque deflection unit. It will couple a shaft to a laterally located chain drive. It includes mechanical elements that are used in making dynamic measurement of relative angular displacement at the deflection unit.

Abstract: A fluid flow meter for a fluid containing mixed liquid and gas. It has positive displacement structure that incorporates density measurement of segments of the mixed liquid and gas, while the linear velocity of both components is the same. There may be means for measuring the pressure and temperature of the fluid segments in order to determine the volume of the gas component.

Abstract: A simple, low cost test instrument for measuring effectiveness of a corrosion inhibiting film. It employs solid state integrated circuits and applies an AC signal across the film. The amplitude of the signal is less than that which would damage the film, and the electrical resistance is a measure of the inhibitor effectiveness.

Abstract: A method of producing a thick slurry of powdered coal and water. It includes feeding less coal than is required for the thick slurry into a ball mill, and introducing all of the water required so that a thin slurry is produced. The remaining coal required is pulverized in a dry grinder, and the thin slurry and dry powdered coal are mixed to produce the desired thick slurry.

Abstract: A floating vapor seal is suspended in a slotted gauge well that extends through a floating roof of a petroleum product storage tank. It has a flexible, product resistant layer that contacts the inside walls of the gauge well near the level of product in the well. The floating roof contacts the product around the gauge well and has a seal between it and the outside of the well.

Abstract: An automobile type exhaust gas lead filter is particularly applicable to diesel engine smoke reduction. It has a tubular housing with alumina coated metal wire fibers as the filter bed, which is centrally located. There are open spaces forming plenums at the ends of the housing. And, the inlet and outlet pipes have baffles in alignment therewith to prevent direct impingement of exhaust gases on the coated wire. Also, the baffles are spaced from the inside ends of the pipes to minimize pressure drops.

Abstract: A method of marking a pipeline location eliminates ambiguity in case there are leaks near the location of a marker. It employs a marker that emits two separate frequencies that are modulated by a third frequency lower than either of the other two. Detection of the marker on a pipeline pig is done by separating the two frequencies and demodulating the third. Then by determining the coincidence of all three for a predetermined number of consecutive cycles of the third frequency, the marker location will be positively identified.

Abstract: A system applicable to rotary drilling. It includes a torque meter that measures dynamic torque while drilling. The system averages the time period of individual oscillations in the torque, for a given number of such oscillations. It indicates the length of such average time numerically. Consequently, the probable cause of the oscillations may be inferred.

Abstract: A sweep generator circuit for use with a cathode ray oscilloscope. It provides for a high duty-cycle by eliminating the discharge and recovery time of a conventional sweep generator circuit. This is accomplished by alternately charging and discharging the timing capacitor at equal rates, forming linear up and down ramp signals. Then, by amplifying the ramp signals along with synchronously reversing the polarity of the amplified down ramp signals, using electronic switching, identical unidirectional sweeps are produced during both charging and discharging times of the timing capacitor.

Abstract: A combined temperature control is an integral part of a corrosion probe. The probe includes a corrosion measuring element as one part thereof. The integral temperature control portion acts to provide a desired temperature at the measuring element. And, the result permits creation of the worst corrosive conditions at the measuring element of the probe, irrespective of the location of the probe in the corrosive environment.

Abstract: A simple low cost smoke filter. It is adapted for use in an internal combustion engine exhaust system. It has a tapered body with a mass of alumina coated wire supported therein. The filter medium is under some longitudinal force created by a pervious support that has an unstressed curved configuration which is flattened against the medium. This is done in order to cause radial compression because of the taper, as well as longitudinal compression thereof.

Abstract: An extruder for feeding finely divided solids. And, in combination therewith, means for using gas in various ways to repulverize the finely divided solids. It lends itself to a procedure for continuously charging finely divided solids with water into a high pressure reactor. The high pressure is inherently contained, and the solids are repulverized for use in a reaction.

Abstract: An assembly of a quench ring and dip tube is for use with a reactor vessel. It is particularly beneficial where the reactor generates large quantities of molten slag. The quench ring is mounted against the floor of the reactor vessel for cooling same, and there are a plurality of spray passages directing cooling water against the inside of the dip tube which surrounds the ring at the upper end, while extending into a bath of quench water.

Abstract: An adapter for a sensitive viscometer. It provides increased drag at low shear rates to increase the accuracy. There is an inverted cup shaped rotor that cooperates with an annular shaped stationary container for the fluid to be measured. The annular shape of the container provides reaction surfaces with the fluid on both the inner and outer surfaces of the rotor. And, there is a reservoir in the stationary container with an overflow edge, so that the quantity of fluid to be measured is accurately metered.

Abstract: A laser beam is transmitted through a medium containing the component to be measured. The wavelength of the beam is such that it is absorbed by the component but not by the remainder of the medium. The divergence of the beam is measured to indicate a change in the index of refraction of the medium due to the absorption by the component.