Abstract: Simplified single cell fluid flow apparatus for flotation removal of suspended impurities and liquids are provided wherein the method and apparatus are directed to an induced gas liquid coalescer for flotation separation of suspended impurities. The apparatus provides for a separation vessel which can be fabricated to withstand internal pressure requirements experienced in flotation separation devices wherein the apparatus induces maximum gas volumes consistent with optimum mass transfer of gas medium to suspended impurities in the liquid while controlling intercell or vessel chamber turbulence. Such maximum gas induction achieved without turbulence is through the use of microscopic gas bubbles. Such microscopic gas bubbles provide massive surface area with which the suspended impurities adhere and allows for various apparatus utilization.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decontaminating soil that has been contaminated with vaporizable contaminants are disclosed. Contaminated soil is conveyed through a treatment vessel by means of an auger that has internal passages therein with a hot heat transfer fluid flowing through such passages. As the contaminated soil passes through the treatment vessel, it is heated to a point where the contaminants are vaporized and are withdrawn from the treatment vessel. The vaporized contaminants can be processed in suitable equipment to safely recover or dispose of such contaminants. Air is added to the interior of the treatment vessel from the atmosphere. Appropriate control means are present for controlling the amount of air added to the treatment vessel to ensure that the oxygen level in the mixture of vaporized contaminates and air does not fall within a flamable or explosive range. Following the vaporization of the contaminates from the soil, the thus treated soil is removed from the treatment vessel.

Abstract: A simplified single cell fluid flow apparatus for flotation removal of suspended impurities and liquids are provided wherein the method and apparatus are directed to an induced gas liquid coalescer for flotation separation of suspended impurities. The apparatus provides for a separation vessel which can be fabricated to withstand internal pressure requirements experienced in flotation separation devices wherein the apparatus induces maximum gas volumes consistent with optimum mass transfer of gas medium to suspended impurities in the liquid while controlling intercell or vessel chamber turbulence. Such maximum gas induction achieved without turbulence is through the use of microscopic gas bubbles. Such microscopic gas bubbles provide massive surface area with which the suspended impurities adhere and allows for apparatus utilization which is smaller and more compact for comparative treatment volumes.

Abstract: 1,2,4-Trioxanes are subjected to reductive cleavage, thereby to produce a 1,2-diol and carbonyl compound. The process has applications both in the synthesis of 1,2-diols and the protection, in the course of organic synthesis, of carbonyl compounds.

Abstract: A golf ball is provided with evenly and uniformly distributed dimples. The spherical surface of the golf ball is divided into thirty-two geometric shapes, comprising twelve spherical pentagons and twenty spherical hexagons. The arrangement of the dimples on the spherical surface is generally defined by the sides of the spherical pentagons and hexagons. The uniform distribution of dimples is such that the golf ball displays multiple axes of symmetry.

Abstract: A gas operated, plunger lift type pump for use in a subterranean well conduit which extends from a pool of well liquids to the surface comprises a tubular plunger slidably and sealingly mounted in the well conduit and defining a fluid flow passage through the tubular body. An annular valve seat is fixedly mounted within the tubular body and an axially shiftable valve head is engagable with the valve seat to prevent fluid flow through the fluid passage. The valve head is biased to an open position by a surface applied trapped fluid pressure which approximates the hydrostatic pressure existing in the well at the liquid level to which the plunger is permitted to descend, and is further retained in the open position by a latching collet. As the plunger rises in the well due to the gas pressure existing below the plunger, it will raise the fluids trapped above the plunger to discharge through vertically spaced discharge ports.

Abstract: A cutting cone on a rotary rock bit is captively retained on a journal pin by an annular array of ball bearings disposed in laterally facing annular races formed in the cone and pin. When a predetermined amount of surface wear has occurred between the cone and pin as the bit is operated, one or more of the balls is caused to axially shift into and become trapped in a small lockup grooved formed in the journal pin and communicating with its race. Other balls become wedged between the trapped balls and the cone, thereby rotationally locking the cone on its pin and preventing further pin-cone surface wear which might otherwise cause cone loss. During operation of the bit, the locked cone produces a readily detectable increase in rotary table torque, and a decrease in bit penetration rate, thereby signalling the driller that the bit needs replacement.

Abstract: An induction generator system is disclosed for utilization with an oil producing well having casing gas available at the wellhead and an existing electrical power system. An electric motor is coupled to the existing electrical power system and is utilized as a generator to drive a submersible pump or other electrical load. A gas engine which is powered by the casing gas is mechanically coupled to the electric motor by means of a drive belt and is utilized to drive the electric motor at a speed greater than the synchronous speed of the motor. While the electric motor is driven at a speed greater than its synchronous speed it will generate electrical energy which can be utilized to carry the electrical load. A novel control system is utilized to control the operation of the engine/motor generator system in response to variations in motor speeds, engine operating parameters and load/voltage conditions.

Abstract: An improved radial rock bit seal for utilization with earth boring drill bits which employ rolling cutters mounted on shafts extending from face surfaces on the drill bit body. The improved seal includes a cylindrical body which is disposed around each shaft and which has two axially displaced seal portions. The first seal portion includes an elastomeric sealing surface which is disposed in sealing and sliding engagement with the shaft. The second seal portion includes an elastomeric sealing surface which is disposed in sealing and sliding engagement with the rolling cutter. A flexible juncture between each of the two seal portions permits the seal portions to move somewhat independently in response to loading of the rolling cutter and this permits both seals to maintain substantially the same seal compression in spite of such loading.

Abstract: An improved automatic coffee maker includes three separate chambers for heating water, storing brewed coffee at a relatively low temperature, and heating coffee to serving temperature prior to dispensing. The dispensing and water heating chambers preferably share a common wall, and at least a portion of such wall is in contact with the heated water in the water chamber. Heat is transferred through such common wall to heat the coffee in the dispensing chamber prior to dispensing. Means can be included for automatically detecting a low level of coffee in the intermediate storage chamber, and initiating the next brewing cycle.