Abstract: A connector for connecting large tubes of the type used in oil well tubing, casing and the like, without resorting to welding, to form a pipe string for use in drilling. The connector comprises a pin and box threaded connection having guiding surfaces integral with the pin and box members to facilitate the threaded connection of large tubes. The connection is designed so that large tubes, for example tubes comprising an external diameter of two or more feet, may be joined by threaded connection facilitated by the integral guiding surfaces of the pin and box threaded members. The integral guiding surfaces allow large tubes, which are otherwise too cumbersome to position and manipulate for threaded connection to be practical, to be quickly and safely connected by threaded engagement of the pin and box members without the use of a weld between the tubes.

Abstract: A tool joint for use in connecting sections of pipe string for use in drilling. The joint is a pin and box connection of the type used in oil well tubing, casing, and the like. The driveable threaded joint has dual mating shoulders and nose faces on the pin and box members. The connection is designed so that compressive loads on the pin and box members are transferred substantially through the pin and box shoulders rather than through the thread form. The dual mating shoulders substantially improve the joint's ability to withstand the intense axial compression loading that occurs when driving the pipe into the ground.

Abstract: An apparatus for optionally gripping and releasing a tube, said apparatus having an elevator with a set of slips for optionally gripping and releasing a tube and a spider with a set of slips for optionally gripping and releasing the other end of said tube, said elevator and spider slips being in communication one to the other by pressurized conduits, said conduits forming a pressure circuit to supply pressure to release one set of slips only when the other set of slips is gripping said tube, wherein said apparatus has improved response time, said spider may be hydraulically or pneumatically actuated and said elevator maybe pneumatically operated, and wherein said spider may be flush mounted; and methods.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the measurement of the total organic carbon (TOC) content of a liquid is shown. The inorganic carbon in the liquid is converted into carbon dioxide and removed from it. At the same time, oxygen is added to the liquid. The liquid is then exposed to ultraviolet radiation and the organic carbon thereby oxidized. This oxidized carbon, in the form of carbon dioxide, is allowed to migrate across a gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable membrane directly into a measurement chamber, where its absorption of radiation is measured to determine its concentration.

Abstract: A connector for use in marine environment made of a hard plastic insert within which electrical pins are fixed and molding soft plastic to at least one side thereof on at least one side and along the longitudinal axis thereof for water proofing and shock resisting purposes, as well as, utilizing a core of potting compound which is poured in a liquid form and cures to a sold state which can therefore add to the stability waterproof and shock resistant characteristics of the present invention.

Abstract: A drill bit for removing a surface subject to a subsurface pressure and an environmental surface pressure at least equal to the subsurface pressure, which comprises jetting fluid through a nozzle facing and located a predetermined distance from said surface, said nozzle being shaped to eject the fluid in a steam having a higher core pressure than said environmental pressure, said higher pressure stream having adjacent thereto at least one zone of pressure negative relative to said subsurface pressure, said distance being predetermined to expose said surface to said zone of negative pressure, whereby said surface is caused to explode into said zone of negative pressure from the force of said subsurface pressure.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a combined dual piston and cylinder arrangement surrounded by a sleeve all mounted within a container which is in turn placed within a drill collar. The pressure of the drilling mud within the drill string drives the pressure pump of the present invention by forcing the piston up and down. Stops on the piston rod maneuver a sleeve which opens and closes inlets and outlets so that the desired flow can be obtained to drive the cylinder, piston and rod arrangement up and down. When the pistons are driven downward, drilling mud is forced through a conduit into a drill bit and out a jet nozzle at a high pressure so as to facilitate the fracturing and removal of the formation being drilled.

Abstract: An improved fireplace grate which controls the scattering of ashes from fire logs is disclosed. A shroud is attached to the outer edges of a fireplace grate so that ashes from burning logs are deflected inward toward the grate instead of outward onto the floor of the fireplace. A removable tray beneath the grate is provided to collect the ashes and allow the ashes to be disposed of by simply removing and emptying the tray.

Abstract: A method and abstract of removing a surface subject to a subsurface pressure and an environmental surface pressure at least equal to the subsurface pressure, which comprises jetting fluid through a nozzle facing and located a predetermined distance from said surface, said nozzle being shaped to eject the fluid in a steam having a higher core pressure than said environmental pressure, said higher pressure stream having adjacent thereto at least one zone of pressure negative relative to said subsurface pressure, said distance being predetermined to expose said surface to said zone of negative pressure, whereby said surface is caused to explode into said zone of negative pressure from the force of said subsurface pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing and activating polymer which includes the introduction of gas with water and polymer in order to create a variable density type foam which aids in the activation and enhances the efficiency of the polymer. The apparatus of the preferred embodiment provides the introduction of water and polymer into a mixing loop having a premixing manifold containing a static mixer, injecting or sparging gas into the outflow from the static mixer, blending and activating by mechanical agitation the water polymer and gas mixture, partially feeding back into the mixing loop the mixture to provide a desired level of polymer activation which is delivered at a desired rate of flow. This system provides capabilities for selecting the desired level of activation, levels of polymer concentration, levels of overall flow rate as well as controlling the various energy imparting elements of the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a centralizer having a plurality of segmented stress risers. The segmented stress risers are designed to allow sufficient strength to maintain the tubing in a centralized downhole location, while to allow for the stress relief grooves to be sheared off when a wash pipe or similar device is utilized to clean out any unwanted build up of material or deposits in the borehole. Once the segments have been sheared off they can be circulated out of borehole.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing fish from a well, said apparatus including a top sub with upper and lower ends, the upper end adapted to be connected to a drill string, a grapple sleeve connected to the lower end of the top sub and a grapple, which in the preferred embodiment incorporates grapple fingers so as to externally engage and grasp a fish in a well slidably mounted within the grapple sleeve. The grapple is mounted to the top sub and extends out of and into the grapple sleeve such that once the fish is engaged the grapple may be withdrawn into the grapple sleeve, which in turn allows for the maintaining of a constant force on the grapple and fish engaged therein. The method of the present invention includes running into the well a drill string having a grappling tool attached thereto, locating the fish by making contact with the grappling tool, engaging the fish with the grapple, and removing the fish from the well.

Abstract: An apparatus for the collection of fuel spillings that originate from fuel dispensing apparatus, including gasoline and diesel fuel service station pumps which incorporates a filtering system for preventing solids from accumulating in the bottom of the spill collection pan and allowing fill material to be placed between the collection reservoir of the spill collecting pan and the fuel pumps which contributes to the fire prevention features of this apparatus.

Abstract: A compact, easily used, high quality sealing plug for use with ultrasonic testing equipment which incorporates a single annular body with an indented diaphragm portion, two lips, an annular vertical wall extending upwardly from said indented diaphragm portion of said single circular body with two annular lips extending outwardly therefrom, one at the upper end of said annular wall and the other therebelow so that when said seal is in use, the upper lip will maintain a position above the insulation material in which the seal is placed, while the lower lip will be below said outermost surface, both lips counteracting each other to maintain tension therebetween and the present invention from becoming unintentionally dislodged from its location. Alternative embodiments of the present invention are also disclosed which include alternative lip arrangements for alternative sealing needs and desires.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method which utilizes an improved spotting fluid composition to release a stuck drill string in the bore hole of an underground formation employing an aqueous drilling fluid, the improved composition used in contacting the mud cake which has been deposited on the well bore face against which the drill string has become stuck, the improved spotting fluid composition comprising of one or more carboxylic acids with specific chemical and physical properties. The acid or acids of choice must be used in the acid form and must have a pKa value maximum of 6.5, ambiant temperature water solubility minimum of 0.5 moles per liter and must generate a maximum pH of 4.0 in water at ambiant temperature.

Abstract: The problems associated with combining fuel blending and vapor recovery functions in a fuel dispenser are substantially overcome by a casting and method which provide for not only fuel blending and dispensing, but also vapor recovery. The casting and method of the present invention are adapted for use with a coaxial hose having a small diameter inner hose for dispensing fuel and a larger diameter outer hose defining an annular vapor recovery passage between the inner and outer hoses. The casting of the present invention has first and second product inlets intersecting at a mixing or blending chamber which empties into a single product outlet. As such, blending occurs within the casting and the product output can be either of the first or second products, for example, high or low grade unleaded fuel, or an intermediate grade blended fuel product produced by blending selected volumes of the first and second products.

Abstract: A leak repair clamp for pipe and pipe flanges providing a segmented frame adapted to receive interchangeable annular segmented inserts. All of the inserts provide for interlocking connection with the frame segments but each insert is adapted to fit around one particular diameter cylindrical surface out of a range of different diameter cylindrical surfaces. By selecting particular sized inserts, a single frame can accommodate a wide range of different diameter pipes and pipe fittings. When the insert segments are interlocked into the frame segments, the frame segments are then integrated by bolting threaded studs through flanges to form a unit, which in combination with two interlocked inserts is fastened around and against the cylindrical surface. Thrust restraining set screws are provided to prevent movement of the metal frame relative to the cylindrical surface the frame is fastened around and against.

Abstract: An automatic transmission having a plurality of driving gears which are individually and selectedly placed in driving engagement with a drive shaft dependent upon the speed of rotation of the drive shaft. The method of automatically engaging and disengaging the drive coupling between a drive gear and the drive shaft is such as to permit the drive shaft to free wheel whenever the rotation of the drive gear is retarded or stopped. The releasable coupling is achieved by centrifugally actuated pawls which selectedly engage in detent notches about the inner diameter of the drive gears and which pawls automatically retract and disengage from these notches when the drive gears are retarded or stopped.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for repair for poles which have been damaged by environmental effects, which is easily transportable, simple to install, and easily adaptable to many classes of poles. The method involves excavating around the pole, cleaning the surface of the pole, pumping a fumigant into the pole, applying a bonding agent to the clean surface, and then applying strips of a composite fiberglass mat and resin to the pole in a controlled manner until a desired casement thickness has been achieved. The repair is completed by application of an ultraviolet resistant coating to the pole.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for repair for poles which have been damaged by environmental effects, which is easily transportable, simple to install, and easily adaptable to many classes of poles. The method involves excavating around the pole, cleaning the surface of the pole, pumping a fumigant into the pole, applying a bonding agent to the clean surface, and then applying strips of a composite fiberglass mat and resin to the pole in a controlled manner until a desired casement thickness has been achieved. The repair is completed by application of an ultraviolet resistant coating to the pole.