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: An electrical connector and method of construction of an electrical connector of the type for use in seismic operations in corrosive environments is provided. The electrical connector assembly includes: a substantially hard plastic housing having a first end and a second end having an annular lip defining a chamber, the housing encapsulating at least one electrical connector therein, a section of the electrical connector extending into the chamber; an open ended shell connected to the annular lip; an insulated, electrical conductor connected to the electrical connector and extending outwardly therefrom; a potting material disposed within the chamber and about the connection between the electrical connector and the electrical conduit; and a tail member extending from the annular lip over the shell and a section of the insulated electrical conductor and bonded thereto.

Abstract: A quick-release cam lock for selectively locking the relative position of a hydraulic cylinder and a piston. The quick-release cam lock permits speedy unlocking and repositioning of the hydraulic cylinder and its accompanying piston and oversleeve, thus allowing for speed in repositioning, assembly or disassembly while also providing a secure positive positioning lock between the hydraulic cylinder, piston and oversleeve while the quick-release cam lock is engaged.

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: An underground storage container for the storage of personal valuables and possessions to protect such items from theft, fire, riots and natural disasters. A generally cylindrical tapered container, made preferably of fiberglass, is hermetically sealed through the employment of seals and a cover designed to mate with corresponding flanges on the upper portion of the container's body. The underground storage container has a vacuum release mechanism to facilitate opening and closing the container and a raised spiral auger around the base of the container to assist in anchoring the underground storage container and facilitating its extraction upon removal.

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: An improved guardrail post which eliminates environmental and health hazards of conventional wood and steel posts resulting from the use of chemical coatings, is disclosed. The improvement is achieved by the use of composite construction which is not subject to the decay, insect damage and corrosion of wood and steel posts which require the application of chemical coatings. Conventional composite posts, tubular in shape and well-known in the prior art, are easily adapted for application and use as guardrail posts. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, ground, recycled plastic is used as a filler material to prevent damage to the posts which may result from overtightening of guardrail attachment bolts. The plastic filler material may be omitted for an alternate embodiment. The guardrail post may be constructed by pultrusion or related processes.

Abstract: A flow through cell for non-invasive monitoring of fluids flowing therethrough includes a membrane covered view window through which sensors may monitor the fluids. The membranes are secured in position by a frame and retainer assembly with the frame and retainer clamping the membranes in place between the frame support structure and the retainer. The frame is snugly fitted into the cell and includes a sensor receptive chamber for positioning the sensors in the window and in position with the membranes.

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: A method for thermally treating fouling infestations of macroinvertebrates is disclosed. The inventive method includes treatments of both large structures in contact with relatively static masses of water and smaller structures, such as pipes, in contact with dynamic water masses and comprises the steps of heating the water in contact with the structure to be treated and maintaining an elevated temperature for a time sufficient to kill substantially all of the infesting organisms.

Abstract: A method and apparths for filling and circulating drilling fluid in a wellbore during casing running operations is disclosed. A fill/circulate tool is placed partially within the upper end of a casing string so that fluid may be pumped into the interior of the casing string. The tool has a self energizing seal element which engages the interior wall of the casing string when the tool is fully lowered therein, said seal element being energized by the pressure of the fluid in the casing string so that fluid pumped into the casing string through the tool is circulated through the casing string and explled from the lower end of the casing string.

Abstract: A quick-release cam lock for selectively locking the relative position of a hydraulic cylinder and a piston. The quick-release cam lock permits speedy unlocking and repositioning of the hydraulic cylinder and its accompanying piston, thus allowing for speed in repositioning, assembly or disassembly while also providing a secure positive positioning lock between the hydraulic cylinder and the piston while the quick-release cam lock is engaged. A locking pin selectively locks the cam lock in an opened position.

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: This invention relates to a vibrating abrasive cleaning apparatus and method which is powered by a hydraulic drive motor mounted to a square tubing frame which is housed within an enclosure that is vibrated by an eccentric shaft assembly directly coupled to the hydraulic drive motor and square tubing frame. The container assembly is mounted on the rigid square tubing frame, on one side by compression springs, on the opposite side by tension springs. The compression springs and tension springs have a different spring rate which produces better rolling of the media and therefore, faster parts circulation and cleaning. To further give flexibility to the cleaning process the hydraulic power supply is equipped with the variable volume piston pump to give infinite speed settings. The eccentric shaft assembly with the eccentric weight positions set at different relative positions to one another gives the operator the ability to adjust the machine to produce optimum results with all parts, sizes, and weights.

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.