Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring flow in a closed conduit under both full and less than full conditions is disclosed. The method and apparatus incorporate a tubular Venturi metering device. The cross section of the throat of the device is configured relative to the upstream section of the meter so that the throat will fill with liquid substantially simultaneously with the upstream section's filling with liquid. The present method and apparatus incorporate an improved pressure transmitting and sensing means, a data logger/controller and a data converter. The pressure transmitting and sensing means is designed to overcome the limitations of prior art means of transmitting and sensing pressures. One embodiment involves using submersible sensors to measure invert liquid pressures and a single bubbler system to transmit the throat (reference) pressure to the ends of the sensor vents (in the instrument case), thus allowing differential pressures to be measured.

Abstract: A cipher system is disclosed in which each character of a plaintext alphabet has associated with it a randomly distributed collection of integers of a given length. This collection of integers is secretly shared by a sender and receiver pair. The plaintext characters of a message are sequentially coded by pseudo-randomly selecting representatives from the integer collections corresponding to the plaintext characters. To this sequence of concatenated integers, regarded as a single integer, is added a pseudo-random integer of length equal to that of the coded-for-message integer string. This pseudo-random integer is generated by a pseudo-random number generator (The receiver has a corresponding generator.), the output of which is initialized by a "seed" integer concealed in the cryptogram. The summed pseudo-random integer plus the coding integer string is transmitted as the body of the cryptogram.

Abstract: Materials such as amines, alcohols, aminoalcohols, ethers and mixtures thereof, including halogenated adducts thereof, have been found to be useful floc modifiers for water clarifiers to form an effective overall water clarifier composition. The water clarifier portion of the composition is a dithiocarbamate. The floc modifier of a particular water clarifier composition need not be the same compound that is reacted with carbon disulfide (CS.sub.2) to make the water clarifier portion of the novel compositions.

Abstract: Sour sulfhydryl group containing oils and gases are treated with an effective amount of a sweetening, hydrogen sulfide quantity reducing aminocarbinol of the formulaR.sub.2 N--CH(--R.sup.1)OHwherein R.sup.1 is hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl or inertly substituted hydrocarbyl and each R is independently hydrocarbyl or inertly substituted hydrocarbyl or both R groups are collectively a divalent hydrocarbon or ether radical combined with the nitrogen of the aminocarbinol to form a heterocyclic ring represented by the formula(--R--R--)>N--CH(--R.sup.1)OH.The aminocarbinols used in this treatment are especially suitable for sour gases and high boiling, heavy residual fuels under low mix conditions.

Abstract: In accordance with this invention, a method is provided for decreasing hydrogen sulfide atmosphere, over sour heavy fuel oils to a predetermined acceptable level, which comprises treating such fuel oil with an effective amount of a choline base at a temperature above the decomposition temperature of the choline base. Surprisingly, this is effective to treat sour heavy fuel oils having atmospheric hydrogen sulfide content exceeding 5,000 ppm.

Abstract: An air-balance control system for a pumping unit minimizes the difference in torque on pumping unit components on the upstroke and the downstroke. The control system measures pump motor current and rod string position to effectuate porting air to or venting air from the air receiver tank in an air-balance system.

Abstract: The invention is a valve actuator or a booster module for an existing valve actuator that provides an incremental force to the valve stem at a position close to valve closure. The force is stored in a spring which is held in the compressed position by a collet. Upon sufficient movement of the valve actuator stem in the direction towards valve closure, the collet which had previously held the spring in a compressed position is freed to move to allow the spring to expand against the collet. Since movement of the collet has caused it to be engaged to the valve actuator stem, the spring forces are transmitted directly to the valve actuator stem via the collet. The spring is oriented in a direction substantially parallel to the valve stem so that substantially all of its retained energy is transmitted directly to the valve stem through the collet.

Abstract: Fog is dispelled from a site by passing fog-laden air into a drying unit where it is contacted with an aqueous solution of calcium chloride under conditions which effectuate absorption of the water particles and some water from the air effective to increase the temperature of the air and dry it to a predetermined relative humidity range, then discharging the dried heated air from the unit into fog-laden air at the site to effectuate vaporization of suspended water particles and associated cooling of the discharged air without development of thermals of the discharged air sufficient to create substantial circulation of fog-laden air into the site.

Abstract: A hand-held surgical stapler is provided having a reduced distal profile due to a unique feeding means. A combination of features allows the reduced distal profile. The staple storage cover can be of reduced distal thickness due to the slope effect. The staple pusher has the capability at its distal end to push and by pushing lift all of the staples, including the last, into the staple track. Provisions are made on the staple pusher to allow the form tool to displace it out of the staple track to allow forming of the last staple. Nose assemblies are disclosed which can be interchangeably mounted to various trigger assemblies. The pre-load on the stored staples can be varied. A ratchet feature requires full depression of the trigger before it can be returned to a neutral or extended position and full extension of the trigger to its neutral position prior to initiation of the next staple feed cycle.

Abstract: A gate valve provides an efficient and effective seal from high pressures to pressure differentials below 50 psi through a self-aligning gate of reduced mass (semi-gate). The invention provides a transmission between the gate and stem which permits its sealing surface to remain normal to the relative surface of the seat irrespective of pressure, circulation rate, or flow medium (gas or liquid). This is accomplished through the full floating nut element which, when loosely engaged to the stem and inserted into an oversized slot at the upper end of the semi-gate, allows the gate to move axially in the direction of flow without interfering with the vertical movement of the gate by the stem. This feature is accomplished by introducing a clearance between the stem and nut. The gate is of reduced mass to allow a more instantaneous response to pressure transients because of its lighter weight and reduced profile.

Abstract: A low-profile angioplasty catheter is disclosed which is insertable through a guiding catheter. The angioplasty catheter has two balloons. The distal balloon dilates the stenosis. The proximal balloon is separately inflatable and selectively closes the annular passage between the angioplasty catheter and the guiding catheter. The angioplasty catheter has a central lumen with a series of openings allowing fluid communication from the central lumen into the annular passage proximally of the balloon which seals the annular passage. While the first balloon is inflated to dilate the stenosis, blood can be withdrawn from an arterial source through a lumen (or plurality thereof) in the guiding catheter and pumped into the annular passage between the angioplasty catheter and the guiding catheter.

Abstract: A Mannich reaction of a polyfunctional amine followed by dithiocarbamate formation produces a composition useful as a water clarifier.

Abstract: Apparatus for taking up and paying out first and second ends of an endless loop of tape that has an intermediate section. A first reel connected to the first end carries a first coil of the tape. The first coil extends from the first reel and is normally self-expanding and unwinding so as to unwind itself from the first reel. A second reel is connected to the second end for carrying a second coil of the tape. The second coil extends from the second reel and is normally self-expanding so as to unwind itself from the second reel. A drum supports both of the first and second reels for rotation in the same direction. Pulleys guide the intermediate section of the tape from the first reel to the second reel for moving a sludge collector. When the drum is rotated in a first rotary direction, the first coil tends to self-unwind from the first reel and the second coil is wound up on the second reel to move the intermediate section of the tape and the sludge collector.

Abstract: Novel cationic amide compositions having the structure ##STR1## where R.sup.1 represents an alkylene group of the formula C.sub.n H.sub.2n, and alkenyl group of the formula C.sub.n H.sub.n, or a phenyl group, or mixtures thereof, where n equals 0 to 10; R.sup.2 represents C.sub.m H.sub.2m, where m equals 1 to 4; R.sup.3 independently represents methyl, ethyl or propyl; and the combination of R.sup.4 and X.sup.- represents the remnant from a quaternizing agent have been discovered and have been found useful as demulsifiers in breaking petroleum emulsions as might be produced during fireflooding petroleum recovery procedures. In one embodiment, the cationic amide/ester compositions are made by reacting (1) a dicarboxylic acid of the formula: ##STR2## where R.sup.1 represents C.sub.n H.sub.

Abstract: A cipher system is disclosed in which each character of a plaintext alphabet has associated with it a randomly distributed collection of integers of a given length. These collections of integers are secretly shared by a sender and receiver pair. The plaintext characters of a message are sequentially coded by randomly selecting representatives from the integer collections corresponding to the plaintex characters. To this sequence of concatenated integers, regarded as a single integer, is added a random integer of length equal to that of the coded-for-message integer stiring. This random integer is taken from a random digits shared by the sender and receiver. The indexing of the random integer in the digit string is transmitted as part of the cryptogram. The summed random integer plus the coding integer string is transmitted as the body of the cryptogram.

Abstract: A fluid is provided for the drilling, workover or completion of a subterranean well comprising an aqueous base, the browning reaction product of a carbohydrate, and a cation. Inversion of non-reducing sugars is effected on selected carbohydrates, with the inversion also catalyzing the browning reaction. Inhibition of continued in-situ browning reaction is provided by the addition of a stabilizer.

Abstract: To significantly reduce voids in cementing fluids and the effects of cement free fall encountered in well cementing operations, a differential pressure control regulator is inserted in series with the bottom of the well casing to be cemented. Fluid passing through the choke portion passes through an annular valve seat to one end of the tool. A valve stem is slidably and sealably mounted in the flow regulator and has a head portion which, in one position, can contact the valve seating surface and prevent any significant flow of fluid through the casing. The valve stem is biased to one position by a trap chamber filled with a fluid at a known pressure, such as atmospheric pressure, or a vacuum, so that the hydrostatic pressure existing at the bottom of the well casing normally urges the valve head into engagement with the valve seat.

Abstract: A corrosion inhibitor including an acetylinic alcohol is disclosed which is used in connection with a chlorine dioxide process for controlling biomass and cleaning water injection wells and oil producing wells by injecting the chlorine dioxide oxidant into the pumped water injection stream.

Abstract: Dilute solutions of acrolein are produced on site and on demand by oxidizing propylene in an improved reactor using an improved catalyst, which is a mixture of molybdenum, bismuth and tellurium oxides. The catalyst is deposited on metal particles, which are of a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum, tantalum, titanium, tungsten, niobium and mixtures thereof, and are packed to form a catalyst bed which provides improved heat transfer and distribution for better control of the process. The reaction is conducted in a reactor in which all the exposed surfaces are made of a metal selected from the group just mentioned. The produced acrolein is absorbed to form a dilute solution of acrolein in a liquid to be treated, such as irrigation water for weed control, or control of hydrogen sulfide in water used for oil and gas field water floods, or in fuel oil to inhibit growth of organisms.

Abstract: A diffuser for introducing gas in bubbles into liquid held in an aeration tank .[.comprising.]. .Iadd.having .Iaddend.a body member having a backing surface and passaging extending from a gas inlet to an outlet at the backing surface, and a flexible, gas permeable membrane covering the backing surface and secured at its periphery to the body member in sealing relationship thereto. The membrane is .[.adapted to distend.]. .Iadd.distendable .Iaddend.and .[.move.]. .Iadd.moves .Iaddend.away from the backing surface upon delivery of gas under pressure to diffuser, with the gas flowing through the distended portion of the membrane and into the liquid in the form of relatively small gas bubbles, and .[.adapted to collapse.]. .Iadd.collapses .Iaddend.into engagement with the backing surface when gas under pressure is not delivered to the difuser. A check valve .[.comprising.]. .Iadd.has .Iaddend.