Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for inducing a pediatric patient to inhale a fluid pharmacological agent through a face mask. The apparatus comprises a fluid conduit through which fluid pharmacological agent may be inhaled, and a visual patient stimulator coupled to said conduit and accuatable by inspiratory or expiratory flow through said conduit. The visual stimulator of the present invention changes color in response to changing gas levels which occur during inspiration and expiration.

Abstract: Internal and external metal-to-metal radially interfering seals are provided for an annular chamber. Typically, an annular chamber is used in tubular goods to be part of the hydraulic control circuitry, such as for operating subsurface equipment such as a subsurface safety valve. Resilient seals are eliminated and sealing reliability is enhanced by a design which features metal-to-metal seals internally and externally, preferably assembled by an external two-step thread. The radial interference seal, which is internally disposed, is constructed so as to be incapable of experiencing tensile loads. This reinforces joint integrity by minimizing stresses on thin components.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of milling a liner extending from a deviated wellbore into a main wellbore is disclosed. The liner is inserted through a window and cemented in place with the cement extending back into the main wellbore. Mechanisms are provided on the liner to keep it away from the main wellbore casing wall to facilitate the proper operation of the washover tool. A top end taper is provided to help the washover tool reorient over the tubular liner if milling requires more than one trip into the well. A diverter is insertable prior to installation of the liner to assist in getting the liner to extend through a window. Upon milling through the liner, the washover tool straddles the diverter and latches into it to facilitate not only the removal of the diverter but also the entrapment of any debris created by the milling operation. Suitable sealing is provided with the diverter to keep the cement away from the latching mechanism during the cementing operation.

Abstract: A movable handle mounted to a trolling motorhead is disclosed. The handle is pivotally adjustable upwardly and downwardly to suit different positions of a fisherman while controlling the trolling motor. The handle spans across the motorhead and acts as a tiller for pivoting the motor about its axis. The resistance to positional changes is adjustable and protective features are provided to prevent damage to the adjustment mechanism in the event of tightening. The handle incorporates therein various controls for the motorhead.

Abstract: An energy efficient electromagnetic latching relay circuit. A permananet magnet having an attached electrical contact is free to move between two positions a second electrical contact is situated so that it engages the first contact only when the permanent magnet is in one of the two positions, thus completing the relay circuit. The electromagnet includes a magnetizable core disposed within a current conducting coil situated so that the magnetic field resulting from current within the coil can move the permanent magnet between the two positions. The magnetic field also induces a residual magnetism with the core which either attracts or repels the permanent magnet, thus latching the relay. The current is provided by a current source. Further provided is a switch for selecting the direction of current flow through the coil.

Abstract: A shifting tool is disclosed which allows movement of a shifting sleeve, to be followed by an additional force applied to ensure complete stroking of the shifting sleeve. This is accomplished by a shifting key to normally shift the shifting sleeve, followed by an overpull key which engages while the shifting key is still engaged. Once a predetermined force has been applied to the overpull key, the force applied from the surface is removed so that the tool may disengage from the sleeve. Subsequent manipulation, without necessarily any removal from the wellbore, if it does not result in a reengagement, provides feedback that the shifting sleeve has, in fact, shifted its full stroke. An emergency release is available which actuated by an overpull force beyond a predetermined level, applied while the overpull key is engaged for an emergency release from the shifting sleeve.

Abstract: A method and composition for control of in-transit and residual dust, erosion, and wetting of coal or coke feeds is provided. The method involves spraying the coal or coke with a solution comprising a fluid, preferably water, containing a sufficient amount of an additive comprising (a) approximately 90-99 wt % of a binder, preferably a lignosulfonate, a polyether, a polyol, or a byproduct produced during the refining of a natural sugar, and (b) 1-10 wt % of a polyacrylate, a polyvinylalcohol, or a polyacrylamide. The additive also preferably contains a surfactant. The amount of solution/additive that is necessary will vary according to the desired result and the conditions to which the coke or coal will be subjected.

Abstract: The surgical instrument system disclosed is particularly useful for endoscopic procedures. In the preferred embodiment, a hemostatic clip applicator can be directly connected to a trigger assembly or indirectly connected to the trigger assembly through the use of an extension. The connection between the extension and the clip applicator is secured to prevent accidental release during the procedure. The applicator receives a longitudinal input and translates the input into relative component motion through the use of gearing to apply the clips. The handle stem assembly in an alternative embodiment has a drive rod configuration that connects to a closure member so as not only to provide the distal biasing force, but also to provide, if needed, a proximal pulling force to assist in release of the jaw if it becomes necessary.

Abstract: The present invention provides a number of inhibiting agents that are useful to reduce aldol condensation in diethanolamine scrubbers. Suitable inhibiting agents include: hydrogen peroxide; hydroperoxides; nitroalkanes; salts of hypochlorous acid; alkyl substituted aldehyde oximes; trialkyl phosphites; isothiuronium salts; 2-mercaptoethanol (C.sub.2 H.sub.6 OS); and, benzoic hydrazide. A preferred inhibiting agent for diethanolamine scrubbers is an excess of hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A system for releasing a downhole tool such as a packer is revealed which allows the tool to retain its set position against a very high loading force which can occur during operations such as perforating or acidizing or other formation treatments. Subsequently, before environmental conditions can adversely affect the integrity of the locking mechanism which employs a movable sleeve or equivalent, the release mechanism involving such a sleeve or equivalent is actuated. This disables one of the locking mechanisms on the tool and enables a shear-release mechanism, which is preferably set at a fairly low shear force to facilitate simple removal of the downhole tool at a later time when it becomes necessary to retrieve it.

Abstract: A flexible battery pack for providing electrical power to a downhole tool is provided. The battery pack may be mounted in any orientation and about the interior or exterior circumference of the tool. It may further be used to provide a plurality of voltage or current levels to the tool.

Abstract: This invention involves an apparatus for vapor containment and recirculation for use in fluid systems, including pumps and valves. More specifically, this invention provides a closed loop recirculation system for ensuring that vapor does not escape from fluid systems. The invention comprises a vapor containment gland comprising a vapor channel; a suction manifold attached to the vapor containment gland and comprising a suction channel, a fluid injection channel, and a suction nozzle bore; a suction nozzle insertable in said suction nozzle bore and comprising a flow channel in fluid communication with said fluid injection channel and said suction channel; and a fluid injection recirculation line attachable to said suction nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new class of precursors for forming an improved diamond-like carbon coating on a workpiece. The precursors of the present invention are paraxylylenes, preferably dimers of paraxylylene, which are solid at room temperature and which will vaporize, pyrolize to substantially monomeric form, condense onto a workpiece, and spontaneously polymerize to form a "parylene" film which is free of precursor droplets and absorbed water. Upon bombardment with an ion beam, the parylene film is converted into a uniform, pinhole-free DLC coating.

Abstract: A stowage device is provided which allows a trolling motor to be longitudinally raised and held in place. The stowage device has a collar, such as a U-bolt, which fits around the trolling motor shaft. The closed end of the collar is rigidly attached to a supporting structure, such as a boat hull or an attachment to the hull. A cam is rotatably attached to the collar so that it can engage the trolling motor shaft. A handle attached to the cam allows the fisherman to control the rotational position of the cam. The trolling motor shaft is inserted between the closed end of the collar and the cam. With the cam in the unlocked position, the trolling motor shaft is free to move and the trolling motor may be positioned anywhere between its two end positions. In its first end position, the trolling motor propeller is in the water, and in its second end position, the trolling motor propeller is out of the water. For normal trolling use, the trolling motor propeller will be in the water.

Abstract: The invention is a device, and method of making said device, for scrubbing the body, preferably an elongated device for scrubbing a person's back. The scrubber is made from multiple loops of tubular, open-celled, non-porous netting intertwined to form a washing member secured at its ends by grips which may be used to hold the scrubber at each end. The netting should be durable, elastic, easy to clean, and should dry rapidly. A preferable netting is diamond mesh polyethylene netting. The scrubber of the present invention may be used repeatedly without the need for a separate washing to remove dirt and debris. Because the netting is open-celled and made of non-porous material, dirt and can be washed away by simple rinsing during a bath or shower.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for measuring the percentages of oil and water present in an oil/water mixture. By measuring the energy absorption properties of the oil/water mixture, the percentages of oil and water present in the oil/water mixture can be determined regardless of whether the oil or the water is in the continuous phase and regardless of what the relative proportions of water and oil are. Measuring the energy absorption properties of the oil/water mixture yields a current output which can be plotted on one of two distinct, empirically or theoretically derived data curves. One of the data curves represents oil being in the continuous phase and the other data curve represents water being in the continuous phase. A comparator is used to determine whether the oil or the water is in the continuous phase to thereby select the proper data curve on which the energy absorption is plotted.

Abstract: A fluid system has been discovered using a distribution of graded calcium carbonate particle sizes, a biopolymer and a polymerized starch. The biopolymer is a non-ionic polysaccharide of the scleroglucan type. It is important that the calcium carbonate particles be distributed across a wide size range to effectively prevent filtration or fluid loss into the formation. Since the filter cake particles do not invade the well bore due to the action of the biopolymer and starch, no high pressure spike occurs during the removal of the filter cake. This high pressure spike indicates damage to the formation and well bore surface, which damage typically reduces overall permeability of the formation. The rheological properties of the fluid allow it to be used in a number of applications where protection of the original permeable formation is desirable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low temperature method for making a photovoltaic material. In particular, the present invention describes a low temperature method for the deposition in vacuo of successive layers of materials required for a photovoltaic device. The present invention uses ion beam assisted processes in which a selected silicon containing precursor film is controllably converted to an amorphous silicon and carbon mixture. Ion beams are used to control the hydrogen content and thereby control the electrical conductivity of the material. The present invention further comprises the addition of a dopant and the deposition of the electrical contacts, both by thermal evaporation.

Abstract: The present invention provides for faster and stronger tissue-implant bonding by treating a ceramic implant with an ion beam to modify the surface of the ceramic. The surface modification can give the ceramic improved ion-exchange properties depending upon the particular ceramic and the type of ions used. In a preferred embodiment, a bioactive ceramic orthopaedic, dental, or soft tissue implant is bombarded with a beam of cations. When implanted in the body, the surface modification causes an increase in the release of critical ions, such as calcium or phosphorus, from the surface of the ceramic implant, and thereby accelerates implant-tissue bond formation.

Abstract: An energy saving, optoelectronic system provides a means for energizing and deenergizing electrical loads. The system includes a continuous light transmission source and a light receiving circuit that senses a light pattern and, in response, develops a first or a second output signal. The system also includes a gating circuit that receives the output signal. The gating circuit comprises a logic circuit arranged such that the receiving circuit will transmit the second output signal upon receiving a predetermined light signal. The system further includes a power switch that is open in response to an open circuit signal from the gating circuit and is closed in response to close circuit signal from the gating circuit. This system further includes a timing circuit for periodically energizing and deenergizing heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning loads.