Abstract: The inventive mask solves a major industry problem, which involves the challenge of effectuating clear communications in an environment requiring protective mask use, without the necessity of removing the protective mask. The inventive mask facilitates individual and workplace communications by employing a half-mask or full-mask face protector having a mounting bracket that facilitates incorporation of a basic, intermediate, or advanced level communications module with varying functionality, depending on user preference, workplace requirements, and similar consideration. The inventive mask also incorporates a replaceable selection panel for the communications module, which facilitates access to control mechanisms to enable mask-to-mask, wireless intercom communications and media connection capabilities, and contributes to user cost savings by obviating the prospect of full mask replacement if the replaceable selection panel becomes soiled or otherwise inoperable.

Abstract: Two-stage force multiplier tin snips are provided which have a pair of cutting blades and associated tangs, both being pivotable about a cutting axis. Each respective tang is coupled to a pair of handles by a pair of respective tang pins. The handles are pivotably attached to one another about a handle axis. The tin snips provide a mechanism for changing a force multiplier of the cutting blades by selectively adjusting relative longitudinal positioning of the cutting blade axis, the handle axis or the tang pins, relative to another of the cutting blade axis, the handle pins or the tang pins.

Abstract: A change-out flange suited for use at an existing head casing of an oil or gas production well. The change-out flange is devised to replace standard hammer caps atop a well casing. By the present invention, with comparative ease a variety of wellhead equipment can be removably and interchangeably secured to the wellhead using an existing casing bowl or spool. The change-out flange has a casing hub that can be screwed unto a known casing bowl, and an integral connection flange provided with a plurality of connection holes arrayed in a manner consistent with the connection hole arrays of an assortment of conventional wellhead devices such as valves. A variety of well head devices thus can be more readily removed from, and securely replaced upon, the change-out flange. Lockdown pins are insertable into the change-out flange in a manner which secures the tubing hanger in place within the casing bowl.

Abstract: A lubricator for use at a wellhead such as an oil or natural gas well. The lubricator has a polished rod on which an item, such as a back pressure valve, may be disposed for placement, for example to isolate the wellhead from the well pressure to permit wellhead servicing. The rod is moved by hydraulic power, rather than manually. A piston is connected to the polished rod within the lubricator barrel. Hydraulic pressure within the barrel, above or below the piston, is controlled to cause the rod to move up and down, under power, to permit the rod and items thereon to be lowered and retrieved.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved hand tool for using one hand to grasp a workpiece between a first and a second jaw of the hand tool and adjust the force applied to the workpiece. The hand tool includes a first arm and a second arm, the second arm operably linked to the first arm so as to cause relative motion of the first and second jaws upon motion of the arms. The hand tool further includes a control arm having a first end pivotably linked to the first arm and a second end pivotably linked to the second arm at a moveable pivot location. Movement of a force adjustor located on the second arm in a first direction moves the moveable pivot location so as to increase the level of force required on the second arm to move the control arm into an overcenter lock position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved hand tool for using one hand to grasp a workpiece between a first and a second jaw of the hand tool and adjust the force applied to the workpiece. The hand tool includes a first arm and a second arm, the second arm is operably linked to the first arm so as to cause relative motion of the first and second jaws upon motion of the arms. The hand tool further includes a control arm having a first end pivotably linked to the first arm and a second end pivotably linked to the second arm at a moveable pivot location. The control arm is configured to control relative motion of the first and second arms into and out of an overcenter lock position. Movement of a force adjustor located on the second arm in a first direction moves the moveable pivot location so as to increase the level of force required on the second arm to move the control arm into the overcenter lock position.

Abstract: A self-adjusting pliers is operable to grasp a workpiece between an upper jaw and a lower jaw. The pliers includes an upper arm having a first end and a second end, with the upper jaw at the first end. A jaw arm has a first end and a second end. The second end of the jaw arm is pivotably connected to the upper arm at a main pivot adjacent to the second end of the upper arm, so that the first end of the jaw arm is movable in a circular arc relative to the main pivot. The lower jaw is at the first end of the jaw arm in movable facing relation to the upper jaw so that the workpiece may be grasped between the upper jaw and the lower jaw. An engagement mechanism releasably engages the jaw arm to the upper arm at an engagement position responsive to a movement of the jaw arm relative to the upper arm and responsive to a size of the workpiece grasped between the upper jaw and the lower jaw, to thereby prevent rotation of the jaw arm relative to the upper arm.

Abstract: A self-adjusting pliers is operable to grasp a workpiece between an upper jaw and a lower jaw. The pliers includes an upper arm having a first end and a second end, with the upper jaw at the first end. A jaw arm has a first end and a second end. The second end of the jaw arm is pivotably connected to the upper arm at a main pivot adjacent to the second end of the upper arm, so that the first end of the jaw arm is movable in a circular arc relative to the main pivot. The lower jaw is at the first end of the jaw arm in movable facing relation to the upper jaw so that the workpiece may be grasped between the upper jaw and the lower jaw. An engagement mechanism releasably engages the jaw arm to the upper arm at an engagement position responsive to a movement of the jaw arm relative to the upper arm and responsive to a size of the workpiece grasped between the upper jaw and the lower jaw, to thereby prevent rotation of the jaw arm relative to the upper arm.