Abstract: A lightweight back-pack generator set having a spark-ignited engine operating on middle distillate fuels (e.g., JP-5, JP-8 and F-34) has been provided. The generator set includes a back-pack frame; an alternator; and a spark-ignited combustion engine adapted to operate on a middle distillate fuel. The engine uses a preheater for heating the intake manifold to facilitate start-up operation of the engine. The present invention also provides a simple and inexpensive method for converting a spark-ignited gasoline engine to operate on a middle distillate fuel for providing a lightweight engine suitable for driving an alternator, a portable generator, or other portable equipment.

Abstract: A method of molding thermoplastic material into a collar for use on a drill string is disclosed. Initially a precursor is constructed by rolling a sheet of thermoplastic material, containing long reinforcement fibers, into a tubular "roll" and placing the roll in a generally cylindrical open mold so as to align longitudinal axes of the roll and the open mold. A cylindrical mold core, which mates with the open mold to form a mold cavity, has an end piece perpendicular to the cylindrical portion for closing the mold. The mold core is forced, with correct alignment, into the open mold using high pressure which closes the mold and causes the thermoplastic material, containing long reinforcement fibers, to take the required shape. The thus formed part is cooled and ejected from the mold for use as the precursor. Final steps include machining the ends of the precursor to produce the desired collar.

Abstract: An improved method for protecting a drill pipe casing from a rotatable string of drill pipe longitudinally extended therethrough. The method involves positioning a collar structure circumferentially around the upper end of one pipe section which is internally threaded and then thereafter engaging therewith the lower end of a second pipe section which is externally threaded and engageable with said first pipe section. The collar structure is formed of a poly(arylene sulfide) and is a single unitary structure having circumferentially extended outer surfaces which are adapted to resist spinning with the drill pipe string positioned in the casing structure.

Abstract: A drill collar is formed from a composite material to protect equipment during drilling operations as in oil and gas exploration.

Abstract: A pair of substantially identical half-sections adapted to be wedged around a rod in locked position with the half-sections stamp molded from a prepreg formed by surrounding at least one fiber mat of inorganic reinforcing material with a matrix of PPS to produce a prepreg containing from about 15 to about 45 weight percent of the inorganic reinforcing material.

Abstract: A trailer-type vehicle for transporting and dispensing solid materials over the ground includes a self-contained, hydraulic power and control system driven by one of the vehicle's ground engaging wheels which operates a first dispensing mechanism at a selectable speed proportional to the vehicle's rate of travel over the ground, but operates a second dispensing mechanism at a constant speed regardless of the vehicle's rate of travel. A single hydraulic motor driven by a selectively engageable drive train connected with one of the vehicle's wheels is novelly employed as a hydraulic pump for delivering a force transmitting fluid through a pair of control valves to a pair of hydraulic motors respectively powering the dispensing mechanisms. One of the control valves includes provision for selectively adjusting the flow rate to the associated hydraulic motor thereby allowing adjustment of the volume of material being dispensed per area of ground covered by the vehicle.

Abstract: A mine roof support comprising a floor-engageable member, a roof-engageable member such as a canopy extending forwardly of the floor-engaging member, a first extensible leg secured between the floor-engaging member and the canopy, a linkage, which may include a shield, mounted on the floor-engaging member and pivotally connected to the roof-engageable member at its rear end and a second extensible leg secured between the floor-engaging member and the linkage. The linkage is preferably operative to constrain its pivotal connection to the canopy to move upward and downward in a fixed path relative to the floor-engaging member.

Abstract: A mine roof support comprising a floor-engaging member, one or more shielding members above the floor-engaging member, a flap pivotally mounted on the or on a shielding member and a sealing member pivotally mounted on the flap.

Abstract: A resinous block copolymer having an anti-blocking agent incorporated therein, which copolymer is made printable by the incorporation of a small amount of an olefin polymer.