Abstract: An apparatus comprises a reciprocating or Wankel engine, an exhaust gas passageway fluidly coupled to the engine, and a fuel-fired burner. The burner is positioned in the exhaust gas passageway and comprises a swirler configured to swirl exhaust gas of the engine so as to stabilize in the exhaust gas passageway a flame generated by the burner without use of supplemental combustion air when the engine is operating above idle. An associated method is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an oil well sucker rod having a fiberglass rod with steel connectors on each end. Each connector has a rod-receiving receptacle having an open end, a closed end, and a plurality of axially spaced annular, tapered surfaces. The taper angles of the tapered surfaces are progresssively less toward the open end of the receptacle. An annular centering surface within the receptacle engages the end of the rod to the center the rod within the connector. A plurality of evenly spaced dimples on the connector extend into the receptacle to the center the rod within the connector at a point spaced from the centering surface.