Abstract: Device for taking a sample of subcutaneous tissue cells from a body, comprising a disposable injection syringe with a cylinder, a plunger slidably arranged in the cylinder and connected to an actuating shaft protruding outside the cylinder at one end, and a coupling element situated at the opposite end of the cylinder for the coupling thereto of an injection needle. The device further comprises pulling means for the exerting of a force on the plunger in the direction away from the coupling element. The pulling means comprise on one side energy transmitting biasing means coupled to the cylinder which exerts a tensile force on the plunger which after a movement of the plunger in the order of magnitude of 1 cm from an outer most position in contact with the end of the cylinder bearing the coupling element lies in the order of magnitude of 10 Newton times the diameter of the cylinder in cm.sup.2.

Abstract: This invention relates to sensors for Capnometry or Capnography applications wherein measurement is made on the mainstream of the patients breathing tube gases. Provision is made for sampling the respired gases and periodically stopping them off from the sensing mechanism while introducing instead, gases of known concentrations into the sensing cell for calibrating purposes. Several methods are described for activating the valving mechanism included in the miniature sensor. In principle this invention overcomes the time delay and complexity inherent in side-stream Capnometry/Capnography where rapid, up-to-date readings of CO.sub.2 concentration in the patients air stream are delayed due to the length of the sampling tube to the measuring instrument by reversing the process and carrying calibration gases which need not change rapidly to the main-stream sensor where they can be periodically sampled and thus not impairing the higher speed response possible with main-stream sensing systems.

Abstract: A non-invasive method and apparatus for monitoring individual lung function is disclosed. A transducer (12, 14) is disposed on the torso above the lung to be monitored, the transducer producing a signal corresponding to movement of the torso portion therebeneath which, in turn, corresponds to changes in the volume of the underlying lung. Regional lung volume changes may also be assessed by utilizing transducers positioned on the torso to encompass only a portion of the underlying lung.

Abstract: A noncontact infrared tympanic thermometer which does not require environmental stabilization or waveguide temperature control because it utilizes an optically stabilized infrared detector for detecting the infrared energy emitted by the tympanic membrane. The optical stabilization renders the instrument insensitive to ambient temperature effects and allows it to read true tympanic membrane temperatures unaffected by the temperature of the side walls of the detector package. This selectivity is accomplished by locating a neutral density filter over half of the optical aperture of the detector package such that the neutral density filter "shadows" only one of two thermopile channels for detecting the infrared energy emitted by the tympanic membrane. The two thermopile channels are connected in series opposition such that any optical signal equally present in both channels will yield a zero net output.

Abstract: A guiding member for use as an independent guidewire or as an integral part of a low-profile steerable dilatation catheter. The guiding member has an elongated main hollow tubular member, a tubular extension preferably made of polyimide secured to the distal end of the tubular member, a core member which is secured by the proximal end thereof within the inner lumen of the main tubular member and which extends through and out of the distal end of the tubular extension and a flexible body, such as a helical coil, disposed about and secured to the distal portion of the core member which extends out the distal end of the tubular extension. The transverse cross-sectional area of the core member disposed within the inner lumen of the main tubular member should be at least 10%, preferably at least 25% less than the transverse cross-sectional area of the inner lumen of the main tubular member.

Abstract: This invention is a protective eye shield that indexes to an inhalation gas providing nose hood and the hood's hoses to provide secure eye protection to a patient wearing such a hood during the performance of dental procedures. The shield further indexes to the temples and forehead of the wearer to provide secure and comfortable positioning of the shield. The shield cooperates with the inhalation hood in providing a shield against materials reaching the patients eyes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of delivering smokable material to a cigarette maker with reduced degradation of the smokable material. A vertical reservoir tube is provided directly overhead of a plurality of rotatable and longitudinally vibratable rollers having interdigitating pins attached thereto. The rollers serve to meter and open the smokable material. The opened smokable material then falls as a shower from the rotating rollers to a convergent channel formed by two walls oriented at different angles to the horizontal. Air flow channels are provided which feed air along each wall, thereby providing an essentially laminar stream of air downwardly along the walls. An arrangement of multiple hoppers is also provided which permit blending of different types of smokable material prior to forming the smokable material into a braid and feeding the braid to the cigarette maker garniture.

Abstract: A smoking article in which a flavored aerosol is generated by heat transfer to a flavor bed from the combustion of a carbon heat source is provided wherein the carbon heat source and the flavor bed are contained within a non-combustible substantially cylindrical hollow ceramic sleeve. The article generates substantially no sidestream smoke. The transfer of heat from the heat source is accomplished by convective and radiative heat transfer.

Abstract: An apparatus defined by an enclosed housing, with a first embodiment including a lid, with the lid provided with a central tray and the tray including a central tray aperture. The tray aperture is coaxially aligned with an underlying fluid containing bucket, wherein the fluid is of an aqueous deodorizing mixture. A granular base is deposited upon the housing floor in surrounding relationship relative to the bucket. A modification of the invention includes the housing, with a door mounted to the front wall thereof for access to the bucket container containing an upwardly projecting basket, wherein the bucket and basket are slidably mounted upon spaced parallel tracks positioned to permit insertion and removal of the bucket housing relative to the housing of the organization.

Abstract: Reconstituted tobacco material is provided by extracting tobacco material using water to provide an insoluble portion and an aqueous extract. The insoluble portion is formed into a sheet-like shape. The aqueous extract is blended with a further tobacco extract which is provided by treating Burley tobacco strip with ammonia and steam. The aqueous tobacco extract and further tobacco extract optionally can be heat treated, contacted with a water soluble phosphate salt, and/or contacted with levulinic acid. The aqueous extract and further tobacco extract are combined with the insoluble portion, resulting in a reconstituted tobacco material. The reconstituted tobacco material is blended with other tobacco materials and employed as cut filler in cigarette manufacture.

Abstract: A dental floss dispenser is designed to retain a roll of dental floss which may be dispensed and cut through an opening. The floss is provided in preselected lengths interconnected by shorter lengths of thread. Once dispensed and cut in a medial portion of the thread, the threaded ends of a length of floss may be held to use the floss which prevents any wastage of flossing material. In modified embodiments, the lengths of thread may be provided with small knots to indicate where to cut the thread and to provide a better grip during a use of the floss. Further, granules of fluoride may be attached to a floss strip to act both as an abrasive and as a means of applying fluoride between teeth as the granules dissolve.

Abstract: A cigarette includes a charge or roll of smokable material (e.g., tobacco cut filler) circumscribed by two layers of paper wrapping materials. The first or inner wrapping material includes a cellulosic base web and carbonaceous material within the web. The second or outer wrapping material circumscribes and overwraps the first wrapping material, has a cellulosic base web and inorganic filler material, and exhibits an air permeability of below about 8 CORESTA units. The cigarette is capable of sustaining smolder under FTC smoking conditions while yielding very low levels of visible sidestream smoke.

Abstract: A parts container to be utilized within the liquid cleaning solution of an ultrasonic bath which is to be formed within an enclosing side wall having an open top and an enclosed bottom. Mounted within the enclosing side wall and a plurality of ultrasonic transducers which are to supply energy from an ultrasonic generator (not shown). The ultrasonic transducers may have an energy emitting cone which functions to emit the ultrasonic energy in a narrow beam. Each of the transducers are adjustably mounted in the side wall so as to be able to manually select the direction of the narrow beam. Also, each transducer could be gimbally mounted on a freely wobbling plate so the transducer energy could randomly sweep across the parts that are being cleaned.

Abstract: An over-flow tank for a semiconductor wafer washing apparatus includes a pair of opposed extensions integrally formed on a pair of opposed side walls of the tank. One of the extensions is provided with pipes and/or other devices. This form of attachment prevents formation of a stepped portion on which dust may accumulate. The extensions also act to guide the flow of clean air over the tanks, so that vapor formed in a chemical liquid tank in one row of such tanks is prevented from entering a pure water tank in an adjacent row.

Abstract: A collapsible tent frame has two pole position bases and a plurality of reverse U-shaped frame units to combine with the pole position bases to support a tent roof cloth. Each frame unit consists of two main frame poles having their lower ends screwed with the position bases to stand in radiant direction, and a vertical extension pole connected with a main frame pole at one end and with a horizontal extension pole at the other end with a collapsible hinge to form a reverse U-shaped frame unit. After all frame units are assembled with the position bases, two position ropes can be inserted through each frame unit firmly to keep all the frame units spaced apart from each other at a proper distance. Two sustaining bases are provided to sustain the outer-most frame unit pulled upward to form an entrance for this tent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tent.This tent is characterized in that it is formed by an elementary central tent (1) having a central frame symmetrical relative to a vertical axis, whose base constitutes a regular polygon with an even number of sides and which is formed by at least two identical diametrical hoops (9,11) whose lower ends take support on the ground, at the place of diametrically opposite summits of the base polygon, and which cross, at their centers, at the summit (16) of the central frame, on the vertical axis of symmetry (33'-read zz'), and of at least four vertical lateral hoops (15), and by at least two lateral tents (2,3,4) extending outward from lateral hoops of the central frame.

Abstract: A transducer having an explosion-proof housing with a divider forming two compartments, and the divider having formed therein a well. A magnet and flapper arm arrangement is suspended within the well. A coil winding is fixed in the other compartment around the well so that a magnetic field generated thereby influences the pivotal position of the magnet. Set screws adjustable in the bottom of the well are effective to preset a rest position of the magnet.

Abstract: A fountain faucet is comprised of a housing defining a water chamber and having an inlet communicating the water chamber and an outlet communicating the water chamber through an opening a float valve hinged within the water chamber for a swinging movement between valve open and valve closed positions. A control unit engaged in the housing by means of a thread operable to retain the float in its closed position or allow the float valve swingable freely between valve open and valve closed positions.

Abstract: A mass flow controller having a bypass portion provided in a body through which a large amount of gas is passed and a sensor portion, laid between a primary chamber which is an inlet of the bypass portion and a secondary chamber which is an outlet of the bypass portion, through which gas flows at a small flow rate proportional to the flow rate of the gas passed through the bypass portion and capable of measuring the total flow rate of gas by measuring the flow rate in the sensor portion. The body is partitioned by a bulkhead into a primary chamber and a secondary chamber. The primary chamber is provided with an inlet for gas inflow and the secondary chamber is provided with an outlet for gas outflow. The bulkhead is provided with a plurality of through holes for connecting the primary chamber to the secondary chamber, and bypass elements selected depending on the flow rate in the bypass portion are fitted in the through holes in the bulkhead.

Abstract: A regulator for water base paint has a casing with an inlet port, an outlet port and a paint chamber. The paint chamber is defined inside the casing in fluid communication with the outlet port. A valve seat is positioned between the paint chamber and the inlet port. A valve is arranged to be pressed against or released from the valve seat depending on an internal pressure in the paint chamber, thereby maintaining the delivery pressure from the outlet port constant. In the regulator having the above construction, the valve and the valve seat are made of corrosion-resistant metallic materials of different hardnesses. One of the valve and the valve seat is made of a ceramic material and the other thereof is made of sintered hard alloy.

Abstract: A check valve apparatus for a fuel tank of an automobile or the like compries only two members, i.e., a valve plate made of synthetic resin which is integral with rotating rod members and a valve body made of synthetic resin and having an annular configuration which is integral with bearings or the valve plate. The check valve apparatus is simple in structure and easy to assemble. During operation after it has been assembled, it will not easily dislodge from a pipe, and when the operator intends to detach it from the pipe, it will be readily detached.

Abstract: This invention relates to a shutoff mechanism, in particular in the form of a hinged safety-valve for large gas ducts, which contains a plate-shaped shutoff body which can be pressed against a seat on the housing. To guarantee a reliable and secure shutoff of large gas lines, the shutoff mechanism, together with an additional cover, forms a gas-tight chamber closed off from the two chambers of the gas line. The pressure in this chamber is monitored and is different from the pressures in the two chambers of the gas line.

Abstract: A coupling part constituting the male or female part in a quick coupling comprises an inner, longitudinally displaceable unit positioned in an outer part of the coupling part the inner unit being adapted in a deactivated position thereof to confine the media pressure in a first chamber arranged in the outer part of the coupling part and in an actuated position to open or keep open an access for media to a second chamber in the outer part. Pressure-reducing members actuable upon coupling together of the male and female parts and allowing for the coupling even at high media pressures, and including a lead-off channel for media pressure and a shut-off element positioned in the channel, and actuable by the end face of the other coupling part through an actuation member. The actuation member is sealed-off or positioned in the coupling part in order to prevent lead-off media from reaching the end face of the coupling part.

Abstract: A cleaning device for heat exchangers mounted on construction machines such as a bulldozer, for example, and for water pipe that can be cleaned without removing the heat exchanger or pipe from a machine, includes a cleaning water storage tank (1) connected to a pump (2) for pumping water under pressure to a heat exchanger (a) through pressure and flow regulating valves (31, 32) and a gas-liquid mixer (5) to which gas is fed from tank (6) for pulsating and producing gas bubbles in the water flow for effecting the cleaning. Flow control valves (7, 9) control the direction of flow through the heat exchanger and a strainer (8) removes the residue cleaned and carried by the water. An accumulator (4) is connected in the flow circuit with the regulating valves (31, 32) to absorb shock when the regulating valve (32) is closed and which functions together with the valves (31, 32) to produce a pulsation in the water flowing in the system.

Abstract: The supply and return passages of the apparatus are defined by fittings, each of which defines also a valve passage, which contains a rotary valve for controlling the flow rate in a cooling circuit of the injection molding machine. A valve actuator is detachably mounted on each of said fittings and is operatively connected to said rotary valve. Each of said valve actuators is selectively constituted by a gearmotor housing, which contains a gearmotor for an automatic control of said rotary valve, or by an actuator housing of a manual drive. At least one of said fittings is provided with detachably mounted monitoring means, which comprise a temperature detector and/or a flow-sensing tube and communicate at one end through a tubular port of said fitting with said return passage section thereof and at the other end are provided with a hose coupling for connection to one of said cooling circuits.

Abstract: An improved venturi eductor for proportional dispensing of chemicals into flowing water includes a large antisyphoning air gap to satisfy water system regulations. Specialized baffles are provided to prevent discharge of spray and mist from the air gap. Further, the shape and location of various nozzles within the device creates a slight suction at the air gap to further limit overspray.

Abstract: In a packaging system where a pasty material is dosed as portions into individual containers to form individual packages, at least one dimension of the portions is measured to produce actual-value outputs that correspond to the volumes of the respective packages and that are compared with a set point corresponding to a desired volume. The dosing of the portions is altered on deviation of the volume outputs from the volume set point so as to bring same into agreement. In addition the packages are weighed downstream to produce actual-value outputs that correspond to the weights of the packages and that are compared with a set point corresponding to a desired weight.

Abstract: Lightweight containers such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) beverage bottles are rendered stable for conveyance on a horizontal conveyor by addition of water ballast. Ballast in the amount of about 3 to 10% of the bottle volume is sufficient to enable increased production line speed with fewer bottle jams due to the lightweight bottles falling over. The bottles are arranged upright, for example at the outlet of a depalletizer, and loaded with ballast from a reservoir or pressurized supply of water. Preferably, the bottles are loaded in a group and a plurality of valves having valve bodies on a movable common support open simultaneously. The ballast is removed at the bottle rinsing station, which inverts the bottles to drain the ballast as well as rinse water.

Abstract: An accessory for inflating and deflating inflatable articles comprises a conduit 13, an intake 17, an outtake 19 and an injector 35. In use, conduit 13 functions as a venturi tube for rapid inflation and deflation of inflatable articles, preferably, articles having a large, low pressure air volume. For inflation, outtake 19 is connected to the inflatable article. For deflation, intake 17 is connected to the inflated article. For inflation and deflation, a source of pressurized air, preferably, an electric air compressor is connected to injector 35.

Abstract: A simple, low-cost container filling machine includes a pulse pump for drawing high-density, high viscosity, thixotropic pigment from a shipping container, an accumulator for smoothing flow of the pigment, a non-adjustable and replaceable anti-drip dispensing tube, an adjustable optical level sensor, and electronic means for setting the optical sensor. A fixed platform for containers being filled includes anti-splash and aligment devices.

Abstract: A veneer slicing machine having a cutting knife and a pressure bar spaced from the knife having a face for contacting the wood for creating pressure on the wood to be sliced, the region of the pressure bar before the face on the entrance side of the knife having a concave portion and the region of the bar past the point of contact of the face with the wood on the exit side also being concave, the pressure bar wood contacting face being convex.

Abstract: A tool is for the handling of sports and other collectible cards and inserting them into protective envelopes without damage to the corners or edges of the cards. The envelopes may be any of several types available on the market today. The tool includes two panels for gripping a card, which are joined in hinged fashion at one end and which have notches formed into their free ends. To use the tool, a card is gripped between the free ends of the panels and inserted together with the free ends into an envelope or pocket. Then a finger is placed against the envelope over the location of the panel notches to grasp the card within the envelope. Then the tool is withdrawn from the envelope or pocket. This tool and method prevents physical damage to the corners and edges of the card during the insertion process.

Abstract: A decorative article for interior decorating purposes such as a cornice, lambrequin or valance for an opening forming a door or window in a wall of a building. The article includes a padded board and at least one opening extending therethrough in the shape of a particular object. The board includes a front layer of fabric overlying a compressible pad on the front face thereof. The edges of the board and the opening are covered with suitable decorative trim. An insert can be provided in the opening to simulate a part of the object represented by the opening. In particular, the opening in the board can represent a bow and the insert can represent a knot in the middle of the bow. Ribbons can also be provided extending downwardly from the lower edge of the insert.

Abstract: A blind for an arched window and more specifically a fan-type blind for semicircular arched windows in the form of a semicircular radially pleated member supported along its bottom edge by a mounting rail which is supported by end mounting brackets attached to a window casing. Compression plates engage the opposed surfaces of the radial pleats to partially compress the rigidify the pleats and enable adjustment of the pleats to accommodate irregularities in the window casing with the blind standing on its own without top brackets. A valance of pleated construction overlies the mounting rail and a medallion of semicircular configuration of radially pleated construction overlies a central portion of the fan-type blind.

Abstract: A roller door assembly has means for tensioning same wherein a load is applied to a bottom edge of the roller and means for counterbalancing the weight of the door wherein a load is applied to the roller, the loads exerted by both said means being dependent on the amount of door off the roller.

Abstract: A drapery hanging system for "S" type pleated drapery of a sinuous folded configuation wherein the drapery is suspended from a traverse rod supporting a plurality of slidable carriers. Adjacent carriers are interconnected by a tension connector to equally space the carriers when the drapery is closed, and abutments evenly spaced on the connector adjustably attached to the carriers permit the desired spacing of the drapery folds wherein extensive variations in drapery material width can be accommodated within a given drapery extended dimension and additional carriers may be easily added. A drapery header tape utilizes a weight supporting lip whereby hangers depending from the carriers may be easily adjustably attached to the header tape at the desired location to permit support of the drapery at those locations most advantageous with respect to the drapery material width and drapery extended dimensions.

Abstract: A device for the continuous casting of thin metal strips includes two parallel spaced rotatable rolls, side walls located at the ends of the rolls and defining with the rolls a casting space for liquid metal, a flat cover disposed above the liquid metal and in the immediate vicinity of the meniscus of the liquid metal so as to form a thermal screen which is so dimensioned as to cover the whole of the surface of the liquid metal. The cover is provided with a refractory lining on the side of the cover facing toward the liquid metal and bearing against the two rolls. This cover forms a thermal screen or shield preventing any surface solidification of the bath of liquid metal from starting. Advantageously, an inert gas may be injected between the meniscus and the cover through the latter.

Abstract: A method of making a shell mould, particularly for a lost wax casting operation, includes the deposition of an adhesion agent on the pattern before the deposition of layers of ceramic material to build up the mould. The adhesion agent used is preferably a 3% solution of aminosilane in a solvent consisting of ethanol and ethyl acetate in amounts from 25% to 75% of the solvent. The method avoids the phenomenon of detachment at the pattern/ceramic interface.

Abstract: An improved cooling medium for use in a thermal energy storage system is disclosed. The cooling medium comprises water, 1-fluoro-1,1-dichloroethane (HCFC-141b), as the guest molecule and a surfactant selected from the group consisting of DRSC.RTM., EMPHOS PS-21A.RTM., MAPHOS L13.RTM., or MAZEEN C-Z.RTM., POE(2) COCOAMINE. It has been found that any of the above surfactants, and preferably DRSC.RTM. and EMPHOS PS-21A.RTM. encourage clathrate formation at surfactant concentrations far below 300 ppm. Clathrate formation, and the overall efficiency of the thermal energy storage system is increased when the cooling medium of the present invention is used.

Abstract: A system of sealed heat pipes enclosing a working fluid. In the heating mode, the working fluid is evaporated and the latent heat of vaporization is transported through the heat pipes to the condenser region. The condensate returns to the evaporator region through a liquid bypass line containing a liquid storage reservoir and a heating control valve. In the cooling mode, a cooling control valve is opened to increase the specific volume of the heat pipe system. During operation, heat is absorbed from the evaporator region and transferred by the working fluid vapor through the heat pipe system to the cold media. Condensate returns to the external evaporator by a liquid return line containing a liquid storage reservoir and a cooling control valve. Electric resistance heating can be incorporated to heat the reservoir. Vapor from the reservoir passes into the heat pipe system through a check valve vapor line. Shutdown and system control are regulated by the reservoir cutoff valve and electric heating.

Abstract: An improved food serving cart of the type having a compartment for holding multiple trays of prepared foods having both hot and cold food and/or beverage portions thereon, the improvement including a vertically disposed cold reservoir for holding replaceable cooling modules, and multiple food tray holding racks attached inside the cart in a vertical column horizontally adjacent to and in thermal communication with the vertically disposed cold reservoir such that a first portion of each of the horizontal racks is in close proximity to the cooling modules and constitutes a cold zone and a second portion of each of the horizontal racks in spatially separated from the vertical cold reservoir and constitutes a hot zone.

Abstract: A steam condenser with temperature regulating apparatus including an exposed surface of the condenser defining an upper portion and a lower portion for allowing outside air to come into contact with the condenser. A heating control mechanism is connected to the condenser at the upper portion of the exposed surface and utilizes articulated electrically heated blanket or electrically heated panels in order to provide a freeze-proof environment and efficient operation of the steam condenser.

Abstract: A unit to enhance heat transferring through a tube in a condenser-type heat exchanger comprises a series of elements. The elements engage a surface of the tube in contact with a high temperature condensable medium flowing through the exchanger. The elements are spaced apart, positioned parallel and have ring-like configurations. The elements are positioned on an angle so that when the unit is secured to a vertical tube, each element has a low point. These low points align and connect with a vertical riser. In use the tube is one of a set forming a tube bundle fitted into a vessel of the heat exchanger. As heat transfers from the high temperature medium, for example steam flowing through the vessel to a lower temperature medium, for example cooling water flowing through the tubes, the steam condenses on the tube. The condensed steam builds into a thickening film that then flows down the tube. This downward condensate flow is diverted by the elements of the unit and runs to the low point of each element.

Abstract: A heat transfer device is provided which has an improved energy efficiency, utilizes significantly less space and costs less than conventional condensers in refrigeration units. The heat transfer device comprises a plurality of coil units disposed in a serpentine configuration and which are juxtapositioned to decrease space requirements and increase heat transfer. The coil units are constructed by fist attaching a lateral fin to a tube. The tube is then bent to form a continuous helical structure and this helical structure is then bent to form a plurality of parallel interconnected individual units disposed in a serpentine configuration. Multiple rows of interconnected parallel units are arranged to interfit so that the condenser occupies a minimum amount of space.

Abstract: The performance of electrical submersible pump is improved by injection of water such that the water and the oil being pumped flow in a core flow regime, reducing friction and maintaining a thin water film on the internal surfaces of the pump.

Abstract: A rigid bridle for supporting a current emitting logging tool in a sonde is set forth. The rigid bridle is formed of multiple segments of tubular members, normally formed of metal. At selected locations along the length thereof, they are interrupted by electrical insulators which prevent current flow along the length thereof. Moreover, the external surface is coated with first one and then the second layer of insulative material; three such units in serial assembly support a return current electrode for use in a current emitting logging tool. In an alternate form, a short electrical isolator joint is set forth which includes concentric metal members which are spaced from one another when assembled by insulative members positioned therebetween so that current flow along the length thereof is prevented.

Abstract: A method for limiting a downward growth of one or more vertically oriented fractures in a subterranean formation during a fracturing treatment. Initially, a first fracturing fluid with a known density is introduced into a formation having at least one fracture. The first fracturing fluid comprises a cross-linked gel composition sufficient to form a viscous gel in the fracture and also contains gel breakers. Thereafter, a second fracturing fluid is introduced into the fracture. This second fracturing fluid has a density lower than said first fracturing fluid. Additionally, the second fracturing fluid contains a proppant. The second fracturing fluid is continually introduced into the fracture thereby displacing the first fracturing fluid into a lower portion of the fracture where a substantially viscous gel forms.

Abstract: Well completion methods utilizing rubber latex compositions are provided. The compositions are comprised of an aqueous suspension of rubber, a vulcanizing agent and a vulcanization activator, and are placed in a subterranean formation or a well bore at a desired location therein and allowed to vulcanize whereby a solid rubber plug or seal is formed.

Abstract: A flapper valve assembly when closed permits flow through in one direction and prevents flow in the opposite direction. When open, two way flow may occur and the flapper valve member is biased toward closed position, to sealingly engage an annular seat, by one or more springs in the wall of the flapper valve housing. This structure provides a greater closing force applied to the flapper valve through a tension member connected to the flapper valve hinge. Three forms of tension members are disclosed.

Abstract: A double walled riser extends from a platform to a subsea well and is connected, through a suitable connector, to the top of the wellhead housing. The wellhead housing has annulus access passageways therein. The connector has passageways therethrough which communicate at one end with the annulus access passageways in the wellhead housing and at the other end with small diameter annulus access tubes carried between the two walls of the double walled riser. The inner wall of the double walled riser comprises a pressure containing member, and the outer wall comprises a structural support member. The small diameter annulus access tubes disposed in the annulus between the inner and outer walls of the riser communicate at one end with one of the respective passageways through the connector, and extend at the other end to the platform.