Abstract: A new and improved beach umbrella with increased stability and wind resistance comprising an umbrella fabric having a top surface and a bottom surface, a fabric loop integral with the bottom of each of the four corners of the fabric umbrella; an umbrella support having a lower vertical extent, the lower vertical extent having an upper portion and a lower portion, the umbrella support further having an upper horizontal extent, the upper horizontal extent having a forward portion and a rearward portion, a first arm pivotally connected to the horizontal extent intermediate the forward and rearward portions, a second arm pivotally connected to the horizontal extent opposite the first arm with the forward portion of the horizontal extent, the rearward portion of the horizontal extent, the end of the first arm and the end of the second arm all adapted to be received within one of the fabric loops of the umbrella; a hollow spike having an upper opened portion and a lower closed pointed portion, the pointed portion a

Abstract: A sunshade for providing protection from the sun has an upright support member and a sunshield pivotally mounted to the support member for movement between two angular positions. The sunshield is incrementally moved by a motor between the two angular positions to dispose the sunshield in desired position relative to the position of the sun.

Abstract: The handles of a pair of crutches have male and female coupling elements which enable them to be removably and totally fixed to one another. Crutches fixed in this manner can then be placed in a stable manner against any support at an elevation above their center of gravity.

Abstract: A hand grip for canes, crutches, walkers, outrigger skis, tools, etc., includes an elongated body possessing an axially inner end provided with a recess configured for partially receiving an elongated cylindrical support member of the ambulation aid, and an axially outer end including an enlarged circular ridge for preventing axial displacement of a user's hand. A mounting post extends axially through the body, transversely securing the hand grip to the support member. An obliquely forwardly and downwardly inclined platform on an upper side of the body adjacent the inner end applies a major portion of the user's weight to the hypothenar muscles of the user's hand. A depression formed axially outwardly of the platform provides a downwardly and axially outwardly curving concave load bearing surface for engagement with thenar muscles of a hand of a user such that the thumb of the user's hand is maintained in a palmar abducted orientation.

Abstract: A tent to be quickly and easily attached to or removed from the rear of a motor vehicle (e.g. a pick-up truck) having a substantially flat and open bed. The tent includes a frame comprising a pair of pole assemblies that extend diagonally and cross one another above the bed of the truck. The tent also includes front, back and side panels and belts which extend laterally through channels in the front and back panels and down the sides of the truck to be removably connected to the undercarriage thereof. A pair of cup-like receptacles are slidably attached to each of the belts. The cups are adjustably positioned along the belts to receive respective ends of the pole assemblies which form the tent frame. Accordingly, the weight of the frame and the tent carried thereon is supported by the cups and the belts retained by the front and back tent panels so that the tent may be suspended above the bed without requiring any permanent connections to or modifications of the truck.

Abstract: A permanent weatherproof blind adapted for use in a variety of hunting or observing situations includes a generally cylindrical, substantially rigid shell sized to resemble a bale of hay. The shell consists of an upper section having a curved outer wall substantially conforming to a cylindrical shape and a lower section adapted to fit within and be supported by a bed of a standard pickup truck. The shell further consists of side walls on both of the upper and lower sections and front and rear walls on the lower section. Included in the curved outer wall of the upper section are one or more game sighting and shooting openings. These openings are covered by movably mounted covers which provide protection for the interior of the blind. Plastic or fiberglass may be used to form the shell.

Abstract: Walking assistance devices to include a cane, crutch, and walker assembly each include a support leg having a resilient engaging tip at free distal ends of each support leg, such that transparent windows directed through the support leg adjacent the tip include an illumination bulb positioned therebetween for projecting illumination from the support leg through the windows for assistance in use of the walking device.

Abstract: An apparatus for conserving utilities including coolant, in a system having an evaporative cooler equipped with a water reservoir for holding a predetermined amount of cooling water and also equipped with a recirculating system for recirculating the cooling water. The apparatus has a level sensing assembly coupled to the water reservoir. The level sensing assembly provides a first signal when the cooling water level is less than a first predetermined limit. The system has a controller coupled to the level sensing assembly for receiving the first signal. The system also has a supply valve coupled to the water reservoir, to a water supply and to the controller. The supply valve is responsive to signals from the controller. The supply valve delivers water from the water supply to the water reservoir. The system further has a bleed valve coupled to the water reservoir and to the controller. The bleed valve is responsive to signals from the controller.

Abstract: Use of an alkoxylated alkanolamide of general formula (I), ##STR1## wherein R is a hydrocarbon group having 7-35 carbon atoms, preferably 9-23 carbon atoms, A is an alkyleneoxy group having 2-4 carbon atoms, and n is 2-20, preferably 3-12, for producing a water-base liquid system with reduced flow resistance between the flowing, water-base liquid system and a solid surface.

Abstract: An annulus, with outwardly projecting limbs, comprises the blank from which a valve retainer is formed. The retainer employs the limbs to latchingly engage an internal, recessed land in a cylinder, in order to support a valve within the cylinder, while a valve cage is thereafter set into the cylinder independently. The limbs of the blank are bent into a substantially normal disposition, relative to the annulus, albeit slightly splayed outwardly to insure a resiliently-effected latching thereof with the land, and free ends of the limbs have bights formed therein to present latching surfaces for engaging the land.

Abstract: A media assisted flow control valve having a main body provided with an inlet, and outlet, a chamber defining a flow passage connecting the inlet and the outlet, and a main valve seat around the flow passage, a main valve mounted in the chamber and having a seat surface engageable with the main valve seat to open and close the valve, the main valve having a flow passage therethrough and a pilot valve seat formed around the main valve flow passage, a pilot valve mounted for movement in the main valve, the pilot valve having a seat surface engageable with the pilot valve seat in the main valve to open and close the pilot valve, a pilot valve stem connected at one end with the pilot valve and extending at the other end exterior of the valve body, and a spring mounted on the pilot valve stem exterior of the valve body to bias the pilot valve and main valve closed.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for restoring a fluid level in a fluid receptacle to a predetermined level when the fluid level falls below the predetermined level, said device including: a closed vessel for containing a fluid supply, the vessel having an aperture allowing the fluid supply to be in communication with fluid in the fluid receptacle, and an air inlet tube extending into the vessel; wherein, in use, the inlet tube is positioned such that air is drawn into the vessel when the level in the fluid receptacle falls below the predetermined level thereby allowing fluid to pass through the aperture into the fluid receptacle until the fluid level is restored.

Abstract: A water conservation system including a thermostatically controlled valve means effectively diverts water from the hot water tank to a storage tank until the temperature or the water therefrom reaches a predetermined temperature. The stored water is then caused to be mixed with the water directed to the cold water conduit initially be pressure in the storage tank and subsequently by siphon action.

Abstract: A fluid pressure regulator includes a cylinder fixed within a cavity, a sealing disc carried at the closed end of the cylinder, and a piston displaceable within the cylinder, the interior of the cylinder being vented to the atmosphere. The piston is of larger cross-sectional area than the sealing disc and has a stem of smaller cross-sectional area than, and passing through, the sealing disc. The stem carries a valve member movable by the displacement of the piston, from a fully open position towards and away from a flow control opening to control the flow therethrough to the housing outlet.

Abstract: An undersea hydraulic coupling with a hollow metal o-ring seal for sealing between the male and female members is disclosed. The hollow metal o-ring seal is held captive between an internal shoulder and a retainer insertable into the internal bore of the female member. The retainer may be slidable to compress the metal o-ring seal axially. The metal o-ring seal also may be pressure-energized to expand the seal cavity in response to fluid pressure in the coupling.

Abstract: A manually adjustable service adapter includes a manually adjustable actuation shaft for opening the valve of a charging port of a refrigeration system to permit the charging of refrigerant into such system. Actuation of such charging port results from an axially movable shaft which is manually adjustable by a rotatable knob which causes the shaft to move axially opening the valve of the charging port. Means are provided for preventing rotational movement of the axially movable shaft.

Abstract: A port mounted implement selector that may be directly connected to an existing hydraulic system having outlet ports. A valve unit is used to control the flow of hydraulic fluid between a single inlet and multiple outlets as selected by an operator. The valve unit is coupled to the hydraulic system outlet ports with a pair of rotatable bolts each having an off-center inlet port. The bolts may be rotated about their longitudinal axis to adjust the lateral positions of the adjacent inlet ports to facilitate the direct connection of the implement selector to a variety of hydraulic system outlets having varying distances between the two outlet ports.

Abstract: A safety sub is disclosed for retaining drilling fluid in the kelly or equivalent and other components of the mud system located above the drill string when pressure drops in the drill string, such as when the circulation pump is turned off in adding a new joint to the drill string. The safety sub includes a pressurized elastomeric cartridge having three or more depressions surrounding a central bore. When internal drilling pressure drops, the external pre-charge pressure closes the elastomeric material by creating a cusp opposite each depression, the cusps closing together. The metallic end pieces of the cartridge and parallel round connecting rods between these inserts are bonded to the elastomeric material during the molding process.

Abstract: An apparatus for compensating for variations in pressure exerted by a fluid within a container against the container to maintain the pressure below a pressure limit within a predetermined pressure range. The pressure range has an upper range limit above the pressure limit. The apparatus includes an insert member which is substantially non-absorbent with respect to the fluid and which is at least substantially immersed within the fluid. The insert member is compressible over a volumetric range, which volumetric range is established to permit sufficient compression of the insert member to relieve the pressure against the container by a pressure difference. The pressure difference is at least equal to the difference between the upper range limit and the pressure limit. In its preferred embodiment, the insert member is freely floating within the container, though it may be tetheredly attached to a cover or other portion of the container to allow it to freely float within a tethered range of its attachment point.

Abstract: A multiple hose assembly including a plurality of hose portions which are disposed in a first direction in a substantially parallel and a substantially planar arrangement. In addition, the multiple hose assembly further includes a plurality of support members for securing the hose portions in the substantially parallel and the substantially planar arrangement. The support members used for securing the hose portions are disposed in a second direction which is different from the first direction.

Abstract: A composite small-diameter tubing resistant to interaction with materials conveyed therethrough such as liquids containing alcohols or corrosive agents which includes a cylindrical outer metal conduit having a hollow central shaft extending longitudinally therethrough defined by an interior wall; and a continuous non-reactive interior tube surrounded by and positioned within the cylindrical metal conduit. The tubing can be manufactured by a process which includes the steps of a) positioning a length of non-reactive tubing having a predetermined outer diameter within an inner diameter of metal tubing of essentially corresponding length, the metal tube having an unsealed side seam, wherein the inner diameter is greater than the outer diameter of the non-reactive tubing; and b) sealing and reducing the metal tubing to an outer diameter essentially equal to the predetermined outer diameter of the interior tubing. The non-reactive interior tube may be made of a suitable polymeric material.

Abstract: A bent pipe to which external force, such as an internal pressure and a bending moment, is applied singly or in combination, characterized in that the relationship among the outside diameter D.sub.0 of the bent part, the radius of curvature R of the bent part, the outside diameter D.sub.0 of the straight part, the wall thickness T.sub.0 of the straight part, the central cross section angle .phi. of the bent part and the wall thickness t of the pipe, is in the range defined by the following equations (1) and (2): ##EQU1## whereby the bent pipe has a sectional form of high strength.

Abstract: A stranded wire binder comprising a bit which rotates in engagement with a stranded wire, a motor, a transmission for operatively connecting the motor to the bit, a torque limiter and a position determining mechanism for controlling a stop position of the bit, both being provided with the transmission, and an operation mechanism for releasing a position determining function of the position determining mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a buckle assembly about split portions of tissue is provided. The apparatus is particularly contemplated for use with a buckle of the type having a base member with an opening extending generally transversely therethrough for reception of a first strap end portion and a clamp member slidably housed within a channel formed in the base member. The apparatus includes a frame member, a mechanism disposed in a lower surface of the frame member for releasably supporting the buckle member and a mechanism associated with the frame member for advancing the clamp member within the channel of the buckle to a strap securing position wherein the strap member is secured within the buckle member in a looped configuration about the tissue portions.In an alternate embodiment, a surgical system for repair of split portions of tissue includes a flexible strap member having a buckle member attached thereto.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for transferring a metered charge of granular material from a bulk source to an individual receptacle at high speed. The apparatus comprises a nozzle having suction and positive ports, a screen disposed within the nozzle, and suction and positive pressure sources that selectively communicate with the suction and pressure ports to sequentially engage a charge of granular material from a bulk source and then expel the charge of granular material into a receptacle. The apparatus includes a controller for selectively actuating valves connecting the suction and positive pressure ports to the suction and positive pressure sources. Methods of transferring a discrete charge of the granular material from a bulk reservoir to an individual receptacle are also provided.

Abstract: A spill containment bag for use with a container having a leak includes a flexible bag member defining an enclosure and having a lower section with a bottom wall and a sidewall extending upwardly and inwardly from the periphery of the bottom wall to a reduced cross section at its upper end intermediate the height of the bag member. The bag member also has an upper section with a sidewall extending upwardly therefrom, and the sidewall of the upper section has at least its upper portion extending outwardly to provide an opening of enlarged cross section at the upper end of the bag member. At least one strap is provided to secure the bag member to a leaking container so as to position the opening at the upper end thereof beneath the point of leakage.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating cored structures are provided. The cored structures may particularly find usefulness as cored battery plates for use in lead/acid batteries. A pre-formed core element is provided, and on its surfaces there is placed a thin layer of an active surface material. That active surface material is one which may enter into a chemical or electrochemical process when in use and in the presence of an electrolyte or other agent which will promote such chemical or electrochemical process. In the case of lead/acid batteries, the active surface is lead or lead oxide. The core element is generally one which does not bond with the active surface material, but will if the active surface material is ion bombarded or neutral atom embedded into the surface of the core, and where the amount of bombardment or embedment is determined by controlling the accelerator voltage.

Abstract: A novel beverage dispensing apparatus and process for use by a consumer in a grocery store to fill recyclable containers with beverages, such as soft drinks. The apparatus includes a retraction assembly which comprises a yoke configured to engage a bottle for retracting the neck of the bottle into a dispensing chamber where the opening of the bottle is sealed in fluid communication with a beverage dispensing nozzle. The beverage dispensing nozzle is configured with three ports--a syrup port, a carbonated water port and a relief port. Through the syrup port, a syrup may be introduced into the center of the bottle. The carbonated water port is configured such carbonated water may be directed through onto a side wall of the bottle. The relief port is positioned concentrically about the syrup port and between the syrup port and the carbonated water port and provides a port through which the fluid being displaced by the beverage entering the container may exit the container.

Abstract: According to the present invention we provide a method for the preparation of a liquid for supplying to one or more pieces of apparatus using such a liquid characterized in that one or a plurality of vessels visit one or more preparation stations until the liquid is prepared, and the liquid when prepared is continually supplied to the apparatus in batches by at least one vessel, the rate of liquid preparation and the vessel movements being matched to the requirements of each preparation station and/or each piece of apparatus. Preferably a plurality of vessels visit the preparation stations.

Abstract: A containment vessel is provided to allow the safe, environmentally acceptable release and recontainerization or other processing of hazardous contents from compressed gas cylinders or other target container. The containment vessel is used to position a gas cylinder or other target container adjacent to one or more pneumatic guns. A variety of projectiles are provided for use with the pneumatic guns to pierce the body of the target container. A pneumatic chamber and gun barrel are attached to the containment vessel intermediate the ends thereof to fire a projectile which will puncture the target. Connections are provided for communicating with the containment vessel for evacuating and recontainerizing the contents released by rupturing the target without releasing the contents into the environment. All of the gas cylinder processing operations may be conducted remotely.

Abstract: Crystallizer, or inner portion, of a mould having a lengthwise curvature for continuous curved casting of thin slabs (20), the crystallizer comprising an outer, or extrados, plate (12), an inner, or intrados, plate (11) and lateral narrow plates (13s-13d) having inner faces (16) defining a casting section (14), the lateral narrow plates (13s-13d) having their inner faces (16) inclined in such a way as to impart to the downflow channel a tapered conformation which reduces the width of the casting section (14) in the direction of feed of the thin slabs (20), both the extrados (12) and intrados (11) plates being curved lengthwise and containing in their inner upper central portion respective frontal extrados (15) and intrados (115) hollows, the upper part of the inner face (16) of the lateral narrow plates (13s-13d) comprising a bevel (17) which faces towards the intrados plate (11) and is progressively reduced to zero in the vicinity of the level of the lower end of the extrados (15) and intrados (115) hollows.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire for motorcycles comprises a tread, a pair of sidewalls each toroidally extending from each side end of the tread, a carcass comprised of at least one cord ply arranged at a cord angle of 75.degree.90.degree. with respect to an equator of the tire, and a belt arranged between the tread and the carcass and comprised of at least two cord layers. In this tire, the belt is comprised of at least innermost cord layer located at a carcass side and at least one cord layer located at a tread side and comprised of a cord spirally wound in the circumferential direction of the tire so as to extend in the widthwise direction of the tire, in which a widthwise end of at least one cord layer located at the carcass side is located within a particular region to tread width and sidewall height.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire having a tread, a pair of sidewalls each terminating in an annular bead area, and a pair of beads located within the bead areas, for mounting the tire on a rim. Each of the beads is formed by at least one strand of metallic wire wound upon itself into a spiral and terminating in inner and outer ends, which ends circumferentially overlap each other. The beads are placed in the tire so that the spiral orientation of the beads are opposite to each other and the inner ends of the beads are in substantial axial alignment to reduce radial force variations on the tire.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for fitting bead portions of the tire onto a wheel substantially uniformly and at the same time for filling inner pressure into the tire. A wheel cap-shaped jig in the form of a disc is arranged on the side surface of the wheel. The periphery of the wheel cap-shaped jig progressively reduces outwardly in the rotating axial direction of the wheel. The tire is then obliquely arranged on the wheel through the wheel cap-shaped jig, and the bead portions are radially outwardly expanded along their circumferences so as to assemble onto the rim. An outer cylindrical member having an inclined annular end surface and an inner cylindrical member telescopically arranged in the outer cylindrical member are brought into air-tight contact with the rim and a side surface of the tire, respectively.

Abstract: A drop seal assembly for a movable wall panel, the wall panel being situated in a room having a ceiling and a floor such that the wall panel is supported from the ceiling and is suspended above the floor. The drop seal includes a motor and an actuator operatively connected to the motor and movable between a first actuator position and a second actuator position in response to the operation of the motor. The drop seal also includes a mechanism, such as a compression spring, connected to the actuator and a retractable seal connected to the spring such that when the actuator is in its first position, the seal does not engage the floor, and when the actuator is in its second position, the seal engages the floor, the spring biasing the seal toward the floor to effectively seal the panel against the floor.

Abstract: A window covering structure has a sheet of first material spaced apart from a sheet of second material. A series of slats are connected between the first material and the second material. A first and second connecting portion connects the slats to the first and second material respectively. When the window covering is in an open position relative to one another, the slats are substantially perpendicular to the first and second materials. When the window covering is in a closed position, the slat intermediate portions are generally aligned to be substantially parallel to the first and second materials.

Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening such as a window or door is in the form of a vertically oriented fabric assembly having front and rear sheer fabrics interconnected by vertically extending vanes. The vanes can be tilted through a series of carriers mounted on a track rail from which the covering is suspended in order to adjust the spacing between the fabrics between open and closed positions and adjust the light transmitting characteristics of the covering. The covering can be extended across the opening by separating the carriers on the track rail and can be contracted by stacking the carriers toward one end of the track rail. A unique design of carrier allows the covering to fold on itself in the contracted state, in the manner of a conventional drape.

Abstract: The shower curtain ring has a flexible body adapted to encircle a curtain rod and close by frictionally interengaging end members. One of the end members includes an elongated part which is received through an opening along the top edge of the curtain. A flange on the end of the elongated part retains the curtain even when the end members are not engaged. This facilitates installation of the curtain and prevents the curtain from falling off the ring should the end members accidentally disengage.

Abstract: A metal casting control device is provided for use in conjunction with a semi-continuous metal casting system. The control device is an integral module containing a metal surface elevation sensing device, a valve actuator for positioning a metal distribution control valve, and electronic circuits associated with these mechanical components. The control device module is adapted to be connected to an overhead metal distribution launder by a single quick-coupling for convenient and simple removal and replacement. Calibration of the control device is performed after installation by mounting a calibration target on the metal casting system and vertically adjusting the metal surface elevation sensing device until an integral calibration indicator positioned on the control device indicates that the proper vertical position has been attained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for trimming edge scrap from continuously cast metal strip includes an edge trimming device in combination with a drag casting apparatus for producing aluminum or aluminum alloy cast strip. The edge trimming device includes a tool which marks the casting surface of the casting wheel to disruption the solidification rate during casting of the molten aluminum. Disruption of the solidification rate forms a longitudinal split in the strip being cast resulting in formation of a high quality cast strip product acceptable for further processing and edge trim scrap. The edge trim scrap may be recovered and recycled for further use. The edge trimming device includes adjustable features to permit varying the location of the longitudinal split along the width of the strip being cast in response to casting parameters such as excess gauge variation, surface defects or changing of the cast strip width prior to or during the continuous casting operation.

Abstract: A continuously cast steel strip which consists of a solidified casting shell and a liquid core is reduced in thickness in a roll deformation and is then rolled. In order to avoid undesired fluctuations in thickness, to improve the structure and to simplify the roll deformation unit, a steel strip billet of 40-80 mm thickness is cast, roll deformed to 15-40 mm thickness having a 2-15 mm residual liquid core in a maximum of three steps. The roll deformed billet is then guided to complete solidification.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing near net shaped metals parts from shaped wax patterns and more particularly a process whereby control of the wax pattern shape from which metal parts are to be investment cast is accomplished by machining the wax pattern after injection forming. The present invention incorporates a precision machining step whereby the injection formed wax is machined to dimensional values which more closely result in a near net shape of the cast metal part.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a controlled biocide feeder limits growth of bacteria (e.g., Legionella pneumophila) in heat transfer water of building air conditioning systems. Preferably, a flow of heat transfer water is directed across a solid biocidal material, such as 1-Bromo-3-chloro-5, 5-dimethylhydantoin (BCDMH) to form a biocidal solution. A biocide control valve responsive to a heat transfer control signal corresponding to an amount of water used in the heat transfer system for passing biocidal solution to the water used in the heat transfer system to provide a biocidal material concentration of less than 12 parts-per-million to prevent corrosion of the air conditioning system. Preferably, the concentration is between about 1.5 and 3 parts-per-million of BCDMH.

Abstract: An improved ground source heat pump system wherein the subterranean piping installation is constructed of a plurality of modular heat exchange units. Each such unit comprises an external tube with an expanded external surface and an insulated internal tube positioned concentrically within the external tube. The units are integrally formed of flexible plastic material, except for the insulation. The expanded external surface of the external tube significantly increases the heat exchange capacity of the subterranean heat exchanger. The insulation around the internal tube prevents thermal interference between the internal and external tubes and further enhances the heat exchange capacity of the system. There is no need for spacers or fins in the space between the internal and external tubes to control annular spacing or to promote turbulence.

Abstract: A modular arrangement for containing a heat exchanger module comprises a base frame and four vertical truss members slidably mounted to the base frame at one end of the members. Each vertical truss member is positioned a distance apart from another vertical truss member across the base frame to define a front, a back, and two sides. The heat exchanger unit is contained within the base frame and the vertical truss members. Intermediate tie steel is supported by the four vertical truss members. At least two different levels, each level having a junction fixed to each vertical truss member, are provided. A horizontal side truss member is rotatably attached to the junctions of adjacent vertical truss members and a diagonal truss member extends between and is removably attached to the junctions between adjacent levels. The base frame, the intermediate tie steel, the vertical truss members, and the heat exchanger unit contained therein define a module for transportation and assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat exchanger member adapted to extract or impart thermal energy from or to a body, which member comprises:a. a substantially solid core member having bores therethrough through which heat exchange medium can flow; andb. an outer cladding of stainless steel over at least those areas of the member to be in direct contact with the body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hybrid thermosyphon which may be rapidly deployed to create a frozen soil barrier for containing toxic spills. In a particular embodiment, a plurality of thermosyphons are deployed for freezing the soil around and under a defined area of soil; each thermosyphon contains a working fluid and includes an evaporator section for contact with the soil for removing heat therefrom by evaporation of the working fluid. A condenser section in flow communication with evaporator section and remote from the soil transfers heat from the working fluid to ambient by heat exchange and subsequent condensation of the working fluid when the ambient is lower than the temperature of the soil. An active refrigeration stage in heat exchange relation with at least a portion of the condenser section removes heat from the working fluid by heat exchange when the ambient is above the soil temperature.

Abstract: A rubber seal adaptor for a well having a pipe fitting, a compression sleeve about the pipe fitting and rubber seal rings positioned about the pipe fitting so as to be compressed by the compression sleeve. A first circular groove in the bore of the compression sleeve has a conical surface such that there is a shallower portion and a deeper portion. A plurality of circular grooves extend about the periphery of the pipe fitting so as to be adjacent the groove in the compression sleeve. A plurality of steel balls are positioned within the groove in the compression sleeve to interfere with the plurality of grooves for locking the compression sleeve in a compressed condition against the rubber seal rings. The pipe fitting includes threaded ends for receiving a kelly nut and a liner.

Abstract: A prepack well screen assembly for separating particulate material from formation fluid has inner and outer screens concentrically mounted in radially spaced relation around a perforated mandrel, thereby defining a prepack annulus in which a plurality of spherical plastic members are disposed. The concentric inner screen includes longitudinally extending rib wires spaced circumferentially around the mandrel, and a screen wire wrapped externally about the rib wires in a longitudinally spaced pattern to define spaced screen apertures for conducting formation fluids through the inner screen. The outer screen is a cylindrical fluid-porous, particulate-restricting member which is radially spaced from the inner screen to form the prepack annulus. The particulate-restricting member includes rib wires which are spaced circumferentially around the inner screen within the prepack annulus, and an outer screen wire wrapped externally about the rib wires to define the annulus.

Abstract: A rod guide is provided for centering a sucker rod within a tubular string that powers the pump within a well bore. The rod guide comprises a spool securable to the rod and having upper and lower end members thereon, and a plastic material sleeve extending between the upper and lower end members. The sleeve may be mounted to the rod during a molding operation. The rod guide further includes a guide body which may be machined from an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene material which has desired abrasive and wear characteristics. In one embodiment, the body is rotatable about the spool. A slot within the guide body and scalloped-shaped cut-outs at both ends of the guide body provide fluid communication between an annulus formed between the O.D. of the sleeve portion of the spool and the I.D. of the guide body.