Abstract: A nail file apparatus is provided which consists of a housing with a handle extending from a rear portion of the housing. A nail file has a tip portion, a heel portion and ridges therebetween. A mechanism within said housing is for causing a reciprocating movement. A structure is for coupling the heel portion of the nail file to the reciprocating movement mechanism at a front portion of the housing. A person can grip the handle and activate the reciprocating movement mechanism, to operate the nail file extending therefrom. The ridges will automatically smooth, polish and shape the fingernails.

Abstract: A hair wrap device is provided for a ponytail on a head of a woman which consists of a structure for covering the ponytail. A component is for attaching a top portion of the covering structure to the ponytail. An element is for wrapping the rest of the covering structure about the ponytail.

Abstract: A braid aid hair clip is provided, which consists of an elongated body member and a clasp. A device is on a first end of the elongated body member, for pivoting a first end of the clasp. An apparatus is on a second end of the elongated body member, for holding a second end of the clasp in a closed position. A structure is on the elongated body member for automatically dividing hair from a head of hair between the elongated body member and the clasp into a plurality of equal sections when the clasp is in the closed position, so that a woman can begin braiding the hair.

Abstract: A sheathing device for receiving wet umbrella in order to collect water. The device includes a flexible tubular member having a handle and a cap secured to the ends. The cap includes an enclosed end having an orifice for engaging with a plug and for releasing collected water. Two lock rings are secured to the cap and the handle for securing the ends of the tubular member, It is preferable that the handle includes a larger size than the cap such that the water can be collected in the tubular member close to the cap.

Abstract: In the present invention, an adjustable mobility assist device is provided which has a base, means for obtaining leverage against a stationary object, and grasping means which allow the user to reach out and up while rising from a seated position. In its several embodiments, the device can be adapted for use in rising from a chair, bed, or commode. Handles are provided so that the device can also assist in walking. Arms are also included for supporting the users arms, a reading or eating tray, and the like. The device is portable and can be moved from one piece of furniture to another within the home with the user.

Abstract: An adjustable crutch (10) includes upper and lower assemblies (12, 14) which are slidably interconnected with one another is constructed of hollow aluminum pipes, or tubing, (16, 18, 42, 44) interconnected by glass or fiber-reinforced nylon members (20, 22, 54). Walls of the hollow aluminum tubing extend into annular cavities (26) formed in the glass or fiber-reinforced nylon members, with molded-in bosses, or plugs, (28) of glass or fiber-reinforced nylon material extending into bores of the aluminum tubing. A hand grip support (54) has shear pins (64) for selectively engaging holes (66) in upper shafts (16, 18). A hand grip (68) on the hand grip support is laterally offset and the upper shafts are separated by at least 5 inches. The hand grip defines a holding notch (78) for interconnecting two crutches so that they can be easily held by one hand while only one of the crutches is used. A foam arm cushion (32) has a convex top edge (34) and concave side surfaces (36a, 36b ).

Abstract: A pneumatic circuit prolongs a pneumatic valve opening time using an accumulator with two quick exhaust type valves in series while providing a rapid valve closing time. This structure and method is self-contained and amenable to retrofit in existing installations without any external connections. Slow opening is achieved by routing inlet gas pressure simultaneously to an accumulator and the operating cylinder of the valve to be opened. A tortuous piping path and increased volume to be pressurized due to the addition of the accumulator substantially reduces the isolation valve opening time, thereby eliminating problems associated with quick opening of a pneumatic valve. When the pneumatic valve needs to be closed quickly, slight venting toward the inlet valve immediately causes the quick exhaust valves to vent their downstream pressure. The accumulator then vents through its quick exhaust valve while separately the main quick exhaust valve quickly vents the air cylinder of the pneumatic valve.

Abstract: A pressure valve assembly for use in gas-lift producing oil-wells includes a cylindrical body, a first pressure chamber including bellows located in the body, a second pressure chamber in the body having a first port for communication with gas pressure in a lining or casing, a second port for communicating the second chamber with a pipe in the lining, a valve stem connected to the bellows for movement in the second chamber and a gate valve assembly connected to the stem in the second chamber for controlling the gas flow between the first and second ports.

Abstract: A sanitary slider valve shown specifically as a rotary carousel diaphragm valve which has a thermoplastic elastomeric diaphragm integrally molded to form the multiple sealing ports of the rotor/stator interface is described. Ports or grooves molded into the face of the elastomeric diaphragm are positioned to sealably engage grooves or ports in the stator face, and to form sanitary elastomeric tubular ducts leading through the body of the rotor or of the stator, terminating as elastomeric flanges. These flanges permit direct connection to sanitary flared piping flanges within the carousel which lead to and from multiple columns or other solid phase bed segments, or to sanitary flared piping flanges connecting the stator to piping interconnecting the multiple carousel columns to each other and to external supply and collection lines.

Abstract: A top mounted valve assembly having a block member with a hinged arm which is fitted through from the top of a supporting surface and actuated by a threaded actuating member. As the actuating member is turned in one direction, the hinged arm engages the underside of the supporting surface. To disengage the faucet, the actuating member is turned in the opposite direction which permits removal. Both single and dual handle faucets can be top mounted by the mounting assembly disclosed herein. An aesthetically appearing faucet results wherein the actuating mechanism is hidden.

Abstract: A two-stage regulator includes first and second regulator units in series. The regulator units are mounted upon a unitary base which forms the lower portion of each regulator and includes the inlets and outlets for each regulator unit as well as a passageway between the units. Each of the regulator units is of the diaphragm and main spring type. The first regulator unit, which operates upon the input high-pressure flow, includes a valve assembly proximate the diaphragm. The second regulator unit, which decreases the pressure of the intermediate pressure flow to the final low-pressure outlet flow includes a stem mounted to the diaphragm which terminates at a valve assembly displaced from the diaphragm body. In a preferred embodiment, the surface area of the low-pressure regulator unit is approximately 25% greater than the surface area of the high-pressure unit.

Abstract: An excess flow control valve for telescopical receipt in a cylindrical fluid distribution pipe to control downstream flow therein. The excess flow valve includes a cylindrical pressure reducer fitting for mounting the valve in the pipe and is formed with an upstream facing annular valve seat and a downstream diverging venturi nozzle therethrough. A poppet valve barrel having a central chamber is mounted to the pressure reducer fitting, the chamber formed with a plurality of peripheral inlet flow passages disposed upstream of the fitting and further including at the upstream end thereof, a gland. A poppet having an cylindrical base and an upstream projecting stem is slidably received in the chamber and the stem is received in the gland. The stem includes a stop ring at the upstream end thereof and a compression spring is disposed over the stem in an interposed relationship between the valve barrel and the stop ring to bias the poppet away from the valve seat.

Abstract: A multi-function valve for installation in a riser of a sprinkler system provides two valve functions. One function is to stop flow automatically when breakage of a sprinkler head causes the flow rate to exceed a predetermined threshold. The second function is to prevent back flow and reduce the risk of the "hammer effect" causing damage to the sprinkler system.

Abstract: A safety vessel and valve assembly for storage and transport of chemicals is disclosed. The assembly includes a vessel housing a series of retracted valves. A thickened mounting plate provides an area to mount and protect the valves within the vessel, while attaching to the vessel in such a manner to maintain the smooth exterior surface of the vessel. An impact softener and heat resistant shroud covers the vessel exterior protecting the vessel, its valves and chemical cargo during a collision or other external forces.

Abstract: The main valve slides in the direction for its opening when the plunger is pushed in. This causes the nozzle hole and the main valve's operating bore to be communicated, which then causes the compressed gas in a pressure vessel to open the follower valve's check valve thus discharging the gas to the outside of the pressure vessel through the follower valve's communicating bore. When the pressure at the discharge side exceeds the pressure of the pressure vessel during such discharge, a back-flow pressure causes the follower valve to slide, thus closing the follower valve's operating bore and the communicating bore with the check valve. This closes the gas's passage and prevents its back-flow into the pressure vessel. When charging a high-pressure gas, any moisture which has penetrated into the nozzle hole and/or the main valve's operating bore can be blown off by discharging residual pressure in the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A valve member of a three-position, four-way valve is supported to rotate in opposite directions about a predetermined axis from a neutral position to first and second active positions. The valve member is moved between such positions by a manually operable actuator mounted on a pistol grip handle and adapted to be pivoted between a neutral position and first and second actuated positions about an axis offset from and extending perpendicular to the rotational axis of the valve member.

Abstract: A butterfly valve plate is provided for use in a pneumatic surge valve or the like, wherein the valve plate is designed for reduced noise with increased mass flow capacity. The valve plate is of the type having an offset stem hub for supporting the valve plate on a pivot stem or shaft for movement between closed and open positions within a flow conduit. A pair of part-circular and generally axially extending acoustic fences are carried respectively at opposite sides of the valve plate in peripheral positions for flow-through passage of air when the valve plate is opened. An enlarged and smoothly contoured noise reduction collar is formed on the stem hub at the downstream side of the valve plate, generally at the periphery thereof to substantially fill and occupy the space between the stem hub and the adjacent end of the downstream-side acoustic fence.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic fluid metering and control device with a position sensor having a plane of geometric symmetry. The control device includes a valve body with a plurality of ports and channels for fluid flow, a torque motor mounted on the valve body and responsive to an electrical driving signal, a valve, an armature operating in the torque motor and extending to operate the valve and position sensor and spring members for supporting the armature for pivotal movement to assure direct relationship between the valve and moving member of the position sensor.

Abstract: A resilient sealing sleeve supported by a mounting cart is directed to a leakage point in pipes in order to seal them. The sealing sleeve is raised to the top of the pipe by a raising and lowering device, and widened there in the circumferential direction by a widening device provided on the mounting cart. A stopping device on the sealing sleeve holds the sleeve in its widened position for the purpose of sealing the pipe.

Abstract: A pipe protector is disclosed comprising a tubular rubber member with an inner diameter sized to the approximate outer diameter of a pipe. The protector is a variable diameter pipe protector that prevents slipping on undersized pipes, but can also be used on full sized pipes. The pipe protector is capable of surrounding a full size outer diameter pipe and is provided with at least one rubber flap attached to the inside surface to compensate for undersize pipe diameters.

Abstract: A multi-axial, three-dimensional fabric formed from five yarn systems. The yarn systems include warp yarn arranged in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the fabric and a first pair of bias yarn layer positioned on the front surface of the warp yarn and a second pair of bias yarn layer positioned on the back surface of the warp yarn. Vertical yarn is arranged in a thicknesswise direction of the fabric in a perpendicularly intersecting relationship to the warp yarns. Weft yarns are arranged in the widthwise direction of the fabric and in a perpendicularly intersecting relationship to the warp yarns so as to provide a multi-axial, three-dimensional fabric with enhanced resistance to in-plane shear.

Abstract: A face-to-face carpet fabric is manufactured in a one shot-weave. A face-to-face pile fabric, more particularly a one shot-weave, is woven with single rapier or double rapier with weft elimination. The imposed working repeat for the pile warp ends goes over three picks. The working repeat of the backing fabric goes over a repeat different from that number of picks, preferably over four picks.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming woven fabrics through the use of an adjustable reed. The adjustable reed has multiple groups of reed wires that guide the warp yarns. The groups of reed wires move on reed rails parallel to the warp direction. In addition, rail expanders permit the space between the reed wires to be modified and telescoping rods attached to the rail sliders can be turned to permit the reed wires to be skewed to alter the fill yarn angle. These adjustments to the reed permit simultaneous variation of fill yarn angles and fabric widths and allow these variations to be made during fabrication, without the need to halt production.

Abstract: A thread holder for the gripper of a gripper loom has first and second retention members which extend in a longitudinal direction. The members lie at least partially inside each other and they have opposing faces which define between them a rectilinear gap that has a curved cross-sectional shape. The second retention member is movably mounted on the first retention member so that the members can be moved with respect to each other in the longitudinal direction and so that the opposing faces provide the gap with a constant width in the longitudinal direction. The cross-sectional contour of the gap continuously increases in an effective direction of the thread holder, and the size of the gap is selected so that a weft thread inserted therein will be held by frictional force.

Abstract: A dryer screen has a paper side and a machine side. A plurality of machine direction threads extend in the direction of movement of the screen. The machine direction threads are arrayed in first and second groups. The threads of the groups are bound to the screen through different binding pattern repeats. A plurality of cross threads extend generally transverse to the machine direction threads. The threads of the first group are arrayed in first and second subgroups offset with respect to the direction of movement of the screen. Each subgroup comprises at least two abutting contiguous machine direction threads having a binding pattern repeat floating on the paper side over a predetermined plurality of cross threads.

Abstract: A vacuum chamber is provided for the development of latent fingerprints, having a first and second end, and end plates sealing the first end, a removable end plate for sealing the second end to form a vacuum chamber by assembly of the wall end plates. In addition, the chamber wall and end plates define three passageways, a vacuum gauge passageway, an inlet passageway and an outlet passageway. The outlet passageway is connected to a conduit which is connected to the inlet of a vacuum pump. The outlet of the vacuum pump is connected to a conduit connected to a valve assembly, and the valve assembly is connected to a recycle conduit, and the recycle conduit is connected to the inlet passageway. The valve assembly has a first position whereby gases within the chamber are vented to the atmosphere and recycle is prevented, and a second position in which recycle of gases remaining in the chamber is permitted while venting to the atmosphere is prevented.

Abstract: A highly reliable bulk chemical refill system for high purity chemicals is provided. The system employs at least one metallic level sensor in a refillable ampule. The refillable ampule of the present invention comprises a metallic level sensor for sensing a high level or full level in the ampule. The metallic level sensor transmits this signal to a control unit that automatically stops the refilling process. Additionally the refillable ampule includes a low level sensor that either provides an automatic signal for starting the refilling process or an audible or visual alarm to alert an operator that the container is empty and requires refilling. At the same time, the low level sensor sends a signal to the processing equipment indicating the empty state of the ampule.

Abstract: A system for packaging, storing and dispensing discrete quantities of fluid has front and back sheets of fluid impervious material bonded together along seal lines to define a plurality of tubular containment channels including fill ports and discharge ports, and to define a filling manifold including a common fill port connected by a conduit to the separate fill ports. Each discharge port is provided with a frangibly capped, hollow dispensing tube and the seal lines further define cuffs releasably sealed about the dispensing tubes. After the channels are filled with fluid introduced at the common fill port, the sheets are further bonded to close the fill ports, and the filling manifold portion is removed.

Abstract: An improved fluid container for the transport, collection, and dispensing of a sample fluid that maintains the fluid integrity relative to the conditions of the location at which it is taken. More specifically, the invention is a fluid sample transport container that utilizes a fitment for both penetrating and sealing a storage container under controlled conditions. Additionally, the invention allows for the periodic withdrawal of portions of the sample fluid without contamination or intermixing from the environment surrounding the sample container.

Abstract: An apparatus for severing a standing tree at a trunk portion thereof includes a housing constructed and arranged to be movable to a tree harvesting location. Holding structure is constructed and arranged with respect to the housing to hold a portion of the stem of the tree while the trunk portion thereof is severed. A cutting blade mounted so as to be movable between retracted and extended position with respect to the tree. Impact hammer structure is operatively coupled to the cutting blade such that successive impacts generated by the impact hammer structure on the cutting blade move the cutting blade progressively through the trunk portion of the tree.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for delimbing tree limbs of a felled tree including housing structure constructed and arranged to be movable to a tree processing location. Support and feeding structure is constructed and arranged with respect to the housing structure to support a stem portion of the tree while a limb thereof is severed and to move the stem portion progressively through the housing structure. Blade structure is mounted on the housing structure and is constructed and arranged to move into engagement with a limb. Impact hammer structure is operatively coupled to the blade structure such that successive impacts generated by the impact hammer structure on the blade structure move the blade structure progressively thorough a limb.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling and maintaining air pressure in vehicle tires. The vehicle compressor outlet is connected through individual pneumatic tire circuits to each vehicle tire, via rotary couplings in the associated axles. Each tire circuit includes tubing for carrying air and monitoring tire pressure, the circuits supporting pressure sensors and electrovalves housed in a control unit in the dashboard of the vehicle. The control unit also houses electronic circuits interfaced with the sensors and electrovalves. The sensor includes a piston which causes a shutter to move in and out of the light path of a LED/phototransistor device. When it signals low tire pressure to the electronic circuit, the corresponding electrovalve is energized for the compressor to pump the tire up back to its set pressure. A front panel has LEDs and gauges for the driver to keep tabs on events.

Abstract: A pneumatic radial tire for heavy duty vehicles comprises a radial carcass, a belt, a belt reinforcing layer and a tread, in which the belt has a particular structure formed by using a rubberized strip containing one or more cords therein, and the belt reinforcing layer comprised of at least one rubberized cord ply in a region corresponding to at least each side region of the tread, and the belt and the belt reinforcing layer satisfy a ratio h/h.sub.0 of not more than 65%. In the tire of the above structure, the occurrence of shoulder wear is controlled together with the avoidance of belt end separation and the durability is improved.

Abstract: A decorative window covering provides privacy on sliding glass doors or windows without altering the walls surrounding the door or window. These privacy screens are functional as well as decorative, are removably attached to the window or door, and can remain within a sliding window or door frame when opening or closing the window or door.

Abstract: A window blind of the type having a headrail, bottom rail and an expandable and contractable shade between the headrail and bottom rail. An elongated wand has an upper end mounted on the headrail and a flexible operating cord is formed into an endless cord operating loop and guided by loop guides in a closed loop path extending through the headrail and the wand passage. Lift cords are attached to the bottom rail and extend from the bottom rail into the headrail and the lift cords are connected to the endless operating loop. A cord lift handle member is mounted for movement along an outer side of the wand and has cord grip mechanism for gripping a portion of the endless cord operating loop to move the operating loop in a direction to raise the bottom rail when the handle member is moved in one direction along the wand. A cord lock is provided for releasably retaining the bottom rail in selected raised positions.

Abstract: A window shade manufacture (20, 60, 64) for eliminating light, glare or the like, or achieving a non-observation purpose, through a vehicular or other window pane (21). A collapsible curtain (22) having a hem (30) is supported by a cord (34) that projects beyond the hem (30) to form cord extensions (35). Suction cup members (40) through which the cord extensions (35) project apply the curtain (22) to the window pane (21) while releasably slidable button members (38) are mounted on the cord's extensions (35) beyond the members (40). Members (42) slide into proximate positions adjacent their corresponding suction cup members (40), wherever the latter may be applied to the window pane (21), and thereat produce a desired slack or tension in the cord (34) disposed between the spaced apart suction cup members (40). Collapsible curtain (22) is positionable along the cord 34 as desired to achieve the noted purposes, and the manufacture is tucked away in a relatively small compact bag (27) when not in use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a contact pouring vessel and method for pouring molten metal directly into a mold. A pouring vessel holds the molten metal in a molten state. A nozzle within the pouring vessel and having an orifice enables the molten metal to pour from the pouring vessel. A stopper rod is raised or lowered to either seal the orifice or permit the molten metal to flow out the pouring vessel. A rotating cutter cleans the bottom of the nozzle each time a mold is filled to prohibit an unwanted buildup on the nozzle. Four hydraulic cylinders and a hydraulic system are used to controllably raise and lower the pouring vessel. The pouring vessel is raised to accommodate the positioning of mold adjacent the nozzle and lowered to position the nozzle flush with the mold.

Abstract: The unitary cylinder liner incorporating a water jacket is vertically cast as a one piece unit. The water jacket is draftless, allowing water to circulate therethrough more efficiently, increasing cooling capabilities. Such vertical one piece casting is made possible by the novel two piece core which eliminates the need for welding of metal bands onto an outer surface of the liner to produce the water jacket thereof. A novel method of vertical casting is also provided by use of the two piece core.

Abstract: A housing to enclose the exposed portion of the cord loop of a window blind or other window covering includes an integral drive arrangement to cycle a cord loop through the headrail of the blind, in order to open or close the blind. The cord loop is retained within the housing by a cord guide, such as a pulley, mounted at the lower end of the housing. A cord grip member displaceable between upper and lower ends of the housing permits the user to drive the cord loop. The cord grip member is provided with first and second clamps within the housing and first and second actuators external to the housing, each clamp being linked to a respective actuator through an elongate slot within the housing. The clamps may be actuated to releasably grip a first or second strand of the cord, respectively, to drive the cord loop in one direction or the other when the cord grip member is drawn downwardly along the housing.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a hollow airfoil, specifically, a blade or vane for a gas turbine engine, which is formed with a complex interior for cooling purposes. Broadly, the method comprises the steps of molding a green ceramic core having outer surfaces generally contoured to produce the intended interior surfaces of the completed airfoil, heating the green ceramic core to a sufficient extent to produce a fired core, and operating on the fired core with a laser to modify the characteristics of the fired core. Use of the laser enables the formation of detailed features having a transverse dimension less than approximately 0.020 inches. Specific operations may include labeling, trimming, cutting, drilling either by punching or trepanning, etching or milling, and glazing or strengthening. In another embodiment of the invention, a layer is produced on the core surface having a very high surface energy to promote the flow of the casting alloy around the core within the mold.

Abstract: A high performance, low cost, regenerator/heat exchanger matrix or bed. The bed consists of numerous stretched elastomer sheets separated by spacers and stacked. The resulting matrix is of the parallel plate type with high porosity, and narrow, uniform, unobstructed channels. The bed is ideal for near room temperature regenerator applications. The bed may also be used to pump heat or refrigerate, when fitted with a mechanism which allows the stretch of the elastomer sheets to be rapidly increased and decreased periodically.

Abstract: A high-efficiency isothermal heat pipe adapted for use in electronic equipment having a plate-like body with an enclosed inner chamber which has at least a dividing wall extending in the direction from the front end to the rear end of the body, separating the inner chamber into a plurality of zones which are interconnected by channels for the passage of a saturated working fluid filled in the inner chamber under a vacuum state. The dividing wall extends from the upper wall to the lower wall of the body and is integrally formed therewith so that the heat pipe may not distort in shape during the manufacturing process or when in use. The inner walls of the body have a plurality of grooves arranged between the front end and the rear end of the body for producing capillary action to quickly distribute heat.

Abstract: A method for reducing the internal erosion of a brazed aluminum heat exchanger, such as a heater core used in automotive applications. The heat exchanger is composed of a tank and header that form a chamber, a number of coolant tubes secured to the header such that ends of the tubes project into the chamber, and an inlet to the chamber disposed opposite to the tubes so as to direct a coolant toward the ends of the tubes. A sacrificial erosion member is brazed to the tank so as to be in the path of the coolant as the coolant flows from the inlet into the chamber, such that the coolant impinges the erosion member as it enters the chamber. As a result, the coolant is deflected away from the ends of the tube so as to reduce erosion of the ends of the tubes. Furthermore, the erosion member serves to enhance the efficiency of the heat exchanger by improving the flow distribution of the coolant among the tubes.

Abstract: A steam condenser wherein the steam is precipitated on tubes (13), through which cooling water flows and which are gathered into separate bundles. Each bundle is divided into compartments by support plates, the support plates being arranged perpendicularly to the tubes. The tubes, which are arranged in rows and form a bundle, envelop a cavity (19), in which a cooler (3) is disposed for the non-condensible gases. The non-condensible gases flow from the cooler (3) via orifices (6) into a suction channel (4), which is common to all compartments and extends over the entire length of the tubes (13). There is only one cooler (3), to which the suction channel (4) is directly attached, and the passage areas of the orifices (6) in the compartments are dimensioned in such a manner that the local, non-condensible mass flow is withdrawn with the locally available pressure difference.

Abstract: A plate-fin type of heat exchanger facilitates exchange of heat between two process streams such as high pressure methane and seawater and includes a matrix of heat exchange plate elements arranged side-by-side, flow passages for the seawater process stream being defined between adjacent plate elements. The plate elements are a high-integrity diffusion bonded sandwich construction comprising two outer sheets and a superplastically expanded core sheet structure between the two outer sheets. The sandwich construction provides flow passages for the methane process stream. Adjacent plate elements are held in position relative to each other by serrated bars or racks which engage the edges of the plate elements.

Abstract: There is disclosed a subsurface safety valve which is adapted to be installed in a tubing string within a well bore and of a type which remains open only so long as a controlled condition is maintained. Also disclosed are several embodiments of a mechanism for holding a rotary control rod of such a valve or other apparatus in a desired rotational position to maintain it open, or otherwise in a desired state, and then releasing it, upon loss of the controlled condition, for return to its original rotational position.

Abstract: A fluid circulation apparatus for interconnection with a wellbore tubing string for particular use in drilling deviated wellbores, such as with coiled tubing. The circulation apparatus has a tubular body member with a longitudinal bore extending therethrough and threads for interconnection with a tubing string. A fluid communication port extends through a sidewall of the tubular body member, and a valve is placed thereacross for selectively permitting and preventing fluid flow through the fluid communication port. The valve is biased in a normally closed position by way of a spring. Fluid control means, such as a hydraulic fluid source conveyed through the tubing string, operates the valve in response to electrical signals sent to the fluid control means from the earth's surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotatably hanging a tubing string in the wellhead of a well casing. The apparatus includes a tubing hanger shell that has a mandrel rotatably mounted therein. The mandrel has upper and lower ends with the upper end connected to a tubing rotator and the lower end engaging a tubing string. To facilitate the connection and disengagement of the mandrel to the tubing rotator, a hollow sleeve is used to couple the parts together. The hollow sleeve is received within the mandrel and has longitudinal splines which engage corresponding splines on the mandrel to transfer rotational energy from the rotator to the mandrel. The rotator is removed from the mandrel through the application of force, and through movement, in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubing string.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for subjecting subterranean, fluid-bearing formations to magnetic flux forces. Magnetically susceptible fluids and magnetically susceptible particles are extracted from a subterranean well having a shaft or tube extending from the surface into a fluid containing formation and with an elongated rod within the shaft or tube.

Abstract: A process for recovering oil from a multiple-layered heterogeneous reservoir with a higher oil saturation in the lower permeability layers than in the higher permeability layers. An aqueous surfactant solution is injected into the formation, where it imbibes into the lower permeability layers and displaces a first quantity of oil into the higher permeability layers. Next, a first aqueous fluid is injected to sweep the displaced oil from the higher permeability layers into at least one production well. A gas is injected into the formation to displace a second quantity of oil from the lower permeability layers. The second aqueous fluid is injected to sweep the displaced oil into at least one production well. The process may be repeated one or more times.