Abstract: Heart/brain disease is non-invasively, accurately diagnosed at an early stage. A plurality of functions descriptive of the patient are mathematically determined. A set of indices for each function is established in advance. Each index has two states indicative of the patient's condition. An integrated pattern of the states of the indices from a plurality of the functions is generated and matched against a stored collection of index patterns whose diagnosis is known. The diagnosis is optimized with the aid of weighting factors for such parameters as patient's age and medical history. In addition, the diagnosis is also checked doctors' opinion.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for coupling to a patient's heart for discriminating between tachycardias of physiological origin, and those of pathological origin having similar rates; and also for discriminating amongst those of pathological origin having similar rates. The apparatus includes transducers and/or sensing electrodes in either or both the atrium and/or ventricle. Also included are signal processing elements for determining the times of atrial and ventricular events and for extracting morphological features from the waveforms, and a neural network for classifying the heart rhythm. The method includes a step of discriminating between different types of heart rhythms having overlapping rates.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for making determinations related to the heat cycle in a cow. The system includes an electronic patch attached to the cow. A transmitter module for transmitting heat mount data is contained in a pouch of the electronic patch. A removable and disposable battery is also contained in the pouch for powering the transmitter module. The heat mount data from the transmitter module is sent to a repeater module to maintain the quality of the transmitted heat mount data signal. The heat mount data is re-transmitted by the repeater module to a central receiver module which includes a memory for storing heat mount data. The heat mount data is downloaded to a computer upon request using software that is also used to analyze the heat mount data. Analysis of the heat mount data results in determining a value that is useful in deciding on the optimal time to breed the cow.

Abstract: An endoscopic multiple sample bioptome includes a hollow outer member and an axially displaceable inner member extending therethrough. The proximal ends of the outer and inner members are coupled to an actuator for axially displacing one relative to the other. The distal end of the outer member is coupled to one of a cylinder having a sharp distal edge and a jaw assembly, while the distal end of the inner member is coupled to the other. The jaw assembly includes a pair of opposed, preferably toothed jaw cups each of which is coupled by a resilient arm to a base member. The arms are bent to urge the jaws away from each other. The base member is mounted inside the cylinder and axial movement of the jaw assembly and cylinder relative to each other draws the arms into the cylinder and brings the jaw cups together in a biting action.

Abstract: A soft restraint to restrain a prisoner's legs together and in a position behind the prisoner's buttocks to prevent the prisoner from kicking and resisting. The restraint is light weight, flexible, and compact enough to carry in a pants or jacket pocket. The restraint consists of an adjustable waist belt secured around the prisoner's waist with a quick release buckle. The waist belt is attached to an ankle belt which is to be placed around the prisoner's ankles and tightened by pulling the belt through a one way buckle. The feet are then pulled up to the rear of the waist belt by pulling the leg to waist strap through an upper one way buckle. The end of the leg to waist strap is then attached back to the ankle belt by clipping it to a metal ring on the ankle belt. This prevents injuries to the prisoner's wrists due to not having the feet connected to the handcuffs worn by the prisoner. The restraint fits all sizes of waists and ankles.

Abstract: Guide wire for use in a medical procedure and for use with the power supply comprising a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and having a bore extending from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity. A core wire extends through the bore of the flexible elongate tubular member. A coil assembly is mounted on the distal extremity of the flexible elongate member and has a distal extremity. A rounded tip is formed on the distal extremity. An actuator member has at least a portion thereof disposed in the coil assembly and has proximal and distal extremities. The proximal extremity of the actuator member is secured to the distal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member. The distal extremity of the actuator member is secured to the rounded tip. The actuator member has a portion thereof formed of a shape memory material and incorporating a shape member therein.

Abstract: The invention is a disposable shield for use on surgical scissors to protect surgical personnel from spurting blood when the umbilical cord is cut. It has a generally triangular shield portion and an elongated member with a channel in it so the shield can be easily attached to the arm of the surgical scissors.

Abstract: A method and system for use in treating a patient with FK 506 to prevent an adverse immune response, either a rejection of a transplanted organ or an attack on the patient's body by its own immune system caused by an autoimmune disease, without unduly suppressing the ability of the patient's immune system to combat infection. The method employs an expert system to provide non-numerical information concerning the course of action to be taken with respect to a patient's FK 506 treatment, at a given time, including, in particular, an instruction on whether the FK 506 dosage being administered to the patient should be changed, and if so how. That instruction is determined by the expert system through analysis of standardized characterizations assigned to standardized patient examination criteria provided to the expert system. The method also determines the actual numerical FK 506 dosage the patient should receive at a given time.

Abstract: An eyelid weighting system for the treatment of lagophthalmos. The weighting system includes a weight body having a concave first surface with a radius of curvature substantially conforming to the curvature of the eyeball and a second surface spaced from the first surface. First and second major edges join the first and second surfaces and a pair of side edges extend between the first and second major edges.

Abstract: A smokeless ashtray system includes a vacuum manifold connecting a plurality of ashtrays to a charcoal filter and a vacuum blower/motor assembly. The vacuum manifold includes spiral wound metal flexible metal tubing segments secured to connectors by heat shrink tubing. L connectors connect end most ashtray locations to the manifold, T connectors connect intermediate ashtray locations, and a four-way connector connects a central ashtray location to the manifold and to the charcoal filter and blower/motor assembly. Each ashtray location includes a flue member having a first end threaded into the associated connector and a second end inserted within a recess formed centrally in a bottom surface of a cup-shaped ashtray. A connector mounting bracket includes locating apertures engaging alignment pins extending from a flat upper surface of the connector, and a flange on the flue member clamps the bracket to the connector.

Abstract: A brush for applying cosmetic product comprises an elongate core formed by winding two branches of a metal wire into a helix, with bristles being embedded radially on the core and being clamped between the twisted branches. The brush exhibits at least one face bounded by ridges. The diameter of a section of the brush passes through at least one extremum (maximum or minimum) between the two ends of the brush, and the ridges of the abovementioned face are not straight. The width of the face varies from one end to the other of the brush and passes through at least one extremum (maximum or minimum) between the ends. The brush permits mascara to be applied to eyelashes or dye to be applied to hair.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing balls in a cleaning fluid includes a container for storing soiled balls, a cleaning unit for washing and rinsing the balls, and a clean ball hopper for storing washed balls. A soiled ball conveyor conveys the balls from the soiled ball hopper to the cleaning unit, while a pneumatic conveyor conveys clean balls from the cleaning unit to the clean ball hopper. A fluid supply system provides recirculated cleaning and rinsing fluids to the cleaning unit, and helps prevent the balls from becoming clogged in foam. The cleaning unit includes three vertical substantially transparent cylindrical housings. Upper and lower enclosures are opaque and remove from sight the top and bottom longitudinal axial ends of the cylindrical housings to provide an exciting visual effect as the balls are conveyed through the transparent elongated housings.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wafer rinsing system for rinsing chemicals and particles off of wafers without introducing contaminants. The system reduces the particle count on wafers by filtering the water and the gas used during rinsing at the wet bench. The system includes a rinsing unit, a local water filter bank, a local gas filtering system, an H.sub.2 O.sub.2 injection unit, an auxiliary chemical injection unit, and a controller for operating the other components. The water filter bank provides a multiple stage filtering system to eliminate particles without a substantial drop in water pressure. The H.sub.2 O.sub.2 injection unit provides a local source of H.sub.2 O.sub.2 to clean the filter and rinser and to provide a mechanism for controlling the formation of native oxide on the wafer during rinsing. The auxiliary chemical injection unit provides a chemical additive to the rinsing unit to enhance the wafer cleaning process.

Abstract: An oil filter cleaning system having a used oil and water receiving tank and a water supply tank. A used oil filter is secured to the top end of a pipe connected to a submersible water pump in the water supply tank and when operated will drive water under pressure up through the aperture in the bottom of the water filter and drive the used oil remaining therein out an aperture that has been formed in the side of the oil filter adjacent its bottom end. This flow of water and used oil that exits the oil filter is then directed into a filtration system located adjacent the top end of the used oil water receiving tank. The water filtration system has a large debris catching screen acting as a first phase and a fine mesh nylon filter acting as a second phase of filtration. The used oil passing through the fine mesh nylon filter floats on top of the water in the used oil and water receiving tank. The water at the bottom of the used oil and water receiving tank is free to pass to the water supply tank.

Abstract: A dishwasher comprising: a cleaning tank; a plurality of dish containers disposed vertically in the cleaning tank; cleaning means having a plurality of jetting openings for jetting cleaning water. The cleaning means comprises: a first arm nozzle disposed in a space below an upper dish container and rotating substantially horizontally; a second arm nozzle disposed in a space below a lower dish container and rotating substantially horizontally; and a third arm nozzle having a rotation axis eccentric in a predetermined distance from the rotation axis of the second arm nozzle and rotating on the second arm nozzle. The first arm nozzle jets cleaning water toward the upper dish container. The second and third arm nozzles jet cleaning water toward the lower dish container. The third arm nozzle eccentric from the rotation axis of the second arm nozzle jets cleaning water in a wide angle.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to a valve and a method of use. In one embodiment, a first element is operatively and removably positioned with respect to a first fluid conveying conduit and a second fluid conveying conduit. The first element is movable between a first position where no fluid communicates between the first fluid conveying conduit and the second fluid conveying conduit and a second position where fluid communicates between the first fluid conveying conduit and the second fluid conveying conduit. A second element is operatively and removably engagable with the first element for maintaining operative position of the first element with respect to the first fluid conveying conduit and the second fluid conveying conduit. A third element is operatively and removably engagable with the second element for maintaining engagement between the first element and the second element.

Abstract: A dual function safety valve is designed to automatically stop a flow of fluid through the valve in response to the valve being subjected to a minimum impact force or excessive vibration and in response to the valve being subjected to heat above a predetermined minimum temperature.

Abstract: A buoyancy control valve assembly for maintaining a diver's neutral buoyancy as the diver descends or ascends by automatically admitting air to or releasing air from the diver's buoyancy compensator. The assembly includes a valve body having a reference air chamber and a piston communicating at one end with the air chamber and at the other end with the water. Annuluses on the piston provide connection of a port leading to the buoyancy compensator either with a source of pressurized air or with a vent port as the diver descends or ascends. At neutral buoyancy, the piston moves to a neutral position, blocking flow through the compensator port. A bleed line with a check valve connects the compensator port with the air chamber, and a vent port in the piston connects the air chamber with the piston vent annulus to permit the appropriate change in the air chamber pressure to allow return of the piston to its neutral position.

Abstract: A two-way check valve for a breathing gas supply assembly, comprises a body, a first inlet in the body for receiving a normal breathing gas flow, an outlet for delivering a gas flow from the body, first passage means communicating the first inlet with the outlet, second passage means communicating the second inlet with the outlet, a valve member mounted internally of the body so as to be movable between a first position in which it closes communication between the second inlet and the outlet and a second position in which it closes communication between the first inlet and the outlet, and resilient means biasing the valve member towards the first position.

Abstract: An attachment for float operated valves in a water closet of commode is set forth. In the water closet, the rising water on filling moves a floating bulb or ring which is connected with an arm. The adapter of this invention includes a mounting ring for attachment, a mounting post supported by the ring, and a rotatable hanging pendulum which supports a locking shoulder wherein the shoulder hooks the arm moved by the float. That prevents leakage after the water closet has been filled. On flushing, a chain connects to the flush mechanism so that the hanging pendulum and locking shoulder are pulled from the arm to permit float operation.

Abstract: A single-outlet hot/cold water faucet of the type having a handle, a valve connected to the handle by a connecting plate and a lever and moved to open or close the water outlet, a revolving shaft turned by the handle to regulate the temperature of water in the mixing chamber, and a temperature detection and display device controlled by the handle to detect and show the temperature of water in the mixing chamber, wherein the temperature detection and display device includes a liquid crystal display mounted within a top chamber on the handle and covered by a transparent cap, a battery, a switch controlled by the handle to connect the battery to the liquid crystal display, and a temperature detecting probe connected to the liquid crystal display by a temperature detecting wire and inserted through the revolving shaft and disposed in a hole on the bottom extension rod of the connecting plate to detect the temperature of water in the mixing chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for metering fluids is disclosed which comprises: a solid block having within the block a first fluid inlet; a filter assembly; a first fluid outlet; a first channel connecting the first fluid inlet to the filter assembly, and further connecting the filter assembly to the first fluid outlet; a second fluid inlet; a check valve assembly; a second fluid outlet; a second channel connecting the second fluid inlet to the check valve assembly, and further connecting the check valve assembly to the second fluid outlet; and a fluid meter connected between the first fluid outlet and the second fluid inlet.

Abstract: A water distributor for distributing a flow of water to at least one of a plurality of output ports. The particular output port(s) chosen varies as a function of time and depends on the position of a motor driven rotor within the distributor. In another embodiment of the invention the distributor distributes water to at least one of a plurality of nozzles and draws water through at least one of the same plurality of nozzles. Other ones of the plurality of nozzles are neither outputting nor drawing in water. The function of a particular nozzle is dependent on the position of a rotor within the distributor. The rotor is motor driven whereby the function of a particular nozzle changes as a function of time as the rotor rotates. Each distributor of the invention is particularly adaptable for coupling to a fluid filled tank to provide time varying currents and eddies. The distributors thus provide a varying flow of water to a tank to disperse pollutants and contaminants and provide oxygen to the water.

Abstract: In a valve assembly exhibiting zero dead volume the port head is mounted on a solenoid and defines an inlet port on one side of the valve seat, and two outlet ports on the opposite side of the valve seat. A flexible diaphragm is seated across the valve seat between the port head and the solenoid, and is sealed along its peripheral edge. A spring-biased valve rod is coupled to the opposite side of the diaphragm relative to the valve seat, and the solenoid is actuated to move the valve rod and diaphragm between open and closed positions. The valve assembly is opened by actuating the solenoid to drive the valve rod and diaphragm away from the valve seat and permit the passage of fluid across the valve seat between the inlet and outlet ports.

Abstract: The pressurized hydraulic piston-cylinder device with an internal volume variation compensation device includes a hydraulic pressure cylinder; a piston movable in the pressure cylinder; a cap closing the functional end of the pressure cylinder; and a liquid contained in the hydraulic pressure cylinder between the cap and the movable piston. The cap includes a substantially cylindrical hollow body member which fits snugly fits over the functional end of the pressure cylinder and an end wall at another end opposite from the open end, and a resilient compensating diaphragm having an outer surface facing the pressure cylinder and an inner surface facing the end wall of the hollow body member. The resilient compensating diaphragm and the end wall bound a compensating chamber having a variable volume depending on a pressure of the liquid contained in the hydraulic pressure cylinder and acting on the outer surface of the resilient compensating diaphragm.

Abstract: A pipe protector has been designed to provide free flow and low energy. The outside surface has a bilateral asymmetrical pattern when comparing the approximate top half of the pipe protector to the bottom half of the pipe protector. The pattern has raised figures surrounded by communicating channels.

Abstract: A woven fabric for use in papermaking machines and particularly with through air drying machines. The fabric comprises a paper support surface having spaced diagonal rows pockets which are effective to create diagonal rows of uncompressed paper forming fibers over the surface of paper formed on the papermaking machine. The rows of pockets are separated by diagonal strips of support surface arranged along substantially a single plane. The diagonal strips provide support areas over the width of the paper forming fibers which firmly secure the fiber sheet with the papermaking fabric during paper forming. The strips also produce diagonal rows of compressed paper forming fibers which provide for a more stable paper product.

Abstract: An inserter tool comprising a plurality of blades extending longitudinally from a platform spaced apart from one another so as to provide a plurality of guides between adjacent blades, and being arranged to receive a wound wire coil stripped from a winding form. A pair of wire holders on the platform for holding the leading end and trailing end of the wire forming the coil, and being capable of extending from a first position adjacent the platform to a second position removed from the platform.

Abstract: A kit tools for use in repairing bent leads on fine pitch surface mount electronic components and a method of repairing such bent leads. The kit basically comprises a plate having a precisely flat surface and a template having a plurality of recesses corresponding to the lead pattern on a component to be repaired. The template is secured to the plate surface, such as by tape extending across tabs extending from the template. A means such as a vacuum pen is used to lift and move the component without touching the leads. A variety of probes, tweezers and the like are used to bend leads back to proper positions. The component may be placed directly against the surface when checking and correcting lack of lead coplanarity and linearity. Grossly bent leads may be corrected with the component on the surface, while precise positioning is accomplished with the component in the template, since fine adjustments can be made and the minor non-alignment can be easily observed and corrected.

Abstract: A vapor recovery system used with a fuel dispenser and having capabilities incorporated therein for controlling the rate at which vapor is recovered. The vapor recovery system includes a fuel delivery line connected to a fuel nozzle, a vapor return line connected to the fuel nozzle, a vapor pump in the vapor return line, and a processor connected to the vapor pump. The processor controls the speed of the vapor pump and the vapor recovery rate by generating and directing vapor pump control signals to the vapor pump. The vapor pump control signals are generated by solving a vapor control function stored in a memory operatively connected to the processor. The vapor control function includes a dependent sub-function dependent on independent variables that affect the rate of vapor volume generated during a fueling operation. To solve the control function, the processor accesses solutions to the dependent subfunction via a look-up table containing pre-computed dependent values.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for completely filling a fuel receiving tank with compressed natural gas under fast-fill conditions are provided. To achieve this, the methods and apparatus provide for supplying cool compressed natural gas to a fuel tank and methods and apparatus for drying the compressed natural gas to prevent the risk of water condensation, corrosion and icing up of equipment. Further, the delivery of dried compressed natural gas to the receiving fuel tank is carried out under conditions that expand the gas into the receiving tank thereby enabling complete filling of the tank. In another aspect, the methods and apparatus utilize a second independent compressor of lower horsepower, or an evacuator cylinder of a primary compressor, for circulating and cooling compressed natural gas into the storage tank.

Abstract: The present invention is provided with a mechanism for controlling the opening and closing of a door comprising a speed reduction means for reducing a rotational speed. A high speed shaft is connected to the speed reduction means and is connectable to a means for rotating the input shaft, and a low speed output shaft is connected to the speed reduction means. A governor is mounted on the input shaft for limiting the rotational speed thereof, to also regulate the rotational speed of the output shaft. A brake is provided for preventing rotation of the output shaft, and a self-closing mechanism is operatively connected to the door. The self-closing mechanism is adapted for storing energy when the door is opened to an open position, and a connecting means operatively connects the output shaft to the self-closing mechanism.

Abstract: A safety tassel for pull cords, used in a venetian blind for example. The safety tassel includes an eccentric hole to secure with one of the cords and one or more slots to releasably engage the other cords. When a child is entangled in the cords, the cords will be automatically released.

Abstract: A device for releasably coupling adjacent ends of cords includes a one piece body having a hole for mechanically securing the device to one of the cords. The body also includes another opening constructed to receive the free ends of the remaining cords and to release them if any force is exerted between the cords and toward the device.

Abstract: A roll-up strip curtain barrier apparatus is provided which provides a curtain member suspended from a support roller rotatably mounted about a door opening. The curtain member has plurality of flexible curtain-like strip panels which are adapted to span the door opening and provide an air-blocking seal. In one embodiment, the plurality of the strip panels are disposed in a plurality of rows, each row having a plurality of adjacent strip panels. The panels in one row are in abutting and overlapping relationship with the panels in the adjacent row. In one mode of operation, the flexible strip panels deflect in response to personnel and material passing through the door opening and then return to their original suspended position. In another mode of operation, the support roller may be rotated so as to wind and elevate the curtain member about the roller and create an unobstructed door opening. Reverse rotation of the support roller lowers the curtain member to the sealing position.

Abstract: A clutch-brake type roll blind is provided with a wind-up spring for rolling up a screen on a tube and a weight bar free from a pulling string, being suitable for use with a tall window extending from floor to ceiling. The roll blind includes a rotary shaft fitted in the tube for rotation therewith and projecting therefrom, a pulley rotatably mounted on the rotary shaft, and an endless ball chain drivingly hung down from the pulley. The pulley can rotate the tube only when the ball chain is pulled down in the direction in which the screen is rolled down from the tube.

Abstract: A die space access system for tie bar style die casting machines. The system provides improved access to the die space of tie bar style die casting machines for installation and removal of dies by permitting a tie bar to be withdrawn horizontally with respect to the machine, thus creating an unobstructed access window to the die space. The system comprises a vertically movable spit clamp with an interiorly grooved circular bore. The bore mates with the grooves on the exterior of the tie bar. The system further comprises a frame fastened to the outside surface of the shot platen of the die casting machine. The frame has pairs of first and second hydraulic cylinders which control the split clamp.

Abstract: A method of casting molten material into a strip-shaped product having substantially intended final dimensions that first supplies molten material into the interior of a vessel having a casting nozzle connected thereto. The nozzle is formed of a refractory ceramic material and has a passage extending therethrough from an inlet opening connected directly to the interior of the vessel to an outlet opening. The nozzle is oriented relative to the vessel so that the outlet opening is positioned at a location higher than the inlet opening. Molten material passes from the vessel interior directly through the inlet opening and into the passage until an upper level of molten material in the passage is the same as an upper level of molten material in the vessel interior and below the outlet opening. Solidification of the molten material is commenced in the passage, thereby forming solidifying material.

Abstract: An annular heat exchanger for incompatible fluids, such as reactive compounds, particularly for the aeronautics industry, in which a sealed bottle is fixed interior of a hollow body, with integral heat dissipators and novel fluid passageway orientation, whereby no leak can occur which would commingle the incompatible fluids.

Abstract: A dissipator hook-up apparatus has a metal pressing board and a metal hook-up board. The two sides of the metal pressing board stretch upward and formed an elastic tilt angle. On one upward-tilting side of the metal pressing board is bent downward and form an opening, while the other side of the metal pressing board has separate holes. The top end of the metal hook-up board forms a flat surface where force is applied when hooking up with the ZIF socket. On the two sides of the metal hook-up board are protrusions separately to be inserted into the holes of the metal pressing board. On the bottom of the metal hook-up board there is an opening to be hooked by the hook on the side of the ZIF socket. Thus, using the upward elasticity of the metal pressing board, the dissipator board and the CPU can be fixed together tightly and achieve ventilation.

Abstract: An indoor air conditioner unit cools separate rooms through the use of a common fan. The fan comprises a rotary member positioned to physically separate first air inlet and outlet ports from second air inlet and outlet ports. The fan sucks-in air from both inlet ports and discharges air through both outlet ports.

Abstract: The edge seal mechanism of the present invention may be used in connection with clamshell or other formed sheet metal heat exchanger apparatus of the kind utilized for directing hot flue gases into a defined combustion chamber and into various forms of flue passes for radiation from such heat exchanger such combustion chamber. The improved edge seal structure for a clamshell heat exchanger of the present invention includes a first plate flange portion, around which a second flange plate portion is wrapped to define a channel for disposition of the first plate flange portion therebetween. The seal between the first and second flange portion is further formed and stabilized by means of a lateral bend in the first and second flange portions, with such lateral bend being in the direction of and toward the terminal portion of the second plate flange in order to secure maintenance of the seal between the first and second plate flange portions.

Abstract: A heat transfer element having longitudinally thermally conductive fibers is disclosed. The fibers extend between two substances that heat is to be transferred between in order to maximize the heat transfer. For instance, a plate having fibers extending generally perpendicular to the plate is disclosed. The plate is formed and/or arranged to remove heat from a fluid. The heat transfer element may take many forms, including the form of a rigid member having complex contours or a flexible member that may be routed in a cord-like fashion.

Abstract: A combination of a metal coiled tubing and a signal transmitting passageway for transmitting and/or receiving signals to well tools positioned in the coiled tubing. The signal transmitting passageway is positioned in the wall of the coiled tubing and may transmit and receive hydraulic, electrical or light signals and the signals may be used for transmitting power signals for actuating well tools, control signals for controlling well tools, and/or data signals for transmitting or receiving information.

Abstract: A resilient sealing element is adapted for connection to a well tool, with an integral anchoring device, such as a slip, embedded therein. When compressive forces are applied thereto the sealing element compresses and moves its outside diameter and the slip into sealable engagement with the inside wall of a well tubing or casing. Releasing the sealing and anchoring element is accomplished by applying tension to a wire which passes longitudinally therethrough to cause retraction of the slip.

Abstract: The invention is a foam method for improving conformance during a steam flood or carbon dioxide flood in a subterranean, oil-containing formation penetrated by at least one injection well and at least one production well. In a steam flood oil recovery process, sweep efficiency is improved by injecting steam until steam breakthrough occurs at the production well after which a mixture of steam, a noncondensible gas, and an aqueous surfactant-polypeptide solution is injected into the formation. The aqueous surfactant-polypeptide solution forms a stable foam with the formation oil at formation conditions that reduce the permeability of the highly permeable steam swept zones thereby diverting the steam to other portions of the formation containing unswept oil. The polypeptide is used as a partial substitute for the surfactant to improve the cost of the foam-forming mixture without reducing its effectiveness in increasing sweep efficiency.

Abstract: The method and apparatus includes lowering a blanking plug assembly into the bore of an oilfield tubular member and inserting a sealing assembly on the blanking plug assembly into the seal bore of the tubular member without sealingly engaging the seal bore. A support shoulder on the blanking plug assembly lands on the landing shoulder of the oilfield tubular member. Wireline jars jar down on the lock sleeve of the blanking plug assembly to shift dog members radially outward into latching grooves in the oilfield tubular member. The lock sleeve then locks the dog members into the latching grooves. The wireline jars then jar up on a plug of the blanking plug assembly to move the plug upwardly to an upper position within the blanking plug assembly. The sealing assembly is prevented from moving upward and a tapered surface on the plug is driven through the sealing assembly thereby radially energizing the sealing assembly into sealing engagement with the outer tubular member.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for drilling an maintaining holes in golf courses. It is built onto a mini-tractor with the drilling unit itself suspended in a hydraulic hoist for moving up and down between a raised and a lowered position. The drilling unit is equipped with a downward directed hollow auger which is operated by the tractor. The apparatus is characteristic in that the vertical drill spindle of the drilling unit is designed as a hollow shaft in which the tubular hollow auger is inserted. The hollow auger is inserted from the top and is provided with an upward facing handle which has a transverse grip at the top. Between the hollow auger and the driven hollow shaft-drill spindle there is an anti-turn locking device, for example of the bayonet type. The quick and convenient way of removing the auger from the apparatus for manual transfer of the cut-out turf core form the hollow auger into the previous (old) hole.

Abstract: Lifting device (D) comprising a frame (4) for fixing to a tractor chassis, the frame being fitted, on its lower part, with lower securing member (A), articulated about a transverse axis and extending towards the front, with its ends capable of being coupled to the two lower fastening points of a tool, and on its higher part, with a median upper securing members (16); lifting members (14) are provided between the frame (4) and lower securing members. The lower securing members (A) comprise, firstly, a lower primary structure (19), articulated at its rear part on a transverse axis (18) carried by the frame (4), and provided on the front with two longitudinal lateral extensions (21) in which a transverse bearing (26) is provided, and secondly, a forearm (29) associated with each longitudinal extension 921) and articulated about an axis (34) carried by the bearing.

Abstract: An attachment for a vehicle generally consisting of a support frame mountable on the vehicle, a swing frame pivotally mounted on the support frame about an axis disposed laterally of a longitudinal centerline of the vehicle when the support frame is mounted on the vehicle, the swing frame being angularly displaceable relative to the support frame, a moldboard universally mounted on the swing frame, the support frame and the moldboard operatively connected for angularly displacing the moldboard relative to the swing frame about a first axis and a second operative connection for angularly displacing the moldboard relative to the swing frame about a second axis.