Abstract: An apparatus for grooming hair includes a hairbrush having a plurality of tines, a container for containing particulate matter, a vibrator for vibrating the hairbrush and an opening in the container, proximate to the tines, for dispensing the particulate matter amongst the tines when the hairbrush is vibrated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatically collapsible umbrella, and especially to an improved mechanism that governs the opening and collapsing of an automatic umbrella. With the inventive control mechanism that comprises two innovative lock plates and a specially designed runner, an automatic umbrella can be more precisely manipulated without malfunction or be inadvertently triggered.

Abstract: An air mattress for supporting an individual within a circular tent. The inventive device includes a circular upper web coupled to a circular lower web by a perimeter sidewall extending therebetween. An air valve is directed through the sidewall for permitting pneumatic inflation of the mattress. A plurality of spacing projections extend from the lower circular web and cooperate to support the mattress above a floor web of an associated tent.

Abstract: The collapsible shelter includes a truss framework that provides an elevated, raised canopy that can be gabled or have a high peak in a raised, extended configuration. The canopy is supported by at least three legs, and outer perimeter and central truss pairs of link members pivotally connected in scissors configurations. The link members of the perimeter truss pairs are pivotally connected together in a scissors configuration so as to be extendable from a first collapsed position extending horizontally between adjacent legs to a second extended position extending above the legs, to elevate the canopy in a gabled or high peaked configuration. In a preferred embodiment, tensioning cables may also be secured between the legs and a central support connected to the central truss pairs, to provide additional strength and stability to the framework of the shelter in a raised, extended configuration.

Abstract: The collapsible shelter includes a truss and canopy framework that permits a flexible, collapsible canopy to be moved between a raised position and a lowered position. The collapsible shelter includes at least three legs supporting flexible poles removably mounted to the tops of the legs and forming the framework of the canopy. X-shaped truss pairs of link members are connected to each of the legs on each side of the shelter between adjacent legs.

Abstract: A locking valve for controlling fluid flow within a conduit has a spring-biased detent in fluid communication with a fluid source. A movable valve structure prevents fluid flow through the conduit in a closed position and enables fluid flow through the conduit in an open position. Movement of the valve structure from the closed position to the open position is obstructed by the detent when fluid pressure in the conduit is below a predetermined pressure. An increase in fluid pressure, however, moves the detent against the spring bias, removing the obstruction to movement of the valve structure, and allowing the valve structure to be moved to the open position. Thus, accidental or intentional drainage of the conduit when the fluid pressure source is inactive is avoided.

Abstract: An arrangement for adding an odorant to a consumer gas which is distributed to a consumer site, in order to indicate to people in the vicinity of the risk of fire, explosion, poisoning, suffocation or some other danger, should consumer gas leak into the surrounding atmosphere. The odorant is dissolved in a condensed vehicle gas in a pressure vessel (3), to obtain a solution, master gas, which includes a liquid phase (6) and a gas phase (7). The consumer gas is diluted with an adapted quantity of the liquid phase of the master gas, which is vaporized prior to being mixed with the consumer gas. To this end, the arrangement includes means (18) for correcting the relationship between the two gas flows during the dilution process with respect to the increase in the concentration of odorant in the liquid phase (6) of the master gas that results from the decreasing relationship between the quantity of liquid gas and gas phase (7) in the pressure vessel.

Abstract: The float valve of the invention comprises: a case 11, float 15, valve 16 capable of closing a efflux channel 18 of air A, and ball 17 for supporting a motion of closing the float 15. A through-hole 13a for communicating air provided on the side wall 13 of the case is open at a position, the level of which is the same as that of a fuel level LF in the fuel tank in the case of appropriately filling up the fuel tank with fuel. A float body 15a of the float 15 is disposed on a plate portion 12a on the bottom wall 12 of the case at a position higher than a through-hole 13a on the side wall 13 of the case. Thereby, air can be positively discharged from the fuel tank until the fuel level reaches a position at which the fuel tank is filled up with fuel in the case of refueling, so that fuel can be smoothly fed into the fuel tank.

Abstract: A relief device which activates in response either to excess temperatures or pressures in or around a pressurized vessel and which resists extrusion related failures even at high pressures is provided. The relief device includes a body having an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow passage communicating with the inlet and outlet. The body further includes a fluid escape passage having a member therein which is porous to gases and liquids but not to solids and a plug of a fusible material which melts at a predetermined temperature positioned adjacent to the porous member. A first piston is positioned in the fluid flow passage and is normally biased into a sealing relationship with the inlet. A second piston is positioned in the fluid escape passage and is normally biased against and applies a compressive force on the plug of fusible material.

Abstract: A resuscitation and inhalation device which can be used alternatively in each of two modes. The flow of oxygen or gas is controlled by a control valve, itself controlled by a movable member acted upon by the pressure of oxygen or gas in a chamber after having flowed passed the control valve. On meeting a preset maximum pressure, the valve member moves to close the control valve. The movable valve member is acted upon by a magnetic field which is adjustable, and the magnetic field strength sets the pressure at which the valve member moves. Oxygen or gas is admitted to the control valve by two alternative inlet valves, one for resuscitation with only oxygen or gas flowing through the mask, and one for inhalation, with oxygen or gas and air or a second gas being fed through the mask, allowing ambient air to mix prior to the flow to the patient as a result of inhalation effort by the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the mixing of water and steam introduced via seperate closable supply lines into a mixing vessel wherein the water-to-steam ratio can be changed and wherein the steam supply can be automatically stopped if the water pressure drops below a given value.

Abstract: An offset steam trap is designed for removing condensed water from a horizontal steam pipe to which the trap is connected. The body of the trap contains a ball valve for permitting limited water flow out of the pipe through an orifice, and the body has an offset portion or flow barrier between its inlet and the orifice. The body is installed with the orifice effectively below the center line of the pipe, to prevent water from collecting in the bottom of the pipe.

Abstract: A tamper resistant construction for a fire hydrant including a hydrant nut actuating body for mounting on a hydrant nut, a shroud rotatably mounted on a first end portion of the hydrant nut actuating body, a cap rotatably mounted on a second end portion of the hydrant nut actuating body, a wrench-receiving portion on the hydrant nut actuating body, a spring mounted within the hydrant nut actuating body and secured to the cap for biasing the cap over the wrench-receiving portion, and a specialized wrench for retracting the cap and engaging the wrench-receiving portion on the hydrant nut actuating body to thereby turn the hydrant nut actuating body and a hydrant nut coupled thereto.

Abstract: An overflow protection shut-off device for use with a water heater for shutting off a supply of water to the water heater when a leaking or an overflow condition occurs, the device including a valve mechanism coupleable to an input water line of a water heater and having an opened orientation for allowing flow of water within the input line and a closed orientation for preventing such flow; a water sensing mechanism positionable at a location proximal to the water heater for providing a signal when it is placed in contact with water when the water heater experiences the leaking or the overflow condition; and a switching mechanism coupled to the valve mechanism and the water sensing mechanism and with the switching mechanism being responsive to receipt of the signal from the water sensing mechanism for placing the valve mechanism in the closed orientation.

Abstract: A wall mounted water hydrant has an elongated hollow housing with water inlet and outlet ends, and a center axis; an inlet valve in the housing adjacent to the inlet end, including a valve seat and a valve body; a water outlet port in the housing adjacent to its outlet end; a valve operating rod in the housing with its an inner end secured to the valve body and extending along the center axis to the outlet end of said housing, terminating in an outer end; a handle attached to the rod outer end, which when rotated in one direction closes the valve body against the valve seat, and in the other opposite direction moves the valve body away from the seat, thus allowing pressurized water from the inlet to flow downstream through the housing and outlet port; and a backflow preventor secured to the valve downstream from its seat.

Abstract: An exhaust butterfly in an exhaust conduit of an internal combustion engine is supported by way of bearing journals by positive plug-in connections. To simplify installation, the bearing journals and the bearing sleeves are designed in such a way that, to install the exhaust butterfly, the bearing journals are each pressed completely into the respective bearing sleeves counter to the force of a spring. In the case of a multiflow exhaust line, between adjacent exhaust lines cylindrical transverse passages are provided in each of which a driver is rotatably mounted. At one end, the driver has a recess which is designed as a bearing sleeve and into which the bearing journal of the first exhaust butterfly is inserted to produce a driving connection. The other end of the driver is designed as a bearing journal which is likewise inserted into a recess in the second exhaust butterfly to produce a driving connection.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a pressure vessel against over pressure includes a shaped part connected to a pressure vessel and a valve assembly being disposed on the shaped part. The valve assembly includes a housing block, at least one safety valve having a valve seat disposed in the housing block, a hydraulic seal for the safety valve, and a conduit being disposed inside the housing block and/or the shaped part for receiving the hydraulic seal.

Abstract: An operating valve assembly with an electromagnetic proportioning pressure reduction valve comprises an operating valve constructed by slidably disposing a spool in a spool bore opening to an end face of a valve body, mounting a spring case including a case body having a blind bore and a housing having a spool bore for a pressure reduction valve on the end face in a manner such that the spool bore and the blind bore are matched to each other, and defining a pressure receiving chamber between the interior wall of the blind bore of the spring case and the end portion of the spool, and the electromagnetic proportioning pressure reduction valve constructed by disposing a spool for the pressure reduction valve in the spool bore for the pressure reduction valve, and mounting a solenoid for driving the spool for the pressure reduction valve on the housing, and an output port of the electromagnetic proportioning pressure reduction valve is communicated with the pressure receiving chamber.

Abstract: In a method for reinforcing defective portions of a pipeline, the defective portions are identified by conventional techniques, soil is excavated from around the pipeline to expose the deteriorated portions, any corrosion protection material is removed and the surface of the pipeline is cleaned. Gouges, dents and corrosion pitting are filled with an uncured filler material and, while the filler material is in an uncured workable state, a plurality of convolutions of a high tensile strength material are wrapped around the defective portion of the pipeline with a layer of a curable adhesive applied between adjacent convolutions. The adhesive then cures to a strongly adhesive state and the filler material cures to a rigid state capable of transferring the fluid pressure load within the pipeline almost instantaneously to the reinforcement band.

Abstract: Weft yarn is inserted into the weaving rotor of a series shed weaving machine. Four weft yarns (7; 71, 72, 73, 74) are conveyed into the weft yarn distribution apparatus (9) from four supply units (2a-2d) and four metering apparatuses (1a-1d). The weft yarn distribution apparatus (9) distributes the weft yarns (71-74) delivered to it to the sheds of the weaving rotor (100) which are currently open, with the weft yarns being inserted through stationary fluid nozzles (91, 92, 93, 94) into the rotating weaving rotor (100). During normal operation of the series shed weaving machine, the weft yarn (71-74) is continuously pulled from the weft yarn supply (2a-2d) by the metering apparatuses (1a-1d) and conveyed to the weft yarn distribution apparatus (9) which conducts the weft yarn (71-74) into an opened shed (103a-103d). The speed of conveyance of the weft yarn (71-74) during insertion into the shed (103a-103d) is thus determined by the metering apparatus (1a-1d).

Abstract: The gripper projectile has a housing (1), a weft yarn clip (2) and a connector element (3) in order to connect the housing and the weft yarn clip. Furthermore, unitary portions protruding outward from the outer side of each respective leg are provided for biasing the clip legs in order to produce a predetermined gripping force, with the gripping force setting itself automatically on assembly of the weft yarn clip.

Abstract: A single layer woven fabric for paper-making, in which at least a pair of two successive knuckles in the paper-making side at an interval of one warp, and at least one crimp in the running side form a plain weave structure. The knuckle be formed by allowing a weft to pass over one warp, to pass under one adjacent warp, and then to pass over the one warp. The crimp be formed by allowing a weft to pass under not less than three successive warps. The plain weave structure is formed by binding two or three wefts constituting a group which in turn constitutes a repeating unit and by placing the combined group, in the direction of wefts, so that the knuckles of wefts in the paper-making side are placed successively at an interval of one warp. The placement of the wefts group is made by shifting the group as the whole successively by a distance corresponding to an odd number of the warp.

Abstract: A fence repairing tool for wire fences is described which includes an elongate wire retaining member. The wire retaining member has an exterior surface and a transverse passage. An end of a wire is inserted into the transverse passage and the wire retaining member rotated to wrap wire around the exterior surface of the wire retaining member. A crank is provided having a handle and a shaft. The shaft is secured at an angle to the wire retaining member, such that the wire retaining member is rotated by manipulating the handle of the crank.

Abstract: A tie-wrap tool having an improved bracing block with increased gripping ability.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drawing and measuring an amount of liquid agrichemical and dispensing the measured amount of agrichemical for mixture with water and eventual application onto a field. The agrichemical is drawn into a measuring vessel by suction pressure, created in one embodiment by an air compressor and valving system, and in another embodiment by a valve-pump in conjunction with a 3-way valve. The agrichemical is then dispensed from the measuring vessel either by positive pressure created by the same air compressor/valving system, or by suction pressure created by valve-pump/3-way valve. The valve-pump provides both a mixing chamber for the agrichemical and water prior to tank storage for eventual application, and controllable suction pressure for drawing the agrichemical out of the measuring vessel for mixing. The valve-pump is also self-cleaning thereby reducing the possibility of cross-contamination.

Abstract: A dispenser for flowable materials includes a plurality of dispense valves arranged in two concentric circles. An actuator arm mounted for rotation about the center of the circles glides over the tops of the valves. A pair of channel-like passageways are formed in the arm, one for the valves arranged in the outer circle, the other for the valves arranged in the inner circle. The valves of the inner and outer circles are radially offset from one another, and accordingly a valve from only one of the two circles is engaged at any given time. The arm is mounted for lifting and lowering movements to accomplish a dispense operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a container, especially a resealable liquid dispensing container, for dispensing sterile liquids, the container comprising a reservoir and a dispensing neck, the neck being hermetically sealed, a cap being locatable over the neck and comprising a piercing member, the piercing member being so configured as to pierce the seal on the neck when the cap is forcibly fitted thereover, and sealingly engage a collar beneath the seal within the container, thereby reducing the possibility of leaks.

Abstract: A venetian blind with individually adjustable slats. Each slat has a multilayer decorative slat extensions mounted in a slat extension holder. The individual slat extensions are mounted directly above one another in the unextended position. Each slat can be individually adjusted in length by sliding the slat extensions in opposite directions. The slats in the blind can be extended to allow the blind to be used on windows of varying width. Each slat can be individually adjusted to allow the blind to be used interchangeably on rectangular windows or on odd shaped windows such as arched windows. The cords used to control slat position and the cords used to raise and lower the slats are mounted on the edge of the slats which do not have holes.

Abstract: A flexible roll-up door assembly includes opposed, elongated frame members supporting guides for longitudinal side edges of the door and for slide members connectable to a bottom beam of the door closure member by a latch mechanism which includes opposed latch members which engage the slide members, respectively. The slide members rotate to permit the latch members to separate in response to a predetermined force acting on the door closure or the bottom beam. The latch members are spring biased to retract out of or extend into cooperating slots in the slide members and may be reinserted in the slide members to reconnect the door to the guides. The latch members may include retaining projections cooperable with reentrant edges or other surfaces in the slots to retain the latch members engaged with the slide members. Alternate embodiments include latch members formed on the slide members and engaged in slots formed in a transverse bottom beam for the door closure member.

Abstract: A sun shield for covering a plurality of windows defining at least one substantial angle. The sun shield has a flexible frame which is easily collapsible for storage. Encompassing upon the frame is an opaque flexible material which blocks sunlight. Coupled to the flexible material encompassing the frame is a flexible flap which can shield windows defining a substantial angle with a window shield by the defined frame and encompassing material.

Abstract: A process for making high-quality foamed aluminum articles is disclosed. This process comprises the step of: (a) placing a raw aluminum feedstock into a mold, the raw aluminum feed stock contains at least 50 wt % spent (i.e., recycled) aluminum and does not contain any extraneous viscosity enhancing agent such as metallic calcuim or magnesium; (b) heating the mold so as to melt the raw aluminum feedstock to form a liquid aluminum mass; (c) stirring the liquid aluminum mass in open air to increase its viscosity by a factor of at least about 1.3 to 1.8; (d) adding a foaming agent into the liquid aluminum mass; (e) continuing stirring the liquid aluminum mass containing the foaming agent so as to generate and uniformly distribute gas bubbles inside said liquid aluminum mass; and (f) cooling and solidifying the liquid aluminum mass to room temperature so as to form the foamed aluminum article. In a preferred embodiment, recycled foamed aluminum materials are used as the raw aluminum feedstock.

Abstract: A method of forming a breakage resistant, erosion resistant ceramic liner for a part comprising the steps of, forming a liner of a ceramic material containing pores; filling the pores with a pre-ceramic polymer resin; and, firing the liner saturated with a pre-ceramic polymer resin at a temperature and for a time which converts the resin into a ceramic within the pores. The liner can be mechanically attached, adhesively bonded or, a metal part can be cast onto the liner by placing the liner within the metal casting mold for the part as a sidewall or integral element thereof. The invention also includes method for producing parts and liners of fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite by a resin transfer molding process or the like wherein fiber preforms are saturated with liquid pre-ceramic polymer resin. The preforms are then polymerized in a mold, the part removed from the mold, and then fired to transform the polymer to ceramic. The process can also be employed to form hollow parts such as manifolds.

Abstract: A vertical die cast apparatus having a novel docking/shot assembly in which the docking and docking cylinder and shot cylinder are constructed in one compound cylinder. A novel construction for supporting the docking/shot assembly is also provided.

Abstract: The die has first and second die halves, each die half having a plurality of cavities that, when the die halves are in a closed position, align with the cavities in the other die half, thus defining a plurality of voids that define the objects to be formed. Each cavity is aspherical in that the slope of the cavity is never perpendicular to the front surface of the die half, thus facilitating the removal of the objects from the die. A spacing between the front surfaces of the die halves during the injection step of the cycle helps to increase the number of parts that properly release from the die.

Abstract: Metal casting apparatus for continuous or semi-continuous casting of metal (DC casting), in particular casting of roll blocks of aluminum. The casting equipment includes a casting die which has an open inlet for receiving a supply of molten metal and a cavity with an open outlet. A continuous outlet along the circumference of the passage through the casting die is provided for supplying water for direct cooling of the molten metal in connection with the formation of a cast billet. An outlet is provided for supplying a gas, such as air, in order to reduce the cooling effect, at least during the start phase of the casting process. The air outlet is provided between the water outlet and the die passage and predominantly in parallel with the latter.

Abstract: When molten steel jetted through an immersion nozzle into a mold for continuous casting is controlled by applying static field between opposed side walls of the mold for the continuous casting, this invention provides cast slabs having good surface and internal qualities by feeding molten steel to the mold for the continuous casting at a throughput of not less than 6 t/min and simultaneously applying a static field having a magnetic flux density of at least 0.5 T to a meniscus portion in the mold for the continuous casting and a static field having a magnetic flux density of not less than 0.5 T to a lower portion of molten steel jetted out from a discharge port of the immersion nozzle.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for strand-casting near to final size cast formats from non-ferrous metals for the purpose of further cold working, especially strips, bars or tubes of copper or copper alloys. The process includes continuously casting the melt in a vertical mold to form a vertical strand, withdrawing the solidified strand from the mold in a centrally guided manner and directly threading into a surface treatment machine, removing the surface of the strand, laterally cutting the surface-finished strand in a predetermined manner, and removing the cut strand pieces from the machine. The machine for carrying out the process has a base frame which is connected to a foundation and on which a withdrawal device, a surface treatment unit, a cross-cutting device, and a conveying device are provided in line.

Abstract: A mold for metal casting contains a bonded refractory composition comprising hollow alumina-containing microspheres in which the alumina content is at least 40% by weight. The mold may be an ingot mold and the bonded refractory composition may be in the form of a sleeve or boards located in the top of the mold or in the head box thereto. The mold may be a sand mold and the bonded refractory composition may be in the form of a sleeve or boards located in a feeder cavity or in the form of a board or pad located so as to constitute a metal casting surface where it is desired to promote directional solidification in cast metal. The bonded refractory composition may also be in the form of a breaker core. In a preferred composition the microspheres contain alumina and silica and the composition may also contain one or more other particulate refractory materials, a readily oxidizable metal, an oxidizing metal, an oxidizing agent for the metal and a fluoride salt.

Abstract: A suspended ceiling (C) comprises one or more panels (P) containing water (W) arranged so that the water is in contact with substantially all of the lower surface (10) of the panels (P).

Abstract: A heat exchanger assembly for an automotive vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a generally rectangular heat exchanger core defining four generally orthogonal ends and a housing configured to receive the heat exchanger core therein. The housing bas a plurality of walls disposed around the ends of the heat exchanger core. At least two of the walls and at least two of the ends cooperate to define a sealing space therebetween. Each of the at least two walls has an injection port provided therein for receiving a seal precursor material into the sealing space. The assembly also includes a seal formed from the precursor material in the sealing space, the seal substantially filling the space.

Abstract: A method for uniformly distributing the vapor conducted from a parallel flow condenser section of an air cooled condenser into the dephlegmator cubes of a subsequently arranged countercurrent condenser includes throttling gaseous fluids present at the ends of the dephlegmator tubes on the collector side when the gaseous fluids are withdrawn from the dephlegmator tubes. In the air cooled condenser for carrying out the method, at least the predominant majority of the dephlegmator tubes has resistance elements at or near where they connect to the gas collector.

Abstract: A heat exchanger of the plate fin and tube type which comprises two longitudinally extending sections. The two sections each have a planar cross section and form a continuous length. The sections are bent relative to one another with the planar cross sections of the two sections forming an angular relationship therebetween in two different planes. In a preferred embodiment, a further bend is made thereby forming a third longitudinally extending section.

Abstract: A laminated type evaporator for an automotive air conditioning refrigerant circuit includes a plurality of tube units having a pair of tray-shaped plates. Each tray shaped plate includes a shallow depression defined therein, a flange extending about the periphery thereof, and wall disposed at an intermediate location therein and extending a portion of the length of each plate to thereby define a left side and a right side to each plate. A first plate in the pair includes a plurality of projections formed in its shallow depression. The second plate in the pair includes a plurality of projections formed in its shallow depression. The plurality of projections in the first and second plates are engaged by, e.g., inserting one into the other, so that the plates are secured against lateral and radial relative movement.

Abstract: A clamper (12) has a clamp finger (12a) for gripping a joint pipe (5), and is preliminarily attached to a preassembly of a heat exchanger. The clamp finger (12a) is deformed to embrace the joint pipe (5), before the preassembly is subjected to the so-called one-shot brazing process. Thereafter, the joint pipe (5) is brazed to and become integral with the clamp finger (12a) which is embracing the joint pipe, at the same time as the essential parts incorporated in the heat exchanger preassembly are brazed one to another. Thus, the clamper (12) not only serves as a supporter for keeping the joint pipe (5) in place after the brazing, but also functions as a jig of such a kind as holding in place the joint pipe (5) in the unbrazed assembly of the heat exchanger, thus improving the manufacture efficiency of heat exchangers.

Abstract: A temperature and humidity adjusting apparatus has an air cooling and dehumidifying device, an air heater and a humidifier arranged in order. The air cooling and dehumidifying device includes thermoelements that use the Peltier effect. The humidifier includes hollow yarn bodies, each of which are formed by winding metal wire that serves as a heater on the outer periphery of a hollow yarn that is formed into hollow construction from heat resistant fiber. The humidifier also includes means for supplying water to each of the hollow yarn bodies and a power supply that supplies power to the metal wire.

Abstract: A heat recovery ventilator for use in ventilating a building, the ventilator having a single two-position damper operable such that in one damper position, heat is exchanged between a first flow of fresh air passing through the first path and a second flow of exhaust air passing through the second air path. When placed in the second damper position, fresh air is blocked from entering the ventilator and exhaust air is recirculated, passing through both air paths, and exiting through the fresh air outlet. In this mode of operation, exhaust air is inhibited from exiting through the exhaust outlet due to the relative pressures within the ventilator, thereby inhibiting the formation of a negative pressure within the building.

Abstract: An improved rod guide which reduces flow resistance by flow-through design and by reducing fluid turbulence. Incremental flow velocity changes result from progressive changes in fluid path direction and cross-sectional area. Large bearing surfaces and a predetermined compliance to bending along the longitudinal axis provide for low bearing loads and long service life. Preferred embodiments may comprise features to absorb lateral shock loads and to streamline fluid flow, further reducing turbulence and flow resistance. The guides are adapted for efficient hot-oiling and preferred embodiments incorporate automatic rotation features for extended service life in relatively straight well bores. Embodiments of the improved rod guide for use in strongly curved well bores tend to be self-aligning in a preferred position to absorb the shock of changes in pump rod direction of movement.

Abstract: A method is provided for increasing the rate of injection of flooding fluids into injection wells. A slug of polar solvent or a mixture of polar solvent and non-aqueous flooding fluid is injected into the injection well to displace aqueous and hydrocarbon liquids in the rock surrounding the injection well. Thereafter, the solvent is removed from the vicinity of the injection well by flooding fluid. The process may be repeated following each time water is injected into the injection well.

Abstract: In fire-fighting equipment having a drive unit for supplying extinguishing liquid, the drive unit is at least one hydraulic accumulator in which a high initial drive pressure falls to a reduced drive pressure in use. The hydraulic accumulator supplies only the extinguishing liquid at the high initial drive pressure and a mixture of the extinguishing liquid and a gas at the reduced drive pressure. For this, the hydraulic accumulator has a liquid space for the extinguishing liquid and a gas space for the gas that each communicate through an outlet valve with an outlet line for the use. The outlet valve responds to the high initial drive pressure and reduced drive pressure for opening only a liquid outlet connection at the high initial drive pressure and opening also a gas outlet connection at the reduced drive pressure.

Abstract: A low pressure, self-contained fire suppression system comprising a source of pressurized gas, a water reservoir tank containing water, a foam concentrate tank containing foam concentrate, and a water driven volumetric metering pump. The source of gas under pressure communicates with the water reservoir tank to provide a source of water under pressure. A conduit communicates the pressurized water tank with a first inlet port of the metering pump. The foam concentrate tank communicates with the metering pump via a second inlet port. Concentrate is supplied to the metering pump at a predetermined volumetric flow rate in response to water flowing through the metering pump. The source of pressurized gas also communicates via a conduit with the outlet port of said metering pump to thereby introduce gas under pressure to the water/foam concentrate mixture as it exits the metering pump. The water, foam concentrate and gas mixture is passed through a conduit, such as a hose, wherein a foam is generated.