Abstract: A vent device for marine vessels with internal fuel tanks, comprising an upper embodiment that is attached through a vessels hull and a lower embodiment that is attached to the fuel tank. Together they permit fumes to vent into the atmosphere while containing the fuel that usually expels during fueling. This fuel is automatically directed to return back into the fuel tank. This venting device while allowing air to enter, protects against rain, splash, spray and insects from entering the fuel system.

Abstract: A method and composition for grouting a water-flooded cavity. Water and portland cement are combined to form a fluid cement slurry, the slurry being substantially free of sand or other aggregate material, and the slurry is then colloidally mixed so as to achieve an ultra-fine mixing thereof. An anti-washout admixture is mixed with the slurry in a predetermined amount, and a superplasticizing agent is also preferably included, both the anti-washout admixture and the superplasticizer agent being substantially free of defoaming agents. Finished foam is then mixed with the slurry to form a stable foamed cement grout which is injected into the water-flooded cavity. The anti-washout admixture is preferably a modified cellulose ether solution.

Abstract: A method for lining, rehabilitating, repairing, and rejuvenating pipelines and passageways is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of hauling a tubular liner into a section of pipeline to be repaired, disposing a reforming member within the liner at one end proximate one end of the pipeline, depositing a cement slug in the host pipeline proximate the said one end, and expanding the liner within the pipeline against the inner surface of the said pipeline by urging the reforming member along within the liner under pressure. The outer surface of the liner is provided with a plurality of protrusions in the form of grout anchor hooks which penetrate the cement along the length of the said liner thus ensuring a mechanical bond between said liner and said cement. The cement also adheres to the inner surface of the pipeline and thus a rigid, secure, water impermeable lining construction is achieved.

Abstract: An orifice protector for use in subterranean fluid dispensing systems defined by at least one conduit for disposing of wastewater. The orifice protector includes a body in the form of partial cylinder having two ends. The partial cylinder is formed a wall of substantially constant thickness having a C-shaped cross section having an outer and an inner surface. A central portion of the wall includes a plurality of openings such as slits extending between the outer and inner surfaces to allow the outward flow of wastewater from orifices existing in the conduit. The slits are situated about parallel to the ends and extending through about a 90° arc length. The wall also has two longitudinal, linear, parallel edges of equal length separated by a slot adapted to receive the conduit.

Abstract: An electrical cable has helically attached bristles for supporting the electrical cable when pulled through a string of coiled tubing to connect to an electrical submersible pump. The electrical cable and helically attached bristles have a circumscribed diameter greater than the inner diameter of the coiled tubing. The bristles deflect in a direction opposite the direction of pulling the electrical cable so that they grip the wall of the coiled tubing. The bristles apply a resistive frictional force to the wall of the coiled tubing, thereby transferring the weight of the electrical cable to the coiled tubing.

Abstract: A method of housing various utility services within a single unitary structure includes the steps of disposing such services within an integral longitudinal conduit having sub-conduits, each corresponding to a utility service or utility service group to be provided. Further providing, to earth-embedded surfaces of the integral conduit, elements for stabilization of the conduit within the earth; and providing, to upwardly directed, non-embedded surfaces of the conduit, a substantially flat surface including surface effects to aesthetically and functionally integrate into a surface environment associated with the conduit.

Abstract: A drill pipe having a length of conduit having a first diameter, a first and a second end portion, where each end portion has a second diameter greater than the first diameter. An enlarged portion is located between and spaced from the first and second end portions, where the enlarged portion comprises a central section which has a third diameter greater than the first diameter. The central section has a substantially smooth external surface, and two end sections, one end section at either end of the central section, which vary in diameter between the first and the third diameter. One of the end sections has a spiral formation thereon.

Abstract: In a rapier for a gripper loom, the rapier is made of synthetic material and includes at least one layer of reinforcing fibers. The gripper is mounted at the front end of the rapier, and the layer of reinforcing fibers begins at a distance away from said front end.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of twisting at least two individual conductors comprising the following steps: fixing the first conductor ends of individual conductors, which have been cut off to a suitable length, in respective separate untwisting fixation means which are rotatable essentially parallel to a twisting axis; fixing the second conductor ends of said individual conductors in respective separate twisting fixation means which are arranged such that they are adapted to be rotated in common about said twisting axis; arranging a twisting slide between the essentially tensioned conductors; and rotating the twisting fixation means in common about the twisting axis and rotating the untwisting fixation means about the conductor axis of the respective conductors in the same direction. This method aims at achieving a reduced production expenditure for twisted conductors on the basis of more flexible production conditions.

Abstract: A method for actuating an onboard refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) valve to selectively enable passage of fuel vapor from a fuel tank to a collection canister for the fuel vapor. The method includes determining whether a filling event is occurring and determining a fuel level within the fuel tank. The ORVR valve is selectively opened and closed in connection with whether a fueling event occurs and whether the fuel tank is full.

Abstract: A mounting adapter and related bottle cap are provided for use in a bottled water cooler having an upwardly open reservoir for receiving a supply of water from a bottle mounted over the reservoir in an inverted orientation to permit water downflow from the bottle to the reservoir. The mounting adapter comprises a compact housing for press-fit installation into an upper region of the reservoir, wherein the adapter housing carries an outer seal ring for sealing engagement with an inner wall surface of the reservoir. An upstanding feed tube or probe carried by the adapter housing includes separate air and water flow passages as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,413,152, and has an upper tip end shaped for opening and closing a valved bottle cap mounted on the neck of a water-containing bottle supported in an inverted position over the reservoir. The bottle cap may be constructed, e.g., according to U.S. Pat. No.

Abstract: A cover assembly for use in a fuel dispensing cabinet includes an upper shroud member and a lower shroud member that are arranged at a side area of the cabinet chassis proximate the sump facility. The shroud members are provided in a shingle-type configuration in which the upper shroud member at its lower edge portion overlaps with the lower shroud member at its upper edge portion. A pair of elongate column channel members are configured at respective corner posts of the chassis and each includes a vertical channel portion that receives the side edge portions of the upper and lower shroud members. A fluid diversion assembly is arranged within the chassis end area adjacent the electronics compartment at the upper section of the cabinet.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the operation of a vacuum assist vapor recovery system used in conjunction with the fueling of ORVR and non-ORVR equipped vehicles including establishing an expected number of ORVR fueling operations for a fuel dispenser during a defined interval; counting the actual number of ORVR fueling operations during said defined interval; comparing the actual number of fueling operations to the expected number of fueling operations; and permitting fueling operations to continue if the actual number is substantially equal to the expected number.

Abstract: A balloon rotation apparatus includes a base; a rotator disk or plate rotatable on the base and having an air passage opening therethrough to a sealingly connectable balloon envelope; a motor drive including a plurality of resiliently tired wheels for supporting and rotating the rotator plate; a duct connected to the base and having a duct inlet for connection to a source of pressure gas, and a duct outlet located proximate rotator plate for feeding the pressure gas through the inlet passage for inflating the balloon and maintaining the inflation while the rotator plate is being rotated. The duct includes a flexible sheet enclosing at least a portion of the base having a ring rigidly supported proximate the rotator plate and having a portion of the sheet of the duct fastened thereto for forming the duct outlet, a plurality of leg supports being rigidly connected to the base and projecting outwardly from the sheet member of the duct.

Abstract: A toy gun having a housing is provided. A trigger is attached to the housing and a liquid storage tank is provided on the housing along with a pressure chamber having an opening which receives an expandable bladder. Also attached to the housing is a pump which is in fluid communication with the liquid storage tank. The pump is adapted to transfer liquid from the liquid storage tank to the expandable bladder in order to charge the expandable bladder with pressurized liquid as the pump is actuated by a user. In addition, a release valve is included for regulating a discharge of liquid contained in the expandable bladder. A path of fluid communication provides fluid communication between the expandable bladder, the pump, the storage tank and a nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly is adapted for insertion into a quick charge device. The quick charge device is adapted to force liquid from the quick charge device and through the nozzle assembly in order to recharge the expandable bladder.

Abstract: An improved self-aligning tree delimbing apparatus for use in conjunction with a knuckle boom loader having an inner frame member pivotally mounted and concentrically received within an outer frame member, which is rigidly attached to a base member. Pivotally mounted within the inner frame member is a tree delimbing cutter head assembly having opposing pairs of tree guide arms and tree delimbing arms pivotally mounted thereon, thereby allowing for simultaneous multi-dimensional pivotal motion of the cutter head assembly within the frame members. Such motion allows the cutter head assembly to easily align with the longitudinal axis of the trees being delimbed, thereby increasing the efficiency of the apparatus while reducing the binding stresses and necessary force applied by the knuckle boom loader.

Abstract: A delimbing device includes a cutting head assembly having (i) a cutting blade configured to cut branches off of a tree and (ii) a bar saw configured to cut through the tree. The device also includes a first support member supporting the cutting head assembly. The device further includes a second support member supporting the cutting head assembly. The device also includes a bearing assembly secured to the first support member and the second support member so that (i) the bearing assembly is interposed between the first support member and the second support member and (ii) the cutting head assembly can rotate relative to the second support member around an axis of rotation such that when a rotational force is applied to the cutting head assembly the cutting head assembly rotates from a first orientation to a second orientation.

Abstract: A method of logging a tree includes the steps of cutting the tree part way through the trunk with a cut near the bottom thereof, leaving a connecting portion of the trunk connecting an upper portion of the trunk above the cut to a lower portion of the trunk below the cut. A helicopter above the tree is connected to a point near the top of the trunk. The helicopter is moved away from the tree, thereby breaking the connecting portion and allowing the upper portion of the tree to be carried away by the helicopter. The method utilizes a helicopter logging tool comprising a body having a connection for a lifting device. There is a hook on the body guide connected to the body by a hinge. The guide extends vertically downwards away from the body when the tool is connected only to the lifting device. There is a hook on the body to one side of the guide for engaging an object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for profiling a log. In a profiler having first and second knives disposed on a rotating disc, a mounting member is adapted to mountably receive both the first and second knives so that each blade has a point on its cutting edge that is proximate a point that is on the cutting edge of the other knives. Preferably, the points are end most points and abut one another.

Abstract: Each of two end sections and one middle section of the present basket form is formed with a centrally and axially disposed passageway and with a pair of diametrically opposing passageways spaced radially outwardly from the central passageway. All of the passageways in one of the sections are simultaneously alignable with corresponding passageways in the other sections. The central passageways are adapted to receive a mounting member. Each of the radially outwardly disposed passageways are adapted to receive a bolt, and a wing nut is tightened onto an outwardly projecting threaded end of each bolt to hold the separable sections of the form in alignment with one another. The middle section of the form may be removed and the two end sections held in alignment with one another to accommodate a shallower basket.

Abstract: An improved inflation-free tire structure for use on light duty vehicles, such as mowers and wheel chairs, has a crude tire, a pair of wheel discs and a bearing. The crude tire is provided with multiple radial plies that are extended over and wound around the wire beads disposed on inner parallel peripheral rims of a tire and further led to the middle or bottom portion of the rubber side walls of a tire so that the strength of the tire is reinforced. Each wheel disc provided with a flanged rim has a central through hole with four holes disposed on the periphery thereof so as to permit the bearing to be guided through the two wheel discs and fixed in place. The tire has a central hole with which a wheel disc is in snap engagement. The diameter of the rim of the central hole of the tire is smaller than the diameter of the flanged rim of a wheel disc so that the tire can be sealedly engaged with each wheel disc in assembly.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire for passenger cars which is improved in harshness noise without deteriorating the steering stability is disclosed, wherein a harshness factor HF is set in the range of from 3.2 to 3.5, the harshness factor HF is: HF=−0.133×(R1/100)+0.245×(R1/R2)−0.183×(Kv/10)+3.898 R1 is a radius of curvature (in mm) of a crown part of the tread profile, R2 is a radius of curvature (in mm) of shoulder parts of the tread profile, and Kv is the vertical spring constant in kN/mm of the tire.

Abstract: A book marker insertion apparatus includes a cartridge assembly, a separator assembly, a gripper assembly, an elevator assembly and a page spreader assembly. The cartridge assembly holds a roll of marker material including a plurality of markers on a backing sheet and advances the material to the separator assembly. The separator assembly includes jaws and a peel bar for removing the endmost marker from the backing sheet. The gripper assembly includes rotatable arms which grip the separated end marker and position the separated end marker for insertion into the book. The elevator raises and lowers the gripper assembly from the position for gripping the separated end marker to the position for inserting into the book. The page spreader assembly includes a V-arm with a slot formed therein-for receiving the gripper arms and the separated end marker.

Abstract: A thread guide for an apparatus for the manufacture of a reinforcement from a thread deposited directly in its final position by projecting lengths of the thread for laying the thread onto a receiving surface in which a pair of deflectors is provided for guiding and controlling the braking pressure exerted on the threads before discharge from a projection orifice and in which at least one deflector is adjusted relative to the other by pivotally adjusting the deflector and locking it in place.

Abstract: Labeling machine for applying labels to containers with an adhesive station for applying adhesive to a back side of a label having an outer rim, whereby the adhesive is sprayed on the label to said outer rim with excess adhesive being sprayed beyond said outer rim, further with label transfer device, said transfer device having a holding plate for holding the label, which transfer device transfer labels from a label individualization position to a label applying position, whereby the adhesive is applied to the label while on the label transfer device, between the label individualization position and the label applying position, and with an adhesive receiving element having portions thereof located outwardly of the holding plate for receiving excess adhesive being sprayed.

Abstract: A window assembly is provided. The window assembly preferably includes a window frame including a pair of spaced-apart side frame members, an upper end frame member connected to the pair of side frame members along end portions thereof, and a lower end frame member connected to the pair of side frame members along end portions thereof. The lower frame member has a cavity formed therein extending substantially the length of the lower frame member, a cover member overlying the cavity, and an opening formed in the cover member. At least a pair of spaced-apart window guide tracks are provided each of which is connected to a respective one of the side frame members for guiding the opening and closing of a window. The window assembly also includes at least one window mounted to and positioned between the at least a pair of spaced-apart window guide tracks. The window assembly further includes a rolling screen assembly positioned in the cavity of the lower end frame member.

Abstract: A seal setting mechanism is provided that includes a pair of cross-members and a pair of downwardly extending force transfer members. The cross-members are linked with a linking member. When the cross-members are pivoted downwardly, the force is transferred through the force transfer members to a spring associated with each force transfer member. The spring applies a force on a sealing member. The sealing member is thus pressed against the floor, and held in place by the springs.

Abstract: A blind with angled slats where the sides are of unequal length allowing light transmission in the open and intermediate positions, no light transmission in the closed position and a flush planar surface in the closed position.

Abstract: The no-sew window drapery system comprises tucking fabric into a rod. The rod has a profile that creates an opening across the entire length and sufficient space in the interior to accept the fabric. The rod may additionally incorporate a locking system to secure the fabric ends inside the rod. The fabric employed is fed into the opening created by the profile, arranged into the style desired and secured into place. Because of the characteristics of the plastic, and the close-fit force exerted on the fabric, the result is to provide a rod which holds the fabric in place. Yet it is easy to install the fabric without the need for any sewing and still give the fabric a customized look.

Abstract: The patent describes an oscillating device for a continuous casting mould with a supporting structure (10), an oscillating lever (12), which has a forked first lever arm (30) and a second opposing lever arm (32), this oscillating lever (12) being mounted in the supporting structure by means of first swivel joints (26′, 26″) so as to be vibratable about an axis (28), and a stroke generator (14), which is connected to the second lever arm (32) of the oscillating lever (12). The oscillating device according to the invention comprises a supporting cage (18) for suspension of a continuous casting mould (20), this supporting cage (18) being connected via second swivel joints (40′, 40″) to the forked first lever arm (30) of the oscillating lever (12).

Abstract: A support structure for an oscillating continuous casting mold has fixed vertical support beams and oscillating frames attached to the fixed support beams by links with rigid intermediate portions connected by leaf spring hinges to the beams and the support frames.

Abstract: Twin roll caster for casting metal strip. Metal is delivered through a distributor (18) and delivery nozzle (19) between a pair of casting rolls (16) to form a casting pool (30) supported on rolls (16) and confined by end plates (56). Rolls (16) are rotated to deliver cast strip downwardly from the nip between them. Rolls (16) are mounted on carriers (104) moveable to allow rolls (16) to move bodily toward and away from one another. Biasing units (110, 111) act on the roll carriers (104) to force them against central stops (107) and to provide roll biasing forces. Stops (107) are adjustable to set the width of the nip between the rolls (16). Biasing units (110) comprise biasing springs (112) whereas biasing units (111) comprise hydraulic actuators (113).

Abstract: Twin roll caster for continuously casting metal strip comprises a pair of parallel casting rolls (16) to which molten metal is supplied through a delivery nozzle (19). The rolls are mounted on roll carriers (104) moveable on a frame (102) to allow rolls (16) to move toward and away from one another. Biasing units (110, 111) allow inward biasing forces to be applied to the roll carriers (104) so as to bias one of the rolls (104) toward the other. The biasing units (110) incorporate biasing springs and means to adjust the thrust exerted by the springs.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for casting metal ingots comprises a series of ingot moulds (12) mounted along an endless conveyor (11) which is arranged to be driven around spaced-apart rotatable members (15) and (17). A molten metal supplying device (20) has a discharge member for supplying molten metal to empty moulds (12) moving along an upper run (14) of the conveyor (11) from a supply end (16) to a discharge end (18) of the upper run (14) of the conveyor (11). A casting hood (13) overlies at least a portion of the moulds (12) on the upper run (14) of the conveyor (11). Adjacent moulds (12) of the portion of moulds are closely contiguous during passage beneath the casting hood (13) whereby passage of protective gas between said adjacent moulds is minimized. The casting hood (13) and the portion of moulds (120) form a substantially gas-tight enclosure above the portion of moulds (12) into which gas can be introduced. The enclosure houses the discharge member of the molten metal supplying device (20).

Abstract: A non-freezing dish includes a sealed tube having a heating end and an opposite condensation end configured to be inserted into the ground with the heated end below grade. A phase change material having a gas phase and a liquid phase is sealed in the tube. Heat is absorbed from the ground into the liquid phase to generate a heated gas phase that rises to the condensation end. A condenser conducts the heat to a removable dish and condenses the gas to a cooled liquid phase that is returned to the heated end.

Abstract: A radiator includes a core portion, a header tank, a side plate attached to the core portion and a bracket through which the radiator is mounted to a vehicle. The bracket is separately formed from the header tank, and is connected to the side plate through a bolt. As a result, the radiator is readily mounted to a vehicle of a different model by only changing an attachment position of the bracket to the radiator, without modifying the header tank. Further, the bracket includes a coolant receiving portion disposed to face a drain outlet of the header tank with a predetermined gap therebetween. Therefore, coolant discharged from the header tank collides with the coolant receiving portion to reduce its dynamic pressure. As a result, coolant drained from the radiator is restricted from being scattered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved system and method for cooling electronic devices. The present system is particularly adapted for cooling computer equipment. The system comprises a sealed enclosure which houses one or more heat generating electronic devices; a blower; and a heat exchanger. The sealed enclosure may be pressurized with a gas medium such as dry nitrogen up to a pressure of approximately two atmospheres. The elevated pressure increases the gas density, effectively increasing the mass flow rate and heat carrying capacity of the gas. The blower is also a constant volume device such that it can move the same volume of gas regardless of density. Accordingly, for a given heat load, the size of the blower may be reduced. Or, alternatively, a given blower can cool a device having a higher heat load. Finally, by pressurizing the enclosure, the present invention eliminates the need to size a forced air cooling system based on high elevation requirements.

Abstract: A heat spreading apparatus includes a first planar body for attachment to a heat generating surface which results in a hot region and a cool region on the first planar body. A second planar body connected to the first planar body is used to define a void between the first planar body and the second planar body. The void includes a planar capillary path and a non-capillary region. A fluid positioned within the void distributes heat by vaporizing the fluid from the planar capillary path in the hot region, condensing the fluid in the non-capillary region in the cool region, and moving from the non-capillary region to the planar capillary path in the hot region through capillarity.

Abstract: A low electro-magnetic radiation emissions heat sink that dissipates heat away from an integrated circuit package by means of conduction to the electronic chassis. The heat sink may also include a ferrite ring for reducing electro-magnetic radiation emissions from the integrated circuit package by increasing the electrical impedance of the EMI transmission path between the integrated circuit package and the electronic chassis, thus reducing the capacitive coupling and RFI concerns of conductive heat dissipation. The heat sink of the present invention may also include fins that are external to the electronic chassis for greater heat dissipation by means of external air convection.

Abstract: A heat transfer tube (10) for use in an application, such as a shell and tube type air conditioning system condenser, in which a fluid flowing through the heat exchanger external to the tubes condenses by transfer of heat to a cooling fluid flowing through the tubes. The tube has at least one fin convolution (20) extending helically around its external surface (13). A pattern of notches (30) extends at an oblique angle (&agr;) across the fin convolutions at intervals about the circumference of the tube. There is a spike (22) between each pair of adjacent notches. The fin convolution, notches and spikes are formed in the tube by rolling the wall of the tube between a mandrel and, first, a gang of finning disks (63) and, second, a notching wheel (66). Because, during the manufacture of the tube, of the interaction of the rotating and advancing tube and the notching wheel, the angle (&bgr;) of inclination of the axis of the tip of the spike is oblique with respect to the notch angle.

Abstract: A radial flow regenerative counter flow heat exchanger includes a) a shell; b) a plurality of large circular baffle plates aligned coaxially within the shell and extending to an inner wall of the shell, defining at least one circular hole therein; c) a plurality of small circular baffle plates aligned coaxially within the shell, and alternately spaced from and coaxially positioned relative to each of the large circular baffle plates; d) a plurality of symmetrically-arranged tubes positioned perpendicular to the small baffle plates and the large baffle plates forming at least one coaxial tube bundle extending through the small baffle plates and large baffle plates, wherein an inner radius of the innermost tube row of the tube bundle is larger than a radius of the circular hole in the large baffle plate and the outer radius of the outermost tube row is smaller than a radius of the small baffle plates, and wherein the small baffle plate defines at least one space outside the tube bundle, and e) a heat transfer c

Abstract: A cooling apparatus includes first and second laminations each having a plurality of openings wherein the openings of the first and second laminations are substantially coincident when the laminations are disposed in identical orientations and the first lamination is aligned with and overlies the second lamination. The first and second laminations are bonded in a stacked and aligned relationship in different orientations such that passages are formed extending through the laminations.

Abstract: A cylindrical tank body is formed by folding a plate material which has a brazing filler metal layer and is formed from aluminum clad. One end of the plate material is extended along the other end of the tank body, and the thus-extended portion is brazed to the end.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for motor-vehicle equipment, has tubes (1) for a heat-exchange fluid and produced from a flexible material, as well as two parallel manifold plates (2a, 2b) with apertures (3a, 3b) for the extremities of each tube (1). These apertures (3a, 3b) are configured into parallel rows (rk, ri, rj) to form a bundle of rows of parallel tubes. The successive rows of one of the plates (2a) are offset alternately in a first direction, parallel to the rows, then in a second direction opposite to this first direction. The rows of the other plate (2b) are respectively offset in the second direction, then in the first direction, in such a way that the tubes of two consecutive rows cross over between the two manifold plates (2a, 2b). Moreover two successive rows of the same plate (2a) are spaced by an interstice (d) close to one tube thickness, in such a way that the tubes of two consecutive rows, in crossing over, are in contact (C).

Abstract: An electronic device has a heat pipe containing a heat transfer fluid. The heat pipe has a first section and a second section. Inside the heat pipe is a valve disposed between the first section and second section of the heat pipe. The valve has an actuator that is used to regulate the flow of the heat transfer fluid between the first section and the second section of the heat pipe in response to a changed state detected by a sensor.

Abstract: An aftercooler for cooling a compressed fluid exiting from a compressor, the aftercooler including a radiator unit for receiving the compressed fluid exiting from the compressor and for cooling the compressed fluid, the radiator unit having an inlet for receiving the compressed fluid, an outlet for discharging the compressed fluid and a plurality of heat exchange passageways connecting the inlet and the outlet for transferring heat from the compressed fluid. The aftercooler also includes a bypass channel for bypassing the plurality of heat exchange passageways which extends from a first point substantially adjacent the inlet of the radiator unit to a second point substantially adjacent the outlet of the radiator unit.

Abstract: A perforating gun for use in underground wells where the gun includes a forward guiding element and a rearward conveyancing element. These two elements are interconnected by way of a series of bow springs. In the preferred embodiment, the springs are spirally configured around the central axis of the gun. The spring function in applying pressure to the internal surface of the well shaft and in centering the gun. Additionally, the springs serve in removably carrying a series of explosive charges. The spiral configuration allows perforations to be created in a 360 degree pattern around the central axis of the gun.

Abstract: A method for applying cutting elements to a tool for cutting or milling a metal item in a well, along with the cutting element used in the method. The tool can include one or more blades extending outwardly or downwardly from the tool for cutting a metal item such as the wall of a casing string, or for removing a predetermined length of a casing string in a cutting action. The blade or blades have cutting elements positioned on the leading faces of the blades to engage the casing string or other metal item in the bore hole. Each cutting element is composed of a plurality of effective cutting faces. Each cutting face can have a substantially triangular shape, or a substantially square shape, or some other geometric shape. The cutting elements can be arranged in a random pattern. Each cutting element can be oriented in a random orientation relative to the blade.

Abstract: Stuffing boxes for use with reciprocating or rotating pump rods for downhole pumps include a lower housing adapted to be mounted on a wellhead and provided with internal bores for receiving the pump rod and a packing housing engaged with the lower housing and including a central bore for receiving a packing assembly and a packing gland. The packing gland may include an annular flange for supporting circumferentially spaced bolts engageable with cooperating bores in the packing housing to adjust compression on the packing and to provide for rotatably indexing the gland to minimize uneven wear. An axially slidable bushing mounted in the packing housing or lower housing is engageable with the opposite end of the packing assembly and is provided with a transverse annular shoulder engaged by a bias spring for exerting compression forces on the packing assembly. The bushing includes a transverse end face exposed to pressure fluid to also urge the bushing into engagement with the packing assembly.

Abstract: A separation system for protecting a pump disposed in a well. The separation system separates sand from the well fluid prior to pumping of the well fluid. The separated sand, or other particulates is routed past the pump used in producing the desired well fluid. The sand is then reinjected into the produced fluid stream at a location downstream of the pump.