Abstract: A downhole connection in a tool string has a first transmission path in a first tubular component and a second transmission path in a second tubular component coaxial with the first tubular component. The first transmission path has an electrically conductive pin attached to an actuator disposed within the first tubular component. The second transmission path has an electrically conducting receptacle disposed within the second tubular component. When the pin and the receptacle are proximate one another and the actuator is energized, the pin is inserted into the receptacle to form an electrical connection between the first and second transmission paths. The actuator may include a solenoid, a piezoelectric material, a magnetostrictive material, a piston, a fluid, an electrically controllable fluid, a gear, a pivot, a bearing, a spring or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A rod and tubing connection for coupling two or more joints of tubing sections comprises a plug and a socket. The plug has a plurality of splines and the socket has a plurality of receptacles adapted to receive the plurality of splines. The plurality of splines comprises a center spline and a plurality of outer splines configured to allow intermeshing with receptacle splines in a plurality of orientations. A coupling collar is used to secure the tubing joint. The plug is connected to the socket in a four-step process of: positioning the plug and socket in close proximity, aligning the spline and the receptacle, plugging the spline into the receptacle, and then securing the plug and socket together with the coupling collar. The tubing joint may also have a conduit containing a wire for transmitting power and data between the adjoined sections of tubing.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing data transmission hardware in downhole tools includes an insert insertable into the box end or pin end of drill tool, such as a section of drill pipe. The insert typically includes a mount portion and a slide portion. A data transmission element is mounted in the slide portion of the insert. A biasing element is installed between the mount portion and the slide portion and is configured to create a bias between the slide portion and the mount portion. This biasing element is configured to compensate for varying tolerances encountered in different types of downhole tools. In selected embodiments, the biasing element is an elastomeric material, a spring, compressed gas, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: This Universal Flexible Powder Coating Tip/Nozzle (7) will greatly enhance the application of Powder Coating coverage in hard to reach area's do to the ability to bend the flexible tip/nozzle (7) & (10) to reach into those difficult to reach area's. The Powder Coater will no longer have to try to angle a large cumbersome powder Coating gun (1) into tight corners and openings, he only needs to insert the Universal Flexible Powder Coating Tip/Nozzle (7) into these hard to reach areas and bend and turn for proper angle. The uncharged Powder will flow down the Flexible tip/nozzle and receive charging as it travels past the contact at the powder Tip (9) & (10).

Abstract: A communications system employing discrete multi-tone (“DMT”) modulated signals on a communications channel formed by inductively-coupled pipe. In one embodiment, the communications system includes a string of wired pipe joints that couple a transmitter to a receiver. Each pipe joint in the string possesses threaded ends configured for mechanically connecting with other pipe joints, a electrical or inductive coupler at each threaded end, and an insulated conductor that electrically connects the couplers. The transmitter and receiver communicate via DMT modulated signals transported by the wired pipe string. The system may further include multiple repeaters in the string. Each repeater may be configured to receive a DMT-modulated signal, to recover information from the DMT-modulated signal, and to re-transmit the information in the form of a DMT-modulated signal.

Abstract: Tubulars for transmitting data in a wellbore and threaded connections having electrical contactors embedded therein. The threaded connection includes a first contactor embedded in electrically insulating material within a first slot formed in the pin thread. A second contactor is embedded in electrically insulating material within a second slot formed in the box thread. Upon selected make-up of the pin member with the box member, the first contactor and the second contactor are in contact such that an electrical signal can be transmitted from the box member to the pin member. The first contactor and the second contactor are isolated by at least one sealing arrangement selected from the group consisting of a thread seal, an electrical connector seal, and at least two seals on opposing sides of the first contactor and the second contactor. Methods of manufacturing and making-up a connection are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for electrical coupling between a first and a second pipe section mechanically coupled to each other and forming a pipe adapted for transportation of a fluid. The first pipe section includes a first electric winding and the second pipe section includes a second electric winding. The first and second windings are adapted for inductive coupling between the first and the second pipe section.

Abstract: A connection member for a fluid line (2) defining a fluid duct (5) with stranded signal conductors (7a and 7b) in the wall (4) thereof for the transmission of electrical signals. The connection member has a female socket into which the fluid line (2) may be inserted and in which at least one signal contact (26a and 26b) is arranged, which at the end may stick into the at least one signal conductor (7a and 7b). The penetrating part (27) is constituted by a knife edge (27a) whose width is equal to the diameter of the signal conductor (7a and 7b) to be contacted and which splits the signal conductor 7a and 7b) on penetration from the end into an outer and an inner line limb.

Abstract: The invention is a system for transmitting data through a string of downhole components. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the system includes a plurality of downhole components, such as sections of pipe in a drill string. Each component has a first and second end, with a first communication element located at the first end and a second communication element located at the second end. Each communication element includes a first contact and a second contact. The system also includes a coaxial cable running between the first and second communication elements, the coaxial cable having a conductive tube and a conductive core within it. The system also includes a first and second connector for connecting the first and second communication elements respectively to the coaxial cable. Each connector includes a conductive sleeve, lying concentrically within the conductive tube, which fits around and makes electrical contact with the conductive core.

Abstract: The invention is a mechanism for retaining an electrical transmission line. In one embodiment of the invention it is a system for retaining an electrical transmission line within downhole components. The invention allows a transmission line to be attached to the internal diameter of drilling components that have a substantially uniform drilling diameter. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the system includes a plurality of downhole components, such as sections of pipe in a drill string, drill collars, heavy weight drill pipe, and jars. The system also includes a coaxial cable running between the first and second end of a drill pipe, the coaxial cable having a conductive tube and a conductive core within it. The invention allows the electrical transmission line to withstand the tension and compression of drill pipe during routine drilling cycles.

Abstract: A seal for a coaxial cable electrical connector more specifically an internal seal for a coaxial cable connector placed within a coaxial cable and its constituent components. A coaxial cable connector is in electrical communcation with an inductive transformer and a coaxial cable. The connector is in electrical communication with the outer housing of the inductive transformer. A generally coaxial center conductor, a portion of which could be the coil in the inductive transformer, passes through the connector, is electrically insulated from the connector, and is in electrical communication with the conductive core of the coaxial cable. The electrically insulating material also doubles as a seal to safegaurd against penetration of fluid, thus protecting against shorting out of the electrical connection. The seal is a multi-component seal, which is pre-compressed to a desired pressure rating.

Abstract: The invention is a system for transmitting data through a string of downhole components. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the system includes a plurality of downhole components, such as sections of pipe in a drill string. Each component has a first and second end, with a first communication element located at the first end and a second communication element located at the second end. Each communication element includes a first contact and a second contact. The system also includes a coaxial cable running between the first and second communication elements, the coaxial cable having a conductive tube and a conductive core within it. The system also includes a first and second connector for connecting the first and second communication elements respectively to the coaxial cable. Each connector includes a conductive sleeve, lying concentrically within the conductive tube, which fits around and makes electrical contact with the conductive core.

Abstract: The invention is a mechanism for retaining an electrical transmission line. In one embodiment of the invention it is a system for retaining an electrical transmission line within down hole components. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the system includes a plurality of downhole components, such as sections of pipe in a drill string. The system also includes a coaxial cable running between the first and second end of a drill pipe, the coaxial cable having a conductive tube and a conductive core within it. The invention allows the electrical transmission line to with stand the tension and compression of drill pipe during routine drilling cycles.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner hose with a connection sleeve includes a hose (1) having an inner wall, a protective envelope (2) for electrical conductors (3) attached at an inner wall of the hose (1), a rear connection part (4a) formed at a connection sleeve (4) and engaging partially into the hose (1), a receiver (4b) extending from the rearward end of the connection sleeve (4) and formed for an insertion of a coordinated end of the protective envelope (2), wherein an end of the receiver (4b) is disposed opposite to an end for insertion and is closed. The receiver (4b) is formed as a tube molded to the inner jacket face of the rear connection part (4). The tube exhibits a first recess (4d) directed rearwardly from the closed end of the tube.

Abstract: A system for transmitting data through a string of down-hole components. In accordance with one aspect, the system includes a plurality of downhole components, such as sections of pipe in a drill string. Each downhole component includes a pin end and a box end, with the pin end of one downhole component being adapted to be connected to the box end of another. Each pin end includes external threads and an internal pin face distal to the external threads. Each box end includes an internal shoulder face with internal threads distal to the internal shoulder face. The internal pin face and the internal shoulder face are aligned with and proximate each other when the pin end of the one component is threaded into a box end of the other component.

Abstract: A system for transmitting data through a string of downhole components. In one aspect, the system includes first and second magnetically conductive, electrically insulating elements at both ends of the component. Each element includes a first U-shaped trough with a bottom, first and second sides and an opening between the two sides. Electrically conducting coils are located in each trough. An electrical conductor connects the coils in each component. In operation, a varying current applied to a first coil in one component generates a varying magnetic field in the first magnetically conductive, electrically insulating element, which varying magnetic field is conducted to and thereby produces a varying magnetic field in the second magnetically conductive, electrically insulating element of a connected component, which magnetic field thereby generates a varying electrical current in the second coil in the connected component.

Abstract: A universal joint between adjacent, electrically connected instrument housings for downhole well operations allow the connected housings to bend longitudinally as required to traverse an arced section of a well bore but does not permit relative elongation or twisting about the longitudinal axis of the housings. In one embodiment, a fluid impermeable open passage space at atmospheric pressure surrounds electrical signal carriers linking the instrument circuitry within the two housings. The passage is constructed as a high-pressure flexible bellows or as a braided or spiral wound high-pressure fluid hose. In another embodiment, a fluid impermeable sheath surrounds the signal carriers and encapsulates the signal carriers by a resilient solid. The articulation structure comprises a Cardan-type of universal joint wherein two fingers project longitudinally from the end of each of the housings.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner tube has electrical conductors and a tube having an inner wall and formed spirally on the outside and formed smoothly on the inside and having an end, a helical step disposed at the tube, an end bush having a rear end and plugged into the end of the tube, wherein the end bush exhibits an axial slot having flanks and open at the rear end of the end bush, and locking noses disposed at the end bush. A protective covering is attached at the inner wall of the tube. A projection is formed at the end bush and closed at its front end and formed for receiving the protective covering, wherein the flanks of the axial slot form a transition into the projection. A slip ring support has a longitudinal passing through slot for engaging the tube, wherein the slip ring support is made as a single part. Breakouts are furnished at the slip ring support for an engagement of the locking noses formed at the end bush. A plurality of electrical conductors are disposed in the protective covering.

Abstract: A modular system for deploying and powering a device, such as an electric submergible pumping system, in a well. The modular system includes a plurality of interconnectable segments that each include an outer section of tubing and an internal power cable. Each section includes a tubing connector and a power cable connector that permits ready connection of sequential segments when deploying a device or system downhole.

Abstract: A cable connector for a direct heating cable system for a pipeline (4) where a direct heating cable is connected to the pipeline at two remote points, the cable (3) comprising a cone (1) connected to the end, the cone (1) comprising means for connecting releasably a bolt (9) coaxially to the cone (1), a pulling wire (7) being secured to the bolt (9) adapted to pull the cone (1) and the cable (3) into a connector (2) secured to the pipeline and having an inner shape corresponding with the outer shape of the cone (1), the connector (2) being adapted to lock the cone (1) to the connector (2) and release the pulling wire (7) from the cone (1).

Abstract: A coupling that makes electrical connections across a joint joining adjacent tubular members, such as drill pipe sections in a drill string. A male sleeve, made from an electrical insulating material, is attached to the male end of one pipe section. A number of axially spaced apart male contact members, such as ring segments or buttons, are formed on the outside surface of the male end. The male contact members are spring biased radially outward. Each of the male contact members is radially displaced from the axial centerline of the pipe section by a progressively increasing amount. A female sleeve, also made from an electrical insulating material, is attached to the female end of the other pipe section. A number of female contact members, such as ring segments or buttons, are formed on the inside surface of the female end. Each of the female contact members is radially displaced from the axial centerline of the pipe section by a progressively increasing amount.

Abstract: An articulated connector for providing electrical insulation between downhole well equipment such as logging sondes suspended by a wireline. Articulated joints are connected to the well equipment to provide for the desired movement, and the joints are connected by a central housing. The housing is configured so that a nonconductive element interrupts electrical conductivity through metallic components of the housing. The housing uniquely combines with the articulated joints to provide an articulated connection between the well equipment while providing electrical insulation therebetween.

Abstract: An impedance matched jointed drill pipe for improved acoustic transmission. A passive means and method that maximizes the amplitude and minimize the temporal dispersion of acoustic signals that are sent through a drill string, for use in a measurement while drilling telemetry system. The improvement in signal transmission is accomplished by replacing the standard joints in a drill string with joints constructed of a material that is impedance matched acoustically to the end of the drill pipe to which it is connected. Provides improvement in the measurement while drilling technique which can be utilized for well logging, directional drilling, and drilling dynamics, as well as gamma-ray spectroscopy while drilling post shot boreholes, such as utilized in drilling post shot boreholes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a strength member for a hose and to an improved combined fluid/electrical hose. The strength member of the present invention is a low stretch high strength natural or artificial fibre material which may be incorporated into the bore of the hose and fastened to a hose end termination connector at each end to limit stretch of the hose. In the improved combined fluid/electrical hose of the present invention, the electrical wire extends longitudinally and freely the full length of the hose without attachment to the inner hose wall. This combined fluid/electrical hose also including a strength member.

Abstract: A down hole tool, constructed to be suspended in a well by pipe, includes a housing, a circulation piston, a biasing member and a pressure-compensation system. The housing defines a flow chamber in open fluid communication with the pipe interior, a bypass port for fluid flow between the flow chamber and the well, a mud chamber in open communication with the well, and a sealed chamber separated from the flow chamber by a sealed interface. The circulation piston separates the flow and mud chambers and is arranged for movement between a first, bypass port-blocking position and a second, bypass port-exposing position in response to pressure in the flow chamber. The biasing member biases the circulation piston to its first position, and the pressure-compensation system limits the pressure difference between the flow and sealed chambers, thereby limiting the pressure difference across the sealed interface. The tool has particular application to tools, e.g.

Abstract: A junction system is provided for an electrical cable and a capillary tube at a wellhead. The junction system includes a conduit subsystem, a head casing assembly and a plurality of connector assemblies located within the head casing assembly. The connector assemblies are mounted within the head casing assembly and each connects the conductors of a power cable device lead and a power cable source lead. The head casing assembly includes an insulator and an inert liquid for sealing and insulating the electrical connections therein. The head casing assembly is mounted exteriorally of the wellhead.

Abstract: A chain of elongate components (10, 20) are connected end-to-end. Each component (e.g. 10) comprises a sheath (1) closed at its ends filled with a dielectric liquid (e.g. kerosene). Sound detectors are located in the liquid as are electric conductors for conveying signals therefrom. The ends are closed by means including an electric connector. At least one of a pair of mating end portions includes a valve (14, 24) which releases the dielectric liquid from inside the sheath into the interstices between the mated pair. A bleed screw can be used to ensure no air remains. This arrangement minimises pressure differentials around the join between two adjacent elongate components and facilitates use of the chain at great depths.

Abstract: An integrated module coupler for a towed hydrophone streamer and a method of transmitting towing forces and electrical signals therethrough.

Abstract: A releasable and reseatable electrical connection between female and male members associated with disconnectible sections of wireline used in a drill string in a borehole comprising the male member defining a first axis and having an externally exposed electrical contact ring, extending about the axis; the female member defining a second axis and having a conductive part extending at least part way about the second axis; and a spring element in electrical connection with the part and inwardly exposed for making electrical contact with the contact ring upon telescopic interfitting of the members.

Abstract: A power block adapted to couple a water-cooled power cable of a welding torch or the like to a power source and a water conduit. The power block comprises an electrically conductive housing which defines an aperture for receiving a post of a power supply, and a pair of angularly disposed cylindrical ports for receiving and retaining a water conduit and a water-cooled power cable. By virtue of the angular relationship between such ports, there is minimal stress on the water-containing sleeves of the water conduit and power cable, and lower torque about the power post tending to loosen the power block from engagement with the post. Preferably, the power block housing defines a third port having a quick-connect/disconnect feature for receiving and retaining a second power cable.

Abstract: Electric interconnecting cables fitted with sealed electric connectors resistant to pressure are most often used to connect electrically together various equipments (1) distant from one another and immersed in a conducting liquid such as may be encountered in wellbores. To avoid this relatively costly solution, a process is proposed, wherein the various equipments (1) are linked together through sealed and empty hydraulic pipes or cables (22), so as to form a common space insulated from the external environment, and the electric linking conductors (25) are passed inside the hydraulic cable circuit constituted thereby.

Abstract: A bracket for a cable internal to a lower part of a tubular pipe. The bracket includes a head integral with an upper end of the cable and a body integrated in the pipe. The head includes an electrical contact connected to an electric cable conductor, with the contact electrically cooperating with an electric connection integral with the body of the bracket. The electric connection is connected through an electric link including a cable pipe element or cable running externally of the pipe. A measuring or servicing assembly to be carried out by lengthening or shortening the pipe by using either cabled pipe elements or simple cables and by controlling the length of the cable by a surface winch while maintaining an electrical link with a measuring and/or servicing assembly inserted into the tubular pipe.

Abstract: A pipe system comprises a plurality of pipe members (2), mechanical connections at the end regions of the pipe members whereby the pipe members can be connected together into end-to-end relationship to provide at least one fluid flow path along them, and electrical conductors (10; 110) carried by the pipe members, the electrical conductors having contact areas (19) exposed at the end regions of the pipe members so that electrical connection between the conductors of adjacent pipe members can be effected by bridging members (25) spanning the end regions of the pipe members.

Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner having a body, suction generating means and a dust collection space in said body, and a rotatable hose inlet for receiving a suction hose and connecting the hose to the dust collection space. The suction hose has at one end a coupling engageable with said hose inlet. An electrical power supply cord socket is arranged to receive a plug of a power supply cord for a powered accessory of the vacuum cleaner. To avoid twisting of the cord around the hose, the cord socket is located on the hose coupling.

Abstract: A modular constructed connector for interconnecting with a single male and female connector a plurality of electrical lines and fluid lines while maintaining a consistent bubble-tight fluid interconnection. The modular design permits the number of fluidic and electrical connections to be varied depending upon the particular application. In one embodiment, a programmable microchip is mounted within this connector. This chip stores the response characteristics of a flow meter used, for example, as an air flow measurement device in a respiratory circuit.

Abstract: A circuit board module for a supercomputer includes quick connections for power, ground, coolant quick connects, and circuit quick connects. The quick connections provide for insertion of modules with substantial savings in time and effort. The electrical power and ground connections and the liquid coolant connections engage and disengage automatically upon insertion and removal of the modules. The circuit quick connects require only insertion of a camming tool for connection and disconnection. The modules require no bolting or unbolting of clamps or hoses for the various connections.

Abstract: A drilling system comprises a drill string (1) incorporating inbuilt tubular conductors (25), a mud supply passage, and passages for protective or other fluids. The drill string can be advanced by selectively actuable pistons (51,60) exposed to drilling mud flow, by electrically driven traction units (71,74) engaging the drill hole wall or by a linear electric motor element (82) co-operating with a drill hole casing (24), which can be moved thereby relative to the drill string. The drill bit (106) of the drill unit is driven rotatably by an electric motor (111,112) or reciprocably by a linear electric motor (125). The drill unit can be of two relatively slidable parts, with fluid pressure, which may be generated within the unit (189) axially loading the drill bit. Drilling forms can be resisted by clamps (129) clamping the unit and/or the drill string to the drill hole wall. The drilling direction can be adjusted by use of these clamps.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical connector for transmitting electrical signals between the outside and the inside of a well having a well head (20) terminated by a valve assembly (10). The connector comprises at least two inductively coupled electrical coils (1A, 1B; 5A, 5B) whose respective winding axes are aligned with the axis (zz') of the well head. The coils are integrated in the fluid connector interconnecting the valve assembly and the well head, with one of the coils being releasably fixed to the valve assembly (10) while the other coil is releasably fixed to the well head (20).

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electric plug connector having a cooled connector component on a consumer where an intense heat is generated. The plug connector includes a movable connector component having a flexible supply line and both connector components are configured with heat-contact surfaces which define a low heat resistance when in contact with each other. In the movable connector component, at least one electrical line part is connected to a part made of a good insulating and heat-conductive material. The flow of heat to the heat-contact surface of the movable connector component takes place through this part made of insulating and good heat-conductive material.

Abstract: A cable head connector is provided for coupling a plurality of nested tubes, each one of which conducts a different fluid, to a downhole geophysical tool such as a seismic sound source. The device includes separate clamps for individually gripping the respective nested tubes. Conduits are furnished for fluidly bypassing the respective clamping devices. The fluid bypass conduits are fluidly coupled to a distribution module for delivering the different fluids individually to the downhole geophysical tool. Additional facilities are provided for sending electrical control signals to the tool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coupling for fire hoses, wherein the fire hose is provided with a built-in communication cable. An inner cylinder is provided which is substantially identical for either the male or female unit. The inner cylinder includes a base end part fitted with a fire hose with a built-in communication cable. An annular sealing material is provided for insulating and water-proofing an opening end face of the inner cylinder, and provided with an annular conductor connected to the communication cable. An outer cylinder is provided which idly engages with an outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder.

Abstract: A rigid crossover tube is provided to bridge from a refrigerator door to a refrigerator cabinet and to serve as a guide and protective cover for a water and/or electrical conductors connected to a door mounted ice and water dispensing apparatus. A fitting is provided in the bottom surface of the door. The tube is held in the fitting and is permitted to pivot relative thereto. The tube enters the cabinet through an opening in the base of the cabinet and is slidable therein responsive to pivotal movement of the tube when the door is opened or closed.

Abstract: An electrosurgical unit for conducting a predetermined ionizable gas in a jet stream to the tissue at a predetermined flow rate sufficient to clear natural fluids from the tissue and to substantially expose the tissue stroma and for exposing the gas to an electrical radio frequency energy to ionize the gas in conductive pathways in the gas jet stream. The unit includes a nozzle which is releasably connected to a handle for easy manipulation by a surgeon with the nozzle including means for supporting an electrode in an optimal position for initiation of the ionization of the gas. Also, a connecting system is disclosed for connecting the hose on which the handle is mounted to a gas delivery apparatus and supply or electrical energy which permits the hose to rotate while maintaining a positive hermetic seal to prevent the hose from kinking during use by a surgeon.

Abstract: In known manner, a pipe system comprises a group of tubes and couplings connecting a suction station to one or more suction openings, the tubes and couplings being equipped with low voltage electric conductors for transmitting an electric stop or start signal from the station. According to the invention, the conductors equipping the tubes are in the form of strips integral with the tubes. Such strips can also equip the couplings.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for providing at least one electric connection between the elements of a pipe each including an electric line, which assembly includes for each pipe element:a conductor placed inside the element,a first connector and second connectors fixed to each of the ends of the conductor and cooperating electrically with said conductor,a first double connector cooperating electrically by a first end with the first connector,a second double connector cooperating electrically by a first end with the second connector, said first and second double connectors cooperating electrically with respectively the second and first double connectors of the adjacent pipe elements, andmeans for positioning and fixing the connectors.

Abstract: In a well logging system that is subjected to high temperatures and pressures, an improved thermos flask pressure housing is used to insulate sensitive electronic circuits to the detrimental effects of high temperature and extreme pressure. An evacuated area between an inner shell and an outer shell acts as insulation between electronic circuits within such inner shell and the borehole environment surrounding such outer shell.

Abstract: A connector for attaching a downhole tool to the end of a tubing string insertable in a wellbore includes a one-way valve to permit flow of fluids from the tubing string into the wellbore but to prevent the flow of fluids in the opposite direction. An electrical cable extends through central passages formed in the one-way valve and a frangible coupling which will separate the connector from the tool if the tool becomes stuck in the wellbore.

Abstract: A grip unit for a suction hose of a vacuum cleaner system defines both air and electrical connections to further components of the system such as a suction pipe, nozzle and the like. The grip unit includes a one-piece insert member which is preassembled and then inserted into a tubular member. The one-piece insert member accommodates all electrical components or accessories and, in the inserted position, this insert member defines a sealed air guide and a channel for the electrical parts. The simplified configuration substantially simplifies assembly and reduces the cost to manufacture the unit.

Abstract: Apparatus for coupling multi-conduit drill pipes to maintain arcuate registry between connected pipes, and for transferring the drive torque of one drill pipe to the next drill pipe. One end of one drill pipe (50) includes drive lugs (100) matable with corresponding drive recesses (102) in the end of the next drill pipe (52). An index lug (104) in the drill pipe end, different that the drive lugs (100), is matable with a corresponding index recess (106) in another pipe end ot maintain arcuate registry of the coupled pipes and thus longitudinal alignment of the respective conduits (30) throughout the drill string. An internally threaded coupling collar (84) with different thread pitches at each end thereof is threadable onto the joined lug and recess mated drill pipe ends to hold the pipes mated. The joined pipe ends respectively include external threads (88, 90) of pitches corresponding to that of the coupling collar (84) so that a differential thread action draws the pipes together.

Abstract: An electrosugrical unit for conducting a predetermined ionizable gas in a jet stream to the tissue at a predetermined flow rate sufficient to clear natural fluids from the tissue and to substantially expose the tissue stroma and for exposing the gas to an electrical radio frequency energy to ionize the gas in conductive pathways in the gas jet stream. The unit includes a nozzle which is releasably connected to a handle for easy manipulation by a surgeon with the nozzle including means for supporting an electrode in an optimal position for initiation of the ionization of the gas. Also, a connecting system is disclosed for connecting the hose on which the handle is mounted to a gas delivery apparatus and supply or electrical energy which permits the hose to rotate while maintaining a positive hermetic seal to prevent the hose from kinking during use by a surgeon.