Abstract: The present invention provides for above-ground fluid storage tanks having an internal spill containment system. In particular, the present invention is directed to an oil storage tank with a valve and spill containment system, where the valves are kept in a warm and dry environment, protected from the elements, but which still readily accessible, and, further, where spillage from the valves is contained. Further, the containment system disclosed allows for convenient retrofit into existing tanks as well as new tank manufacture. The invention discloses a containment chamber that will fit into existing manways and which is bolted to the tank using the existing bolt pattern that held the manway door on.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for assisting a customer with the fitting of a bra. More particularly to an apparatus and method for bra selection and fitting utilizing an interactive system of data collection, data analysis and data output. The apparatus and method permits the collection of relevant personal information (including measurement information) to assist with the fitting process, and also educates the customer on how to select a properly fitting bra and on issues relating to bra wear. Through a method of education and an interactive system of collecting data and providing feedback on fit, the apparatus and method allows untrained women to properly select and fit a bra in a private and anonymous environment. This invention can also facilitate the collection of data from the responses and inputs of the customers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a steering device for facilitating the steering of an implement towed by a work vehicle. The towed implement, for example, a farm implement such as a seeding device, comprises a main frame having front and rear ends and at least one steerable surface engaging wheel attached to the frame. The steering device comprising a sensor means mounted on the main frame of the towed implement for sensing a misalignment of the towed implement and the work vehicle and producing a signal corresponding to the misalignment. The steering device further comprises a steering means associated with the steerable wheel for receiving the signal produced by the sensor means and for effecting movement of the steerable wheel in response to the signal until the towed implement and the work vehicle are once again realigned.

Abstract: A method for removing hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide from a gas stream includes the step of contacting the gas stream with aqueous and gaseous ammonia in a closed vessel in the presence of solid iron. An apparatus for removing hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide from a gas stream includes a closed vessel for containing aqueous and gaseous ammonia and an iron source. The vessel is partitioned into inlet and outlet chambers and may itself serve as the iron source.

Abstract: A pipe handling device for mounting to use with a top drive and possibly a pipe engaging apparatus, includes a link arm having a first end pivotally connectable to move with the top drive and an outboard end pivotally connectable to a pipe elevator segment, and a drive system to drive the outboard end of the link arm at least between a lower position and a raised position. A pipe handling system and method may include or employ the pipe handling device.

Abstract: A valve (30), a drill string valve assembly (10) and a method of drilling using compressed fluid as a drill drilling fluid are described. The valve and valve assembly (10) may be used in order to prevent escape of compressed fluid during the time that a connection is being made into the drill string. The valve (10) can be insertable into a drill string inner diameter to seal against fluid passage past the body except through the valve (30) and can be selected to maintain fluid pressure in the drill string when the upper end of the drill string is open to atmosphere. The valve can also be capable of being releasably engaged to a drive mechanism, such as a top drive (40) which is handling the drill string (12) to be slidably moved within the drill string, as driven by the drive mechanism, but releasable from the drive mechanism, when the drive mechanism is removed from the drill string.

Abstract: A tubing string assembly is disclosed for fluid treatment of a wellbore. The tubing string can be used for staged wellbore fluid treatment where a selected segment of the wellbore is treated, while other segments are sealed off. The tubing string can also be used where a ported tubing string is required to be run in in a pressure tight condition and later is needed to be in an open-port condition.

Abstract: A crimpable wear band (105) tool has been invented for installation on casing (6), used in well bore drilling. A wear band (105) is provided having a cylindrical body which when coaxially placed over a pipe and substantially radially inwardly displaced at a plurality of points (i.e. crimped) about the circumference of a section of cylindrical body, attaches to the pipe to create a connection having structurally significant axial and torque load transfer capacity. When crimped according to the methods of the present invention, the load transfer capacity of the connection between the wear band (105) tool and the pipe (6) can be arranged to substantially prevent significant relative movement of the wear band tool on the pipe under loads that may be encountered when using one or more of the pipes as components of a tubular string used for drilling or running the casing in to complete a well bore.

Abstract: A sheet form membrane probe, an apparatus and method, wherein the probe includes a probe body, a sheet-form membrane secured to the probe body and including an open surface exposed to the exterior of the probe; a channel formed between the probe body and the membrane through which a collector fluid can flow; an inlet port opening to the channel to conduct collector fluid to the channel; and an outlet port spaced from the inlet port such that the collector fluid passes through the channel from the inlet port to the outlet port in a flow direction substantially parallel to the membrane. The channel may be formed to provide broad surface contact of the collector fluid with the membrane. The membrane open surface may include an active area open to a sample fluid and open on an opposite side for contact with collector fluid flow in the channel. The active area may be large relative to the total membrane area to provide for an effective use of the expensive membrane material.

Abstract: A tubing string assembly for fluid treatment of a wellbore includes substantially pressure holding closures spaced along the tubing string, which each close at least one port through the tubing string wall. The closures are openable by a sleeve drivable through the tubing string inner bore.

Abstract: A process is provided for the production of dicalcium phosphate form a phosphate source material in which a solution of phosphoric acid is produced by the action of a suitable mineral acid, generally sulphuric acid, on a phosphate source material. Calcium fluoride is precipitated at a pH of between 3.5 and 4.5 followed by hydrolyzing the solution by diluting it with water to a ratio of approximately 1:7 to about 1:10 monocalcium phosphate to water at a temperature of approximately 40 degrees Centigrade to form a primary precipitate containing substantially all of the fluoride present as CaF2 together with some dicalcium phosphate and a primary calcium and phosphate containing solution. The primary precipitate is dissolved, the pH adjusted to form 3.5 to 4.5 and the hydrolyzation repeated to form a secondary precipitate containing substantially all of the fluoride present as CaF2 together with some dicalcium phosphate and a secondary calcium and phosphate containing solution.

Abstract: The invention provides for a powered hand held apparatus for sharpening ice skate blades having an elongated frame with a drive pulley located at one and, and a driven pulley located at the other end. An abrasive grinding belt loops over the pulleys and passes over a convex grinding surface aligned with the pulleys. The pulleys, frame, drive belt, grinding belt and electric motor are contained in a housing having a skate guidance slot such that when a skate is inserted into the slot, the bottom edge of the skate is directed to the abrasive belt at the convex grinding surface.

Abstract: A cement float for use in a wellbore tubing string includes: a mandrel having a bore extending from a first end to a second end including a fluid flow control device therein, and outer surfaces defining a tapering outer diameter from the first end to the second end; an outer lock sleeve having an outer surface and a sleeve bore therethrough, the outer lock sleeve retained at least about the outer surfaces of the mandrel surfaces and defining interfaces therebetween, the sleeve being expandable radially outwardly by driving the mandrel against the sleeve bore to place the cement float in anchoring position within the tubing string.

Abstract: A prefabricated attic hatch includes a frame comprising an outer frame and an inner frame. The inner frame encloses a central insulating panel which is fabricated from metal-skinned insulating foam. A preferred material for the panel is metal insulated door waste material. A method of fabricating attic hatches includes the use of metal insulated door waste material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for removing undesirable material from a well bore in a hydrocarbon formation with minimum damage to the formation. The apparatus comprises a concentric tubing string, said concentric tubing string further comprising an inner tube means having an inner annulus therethrough and an outer tube means forming an outer annulus between said outer tube means and said inner tube means, means for introducing into said well bore a pressurized clean out medium through one of the said inner annulus and outer annulus, and means for removing said material and clean out medium through the other of the said inner annulus and said outer annulus to the surface of said well bore. In a preferred embodiment, the introducing means comprises a discharge compressor or mud pump and the removing means comprises a suctioning compressor.

Abstract: A surfactant for separating bitumen from sand includes an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide contacted with low rank coal. The low rank coal is preferably lignite. The surfactant may be used to clean bitumen, heavy oil and/or tar from sand, shale or clay at low concentrations and with mild agitation.

Abstract: A crimpable centralizer has been invented for installation on pipe, such as would be useful in well bore drilling and casing operations. The present invention provides a centralizer having a cylindrical body which when coaxially placed over a pipe and substantially radially inwardly displaced at a plurality of points (i.e. crimped) about the circumference of a section of the cylindrical body, attaches to the pipe to create a connection having structurally significant axial and torque load transfer capacity. When crimped according to the methods of the present invention, the load transfer capacity of the connection between the centralizer and the pipe can be arranged to substantially prevent significant relative movement of the centralizer on the pipe under loads that may be encountered when using one or more of the pipes as components of a tubular string used for drilling or completing well bores.

Abstract: Fluids useful in oil well drilling operations are described. The fluids comprise standard viscosifying and fluid loss control additives along with phosphonates or phosphate esters of organic ligands. The addition of the phosphonates or phosphate esters at effective concentrations prevents the adherence of heavy oil and heavy oil laden drill cuttings to drill pipe strings and well bore casings.