Abstract: The loading station of the invention includes an intake fitting, a pair of pressure operated motorized flow control valves, and a pair of loading boom assemblies that are all mounted on a movable equipment skid. The intake fitting is connectable with a source of high pressure natural gas, and the boom assemblies are universally adjustable and include coupler portions that are connectable with matching coupler portions carried on pressure vessels. Natural gas is loaded into the pressure vessels through the boom assemblies, and the loading station further includes a pressure control system that operates the motorized valves and which prevents natural gas from flowing into the boom assemblies when a pressure vessel is not connected thereto.

Abstract: Natural gas wells in a tight formation area are drilled and completed with piping, the piping being capped with a Christmas tree. The piping is then utilized as a reservoir to collect natural gas from the tight formation over a prolonged time period. Mobile pressure vessel units are employed periodically to recover the collected natural gas, on a schedule designed for maximum economic efficiency. In the preferred embodiment, the reservoir is formed between the inner production tubing and the outer casing tubing, and conduits are connected to direct the natural gas from the production tubing into the reservoir. Liquid/gas separators and dehydrator units are employed on wells as necessary, so that the natural gas stored in the reservoir is ready for transport.

Abstract: Man portable panels are utilized to provide slope protection to a watercourse, the panels being placed in vertical layers, and being secured in place by deadman elements buried in earth fill behind the panels. In one preferred embodiment the panels are made of weathering steel and are L-shaped in cross-section, and in a second preferred embodiment each panel is comprised of interlocked rectangular sections of extruded plastic.

Abstract: A cylindrical housing and auger drum assembly is mounted to extend from the side of a cubing machine of the type having an annular die assembly, a circular die cavity on the inner periphery of the die assembly, and at least one press wheel that is received in the die cavity. The auger drum carries a rigid blade that forms an auger flight, and which terminates a short distance from the outer end of the drum. A flexible, resilient tip is mounted on the outer end of the rigid blade, and substantially fills the space provided between the auger drum, the housing and the die cavity, the outer edge of the tip being positioned at the die cavity. The tip functions to supply an optimum flow of feed stock to the die cavity, but will flex to allow bypassing when plugging or jamming conditions exist.

Abstract: A hydro-turbine device includes a frame mounted in a channel through which water flows, the frame mounting a horizontal shaft carrying a turbine wheel having spaced end plates between which extend a plurality of arcuate vanes. A cover is mounted over the rear of the turbine wheel, and carries an extension on the front thereof that has an arcuate scoop mounted on its under side. The arcuate scoop is arranged to capture water flowing toward the turbine wheel and direct it centrally against the concave rear faces of the vanes, so as to effect maximum energy removal from the water. The cover is positioned and arranged to enhance aspirator action for efficiently removing spent water from the turbine wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing dry ice blocks includes an upper, charging mold having an outlet opening in its lower end and positioned in spaced relationship above a lower, press mold having an inlet opening in its upper end. The charging mold contains a slidable precompression piston and the press mold has a slidable press piston, the two pistons respectively being connected to actuators. A shutter assembly is positioned between the two openings, and includes a shutter having a forward extension which defines a recess therebeneath. The shutter is moved forwardly and backwardly by actuator means from a position wherein both openings are closed, to a position wherein, both openings are open, to a position wherein only the outlet opening is closed. Thereafter, the press piston forms the charge into a block of dry ice. The shutter is then shifted to the outlet only closed position, and the press piston elevates the block into the recess.

Abstract: A color computer wheel includes a white base member upon which four concentrically arranged discs are rotatably mounted by a central fastener, the discs decreasing in diameter from bottom to top and being made of a transparent sheet material. The top disc carries four concentric annular bands, each evenly divided into radial spaces. The three lower discs are each dedicated to a single primary color, and carry color bands arranged to register with the bands of the topmost disc, the color bands being divided evenly into radial spaces with progressive color shades thereon. The peripheries of the four discs carry legend strips, which identify the percentage of color in the radial spaces in alignment therewith.

Abstract: A safety trailer for shielding in road workers from flowing traffic includes a wheeled semi-trailer with a long draught bar attached to one side of the trailer and arranged for attachment to one side of the towing vehicle, providing a work area between the trailer and the tow vehicle secure from flowing vehicular traffic, and self-contained safety mounted emergency or warning lights are mounted on the trailer for safety.

Abstract: The foundation-based solar heating system includes a plurality of preformed beams that define a perimeter, the beams being elevated above the earth and receiving a building thereon. The building floor, the beams, and the earth enclosed by the beams define a plenum chamber, and the beams have internal air flow channels therein. One of the beams is south-facing, and carries solar collector means thereon that is connected with the flow channels. Return ducts connect the flow channels on the opposite side of the foundation perimeter to the south-facing beam, and to the solar collector means. The beams are externally insulated, and air flowing through the system heats the plenum chamber and provides a heat source for the building. An air circulating unit assures a flow of circulating air from the plenum chamber through the building, and includes an auxiliary heating element means.

Abstract: A user terminal is provided with two off-loading stations, and at least two separate pressure vessel means are employed to supply natural gas to the user terminal. At least one of the separate pressure vessels is movable to a supply terminal. The off-loading stations are preferably provided with an automatic switchover arrangement to change from one pressure vessel means to another, and the resulting method and system for distributing natural gas assures a continuous supply of natural gas at varying demand rates to the user terminal.

Abstract: An outer cylindrical drum has an inner drum concentrically mounted therein in spaced relationship, to form coextensive outer and inner drying chambers that are connected to a common source of hot exhaust gases from a sugar factory boiler. Raw bagasse is first passed through the outer annular chamber to effect primary drying thereof, and then a portion of the primary dried bagasse is divided from the remainder and is passed through the inner chamber to produce secondary dried bagasse. The conveyance path between the point where the primary bagasse is divided and the inlet of the inner chamber is short in both time and distance to preserve heat in the divided portion, and an entrainment unit is utilized to preheat the divided portion before it enters the inner chamber.

Abstract: A main shroud is open at the bottom, and carries a housing on the upper end thereof. An annular director ring is mounted to extend in spaced relationship about the bottom of the main shroud, and a vertical shaft extends upwardly through the shroud and the housing and is connected with a power unit. An upper blower fan is mounted on the shaft within the housing, and generates an upward flow of air through the harvester. An impeller is mounted on the lower end of the shaft, and includes a mounting ring having external blades thereon which project into the annular space defined by the director ring. The impeller external blades generate a downward flow of air through the annular space, which is directed downwardly and inwardly to dislodge macademia nuts found in ground crevices, so they can be entrained in the upward air flow and discharged from the harvester.