Abstract: An excess water control device for a potted plant provides a pot having a side wall, bottom wall, interior, open top, and one or more openings in the bottom wall. A soil mass is contained within the pot interior, occupying the pot interior with a growing plant. One or more wicking feet support the pot, each foot extending from a position below the pot to the pot interior and the contained soil medium. Each foot can be of a larger diameter lower section upon which the pot rests and a smaller diameter upper section that engages the soil mass inside the pot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying an article of clothing employs a button or disk and an oval shaped or elongated receiver or collar. A shirt, blouse, dress or other article of clothing can be modified at any selected location(s) by placing the disk or button behind a portion of the fabric of the article of clothing, encapsulating or twisting the button or disk so that it is covered with the fabric, then pushing the fabric covered button or disk through a second layer or section of the article of clothing. The disk or button with both sections of fabric are then passed through a central elongated opening of the collar or receiver. The collar or receiver then retains the button and the portions of the article of clothing in a position that produces a gathering of fabric, thus modifying the design or look of the garment.

Abstract: An improved multi-bolt and nut torque wrench for installing and removing bolts or nuts from flanged joints or the like which includes a plurality of torque stations having a plurality of high torque wrenches for engaging the heads of the bolts or nuts during a high torque phase of removal or installation; a plurality of low-torque motors operatively engaged with the wrenches for rotating the bolts or nuts during the low torque phase of removal or installation; a source of hydraulic fluid for driving the low-torque motors during the low-torque phase, and driving the high-torque wrenches during the high torque phase; and a mechanism for switching between the two phases depending on the torque needed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of sanitizing drinking water to be dispensed from a water dispenser having a reservoir includes the steps of providing the ozone gas generator that generates an ozone gas stream, transmitting the ozone gas stream from the generator to the water dispenser reservoir, mechanically breaking up the ozone gas stream inside the reservoir to produce ozone gas bubbles, and using the ozone gas bubbles to disinfect water in the reservoir. The ozone gas stream can be mechanically broken up using a pump such as, for example, an impeller type pump.

Abstract: An interlock vessel has an air-tight body having open opposing ends. A portion of the body is designed to fit into a decompression (hyperbaric) chamber, wherein a diver or a patient undergoing a decompression treatment is positioned. The opposing ends are closed by pivotally moveable doors and latching assemblies that retain the door in a closed position until the pressure inside the decompression chamber and the exterior of the chamber is equalized. Both latching assemblies are manually operated.

Abstract: A method of washing fabric articles in a tunnel washer includes moving the fabric articles from the intake of the washer to the discharge of the washer through first and second sectors that are a pre-wash zone. In the pre-wash zone, liquid is counter flowed in the wash interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles. The fabric articles are transferred to a main wash zone, and a washing chemical is added to the main wash zone. At about the same time, counter flow is reduced or stopped. The main wash zone can be heated as an option. After a period of time (for example, between about 20 and 120 seconds) counter flow is resumed or increased. In the wash zone, this is considered an intermediate rinse. After the wash zone(s), the increased counter flow after chemical treatment amounts to a pre-rinse.

Abstract: An ice jacketed cooking apparatus provides a base that supports a plurality of legs that hold a cooking pot at an elevated position above the base. This enables conventional burners to be placed underneath the pot and upon the base during cooking period. A jacket surrounds the cooking pot and enables ice and water to be held in close proximity to the cooking pot and around the cooking pot at a selected time after cooking is completed. The ice enables spicy liquid such as pepper or salt infused water to be cooled quickly without diluting the pepper or spice or salt infused water after cooking is completed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tapping into a pressurized multiple strings of coaxially situated tubulars for wells and/or platforms which have overturned wherein the tapping occurs underwater via a diver or remotely operated vehicle. The assembly includes a tapping tool connectable to the tubular via a saddle connection and an adjustable tapping clamp with adjustable support/locking feet, compression plate with view ports, and angularly adjustable hot tapping system, along with a drill/saw system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring stem nut wear in a valve having a threaded valve stem that is positioned to engage the threads of a stem nut. In a preferred embodiment, a tool is mounted on the stem nut, wherein the tool rotates when the stem nut rotates. The tool indicates a measurement of stem nut rotation. An indicator indicates stem movement. The stem nut is rotated and the amount of percent wear is observed. Rotation continues until the stem begins to move. The tool provides a reading when the stem begins to move that indicates an amount of stem nut wear.

Abstract: A method, system and computer memory for optimally de-identifying a dataset is provided. The dataset from a storage device. The equivalence classes within the dataset is determined. A lattice is determined defining anonymization strategies. A solution set for the lattice is generated. Optimal node from the solution set is determined. The dataset is then de-identified using the generalization defined by the optimal node and can then be stored on the storage device.

Abstract: A rupture panel of three layers employs a lower layer (e.g. foam) that is adhesive, a middle layer (e.g. metallic) and a hold down layer. The middle layer has a weakened portion (scoring, openings, for example) that defines the panel burst pressure. A part of the lower layer does not connect to the middle layer. That part that does not connect to the middle layer adheres to the hold down layer. The hold down layer can be in the form of a ring with an open center, the weakened portion of the middle layer occupying a position within the open center of the hold down layer.

Abstract: A removable blood clot filter includes anchor members with a sharp edge configured so that when the filter is removed the sharp edge aids in passing the anchor members through endothelial tissue. The filter may also include a sharp edge on locator members configured to aid pulling the locator members away from the endothelial tissue.

Abstract: A method for the controlled delivery of a fracturing fluid to a well bore comprises formulating an aqueous base fluid such that it meets or exhibits desired physical and chemical characteristics for an optimal fracturing fluid. The formulation of the aqueous base fluid max involve commingling one or more sources of waste water with a source of fresh water followed by controlled injection of one or more additives. This process is substantially completed prior to delivering the aqueous base fluid to the well site. This allows the delivery of an optimal volume of the aqueous base fluid with homogeneously blended additives to the well bore.

Abstract: A system and method of performing risk assessment of a dataset de-identified from a source database containing information identifiable to individuals is provided. The de-identified dataset is retrieved comprising a plurality of records from a storage device. A selection of variables from a user is received, the selection made from a plurality of variables present in the dataset, wherein the variables are potential identifiers of personal information. A selection of a risk threshold acceptable for the dataset from a user is received. A selection of a sampling fraction wherein the sampling fraction define a relative size of their dataset to an entire population is received. A number of records from the plurality of records for each equivalence class in the identification dataset for each of the selected variables. A re-identification risk using the selected sampling fraction is calculated. The re-identification risk meets the selected risk threshold is determined.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a string of casing from a well bore. The method and apparatus include a plurality of drill bits substantially aligned with each other for drilling a plurality of holes in the string of casing. The plurality of holes can be used to lift the string in casing from the well bore via a series of incremental casing sections.

Abstract: A support platform for enabling a worker to service an oil well next to a wellhead having a valve tree includes: a) a platform having an upper floor, a lower floor and a cellar in between the floors; b) a platform having a periphery, a central opening and radially extending beams; c) a plurality of walls attached to the periphery of the platform, said beams connecting to said walls below said upper floor; d) a drain that enables fluid to drain from the upper floor to the lower floor; e) a coupler that spans between the floors for enabling a connection to be made between the platform and valve tree; and f) a liquid guard or other provision that disallows the escape of fluid from a floor via the central opening.

Abstract: A bedding article for reflux babies and/or other infants or children having a medical condition that requires an inclined sleeping position has anti-rotation features. These features include multiple securements or fasteners between a sling and a base or mattress. These features can include removable blocks (e.g. foam or the like) that are removably attachable to the sling on one or both sides.