Abstract: A method of separating solids and hydrocarbons from oil sands material has the steps of: mixing the oil sands material with water to create an oil sands slurry, the oil sands slurry comprising hydrocarbons, sand, water and a bubbling agent, the oil sands slurry being free from added surfactants, the bubbling agent comprising metal compounds present in the oil sands material that act as a catalyst; and conditioning the oil sands slurry such that: the bubbling agent produces bubbles within the oil sands slurry; at least a portion of the sand settles out from the oil sands slurry; and the bubbles interact with the hydrocarbons to produce a hydrocarbon froth at a top of the oil sands slurry. Metal compounds may be extracted from the oil sands slurry to be reused as a catalyst or as a source of revenue.

Abstract: This invention relates to an integrated apparatus and method for inspection of a container adapted to hold a pressurized gas. The integrated apparatus comprises (i) an imaging device configured to obtain image data corresponding to the container and to transmit the image data to a central station, (ii) a sound detecting device configured to obtain acoustic data corresponding to the container and to transmit the acoustic data to the central station, (iii) optionally an odor detecting device configured to obtain odor data corresponding to the container contents and to transmit the odor data to the central station, (iv) wired or wireless electronic circuits in communication between each device and the central station for transmitting signals, the signals including the data, to the central station, and (v) the central station configured to receive the data transmitted by each device.

Abstract: A cryogenic air separation plant and method of operation wherein, after an interruption in operation, liquid from the sump of a lower pressure column and liquid from the sump of a higher pressure column is passed to a condenser, preferably an argon column top condenser, prior to the restarting of the plant.

Abstract: A control system for an actively cooled cryogenic biological preservation unit wherein vapor flow into or out of the unit or a proxy thereof is sensed by a flow sensor signaling a controller which modulates cryocooler refrigeration into the unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to an integrated apparatus and method for inspection of a container adapted to hold a pressurized gas. The integrated apparatus comprises (i) an imaging device configured to obtain image data corresponding to the container and to transmit the image data to a central station, (ii) a sound detecting device configured to obtain acoustic data corresponding to the container and to transmit the acoustic data to the central station, (iii) optionally an odor detecting device configured to obtain odor data corresponding to the container contents and to transmit the odor data to the central station, (iv) wired or wireless electronic circuits in communication between each device and the central station for transmitting signals, the signals including the data, to the central station, and (v) the central station configured to receive the data transmitted by each device.

Abstract: A support for providing quick, secure bracing and alignment for concrete forms for placements up to two feet tall. The brace is configured as a triangle and includes horizontal and vertical legs fabricated from channel stock. A turnbuckle functions as the diagonal leg of the brace and allows for adjustment of the horizontal and vertical legs. The channel stock is provided with holes of various sizes whereby the channels may be secured to different surfaces (the form and the grade surface).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for supplying respiratory oxygen to a patient where the oxygen flow is monitored so as to be control and conserve in response to the patient's pulse rate and blood hemoglobin saturation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for supplying respiratory oxygen to a patient where the oxygen flow is monitored so as to control and conserve oxygen in response to the pressure in the nasal passages of the patient.

Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of a plant such as a cryogenic rectification plant wherein process parameters are quantitatively determined and then are qualitatively categorized to establish by reference to a rule set the general adjustment required for a plant element prior to determining the numerical adjustment for that element.