Abstract: In one aspect of the invention a degradation drum comprises a generally cylindrical body comprising inner and outer diameters. At least one degradation assembly is disposed on the outer diameter and it comprises a holder and a pick shank secured within a bore of the holder. At least one lubricant reservoir is disposed within the inner diameter and is in fluid communication with the bore of the holder through a fluid pathway. In some embodiments, the lubricant reservoir maintains a fluid pressure on the pick shank.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a chain assembly comprises a boom comprising a sliding surface and a plurality of chain links adapted to slide along the sliding surface. At least one polycrystalline ceramic enhanced insert at an interface between the chain links and at least a portion of the sliding surface.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, an outer diameter (O.D.) centerless grinding machine for use in grinding a diamond workpiece has a grinding wheel positioned parallel to a regulating wheel which is adapted to press a cylindrical workpiece into the grinding wheel as the regulating wheel rotates. Electronic equipment may be adapted to adjust a pressure of the regulating wheel against the grinding wheel. Also, a carrier may be adapted to house the workpiece, the carrier being attached to a translation mechanism adapted to move the carrier between the wheels such that the workpiece is in contact with both wheels.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for the extraction of water from air incorporated into a wall of a building has a cavity formed in the wall. The cavity has an air inlet and an air outlet. A condensing surface is disposed within the cavity and is adapted to direct condensed water to a water storage unit. In another aspect of the present invention, the cavity is formed between two different building walls.

Abstract: A drill bit having a bit body intermediate a shank and a working face having at least one cutting insert. A bore is formed in the working face co-axial within an axis of rotation of the drill bit. A jack element is retained within the bore by a retaining element that intrudes a diameter of the bore.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention a trenching machine for degrading natural and man-made formations, comprising a plurality of roller assemblies exteriorly mounted to a trenching boom or wheel. The rollers comprising a plurality of pointed inserts radially arranged along the wheel's outer diameter. The inserts are adapted to degrade the formation when the boom or wheel is activated.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, an outer diameter (O.D.) centerless grinding machine for use in grinding a diamond workpiece has a grinding wheel positioned parallel to a regulating wheel which is adapted to press a cylindrical workpiece into the grinding wheel as the regulating wheel rotates. Electronic equipment may be adapted to adjust a pressure of the regulating wheel against the grinding wheel. Also, a carrier may be adapted to house the workpiece, the carrier being attached to a translation mechanism adapted to move the carrier between the wheels such that the workpiece is in contact with both wheels.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, an outer diameter (O.D.) centerless grinding machine for use in grinding a diamond workpiece has a grinding wheel positioned parallel to a regulating wheel which is adapted to press a cylindrical workpiece into the grinding wheel as the regulating wheel rotates. Electronic equipment may be adapted to adjust a pressure of the regulating wheel against the grinding wheel. Also, a carrier may be adapted to house the workpiece, the carrier being attached to a translation mechanism adapted to move the carrier between the wheels such that the workpiece is in contact with both wheels.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a chain assembly comprises a boom comprising a sliding surface and a plurality of chain links adapted to slide along the sliding surface. At least one polycrystalline ceramic enhanced insert at an interface between the chain links and at least a portion of the sliding surface.

Abstract: A system for reducing oxidation comprises a centralized nitrogen source within a building and a room connected by a tubular structure to the source. The room has a volume and at least a portion of a closed-loop system with a ventilation mechanism and a sensor adapted to control a nitrogen concentration in the room.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a drill bit has an axis of rotation and a working face with a plurality of blades extending outwardly from a bit body. The blades form in part an inverted conical region, and a plurality of cutters with a cutting surface is arrayed along the blades. A jack element is coaxial with the axis of rotation and extends within the conical region within a range defined by the cutting surface of at least one cutter.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a sewer system has a waste material flow path which has an entrance and a downstream digester assembly. At least one in-line agitator is disposed upstream to the digester assembly. The at least one in-line agitator adapted to break down the waste material.

Abstract: A method for recycling a paved surface includes the steps of providing a motorized vehicle adapted to traverse a paved surface; providing the motorized vehicle with a plurality of degradation elements, a plurality of foaming elements and a plurality of compacting elements; each plurality being attached to a carriage slidably supported by a bearing surface of an underside of the motorized vehicle; degrading the paved surface with the plurality of degradation elements as the vehicle traverses the paved surface; foaming rejuvenation material by the plurality of foaming elements into the degraded surface as the surface is being degraded; and compacting the degraded surface and the rejuvenation material into a new surface with the plurality of compaction elements as the foaming elements continue to foam rejuvenation material into the degraded surface.

Abstract: A compaction system, including a first and second array of compaction elements supported by an underside of a motorized vehicle adapted to traverse a degraded surface. A sensor assembly is supported by the motorized vehicle, disposed intermediate the first and second array of compaction elements, and in electrical communication with a controller. The sensor assembly also being adapted to sense a characteristic of an at least partially compacted surface formed after the first array of compacting elements applies a first compaction pressure to the degraded surface. The controller being in electrical communication with the second array of compaction elements and has an input field for a second compaction pressure. The sensor assembly is adapted to input the second compaction pressure into the field and the controller is adapted to adjust the second array of compaction elements to apply the second compaction pressure to the at least partially compacted surface.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a system for the transportation of liquid and solid waste incorporated into a floor of a building has a generally horizontal pipe with a first and second end. A motor is disposed at the first end and an auger is disposed in and along at least a portion of a length of the pipe and is in communication with the motor. The auger is adapted to the transport of liquid and solid waste along the at least a portion of the length of the pipe.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a system for the transportation of liquid and solid waste incorporated into a floor of a building has a generally horizontal pipe with a first and second end. A motor is disposed at the first end and an auger is disposed in and along at least a portion of a length of the pipe and is in communication with the motor. The auger is adapted to the transport of liquid and solid waste along the at least a portion of the length of the pipe.

Abstract: A downhole tool string component having a tubular body having a bore with a central longitudinal axis. An electrical conductor assembly is disposed within the bore of the tubular component, the assembly having signal couplers at first and second ends adapted for a butt connection. Centering assemblies are disposed within each end of the bore and have a plurality of projections extending radially outward from at least a partial central ring disposed around a portion of each end of the electrical conductor assembly, at least one centering assembly comprising a radial opening in the central ring adapted to receive the electrical conductor assembly. The first and second ends of the electrical conductor assembly are substantially aligned to the central axis of the bore at each end by the centering assemblies, the centering assemblies being adapted to allow fluid to pass through the bore.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a drill bit has an axis of rotation and a working face with a plurality of blades extending outwardly from a bit body. The blades form in part an inverted conical region and a plurality of cutters with a cutting surface are arrayed along the blades. A jack element is coaxial with the axis of rotation and extend within the conical region within a range defined by the cutting surface of at least one cutter.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for the extraction of water from air incorporated into a wall of a building has a cavity formed in the wall. The cavity has an air inlet and an air outlet. A condensing surface is disposed within the cavity and is adapted to direct condensed water to a water storage unit. In another aspect of the present invention, the cavity is formed between two different building walls.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a degradation assembly has a holder comprising a first end and a second end and a shank with a longitudinal central bore having an opening at an end proximate the second end. The shank portion of the holder has an inside diameter of the bore and an outside diameter wherein either the inner diameter or the outer diameter comprise at least one recess disposed therein which comprises a depth of less than the distance between the inner diameter and the outer diameters.