Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the specific weight of a dry particulate bulk commodity while said commodity is within a transportation vessel, using an array of pokers, these pokers equipped with the means of emitting lateral vibrations into the surrounding commodity and simultaneously creating an air flow through that dry commodity towards the nearest poker of the array.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the specific weight of a dry particulate bulk commodity while said commodity is within a transportation vessel, using an array of pokers, these pokers equipped with the means of emitting lateral vibrations into the surrounding commodity and simultaneously creating an air flow through that dry commodity towards the nearest poker of the array.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the volume reduction of fine particulate by either promoting the dense packing of the discrete solid particles using a poker equipped with at least one paddle for mixing the particles and imparting vibration or by injecting the finest tailings fractions into the open void spaces between the coarser grains.

Abstract: A method is given which it is believed will lead to better ground treatment results for both engineering and environmental purposes. The novel advancement over conventional equipment and machines (called pokers) suggested herein is that rather than simply deploying a single ground improvement poker at a time, a triangular array of three pokers, deployed from a single mobile carrier, be activated in the ground together and simultaneously at a particular location. Considerable synergetic advantages are anticipated not only by the mutual interaction of multiple machines in close proximity, but also by the ability to excite the three individual pokers at different frequencies and/or phase relationships with respect to their partners. In the special case of the equipment previously disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus are given for the efficient and effective thorough inspection and remote examination of the contents of metal container cargo. This involves the use of a non-metallic box which fits inside a normal freight container and with securable doors to allow normal packing and removal of cargo. An attached handle would facilitate its withdrawal onto a platform during examination and for subsequent re-insertion into the metal container. An associated yoke containing an array of sensing devices and observation instruments is positioned at the platform to determine the contents non-invasively.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus are given for permitting fluid of any viscosity to be Injeted into a delicate cavity or body space at virtually any rate of flow while minimizing the potentially deleterious deformations of the cavity walls which would otherwise accompany the rapid injection of a non-compressible fluid. The apparatus allows for the transmission of vibrations through the cavity fluid. It also offers the potential for dislodging and removing solids from the cavity by utilizing the hydraulic drag forces associated with relatively high fluid velocities safely attainable using this method and apparatus.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus are given for the efficient and effective thorough inspection and remote examination of the contents of metal container cargo. This involves the use of a non-metallic box which fits inside a normal freight container and with securable doors to allow normal packing and removal of cargo. An attached handle would facilitate its withdrawal onto a platform during examination and for subsequent re-insertion into the metal container. An associated yoke containing an array of sensing devices and observation instruments is positioned at the platform to determine the contents non-invasively.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the structure of saturated masses of granular materials. The apparatus comprises an axially elongated probe having a generally cylindrical side wall and upper and lower ends, the lower end being adapted to penetrate the mass, the side wall having a screen portion to restrict the passage of particles therethrough, and to pass water therethrough into a space within the probe. There is a vibrating member located within the probe and generally adjacent the screen portion to generate a vibrating force within a region of the mass. At least one impeller blade is located within the probe generally adjacent the vibrating member to generate a low pressure zone to draw the water from said region into the space. A discharge conduit communicates with the space associated with the screen portion and the conduit extends upwardly to the upper end of the probe.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the structure of saturated masses of granular materials. The apparatus comprises an axially elongated probe having a generally cylindrical side wall and upper and lower ends, the lower end being adapted to penetrate the mass, the side wall having a screen portion to restrict the passage of particles therethrough, and to pass water therethrough into a space within the probe. There is a vibrating member located within the probe and generally adjacent the screen portion to generate a vibrating force within a region of the mass. At least one impeller blade is located within the probe generally adjacent the vibrating member to generate a low pressure zone to draw the water from said region into the space. A discharge conduit communicates with the space associated with the screen portion and the conduit extends upwardly to the upper end of the probe.

Abstract: Saturated sand or silt is densified at depth by applying a radially propagated lateral translation force within a region of the soil, while water is actively withdrawn from such region toward the point of application of such force. A densification device incorporating the foregoing principle has a mechanism which imparts to the region surrounding the device cyclic lateral displacements which act axi-symmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the device; and, a filtered cavity and pumping mechanism for withdrawing water from the region surrounding the device.

Abstract: A method of constructing an underwater fill in a manner which enables the formation of a dense fill pile having steep side slopes and having an improved capability to resist erosion. The method comprises withdrawing water from fill deposited at an underwater construction site as fresh fill is added to the underwater fill pile.Apparatus for performing the method comprises a perforated conduit, pumping means for pumping water and a closed conduit for water communication between the perforated conduit and the pumping means. Operation of the pumping means withdraws water from underwater fill surrounding the perforated conduit for passage through the conduits and discharge from the pumping means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the extraction of petroleum from tar sands, bituminous shale, and other petroleum bearing materials, and the separation of the extracted petroleum into its several fractions.

Abstract: A veneer product of a supporting stratum and a veneer of naturally-occurring, slabable stone material is provided where the thickness of the veneer of the stone material is such that it would not otherwise be generally capable of being manoeuvred or handled without breaking. Such stone material as marble, granite, and other architecturally useful and decorative materials are particularly contemplated. The supporting stratum may be such as plywood; but is more usually a cellular honeycomb material adhesively bonded to one surface of the thin stone material slab.