Abstract: A computerized system for transacting the purchase and sale of consumer motor fuels between motor fuel merchants and retail consumers through software on a mobile or desktop connected device for periods in the future through the simultaneous execution of multi-party, multi-layered contingent transactions and pricing algorithms to ensure that all inter-related motor fuel merchant transactions are simultaneously transacted upon a retail consumer purchase execution. Motor fuels include refined products such as gasoline and diesel fuel, renewable fuels (e.g. ethanol, biodiesel), natural gas (including liquefied natural gas), jet fuel and electricity.

Abstract: A computerized system for transacting the purchase and sale of consumer motor fuels between motor fuel merchants and retail consumers through software on a mobile or desktop connected device for periods in the future through the simultaneous execution of multi-party, multi-layered contingent transactions and pricing algorithms to ensure that all inter-related motor fuel merchant transactions are simultaneously transacted upon a retail consumer purchase execution. Motor fuels include refined products such as gasoline and diesel fuel, renewable fuels (e.g. ethanol, biodiesel), natural gas (including liquefied natural gas), jet fuel and electricity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the separation of the water from the oil/gas in the well itself, down-hole, in which gravity is allowed to work on the mixture in a non-vertical section of the well, and then, using separated flow paths, the gravity-separated components pumped to the surface or into a subterranean discharge zone. Detectors are used to control the pumping so as to keep the unsettled/unseparated mixture away from the flow paths. Preferably the discharge zone is chosen to have a formation pressure which is lower than the pressure of the producing zone.

Abstract: A computer-based apparatus for creating subsurface models having a graphical display device, a user input device, means for selecting a region of the world to be modeled; means for providing geophysical and geographical data corresponding to the selected region of the world; means for providing an archive of known geological structures; and means for providing an interface which permits a user to create a subsurface model of the identified region. The invention further involves related computer-based apparatuses for interactive creation of geological subsurface models, for managing geological hypotheses, and for providing information for creation of a geological model.

Abstract: A computer implemented-method of creating subsurface models, including, for example, the steps of: selecting a region of the world to be modeled; providing geophysical and geographical data corresponding to the selected region; providing an archive of known geological structures; and providing an interface which permits a user to create a subsurface model of the identified region. The invention further involves related computer-implemented methods for interactive creation of geological subsurface models, for managing geological hypotheses, and for providing information for creation of geological models.

Abstract: An article of manufacture for use in connection with a computer, said article of manufacture comprising a computer-readable storage medium having a program recorded thereon that enables a user of a computer executing said program to interactively: display data obtained from a subsurface area; select an object from a plurality of different three-dimensional objects; place the selected three-dimensional object within a model of the subsurface area; and transform the selected three-dimensional object to better fit the data obtained from the subsurface area. The invention further involves related methods for interactive creation of a subsurface model.

Abstract: An acoustical method of determining the spherical, or vuggy, porosity in carbonate rock formations, as a function of shear modulus. Total porosity and shear modulus of the formation is measured. Then the intrinsic granular porosity, dry bulk modulus, and spherical porosity are calculated. The carbonate rock is modeled, consisting of a primary host medium composed of carbonate grains with intergranular porosity between them. The model is easily modified to account for the case of intercrystalline microporosity existing within the grains, in addition to the intergranular porosity between them.

Abstract: A composite nonwoven fabric suitable for undergoing pleating to form filtration media includes two nonwoven fabric layers which are adhesively bonded. One layer is an air permeable nonwoven web of continuous filaments. A high loft nonwoven batt of staple fibers is laminated to the nonwoven web layer. The nonwoven batt has a gradient fiber density and includes a first layer of relatively low denier fibers and a second layer of relatively higher denier fibers.

Abstract: An improved nonwoven multi-layered composite article is provided that is well amenable to pleating and service as a depth gaseous filtration medium. The components utilized to form the multi-layered composite consist essentially of polyester continuous filaments and staple fibers (as described in detail hereafter) and are mechanically secured together by needle-punching. At least one surface is lightly resin coated following the needle-punching in order to impart additional stiffness to the overall nonwoven laminated composite. The resulting article is capable of readily undergoing pleating to form a pleated filtration medium. In a preferred embodiment the resulting composite is free of any component that is capable of substantial moisture retention thereby enhancing the stability and shape retention properties of the product over a broader range of operating conditions.

Abstract: Device for administering eye drops from an eye dropper bottle comprising a frame having a first ring member configured to fit around an eye of a person, and a second ring member for supporting the eye dropper bottle while drops are dispensed from the bottle into the eye. The frame includes at least two discrete connecting rods connected to the first and second ring members for maintaining the ring members in a fixed spaced-apart configuration with respect to each other. To reduce the risk of contaminating the drops, the device is configured so that there is no surface of the device which is contactable by drops entering the eye. A handle may be connected to the second ring member for facilitating handling of the device.

Abstract: A toy has a sectional, weighted body with a longitudinal slot. A grooved pulley wheel is rotatably mounted within the body in alignment with the slot, and a cord passes through the slot and under the wheel, engaging in the groove. A hook on one end of the cord adapts it for positioning in an elevated location, so that by raising or lowering the opposite extremity of the cord, the toy gravitates toward the lower end.

Abstract: A construction panel for incorporating into a building or house structure; the construction panel being comprised of a frame consisting of spaced apart vertical studs and transverse top and bottom plates wider than said studs, an insulation board secured to one face of the frame and within a cavity formed by said plates and studs and an, in situ laid concrete-like composition layer comprising expanded mica, expanded polystyrene, and mortar cement applied to the exposed, outwardly facing side of said insulation board, the concrete-like composition layer having a filament mesh reinforcement imbedded therein, the construction panel being manufactured in a plant and transported to a construction site where it is simply installed. Also a novel concrete-like composition useful in producing formed objects, including construction panels.