Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods are provided which facilitate underbalanced drilling and completion of wells. In a described embodiment of a well control valve, the valve is opened and closed when a drill string is displaced therethrough. A shifting device is carried on a drill bit and deposited in the valve when the drill string enters and opens the valve. The valve is closed and the shifting device is retrieved from the valve when the drill string is tripped out of the well. A packer hydraulic setting tool usable in conjunction with the well control valve in underbalanced completions is also provided.

Abstract: A low cost x-y digitising system is provided for use in consumer electronic devices, such as portable digital assistants, mobile telephones, web browsers and the like. The digitiser includes a resonant stylus, an excitation winding for energising the resonant stylus and a set of sensor windings for sensing the signal generated by the stylus, from which the x-y position of the stylus is determined.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle produces a pressure no more than 3 psi on the ground by increasing the number of contact points on the inner surface of the track. The stiffness of the track is also selected to minimize bowing between the idler wheels or rollers. The track is therefore kept substantially straight between the rollers so increase the efficiency associated with transferring power to track. The drive sprocket is positioned above the ground so as to eliminate complexity in the design and yet effectively transmit power to the tracks. Positioning the drive sprocket above ground also prevents derailing of the track. The track is also held in a constant state of tension on the driver sprocket and the roller. This too prevents derailment. The undercarriage of the vehicle includes torsion axles and sealed bearings to provide for a lower maintenance track. Components associated with the undercarriage do not require constant greasing and cleaning of the idler wheels.

Abstract: An ATV (10), all terrain vehicle, having staddle seating (12) and at least four oversized balloon tires (14, 16, 18, 20), and a frame (22) having front and rear suspensions (28, 30) respectively mounting the tires, has an engine (32) mounted on the frame (22) between left and right frame rails (24, 26), and having a vertical crankshaft (34).

Abstract: A sound absorbing mat includes a substrate having a first face and a second face. The first face of the substrate includes a number of fluffs provided thereon. The fluffs and the substrate are commonly formed from a predetermined material. The first face of the substrate is processed by a cutter to directly form the fluffs thereon. A layer of adhesive is applied to the second face of the substrate. A peelable sheet is releasably attached to the layer of adhesive.

Abstract: A conveyor system having a plurality of segments and articulable joints connecting adjacent segments is disclosed. Each segment is provided with an individually controllable drive unit for moving the conveyor segment over a surface on which the conveyor system is supported. Each joint between segments is provided with a sensor system to measure the amount of articulation at each joint. The conveyor system is further provided with a control system for aligning the segments of the conveyor system. The control system surveys each joint of the conveyor to determine which, if any, joints are out of alignment. The extent of misalignment at each joint is measured and the joint having the maximum misalignment at the time is identified. The maximum velocity at which the overall conveyor system may travel is then limited based on the ratio between the maximum measurable misalignment and the maximum surveyed misalignment.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for removing pollutants from gas streams using a reactor assembly. The reactor assembly includes an inlet, an outlet, at least two electrodes, a catalyst bed, and plasma generated from the electrodes. Electrical energy is applied, and catalytic surfaces enhanced by the plasma results in the reduction of NOx to N2 and oxidation of particulates and hydrocarbons to CO2. Furthermore, the present invention removes NOx, particulate, and hydrocarbons from O2 rich pollutant streams without the need for supplemental additives.

Abstract: A method for depositing a multi-layered protective and decorative coating on an article comprising first depositing at least one coating layer on the article by electroplating, removing the electroplated article from the electroplating bath and subjecting it to pulse blow drying to produce a spot-free surface on the electroplated article, and then depositing, by physical vapor deposition, at least one vapor deposited coating layer on the electroplated article.

Abstract: The holding unit of a vacuum machining device is capable of preventing a work piece from being excessively heated and capable of stably machining the work piece. The holding unit comprises: a holder for holding a work piece; a pressing member for pinching the work piece with the holder; and a heat insulating member being provided to the holder, the heat insulating member contacting the work piece to restrict heat conduction thereto.

Abstract: A high purity cobalt sputter target is disclosed which contains a face centered cubic (fcc) phase and a hexagonal close packed (hcp) phase, wherein the value of the ratio of X-ray diffraction peak intensity, Ifcc(200)/Ihcp(10 {overscore (1)}1), is smaller than the value of the same ratio in a high purity cobalt material obtained by cooling fcc cobalt to room temperature from the high temperature at which it is molten.

Abstract: A method and corresponding apparatus useful for the in situ measurement of atomic hydrogen permeation into carbon steel from process streams under operating conditions of up to 3000 psi and temperatures up to 300° F.

Abstract: A method of shaping a tool comprises the steps of defining a shape of an article to be formed with the tool as a plurality of first elements; defining an initial shape of the tool as a plurality of second elements; determining an electric potential of each of the first and second elements; determining an equipotential line between the article and the initial shape of the tool based on the electric potential of the first and second elements; and forming the tool to have a shape coincident with the equipotential line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the quality, e.g., thickness, porosity, or corrosion rate, of a coating inside a hollow body having an opening. The method comprises attaching a probe from a coating measuring device to one end of an extender arm having a flexible portion therein, placing the probe inside the hollow body through the opening, and making the desired measurements of the coating.

Abstract: A case for holding two compact discs or the like including first and second cover parts pivotally connected together so that they can be pivoted between a closed position facing each other and an open position. The cover parts and the structure for pivotally connecting them together is of the type for holding a single compact disc. A tray comprises a planar body portion and an anchor portion, the tray body portion including an annular rosette of fingers on each side thereof for releasably securing a compact disc thereto, the tray body and the tray anchor being pivotally connected together and the tray anchor being secured to one of the cover parts. As a result, when the cover parts are pivoted to an open position the tray body can be pivoted about the tray anchor to facilitate installation and removal of compact discs from both sides of the tray body.

Abstract: A urinary catheter assembly comprises a urinary catheter (1) having on at least a part of its surface a hydrophilic surface layer (6) intended to produce a low-friction surface character of the catheter by treatment with a liquid swelling medium prior to use of the catheter and a catheter package (7) having a cavity (11) for accommodation of the catheter (1).

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system which includes a floral sleeve having a base portion, which may have a decorative pattern thereon. The sleeve may have an upper sleeve portion which can surround a plant disposed in a pot and which can be detached once the protective function of the upper sleeve portion is complete or which can be used to support the sleeve from a support device prior to use. The sleeve has on its inner surface a bonding material in an offset pattern, which can be used to form a crimped portion in the sleeve or which can be used to attach the sleeve to a pot.

Abstract: An improved system and design of interlocking corner protectors for use with stackable enclosures employs a unique interlocking structure whose geometry allows the protectors to serve as interlocking elements when mated with an identical or compatible protector, and to serve as a foot or spacer when the enclosure is placed on a plane surface. The system and the unique structure allows for efficient production and stockage. A first type of protector, which can be fabricated from a first tool, is useable on any corner of a 90 degree cornered enclosure. A second type of protector, which can be fabricated from a second tool, is useable on any corner which combines 90 degree and 135 degree angles, corner and is compatible with and interlocks with the first type of protector. When applied to suitably dimensioned enclosures, the protectors allow the enclosures to stack and to interlock compatibly with one another, whether the enclosures have 90 degree or 135 degree corners.

Abstract: A protective wrap is disclosed that includes a single solution to protecting rigid angled products that require vertical and horizontal strength of interior forms or posts as well as a resilient cushioning property of a foam based product to prevent damage upon impact from mechanical or manual handling. Many applications will benefit from the opportunity to reduce costs through a reduction in packing materials and in downgrading the corrugated construction or eliminate the exterior protection of corrugated boxes. The protective wrap includes at least one layer of a closed or open cell foam secured between laminated layers of paper or, alternatively, laminated to one layer of laminated paper with the foam exposed. The protective wrap is formed to a rigid right angle, a C-channel, or any angled shape.

Abstract: A fold-in-half shipping/display box has tear-away segments in its front side, and severable perforations in the top and rear walls, whereby once the tear-away segments have been removed and the perforations have been severed, the box can be folded in half to display items contained therein.

Abstract: The patent application discloses an integrated process for reformate upgrading. Such a process enables production of a high value product slate, by incorporating the step of reforming along with reaction/diffusion with a zeolite.

Abstract: A catalytic process is provided for converting a high boiling point range petroleum stream to distillate range product which includes contacting a petroleum feedstock having a boiling range from about 600° F. to about 1100° F. with a hydrocracking catalyst having a zeolite component with a framework silica to alumina ratio of at least 200:1, preferably 2000:1, and a hydrogenation component. The process is conducted under superatmospheric hydrogen partial pressure to effect at least 20% conversion, with at least 50% of the converted product remaining in the boiling range of about 330 to about 730° F.

Abstract: A multi-stage process for removing heteroatoms, particularly organic sulfur and nitrogen components, from liquid petroleum and chemical streams. The feedstream flows countercurrent to the flow of a hydrogen-containing treat gas and is reacted with a first catalyst which is relatively tolerant to sulfur and nitrogen, such as a CoMo supported catalyst. When the level of organic sulfur in the feedstream is less than about 3,000 wppm and the level of organic nitrogen is less than about 1,000 wppm, the feedstream is reacted with said counter flowing hydrogen-containing treat gas in the presence of a catalyst comprised of Ni and a Group VIA metal selected from Mo, W, or both, on a refractory support. The reaction vessel preferably contains vapor and optionally liquid by-pass means in one or more of the catalyst beds.

Abstract: The improved process and apparatus of the present invention for extracting high purity aromatics from gasoline using a glycol solvent based extraction process decrease liquid-vapor flashing, reduce reflux flow rate, and use heat of enthalpy produces at one point as a source of energy used at another point, decreasing energy consumption while significantly increasing purity and amount of product obtained.

Abstract: An electrospray device, a liquid chromatography device and an electrosprayliquid chromatography system are disclosed. The electrospray device comprises a substrate defining a channel between an entrance orifice on an injection surface and an exit orifice on an ejection surface, a nozzle defined by a portion recessed from the ejection surface surrounding the exit orifice, and an electrode for application of an electric potential to the substrate to optimize and generate an electrospray; and, optionally, additional electrode(s) to further modify the electrospray.

Abstract: The invention concerns an inorganic nanofiltration membrane with a detachment threshold between 100 and 200 daltons and comprising: a multichannel ceramic monolith support consisting of a mixture of Al2O3 and of TiO2, a microfiltration membrane separating layer, an ultrafiltration membrane separating layer, preferably consisting of ZrO2, a nanofiltration membrane separating layer, preferably consisting of ZrO2, and obtained by a sol-gel type method. This inorganic nanofiltration membrane is designed for use in the sugar industry, more particularly for treating saline effluents derived from the regeneration of ion exchanging resins used if the refining of cane sugar.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a process and apparatus for treating biosolids resulting from the treatment of biological wastewater streams. The invention relates to autothermal aerobic treatment of biosolids where temperature is controlled by adjusting the amount of shear generated through jet aeration devices. The invention provides for a truly aerobic environment under which thermophilic microorganisms will thrive. The invention also relates to a method and apparatus for controlling foam generated in a treatment reactor.

Abstract: An electrospray device, a liquid chromatography device and an electrosprayliquid chromatography system are disclosed. The electrospray device comprises a substrate defining a channel between an entrance orifice on an injection surface and an exit orifice on an ejection surface, a nozzle defined by a portion recessed from the ejection surface surrounding the exit orifice, and an electrode for application of an electric potential to the substrate to optimize and generate an electrospray; and, optionally, additional electrode(s) to further modify the electrospray.

Abstract: An electrospray device, a liquid chromatography device and an electrosprayliquid chromatography system are disclosed. The electrospray device comprises a substrate defining a channel between an entrance orifice on an injection surface and an exit orifice on an ejection surface, a nozzle defined by a portion recessed from the ejection surface surrounding the exit orifice, and an electrode for application of an electric potential to the substrate to optimize and generate an electrospray; and, optionally, additional electrode(s) to further modify the electrospray.

Abstract: An apparatus for de-watering sludge. A main shaft is rotated about a longitudinal axis at a first rate. A screw shaft coupled to the main shaft is rotated about the longitudinal axis at the first rate. Screw flighting coupled to the screw shaft is rotated about the longitudinal axis at the first rate. A first and second stage drum are rotated about the longitudinal axis at a second rate. Sludge is introduced to a first area defined by an outer surface of the screw shaft and an inner surface of the first stage drum. Moisture is removed from the sludge through a first slot coupled to the first stage drum. The sludge is transported with the screw flighting from the first area to a second area defined by an outer surface of the screw shaft and an inner surface of the second stage drum, the second area being larger than the first area. Moisture is removed from the sludge through a second slot coupled to the second stage drum.

Abstract: An ink jet recording head comprising: a nozzle orifice for jetting ink; an ink chamber communicating with the nozzle; a diaphragm for pressurizing ink in the ink chamber; a piezoelectric thin film on the diaphragm; and an electrode for the piezoelectric thin film wherein the piezoelectric thin film and the electrode are patterned to the same shape.

Abstract: A diffuser master is provided which is manufactured mechanically instead of holographically. The master can be made from a suitable substrate including relatively hard materials such as plastic, glass or metal. A substrate having a first side is worked to form a diffuser surface relief structure thereon. The substrate can be buffed using a buffing agent of a selected grit in order to form surface scratches in the first side of the substrate. The substrate can also be blasted with shot particles in order to form indentations and depressions in the first side. The substrate can alternatively be acid or alkali etched in order to form surface irregularities in the first side. The scratches, depressions or irregularities can be formed in order to create a desired surface relief and hence desired diffuser output characteristics.

Abstract: An electrospray device, a liquid chromatography device and an electrosprayliquid chromatography system are disclosed. The electrospray device comprises a substrate defining a channel between an entrance orifice on an injection surface and an exit orifice on an ejection surface, a nozzle defined by a portion recessed from the ejection surface surrounding the exit orifice, and an electrode for application of an electric potential to the substrate to optimize and generate an electrospray; and, optionally, additional electrode(s) to further modify the electrospray.

Abstract: A pipe stand instrument heater system for heating an instrument within an enclosure supported by a pipe stand. The heater system includes a housing mounted to the pipe stand and a heater unit in the housing. A bracket is provided for mounting the instrument to the housing. The heater unit can be powered by electric, steam or other fluids.

Abstract: Food cooking apparatus having a two conveyor belts, one of which is heated by a platen to provide a moving cooking surface. Since both belts are movable, they are operable to grip a bun heel or crown and convey it along a cooking path between the two belts without disfigurement of the bun. Also disclosed is a quick connect/disconnect feature that allows quick removal of one of the assemblies for cleaning, maintenance and/or belt replacement. This feature has a bracket member which when released allows the removable assembly to slidable disengage from the frame of the apparatus. The food cooking apparatus includes an electrical heating platen with a coil wound in a serpentine manner and spatially distributed to produce high temperature cooking in the early stage of cooking and lower temperature cooking in the later stages of cooking.

Abstract: A heating apparatus for performing heat treatment on a wafer applied with a resist before or after exposure includes a heating plate for heating a wafer which is placed on the heating plate, a light intensity detecting apparatus for irradiating light on the wafer to detect intensity of reflected light from the resist on the wafer, and a control section for controlling heating performed by the heating plate on the basis of the detected intensity of reflected light so that heating amount applied to a plurality of wafers becomes constant. Accordingly, the heating amount of the wafer can be controlled to be constant and variations in dimension of resist patterns can be reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for conductively bonding at least two conductors together. An inductive coil generates a magnetic field when electrical current is run therethrough. A magnetic concentrator is disposed near the inductive coil and adjacent which the two conductors can be positioned for concentrating the magnetic field on the conductors. The concentrator is independent of the conductors. Pressure is applied to the conductors. The concentrator concentrates the magnetic field generated by the inductive coil on the conductors, thereby heating the conductors under pressure and electrically bonding the conductors together.

Abstract: There are provided an induction heating coil for carrying out high frequency induction heating (heating during movement) of a hot rolled steel or the like by surrounding the hot rolled steel or the like which is placed on a plurality of conveying rollers and conveyed, and an induction heating apparatus using this induction heating coil. In an induction heating coil 2 for induction heating a heated body (a thin slab 8 or the like) by surrounding it, a first coil portion 13 wound in a spiral form while transferring in one direction (the direction of the arrow mark &agr;) along a coil axis S and a second coil portion 14 which is connected to a terminal (turn point 18) of the first coil portion 13 and wound back while transferring in the other direction (the direction of the arrow mark &bgr;) along the coil axis S are combined so as to overlap in the non-contact state.

Abstract: The explosion resistant cargo container includes a frame including a main section and an angled projecting section, and is formed from a plurality of support members. The frame is covered with one or more explosion resistant sheets to form the explosion resistant side panels. The explosion resistant panels comprise a plurality of layers of explosion resistant sheets. The explosion resistant panels may also include a sheet of polycarbonate, and may also include padding or insulation placed between layers of the explosion resistant sheets. The side panels and flexible door comprise one or more of explosion resistant sheets, with one or more of the sheets of the plurality of explosion resistant sheets have edges wrapped around and secured to one or more mounting strips, with the edges of the plurality of explosion resistant sheets and mounting strips being bonded together. The mounting strips are currently preferably formed of metal, such as aluminum.

Abstract: A variable-rate, digitally controlled fluid metering device having an electronically controlled 3-way valve, a fluid reservoir, a float valve, a check valve and a pressure relief valve that accurately delivers low flow volumes. The flow rate of the device is the product of reservoir volume and pulse rate when the cycle is long enough to fill and empty the reservoir and is a linear combination of cycle time when the cycle is short enough that the reservoir does not fill or empty completely. This device allows the use of large orifice emitters for delivering low flow rates of fluids, which allows the use of lower quality fluids and/or reduces filtration steps and clogging of emitters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the temperature regulation of components, for example semiconductor circuits, printed circuit boards and the like, in which the components are conveyed on carriers through an inlet slot into a temperature-regulating housing provided with temperature-regulating members and are conveyed out through an outlet slot opposite the inlet slot. The carriers are accommodated by a magazine in the housing, which magazine is provided with adjacently arranged holders and, after the first holder has been loaded, is displaced progressively in one direction from a starting position into successive accommodating positions in which the individual holders of the magazine are loaded one after the other.

Abstract: Sealant 11 is supplied in advance to one or both of the electrical bonding areas 5,6 of the component 3 and the mounting surface 4, and as the component 3 is brought in contact with the mounting surface 4, the sealant 11 is compressed and filled therebetween in a required area. At the same time ultrasonic vibration is applied to the component 3 for generating friction between the electrical bonding areas 5, 6 of the component 3 and the mounting surface 4 in tight contact with each other, so that both electrical bonding areas 5, 6 are melted and ultrasonically bonded together, and thereby the component 3 is mounted on the mounting surface 4.

Abstract: An articulable food container. The food container is articulable from and between a first open position to a second closed position. In the first open position the food container can receive food. Additionally, the user may eat from the food container while it is in the first open position. In the second closed position, the food container covers or encloses the food. The closed position is useful for storing the food, heating the food, transporting the food between the point of service and the point of consumption, and/or disposing of the remnants of the food once the meal is completed. The food container may take the form of a plate, bowl, tray, clam shell, or other known configurations.

Abstract: An information detection apparatus and information detection method for processing recording media to ascertain validity of checks and other negotiable instruments and print as necessary on the recording media. The information detection apparatus for processing recording media comprises in sequence along transportation path 1009 from the insertion opening 1006 a recording medium transportation mechanism 1003, printing mechanism 1004, and reading mechanism 1005. When a recording medium 1008 is transported by transportation mechanism 1003 along transportation path 1009 to a predetermined position, the check is positioned between presser roller 1051 and a detector 1052 of reading mechanism 1005. Presser roller 1051 then presses recording medium 1008 against detector 1052 while transportation mechanism 1003 pulls the recording medium and particular information recorded to the recording medium is detected. This operation straightens wrinkles and removes slack from recording medium 1008 to reduce reading errors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of reading a pattern comprising steps of heating or irradiating with infrared light a substrate on which a transparent pattern is formed, the pattern containing a material capable of absorbing infrared light of specific wavelength such as polyacrylonitrile, and detecting infrared light which is radiated or reflected from the pattern.

Abstract: An optical reader, for example a field of view reader or a flying spot scanner for reading a printed indicia such as a bar code symbol includes a light source and a light detector, and at least two channels associated with the detector for carrying signals corresponding to light detected by the detector at different resolution levels, thus simplifying the decoupling of signals allowing a single reader to be used regardless of the resolution level of the indicia to be read.

Abstract: An electrospray device, a liquid chromatography device and an electrosprayliquid chromatography system are disclosed. The electrospray device comprises a substrate defining a channel between an entrance orifice on an injection surface and an exit orifice on an ejection surface, a nozzle defined by a portion recessed from the ejection surface surrounding the exit orifice, and an electrode for application of an electric potential to the substrate to optimize and generate an electrospray; and, optionally, additional electrode(s) to further modify the electrospray.

Abstract: A powered dispenser for dispensing individual paper towel segments from a continuous roll of paper provided with spaced lines of tearing comprises a housing, a support for the roll of paper, a feed mechanism, and a control device. The control device senses the presence of a user to activate the feed mechanism, controls the amount of material which is dispensed from the housing for any one cycle, and prevents further dispensing of the paper until the previous segment is separated from the roll. The control device detects the leading edge of the paper to initiate monitoring of the length of paper to be dispensed to prevent any cumulative error in dispensing the segments.

Abstract: A hand support device for use with a computer pointing device relieves repetitive motion stress and includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and a perimeter surface connecting the top surface and the bottom surface. The top surface includes: a palm support region, that is an inclined planar surface; a little finger support portion extending from the palm support region; a thumb support region extending from the palm support region; a front index positioned on a side of the palm support region, and between the little finger and thumb support regions; and a side index adjacent to and extending from the palm support and thumb support regions. The bottom surface facilitates sliding of the hand support device on a work surface. The hand support device reduces stress and risk of injuries resulted from repetitive motions by encouraging the user of a computer pointing device to employ two fields of motion to control the pointing device.

Abstract: An actively controlled valve for a piston compressor comprises a valve plate (2) and a counter-plate (3), each of which has passage openings (21, 31). The valve plate (2) is journalled in such a manner that it is rotatable about the longitudinal axis (A) of the valve and relative to the counter-plate (3). A drive device (4) is provided which is rotationally fixedly connected to the valve plate (2) in order to rotate the latter relative to the counter-plate (3).

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a fire-fighting concentrate composition comprising