Abstract: The present invention relates generally to novel water treatment compositions. More particularly, the invention relates to solid water treatment compositions in the form of a water soluble tablet containing at least one halogen source and at least a pH compensating source in a layered tablet wherein one layer comprises the halogen source and another layer comprises a pH compensating source. Methods for controlling water biofouling and disinfecting water systems, particularly swimming pools and spas, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a detachable style buckle which is detachable from a strap end portion. The detachable end of the strap is attached to a member which is detachable mounted to a buckle body and that can be quickly and reliably detached from the buckle body. The buckle is constructed to releasably retain another strap end portion therein.

Abstract: A portable seat is provided. The seat comprises a cushion device inside a pocket formed by an outer casing. A heat transfer device is carried by the cushion device and is inside the outer casing. The cushion may be reversed permitting the heat transfer device to be immediately adjacent the user or to provide at least a portion of the cushion between the heat transfer device and the user.

Abstract: A centralizer for use in centralizing casing or other tubulars such as tubulars in an oil or gas well comprising an annular body with a bore extending through the body and one or more blades, the centralizer being adapted to fit around a tubular to be centralized, and comprising a tempered metal such as austemperized ductile iron (ADI).

Abstract: The regulator connects to a high pressure fluid supply and regulates the pressure to a downstream apparatus. If an over-pressure occurs, it is vented to atmosphere. An elongate control stem engages a supply seal assembly and a vent seal assembly and moves axially with respect to these seal assemblies to achieve regulation and venting. During high fluid flow, the supply seal assembly and the vent seal assembly are not in the fluid flow path of the regulator which makes the seal assemblies more resistant to erosion from fluid flow. The fluid flow path through the regulator is partially in hollow passageways in the elongate control stem.

Abstract: An animal litter consists of wood particles and wood shavings and baking soda. The wood particles and wood shavings are selected from the group consisting of pine and aspen, to thereby provide a litter with optimal absorbency and odor control characteristics.

Abstract: A low-power gas chromatograph is provided including an optional air sampler module, an injector, an analytical column, a pulsed-flame photometric detector, and a computer system. The gas chromatograph of the present invention is designed for portable use such that the sensitive components of the system are mounted in a way that they are at least partially insulated against shock applied to the instrument. A rugged housing is provided such that the instrument can be used during field operations without destruction of sensitive components due to dropping and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling voltage applied to an electrostatic precipitator is disclosed. This apparatus includes a pulsating, direct current, voltage mechanism that is operable to receive power from a single phase, alternating current voltage source, and a spiral wound filter capacitor, wherein the pulsating, direct current, voltage mechanism is electrically connected in parallel to the spiral wound filter capacitor and the spiral wound filter capacitor is electrically connected in parallel to the electrostatic precipitator. Optionally, a resistor is present to lower the transient voltage rating of the spiral wound filter capacitor. A switching mechanism may be utilized to apply differing amounts of capacitance and inductance in order to apply a range of voltage waveforms to the electrostatic precipitator to potentially maximize particulate collection efficiency for the electrostatic precipitator.

Abstract: A method and corresponding kit for determining the redox status of an organism is provided. The method comprises performing a calorimetric assay of a urine sample by mixing the sample with at least one member of a group of disclosed reagents and an acid and, upon stable color formation, comparing the resulting color to a color scale to indirectly determine the oxidative load, or stress, experienced by that organism. The corresponding kit comprises at least one of the reagents described above, an acid, and a color scale.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for flushing a cavitation plate water intake outboard motor. The invention includes as coupling for attaching the device to a water source such as a hose, a flow passage for directing water through the device and into the outboard motor, and an attachment portion for attaching the device to the outboard motor.

Abstract: An automatic insertion device includes a temperature sensing element structured to provide direct contact between the fluid in a pipeline and the sensor or sensing element. A valve assembly is provided to seal the interior of the conduit from its exterior when the sensing element is in its retracted position.

Abstract: A foam block concrete form having a pair of opposing foam panels spaced parallel from each other, and retained in opposing fashion by a plurality of transverse ties therebetween. Each panel has opposing longitudinal edges having engaging means formed therealong for removably retaining a longitudinal edge having similar engaging means formed therealong when adjacent thereto. The plurality of substantially planar include a web portion separating a pair of opposing flange members encapsulated within respective opposing foam panels along a respective lateral axis.

Abstract: The liquid separator with integral sight glass separates liquids, if present, from gases and allows a technician to visually confirm the presence or absence of liquids in the gas. The present invention is typically used when taking a spot sample from a natural gas pipeline. Spot samples of natural gas are often analyzed by gas chromatographs which do not tolerate the presence of liquids in a sample. If the technician visually confirms the presence of liquids, adjustments to the spot sampling technique can be made to possibly eliminate the creation of such liquids due to poor technique.

Abstract: The Flexible Natural Gas Storage Facility stores natural gas in one or more man-made salt caverns typically located in a single salt dome or in bedded salt. The Flexible Natural Gas Storage Facility can access different sources of natural gas. A first gas source is from a natural gas pipeline(s) and a second gas source is from LNG. Depending on economic conditions, supply conditions and other factors, the Flexible Natural Gas Storage Facility can receive gas from the natural gas pipeline(s) and/or from LNG to fill the salt caverns. Of course, the LNG must be warmed before being stored in a salt cavern.

Abstract: A duct assembly for transporting pressurized fluid therethrough. The assembly includes first and second duct sections. Each of the duct sections has sides extending between opposite ends. Each of the sides join an adjacent side and has a flange extending laterally outward from each end. The first and second sections are positioned in end-to-end relation so that the flanges extending outward from one of the ends of the first section face the flanges extending outward from one of the ends of the second section to define flange pairs. The assembly also includes a plurality of connector pairs. Each of the connector pairs are positioned at one of the ends of the duct sections. Each of the connector pairs includes a first connector spanning adjacent flanges of the first duct section and a second connector spanning adjacent flanges of the second duct section.

Abstract: A urethane based polymer composition is provided that exhibits superior shielding properties during and after exposure to high level radiation. The composite is formed by mixing a liquid isocyanate monomer, preferably 4,4′-diisocyanate monomer with a liquid phenolic resin, preferably phenol formaldehyde resin, and a phosphate ester flame retardant. An optional pyridine catalyst may be added to shorten the cure time. The resulting composition cures at room temperature and can be utilized in several manners, including spraying or pouring the composition prior to curing over radioactive material to prevent leakage of radiation. The uncured composite can be sprayed on the walls of a room or container to prevent leakage of radiation and can also be used to contain radiation prior to demolition. The uncured composite can also be molded into bricks or panels for use in construction.

Abstract: The regulator connects to a high pressure fluid supply and regulates the pressure to a downstream apparatus. If an over-pressure occurs, it is vented to atmosphere. A segmented body reduces production cost. An elongate control stem engages a supply seal assembly and a vent seal assembly and moves axially with respect to these seal assemblies to achieve regulation and venting. Both the supply seal assembly and the vent seal assembly are bi-directional and operate when forces are applied from opposing directions.