Abstract: This invention relates to methods for manufacturing plates bonded to resilient layers, wherein the plate is made of a polypropylene and the resilient layer is made of a polyethylene. Ultrasonic welding used to bond the resilient layer to the plate. In some embodiments, a thin film is applied to a layer of the resilient layer before ultrasonic welding. While the film layer may be located adjacent the plate when welding, the film layer may also be advantageously located on the opposite of the resilient layer from the plate when welding. The film may also be applied to both sides of the resilient layer.

Abstract: An anchor sheet subfloor that includes a laminate having an upper layer of relatively thin flexible rigid sheet material and a bottom layer of a relatively resilient cushioning material. The upper sheet layer can be formed of a plastic or polymer material. In one arrangement, the sheet can be cut and fit within the boundaries of a room and the sheet has sufficient rigidity and mass to remain without distortion or buckling within the room by free floating on the existing floor without substantial attachment to the floor. It can be possible for a sheet to be cut and fit on site to fit the contours of a room to form by itself or in combination with other anchor sheets a free floating smooth subfloor on which can be overlaid decorative covering pieces.

Abstract: This application discloses a relatively thin flexible anchor sheet for installation under carpets or other decorative coverings and a covering module composed of a pre-attached decorative covering and anchor sheet which can be assembled by overlapping hook and loop attachment to an additional covering module to create a complete floor covering of carpet, tile, stone or other material and without attachment to a floor.

Abstract: A pouring spout is described that has sections cut away from the sleeve of the spout contiguous to an exit, as well as a means for setting the maximum distance the inner sleeve can be pushed past the outer sleeve of the spout.

Abstract: This application discloses an anchor sheet and method of installation comprising a laminate with an upper layer of relatively thin, flexible rigid sheet material having on its upper layer a plurality of hooks and a bottom layer of a relatively resilient cushioning material attached to the upper layer, the laminate having sufficient rigidity, thickness, and mass that when combined with an overlying decorative covering, it is stable against buckling. The bottom layer is dimensioned such that there is an overlap area of lower layer along two adjacent edges of the lower layer for detachable attachment of an overlapping portion.

Abstract: An anchor sheet subfloor that includes a laminate having an upper layer of relatively thin flexible rigid sheet material and a bottom layer of a relatively resilient cushioning material. The upper sheet layer can be formed of a plastic or polymer material. In one arrangement, the sheet can be cut and fit within the boundaries of a room and the sheet has sufficient rigidity and mass to remain without distortion or buckling within the room by free floating on the existing floor without substantial attachment to the floor. It can be possible for a sheet to be cut and fit on site to fit the contours of a room to form by itself or in combination wit other anchor sheets a free floating smooth subfloor on which can be overlaid decorative covering pieces.

Abstract: A method and system for the downhole separation and injection of surface water and water contained in a produced mixture from an underground formation of a hydrocarbon well containing hydrocarbon and water. Downhole separation of the produced mixture into a predominately water component and predominately hydrocarbon component is achieved using an oil-water separator. Surface water is delivered to a downhole fluid-driven pump under pressure so as to drive the pump. The downhole-separated predominately water component of the produced mixture is directed to the pump, by way of the pump and combined with surface water to obtain a combined fluid. The combined fluid is directed to a downhole injection formation by way of the pump. Oil is transported to the head of the well either naturally under the eruptive force of the well, or with the assistance of regular artificial lift methods, including gas-lift.

Abstract: A method and system for the downhole separation and injection of a predominately water component of the mixture produced from a naturally flowing or gas-lifted hydrocarbon well. The produced mixture is delivered to a separator located in the wellbore above an injection formation, the separator comprising a gas-liquid separator and an oil-water separator. The produced mixture is admitted to a gas-liquid separator to separate the free gas from the produced mixture. The gas-depleted produced mixture is then admitted to an oil-water separator where the produced mixture is separated into a predominately water component and a predominately hydrocarbon component. The separated gas and the predominately hydrocarbon component are delivered to the surface, separately or commingled. The predominately water is injected in the injection formation accessible through the same wellbore, and located below the separator.

Abstract: This application discloses a relatively thin flexible anchor sheet for installation under carpets or other decorative coverings and a covering module composed of a pre-attached decorative covering and anchor sheet which can be assembled by overlapping hook and loop attachment to an additional covering module to create a complete floor covering of carpet, tile, stone or other material and without attachment to a floor.

Abstract: This application discloses a relatively thin flexible anchor sheet for installation under carpets or other decorative coverings and a covering module composed of a pre-attached decorative covering and anchor sheet which can be assembled by overlapping hook and loop attachment to an additional covering module to create a complete floor covering of carpet, tile, stone or other material and without substantial attachment to a floor.

Abstract: A carpet structure and backing of superior dimensional stability and integrity which is especially useful in a free float system of installation. In one aspect of the invention, a carpet is provided having a selected dimensional stability in which there is (i)a first carpet part having a primary layer with pile substantially covering a first side of the layer, the pile tufted through the primary layer to leave tuft bundles on a second side of the primary layer and a binder encapsulating the tuft bundles, the first part having a predetermined force of expansion and contraction under cycling conditions of temperature and moisture; (ii) a second part in layered relationship to the first carpet part, the second carpet part constructed from one or more layers to have a predetermined resistance to expansion and contraction at least equal to or greater than the force of expansion and contraction of the first carpet part under cycling conditions of temperature and moisture and traffic loads on the carpet pile.

Abstract: This invention relates to generally an apparatus and method for accumulating and discharging a gas under pressure or vacuum to aid the remediation of a contaminated porous medium, such as soil or both. In one aspect, a windmill, an air pump, and a linkage between the windmill and the pump to permit the windmill to drive the pump at a higher differential pressure than the dynamic pressure of the wind. A venting head connected in fluid communication with the pump for placement to interact with a porous medium to be vented at a level above the water table.

Abstract: A head for harvesting and processing a tree is disclosed with drive rollers which can be pivoted away from the grapple arms to enable the head to select a tree from a group of felled trees for processing when the rollers are pivoted back into place.

Abstract: A device and method for self-timed, temporary disabling or latching of an electric circuit. A first portion of the circuit has sensing means for sensing a change in the value of an output signal of a second circuit portion corresponding to a change between logic states. The first circuit portion also includes immobilizing means responsive to the sensing means for temporarily disabling or latching the second circuit portion. The immobilizing means functions after such a change in logic state has occurred and, in addition, when the output signal of the second circuit portion has acquired a value corresponding to a predetermined logic state. Disabling occurs when the immobilizing means turns off a switch of the second portion. Latching occurs when the immobilizing means activates latch means of the second portion, thereby fixing voltage level(s) and corresponding logic state(s).

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of installing wall to wall carpeting of a selected width over an underpad of a selected thickness by attaching hooked tapes of a thickness substantially equal to the thickness of the underpad along the perimeter of the area to be covered by the carpeting. The underside of the carpeting, which is substantially covered with loops, is then attached to the upper surface of the tapes through hook and loop technology. The hooked tape and the underpad are of substantially equal thickness so that the loops on the underside of the carpet will attach to the hooks on the upper surface of the tape. In a further aspect, the underpad has loops substantially covering its lower surface so that the underpad is attached to the floor by a second hooked tape of lower profile than the carpet tape which is used to attach the underpad to the floor.

Abstract: A carpet structure and backing of superior dimensional stability and integrity which is especially useful in a free float system of installation. In one aspect of the invention, a carpet is provided having a selected dimensional stability in which there is (i) a first carpet part having a primary layer with pile substantially covering a first side of the layer, the pile tufted through the primary layer to leave tuft bundles on a second side of the primary layer and a binder encapsulating the tuft bundles, the first part having a predetermined force of expansion and contraction under cycling conditions of temperature and moisture; (ii) a second part in layered relationship to the first carpet part, the second carpet part constructed from one or more layers to have a predetermined resistance to expansion and contraction at least equal to or greater than the force of expansion and contraction of the first carpet part under cycling conditions of temperature and moisture and traffic loads on the carpet pile.

Abstract: This invention relates to a toy supported by a self-generated air-cushion. The toy has a platform, a pillow, a fan and a motor to drive the fan. The platform sits above the pillow. The fan and its motor are located centrally and substantially within the pillow and close to the surface over which the toy hovers. The fan draws air into the pillow and expels air through perforations in a bottom sheet of the pillow. This generates an air-cushion between the pillow and a surface over which the toy hovers. The air-cushion enables the toy to glide along the surface upon application of an external force, such as a push from a child's hand. The platform supports a figure which can be a real or animated character.

Abstract: A body side molding for automobiles. The molding has a rigid base and a cover which is relatively flexible with respect to the base. Covers of disclosed embodiments are of polyvinyl chloride. The base and cover snap together, the cover having retainers on its reverse face, and the base having retainers for engaging the retainers of the cover on its obverse face. The reverse face of the base is secured to a vehicle using double-sided adhesive tape.

Abstract: A method of installing a looped backed carpet is disclosed in which water is applied to the carpet, the carpet is allowed to expand, and the carpet is then affixed in place by a hook and loop system in its expanded state.

Abstract: A straw for a drinking container that is self-ventilating and self-sealing. The straw has two parts, a straw tip and a straw cover. The cover is retained on the straw tip and is movable by manual pressure between a closed position and an open position. The tip has a solid closed top and an open bottom to allow for a straw extension piece to extend into the container for drawing liquid up into the straw. The straw is self-sealing in that a hole in the cover through which a user would suck is sized to sealingly fit the end of the tip in the closed position. In addition, the cover and tip are sealed at the open bottom in the closed position and drainage holes in the tip allow any liquid that falls between the cover and the tip to flow back into the container. The tip has an abutment surface around its perimeter between holes that release liquid in the user's mouth and holes that allow for air intake.