Abstract: A process for preparing an alkoxylation catalyst wherein a catalyst precursor which is formed from an alkoxylated alcohol and an alkaline earth metal compound to form a dispersion of an alkaline earth metal species is reacted with propylene oxide to propoxylate at least a portion of the ethoxylated alcohol.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing earth borehole operations comprising a base or substructure, a mast mounted on the base, a top drive mounted on the mast for longitudinal movement therealong, the top drive having an opening therethrough and a coiled tubing injector mounted on the mast above the top drive such that coiled tubing from the tubing injector can pass through the opening in the top drive, the apparatus being operable to selectively use the top drive to engage and manipulate a component used in borehole operations while the coiled tubing injector is substantially inoperative and selectively operable to use the coiled tubing injector to inject coiled tubing into an earth borehole while the top drive is substantially inoperative or alternatively using the coiled tubing injector to inject coiled tubing into a tubular string being manipulated by the top drive.

Abstract: A control circuit for a coiled tubing injector includes a circuit controller (14). One or more counterbalance valves (3) may be responsive to the circuit controller to prevent the tubing string from descending into the wellbore during rate of penetration movement. In one embodiment, a control valve (4) allows fluid to flow through a bypass line around the counterbalance valves when drilling in a weight-on-bit mode. Other hydraulic control circuits allow for the release of fluid pressure to control the injector hydraulic motor. In yet another embodiment, the control circuit regulates power to an electric motor of the injector.

Abstract: A training aid to teach batters a better swing, particularly the proper hand path of such a swing. The training aid has a head portion with at least one planar or flat surface to strike a practice ball, a neck portion having a first shorter run and a second longer run, the first and second runs being at an angle to one another, and a handle portion. The shorter run of the neck portion is connected to the handle portion while the longer run of the neck portion is connected to the head portion.

Abstract: A system and/or method to control access to medication and/or medical supplies may be implemented by providing secured compartments for the medication spread through a medical facility, such as in or adjacent patient rooms and/or connecting locking mechanisms to the secured compartments. Computers positioned throughout the facility are interfaced to respective locking mechanisms to operate the locking mechanism in response to access codes, which may be transmitted over the network. Additional steps may involve programming an authorization computer for providing access codes in whole or part for use with the computers. One or more access points may be functionally coupled to a computer system and/or to the locking mechanism and accessible to users for entry of requests for access to the secured compartment.

Abstract: A system and/or method to control access to secured compartments in a facility. Computers positioned throughout the facility are interfaced to respective locking mechanisms to operate the locking mechanism in response to access codes, which may be transmitted over the network. Additional steps may involve programming an authorization computer for providing access codes in whole or part for use with the computers. One or more access points may be functionally coupled to a computer system and/or to the locking mechanism and accessible to users for entry of requests for access to the secured compartment.

Abstract: A method for conducting froth flotation using a collector which is primarily hydrocarbon in nature or is a mixture of hydrocarbons with certain oxygenates, the collectors being substantially free of polynuclear aromatics, sulfur and nitrogen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wood composition containing olefin and raw wood materials, the use of said olefins for rendering raw wood materials water repellent, and a method for producing wood materials therefrom. The raw wood materials contain or are made of lignocellulose and are provided in the form of fibers, strands, or chips.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting earth borehole operations comprising a CT system comprising a first carrier with a reel of CT and a CT injector, a second carrier comprising a top drive rig having a mast, and a lifter operative to move the CT injector from the first carrier to an operative or near operative position with respect to the mast on the second carrier.

Abstract: A lubricator for use with a coiled tubing injector comprising an elongated housing having a first end and a second end. There is a guide system disposed in the housing for guiding coiled tubing passing through the housing, a first director proximal the first end of the housing to direct the coiled tubing in a first direction and a second director proximal the second end of the housing to direct the coiled tubing in a second direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing boehmitic aluminas by hydrolysis of aluminum alcoholates in aqueous, alkaline solution. It further relates to aluminas or alumina hydrates prepared by this process and their uses.

Abstract: A method for conducting froth flotation using a collector which is primarily hydrocarbon in nature or is a mixture of hydrocarbons with certain oxygenates, the collectors being substantially free of polynuclear aromatics, sulfur and nitrogen.

Abstract: A marine riser assembly having a first tubular member having an external surface with a plurality of first axially spaced formations, a second tubular member having an external surface with a plurality of second axially spaced formations thereon, a segmented ring in surrounding relationship to the first and second tubular members, the segmented ring having an inner surface with a plurality of formations engageable with the formations on the first and second tubular members, the engageable formations serving to urge the first and second tubular members toward each other when the segmented ring is subjected to radially inwardly directed compressive forces, a sleeve in surrounding relationship to force the engageable formations together and a seal assembly for sealing against external and internal pressure.