Abstract: An apparatus for transporting in an air-conditioned environment animals. The apparatus uses crushed ice to air-condition an insulator animal container at approximately 74 degrees Fahrenheit in ambient temperatures up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 hours on one twenty pound charge of ice. The preferred embodiment is self-contained providing storage for the animal, ice, and electric power for a ventilation fan plus food and water. The device operates on 12 volts DC and may serve to transport animals in enclosed motor vehicles and common carriers including airline. An intrinsically safety backup system will keep the animal cool, provided ice is present, upon failure of the ventilation fan. An alternate embodiment is described for use by animal handlers in mini-vans and the like.

Abstract: An adapter for retrofitting to a stock engine for use in performance racing. The adapter is fitted between a stock air filter and a stock throttle or carburetor and provides a safe and secure mounting point for nitrous oxide/fuel injection nozzles or spray bars. Two embodiments are disclosed: the first for use directly between the air filter and the throttle body or carburetor and the second for installation using standard air hoses.

Abstract: A railroad grade crossing warning device designed to operate at un-guarded grade crossings without the need for expensive train detection sensors. The system utilizes the sound of an approaching locomotive horn or whistle to activate a warning at a grade crossing. The preferred device is self contained and is powered by solar panel and storage battery to provide a flashing strobe warning on the approach of a train.

Abstract: A rotary plate feeder valve for use in pressurized pneumatic conveying systems. The valve comprises a rotary plate that is fed from a central inlet and has one or more discharge outlets. Material transfer is controlled by rotary plate speed, depth of deposit of material from the inlet onto the rotary plate, and by plows that move in or out along the rotary plate thus plowing material from the plate into an associated discharge port. Due to high clearances within the valve, the valve may be used with abrasive materials, delicate materials and foodstuffs.

Abstract: A circular check valve with a central aperture is disclosed. The preferred use as a standing head valve for reducing hydrostatic pressure in a wellbore being produced by a reciprocating pump is discussed. In this application the circular check valve allows the a sucker rod, or equivalent source of pumping energy, to pass. The device is attached to the pump barrel in communication with pump chambers and the production tubing. The check valve device isolates the pump internals and the formation from the hydrostatic head of the produced fluid. The device eliminates pump-off and thus fluid pounding resulting in more efficient pumping and less maintenance. Other uses for the circular check are described.

Abstract: A degradable compound, which may be used as a ball sealer and as an fluid loss additive for use in the oil and gas industry is disclosed. The compound comprises a particular composition of matter and injection molding technique that provides a ball sealer which will dissolve in stimulation or wellbore fluids after stimulation operations are complete. In a similar manner the compound may be used as a fluid loss additive which enhances the fracture filter cake and will dissolve completely after use in fracturing operations. Used as a ball sealer, the surface of the ball sealer softens slightly assuring a solid seal between the ball and the casing perforation. The pure composition when dissolved into wellbore fluids does not pose a hazard and has excellent dispersion in aqueous based wellbore fluids. The same composition, may be combined with fiber-glass to manufacture a high temperature ball sealer.

Abstract: An Offshore Personnel Transfer System moving men and materials between an offshore platform, or any oil and gas facility such as semi-submersibles, jack-ups, and the like, and a workboat is disclosed. The system does NOT require any special equipment on the workboat and is self powered deriving its energy from standard energy sources found on offshore facilities. Furthermore the system is comprised of standard off-the-shelf components.

Abstract: A spray bar pair for use in the performance car industry is disclosed. The spray bar pair may be installed in a spray bar plate for mounting in the air flow from the throttle valve and injects a well mixed mixture of fuel and gas into the intake manifold of an engine. The spray bar pair utilizes carefully a chosen pattern of spray apertures set at such angles in the spray bar pair to ensure proper mixing. Several methods of use for the improved spray bar pair are given.

Abstract: A universal utility usage data gathering system that is capable of operating with any other read pad data gathering system, regardless of protocol. The universal system comprises of two components. One—a transponder which is the actual device that accumulates utility usage and will transfer accumulated usage to a reader/interrogator system. Two—the universal reader/interrogator, which will universally read any transponder for which the reader is programmed to accept from the transponder read pad. The universal reader/interrogator is based on standard micro-electronic chips and utilizes a multi-tapped antenna making the device capable of communicating with any transponder. The universal reader/interrogator will determine what protocol from any transponder.

Abstract: A waste liquid collection system for use in continuous arteriovenous or venovenous hemodialysis (CAVH or CVVH) is disclosed. The system comprises a collection vessel and associated interconnection lines which can be preset to given volume of waste liquid to be removed from the dialysis machine in a given period of time. Once the volume is reached, the collection vessel stops waste liquid flow until the vessel is emptied and reset. The system guaranties that excess liquid will not be removed from a patient.