Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for moistening and handling at least one bale. The apparatus includes an open-topped tank for containing a liquid for moistening the at least one bale, a base and a mast assembly extending upwardly from the base. The mast assembly is rotatable about its longitudinal axis. The apparatus further includes a boom carried by the mast assembly. The boom is moveable between a lowered position and a raised position relative to the base. There is also provided a bale gripping device that depends from the boom. The bale gripping device includes a bale guide for maintaining the at least one bale engaged in a submerged position within the tank to facilitate moistening of the at least one bale. A method of moistening and handling at least one bale is also disclosed.

Abstract: A road shoulder working, grooming and compacting apparatus is configured to demountably cooperate with self-propelled operator-controlled machines. The apparatus comprises a first component for controllably working an outer portion of a road shoulder region to urge granular aggregate materials therefrom toward and onto a road surface, a second component positioned posterior to the first component and vertically movable between disengaged and engaged positions for controllably transferring granular aggregate material from a road surface to a road shoulder region, and a third component positioned posterior the second component for controllably distributing, grooming and compacting granular aggregate materials contained within the road shoulder region. The first and third components are movable between raised retracted positions and laterally-deployed lowered positions for engaging and working road shoulder regions while the self-propelled operator-controllable machine travels along a road surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for managing account information and website information for a user having at least one messaging account. The system comprises: an account management module, a central message processing module and a message retrieval module. The account management module establishes an account for the user, the account having an account name based on a telephone number associated with the user; associates the account with all messaging accounts; and stores all required access information for all messaging accounts. The central message processing module collects, stores and presents information regarding messages processed by the all messaging accounts. The message retrieval module periodically and automatically accesses all messaging accounts, retrieves any messages being sent to the accounts and forwards the any message to the central communication processing module in the system.

Abstract: Three methods for improving the blocking ability of gels by improving the performance of gels in fractured reservoirs are provided. First method utilizes overload of a crosslinker, the second method utilizes a combination of crosslinker overload and aged crosslinker, and the third method utilizes a step of crosslinker pre-flush. These methods may be combined to further improve the performance of gels in fractured reservoirs. All methods utilized Chromium (III) acetate as a crosslinker. These methods outperformed the base formula of Chromium/polymer typically used in the field.

Abstract: A training apparatus configured for skating-type sports whereon a user can perform training, exercising, strengthening and conditioning while wearing footgear designed for use in skating-type sports. The training apparatus comprises a pair of interconnected opposed matching elongate platforms extending backward and away from each other preferably at an angle equal to or less than 90°. Each platform is provided with an abrasion-resistant exercise surface assembly configured to slidingly communicate with and to controllably engage and disengage a user's footgear. Each platform is provided with a controllably pivotable and lockable foot stop assembly. The training apparatus is provided with an electronic device configured to measure, monitor, record and report at least one of a user's vital signs and a physical performance criterion associated with skating-type motions and activities. The training apparatus is optionally provided with a vertically adjustable knee brace apparatus.

Abstract: A modular process for organosolv fractionation of lignocellulosic feedstocks into component parts and further processing of said component parts into at least fuel-grade ethanol and four classes of lignin derivatives. The modular process comprises a first processing module configured for physico-chemically digesting lignocellulosic feedstocks with an organic solvent thereby producing a cellulosic solids fraction and a liquid fraction, a second processing module configured for producing at least a fuel-grade ethanol and a first class of novel lignin derivatives from the cellulosic solids fraction, a third processing module configured for separating a second class and a third class of lignin derivatives from the liquid fraction and further processing the liquid fraction to produce a distillate and a stillage, a fourth processing module configured for separating a fourth class of lignin derivatives from the stillage and further processing the stillage to produce a sugar syrup.

Abstract: A vibrostimulation device for slidingly communicating with tactile receptors in a human body. The device comprises an elongate vibrator module and a handle component configured for releasably engaging and rotationally communicating with the vibrator module. The vibrator module comprises a vibrating end portion containing therein an electrically controllable vibratory apparatus interconnected by a resilient shock-absorbing coupler to a power supply module. The resilient shock-absorbing coupler is configured to extend the vibrating portion away from the power supply module at an acute angle. The handle component comprises a base portion configured for releasably engaging and rotationally cooperating with the power supply module of the vibrator module, a vertical member pivotably cooperating with the base portion, and a cantilevered upper portion extending outward from the vertical portion.

Abstract: A pill crusher has a paper cup receptacle having an upwardly open, frusto-conical recess for receiving a paper cup, a plunger having a frusto-conical shape complimentary to that of the recess, the plunger being above and coaxial with the recess, an electric motor and a reciprocating drive transmission between the electric motor and the plunger for displacing the plunger into and out of the recess. The reciprocatory drive transmission comprises a worm and nut drive transmission for rotating the plunger while displacing the plunger into the receptacle. A drive control connected to the electric motor controls the motor so as to displace the plunger into and out of the recess.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of utility trailers and more specifically, to a covered utility trailer and a kit for assembling same. The covered utility trailer includes a trailer bed for supporting cargo. The trailer bed has a leading edge, an opposed trailing edge spaced apart from the leading edge and a pair of first and second, spaced apart, side edges joining the leading edge to the trailing edge. A pair of first and second, spaced apart, sidewalls and a leading wall are also provided. Each sidewall extends upright from a respective side edge of the trailer bed. The leading wall is mounted between the first and second sidewalls and extends upright from the leading edge of the trailer bed. A rear cargo access door assembly is disposed opposite the leading wall and between the first and second sidewalls. The rear cargo access door assembly extends upright from the trailing edge of the trailer bed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at a water collection device which condenses water vapour in atmospheric air to water. The device comprises means for drawing the atmospheric air into the device; means for condensing the moisture vapour in the atmospheric air into water, and means for collecting the water.

Abstract: A self-extracting service module for piping infrastructures comprises a platform on which is mounted equipment for controlling and or monitoring the flow of liquid or gaseous media throughout the piping infrastructures. A first remote-controllable pipe coupling system is interconnected with the equipment inlet and a second pipe coupling system is interconnected to the equipment outlet. The platform is attached to actuators positioned near each corner of the platform. The actuators cooperate with at least one pressure-driven device. The service module is extracted from the piping infrastructure by isolating the equipment from the flow of liquid media after which, the pipe coupling systems are remotely disengaged from the piping infrastructure inlet and outlet. The actuators are operated to move the platform from within the piping infrastructure to a position where service work is easily performed on the equipment without the attendant hazards and constrictions associated with confined spaces.

Abstract: A self-extracting service module for piping infrastructures comprises a platform on which is mounted equipment for controlling and or monitoring the flow of liquid or gaseous media throughout the piping infrastructures. A first remote-controllable pipe coupling system is interconnected with the equipment inlet and a second pipe coupling system is interconnected to the equipment outlet. The pipe coupling systems are remotely manipulable for engaging and disengaging the equipment with piping infrastructure inlets and outlets. The platform is attached to actuators positioned near each corner of the platform. The service module is extracted from the piping infrastructure by first isolating the equipment from the flow of liquid media after which, the pipe coupling systems are remotely disengaged from the piping infrastructure inlet and outlet. The actuators are then operated to move the platform from within the piping infrastructure to a position where service work is easily performed on the equipment.