Abstract: Motorized single-machine multi-pump apparatus and closed-loop methodology interconnected with a gas pipeline at a natural gas production well, using pressurized gas flow and differential pressure to drive a pumping system regulated by pneumatic controls using self-generated clean, low-pressure instrument air. The apparatus is connected to the gas flow line and the outlet is connected back into the gas flow line at lower pressure, creating a differential pressure corresponding to the source of motive power for actuating a piston which is directly connected to a plurality of plungers. This plurality of plungers is alternately pushed into and pulled out of corresponding plunger-cylinders for creating an integral drive and pump system prerequisite for gas well site pumping operations. Instead of venting to the atmosphere, well gas is returned to the flow line whereupon only clean air from the self-generated instrument air circuit is vented into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A vaulting pole apparatus having a predetermined angular displacement at an end of a vaulting pole, attributable to the vaulting pole being constructed with an inherent structural deviation located along and offset from its longitudinal axis. The vaulting pole may be constructed with a fixed structural deviation or with a removable structural deviation, wherein an end of the vaulting pole deviates or is offset from the vaulting pole's central longitudinal axis. Embodiments of this structural deviation may be fixed during vaulting by a vaulter athlete or may be adjustable by a vaulter athlete in real-time or near-real-time.

Abstract: Tide change apparatus and methodology for converting tidal energy into usable mechanical and electrical energy using wedge-hinge assemblies. Electricity is generated by transfer of mechanical energy from both incoming and outgoing tidewaters to an electrical generator. A pair of wedge-hinge assemblies mounted atop semi-submersible barges to enable water to alternately flow into and out of a retention pond relative to a corresponding main body of water in accordance with natural tidal flow.

Abstract: An apparatus for safely and efficiently purging refrigerant lines interconnected with residential and light commercial air conditioning systems. Enhanced safety is achieved by enabling the operator to conduct purge operations away from enclosed areas such as attics and crawlspaces. Efficient use of solvent is achieved by simultaneously connecting a refrigerant line connector to the evaporator end of both suction line and liquid line and discharging solvent and compressed gas through a solvent bridge connected to the compressor end of the liquid line. Thorough contaminant removal enables retrofitting air conditioning systems for use with newer, legally required refrigerants.

Abstract: A methodology for customers seeking to purchase a meal from a food service vendor such as a restaurant, a cafeteria, or a vending machine, by ordering a food preparation based upon menu-selections. In addition to receiving ordered food, customers receive suggestions for optionally modifying their food orders based upon nutritional benefits and other criteria. Either during real-time customer-ordering or during post-ordering, a food-service vendor presents a customer suggestions specific to a pending tentative or completed order, wherein the customer may enjoy purported nutritional benefits by electing to follow these suggestions and thereby modify the tentative order into a corresponding completed order. Alternatively, the customer may elect to ignore these suggestions, but may nonetheless decide to effect such food-ordering modifications during subsequent visits.

Abstract: Repairs and overhaul procedures are scheduled and implemented with a surprisingly low frequency. Repair and overhaul procedures are implemented wherein conventional noise suppression exhaust sound attenuation systems receive structural and functional enhancements for promoting longevity of efficient system operations. Degradation deficiencies of conventional configurations of sound attenuation systems for exhaust augmenters and deflector panels are avoided or prevented so that insulation re-packing rates may be minimized. Apparatus and associated methodology establish and implement maintenance protocols for installing specially-designed kits in existing sound attenuation systems.

Abstract: Dietary food supplement compositions which promote the ability to quell adverse common cold symptoms while simultaneously reducing blood pressure and sustaining blood sugar equilibrium. Food supplement compositions comprising specially-formulated combination of ingredients derived wholly from naturally-occurring foods, including specially formulated combinations of jalapeno peppers, bell peppers, garlic, almonds, lemons, and vinegar. Such formulations have been found to attenuate the duration and severity of common cold symptoms without jeopardizing the health and well-being of individuals suffering from diabetes and other medical conditions sensitive to blood pressure and to blood sugar fluctuations. These food supplement formulations afford diabetic patients regimen for treating common cold symptoms, and for simultaneously sustaining safe blood pressure and blood sugar equilibrium.

Abstract: An integrated system for monitoring sap flow and simultaneously performing data-logging and automatically scheduling irrigation in a field; comprising a plurality of in situ sap flow gauges that perform its comprehensive computer-controlled tasks in the field being irrigated. This plurality of sap flow gauge can be detached from and reattached to a like plurality of plant stems as appropriate. A scaling mechanism is used to calculate crop water usage in variously-sized fields. An integrated portable computer apparatus is programmed to perform a plurality of actions including sap flow monitoring via a controller and data-logger; data-logging and automatic irrigation scheduling; a plurality of sap flow gauges; an automatic rain gage; a water meter; an irrigation valve actuator; and any auxiliary and independent weather or soil monitoring sensors. The system is connected to a PC, mounted in a weatherproof enclosure, and powered by rechargeable battery, solar panel, or AC mains power with battery backup.

Abstract: Benzodiazepine withdrawal induced anxiety is treated by administration of an enkephalinase inhibitor, and a gamma-aminobutyric acid (“GABA”) precursor, or an endorphin or enkephalin releaser. These components promote restoration of normal neurotransmitter function and are non-addictive. Use of the enkephalinase inhibitor D-phenylalanine, the GABA precursor glutamine, the serotonin precursor 5-HTP, glycine, and taurine, in combination with coenzymatic functionality of folic acid is preferred for activation of ligand-gated Cl? channel in the central nervous system. Food supplement embodiments provide the human body nutritional supplements to intake certain neurotransmitter precursor substrates, thereby enabling patients of all ages to self-regulate their ability to quell perturbations to equilibrium and simultaneously to adverse effects upon normal physiological and psychological functioning attributable to induced anxiety and panic associated with benzodiazepine withdrawal.

Abstract: A bicycle seat design that comprises appropriately spaced and configured depressions that conform to the body of variously-sized male riders, thereby reducing pressure normally present on the lumbar back region, the ischial buttocks regions, and groin. Superior safety features provide comfort and support to vulnerable parts of the body. The preferred embodiment contains a round seating platform with raised rear and lateral edges and a left and right depression shaped to accommodate and support the buttocks. It also contains a depression in the central front area of the seating platform suitably shaped to accommodate and support the scrotal region, for preventing damage commonly associated with jarring or snagging the scrotum. Optionally, turning-signals, brake lights, and reflective lights positioned on the rear portion of the seating platform are included for enhancing visibility of the bicycle and for promoting safe operation thereof.

Abstract: Liquor compositions for the extraction of metallic elements from solid and liquid metal-contaminated starting material such as mineral ores, recyclable wastes, contaminated soils, engraving solutions, metal finishing solutions, battery manufacturing solutions, toxic wastes such as dusts producing through steelmaking processes by effectuating preferably prolonged contacting of such starting material with the liquor to cause the underlying structure of the starting material to be broken down. The contaminated starting materials are more susceptible to metal separation because the released metallic element are readily solubilized in the contacting liquor. Compositions of the contacting liquor comprise caustic silicate solutions containing essentially saturating levels of silica.

Abstract: An early-warning security system for monitoring and tracking in real-time or at least in near-real-time the activities and movements associated with prescribed personnel, personal property, mobile vehicles, and buildings. The system comprises a plurality of in situ local controllers having a microprocessor and a coordinated plurality of conspicuous and clandestine digital video cameras for continuously producing digital audio and visual signals, uplinking such signals via a suitable wireless telecommunications device to a satellite, general packet radio service, the Internet, intranet or extranet, and then downlinking these signals to a plurality of control centers for recording and analysis thereof. Uplinking of these digital signals may occur continuously or may be activated by a manual or predefined trigger event. Preventive or remedial action is immediately taken when perturbations from normal behavior or activities are observed in the recorded audio and visual signals.

Abstract: Methodology for the extraction of metallic elements from solid and liquid metal-contaminated starting material such as mineral ores, recyclable wastes, contaminated soils, engraving solutions, metal finishing solutions, battery manufacturing solutions, toxic wastes such as dusts producing through steelmaking processes by effectuating preferably prolonged contacting of such starting material with liquor compositions to cause the underlying structure of the starting material to be broken down. The contaminated starting materials are more susceptible to metal separation because the released metallic element are readily solubilized in the contacting liquor. Compositions of the contacting liquor comprise caustic silicate solutions containing essentially saturating levels of silica.

Abstract: An apparatus for clearing excess paint from paint brush bristles and for draining this excess paint back into the paint can. The no-drip clip apparatus comprises a circular members for securely clipping embodiments to a paint can rim, and a contiguous straight flusher member that is suspended across the paint can's mouth. A painter uses a suitable no-drip clip apparatus for reducing dripping of excess paint from the paint brush bristles onto the paint brush handle, the paint can rim, and, ultimately, onto nearby surfaces and objects during painting operations.

Abstract: Simulated stone texture products are obtained when specially selected materials are properly admixed and formed via rotational molding. These products are manufactured from suitable molds according to a prescribed process methodology using synthetic polymeric materials instead of stone materials. Prerequisite surface textures are produced that effectively simulate the corresponding actual stone products.

Abstract: A personalized message-blanket package enclosing a plurality of customer-selected tangible items for delivery to a plurality of recipients. In the preferred embodiment, the package comprises a blanket that completely covers its outer surface with the customer's message imprinted or otherwise impressed thereon. The present invention also provides a system and a method for generating such a message-blanket package by a customer interfacing with a personal computer that is connected to the Internet or to an intranet. By engaging with this interface, the customer gains interactive access to specially-designed software located on a host file-server in order to generate a customized multifaceted message consisting of a combination of pertinent verbiage, graphics images, clipart, and music. This customized message is physically imprinted upon the outer surface of the front and back panel of the message-blanket package.