Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for managing a water supply in a water tank are presented herein. A submersible pump is placed inside the water tank. The thrust of the pump causes a considerable increase in water circulation about the water tank, thereby resulting in a more consistent water supply. Chemical disinfectants are added directly in front of the pump, thereby resulting in better mixing. Additionally an outlet from the pump provides a testable sample for measurement of the concentration of the chemical disinfectant. The measurements of the concentration of the chemical disinfectant are provided to a programmable logic controller which makes real time adjustments to the chemical disinfectants that are added.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling water impurity level and temperature uniformity within large water-containing reservoirs including a pump located in the body of water, the pump ejecting a jet of water therefrom and ingesting water at a point remote from said ejecting and an eductor positioned in the jet of water for pulling in low pressure water and flowing a stream of water therefrom providing mixing and circulation of water within the reservoir to remove temperature gradients. Water purity is controlled by a controller.

Abstract: A mechanical rotary seal that produces a positive drive force so that all components of the seal rotate in unison upon a rotating shaft. The mechanical rotating seal effects a tight fluid seal between a submersible pump housing and a rotating shaft when the mechanical rotary seal is engaged with a stationary seal or element within the submersible pump housing. The mechanical rotary seal comprises a seal housing, a retainer having a seal face for engaging with the stationery seal and a coil spring between the seal housing and the retainer.

Abstract: A fabric towel holder for hand towels comprises a fabric sheet that is twice-folded along its longitudinal axis to form a first panel, a third panel and a second panel positioned between the first panel and the third panel. The first panel comprises a first longitudinal end and the third panel comprises a second longitudinal end securely attached to the first longitudinal end. The longitudinally folded fabric sheet is also folded along its transverse axis to form a first segment having a first front side and a first back side, and a second segment having a second front side and a second back side. A fabric member is attached to the first front side so that the fabric member and first front side of the second panel define a pocket adapted for holding hand towels. A hook fastener is attached to the first back side and a loop fastener is attached to the second back side so that the loop fastener adheres to the hook fastener when the fabric sheet is folded along its transverse axis.

Abstract: A chiller tank system for containment of chilled liquids comprises a first tank and a second tank position within the first tank. The first tank is spaced apart from the second tank so that insulation material can be positioned between them The second tank defines a chamber for receiving the liquid to be chilled. A straight-lined, chiller barrel is positioned vertically within the chamber, the chiller barrel defining a bore connected to a flexible, dual hose. The straight-lined chiller barrel extends downward into the tank thereby evenly chilling the liquid to avoid thermal stratification that causes vaporization by creating warm spots within the liquid. A refrigeration unit supplies inert refrigerant to the tank.

Abstract: A method for removal of solids in a water treatment system having multiple filters, each filter comprising an air backwash system and a water backwash system, comprising a series of steps to enable two filters to be in some stage of the backwash process at the same time thereby reducing the time the filter is out of service. The continuous cycling of the backwash method is characterized by a continuous cycle of backwashing that backwashes two filters simultaneously. The backwashing method requires three steps, an air-only backwash, an air/water bashwash and a water-only or rinse backwash. In this method, as one filter is at the water-only backwash stage, the backwash cycle of a second filter is started so that the second filter is air/water backwashed while the first filter is at the water-only backwashed stage.

Abstract: A baby play mat with protective enclosure comprising a mat and one or more bumpers circumscribing the perimeter of the mat. The bumpers comprise fastening means on the top and bottom surfaces. The perimeter of the mat also comprises fastening means. The bumpers are securely and removably attached to the perimeter of the play mat to form a protective tier defining an interior cavity. Additional layers of bumpers can be fastened to the top of the first protective tier to increase the height of the enclosure. Additional mats can be joined together to increase the width of the play area.

Abstract: Protective headgear for protecting the head of an athlete comprising a circumferential band, two subtending ear flaps integrally molded to the circumferential band, an upper portion; and a header pad affixed to the circumferential band. Alternatively the protective headgear for a soccer player can comprise a helmet defining ventilation holes and a header pad affixed to a frontal area of the helmet. The helmet comprises a circumferential band, two integral ear flaps; an upper portion; and a header pad is affixed to the circumferential band. The protective headgear can further comprise an internal skeletal to help disperse sudden high energy impacts.

Abstract: A hose fitting for filling tank cars comprising a t-shaped pipe defining a bore therethrough, the t-shaped pipe comprising a body member with one or more pairs of opposingly directed tubular legs, and an intermediate leg extending substantially perpendicular from the body member, the intermediate leg comprising an intermediate leg end adapted to couple with a hose; and one or more tube extensions for coupling with the tubular legs, each of the one or more tube extensions connected to one of the tubular legs by a connecting wire so that the tube extensions remain connected to the tubular legs when the tube extensions are uncoupled from the tubular legs. A method for filling tank cars with pellet-shaped particles is also provided, the method comprising transporting the t-shaped pipe to the roof of a tank car, the tank car roof having one or more openings for receiving materials.

Abstract: A filter media support system that reduces media clogging and head loss in granular filtration systems by providing a layered porous plate. The porous plate can have multiple layers of fine sized and coarse sized pores. The porous plate is positioned between the media and the filter bottom. The filter media support system is securely anchored to the infrastructure of the underdrain system thereby inhibiting media penetration of the filter bottom and avoiding seal failures. The infrastructure can be air lateral piping fitted beneath the underdrain blocks of the support system. The anchors can be secured to pipe clamps circumscribing the air laterals.

Abstract: A method for retrofitting a gravity filter with a porous plate filter media support that increase filter production by increasing the depth of the media, allows installation of an air backwash system in filters having a monolithic underdrain system, and reduces turbulence and head loss in granular filtration systems. The method comprising removal of existing media and gravel media-support bed and installation of a porous plate media support. The porous plate can have multiple layers of fine sized and coarse sized pores. The porous plate is positioned between the media and the filter bottom and is securely anchored to the monolithic underdrain system thereby allowing uniform distribution of backwash, inhibiting media penetration of the filter bottom and avoiding seal failures.

Abstract: A terminal tackle for minimizing the twisting of fishing lines, lures and weights, particularly the twisting and tangling of a weight or weight line with lure leader line or the primary fishing line. The terminal tackle comprises a y-shaped tube having a top arm and one abbreviated arm. A line swivel is positioned within the top arm for connecting fishing tackle such as weights and lures, to the primary fishing line. A lure leader swivel having a leader end and a connector end is threaded through the y-shaped tube so that the leader end extends out and away from the abbreviated arm and the connector end is positioned within the y-shaped tube. A weight connector is positioned within the elongated arm and is adapted to connect weight to the fishing tackle and a connector or snap for connecting the leader swivel the line swivel and the weight connector is positioned within the y-shaped tube.

Abstract: An auto-cycling plunger and method for lifting out condensate and fluid that accumulate and retard production in oil and gas wells. The auto-cycling plunger comprises a tube that defines an inner chamber, one or more flapper sealing rings mounted on the tube and a detachable valve member positioned at one end of the tube. During the method, the auto-cycling plunger free falls down the production tubing string with the detachable valve accelerating faster than the tube. The detachable valve hits the bottom-hole spring first, the tube follows and engages with the detachable valve thereby creating a seal. The liquid collects above auto-cycling plunger and the plunger moves up the production tubing as gas within the well accumulates below it and creates an upward pressure. The auto-cycling plunger repeats it's movement up and down the well without having to shut-in the well thereby continuously removing liquids without stopping production.

Abstract: A method for removing filtercake from a subterranean borehole comprising drilling the borehole with a drilling fluid that includes additives to form a filtercake having an oxidation-degradable component, preferably a polysaccharide. The filtercake is contacted with a clear brine containing bromine or bromate generating agents to degrade the polymers within the filtercake. The brine contains bromide salts and an oxidant capable of delayed oxidation of the bromide to bromine at downhole conditions.

Abstract: An underdrain block for a filter media system for supporting the filter media and distributing air and water backwash. The underdrain block comprising a top wall, a bottom wall and two side walls forming an open ended interior. Interior walls, known as lateral separation walls, divide the interior of the block into primary and secondary laterals. When the blocks are laid end to end, the laterals form a common distribution conduit for the transport of air and water backwash. The lateral separation walls can be angular or curved. Curved walls and specifically angled walls increase the area of the laterals. The spacing of the blocks can be approximately 18 inches and the height approximately 8 inches. The underdrain blocks are interlocking to form conduits of up to 40 feet in length.

Abstract: In a method for enhancing the compatibility of a zinc-brine completion fluid with a fracturing fluid, test samples of selected completion fluids are combined with test samples of selected fracturing fluids to form an admixture. The parameters of incompatibility between the completion fluid and the fracturing fluid are analyzed and identified. The parameters or indicia of incompatibility identified can be precipitation, emulsification and/or an increase in viscosity. The zinc brine completion fluid is then blended with additives to remove these parameters of incompatibility. The additives can be selected from a group comprising hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, acetate salts, citrate salts, and surfactants. At the well site, the altered zinc brine completion fluid is pumped in to displace drilling fluids in the wellbore before pumping in fracturing fluid. Additional altered brine completion can follow the fracturing fluid into the wellbore.

Abstract: A method for removing filtercake from a subterranean borehole comprising drilling the borehole with a drilling fluid that includes additives to form a filtercake having an oxidation-degradable component, preferably a polymer. The filtercake is contacted with a precursor that forms an oxidizing agent at downhole temperatures to degrade the polymers within the filtercake. Alternatively one or more catalysts for activating the precursor of an oxidizing agent is embedded within the filtercake. The catalyst activates the precursor as the precursor is flushed over the filtercake and remains in contact with the filtercake to form an oxidizing agent to degrade the oxidation-degradable agent and decompose the filtercake. The remaining particles of decomposed filtercake are then flushed away.

Abstract: A method for controlling the addition of liquid treatment chemicals by automatic dose control. The calculation of the amount of chemical to be dosed into the system combines signals from a liquid flow meter, an influent chemical concentration analyzer and/or an effluent chemical concentration analyzer. The signals are directed to a computerized chemical dose controller that analyzes and adjusts the data from the signals and generates an output signal that controls the chemical dosing mechanisms. For example, the automatic dose control method encompasses the ability to set maximum positive and negative limits of control action as well as the ability to automatically or manually control the reset period necessary to allow previous changes to propagate through the system and be displayed at the effluent sensor thereby improving the dosing of the chemical during treatment of a liquid, wastewater for example.

Abstract: A drilling fluid comprising a blend of brine and additives for maintaining rheological properties in a neutral or slightly acidic brine and a method for using the drilling fluid to drill into a producing formation are disclosed. The drilling fluid comprises viscosifying polymer and fluid loss polymer that function in the brine without substantially adversely affecting their properties. The brine is substantially free of insoluble solids. The viscosifying polymer and/or the fluid loss control polymer can be acid soluble. Zinc salts in the form of zinc bromide alone or in a mixture of zinc bromide and calcium bromide are added to increase the density of the brine solution. The viscosifying polymer has pendant amide and sulfonic acid or sulfonate groups. Alternatively or additionally, the viscosifying polymer comprises a polysaccharide. The fluid loss control polymer can comprise a cross-linked, cationic or amphoteric starch. Soluble solids are dispersed in the brine.

Abstract: A method for producing zinc bromide from zinc hydroxide contaminated with iron and manganese compounds. The method comprises the step of mixing zinc hydroxide feedstock containing metal impurities with a hydrobromic acid comprising elemental bromine in the presence of a reducing agent to produce an impure zinc bromide solution. The metal impurities are removed from the zinc bromide solution in a two-stage process: the first stage comprises the steps of precipitating iron by maintaining the pH within a range of from about 3.6 to 4.15 and filtering out the insoluble iron compounds. The second stage comprises the steps of acidifying the zinc hydroxide solution and adjusting the pH to a range of 3.8 to 4.3 with a alkalinity source from metal oxide, hydroxide or carbonate to precipitate the manganese compounds. The resulting mixture is filtered and concentrated to form a solution comprising zinc bromide essentially free of iron and manganese compounds.