Abstract: A tool that is easily convertible from a frac plug to a bridge plug is disclosed. The tool comprises a mandrel with a mule shoe connected to the lower end thereof. A closing ball is disposed in a cavity defined by the mule shoe. The mandrel is threaded to receive a plug at or near the upper end thereof to convert the frac plug to a bridge plug.

Abstract: A rollover prevention device for commercial tractor/trailers that senses when the tractor portion of the commercial truck has reached the critical height at which rollover of the trailer cannot be avoided. Once this critical height is reached pneumatic cylinders and pins automatically release the trailer from the tractor, thereby preserving human life and minimizing damage to property.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ratcheting a stimulation tool in a well in which the stimulation tool is movable from a first radial position to a second radial position without moving the tool string.

Abstract: A signal is transmitted into a computer in response to an image on a display screen of the computer such that the computer operates in response to the signal; this includes moving a scanner in optical communication with the display screen such that the scanner detects an image (for example, a bar code) displayed on the screen and generates the signal in response. One or more computers may be used, and this may be used for vending a product or other purposes. With or without such scanning, a portion of a store environment may be displayed on a screen of a computer, including showing images of actual products for sale at the store, in which images of actual products are accessed via the computer from a database containing in-store images recorded in the store during a period of non-existent or minimal customer presence in the store. A vending system is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a diverter tool used in a pipe string to lower a liner into a partially cased wellbore. The diverter tool has a diverter body that defines a longitudinal central flow passage and has diverter ports defined therethrough to communicate and redirect fluids received in the liner to an annulus between the diverter tool in casing previously set in the wellbore. The diverter tool has first and second closure members. The first closure member is movable between open and closed positions on the diverter body. The second closure member is detachably connected in the diverter body in its open position and is movable to its closed position to prevent flow through the diverter ports.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing, installing and/or servicing a vehicular component, such as a wheel/tyre, a motor or the like, particularly for large mining and/or earthmoving equipment. The apparatus includes a carrier device (100) and a component handling device (200). The carrier device (100) enables the apparatus to be moved over a substrate surface, and is preferably a U-shaped chassis having a pair of outwardly extending arms (140), and at least three wheels (120,130). The component handling device (200) is removably coupled to the carrier device (100). The component handling device (200) includes a frame (270) of complementary shape to the chassis to support the lower portion of the vehicular component, and, a support element (210). At least one retaining arm (220) extends from the support element (210) to provide support to an upper end of the vehicular component.

Abstract: A nut-cracking apparatus that is compact and efficient cracks nuts at high production rates. The nut-cracking apparatus includes an endless conveyor and delivers nuts from a hopper to a delivery point. The nuts are engaged at the delivery point by a nut-cracking unit which cracks the nuts. The endless conveyor includes nut pockets which are made up of separate nut pocket segments that are movable from open to closed positions. The nut pocket segments are in an open position where the nuts are cracked to provide ample room for cracking of the nut.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting the quality of compaction of beds of material with a vibratory device as a function of the vibration of the compaction device, the material of the bed, the lift thickness, the temperature, among other process parameters is described in this invention. The vibration of the compacting device during the compaction of the bed is compared with the vibration characteristics of the compacting device on a bed of known properties. The quality of compaction of the bed is then estimated based on the knowledge of the process parameters. The output of the apparatus may be used as a visual input to the operator of the compacting device or stored in an electronic format to depict the progress during the compaction process.

Abstract: A stormwater drainage system capable of collecting, pretreating and disposing of the stormwater runoff into a dry well, further capable of stopping the flow of stormwater into the dry well in the event hydrocarbons or other contaminants are present in the stormwater. The system is also capable of isolating stagnant water in the system to prevent the infestation of mosquito larvae.

Abstract: A strap apparatus for holding a foldable boat seat including a seat back pivotally connected to a seat base in a folded down position is provided. The strap apparatus comprises an elongated strap body that is made of a material having a high stretch resistance, a first fastener for attaching the strap body to the seat base, and a second fastener for removably attaching the strap body to the seat back such that when the strap body is attached to the seat back, at least a portion of the strap body extends between the first fastener and the second fastener. Strap adjustment apparatus are associated with the strap body and function to adjust the length of the portion of the strap body that extends between the first fastener and the second fastener when the strap body is attached to the seat back and thereby allow the seat back to be pulled down tight against the seat base. A foldable boat seat and a method of installing a replacement foldable boat seat strap on a foldable boat seat are also provided.

Abstract: A device for changing a vehicular component on a first vehicle. The device includes a frame for releasably receiving a vehicular component. The frame is configured to facilitate the frame being positioned in a component changing position with respect to the first vehicle. The device also includes a first actuator for moving the frame to a first position and a second position to thereby mount the vehicular component on the first vehicle or receive the vehicular component from the first vehicle.

Abstract: The current invention relates generally to a valve recession measuring tool and method for using the same. The valve recession measurement is based upon a measured height of a surface on a portion of the valve relative to a reference plane. The invention operates without requiring the removal of any of the valve rocker arms.

Abstract: A method of purifying a single-walled carbon nanotube catalytic product having the steps of providing a catalytic product including single-walled carbon nanotubes, and a Group VIII and/or Group VIb transition metal, exposing the catalytic product to a heated oxidative gas to provide a treated carbon nanotube product including single-walled carbon nanotubes and the Group VIII and/or Group VIb transition metal, and exposing the treated carbon nanotube product to an acid to separate the single-walled carbon nanotubes from the Group VIII and/or Group VIb transition metal. The catalytic product may include a support material and amorphous carbon.

Abstract: A gel mixing system that employs a dynamic diffuser for quickly removing the air from the fluid as the fluid exits a traditional gel mixer and employs progressive dilution of the gel in a series of hydration tanks to maximize hydration time without allowing the gel to become so viscous that it is not easily diluted or pumped. High shear agitation of the fluid between the hydration tanks helps to increase the hydration rate. Progressive dilution of the gel increases residence time of the gel in the tanks and results in longer hydration time in the limited tank space available, resulting in continuous production of gel that is almost fully hydrated when it is pumped to the fracturing blender and subsequently to the well bore without the need for an increase in the volume of the hydration tanks.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the longevity of a cooling tube in a fire tube boiler. The apparatus comprises a ferrule inserted within the cooling tube end and an internal overlay, with the ferrule and internal overlay arranged to provide a smooth, continuous, and diverging passage that reduces turbulence for a heated fluid flowing therethrough, thus preventing the overheating of the tube wall in the highly turbulent area. The internal overlay may be a weld overlay of a corrosion-resistant material that is deposited in a band about the inner wall of the cooling tube, the overlay having an annular inner recess receiving the end of the ferrule. The combination of ferrule and internal overlay also reduces the sharp gradient in temperature that is encountered when the heated fluid enters the relatively cool tube end, thus reducing film boiling, reducing cracking of the tube end, and enhancing corrosion resistance.