Abstract: The current invention provides an improved display device for displaying coins, medals and medallions. The display device is designed to focus the viewer's attention on the object on display without blocking a substantial portion of the object from the view. Additionally, the current invention provides a display device suitable for displaying a coin, medal or medallion along with a related secondary object. Finally, the current invention provides a device suitable for display a plurality of coins, medals or medallions.

Abstract: A float system for use in cementing a casing in a wellbore. The wellbore is drilled with a drill bit attached to the casing. The drill bit is removed after the wellbore is drilled. The float system is lowered into the casing after the drill bit is removed. The float system includes a packer apparatus with a float apparatus, preferably a float shoe, attached to the end thereof. The packer apparatus is set in the casing to hold the float shoe in position. A bottom cementing plug is placed in the casing and is urged downwardly until it engages the upper end of the packer apparatus. The cement will flow through the packer apparatus and the float apparatus to fill the annulus between the casing and the wellbore.

Abstract: A hydration apparatus for use with a hydration tank. The hydration apparatus disperses incoming gel into existing gel in the hydration tank to increase the hydration time of the incoming gel. The hydration apparatus includes flow conduits communicated with gel inlets in the hydration tank. The flow conduits redirect the flow of the incoming gel. The flow conduits preferably redirect the flow from a generally horizontal direction to generally vertically upwardly direction. The hydration apparatus has a plurality of deflectors positioned in the hydration tank. Flow exiting an end of the flow conduits is deflected by the deflectors and dispersed into existing gel in the hydration tank. The flow conduits are preferably perforated flow conduits so that a portion of incoming gel passes through openings in the sides of the flow conduits while a portion of the incoming gel passes through an exit of the flow conduits.

Abstract: The current invention provides novel methods for treating victims of cerebrovascular diseases such as stroke. The methods of the current invention rehabilitate weakened and atrophied muscles by applying electrical stimulation to the muscles. Preferably, the electric current cycles between on and off thereby at 10 second intervals thereby stimulating the muscle for 10 seconds and allowing the muscle to relax for 10 seconds. Treatment periods are preferably 15 minutes per day, five days per week. In general, treatments are performed over a 3 to 12 month period. Patients treated according to the disclosed methodology experience significant improvements in their overall quality of life.

Abstract: Methods of improving the pressure containment integrity of subterranean well bores are provided. The methods include pumping a fracture sealing composition into the well bore that rapidly converts into a high friction pressure sealing composition which is impermeable, deformable, extremely viscous and does not bond to the faces of fractures. Thereafter, the fracture sealing composition is squeezed into one or more natural fractures or into one or more new fractures formed in the well bore to thereby increase the pressure containment integrity of the well bore. The methods also include the prediction of the expected increase in pressure containment integrity.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for transmission of optical signals through a wellbore whereby optic fibers are protected from exposure to harsh downhole fluids and conditions. The system comprises a power cable assembly running down hole from the surface and comprising both electrical leads and at least one fiber-optic lead, an electric submersible motor apparatus having optic fibers and optic fiber leads as an integral part of the motor and internal to the motor casing, and a connection(s) between the optic fibers internal to the motor casing and downhole sensors and other equipment requiring optical communication.

Abstract: Compact low NOx gas burner apparatus and methods for discharging fuel gas and air mixtures into furnace spaces wherein the mixture is burned in folded flame patterns and flue gases having low NOx content are formed are provided. A burner apparatus of the invention is basically comprised of a housing having a burner tile attached thereto and means for introducing air therein. The burner tile has an opening therein with a wall surrounding the opening which extends into a furnace space. The exterior sides of the wall are divided into sections by radially positioned baffles with alternate sections having the same or different heights and slanting towards the opening at the same or different angles. Primary fuel gas mixed with flue gases and air is discharged through the burner tile. Secondary fuel gas is discharged adjacent to the external slanted wall sections whereby the secondary fuel gas mixes with flue gases in the furnace space.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting openings in a wall of a well. The apparatus includes a mandrel with a jetting sleeve slidably disposed about the mandrel. The mandrel has a plurality of slots defined therein and the jetting sleeve has a plurality of jetting openings aligned with the slots so that fluid will pass through the mandrel, the slots in the mandrel, and the jetting openings. The jetting nozzles are received in the jetting openings and travel in the slots in the mandrel. The flow of jetting fluid through the mandrel causes the jetting sleeve to move on the mandrel so that slots may be cut in the wall of the well.

Abstract: A adjustable shuttle stop apparatus for use in controlling feeding of material to a machining operation on a machine tool, such as a band saw. The apparatus comprises a feed conveyor, a band saw adjacent to the feed conveyor, a shuttle vise movably disposed on the feed conveyor, and an adjustable stop on the feed conveyor for adjusting a distance between the stop and the shuttle vise and for stopping the shuttle vise at the cutting position. The adjustable stop compensates for undesired movement of the shuttle vise caused by clamping the workpiece such that the distance between the stop and the shuttle vise remains substantially constant. This allows for a consistent cut length of the workpiece on subsequent cutting cycles. Different embodiments of the adjustable stop are disclosed along with a method of use of the apparatus.

Abstract: The current invention provides systems and method for reducing emissions of gaseous pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide. The invention utilizes at least one catalyst bed and at least one fluidizable bed of sorbent material. The current invention provides for regeneration of the sorbent material without interrupting the catalytic reaction.

Abstract: A retractable reel apparatus for connecting the electrical wiring on a trailer to the electrical system of a towing vehicle. The apparatus comprises a housing with a reel rotatably disposed therein. A wire has a first portion wrapped in a first direction around the reel and a second portion counter-wrapped in a second direction within the first portion. A first end of the wire extends through a first opening in the apparatus, and a second end of the wire extends through a second opening. The second end of the wire is stationary. By pulling on the first end of the wire, the first end may be extended from the housing. A torsion spring biases the reel so that the wire tends to retract back into the housing when tension on the first end of the wire is released. Numerous mounting arrangements for the apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel spinal disc prosthesis comprising two solid compressible cylinders and methods. A method of the invention for placing the solid compressible cylinders between adjacent spinal vertebrae comprises the steps of forming an enlarged partially circular space from the back and to one side of the space between adjacent spinal vertebrae previously occupied by a degenerated disc, forming additional spaces within the interiors of the adjacent vertebrae, placing a solid compressible cylinder in the spaces within the interiors of the adjacent vertebrae and repeating the above procedure on the other side of the space between the vertebrae.

Abstract: A portable system for transferring liquids, such as diesel fuel, from a first tank, such as a railcar, to a second tank, such as on a transport truck. The system is self-contained and comprises a pump driven by an engine fueled by the liquid being transferred. A meter measures the amount of liquid being transferred. An inlet hose is used to connect the system to the railcar, and an outlet hose is used to connect the system to the transport truck. The inlet and outlet hoses may be stored in hose storage tubes. A throttle of the engine may be actuated from a rear portion of the system. A sample line is provided through which a sample may be taken of the liquid being transferred. Air from the truck may be used to blow any liquid out of the outlet hose after a transferring operation.

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: A remote staged furnace burner configuration includes placement of secondary fuel gas nozzles remote from burners. This configuration brings about an increased mixing of secondary fuel with furnace fuel gases. As a result, the temperature of the burning fuel gas is lowered and NOX formation is reduced.

Abstract: The current invention provides methods for determining the sand production rate from unconsolidated and poorly consolidated subterranean formations under varying drawdown pressures. The current invention also allows for immediate production of fluid from the subterranean formation upon determination of the sand production rate. Additionally, the current invention provides a method for determining the detrimental sand production rate and/or the maximum sand free production rate for a subterranean formation. Finally, the current invention is applicable in vertical, horizontal, deviated and multi-lateral boreholes.

Abstract: The food pan carrier has a pan carrier body and a pan carrier door. The pan carrier door is slidable relative to the pan carrier body from an open to a closed position. When the door is in the closed position, the food pan carrier will maintain food that has been heated to at least 185° at a minimum of 141° for an extended period of time. The pan carrier body has grooves in which the food pan door is received. The food pan door preferably has rails that are slidable in the grooves. The door slides in the grooves from a second end to a first end of the grooves. As the door slides from the open to the closed position, it moves toward a sealing surface that circumscribes an opening through which food pans are inserted and removed from the pan carrier body. In the fully closed position, the door sealingly engages the sealing surface that circumscribes the opening through which food pans are inserted and removed.