Abstract: An overfill prevention device for storage tanks includes an elongate tubular housing having a liquid flow passageway. A normally open main valve and a normally closed vapor retaining bleed valve are associated with the fluid passageway. Closure of the main valve interrupts the primary flow of liquid through the passageway and closure of the bleed valve prevents any further liquid from entering the tank and also prevents the escape of vapors from the tank. Operation of the main valve is controlled in significant part by a valve latch assembly which is carried by the housing and a relatch assembly which is carried by the main valve. The relatch assembly ensures operative engagement of the main valve with the valve latch assembly upon movement of the main valve from the intermediate position to the open position. Operation of the main valve and vapor retaining bleed valve is also controlled indirectly by a plurality of floats which are maintained in a float chamber extending adjacent the liquid passageway.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for controlling and extending the performance of lubricating fluids, such as lubricating oils. The method comprises simultaneous detection of multiple additives and contaminant levels in the lubricating fluids and measured input of selected additives to the lubricating fluids. The additive and contaminants levels are simultaneously and quantitatively determined using a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, and any drop in additive levels below pre-specified limits automatically triggers corrective action whereby a computer-controlled delivery system is employed to replenish the depleted additives. The system can also be employed to detect irreversible degradation of the lubricating fluids and direct the degraded fluids to a holding area where they may undergo treatment or disposal and add new fresh lubricating fluids.

Abstract: An oil well blow-out preventer for use on an oil well equipped with a well casing, a wellhead, a production tubing string, and a pump rod receivable within the production tubing string. The blow-out preventer comprises a central housing member that includes a flow passageway and a pump rod passageway and a blow-out preventer contained within the central housing member. The flow passageway is in communication with the production tubing string and provides a mechanism for fluid to be removed from the well while the pump rod passageway provides an opening for entry of the pump rod into the well. The blow-out preventer includes a pair of rams that are adjustable to seal around the pump rod to prevent the accidental loss or spillage of oil or fluid from the well. The device may also include an integrated pump rod passageway sealing device, to prevent the spillage of fluids from the oil well upon the breakage or removal of the pump rod, and an integrated production tubing string rotator.

Abstract: A water resistant and vapour phase corrosion inhibitor composite material for wrapping around metallic items for protection and to reduce corrosion during storage and transportation. The composite material comprises a high strength, tear resistant, flexible scrim, a low density layer impregnated with a solid form vapour phase corrosion inhibitor, and a barrier layer to reduce the transmission of water, water vapour, oxygen and other environmental gases through the composite material. The barrier layer also reduces the atmospheric loss of gaseous vapour phase corrosion inhibitor from around the wrapped item. Each layer is formed from a polyolefin material to create a multi-layered polyolefin composite material that is easily recyclable.

Abstract: An unvented fuel burning appliance that includes a firebox, a burner and a front door releasably securable to the firebox. The firebox has an open front and enclosed bottom, rear, side and top surfaces. The door has a central panel with a catalytic converter positioned on the upper portion of the central panel. Exhaust gases from the burner are directed through the catalytic converter prior to exiting the firebox such that the catalytic converter eliminates or reduces harmful or noxious gases and particulate material contained within the exhaust gases. Heat that is generated by the operation of the catalytic converter is substantially directed, by way of radiation and convection, outwardly through the front of the appliance to reduce heat generated and maintained at the top of the firebox and thereby reduce the heating of the top surface of the appliance.

Abstract: A gripping device including a fixture having a working surface and at least one hole. A stop rises above the working surface of the fixture. A threaded fastener is provided to screw into the at least one hole in the working surface of the fixture. A gripping member is provided such that a work piece can be held in a stationary fashion between the gripping member and another element such as a stop. The gripping member includes a conical bore and an elongated bore. The elongated bore is a through bore in that it extends through the entire thickness of the gripping member. The conical bore extends through only a portion of the thickness of the gripping member. The fastener extends through both the conical and elongated bores. The elongated bore is offset towards the gripping face of the gripping element thereby enabling the gripping member to travel to an from the work piece a greater distance than gripping members employing a centrally located circular through bore.

Abstract: To control a lung ventilator comprising an inspiratory implement to be worn by the patient, an air supply system for supplying air to the inspiratory implement, and a control unit for controlling the air supply system, electromyographic signals produced by the patient's diaphragm are detected by an array of electrodes passing through the center of the patient's diaphragm depolarizing region. The position of the center of the patient's diaphragm depolarizing region is determined through detection of a reversal of polarity of the electromyographic component of the electrode-detected electromyographic signals.

Abstract: A portable modular outdoor playing arena having a plurality of modular floor panels and a plurality of generally vertically oriented modular side panels. The floor panels have a generally smooth flat upper surface and side surfaces that depend therefrom at approximate right angles. The floor panels are adjoined in a closed polygonal configuration to create a playing surface. The side panels surround and abut the floor panels and exert a compressive force on the floor panels to prevent lateral separation of adjacent floor panels. A seal forms a fluid tight connection between adjacent floor panels and at the juncture of the floor panels and the side panels. Each of the floor panels include adjustable legs to support the floor panels on the ground or on a sub-surface. The legs are vertically adjustable to allow for the levelling of the floor panels so that adjacent floor panels can be individually levelled and supported to provide a level playing surface.

Abstract: A suspension system for controlling the relative displacement between a pair of laterally opposed ground engaging components of a vehicle and the frame of the vehicle is disclosed herein. Each of the ground engaging components is individually fixed to the frame by a frame connecting component. The frame connecting component is hingedly mounted to the frame so as to allow a relative pivotal movement between each of the frame connecting components and the frame. The suspension system includes a first suspension member pivotally mounted to the frame to pivot about a first suspension member pivotal axis. The suspension system also including a second suspension member pivotally mounted to the first suspension member to pivot relatively to the first suspension member about along a second suspension member pivotal axis perpendicular to the first suspension member pivotal axis. lThe suspension system further includes a biasing mechanism mounted both to the frame and to the second suspension member.

Abstract: Image data is processed in the form of digitized frames on a video clip. A first clip is received in combination with a second clip. Frames are alternately supplied from each of said clips to a real time rendering device configured to produce a viewable composited clip at video rate. By making use of a rendering engine primarily designed for rendering synthesized images, it is possible to view many video effects, such as dissolves and wipes, in real time.

Abstract: An anchorage connector is comprised generally of an attachment device, a base plate and a generally arched shaped anchoring ring. The attachment device secures the connector to the surface of an object. The base plate is connected to the attachment device and helps to distribute forces to which the connector is subjected, across the surface of an object when the connector is secured to the object by the attachment device. The generally arched shaped anchoring ring has its upper end attached to the upper portion of the base plate and its lower end attached to the lower portion of the base plate such that the anchoring ring is positioned approximately perpendicular to the base plate.

Abstract: A multi-function hand tool includes a handle assembly (20) comprising a plurality of handle segments (22, 32, 42) selectively connectible end to end to provide a handle having a length appropriate for the function to be performed. The handle assembly further includes a counterweight (52), a D-type handle (62), and various adaptors (72, 82, 92) whereby the handle assembly may be configured to the performance of a specific function. The multi-function hand tool further comprises a plurality of tool heads (100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 190, 200, 210) which are selectively engageable with the handle assembly to configure the multi-function hand tool to the performance of a desired function.

Abstract: An apparatus for hanging a production tubing string and a guide string within a well casing having a wellhead. The apparatus includes a primary hanger shell for supporting the production tubing string and guide string in the well casing, a production mandrel received within the primary hanger shell and connected to the production tubing string to hang the production tubing string within the primary hanger shell, and a guide string hanger connected to and hanging the guide string within the primary hanger shell. The guide string hanger also allows the guide string to be removed from the well casing independently from the removal of the primary hanger shell, the production mandrel or the production tubing string.

Abstract: A deodorant holding device for a plumbing fixture. The device is comprised generally of a base, having an upper and a bottom surface, and a deodorant receiving cavity. The base has a plurality of upwardly extending pin members positioned on its upper surface. The pin members deflect and limit splashing of liquid directed onto the base. A cover is releasably securable to the bottom of the base in order to releasably retain deodorizing material within the cavity.

Abstract: A gas barbecue that has a housing having a generally rectangular shape with opposing side and end walls, an open interior, an open top, gas control means, a cooking grill, a primary burner assembly located below the cooking grill, and an upper radiant burner. The upper radiant burner is positioned above the cooking grill and includes a tube burner and a radiating means. The radiating means has a perforated mesh with the tube burner positioned beneath the perforated mesh such that heat generated by the tube burner passes through holes in the perforated mesh thereby heating the perforated mesh and causing the mesh to generate and direct infrared radiant heat into the open interior of the barbecue. The holes in the perforated mesh help to enhance the heating of the radiating means and assist in the radiation of infrared heat into the open interior of the barbecue.

Abstract: A method of repairing potholes and oil spots in pavement surfaces including removing the deteriorated asphalt, applying a degreaser to the interior of the void, then applying a sealer, filling the void with fiber reinforced concrete which is allowed to set and overlying the fiber reinforced concrete with a polymer fortified cement and applying a waterproof sealer over the entire repair area to create a waterproof sealed patch to the pavement.

Abstract: An oil well blow-out preventer and sealing device for use on an oil well equipped with a well casing, a wellhead, a production tubing string, and a pump rod receivable within the production tubing string. The blow-out preventer and sealing device comprises a central housing member that includes a flow passageway and a pump rod passageway, blow-out prevention means and pump rod passageway sealing means, both contained within the central housing member. The flow passageway is in communication with the production tubing string and provides a means for fluid to be removed from the well while the pump rod passageway provides a means for entry of the pump rod into the well. The blow-out prevention means includes a pair of rams that are adjustable to seal around the pump rod to prevent the accidental loss or spillage of oil or fluid from the well. The pump rod passageway sealing means prevents the spillage of fluids from the oil well upon the breakage or removal of the pump rod from said pump rod passageway.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method and apparatus for producing carbon dioxide, fungicidal compounds and thermal energy.