Abstract: A flow through pressure transducer for use in harsh environments like oil well cement slurry mixing process. A thin cylindrical sensor sleeve is protected from fluid wear and corrosion by a molded elastomeric sleeve provided on its internal diameter that prevents fluid from reaching the sensor sleeve. Pressure is transmitted to the sensor sleeve through the elastomeric sleeve. The sensor sleeve is mounted in such a way that the fluid pressure only exerts hoop stresses on the sensor sleeve. Two dual strain gauges are mounted on the outside of the sensor sleeve in spaced apart relationship for measuring hoop stress and an additional strain gauge is mounted 90 degrees to the stress direction for temperature compensation. The body or spool of the transducer surrounds and protects the sensor sleeve and prevents leakage in the event of sleeve failure. The spool is held in between transducer outer flanges by threaded fasteners.

Abstract: Coatings for well screens that protect the screens from damage as they are inserted into the wellbore and once in the well, release reactive materials to react with and degrade potentially plugging materials such as drill solids, fluid filtercakes, fluid loss additives, and drilling fluids. The coatings can be specifically designed for individual well conditions and are comprised of a binder that either melts or dissolves within the wellbore and one or more reactive materials such as acids, enzymes, surfactants, chelants, oxidizers or free radical generators and the like which are released into the screen and the near wellbore area and which are effective in degrading or dissolving materials which could potentially plug the screen.

Abstract: A method to enhance oil shale, oil sand, asphaltic crude oil, or other high viscosity crude oil production by using a solar blackbody waveguide to heat these formations in situ. A parabolic mirror collects and directs the solar flux into a vertical shaft of a well drilled into the formation. This vertical shaft is lined with a reflective sleeve that reflects nearly all of the sunlight down into the well bore. The reflective sleeve ends at the top of the formation so that below this point, the solar flux is permitted to make successive reflections with the interior of the metal well casing or solar blackbody waveguide coil. The coil absorbs the solar flux, converting it to heat. Heat from the coil is transferred by conduction into the formation and allowing the formation to be produced by traditional methods.

Abstract: A kit and method for growing crystals for educational purposes. The kit consists of a small plastic petri dish, and a paper substrate with short and long slits precut therein that act as seed, respectively, for the formation of single and multiply crystals. The disk of paper has a tab that serves as a handle for placing and removing the disk from the petri dish and as a place to write on the disk. The kit is used by pouring a saturated aqueous salt solution in the bottom of the petri dish and then floating the substrate on the top of the solution. The dish is then allowed to sit uncovered for several days and crystals grow on the bottom surface of the substrate as the liquid evaporates.

Abstract: A trailer for transporting a pontoon boat behind a tow vehicle. The trailer is provided with wheel assemblies that can be moved longitudinally on the trailer's frame to adjust the load on the tongue of the trailer and is provided with rails that can be adjusted in width for receiving the pontoons of boats with different pontoon spacing. The trailer frame can be pneumatically raised and lowered on pivoting wheel brackets and each set of pontoon rails is provided with several pneumatically retractable rollers that can be raised and retracted relative to their associated rails to assist in loading and unloading a pontoon boat from the trailer. When the boat is not being transported, the rails and associated rollers can be removed from the trailer so that the trailer can function as a flatbed trailer.

Abstract: A method of selecting a binder for a chipsealing process is provided. This method includes measuring the Adhesion Index of at least one binder and selecting a binder with a desirable Adhesion Index for the chipsealing process. The selected binder should have an Adhesion Index no greater than about 3.75 when calculated according to the most preferred method of the present invention. Preferably, the selected binder is applied to a surface and then aggregate is applied within the time parameters defined by the Adhesion Index of the binder to form a chipsealed surface. Preferably, substantially all of the aggregate bonds to the binder without the need for compacting the paved surface.

Abstract: A method of reconstructing a road is provided. This method includes taking representative cores of the road, analyzing the cores, selecting a substantially solvent-free emulsion based on climate history, mixing the emulsion and reclaimed asphalt pavement particles to form an asphalt emulsion mix, testing the asphalt emulsion mix for performance using a raveling test, a thermal cracking prediction test by an indirect tensile testing, a moisture susceptibility test utilizing vacuum saturation, and a dry Marshall stability test. It also includes designing a CIR layer based on this test data. It further includes grinding off a layer of the existing asphalt road leaving at least about an inch, adding an emulsion to the reclaimed asphalt pavement particles, applying the designed cold in-place recycling layer to the road, and compacting it.

Abstract: A stirrup hanger for saddle consisting of a short strip and a long strip secured together with a swivel mechanism that allows the stirrups to move forward and rearward freely. A metal plate having a hole there through secured on each end of the short piece. A t-nut secured to one of the metal plates in alignment with its hole. A third metal plate with a nylon bushing there through secured on one end of the long strip and a stirrup secured to the opposite end. The short piece of leather is looped through the saddle tree bar and then a bolt is inserted consecutively through the hole in the second plate, the nylon bushing and the hole in the first plate. The bolt is then threaded into the t-nut to secure the third metal plate in pivoting fashion between the first and second metal plates.

Abstract: A strong, light weight walking aid with optional seat that can be used to assist a person in walking and resting on the walking aid. The walking aid collapses so that it can be stored in a small space and the handle can be removed and reattached to make it even smaller. The walking aid is constructed of a double tube aluminum frame to make it strong without adding excess weight. It is provided with a padded, sure-grip handle and can be provided with braking mechanisms on some or all of the wheels.

Abstract: A hydration tank provided with an interior rotating vessel located between a stationary wall of the hydration tank and a stationary wall of a central inlet tube provided centrally within the tank. Liquid flows downward into the tank via a central inlet tube, then upward between the inlet tube and the rotating vessel, and then again downward between the rotating vessel and the tank wall to the exit. Horizontal vanes are provided on both the inside and outside of the rotating vessel that interleaf with horizontally extending stationary vanes provided on the wall of the tank and the central inlet tube. Together, the stationary and rotating vanes constantly mix the liquid in a direction that is normal to the direction of flow of the liquid without interfering with flow of the liquid through the tank.

Abstract: A portable pneumatic compression riveter consists of a valve, air cylinder and rivet head assembly consisting of an alligator style set of jaws or a c-yoke style jaw set that is used to upset solid rivets used primarily, but not limited to, the aerospace industry. Disclosed is a series of improvements that make the tool lighter, more reliable and safer to operate.

Abstract: A free standing, portable device for teaching pitching technique for softball or baseball. The device consists of a folding h-shaped base that rests on the ground and supports a removable vertical member. A horizontal track member is removably secured to the vertical member and can be adjusted in height on the vertical member to match the height of the pitcher. A ball attaches to the horizontal track member and can travel along the horizontal track member as the pitcher executes a pitch while grasping the ball. The ball is mounted to the horizontal track in such a way that the ball is free to spin in either direction relative to the horizontal track. In an alternate embodiment, an optional curved track can replace the horizontal track member in order to facilitate teaching additional pitching techniques.

Abstract: A method of selecting a bituminous emulsion with enhanced performance for paving is provided. This method includes selecting polymer modified bitumen with a penetration value of about 25 to 450 dmm at 25° C. and selecting one or more emulsifiers comprised of at least about 5% by mass of a cationic nitrogenous compound selected from compounds having a carbonyl carbon atom bonded to a nitrogen atom, compounds having a carbon atom double bonded to a nitrogen atom, or combinations thereof based on the total mass of the selected emulsifier. Each selected emulsifier is reacted with a carboxylic acid to create one or more carboxylate salts. Each carboxylate salt created from a different proposed emulsifier separately is mixed with the bitumen to form one or more proposed bituminous emulsions. The coalescence of each proposed bituminous emulsion is measured using a rheology test, and a bituminous emulsion of the composition described above is chosen for paving a surface based on its coalescence properties.

Abstract: A partially prefabricated column. The column has vented support pans and vertical ribs internally. Skin attaches to the vertical ribs. Rods secure to the bottom of the column and a concrete form is removably secured to the rods. Air gaps at the top and bottom of the column allow for air circulation through the column. A top attaches over the upper end of the column. A central tube is secured to the column via the support pans and is telescopically received within a receiver tube concreted into the ground. The column gently descends to the ground as the central tube inserts into the receiver tube. Concrete is then poured into the concrete form and the concrete troweled between a notched plastic angle member on the bottom of the column and the concrete form. The concrete cures, the form is removed and the ends of the rods are plugged.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for a catalytic cavitation reactor comprising an inner pipe having a wall with plurality of spaced apart radially bored inner pipe holes located thereon. A second pipe having a wall with plurality of spaced apart radially bored second pipe holes is also provided. The inner pipe is located within and joined to the second pipe. Within the interior of the second and out pipes are lengths of static mixing baffles. An outer pipe is also provided. The second pipe is located within and joined to the outer pipe. Within the interior of the second and out pipes are lengths of static mixing baffles. A plurality of nozzles are provided wherein each of the inner pipe holes and second pipe holes receives one of the plurality of nozzles. Each of the plurality of nozzles has an inlet end, an outlet end and a constriction therebetween. A catalytically active zone is formed between the constriction and the outlet end.