Abstract: A process for providing fast pyrolysis or gasification of feed material, such as biomass, by mixing it with inert inorganic hot solids in a fluidized mixer/reactor and utilizing released gas from the resulting reaction to transport the mixture from the mixer/reactor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in the oil well industry for running in drilling/production liners and sub-sea casings down a borehole through drilling fluid on a drill pipe using a running tool with the benefits of surge pressure reduction are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, a surge pressure reduction tool includes a diverter device having a housing with a set of flow holes formed therein and a sliding sleeve residing within the housing having a set of flow ports formed therein. By aligning the set of flow holes of the housing with the set of flow ports of the sleeve, the tool is set in a “surge pressure reduction” mode. By shifting, or axially indexing, the sleeve downward, the set of flow holes is blocked by the sleeve thus setting the tool in a “cementing” or “circulation” mode. This shifting or indexing is accomplished using an indexing mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a float collar apparatus for regulating the passage of fluid through a drilling/production liner or sub-sea casing. Apparatus of the present invention is fabricated using plastic flapper valves and valve-actuating sleeve components in contrast to prior art float collar components which are fabricated almost entirely of hard metals. Particularly, the plastic may be nylon, phenolic, or a phenolic-nylon laminate. The use of plastic components in the float collar apparatus of the present invention provides a substantial reduction in time and resources expended during drilling out of the float collar once cementing operations are completed. Additionally, the float collar apparatus of the present invention is fabricated from a pre-determined combination of plastic components and metal components thereby ensuring that the improved float collar can still endure substantial hydrostatic stresses encountered during casing liner running in and cementing operations.

Abstract: An avionics system for providing information to pilots provides a communications bus, allowing each instrument in communication with the bus to access information from a plurality of sensors. Software based instrumentation and the ability to remove and insert computation units in communication with the bus provide the ability to change instrumentation. Interchangeable display units provide additional redundancy in the event of display unit failure.

Abstract: A device for providing surge pressure reduction with volume compensation and methods of use are presented. Surge pressure reduction and volume compensation are accomplished by pressure-actuated release of the compensation device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a float collar apparatus for regulating the passage of fluid through a casing liner or sub-sea casing. Apparatus of the present invention is fabricated using plastic flapper valves and sleeve components in contrast to prior art float collar components which are fabricated almost entirely of hard metals. The use of plastic components in the float collar apparatus of the present invention provides a substantial reduction in time and resources expended during drilling out of the float collar once cementing operations are completed. Additionally, the float collar apparatus of the present invention is fabricated from a pre-determined combination of plastic components and metal components thereby ensuring that the improved float collar can still endure substantial hydrostatic stresses encountered during casing liner running in and cementing operations.

Abstract: The invention comprises a foil piece for use in treating hair, comprising a ridge pattern which enhances application of the treating agent to the hair. In the preferred embodiment, the ridge pattern will be essentially horizontal when in use. The ridge pattern allows the treating agent to be retained by the foil piece on close proximity to the treated hair.

Abstract: A cold-gas coolant nozzle which limits the amount of turbulence induced in the flow of cold gas due to interaction with ambient air by creating a intermediate temperature buffer zone between the cold gas and the ambient air.

Abstract: The invention provides device which is capable of performing both wave dispersive and energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectrometry on a single sample, and utilizing a single radiation detector, such as a PIN diode detector.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and method for remotely selectively securing a floating tank roof in a desired position.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of performing x-ray crystallography on samples by using a robot to select the target sample, to position the sample for x-ray crystallography, and to deposit the sample, all without transferring the sample to another device, such as a goniometer. This method allows high throughput, automated crystallography, thereby providing a high volume of samples to be tested while lessening the need for human intervention.

Abstract: The invention is a device for quickly and easily protecting decorative light strings, such as Christmas lights, for storage. The stored light strings are protected against damage, and are immediately ready for re-use without tangling.

Abstract: The invention is a multi-purpose truck or trailer bed cover which provides protection and security for items stored in the bed, and is openable to provide a vertical extension of the bed. In the open configuration, the cover provides support and protection for large or tall cargo which cannot be carried with conventional single-piece bed covers. In the closed configuration, the cover provides an additional cargo deck.

Abstract: A device and method for determining internal fluid pressure in a body cavity during irrigation procedures is presented. The invention relies on noninvasive measurements on a calibrated surgical apparatus to determine the dynamic internal fluid pressure. Once the dynamic internal fluid pressure is known, a control signal can be generated to indicate needed changes to pressure-regulating equipment, such as a pump.