Abstract: A system and method of payment of an end-user account with a service provider includes a computer system that makes payments to service providers on behalf of end-users and that is operable to exchange information with a terminal at the point of sale or a web-enabled computer system operated by the end-user and with the computer system of the service provider. In one embodiment, the computer system of an intermediary receives and fulfills a request to make a payment on an end user's account with a service provider. In another preferred embodiment, a payment router together with an issuing/sponsoring bank and a processor, as implemented by their computer systems, facilitate payment transactions in which the router transacts at least thousands of payments for at least hundreds of payors with at least dozens of payees using at least one open system card association network, preferably in a day.

Abstract: Portable wall-attachable firefighting monitor apparatus and method of use, including structure designed in combination to affix a monitor to a wall rim portion.

Abstract: A system and method of payment of an end-user account with a service provider includes a computer system that makes payments to service providers on behalf of end-users and that is operable to exchange information with a terminal at the point of sale or a web-enabled computer system operated by the end-user and with the computer system of the service provider. In one embodiment, the computer system of an intermediary receives a request to make a payment on an end user's account with a service provider. The computer system of the intermediary may communicate with the computer system of the service provider by logging on to the web page of the service provider as the end-user, and entering a universally accepted open system number and the amount of the payment received from the end user's source of funds to effect payment on the end user's account with the service provider.

Abstract: The invention relates to washpipes for use in drilling operations such as drilling for oil and gas, and more particularly to an auto lubricating washpipe and liner system and method.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for extinguishing industrial tank fires of flammable/combustible liquid including achieving flame collapse, and subsequent to flame collapse achieving collapse of a remaining “smiley face”.

Abstract: Fire fighting method and apparatus including pumping at least 2000 gpm water from large water reservoir toward an industrial hazard and adding, in an around-the-pump system, at least one water additive from a source to the pumped water through a fitting established on the suction side of the pump, the fitting in fluid communication between the reservoir outlet and the suction side.

Abstract: A fire fighting nozzle for extinguishing industrial scale fires including improved automatic pressure regulating features, enhanced educting features including central and peripheral channeling for foam concentrate, and combining with a capacity to throw dry chemical. Improved pressure regulating features include a double acting baffle and preferably a relief valve. Method and apparatus for automatically metering an additive such as foam concentrate into a conduit having a variably flowing fire fighting fluid therethrough, the conduit including a discharge device, proximate or downstream.

Abstract: An industrial scale fire fighting nozzle and method, the nozzle having a selectively adjustable discharge gap and providing for gap coordinated, independently selectable additive proportioning ratio selection, the method including discharging fire fighting fluid at a selectively adjustable flow rate with an independently selectable, gap coordinated adjustable additive proportioning ratio, and use of reinforced high temperature polymer for at least a barrel element or a bafflehead element component.

Abstract: A solvent-based solution including methods of making and using for treating and protecting for heavy traffic asphalt pavement, particularly against water-associated problems, such as repeated freeze/thaw cycles, and damage caused by exposure to UV light. The mechanism of protection include an internal coating and partial internal sealing of voids and pores with a special blend of pre-oxidized asphalt emulsion that has been modified with moisture-insensitive silicone-based compounds and surfactants to enhance penetration depth and effectiveness. The sealer works from within the asphalt pavement as well as at the surface. A water-repelling function prevents water from penetrating from the surface while allowing vapor transmission across the pavement through connected voids and capillaries. The sealer should also enhance the bonding strength between asphalt coated particles, thus eliminate chipping.

Abstract: A fire fighting nozzle for extinguishing industrial scale fires including improved automatic pressure regulating features, enhanced educting features including central and peripheral channeling for foam concentrate, and combining with a capacity to throw dry chemical. Improved pressure regulating features include a double acting baffle and preferably a relief valve. Method and apparatus for automatically metering an additive such as foam concentrate into a conduit having a variably flowing fire fighting fluid therethrough, the conduit including a discharge device, proximate or downstream.

Abstract: A fire fighting nozzle for extinguishing industrial scale fires including improved automatic pressure regulating features, enhanced educting features including central and peripheral channeling for foam concentrate, and combining with a capacity to throw dry chemical. Improved pressure regulating features include a double acting baffle and preferably a relief valve.

Abstract: A thrust reverser system for jet engine comprising a tailpipe, Square/trapezoidal clamshell doors and actuators, wherein the tailpipe and clamshell doors may be corrugated, the corrugations can be mating, the actuators may be situated out of the external free air flow, the doors may be stowed out of contact with internal engine gas flow and that may include a tail pipe a fairing having a movable section.

Abstract: A system and method for providing money or credit to the user of an entertainment machine. The method includes requesting money through a point of sale device located at or near the entertainment machine. The request is forwarded to an active layer computer and server that provides initial screening of the request. If approved, the request is forwarded to a host processor, which in turns checks with the user's financial institution for preliminary approval therefrom. If the financial institution provides the preliminary approval, the host processor provides electronic funds to the user at the entertainment machine.

Abstract: A reformer which may be included in a process plant, comprises a reactor chamber having a combustion chamber, to which fuel and combustion air are supplied. The exhaust gas from the combustion chamber may have a very high temperature, for example 650° C. The combustion chamber supplies heat energy to the reactor chamber in which a heat treatment of gas can take place. The process plant comprises at least one gas turbine. In order to reduce the consumption of energy, the exhaust gas discharge outlet of the gas turbine is through a channel, directly or indirectly, in fluid communication with the combustion air inlet of said combustion chamber, so that turbine exhaust gas preheated to a substantial temperature, e.g. 350-450° C., is blown through said channel, etc., through the overpressure of the turbine exhaust gas, e.g. of up to 0.5 bar, without the need for a fan, to the intake of the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A fire fighting nozzle for extinguishing industrial scale fires including improved automatic pressure regulating features, enhanced educting features having central (110) and peripheral channeling (94) for foam concentrate, combined with a capacity to throw dry chemicals. The improved pressure regulating features include a spring (50) loaded double acting baffle (13), that is positioned by fire fighting fluid in communication with a hydraulic chamber, the hydraulic chamber is preferably controlled by a relief valve (42).

Abstract: Ultrasound methods and apparatus for reducing tissue damage from ischemia by means of insonation through intact skin and/or bone, the insonation preferably promoting thrombolysis, reducing edema and promoting microcirculation, recanalization, increased collateraled interstitial flow and delivery of lytic agents to clots located in supplying arteries as well as nutrients or therapeutic agent to the ischemic tissue. A portion of an organ affected by ischemia or the entire organ is exposed to low frequency low power ultrasound generated by multiple transducers of variable power limits which at least partially surround an organ, preferably at least 90% of a skull surface, for instance. Studies indicate the approach maintains biological tissue function or viability in the setting of reduced perfusion by exposing the tissue or organ to ultrasound energy transmission.

Abstract: A fire fighting fluid proportioning system and method including a fire fighting fluid conduit in fluid communication with a fire fighting fluid regulating valve and a venturi, the venturi in fluid communication with a valve source of fire fighting foam concentrate, and having a pilot valve connected directly or indirectly to the regulating valve and the concentrate source valve and adapted to adjust, directly or indirectly, the regulating valve and the source valve in response to a sensed indicia of fire fighting fluid pressure in the conduit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing and cooling a hot gaseous stream exiting a gasification reactor vessel at temperatures in excess of 1300° C. where the gas will come into contact with a corrosive aqueous liquid, including methods and apparatus for cooling the gaseous stream prior to quenching the gaseous stream as well as methods and apparatus for providing vessel construction able to provide for the contact of a hot gaseous stream at temperatures in excess of 1100° C. with a corrosive aqueous liquid.

Abstract: A bottomhole assembly (BHA) for use in well operations, with particular application to use in drilling with a downhole drilling motor and with coiled tubing and directional drilling, including a novel power pack, orienting tool, arrangement of bottomhole assembly tools, and method of use of the BHA for orienting while drilling.