Abstract: An insulating cover for an attic or other opening is provided which mounts on top of a stair frame or framed opening or the like without the necessity of attic flooring, characterized by economical construction, economical shipping, ease of assembly, ease of installation above the opening, and a footprint substantially similar to the frame of the folding stair or the empty opening. The present invention further provides an insulating cover that is rugged enough for continued use yet light enough and supported in such as way as to have an ease of opening, staying open and closing as the consumer needs. In a further embodiment, the invention components may be substantially flat packed for ease of shipping and handling. In a further embodiment, the invention provides a multifunction insulating cover that may be fitted with a ventilation means, such as a louver or powered fan to enable ventilation through the framed opening even though the attic cover would be closed.

Abstract: A composition of matter and a method of sealing a permeable formation is provided incorporating the composition to reduce or eliminate lost circulation in permeable formations. The composition comprises one or more sealing components, ranging in size from approximately 10 to approximately 750 microns, a wetting component, a viscosifier component and an activator or flocculant. A dry mixture of the components may be added directly from the bag to the drilling mud to the permeable formation and will not set up inside the drill string. The mixture will seal the formation in an aqueous or organic environment, thus removing the need to form a pill in a slugging pit prior to introduction. The mixture dewaters at a rapid rate without regard to the time and temperature required for curing agents or other additives. The mixture does not require additional agents such as defoamers, accelerators, retarders or spacers to dewater and set as a solid plug.

Abstract: An apparatus and method therefore of utilizing a connector base of the present invention to preconstruct a trophy assembly prior to the attachment of the figure, utilizing traditional threaded rod construction, with the connector base further adapted to receive one or more additional components configured with a resilient or rigid attachment, such as a figure, to complete the trophy for use. More particularly, the figure may have a traditional threaded stud molded therein, or be adapted to snap or twist in place establishing a permanent connection, or reversibly twist or snap in place. In addition, the attachment comprises a resilient or rigid connecting member attached to a trophy component adapted to insert into a connector member opening configured in a second trophy component. Further, any component of a trophy assembly could be adapted with the snap or twist attachment of the present invention and the assembly could quickly proceed without the need for the internal threaded rod.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for insect control by delivery of fluids combined from different sources is disclosed, wherein a first fluid is provided in a cartridge configured with a first fluid coupling and a first wireless transmitter (FWT), and a second fluid, or diluent, is supplied to form a mixture for distribution or spraying. The FWT is programmable with data identifying the composition and volume of the liquid in the cartridge and able to contain data of withdrawal of fluid or pump cycles. An interrogator or second wireless transmitter (SWT) communicates with the FTW to control the fluid withdrawal and mixing process. In addition, the combination of the cartridge identification and the coupling design restrict introduction of improper materials into the system, and potentially to an inhabited area.