Abstract: A method and apparatus for condensing water and a plurality of hydrocarbons entrained in a pressurized gas stream leaving a separator at a well location. The pressurized gas stream leaves the separator during a first time period and enters the vortex tube. Through the cooling action of the vortex tube, a first plurality of hydrocarbons and water are condensed and sent to a first reservoir. The temperature in the vortex tube is not low enough to condense a second plurality of hydrocarbons, which remain in the gaseous state and are sent to a second reservoir for sale. Through the warming action of the vortex tube, methane, ethane, propane and some butane may immediately be passed to a gas sales line. The pressurized gas stream is terminated during the well recharge phase. This termination period occurs for a second time period. The ratio of the second time period to the first time period is chosen to be greater than zero.

Abstract: A light reflecting fish attractant comprised of mica flakes is provided. The mica flakes are cast into the water where they slowly sink to the bottom. During their descent, they cascade wildly with the eddies and currents of the water. The light which filters down into the water is reflected off the mica, causing a glittering or flashing. This reflected light attracts fish into the area. The mica flakes are chosen to be sized in the range of 0.001 inch to about 3.0 inch in length, in the range of 0.001 inch to about 3 inch in width and about any size larger than 0.001 inch in thickness. This size range permits the mica flakes to approximate the common sizes of fish scales. The mica flakes giving the appearance of fish scales attracts predator fish to the area where the mica flakes are introduced. After introducing the mica flakes to the water, the sportsman would introduce the fishing line to the area where the flakes have been placed.

Abstract: An improved connector with integrally attached fasteners is disclosed. In the embodiments described, the fasteners are nails and they are held in a sleeve. A flexible member attaches this sleeve to the body of the connector. In a first shipping or storage configuration, the fasteners are held flat against the body of the device. When it is desired to drive the fastener, a user moves one or more of the fasteners into a second, upright position. This aligns the fastener with the aperture present on the connector and the user then drives the nail home. Various rivet type attachments may be employed to secure the sleeve assembly to the apertures present on the connector through which the nail is driven. Additionally, the sleeve may include a corrugated interior to assist in gripping the nail more firmly in place. In another embodiment, this sleeve may be scored so that as the nail is driven, the sleeve splits and falls out of the way.

Abstract: A novel three person chess apparatus and method of play is disclosed. A generally hexagonal board is provided having alternating side lengths of 8 and 9 spaces. Each of the three sides in the game set up the rear rank of their pieces on one of the 9 spaced sides. A new piece, referred to in the preferred embodiment as the “Champion”, is located centrally on the rear rank, between the King and the Queen, and combines the moves of either the Bishop or Knight. The rest of the major pieces are placed in the customary positions. 10 pawns are placed in the rank immediately in front of these major pieces and play alternates in a sequential fashion between the three players until two of the Kings are checkmated or a stalemate occurs.

Abstract: A device to absorb underarm perspiration is provided. The device includes a central body with an absorbent pad disposed thereon. Extending from the upper portion of the central body is a first pair of arms, which include a right and left terminus. Located atop the right and left terminus of the first pair of arms is a first fastening means designed to hold the absorbent pad directly on the underarm by looping generally about the deltoid muscle of the arm and connecting the right arm to the left arm. Extending from the middle portion of the central body is a second pair of arms, which include a right and a left terminus. Located atop the right and left terminus of the second pair of arms is a second fastening means designed to additionally secure the absorbent pad directly on the underarm by affixing the right and left arms of the second pair of arms to the trunk of the user. Extending from the lower portion of the central body is a third pair of arms, which include a right and a left terminus.

Abstract: A collapsible hoop stand is provided. The stand includes a generally circular ring or hoop shaped base portion having a first diameter and a generally circular ring or hoop shaped upper portion having a first diameter. The base portion is connected to the upper portion by three leg members. The leg members are each connected at their upper and lower ends to the upper portion and the base portion respectively. The connection is designed to be removable, permitting the portable stand to be easily assembled, disassembled, and stored. Two of the leg members are of a first length and the third member is of a second length. The leg member second length is less than the two leg member's first length, and includes a bend, causing the upper portion to be angled. A second generally circular ring or hoop shaped upper portion is also provided. The second upper portion has a second diameter which is greater than the first upper portion's first diameter.

Abstract: A dual induction apparatus for high volume low pressure spraying systems is provided. The invention includes an atomizing tube with an entrance, a midpoint and an exit. A jet nozzle is connected to the entrance of the atomizing tube. A first plurality of induction ports pass through the sidewalls of the atomizing tube proximal the jet nozzle. The first plurality of induction ports are in communication with ambient air. When the compressed air passes through the jet nozzle a low pressure field is formed causing ambient air to be drawn into the atomizing tube. A venturi element is located inside the atomizing tube in the area about the midpoint to the exit. A tube in communication with the removable venturi element is passed through the sidewall of the atomizing tube. The tube is affixed in a perpendicular fashion to the aperture in the venturi element on its first side and is further connected to a reservoir of paints, powders, solvents or other substances.

Abstract: A method of preparing raw oyster meat in the shell is disclosed which employs a mild heat treatment followed by chilling for the destruction of harmful pathogenic bacteria such as Vibrio vulnificus. The oysters are captured and transported to the processing plant in a refrigerated state. The oysters are then cleaned and graded into categories according the product size. The oysters are then placed into a continuous flow of sterilized water at a sufficient temperature and duration to kill the pathogens yet leave the meat in a raw state within the shell. Different temperatures and time durations have been found to give excellent results depending on the size of the oyster. It has been found that the internal temperature of the oysters, that is, the meat within the shell, must reach a minimum of 49 degrees centigrade and not exceed 53 degrees centigrade for maximum efficacy. Depending on oyster weight and warm water temperature, the oysters will be immersed from between about 10-45 minutes.

Abstract: A cylindrical plant container having a dual sidewall is provided. The inner sidewall is constructed of polypropylene fabric and the outer sidewall is constructed of wire, such as chicken wire. The inner sidewall extends above the outer sidewall and is folded over the top of the outer sidewall and is fastened thereto. The inner sidewall also extends below the outer sidewall and is folded over the bottom of the outer sidewall and is fastened thereto. The present invention is designed to be used in a plant nursery. The woven polypropylene permits air to penetrate through the sidewall permitting air pruning of the roots proximal the sidewall. This forces the roots to grow in both a horizontal and downward fashion resulting in a denser plant root system with no spiraling or circling of roots within the cylindrical plant container. The heat transfer characteristics of the polypropylene reduces the root ball temperature compared to other containers.

Abstract: A harmonica is provided with three diatonic reed harps vertically aligned in a single housing. The three diatonic reed harps are in communication with a central mouthpiece. The reed harps are in different keys. Two movable sliders block the air channel to two of the three reed harps at any one time. The sliders are caused to move to blocking or unblocking positions through the actuation of a pair of buttons. The first button and the second button engage and disengage elongated slide members which are aligned in horizontal relation with each of the three diatonic reeds, either blocking or unblocking the air passage therethrough, thus preventing their ability to make sound. Through manipulation of the pair of buttons, the user may select any one of three harps to play. When both buttons are disengaged, the central harp is open, and the top and bottom harps are blocked. When the front button is engaged, the lower harp is open, and the top and middle harps are blocked.

Abstract: A ski boot cover is provided which is impervious to snow, moisture and wind and provides thermal insulation from the cold while permitting the wearer to manipulate adjustment devices located on the external surface of the shaft of the boot. The cover includes a body which is generally triangular. The body has a perimeter having a first, second and third side. The first side and the second side are connected by a first strip. The first side, second side and first strip define an opening for receiving the front portion of the ski boot with the first strip residing on the bottom of the boot. The first side and second side are also connected about the rear of the ski boot by a second strip. The second strip includes hook and loop fasteners.

Abstract: Manufacturing procedures and compositions for soil enhancers and the like are disclosed. A solution is formed from adding humate to water under constant agitation. Sodium Bicarbonate is added to the solution, resulting in a reaction allowing silica to precipitate out of the solution. The resulting solution is about 12% humic acid. Additional water is added to the solution along with a series of crude protein sources, including fish protein, blood extract, and feather meal. Following the addition of each protein source to the humic acid solution, citric acid is added to increase the protein solubility. Sarsaponins (Yucca extract) is then added to stabilize microbial activity. Additional water is added to the resulting mix, followed by the addition of sugar beet waste lime (calcium carbonate). The calcium carbonate brings the mixture to a pH of about the range of 6.8 to 7.2, which has been found to be encouraging for microbial activity. Seaweed is then added to the mix.