Abstract: A method and system for increasing oil production from an oil well producing a mixture of oil, water, gas, and/or solids through a wellbore penetrating an oil-bearing formation containing an oil-bearing zone and a selected injection zone, by separating from the mixture of oil, water, gas, and/or solids in the oil well at least a portion of the gas to produce a first separated gas and a first portion of an oil-enriched mixture; directing the first portion of the oil-enriched mixture through a bypass passageway having an outlet in fluid communication with a surface so that the first portion of the oil-enriched mixture bypasses a turbine in the oil well; driving the turbine with the first separated gas; driving a compressor in the oil well with the turbine; separating from the first separated gas in the oil well at least a portion of the gas to produce a second separated gas and a second portion of an oil-enriched mixture; compressing with the compressor the second separated gas to a pressure greater than a pres

Abstract: A system and method for evaluating the effectiveness of a tractive effort maximizing control system in a wheeled vehicle utilizes a process of operating the vehicle by applying controlled power to at least some wheels of the vehicle to enable motion of the vehicle, disabling the tractive effort maximizing control system, and varying creep speed between a minimum value and a selected maximum value while monitoring the tractive effort to identify a maximum available tractive effort. Thereafter, the tractive effort maximizing control system is enabled and the resulting tractive effort developed by the vehicle measured. Comparing the resulting tractive effort to the maximum available tractive effort produces a measure of effectiveness of the tractive effort maximizing control system.

Abstract: Hydroxy-substituted hydroxylamine antioxidants can be prepared by reacting hydroxylamine or a mono-substituted hydroxylamine, in free base form, with an epoxide. The antioxidant reaction product can be used without isolation from the reaction solution, and combined with a color developing agent to provide a photographic color developing composition in either concentrated or working strength formulations. The method for preparing the antioxidant is rapid and efficient because of the use of the free base form of the hydroxylamine reactant, higher temperatures (at or above 50.degree. C.) and certain molar ratios of reactants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel liquid oral suspensions incorporated within a soft gelatin capsule comprised of a bitter or bad-tasting pharmaceutical active (such as antihistamines, decongestants and the like) which is dispersed within an adsorbate comprised of magnesium trisilicate, silicon dioxide or mixture thereof. The adsorbate is dispersed within an aqueous or non-aqueous carrier base and combined with other flavors, sweeteners, emulsifiers and the like. The adsorbate not only taste-masks the active but also insures that is evenly dispersed through the liquid suspension so that a uniform dosage rate is readily achievable. The encapsulation of the adsorbate within a gelatin capsule makes administration easier for children andmore convenient. The capsule also affords the adsorbate suspension greater shelf life.

Abstract: A playyard system adapted to be used in a conventional fixed mode or as a rocker including a playyard in a generally rectilinear configuration.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device with a vertical via/contact is described. An insulating layer covers semiconductor device structures in and on a semiconductor substrate. A conducting layer overlies the insulating layer. An intermetal dielectric layer overlies the conducting layer. An aluminum layer overlies the intermetal dielectric layer and fills a via hole extending through the intermetal dielectric layer and through the conducting layer wherein the said via hole includes an undercutting of the intermetal dielectric layer and wherein the portion of the via hole undercutting the interlevel dielectric layer has vertical sidewalls. The via hole may extend either partially through the conducting layer or all the way through the conducting layer to the underlying insulating layer. This completes the integrated circuit device.

Abstract: The optimization of two technologies (CMOS and CCD) wherein a pinned photodiode is integrated into the image sensing element of an active pixel sensor. Pinned photodiodes are fabricated with CCD process steps into the active pixel architecture. Charge integrated within the active pixel pinned photodiode is transferred into the charge sensing node by a transfer gate. The floating diffusion is coupled CMOS circuitry that can provide the addressing capabilities of individual pixels. Alternatively, a buried channel photocapacitor can be used in place of the pinned photodiode.

Abstract: A method for increasing the surface area, and thus the capacitance of a DRAM, stacked capacitor structure, has been developed. A storage node electrode, incorporating branches of polysilicon, is created via use of multiple polysilicon and insulator depositions, as well as via the use of dry anisotropic, and wet isotropic, etching procedures. The use of polysilicon spacers, created on the sides of silicon oxide mesas, adds a vertical component to the polysilicon branches. Removal of a portion of insulator layer from between polysilicon branches, results in exposure of the increased storage node electrode surface area. Unetched portions of the insulator layers, between polysilicon branches, supply structural support for the storage node electrode, comprised of polysilicon branches.

Abstract: A method of quilting patterns is provided in which pattern files are generated containing quilting machine control data for use by a controller of a quilting machine to produce different quilted patterns. Product information is generated that identifies pluralities of patterns. In response to the product information, the quilting machine controller sequentially reads the pattern files for each of the patterns of the identified plurality and sequentially quilts the plurality of patterns in the form of sub-patterns on the same panel of multi-layered material to form a combination pattern. A multi-needle quilting apparatus is provided with a controller programmed to carry out the method as part of a quilting system in which pattern and product databases are generated and linked for the production of a variety of individual and combination patterns.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing temperature-sensitive, shelf-stable, high-acid or acidified, tomato-based food products. From about 0.000125% to about 0.00125% nisin, and in preferred embodiments from about 0.00025% to about 0.0005% nisin, based on the weight of the food product, is first mixed with the tomato-base. Other ingredients, such as pieces of fresh tomatoes, onions, bell peppers and the like are then combined with the nisin-containing mixture. The combination is then heat-treated at a temperature less than about 180.degree. F.

Abstract: The present invention provides an edging strip with integrally molded stakes. The strip of the invention is a single, integrally molded piece, greatly simplifying construction, packaging, shipping, and assembly by the end user. Each strip will present an independent and usable item containing within the one piece the components necessary to position and attach the strip within the ground and to link it with other strips as desired. The integral stakes each also have broad top surfaces which provide a hammering surface for inserting the strip within the ground. The strip uses interlocking semi-stakes at its end points to connect with other strips, providing a full hammering surface when interlocked and providing anchoring points at the points of connection. The disclosed invention may also include support ribs with catches or ledges which act to resist the effects of frost heave and reduce unintentional removal of the strip from the ground.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing thin solidified alloy pieces having a container 53 for accommodating an alloy melt 57, the container having an opening in an upper portion of the container, drive means 2 for titling the container for providing a flow of the alloy melt from the container, control means 4 for controlling the drive means, a cooling roll 55 for cooling and solidifying the alloy melt from the container into thin pieces, and flow stabilizing means 54 for guiding the alloy melt from the container onto the cooling roll in a substantially constant flow, wherein the control means includes memory means for storing tilting angular velocity commands for tilting the container, and commanding means for reading the tilting angular velocity commands in the memory means and for activating the drive means in accordance with the commands so read, wherein the tilting angular velocity commands in the memory means have been pre-set based on theoretical quantity of the alloy melt remaining in the container at each of a pl

Abstract: The present invention provides an article comprising a curable resin and a filler associated with the resin. The incorporation of fillers into the casting materials of the present invention adds substantially to the strength of the cured casting material as well as to the handling properties of the uncured casting tape or bandage. The incorporation of fillers into the casting materials of the present invention also imparts air and vapor porosity to the cured casting materials. If desired articles of the present invention may also incorporate fibers (either individually, bundled, or in the form of a light-weight scrim) to provide increased cohesiveness to the uncured article. Extremely moldable casting tapes are also provided which comprise a highly-filled composite material coated on a light-weight scrim. The casting tapes of this embodiment handle like traditional plaster of Paris casts yet cure to a weight-bearing cast in less than one hour.