Abstract: An eating utensil assembly may include a first eating utensil that may include a first handle having an opening therein, a support member coupled to the first handle across the opening, and an eating utensil head coupled to an end of the first handle and having a curved shape. The eating utensil assembly may also include a second eating utensil removably carried by the support member within the opening in the first handle. The second eating utensil may include a second handle and a cutting blade coupled to an end of the second handle.

Abstract: A system providing environmentally friendly pathway tunnel utilizes a bottom configuration with multiple elongated beams and slots. One or more of the beams includes upstanding sedimentation members that are spaced apart along a span of the tunnel. The system interacts with the flowing water and earthen material in the flowing water such that capture and settling of the earthen material at locations along the tunnel occurs to produce a more natural water flow pathway along the tunnel.

Abstract: An absorber is provided which uses a liquid solvent formed into a myriad of bubbles and micro-droplets. The solvent froth is a solvent for a selected component in an incoming gas stream. A plurality of spaced apart mesh assemblies is placed in one or more absorber tubes or in a reaction vessel. Using screens having cross-sections that are substantially rectangular wave in design together with proper operating parameters, the phenomenon of solvent pulsing is induced and maintained, maximizing efficiency of the absorber.

Abstract: A collar for axially positioning a vortex-induced vibration (VIV) suppression device along a tubular is disclosed. The collar has an annular body portion and a plurality of support members extending in a radial direction from the annular body portion. The support members are annularly spaced around the annular body portion such that gaps are formed between the support members, the gaps being dimensioned to receive an auxiliary tubular positioned external to a main tubular around which the annular body portion is positioned.

Abstract: An atmosphere profiling system is disclosed. The atmosphere profiling system is configured to characterize optical properties of the atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved apparatus and method for forming a retractable tower or column. The present invention includes pointed hooks wherein the hooks are attached to each section of a section chain, one in a horizontal direction and one in an off-set manner. The section chains are placed on a take up mechanism in an operable position and then raised utilizing a motor. As the section chains are raised, they are guided by a guide tower, rollers, shims, and gear racks into a position whereby hooks from adjacent sections of the section chains form coupled engagements. The coupled engagement of the hooks of the sections of each adjacent section chains thereby form the column.

Abstract: A poker-style nylon chip dispensing kiosk including a touch screen display, key pad input module, credit card scanner, bill validator, chip dispensing mechanism and chip vault for holding chips, a dispensing assembly for dispensing selected numbers of chips and security and input systems to allow an end user to access the kiosk and have the kiosk dispense selected numbers of chips. The kiosk is interactive with the owners accounting system so as to report the dispensing of chips.

Abstract: A system and process for cleaning a vessel is described. In embodiments, the system has one or more manway adapters configured to fit one or more manways of the vessel and deliver a cleaning solution through them. Further, in embodiments the system includes one or more actuators which are configured to position the one or more manway adapters horizontally or vertically to allow for optimal alignment and positioning of the manway adapters within the manways. Movement of the manway adapters may be facilitated by way of a frame assembly mounted on one or more horizontal rails. The system may be used to clean tanks and other vessels such as those that are on tanker trucks, tanker cars, or frac tanks.

Abstract: Provided are washout devices for cleaning the interior of a frac tank. In embodiments, the devices may comprise (i) a wand comprising a first pipe and a second pipe; wherein the second pipe is positioned in parallel below the first pipe; wherein one or more trusses connect the first pipe and the second pipe; (ii) a support member in communication with a proximal end of the wand such that the wand is suspended above and at a desired angle relative to the ground; (iii) one or more washout nozzles disposed along the length of the first pipe. Embodiments may also include a system and a process for cleaning the interior of a frac tank.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing solid wastes from oil field operations are described, which may include or encompass removal of wastes from oil tanks, solid particle size reduction and recovery, and disposal by injection into a subterranean formation. Removal of liquefied solid wastes from oil tanks may be achieved by a washout and vacuum conveyance system. Solid wastes may be processed through a particle size reduction system. The particle size reduction system may include one or more separators each having an appropriate particle size threshold, one or more slurry tanks, an apparatus such as a grinder configured for reducing particle size, and one or more slurry pumps that transfer the slurry through one or more recirculation circuits or transfer conduits. Particle size may be further reduced by high velocity transport through the recirculation circuits. The processed slurry may be disposed of by re-injection into a subterranean injection zone.

Abstract: A multi-functional composition of matter that is useful for injection into a flue gas stream to rapidly and efficiently remove mercury from the flue gas stream. The multi-functional composition of matter may include a fixed carbon sorbent and minerals, halogens in the form of halide salts, as well as other physical and chemical properties to enhance (1) the oxidation reaction kinetics for the oxidation of mercury species and (2) the mass diffusion kinetics of the mercury species.

Abstract: A therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device including a cylindrically shaped core, and an overlay about the core including a plurality of shaped projections configured to enhance mobilization of soft tissue and optimize body core strength and balance training.

Abstract: A device for delivering medication is presented. The device has a conduit with an upstream end and a downstream end. The downstream end of the conduit delivers the medication. The device has a housing with an open end and an end forming a flat substrate. The housing receives a vial containing a liquid and having a stopper. The device also has a valve for releasing the liquid from the vial into the conduit. The valve can be opened and closed by a user of the device. To release the liquid a piston is utilized to exert pressure on the stopper of the vial and the liquid is dispensed through a needle into the conduit.

Abstract: A method for compressing data is disclosed. The method may include classifying the data from a plurality of data sources into classifications including at least PCM-encoded data and data structure information. The method may also include determining data states associated with the PCM-encoded data and the data structure information. The method may further include compressing the PCM-encoded data and the data structure information into compressed bit-streams based on the determined data states. The method may also include shuffling the compressed bit-streams to introduce randomness.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for an ion generator mounting device for application of bipolar ionization to airflow within a conduit, the device includes a housing for mounting to the conduit having an internal panel within the enclosure, and an arm extending from the housing for extension into the conduit and containing at least one opening. At least one coupling for mounting an ion generator to the arm oriented with an axis extending between a pair of electrodes of the ion generator being generally perpendicular to a flow direction of the airflow within the conduit.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for facilitating immigration transactions and investments are disclosed. Data is prepared for use in an immigration compliance report. One or more employment credits are reported as being allocated to an investment. The employment credits represent jobs created through investment in a first business entity that employs one or more employees that are simultaneously employees of the first business entity and a second business entity. The one or more employees that are simultaneously employees of the first business entity and a second business entity are identified as holding jobs created by the investment in the first business entity.

Abstract: An automatic water control system for open ditch drainage includes a drainage control apparatus that is designed to be disposed in a drainage ditch and to control the water level in the drainage ditch, as well as the water table level in the field.

Abstract: A fairing for suppressing a vortex induced vibration (VIV) of a tubular. The fairing including a tail member dimensioned to suppress a vortex induced vibration of a tubular. The fairing further including an encircling member dimensioned to encircle less than an entire circumference of a tubular, the encircling member being separable from the tail member. The fairing further including a connecting assembly dimensioned to attach the tail member to the encircling member.