Abstract: A reinforcing slat for use in an inflatable packer which is elongate and curved about its longitudinal axis and comprises perforations in the part thereof which enters the end portion and which bends around the end portion on inflation of the packer. The perforations serve to reduce the bending stiffness of the slat in the portion likely to suffer permantent deformation on inflation of the packer.

Abstract: A vertical planter has a plurality of spaced apart tiered flower pots centered about a pole. The pole is segmented to allow disassembly and shipping. A support base is either a stand having legs or a cement plug. Dual support means for the flower pots include the dirt in the flower pots and support bars in the pole. The device can be built into a large capacity planter over seven feet tall and weighing over 400 pounds.

Abstract: A bendable marker for use in areas where the marker is required to be flexible is provided with a base and a marker post which are joined together by a flexible sleeve. The flexible sleeve has a plurality of evenly spaced ribs which extend longitudinally along the sleeve from an upper end to a lower end. The ribs are evenly spaced apart with a groove being formed between each of the ribs. The ribs protrude from both the inner and outer surfaces of the flexible sleeve. If the marker post is struck, the flexible sleeve allows the marker post to bend relative to the base. The ribs strengthen and enhance the resiliency of the sleeve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a traffic stripe having improved reflectivity includes a vehicle having an apparatus for applying the traffic stripe, an applying assembly for dispersing a reflective material over the traffic stripe, another applying apparatus for applying a releasing agent, and a deformation apparatus disposed rearward thereof for forming interval grooves in the traffic stripe. The application of the releasing agent directly onto the traffic stripe or onto the deformation apparatus prevents the freshly applied traffic stripe from lifting off the road surface and adhering to the deformation apparatus.

Abstract: An automated pavement repair vehicle includes a vehicle and its various computer-controlled subsystems. The various subsystems, including a vacuum system, heating system and spray patch system, for completing pavement repair, are located on the frame and rear of the truck. A robotic cell at the rear of the truck includes an assembly of retractable doors. The doors are lowered around the pothole to allow control of ambient conditions during the pavement repair procedure.

Abstract: A liner cementing system and method provide for a landing collar 10 with a bypass passageway 45. Circulation port 62 in collar 10 permits initial circulation through the liner 17 until a pump down plug P1 is pumped therein to seal off circulation therethrough. An increase in pressure in the liner bore 51 acts on a piston 50 until shear ring 48 is sheared at a selected pressure. Cement 90 may then flow through the bypass passageway 45 into a cement shoe 104 and into an annulus 74 to cement the liner 17 in place. Pump down plug P2 seals off the bypass passageway 45 to stop flow into the annulus 74. The closing of circulation port 62, the opening of bypass port 53, and the closing of bypass port 53 produce pressure signals at the surface which may be used to analyze cement job success.

Abstract: Surface drainage apparatus is provided comprising a channel body defining a drainage channel and a cover for the channel. A fixing means is provided for attachment of the cover to the channel body and comprises a first fixing element for attachment to the channel body and a complementary second fixing element for attachment to the cover. The first fixing element comprises a clamping spring defining a receiving opening and the second fixing element comprises a peg formed with an enlarged end that is a leading end for insertion of the peg into the clamping spring. The clamping spring and the peg are constructed so that the peg can be inserted into the receiving opening, thereby elastically deforming the spring, and retained therein after insertion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the cover.

Abstract: A diamond cutting element including a substantially planar diamond table having a periphery defined by a multiple chamfer. The angle of the outermost chamfer may be oriented to provide a bearing surface on the cutting element at the place of engagement with the formation being drilled.

Abstract: Advantageously, the present invention also facilitates a unique method for post-tensioning segmental viaduct structures, for rapid transit use or otherwise, wherein post-tensioning cables do not follow load diagrams but instead follow uniform paths through each viaduct segment. In this way, each viaduct segment need not be specially fabricated to accommodate uniquely positioned cables.

Abstract: A water culture apparatus wherein air space sections are formed between plant containers and a nutrient solution when rafts are floated in a water culture tank filled with the nutrient solution. The plant containers are inserted in vertically oriented channels provided in the raft. The air space sections are formed in order that the plant containers do not get submerged in the nutrient solution. The plants are cultivated by: gradually moving the raft from one end to another end of the water culture tank, movement of the raft corresponding to a state of growth of the plants so that the plants supported by the plant containers reach the other end by the time the plants have grown as a result of having absorbed nutrients from the nutrient solution; and harvesting the plants when each of the rafts reaches the other end of the water culture tank.

Abstract: A tree stabilizer device for supporting young trees, shrubs, etc. The device includes a post adapted to have one end thereof inserted into the ground so as to extend upwardly substantially vertically therefrom; and an elongated support member having a first adjustable securing mechanism for securing the member to the post, and a second mechanism for securing the member to a tree. The first securing mechanism includes a slot defined through the member and shaped substantially to match a cross-section of the post, for insertion of the post therethrough. The second securing mechanism includes a substantially wedge-shaped section and a wedge for adjustable insertion therein so as to secure a portion of the tree between the wedge and the wedge-shaped section.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of dropping a pumpdown plug or ball is revealed. The assembly can be integrally formed with a plug-dropping head or can be an auxiliary feature that is mounted to a plug-dropping head. The release mechanism is actuated by remote control, employing intrinsically safe circuitry. The circuitry, along with its self-contained power source, actuates a primary control member responsive to an input signal so as to allow component shifting for release of the pumpdown plug or ball. Multiple plug-dropping heads can be stacked, each responsive to a discrete release signal. Actuation to drop the pumpdown ball or plug is accomplished even while the components are rotating or are moving longitudinally. Using the apparatus and method of the present invention, personnel do not need to climb up in the derrick to actuate manual valves.

Abstract: A scoophead/diverter assembly functions to orient and anchor multiple tubing strings at the Y-juncture in an oil or gas well with multiple lateral wellbores. An important advantage of this arrangement is to provide communication to multiple reservoirs or tap different locations within the same reservoir and enable re-entry to these wellbores for remediation and stimulation. The large bore of the scoophead enables a secondary wellbore's production tubing (liner) to pass through until the top of the liner is in the scoophead. In accordance with an important feature of this invention, a novel liner tie-back sleeve is used to thread onto the top of a lateral liner, and locate, latch and provide a seal receptacle to isolate the secondary wellbore's production fluids. The liner tie-back sleeve also includes a running profile for a suitable running tool. The liner tie-back sleeve comprises two cylindrical parts that, when assembled, provide a running tool profile for running the liner in the wellbore.

Abstract: A new and improved container assembly apparatus for attachment to the front surface and rear surface of a memorial stone at a vertical edge of the memorial stone, for supporting an item (such as an arrangement of flowers) on the memorial stone. The apparatus includes a first clamping arm for placement against the front surface of the memorial stone, a second clamping arm for placement against the rear surface of the memorial stone, and a clamping arm support for supporting the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm in a horizontal orientation in spaced relation with each other. The clamping arm support is positioned in a vertical orientation adjacent a vertical edge of the memorial stone, such that the front surface and the rear surface of the memorial stone that are adjacent to the vertical edge of the memorial stone can be sandwiched between the first and second clamping arms.

Abstract: In one form of the invention, an integrated wellhead tubing string (100) having a reduced overall height is disclosed, comprising an integrated casing (104) having a first vertical bore (110) therethrough having a first inside diameter, a second vertical bore partially therethrough and having a second inside diameter, the second inside diameter greater than the first inside diameter, a first horizontal bore (108) therethrough in communication with the first vertical bore and a second horizontal bore (132) partially therethrough and in communication with the first vertical bore and positioned above and orthogonal to the first horizontal bore, a blowout preventer (106) comprising horizontally opposed, reciprocable rams disposed within the first horizontal bore, a production tee (128) formed by a threaded coupling (130) disposed on an outer surface of the integrated casing, the threaded coupling being in communication with the second horizontal bore, a stuffing box (134) disposed within the second vertical bore

Abstract: A portable self-supporting greenhouse comprising: a plurality of transparent inflatable tubular rings forming a cylindrical shaped structure, the tubular rings having a first inlet for inflating the transparent tubular rings and interconnecting passageways which allow the transparent rings to be inflated via the first inlet, at least one opaque inflatable tubular ring attached to the transparent inflatable rings forming a base for the structure, the opaque ring having a second inlet for inflating the opaque ring with a dense medium. A transparent cover is provided which comprises a plurality of transparent inflatable radial segments defining an annular top which is in communication with the transparent rings, the annular top having an opening and an inflatable transparent hatch positioned over the opening and removably secured to the annular top.

Abstract: A by-product of corn is utilized in the drilling fluid while drilling boreholes to reduce friction and to reduce the normal adverse effects inherent in each drilling fluid.

Abstract: A removable walkway is constructed of light metals and is designed for attachment to a bridge or viaduct during construction or repair, or for retrofitting such a structural built without a walkway.

Abstract: Oceanographic mining uses a flexible cover draped over a submarine ore-bearing stratum. The cover serves as a blanket-like structure for application of a leaching substance and isolation of the leachate and stratum from the surrounding water. The leachate infiltrates the stratum and becomes pregnant with intended materials. The leaching solution is subsequently pumped to the surface. The ores are separated from the pregnant leaching solution, enabling the solution to be used again. The cover supports and arranges anchor and sealing tubes and leachate and pregnant liquor tubes. Pumps are mounted on a platform connected to the cover. The cover is deployed by sinking parallel coils and filling peripheral tubes to uncoil and anchor the cover on a sea bed. One cover is spread by tube and is sunk in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A starter mill adapted for use with a whipstock to mill a window through the casing of a well for deviating the direction of drilling. The starter mill includes a bearing nose which is utilized to indicate completion of the milling process. As the mill nears completion of the milling process, the bearing nose will become wedged between the whipstock face and the casing preventing further downhole movement. The bearing nose will engage whipstock and casing, allowing the work string to continue to rotate although the decreased torque resulting from the absence of milling provides a clear signal that the milling operation is complete. The cutters of the mill are spaced a predetermined distance from the bearing nose to ensure completion of the casing window.