Abstract: The new yard-care machine includes features of a mower, a mulching mower and a branch chipper. Such machine has a cutting blade in an enlarged lower blade chamber and a fan and a chipper plate in an enlarged upper fan chamber. A restriction separates the chambers and a leaf and grass-comminuting mulching blade is interposed in the restriction between the blade and the plate. The machine shroud has an exhaust port equipped with an optional diffuser for spreading finely-divided mulch on a lawn. The shroud also has an opening through which branches can be introduced to the chipper plate. The resulting branch chips are exhausted into a collection bag. Manual and self-propelled ("walk behind" or riding) versions and various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A shield excavator for constructing a tunnel, a hole, a groove and the like having a polygonal, preferably, square section. The excavator (10) comprises: a cylindrical shield body (12) having a polygonal sectional shape; a cutter assembly (18) disposed at a front end portion of the shield body (12) so as to be reciprocatingly movable in a first direction intersecting at least the axis of the shield body (12); and a driving mechanism (16) for driving the the cutter assembly (18). The cutter assembly (18) includes: a plurality of serrated cutters (66) disposed at the front end of the shield body (12) at intervals in a second direction intersecting the axis of the shield body (12) and the first direction and extending in the first direction, or a plurality of plate-shaped cutters (68) disposed at the front end of the shield body (12) at intervals in the first direction and extending in the second direction.

Abstract: A method of increasing the amount of hydrocarbons that are recoverable from an underground reservoir into which an oil well has been drilled. The method includes first pumping a quantity of negatively charged water down the oil well and into the underground reservoir. Then a quantity of particles of a copper-nickel-zinc alloy are pumped down the oil well and into the underground oil reservoir. Optionally the alloy is followed by a quantity of frac sand pumped down the well and into the reservoir and followed by a sufficient volume of negatively charged water to flush the frac sand out of the well casing and wellbore and into the reservoir. The well is then shut-in to stabilize the particles of alloy and frac sand, if added, within the reservoir.

Abstract: An adjustable erosion control wall includes a plurality of individual panels, each panel having a tongue projecting from one end and a groove formed in the opposing end. The panels of the retaining wall are pivotally and vertically slidably connected with the tongue of one panel engaged within the groove of an adjacent panel. Preferably, the tongue and groove have a generally cylindrical shape, and the panels have perforations therethrough of a diameter to permit water to flow therethrough but prevent the passage of soil therethrough.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit having a head portion with at least two hard surfaced inserts having domed working surfaces and being oppositely oriented to face in the direction of rotation at positive rake angles, and a mounting adapter for removably securing the drill bit to a drilling machine.

Abstract: A precast concrete soil retaining structure is provided comprising an upright portion, a base portion, and a plurality of retaining caps. Preferably its use will be as a wingwall for use with culvert systems. The upright portion of the structure has a first face and a second face, as well as a first end and a second end. The first end is of a height greater than or equal to the height of the second end. The base portion has a top surface and a bottom surface and a plurality of channels of a first diameter, each of which extends between the top surface and the bottom surface. Each of the retaining caps has a channel of a second diameter extending therethrough, with the second diameter preferably being less than that of the first diameter. Each of the retaining caps is positioned above a respective one of the base portion channels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing modular trench box sheeting panels for use in wall supporting during the excavation of trenches or the like. A rectangular support frame is formed by a pair of sheeting support members secured to one another by pairs of spreader members at oppositely disposed ends thereof. The box sheeting panels of the invention are formed of modular interdependent structural shapes that are assembled in a modular fabrication method to form interengageable adjustable wall sheeting panel members with reinforced pounding plates and ground engaging knife edges.

Abstract: A method for zone isolation or replacing a damaged or corroded casing with a solid plastic is described herein. A resin/curing agent mixture sufficient to form a hardened plastic or solid, underwater and/or at low wellbore temperatures that is also able to withstand downhole stresses, is placed into the wellbore so as to bind with the undamaged casing and close off any thief zone. Subsequently, the resin/curing agent mixture forms a hardened solid. The hardened solid is milled out if necessary so as to form a resinous casing the size of the original casing. Later, the hardened resinous casing is perforated to communicate with a targeted zone. Perforation is not required when isolating a zone. The hardened solid is of a strength sufficient to withstand stresses generated during EOR operations such as carbon dioxide or steam-flooding. Said solid is also resistant to workover acids and other chemicals used in EOR operations.

Abstract: A device for ensuring free flow to roof rainwater outlets, especially on flat roofs, in connection with ice formation. The device comprises a feed means (1) in the form of at least one channel member (2) extending outwards from a gully (4) and being provided with a plurality of side inlet openings (6) along its length, and a heating cable (11) arranged within the channel member (2) and which is arranged to be thermostatically connected within a chosen temperature interval, to melt ice which has formed around the gully (4). The temperature interval of the thermostat suitably is ca. 2.degree. C. and this interval preferably is displaceable within a chosen temperature range, e.g. between -5.degree. C. and 0.degree. C. Alternatively, the thermostat records the surface temperature of the roof covering and connects the heating cable (11) when the temperature rises and passes 0.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention, in certain embodiments, includes a wellbore tool side support or stabilizer (in one aspect for a concave of a whipstock in a wellbore or in a tubular) which has one or more movable members or bars which are movable from a non-supporting position in, partially in, or on a tool (or device or apparatus) to a position in which it or they provide lateral support on a side of the tool. In certain embodiments such a side support has a plurality of bars which initially are disposed within a tool, such as a whipstock; and which are then moved by an interconnecting setting bar so that they project from a side of the whipstock opposite a concave face of the whipstock, thus insuring correct positioning of the concave face for milling operations. Preferably, the supports or bars are locked in place upon reaching a desired orientation. In one aspect a shock absorber is interconnected between the whipstock and an installation tool or setting tool assembly.

Abstract: A process for contaminant removal from the ground or ground water involves employing a simple "dry" vacuum device (100) to apply a vacuum to a conventional well (60) for the recovery and separation of vapor contaminants, "free product", and contaminated water. The process employs a staged separation system for separation of the liquid phases, removal of contaminants from water, and vapor separation. The staged separation system allows the use of an "off the shelf" centrifugal (26) pump for effluent discharge. The process introduces additional dispersed air bubbles into the contaminated water which will aid in removal of contaminants. The process alternately employs a hydrophobic filter (56) to recover large amounts of "free product".

Abstract: A lawn mower having a deck height adjustment mechanism for simultaneously adjusting a height of a deck of a lawn mower at all four wheels of the lawn mower by the use of a single hand of the operator. The mechanism includes an index plate having a plurality of teeth thereon defining a plurality of deck height positions, and therefore a plurality of height positions of a cutting blade supported by the deck. The index plate is fixedly secured to an offset rear axle. An engaging plate having a pawl is coupled to an actuating member which is slidably, vertically moveable relative to the deck when the operator grips the actuating member and pulls upwardly away from the deck, while resting a palm of the same hand on a palm rest portion of the mechanism. A linkage member couples the index plate to a bracket of an offset front axle positioned at a front end of the deck.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for in-situ treatment of soil and groundwater contaminated with organic pollutants. The process involves defining the nature and extent of the contamination; determining the hydrology and geology of the contaminated area; determining the volume and concentration of a reactive solution required to effect treatment of the contaminated area; injecting the reactive solution into one or more injectors that are inserted into the ground, sealed and positioned so as to assure flow of the reactive solution through the contaminated area; allowing the reactive solution to flow through the contaminated area thereby reacting chemically with the contaminants contained within the contaminated area; and determining when the treatment is complete by monitoring by-products of the chemical reaction. Preferably, the reactive solution is an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and metallic salts.

Abstract: A kit and method for removing fallen leaves and other yard waste, composting the leaves, and applying a fertilizer and/or dethatching agent to the ground is disclosed. The kit generally comprises fabric net impregnated with a fertilizer and/or dethatching material, a bag, impregnated with a composting promoting material, which receives the rolled net, and a plurality of special spikes, adapted to hold the net to the ground.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a production facility containing a well that produces subterranean fluids and gas is disclosed. The production facility is connected to a receiving facility by a pipeline having a pipeline pressure. The production facility has a remote control system that has operably associated therewith a controlling valve member, and a safety system containing a surface valve, and a subsurface valve. Generally, the method comprises the steps of setting the following pressures: a pipeline high pressure level, a pipeline low pressure level, a control system upper pressure level, and a control system lower pressure level. Next, the receiving facility is shut-in, and the pipeline pressure is monitored. According to the pressure level achieved in the pipeline, a signal in response thereto is generated, and thereafter a remote control system valve member may be activated thereby closing the valve.

Abstract: A containment boom (10) includes a plurality of self-inflatable units (12) each having a plurality of chambers (26) connected end to end. Each chamber (26) has an air valve (28) at each end thereof. A water repellent and airtight covering (32) is provided for each chamber (26). A flotation subassembly (44) is positioned within an open space formed within the covering (32). The flotation subassembly includes a pair of open cell buoyant flotation members (54, 56) disposed on adjacent sides of an intermediate water repellent flotation member (58). The intermediate water repellent flotation member (58) is preferably formed of a closed cell polyethylene material and provides increased buoyancy to open cell flotation members (54, 56), particularly in the event that a rupture of the covering were to occur such that the open cell flotation members (54, 56) absorb water.

Abstract: Crop stripping apparatus is provided comprising a toothed crop-stripping drum and an auger for collecting crop stripped by the drum. Between the drum and the auger is a roller rotatable in the same direction as the drum. Behind and close to the outer peripheral surface of the roller a chute slopes downwards towards the auger at a progressively reducing angle. The spacing between the drum and the auger is greater than the expected length of deteched plant stalks but is otherwise kept as small as possible for compactness. The roller serves to draw the plant stalks from the drum and urge them into the zone of action of the auger.

Abstract: An apparatus for the protection of instrumentation placed within a drill string in a well, as during drilling comprising support structure, including a carrier sized for reception in the string, and; elastomeric structure carried by the support structure and including multiple elastomeric pads spaced about a longitudinal axis defined in the well, the pads extending generally longitudinally, and protruding in directions radially of the axis to absorb radial loading and torsional loading exerted in direction about the axis, and to deflect in said directions of radial and torsional loading.

Abstract: A modulated bias unit, for controlling the direction of drilling of a rotary drill bit when drilling boreholes in subsurface formations, comprises a number of hydraulic actuators spaced apart around the periphery of the unit, each having a movable thrust member which is hydraulically displaceable outwardly for engagement with the formation of the borehole being drilled. A selector control valve modulates the fluid pressure supplied to each actuator in synchronism with rotation of the drill bit so that, as the drill bit rotates, each movable thrust member is displaced outwardly at the same selected rotational position so as to bias the drill bit laterally and thus control the direction of drilling. The control valve is a disc valve comprising two relatively rotating elements having contiguous surfaces formed of polycrystalline diamond.

Abstract: A drain field and a drain field assembly for use with a sewage disposal system are provided that do not require the use of aggregate in the form of rock, gravel, shale, or the like. The assembly contains a distribution pipe having a plurality of holes disposed along its bottom half for receiving liquid effluent. Alongside and beneath the distribution pipe are positioned a plurality of void pipes having holes and slots therein that serve to retain and distribute the effluent received from the distribution pipe. Draped over the top and along the sides of the assembly is a protective sheeting that is impervious to soil and liquid permeable that serves to keep soil from entering the pipes and also to aid in evapotranspiration. The drain field of the present invention contains the assembly positioned within a trench and covered with backfill material.