Abstract: A fin for a surfboard having a base and a tip and wherein the fin includes an integral tunnel which provides a tubular housing; an electric motor and associated propeller attached to the integral tunnel so as to be substantially enclosed therein; wherein the integral tunnel and propeller are both positioned so that there is a blade section above and below the integral tunnel which each have a height which is at least substantially 70% of the diameter of the integral tunnel, and wherein the motor and the propeller are positioned forward of a rear edge of the fin. Also provided is a power source to supply power to the electric motor and associated housing and mounting plate. The arrangement of the motor and propeller are located forward of a rear edge of the fin allows the original feel and maneuverability of a non-powered surfboard to be preserved.

Abstract: A fin for a surfboard having a base and a tip and wherein the fin includes an integral tunnel which provides a tubular housing; an electric motor and associated propeller attached to the integral tunnel so as to be substantially enclosed therein; wherein the integral tunnel and propeller are both positioned so that there is a blade section above and below the integral tunnel which each have a height which is at least substantially 70% of the diameter of the integral tunnel, and wherein the motor and the propeller are positioned forward of a rear edge of the fin. Also provided is a power source to supply power to the electric motor and associated housing and mounting plate. The arrangement of the motor and propeller are located forward of a rear edge of the fin allows the original feel and maneuverability of a non-powered surfboard to be preserved.

Abstract: Various salt crystal and agglomeration settling inhibiting agents may aid the ability to keep salt crystals of a desired particle size undissolved and dissolved in an aqueous drilling fluid, including, whey, wine-making residues, “steepwater solubles” or an organic liquid formed from the residue of wet processing of grains, sugar cane, sugar beets, and similar plants for the food and beverage industries for consumption by human or animals, and combinations thereof. A fluid so treated has more uniform properties and a reduced tendency for the salt therein to settle out as compared to an otherwise identical fluid absent an effective proportion or amount of the salt crystal agglomeration and settling inhibiting agent, even for saturated salt fluids. The salt crystal agglomeration and settling inhibiting agents are also believed to be useful in inhibiting or preventing the formation of gas hydrates under gas hydrate forming conditions of low temperature and high pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for plasma-based sputtering deposition using a direct current power supply is disclosed. In one embodiment, a plasma is generated by connecting a plurality of electrodes to a supply of current, and a polarity of voltage applied to each of a plurality of electrodes in the processing chamber is periodically reversed so that at least one of the electrodes sputters material on to the substrate. And an amount of power that is applied to at least one of the plurality of electrodes is modulated so as to deposit the material on the stationary substrate with a desired characteristic. In some embodiments, the substrate is statically disposed in the chamber during processing. And many embodiments utilize feedback indicative of the state of the deposition to modulate the amount of power applied to one or more electrodes.

Abstract: Various salt crystal and agglomeration settling inhibiting agents may aid the ability to keep salt crystals of a desired particle size undissolved and dissolved in an aqueous drilling fluid, including, whey, wine-making residues, “steepwater solubles” or an organic liquid formed from the residue of wet processing of grains, sugar cane, sugar beets, and similar plants for the food and beverage industries for consumption by human or animals, and combinations thereof. A fluid so treated has more uniform properties and a reduced tendency for the salt therein to settle out as compared to an otherwise identical fluid absent an effective proportion or amount of the salt crystal agglomeration and settling inhibiting agent, even for saturated salt fluids. The salt crystal agglomeration and settling inhibiting agents are also believed to be useful in inhibiting or preventing the formation of gas hydrates under gas hydrate forming conditions of low temperature and high pressure.

Abstract: Various salt crystal and agglomeration settling inhibiting agents may aid the ability to keep salt crystals of a desired particle size undissolved and dissolved in an aqueous drilling fluid, including, whey, wine-making residues, “steepwater solubles” or an organic liquid formed from the residue of wet processing of grains, sugar cane, sugar beets, and similar plants for the food and beverage industries for consumption by human or animals, and combinations thereof. A fluid so treated has more uniform properties and a reduced tendency for the salt therein to settle out as compared to an otherwise identical fluid absent an effective proportion or amount of the salt crystal agglomeration and settling inhibiting agent, even for saturated salt fluids. The salt crystal agglomeration and settling inhibiting agents are also believed to be useful in inhibiting or preventing the formation of gas hydrates under gas hydrate forming conditions of low temperature and high pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for plasma-based sputtering deposition using a direct current power supply is disclosed. In one embodiment, a plasma is generated by connecting a plurality of electrodes to a supply of current, and a polarity of voltage applied to each of a plurality of electrodes in the processing chamber is periodically reversed so that at least one of the electrodes sputters material on to the substrate. And an amount of power that is applied to at least one of the plurality of electrodes is modulated so as to deposit the material on the stationary substrate with a desired characteristic. In some embodiments, the substrate is statically disposed in the chamber during processing. And many embodiments utilize feedback indicative of the state of the deposition to modulate the amount of power applied to one or more electrodes.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for plasma-based sputtering deposition using a direct current power supply is disclosed. In one embodiment, a plasma is generated by connecting a plurality of electrodes to a supply of current, and a polarity of voltage applied to each of a plurality of electrodes in the processing chamber is periodically reversed so that at least one of the electrodes sputters material on to the substrate. And an amount of power that is applied to at least one of the plurality of electrodes is modulated so as to deposit the material on the stationary substrate with a desired characteristic. In some embodiments, the substrate is statically disposed in the chamber during processing. And many embodiments utilize feedback indicative of the state of the deposition to modulate the amount of power applied to one or more electrodes.

Abstract: Various salt crystal and agglomeration settling inhibiting agents may aid the ability to keep salt crystals of a desired particle size undissolved and dissolved in an aqueous drilling fluid, including, whey, wine-making residues, “steepwater solubles” or an organic liquid formed from the residue of wet processing of grains, sugar cane, sugar beets, and similar plants for the food and beverage industries for consumption by human or animals, and combinations thereof. A fluid so treated has more uniform properties and a reduced tendency for the salt therein to settle out as compared to an otherwise identical fluid absent an effective proportion or amount of the salt crystal agglomeration and settling inhibiting agent, even for saturated salt fluids. The salt crystal agglomeration and settling inhibiting agents are also believed to be useful in inhibiting or preventing the formation of gas hydrates under gas hydrate forming conditions of low temperature and high pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for plasma-based sputtering deposition using a direct current power supply is disclosed. In one embodiment, a plasma is generated by connecting a plurality of electrodes to a supply of current, and a polarity of voltage applied to each of a plurality of electrodes in the processing chamber is periodically reversed so that at least one of the electrodes sputters material on to the substrate. And an amount of power that is applied to at least one of the plurality of electrodes is modulated so as to deposit the material on the stationary substrate with a desired characteristic. In some embodiments, the substrate is statically disposed in the chamber during processing. And many embodiments utilize feedback indicative of the state of the deposition to modulate the amount of power applied to one or more electrodes.