Abstract: A database schema is disclosed that can significantly reduce the quantity of data required to describe the geometry of a train track and the geo-locations of features (e.g., grade crossings, mileposts, signals, platforms, switches, spurs, etc.) along the track. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, a railroad track is represented as a plurality of partitions, each of which has its geometry contained within unique track point elements. Multiple track partitions are then joined together by common track point elements at their boundaries to create continuous rail networks. A compact table schema is employed that enables continuous sections of three-dimensional track splines to be rendered accurately in the track database, irrespective of the location of vertical and horizontal curvature along track segments. The data representation scheme also enables efficient storage of the geo-locations of features along a track, as well as the direct reconstitution of accurate three-dimensional track splines.

Abstract: Methods for surveying a train track are disclosed. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, an improved method of rail survey deploys feature identification tags along an inner edge of a train track rail. Each tag includes a unique identifier to identify a respective feature along the train track. Each tag includes a reflector to reflect light to a sensor on a track surveyor. The sensor reads track feature tags without the need for stopping at each feature. A track database is provided that is capable of storing tables that associate track features with geo-locations. As each tag is deployed or read during a rail survey, it can be paired with geo-location data and stored in the track database.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for improving the quality of a formation fluid sample by taking the sample at a time when the formation fluid composition contains the most favorable portion of hydrocarbons. This task is accomplished by determining in real-time, the composition of the fluid flowing into a downhole tool from the formation. This method determines the optical density of the fluid as the fluid flows through the tool. An optical density spectrum is generated from the optical density measurement. The optical density spectrum is compared to a composite optical density spectrum generated from a database of known fluid samples. As a result of the comparisons, there is a determination of the derivations between corresponding features of the two spectra. Adjustments are made to the components of the composite spectrum until the deviations between the two spectra are at an acceptable minimum.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for improving the quality of a formation fluid sample by taking the sample at a time when the formation fluid composition contains the most favorable portion of hydrocarbons. This task is accomplished by determining in real-time, the composition of the fluid flowing into a downhole tool from the formation. This method determines the optical density of the fluid as the fluid flows through the tool. An optical spectrum is generated from the density measurement. The optical spectrum is compared to a composite spectrum generated from a database of known fluid samples. As a result of the comparisons, there is a determination of the derivations between corresponding features of the two spectra. Adjustments are made to the components of the composite spectrum until the deviations between the two spectra are at an acceptable minimum. Determinations of the fluid composition are made from the composition of the composite spectrum at the minimum deviation.

Abstract: A tool for use in analyzing a subsurface formation for the presence of hydrocarbon includes a neutron generator capable of generating a burst of neutrons at a high energy level, some of which will collide inelastically with atomic nuclei in the subsurface formation to produce inelastic gamma rays and then will be captured by atomic nuclei to produce capture gamma rays. The tool also includes at least one radiation detector to detect the inelastic and capture gamma rays, and counting circuitry configured to produce a count of detected inelastic gamma rays and a count of detected capture gamma rays. Processing circuitry in the tool generates a numerical output by dividing the count of inelastic gamma rays by the count of capture gamma rays and then provides the numerical output to an output device for use in analyzing the subsurface formation for the presence of hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A patient conveyance device for transporting a patient between first and second locations. The patient conveyance device includes a frame having a first side, a second side, and a front joining the front ends of the first and second sides to one another; and patient seat structure for being supported by the frame and for supporting the patient in a seated position; the patient seat structure being movably attached to the frame for allowing the patient seat structure to be moved between an opened position for allowing the patient to sit down onto the patient seat structure from a first location and to transfer from the patient seat structure to a second location, and a closed position for allowing the patient to be easily transported by the patient conveyance device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved portable power shovel including a shovel portion and a base portion. The shovel portion includes a handle which is to be gripped by the operator, a blade for digging and two hydraulic rams connected to the blade, a first of the rams being provided to reciprocate the blade so that it may dig into a desired area. The second hydraulic ram is connected to the blade so that movements of the second hydraulic ram result in pivoting motions of the blade so that the blade may loosen dirt or other materials at the location where the blade has been inserted through reciprocations of the first mentioned hydraulic ram. The base is connected to the shovel portion and is provided so as to connect the shovel portion with the surrounding walls and ground area so that reciprocations of the first hydraulic ram will have their maximum effect.

Abstract: Sweep efficiency of a post-primary oil recovery process in an oil-bearing subterranean formation containing a high concentration of divalent ions such as Ca.sup.++ and Mg.sup.++ in the connate water is improved by injecting a surfactant system which forms a macroemulsion in situ so as to selectively plug the more permeable zones. The surfactant system is characterized by a relatively low viscosity and is composed of a predominantly sodium chloride brine, a petroleum sulfonate surfactant, a cosurfactant, and no more than 1 percent oil. This composition possesses sufficient fluidity to penetrate quite deeply into the formation and yet tends to form a macroemulsion on contact with high concentrations of divalent ions in the connate water so as to selectively plug the more permeable zones.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing the pressure of a well fluid in a subsurface wellbore in which a first, elongated tubing is adapted to extend from the surface of the earth to a subsurface location at which the pressure is to be measured, a fluid receiving chamber is disposed on the lower end of the first tubing, a second, elongated tubing, of smaller cross-section than the first, is disposed in the first tubing with its upper end at the surface of the earth and its lower end sealed within the lower end of the first tubing or the upper end of the fluid receiving chamber and is adapted to receive a pressure transmitting fluid and to be placed in fluid communication with the fluid receiving chamber and a pressure responsive closure element closes the lower end of the first tubing, the upper end of the fluid receiving chamber or the lower end of the fluid receiving chamber and is adapted to open at a pressure above the pressure of the well fluid and permit the pressure of the well fluid to be balanced against the pressu

Abstract: A temperature-sensitive disarming element for a warhead comprising a retang ring for the detonation-lead positioning cup. The retaining ring is made from a material whose characteristic is that its mechanical strength degrades rapidly at a temperature of about 250.degree.-300.degree.F. so that it permits the positioning cup to be blown off in a flame environment. This prevents pressure buildup in the warhead charge, which would lead to detonation of the warhead.