Abstract: A method of managing a fluid or gas reservoir is disclosed which assimilates diverse data having different acquisition time scales and spatial scales of coverage for iteratively producing a reservoir development plan that is used for optimizing an overall performance of a reservoir.

Abstract: An adjustable goal for use with table top games such as air hockey allows one or both players to independently adjust the width of their respective goals to increase or decrease the difficulty of an opponent to score, i.e., allows a superior player to be handicapped to facilitate more competitive game play. First and second sliding members are slidably attached to a central member. Each of the sliding members may be manipulated to increase or decrease the size of the goal opening. Each sliding member is provided with a linear gear face for engaging a gear mounted on a central member to facilitate equal expansion and contraction of the sliding members. The first and second sliding members may be positioned to selectively define a relatively larger or smaller front opening and rearward opening to compensate for different skill levels of participating players.

Abstract: A combination featuring a housing supporting a clock circuit with an internal clock, and an audio frequency generating apparatus integrated into the housing, in which the clock circuit is manually operated only in a first preferred embodiment is disclosed; while the clock circuit is responsive to a pre-selected frequency of the audio frequency generating apparatus in a second preferred embodiment is further disclosed. Preferably, the audio frequency generating apparatus takes the form of a whistle that incorporates a plurality of tone notches. Each tone notch produces an audible frequency slightly out of phase with the audible frequencies produced by the remaining tone notches. When a user selects an automatic mode for operating the combination in the second preferred embodiment, one of the plurality of frequencies produced by the tone notches (having been previously selected) is sampled by the clock circuit to activate and deactivate the internal clock.

Abstract: A cue stick of the type used for playing billiards. A deflection resistant strengthening wrap is located adjacent a terminal end of the cue stick, and/or at other points on the cue stick that may experience deflection during a ball strike. A first strengthening wrap substantially prevents deflection of the tip piece upon impact with a billiard ball. Other strengthening wraps may be provided to prevent deflection at other locations on the cue stick. The strengthening wraps are composites formed of a screen, a sheet of material, and a resin. The screen is preferably metallic. The sheet of material is a plurality of fibers that form a fiber wrap of graphite, fiberglass, kevlar, or other material.

Abstract: A system that is usable with a subterranean well that has a casing includes an apparatus that is associated with production of fluid from the well and is located downhole in the well in a passageway of the casing. The system also includes a sensor that is located downhole near the apparatus in the passageway and is adapted to measure a characteristic of the formation fluids and rock located outside of the casing.

Abstract: An adjustable goal for use with table top games such as air hockey allows one or both players to independently adjust the width of their respective goals to increase or decrease the difficulty of an opponent to score, i.e., allows a superior player to be handicapped to facilitate more competitive game play. First and second sliding members are slidably attached to a central member. Each of the sliding members may be manipulated to increase or decrease the size of the goal opening. Each sliding member is provided with a linear gear face for engaging a gear mounted on a central member to facilitate equal expansion and contraction of the sliding members. The first and second sliding members may be positioned to selectively define a relatively larger or smaller front opening and rearward opening to compensate for different skill levels of participating players.

Abstract: A method of managing a fluid or gas reservoir is disclosed which assimilates diverse data having different acquisition time scales and spatial scales of coverage for iteratively producing a reservoir development plan that is used for optimizing an overall performance of a reservoir.

Abstract: A collapsible table tennis table in accordance with the present invention includes a first and second table portions pivotably attached to a rigid central support unit. The central support unit comprises two unitary curvilinear members each formed of a single piece of appropriate material such as steel tubing. The central support unit is easily assembleable using appropriately formed connecting members which are attached using wing bolts so that tools are not required for assembly. Exterior legs are pivotably attached adjacent to the exterior edges of the table members. The table portions are also pivotably attached to the respective curvilinear members so that the table portions can be pivoted from an essentially horizontal position to an essentially vertical position for storage and movement. The central support unit typically has wheels to facilitate the movement of the assembled table.

Abstract: The present invention provides a soccer game table comprising a game surface; at least four sidewall sections surrounding the game surface; and a corner defined by the intersection of two of the sidewall sections, the corner having a curved face. Another preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a soccer game table comprising a game surface; at least four sidewall sections surrounding the game surface; a substantially right-angled corner defined by the intersection of two of the sidewall sections; and a removable corner member having a curved face, the removable corner member being adapted to convert the substantially right-angled corner to a rounded corner.

Abstract: A method of facilitating the exchange of bulk materials is provided. The method involves receiving and storing in a searchable database postings from potential providers of excess materials regarding their respective excesses. The posting includes information indicative of the material, such as its composition, location, source, and contact information for the potential provider. Potential acceptors of material search and view the postings, rather than purchase newly quarried material. The potential acceptors can also post descriptions of their needs. The database is searched, comparing the descriptions of the needs with postings of the excesses. Information about compatible excesses or needs found to correspond with a user's need or excess are then displayed to the user, with information regarding the location of the material relative to the need.

Abstract: A system that is usable with a subterranean well that has a casing includes an apparatus that is associated with production of fluid from the well and is located downhole in the well in a passageway of the casing. The system also includes a sensor that is located downhole near the apparatus in the passageway and is adapted to measure a characteristic of the formation fluids and rock located outside of the casing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is presented for establishing electrical connection to permanent downhole oilfield installations using an electrically insulated conducting casing. Current is caused to flow in the casing by a source on the surface connected to the casing. One or more permanent downhole installations are electrically connected to the casing, and the electrical connection to the casing is used to power the downhole installations. The downhole installations also inject a signal into the insulated casing that passes via the casing to a surface readout which detects and records the downhole signals.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is presented for establishing electrical connection to permanent downhole oilfield installations using an electrically insulated conducting casing. Current is caused to flow in the casing by a source on the surface connected to the casing. One or more permanent downhole installations are electrically connected to the casing, and the electrical connection to the casing is used to power the downhole installations. The downhole installations also inject a signal into the insulated casing that passes via the casing to a surface readout which detects and records the downhole signals.

Abstract: A soccer game table comprising; a game surface having an opening therein and a plunger provided in the game surface opening, the plunger being adapted to release a game ball onto the game surface as a result of a vertical displacement of the plunger, and wherein the plunger comprises; a cylindrical cup extending into said game surface opening, the cup having an upper opening, a lower end wall, and a lower end wall bore; a piston adapted to be pushed into a depressed position in said cup, the piston including an upper surface adapted to slide within the cup, and including a stem adapted to slide through the cup lower end wall bore; a way of biasing the piston towards the cup upper opening; and a way for selectively retaining the piston in the depressed position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for securing an optical component, such as a lens, into a receptacle hole. A spring ring is provided having a plurality of sections that exert pressure on the periphery of the optical component and the inside surface of the receptacle hole, thus holding the optical component in place.

Abstract: An air hockey game including a table having an upper game surface, a paddle adapted to rest on said game surface, said paddle having a height measured by the distance that the paddle extends above the game surface, and a rail surrounding the game surface, said rail having a depth measured by the distance that the rail extends above the game surface, and wherein the depth of the rail is approximately equal to the height of the paddle.

Abstract: A soccer game table comprising; a game surface having an opening therein and a plunger provided in said game surface opening, said plunger being adapted to release a game ball onto the game surface as a result of a vertical displacement of said plunger, and wherein said plunger comprises; a cylindrical cup extending into said game surface opening, said cup having an upper opening, a lower end wall, and a lower end wall bore; a piston adapted to be pushed into a depressed position in said cup, said piston including an upper surface adapted to slide within said cup, and including a stem adapted to slide through the cup lower end wall bore; a means of biasing said piston towards the cup upper opening; and a means for selectively retaining the piston in the depressed position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a soccer game table comprising a game surface; at least four sidewall sections surrounding the game surface; and a corner defined by the intersection of two of the sidewall sections, the corner having a curved face. Another preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a soccer game table comprising a game surface; at least four sidewall sections surrounding the game surface; a substantially right-angled corner defined by the intersection of two of the sidewall sections; and a removable corner member having a curved face, the removable corner member being adapted to convert the substantially right-angled corner to a rounded corner.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a net scoring system for accurate and convenient scoring of a sporting contest. The net scoring system has a game net which is of a generally rectangular shape and has a periphery defined by a top edge, a bottom edge, and opposing side edges. The net scoring system also includes at least one indicating device for displaying a game score that is connected to the game net. The indicating device may be located on at least one of the top edge, the bottom edge, and the opposing side edges. The indicating device includes a plurality of scoring symbols and a symbol indicating assembly that selectively emphasizes one of the plurality of scoring symbols to represent a score.