Abstract: An infant formula is provided which is cow's milk, hydroisolate, rice, goat's milk and/or soy based. The infant formula may be processed such that its manganese concentration is lower than an average manganese concentration associated with the infant formula base. Further, the infant formula may be fortified with iron (lactoferrin), calcium, vitamin D and omega 3 fatty acids to help maintain a neonate's manganese absorption rate at a normal or otherwise acceptable level.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic mining tool apparatus for recovering minerals such as tar sands and the like from subterranean formations is disclosed, wherein plural cutting jet nozzles, adapted to hydraulically dislodge mineral particles from the formation are positioned to generate a hydraulic couple rotational force upon the mining tool and thereby reduce overall power requirements for the apparatus. The plural cutting jet nozzles are connected to one or more flow conduits extending axially within the mining tool apparatus or alternatively may extend from a common sealed reservoir formed within the annulus of the mining tool. The present invention additionally discloses the use of a tri-cone cutting bit assembly positioned upon the lowermost end of the apparatus which may be activated and de-activated from ground surface to selectively provide a rock crushing and force-feeding of mined material during operation as well as during the lowering of the mining tool into the mineral formation.

Abstract: A pressurized fluid is injected into a subterranean cavity in a mineral deposit to support the overburden during hydraulic mining operations. A dynamic seal between the drill string and a surrounding casing retains fluid pressure within the cavity as the drill string rotates during mining operations. A blowout protector retains fluid pressure within the cavity while the drill string is raised or lowered within the cavity when it is necessary to add or remove drill string sections.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for hydraulically mining unconsolidated subterranean mineral formations is disclosed wherein the hydraulic mining tool and surface drilling equipment is supported upon elongate structural beams releasably affixed at opposite ends to laterally spaced concrete foundations positioned upon the drilling site. The structural beams prevent the mining tool from canting or subsiding during the hydraulic mining process and may be reused for consecutive mining operations at differing locations upon the drilling site. An improved mining tool configuration is additionally disclosed which is specifically adapted to agitate and maintain the mined minerals in suspension within the mining slurry and further direct the slurry toward the mining tool for subsequent transport to ground surface.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic mining tool apparatus for the recovery of minerals from subterranean formations is disclosed wherein the drill string, which extends from ground surface into the mineral deposit, is adapted to be maintained stationary during the mining operation while the mining tool, mounted to the lower end of the drill string, is adapted to rotate within the mineral formation. By maintaining the drill string stationary within the formation, frictional drag forces and tortional forces exerted on the apparatus are minimized thereby substantially reducing the input power requirements and reducing the possibility of a twist-off of the mining tool within the formation.

Abstract: An improved drill section and method of hydraulically mining mineral deposits which includes plural flow conduits extending through the drill section, having complimentary shaped tapered thread sections at opposite ends thereof, is disclosed. The tapered thread sections distribute and accommodate high tortional forces and ensure registered alignment of the flow conduits. Seals are provided at the interface between the multiple drill sections which simultaneously seal each of the flow conduits positioned within the interior of the drill sections. The outer casing of the drill section permits the introduction of high pressure fluid and includes a plurality of pressure-responsive plugs adapted to rupture at a predetermined pressure value thereby releasing fluid to lubricate the drill string and reduce the torque encountered during the mining operation.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for hydraulically mining unconsolidated subterranean mineral formations is disclosed wherein the hydraulic mining tool and surface drilling equipment is supported upon elongate structural beams releasably affixed at opposite ends to laterally spaced concrete foundations positioned upon the drilling site. The structural beams prevent the mining tool from canting or subsiding during the hydraulic mining process and may be reused for consecutive mining operations at differing locations upon the drilling site. An improved mining tool configuration is additionally disclosed which is specifically adapted to agitate and maintain the mined minerals in suspension within the mining slurry and further direct the slurry toward the mining tool for subsequent transport to ground surface.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic mining tool for recovering minerals, particularly bitumen, and other viscous crude oils, from subterranian formations is disclosed, composed generally of a radially directed cutting jet nozzle which discharges a high velocity liquid to dislodge bitumen, viscous crude oils, and sand particles from the formation and a venturi-type pump and jet nozzle which lifts the dislodged material upward to the surface. The mining tool includes a rock crushing mechanism having means to vary its impact force and reciprocation frequency and an Archimedes feed screw which provides a variable quantity, continuous feed of mined material into the jet pump inlet.

Abstract: A tool for slurrying and recovering minerals, including bitumen, from a single bore hole by hydraulic mining and jet pumping to the surface in which the tool includes conduits for pumping water into a venturi throat, a generally concentric bottom inlet to the venturi throat and a collection device below the venturi for lifting mineral into the venturi. The tool additionally includes means for selectively adjusting the distance between the screw and venturi throat to vary the proportion of suction applied to the bottom and side inlets to the venturi thereby accommodating variations in slurry concentrations and density.