Abstract: Systems and methods for long-term disposal of radioactive or nuclear waste materials, in liquid, solid, and/or other physical forms, into human-made caverns, within deep geologic rock formations, derived from a wellbore, are manufactured by use of drilling and reaming technologies. The radioactive waste may be preprocessed from original surface storage site(s), transported, temporarily surface stored, and then finally further processed at a selected well site before injection into the subterranean deep human-made caverns within the host rock (deep geologic rock formations).

Abstract: Systems and methods for long-term disposal of radioactive or nuclear waste materials, in liquid, solid, and/or other physical forms, into human-made caverns, within deep geologic rock formations, derived from a wellbore, are manufactured by use of drilling and reaming technologies. The radioactive waste may be preprocessed from original surface storage site(s), transported, temporarily surface stored, and then finally further processed at a selected well site before injection into the subterranean deep human-made caverns within the host rock (deep geologic rock formations).

Abstract: A vertically disposed charcoal type grill or cook system with an insulated wall, includes concentric design mechanisms for completely surrounding the food material by the solid heat source. The systems provide for a removable fuel basket which carries the fuel material and a set of interchangeable and removable food basket that carry the food to be cooked internal to the fuel system. The grill is covered with a top possessing a reflective under surface.

Abstract: Recovery of viscous hydrocarbon by hot fluid injection from subterranean formations is assisted by using a specially designed and under-reamed vertical well to form a central production cavity; combined with a plurality of specially perforated horizontal wells drilled from the surface down to the producing formation, and then drilled laterally to intersect and be operatively connected to the central production well cavity. These continuous horizontal uniwells™ behave as single wells with two wellheads, each with multiple injection-production perforation pairs, between which the controlled flow of hot oil via a specialized annular communication zone. The production process is controlled by modulating the hot oil flow where the wellbore fluids act as a hydraulic “P-trap” seal limiting steam bypass. The hot displaced oil is allowed to drain from the lateral horizontal wells in to the central collection cavity.

Abstract: This invention is related to the development of and installation of a shelter structure suitable for severe storm safety. The shelter is a composite structure constructed of precast and post tensioned structural elements or shells, the tendon post-tensioning is designed to maximize strength and minimize material costs by implementing a specific geometric shape, the inverted catenary, in three dimensions. The shelter is easily constructed and then assembled from readily available structural materials that are both economic and mechanically efficient.

Abstract: Recovery of viscous hydrocarbon by hot fluid injection into subterranean formations is assisted by using a specially designed and under-reamed vertical wellbore with multiple injection perforations separated from the production perforations by a moveable packer. In this oil recovery method the operator drills a typical vertical well, in which a cavity is developed below the pay zone by under-reaming the vertical wellbore to form a collection cavity. This under-reaming can be made up to several feet in diameter using standard reaming technology and tools. Steam is injected into the upper perforations and is prevented from bypassing the cold formation by a vertical hydraulic seal developed in an annular communication zone. Hot oil is produced into the lower perforations and is collected in the reamed out production cavity. A producing mechanism including pumping equipment lifts the produced oil from the central cavity to the surface.

Abstract: A thermal in-situ method and apparatus are provided for recovering hydrocarbons from subterranean hydrocarbon-containing formations such as oil sands, oil shale and other heavy oil systems. Recovery of viscous hydrocarbon by hot fluid injection into subterranean formations is assisted by using a specially designed wellbore with an active hydraulic seal, with a axial communication zone with multiple injection perforations separated from the production perforations by a moveable packer. In addition, a novel downhole thermal sensing apparatus is used to monitor and control oil production. A producing mechanism including pumping equipment lifts the produced oil from the central cavity to the surface.

Abstract: A system can be used with an existing meter that has a removable cover and a base and measures the usage of a utility commodity, such as electricity. The system replaces the removable cover with a replacement cover that fits onto the base in the same manner as the removable cover. The system has a usage reader inside the replacement cover that obtains information on the amount of the utility commodity that is used. No electrical or mechanical connection between the usage reader and the meter is made to obtain that information. An automatic meter reader, which includes a microprocessor for storing information and calculating charges and a transmitter for transmitting information to a remote receiver and a way to transfer information from the usage reader to the automatic meter reader is also part of the system.

Abstract: A system for continuously providing information on the internet of the usage of a utility commodity at a meter includes an internet site at which the usage of the utility commodity at the meter can be viewed and at which a utility company can post pricing information for the use of the utility commodity at the meter. An automatic meter reader provides continuous information on the quantity of the utility commodity that is being used at the meter and information is transmitted between the automatic meter reader and the internet site. The utility company sends pricing information to the automatic meter reader and, using the pricing information, the automatic meter reader continuously calculates charges for utility usage and sends those charges to the internet site, where they are posted. The automatic meter reader can generate, present, and display real time energy use data and energy billing and can allow the customer the option of paying the bill online or at the automatic meter reader.

Abstract: In a system where an automatic meter reader device communicates with a host at a remote location using a communication line that is shared with at least one other user, conflicts between the use of the communication line by the automatic meter reader and/or by the host are minimized. When the line is used by other users, information about the times they use the line is collected. That information is analyzed to identify time periods when the communication line is less likely to be used by the other users. The automatic meter reader and the host are then directed to communicate with each other during those time periods.

Abstract: A system can be used with an existing meter that has a removable cover and a base and measures the usage of a utility commodity, such as electricity. The system replaces the removable cover with a replacement cover that fits onto the base in the same manner as the removable cover. The system has a usage reader inside the replacement cover that obtains information on the amount of the utility commodity that is used. No electrical or mechanical connection between the usage reader and the meter is made to obtain that information. An automatic meter reader, which includes a microprocessor for storing information and calculating charges and a transmitter for transmitting information to a remote receiver and a way to transfer information from the usage reader to the automatic meter reader is also part of the system.

Abstract: A system for continuously providing information on the internet of the usage of a utility commodity at a meter includes an internet site at which the usage of the utility commodity at the meter can be viewed and at which a utility company can post pricing information for the use of the utility commodity at the meter. An automatic meter reader provides continuous information on the quantity of the utility commodity that is being used at the meter and information is transmitted between the automatic meter reader and the internet site. The utility company sends pricing information to the automatic meter reader and, using the pricing information, the automatic meter reader continuously calculates charges for utility usage and sends those charges to the internet site, where they are posted. The automatic meter reader can generate, present, and display real time energy use data and energy billing and can allow the customer the option of paying the bill online or at the automatic meter reader.

Abstract: A method of disposing nuclear waste in underground rock formations (18). The method includes the steps of selecting an area of land having a rock formation (18) positioned therebelow, the rock formation (18) must be of a depth able to prevent radioactive material placed therein from reaching the surface and must be at least a predetermined distance from active water sources and drilling a vertical wellbore (14) from the surface which extends into the underground rock formation (18). A primary horizontal lateral (20) is drilled from the vertical wellbore (14) whereby the surface of the primary horizontal lateral (20) is defined by the underground rock formation (18). A first layer of cement (30) is placed within the primary horizontal lateral (20) and a second layer of steel (32) is secured within the first layer of cement (30). Nuclear waste to be stored within the lateral is placed in a canister (38) and the encapsulated nuclear waste is positioned within the primary horizontal lateral (20).