Abstract: A hockey puck face-off training device and method are provided. The hockey faceoff practice device includes a hopper-style feeder capable of holding hockey pucks. The hopper-style feeder ensures a constant supply of the hockey pucks during a hockey faceoff training. The device includes a gripper hand configured to pick and hold a hockey puck supplied from the hopper-style feeder, and release the puck in a randomized manner after being extended to a threshold distance away from the hopper-style feeder or the hockey faceoff practice device. The device further includes a means for retracting the gripper hand back to the hockey faceoff practice device after the release of the puck.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for surveying the downhole environment in a steam stimulated well such as a Steam Assisted Gravity Draining well are described. One method comprises interrogating an optic fibre (104) arranged along the path of a well shaft (202, 204) within a steam stimulated well with optical radiation. At least one downhole steam pulse is generated and data gathered from the fibre (104) in response to the steam pulse is gathered and processed to provide an indication of the acoustic signals detected by at least one longitudinal sensing portion of the fibre (104). In some examples, the processed data can be used to determine at least one characteristic of the steam chamber (210).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for surveillance of a downhole environment: the response of least one optical fiber to an acoustic impulse is sampled and processed to provide an indication of the acoustic signals detected by at least one longitudinal sensing portion of the fiber(s). The data comprises data indicative of at least one characteristic of the acoustic impulse and data indicative of the downhole environment. The data indicative of at least one characteristic of the acoustic impulse is used to interpret the data indicative of the downhole environment to provide an indication of at least one characteristic of the downhole environment. For example, the data indicative of at least one characteristic of the acoustic impulse may provide a ‘signature’ of the impulse, which may be used to deconvolve the data indicative of the downhole environment to provide an indication of at least one characteristic of the downhole environment.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for surveying the downhole environment in a steam stimulated well such as a Steam Assisted Gravity Draining well are described. One method comprises interrogating an optic fibre (104) arranged along the path of a well shaft (202, 204) within a steam stimulated well with optical radiation. At least one downhole steam pulse is generated and data gathered from the fibre (104) in response to the steam pulse is gathered and processed to provide an indication of the acoustic signals detected by at least one longitudinal sensing portion of the fibre (104). In some examples, the processed data can be used to determine at least one characteristic of the steam chamber (210).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for surveillance of a downhole environment: the response of least one optical fibre to an acoustic impulse is sampled and processed to provide an indication of the acoustic signals detected by at least one longitudinal sensing portion of the fibre(s). The data comprises data indicative of at least one characteristic of the acoustic impulse and data indicative of the downhole environment. The data indicative of at least one characteristic of the acoustic impulse is used to interpret the data indicative of the downhole environment to provide an indication of at least one characteristic of the downhole environment. For example, the data indicative of at least one characteristic of the acoustic impulse may provide a ‘signature’ of the impulse, which may be used to deconvolve the data indicative of the downhole environment to provide an indication of at least one characteristic of the downhole environment.

Abstract: A seismic system, Seismic Mobile Information & Control System (Seis-MICS) comprising field resources, satellite resources, and office resources. The field resources include various personnel, equipment, and vehicles located in the general vicinity of the seismic project. The field resources include transceivers permitting various of the field resources to communicate directly, or indirectly, to the office resources via one or more satellites. The office resources include satellite earth hubs/stations, a server-side hardware, software, and data store, and user workstations. The seismic system advantageously facilitates real or near real time transmission of data between the field and office environment, thereby providing an efficient seismic operation.

Abstract: A tree brace applies corrective forces to a part of a tree, such as the trunk, to straighten undesired bends or other deformities. A turnbuckle device applies force at a desired point of application, and is held by flexible lines that extend to locations above and below the application point. The turnbuckle is adjusted as the tree responds to the forces exerted thereon. The tree brace does not require a pole or stake for support, and can be placed on a tree wherever a bend or other deformity needs to be straightened.

Abstract: A tree brace applies corrective forces to a part of a tree, such as the trunk, to straighten undesired bends or other deformities. A turnbuckle device applies force at a desired point of application, and is held by flexible lines that extend to locations above and below the application point. The turnbuckle is adjusted as the tree responds to the forces exerted thereon. The tree brace does not require a pole or stake for support, and can be placed on a tree wherever a bend or other deformity needs to be straightened.

Abstract: A battery charger system providing increased reliability over conventional chargers includes one or more charging modules coupled to a central controller module. Each charging module is cable of charging one or two batteries and includes control logic that controls the charging current provided to each battery. Each charging module is capable of charging the associated batteries using a pre-programmed, selectable charging protocol. The control logic included in each of the charging module provides a “first level of intelligence” for charging batteries. The controller module provides a “second level of intelligence” that generally operates in conjunction with the first level of intelligence provided by the charging modules. The second level of intelligence provided by the controller module individually enables and disables charging to a particular battery by an associated charging module.

Abstract: A brush rake is provided for use in cooperation with a tractor-type vehicle and a tree shearing device. The rake includes a plurality of generally vertical and arcuate tines which are mounted on a backing plate to form a forwardly concave tine framework. The tine framework is quickly and releasably securable to the tractor. The backing plate includes upper and lower flanges which cooperate with an attachment mechanism on the tractor to engage and disengage the rake. The rake further includes a jack stand including at least one jack leg, a corresponding jack shoe, and a corresponding support member. The support member maintains the jack leg in a lowered position which maintains the rake in an upright position for ease of connection to the attachment mechanism. The support member is detachable so that the jack leg may be pivoted upwardly after attachment to the tractor.

Abstract: A liquid fabric softener dispenser for use in conjunction with dispensing fabric softener on clothes during drying of the clothes in a dryer. The dispenser is constructed of a relatively soft, integral and absorbent material that fills virtually the entire dispenser and is continuous with the exterior thereof except for an a axial bore extending from the surface of the dispenser inward. The bore receives liquid fabric softener poured thereinto through a mouth situated on the surface of the dispenser A sleeve constructed of non-absorbent material surrounds the mouth of the bore and extends partially along the length of the bore in order to prevent liquid fabric softener from overly wetting the mouth of the bore. A cap is utilized in conjunction with the sleeve to permit liquid softener from escaping from the bore. The material of construction of the dispenser is porous throughout and absorbent of the fabric softener such that the fabric softener migrates through the material from the bore to the surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reusable waterproof cover of durable plastic film shaped to enclose substantially a large, cylindrical hay bale and having a semicircular top portion with side portions extending generally downwardly therefrom and spaced apart a distance approximately the diameter of a bale to be covered. Opposite end members having an inverted U-shape are connected to the top portion and have lower portions extending between the side portions, whereby the cover fits over the bale with the side and end lower portions tucked inwardly of a reposed bottom of the bale and forming a fold or flap therearound. A tie extends around the bottom of the bale and is received in the fold or flap for drawing the cover securely over the bale. A plurality of slits in the end members permit circulation of air therethrough to aid in keeping the hay in good condition.