Abstract: A method of continuously recovering hydrocarbons from carbon ores can include providing first and second vessels containing rubblized carbon ore. A cooling fuel gas can be introduced into the first vessel. The cooling fuel gas can include oxygen and a recycle gas from the second vessel, which includes hydrocarbons and oxidation products. The oxygen can be consumed through oxidation in an oxidation zone in the first vessel. The temperature of the oxidation zone can be controlled by limiting the oxygen concentration in the cooling fuel gas. This can produce a hot oxidation product gas that heats rubblized carbon ore in a pyrolysis zone downstream of the oxidation zone. Gaseous and vapor hydrocarbons can be produced in the pyrolysis zone. The vapor hydrocarbons can be condensed in a condensing zone downstream of the pyrolysis zone and then collected. The remaining gaseous hydrocarbons and oxidation products can be recycled as the recycle gas.

Abstract: A method of continuously recovering hydrocarbons from carbon ores can include providing first and second vessels containing rubblized carbon ore. A cooling fuel gas can be introduced into the first vessel. The cooling fuel gas can include oxygen and a recycle gas from the second vessel, which includes hydrocarbons and oxidation products. The oxygen can be consumed through oxidation in an oxidation zone in the first vessel. The temperature of the oxidation zone can be controlled by limiting the oxygen concentration in the cooling fuel gas. This can produce a hot oxidation product gas that heats rubblized carbon ore in a pyrolysis zone downstream of the oxidation zone. Gaseous and vapor hydrocarbons can be produced in the pyrolysis zone. The vapor hydrocarbons can be condensed in a condensing zone downstream of the pyrolysis zone and then collected. The remaining gaseous hydrocarbons and oxidation products can be recycled as the recycle gas.

Abstract: A protective pad system may comprise a vest, at least one right shoulder pad and at least one left shoulder pad. The vest may comprise a back region, a left shoulder region, a right shoulder region, and a chest region. The at least one left shoulder pad may be hinged relative to the left shoulder region of the vest, and at least one left front motion restraint device may be positioned and configured to transfer impact force from the at least one left shoulder pad to the chest region of the vest. Likewise, the at least one right shoulder pad may be hinged relative to the right shoulder region of the vest, and at least one right front motion restraint device may be positioned and configured to transfer impact force from the at least one right shoulder pad to the chest region of the vest.