Abstract: A method of preparing an underground bed for treatment. A channel is formed in the bed extending from the ground down through the bed and up to the ground. A cutting device is inserted into the channel operated to form a pathway in a substantially vertical plane.

Abstract: An apparatus to generate electricity. There is a first cylinder having an open end and containing a first piston. A second cylinder has an open end and contains a second piston. A pipe communicates the two cylinders at the ends remote from their open ends. A closure can be moved to close and open the open end of each cylinder in sequence. The system receives a liquid between that part of the apparatus defined by the cylinders and the pipe and between the two pistons. An electrical generator is operated by movement of the liquid in the apparatus to generate electricity when fluid pressure acts on the first piston in the first cylinder, with the second cylinder closed by the closure, it moves the first piston inwardly, moving the liquid to the second piston through the pipe. Movement of the piston and thus of the liquid acts to operate the electrical generator. Movement of the closure closes the first cylinder and opens the second cylinder.

Abstract: A furnace adapted to burn a low grade, granulated fuel. The furnace has a combustion vessel to receive a fuel and spaced inner and outer walls. A lid is positionable on the top of the combustion vessel and there is an exhaust vent in the lid. A bottom to the combustion vessel. A false bottom to the combustion vessel spaced above the bottom to define a passageway. There is at least one perforate column extending from the bottom through the combustion vessel to adjacent the lid. Air may be fed to the fuel and the burned residue of any fuel can be supported.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for separating tar from a tar sand mixture. The separating step is by a novel mechanical process avoiding the complication of heating, freezing and the use of solvents. In the process a suitable suspension liquid is added to a tar sand mixture which is then struck with a plurality of striker arms to separate tar from said particles and agglomerate tar into droplets. After the striking step, the sand particles are allowed to settle to the bottom and tar droplets rise and float, the tar droplets are skimmed off the mixture, and the tar droplets are also scraped off the striker arms. The resulting tar droplets are washed at least once to remove remaining sand particles.

Abstract: A process for recovering a viscous, combustible material, for example tar from a tar sand or oil and bitumen from heavy oil, from a sub-surface deposit of the material. The process comprises forming a substantially vertical main bore into the deposit and igniting the deposit adjacent the base of the bore. Such ignition may be carried out by any means, for example by burning a fuel, by an explosion or by a laser beam. Generally the ignition is assisted until such time as the material in the deposit is ignited. A supply of air is arranged to the ignition site so that a self-sustaining combustion takes place in the bore once the ignition is properly established. This combustion is supported by a natural draft generated by the combustion. The gaseous products of the combustion can leave the bore and the heat of the combustion and of the gaseous products of combustion as they leave the bore liquefy the material in the deposit.

Abstract: A method of constructing buildings is disclosed wherein a multicellular monolithic structure is formed with walls and future floors all in a vertical plane. The walls may be formed from concrete or other laminate material. The structure is then tilted about tilt points along a tilt line which is retained in a V-groove attached to a base until the structure reaches a vertical location. After the tilting step the structure is levelled by means of jacks. Wedges are inserted to support the structure and the jacks are removed. Several structures may be assembled to form a building. Cantilever walls may be added which join together to form a corridor or hall between structures.