Abstract: A method is provided for swelling water-swellable elements located in a portion of a well. The method comprises the steps of: (A) introducing an oil-in-water emulsion into the portion of the well, wherein the oil-in-water emulsion comprises: (i) an aqueous liquid, wherein the aqueous liquid is the external phase of the oil-in-water emulsion; (ii) a hydrocarbon liquid, wherein the hydrocarbon liquid is an internal phase of the oil-in-water emulsion, and wherein the hydrocarbon liquid is adjacent to the external phase of the oil-in-water emulsion; and (iii) a surfactant; and (B) allowing the oil-in-water emulsion to contact the water-swellable element for a sufficient length of time to cause the thickness of the water-swellable element to expand by a desired percentage, wherein the desired percentage is at least 5%.

Abstract: Methods and compositions that include a method comprising providing a treatment fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid, a biocide, a biocide enhancer, a friction reducer, and a compatibility aid, and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation. A composition provided includes a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid, a biocide, a biocide enhancer, a friction reducer, and a compatibility aid.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating aqueous fluids and their associated methods of use are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method comprises providing an untreated aqueous fluid with a first concentration of a contaminant. The method further comprises chemically treating the aqueous fluid to precipitate at least a portion of the contaminant. The method further comprises mechanically treating the aqueous fluid to remove at least some of the precipitated contaminant from the aqueous fluid, and to produce a treated water with a second concentration of the contaminant, wherein mechanically treating the aqueous fluid comprises flowing the aqueous fluid through a centrifuge. The method further comprises placing the treated water in a first well bore of the well treatment operation.

Abstract: Methods and compositions that include a method comprising providing a treatment fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid, a biocide, a biocide enhancer, a friction reducer, and a compatibility aid, and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation. A composition provided includes a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid, a biocide, a biocide enhancer, a friction reducer, and a compatibility aid.

Abstract: Among other things, methods of treating a subterranean formation with gelled hydrocarbon fluids are provided. In certain embodiments, these methods comprise the steps of providing a gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid comprising a liquid hydrocarbon and a gelling agent that comprises a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphonic acid ester or a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphinic acid, and treating the subterranean formation with the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid. The gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluids of the present invention are suitable for use in subterranean treatment operations, such as subterranean stimulation and sand control treatments like fracturing and gravel packing, that may be carried out in subterranean formations for the production of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of treating a subterranean formation is provided comprising the steps of providing a gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid comprising a liquid hydrocarbon and a gelling agent that comprises a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphonic acid ester or a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphonic acid, and treating the subterranean formation with the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid. The gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluids are suitable for use in subterranean treatment operations, such as subterranean stimulation and sand control treatments like fracturing and gravel packing, that may be carried out in subterranean formations for the production of hydrocarbons. The compositions and methods also may be suitable, for example, to be used as plugging agents, well bore cleanup fluids, viscous sweep fluids, or insulating fluids to be used in associated methods.

Abstract: Methods for preparing slurries that include depolymerized polysacoharides and depolymerized and derivatized polysaccharides that may be useful in subterranean well operations including fracturing, gravel packing, and frac-packing, are provided. One embodiment provides a method for making a slurry, comprising combining a polysaccharide with an organic solvent to form a slurry; and, depolymerizing the polysaccharide in the slurry. Another embodiment provides a method of treating subterranean formation with slurry comprising the steps of creating a slurry using a method comprising the steps of combining a polysacchande with an organic solvent to form a slurry; and, depolymerizing the polysaccharide in the slurry; and, placing that slurry into a subterranean formation.

Abstract: A folding stroller having a structural frame formed of a plurality of rigid support members. The stroller is provided with a skirt formed of a flexible material. The skirt can be disposed around at least a portion of an outer perimeter of the stroller to create a visual impression of something other than an ordinary stroller. For example, the skirt can create a visual impression of a vehicle such as an automobile, truck, airplane, spacecraft, an animal or a character. The skirt can be formed of fabric, plastic sheeting or film, or a mesh. A suspension frame is provided for suspending the skirt along a least a portion of an upper edge thereof. The suspension frame can at least partially define a profile of the vehicle, animal or character. The suspension frame folds with the structural frame of the stroller for ease of storage.

Abstract: The present invention provides computer-assisted methods, including interactive systems, for tracking and correlating of breeding, veterinary care and performance data relating to livestock animals. In particular, the methods are especially useful for tracking breeding and veterinary care histories of individual animals or the collective herd or flock and relating the histories to performance parameters of the animals and to expected or desired performances. The methods of the invention can allow the operator to be alerted by deviation of the actual performance parameters from desired performances so that feed, medications, vaccinations, husbandry conditions, food safety etc of the animals may be adjusted or corrected accordingly.

Abstract: A method comprising: providing at least one encaged treatment chemical that comprises a treatment chemical and a polymer carrier; placing the encaged treatment chemical into a portion of a subterranean formation; and allowing the treatment chemical to diffuse out of the encaged treatment chemical and into a portion of the subterranean formation or an area adjacent thereto.

Abstract: Illuminated display case for collectibles that can simulate the look and feel of a collectible's theme. The display case can be modular in design, such that one case can serve as the basis for the joining of additional case modules to form a larger illuminated display. Through the use of a specialized alignment structure, display cases can be lined up one next to the other to form a continuous track around a room.

Abstract: Disclosed is a continuous line process for making a pre-formed object having a plurality of surfaces comprising the steps of: (1) providing a sol phase of the composition comprising a solvent and a gelling agent having a sol-gel transition point between about the melting point of the solvent and about the boiling point of the solvent; (2) forming surfaces of the sol phase composition by passing through a surface forming system, the surface forming system pressing the sol phase composition between a plurality of liners; (3) cooling the sol phase composition into a gel phase; and (4) cutting the gel phase composition; wherein the pre-formed object is free of a supporting substrate.

Abstract: A continuous line process for making a packaged cosmetic device comprising a pre-formed sheet and a coating composition in a sealed package, wherein the pre-formed sheet is produced from a sol phase composition comprising a solvent and a gelling agent having a sol-gel transition point between about the melting point of the solvent and about the boiling point of the solvent by a process comprising heating the so phase composition, forming surfaces of the sol phase composition by pressing the sol phase composition between a plurality of liners, cooling the sol phase composition into a gel phase, cutting the gel phase composition to form the pre-formed sheet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for reducing total NOx emissions from a cement kiln. The method includes the step of injecting water into the flame of the kiln at a point proximate the initial ignition point of the burner. The apparatus includes an injection nozzle for injecting water into the burner flame. Also disclosed is an improved process for making cement clinker. The process includes the steps of burning fuel to generate a flame within a kiln, injecting water into the flame to control formation of nitrogen oxides within the kiln, introducing a mixture of cement raw materials into the kiln, and reacting the raw materials to form cement clinker.

Abstract: Toilet training aides, toilet training kits and related bathroom training aides and kits are disclosed. Toilet training aides may take the form of a multiple page booklet such a passport like booklet. The pages of the booklet may have a series of iconic images each depicting a toilet activity to a pre-literate or semi-literate child. Associated with each iconic image is a progress indicating area in which success indicating means may be placed for successful completion of the represented activity. Kits can include personal hygiene products ergonomically adapted to be used by a child. The aides and kits disclosed motivate and instruct a toddler or young child on all aspects of toilet training in both a comprehensive and focused manner.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for preparing slurries that include depolymerized polysaccharides and depolymerized and derivatized polysaccharides that may be useful in subterranean well operations including fracturing, gravel packing, and frac-packing. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for making a slurry, comprising combining a polysaccharide with an organic solvent to form a slurry; and, depolymerizing the polysaccharide in the slurry. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method of treating subterranean formation with slurry comprising the steps of creating a slurry using a method comprising the steps of combining a polysaccharide with an organic solvent to form a slurry; and, depolymerizing the polysaccharide in the slurry; and, placing that slurry into a subterranean formation.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a treatment fluid comprising water, a crosslinking agent, and a substantially fully hydrated depolymerized polymer having a C* of at least about 0.27. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method of treating a portion of a subterranean formation comprising preparing a treatment fluid comprising water, a crosslinking agent, and a substantially fully hydrated depolymerized polymer having a C* of at least about 0.27; and, contacting the portion of the subterranean formation with the treatment fluid. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method of fracturing a subterranean formation comprising preparing a treatment fluid comprising water, a crosslinking agent, and a substantially fully hydrated depolymerized polymer having a C* of at least about 0.27; and, placing the treatment fluid into the subterranean formation at a pressure sufficient to create or extend at least one fracture therein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a continuous line process for making a pre-formed object having a plurality of surfaces comprising the steps of: (1) providing a sol phase of the composition comprising a solvent and a gelling agent having a sol-gel transition point between about the melting point of the solvent and about the boiling point of the solvent; (2) forming surfaces of the sol phase composition by passing through a surface forming system, the surface forming system pressing the sol phase composition between a plurality of liners; (3) cooling the sol phase composition into a gel phase; and (4) cutting the gel phase composition; wherein the pre-formed object is free of a supporting substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of preparing and using viscous gelled well treating fluids devoid of insoluble gelling agent residue and compositions. A viscous gelled treating fluid composition devoid of insoluble gelling agent residue basically comprises water, a hydrated gelling agent and the water insoluble residue therefrom, a base for raising the pH of the water so that the water insoluble residue is dissolved therein, and additional water to lower the amount of the gelling agent in the treating fluid relative to the amount of water therein and to lower the pH thereof.