Abstract: A bowl and cutting board combination has a bowl member configured to removably receive and support a cutting board member at its upper end and when supported on the bowl member is used for cutting or preparing foods placed thereon, and thereafter the cutting board is removed and used to transfer the foods thereon which have been cut or prepared into the bowl member. The cutting board member serves as a cutting surface, a food preparation surface, and a handling surface, and the bowl member serves as the support for the cutting board member and as a container for receiving the foods which have been cut or prepared on the cutting board member. The cutting board member optionally serves as a lid for the bowl member to cover the contents of the bowl, before or after cutting or preparation.

Abstract: An inflatable packer including a tubular mandrel, a pair of collars secured to the mandrel, and an inflatable sleeve connected between the collars about the mandrel. The exterior surface of the mandrel underlying the sleeve is roughened to increase the coefficient of friction between the mandrel and the sleeve.

Abstract: A valve system for use in inflating packers mounted on mandrels. The valve system uses one or more valves to permit, through the use of seals, the flow of fluid from the interior of a tubular mandrel to the interior of the inflatable packer when pressure applied in the mandrel exceeds at least a minimum pressure. The differential pressure across reciprocating seals is minimized through exposure of one or both sides, directly or indirectly, to the external pressure of the mandrel and packer, the exposure including the use of a check valve to permit flow from the exterior of the mandrel.

Abstract: A valve system for use in inflating packers mounted on mandrels. The valve system uses one or more valves to permit, through the use of seals, the flow of fluid from the interior of a tubular mandrel to the interior of the inflatable packer when pressure applied in the mandrel exceeds at least a minimum pressure. The differential pressure across reciprocating seals is minimized through exposure of one or both sides, directly or indirectly, to the external pressure of the mandrel and packer, the exposure including the use of a check valve to permit flow from the exterior of the mandrel.