Abstract: A system for delaying the ignition of, or for extinguishing, an oil well rig fire, by injecting an admixture of for example pressurized CO.sub.2 and mono-potassium phosphate into the flow of hydrocarbons from the drill pipe and casing, through a plurality of holds in the wall of a spool apparatus located in the "stack" above the "Hydril" and blow-out preventers and above the casing but preferably below the mud return line element. The spool apparatus is equipped with a plurality of one-way check valves for receiving a plurality of conduits or chicksaw lines for transporting the chemicals from storage tanks to the spool apparatus. The entire system can be manually activated by a spring-loaded mechanism at the control head. Additionally, the system can be used to inject, for example, ammonium hydroxide to neutralize highly toxic gases, known as "sour" gases, arising during a blow-out.

Abstract: A hydraulic quick release system for tightening and releasing tug and barge cable connections in the event of a breakage of a cable. The system comprises a novel hydraulic circuit comprising a pair of hydraulic cylinders mounted on the stern of the tug with apparatus for attaching the barge cable connections to the hydraulic cylinders. Each cylinder has an apparatus for actuating the cylinders simultaneously and independent of each other to tighten and loosen the cable connections. There is provided in the system by-passing apparatus whereby each cylinder may be independently actuated as required by conditions. Controlling apparatus permit the cylinders to be quickly actuated to tighten and loosen the barge cable connections as desired with apparatus being provided for increasing the extending speed of the cylinders in order that the cables can be quickly released from the cylinders by a quick extending thereof.

Abstract: A holder for a coin-operated carwash wand containing a spring-biased, friction brake triggered by the pressure of fluid jetting from the wand. The brake prevents the wand or gun from being inadvertently jetted out of the holder should the user mistakenly insert his coins before the gun is removed from the holder. The frictional resistance engagement of the brake is sufficient to overcome the jetting force but is low enough to allow the user to pull the gun out of the holder even when the brake is on. The holder is also spring-mounted to its wall bracket so that it can rotate 90.degree. in the event the wand hose becomes snagged on a portion of the automobile being serviced, thus allowing the wand to be pulled out of the holder rather than having the holder ripped off the wall or the hose system otherwise damaged.

Abstract: A crossword puzzle system for creating crossword puzzles including the steps of (a) obtaining a crossword puzzle grid defining sections; (b) inserting "generator" words into the grid; (c) making "possibility" check from a provided "Table of Average Preference Values"; (d) assigning "C" (consonant) and "V" (vowel) locations based on highest frequency rate with the longest words done first and with "possibility" checks done as needed; (e) determining the relative priorities of the crossword puzzle grid sections; and (f) filling in the blanks with the use of provided "Paralog" lists starting with the most difficult.

Abstract: An electric bass guitar with retractable frets for the purpose of for example enabling the musician to perform dynamic slides without volume attenuation of the slide by moving the frets down into the neck of the guitar out of play. The retractable frets provide dual positions to choose from in regard to fret positions: a first, retracted position which provides frets flush with the fretboard, giving the electric bass a fretless guitar characteristic, and a second, non-retracted position which provides frets protruding out of the plane of the fretboard as in a conventional guitar; or alternatively the selection of retracting only certain desired one of the frets without interrupting the effectiveness of the remaining frets.The neck includes on its upper side a lateral, inclined slope upon which the wedge-shaped frets ride. As the frets are moved across the neck, and ride up the slope, they rise up out from the neck body and protrude above it to be in their operative disposition.

Abstract: A key case for holding and enclosing one or more keys in a more orderly, compact manner while allowing ease of selection, freedom of use, and ease of restorage after use. This is accomplished using a single, triangularly shaped key-holder, which holds all the keys in the key case, and attaching it at one corner to the body of the key case by a double-hinge, universal pivot mechanism, with the keys being stored in face-to-face engagement in an "upside-down" disposition (FIG. 3). The triangular key holder in storage disposition allows for a reduction in size of the key case and further incorporates semicircular corners at its base to facilitate control and separation of the keys while a key is being put in use (FIG. 1).

Abstract: An accurate mechanical method and associated calliper for determining the vertical and longitudinal center lines and the mid-point between joint holes in the laying out of a stirrup for use in the foundation of a lower extremity orthosis. The calliper comprises an assembly with three main parts: a floating, calibrated main bar containing two lateral internal springs of equal tension connected to a center punch or marking pin, and two end bars of equal size connected to the other ends of the internal springs, which end bars slide in and out of the main floating bar. Each end bar includes a pin which attaches it to the main bar spring, a stirrup dowel and a scale to be used for inter alia measuring varus or valgus deformities of the ankle. The assembly is placed on a stirrup by inserting the stirrup dowels on the two end bars into the joint holes on the stirrup, thus positioning the main bar for measurement and marking purposes.

Abstract: A novel pipe joint intersection contour scriber is disclosed for use in the art of welding pipes together at intersections which may or may not be perpendicular. The invention consists of a template connected by two rods to a three-disc assembly, one disc of which has a scriber sub-assembly. The three-disc assembly provides an adjustable clamp and centering function with the disc closest to the template containing the scriber sub-assembly which is allowed to rotate through 360.degree.. The scriber pen is connected by way of a sleeve to a wheel which rotates on the template causing the pen to trace the appropriate line. The scriber and wheel assembly is attached to the rotating disc by means of an adjustable three-piece section which functions to provide a means for adjusting the distance of the scriber pen from the center of its path of rotation and operates on the principal of a parallelogram, always maintaining the pen in the same orientation.

Abstract: A direct contact, water heating column furnace for producing non-corrosive, drinking-water-quality heated water comprising a body or shell having at least an upper, heat exchange and stripping compartment and integrally formed and in-line therewith a lower compartment. A grating separates the integrated two compartments and a plurality of heat absorbing and transfer bodies, such as for example, Paul rings, are positioned within the upper compartment on top of the grating. A greater amount and depth of heat absorbing bodies are provided than would be needed merely for heating in order to also strip the water of substantially all its free oxygen to eliminate the corrosive effects of CO.sub.2 presence. Cold water is introduced into the furnace by a spray positioned over the heat absorbing bodies with the water running into the lower compartment as it is heated and oxygen-stripped by heating means. The heating means operates at a relatively low temperature free of intense hot spots to avoid NO.sub.

Abstract: A training toy for helping children learn how to lace their shoes and also to enhance or improve their fine motor skill (eye/hand coordination). The shoe-configured toy includes a series of adjustable diameter eyelets disposed upon the forward slope of the toy and an open or hollowed out central area for storage and ease in use. The toy is mounted on wheels, and the training shoe string can also be used to pull the toy about on its wheels. The diameter adjustment system for the eyelets includes a set of longitudinally slidable plates with different diameter eyelet openings which can be moved into the eyelet areas to alter the effective diameter of the eyelets. An alternate system (FIG. 5) includes a coiled spring element whose outer end is moved in and out to change its effective diameter.

Abstract: An ink pen is provided which is comprised of an outer rotating and sliding body which fits comfortably, overriding an inner ink containing cartridge. The outer body slides with respect to the inner cartridge when rotated with respect thereto. Rotation of the outer body with respect to the inner cartridge causes the cartridge to retract within the outer body, thus protecting the pocket of an individual upon placement of the pen in such a position when the pen is not in use. Inadvertent placement of the ink pen into a shirt pocket, for example, when the pen is in the writing position, is prevented by means of a projecting clip guard which catches on the outer portion of the pocket, thus preventing the pen from entry into the pocket when it is in its writing position.

Abstract: A system for making a "jack-up" rig with its jacked-up legs and hull rigid and fixed together by the use of "rack chock" elements which are designed to absorb the maximum axial chord loadings on the legs and transmit them directly into the hull. The "rack chock" elements are configured preferrably with a number of matching teeth for exact, in-line engagement with the legs' rack teeth, and are capable of being adjusted for vertical alignment and horizontal positioning to mate with the rack teeth position. By a series of screw jacks and/or secondary chocks, the "rack chock" elements provide rigid contact with both the legs and the hull structure and eliminate the requirement for the jack pinions to take the load (as is done in the prior art) in either jacked-up or ocean-tow dispositions.

Abstract: There is disclosed a new and improved air-fuel metering regulator which provides for extremely fine adjustment of the flow of fuel to the internal combustion engine which may be operating under idling, cruising or various accelerating power circumstances. This is provided, in the preferred embodiment, by the novel arrangement of the separate air and fuel diaphragm and chambers with extremely fine adjustments being provided in both the air or vacuum chamber bodies and the fuel chamber bodies to limit the travel of both diaphragm assemblies in their respective linear directions toward or away from the vacuum or fuel chamber bodies. As a result of the fine adjustments possible and the particular layout of the chambers, more precise and upgraded performance is available in the internal combustion engine as a result of the fuel supply to the internal combustion engine being made more responsive to the various operating conditions of the engine.

Abstract: A flue stack maintenance system particularly for those flues through which grease laden air passes such as for example exist in commercial restaurant kitchens and the like (FIG. 1), which utilizes an expandible, elongated metal foil liner bag which forms a closed interior system except for an air inlet conduit provided for the application into the interior of the bag an air pressure greater than the ambient to balloon out the bag into facing engagement with the interior of the flue stack (FIG. 3B). After the bag is ballooned out, the upper and lower ends are opened and folded over and around the ends of the flue for attaching the foil liner to the flue (FIG. 3C).

Abstract: An apparatus for straightening damaged automobile frames or bodies utilizing a rigid structural ramp capable of supporting a vehicle. A preferably hydraulic power source capable of imparting alternatively a compressive or a tensile force to the damaged frame or body is adjustably mounted on a wheeled post which slidably travels a continuous track circumventing the ramp. The ramp is provided with improved chain anchoring openings. A chain can be used for a applying tensile force to the frame directly or indirectly to the frame by connecting a chain first to the anchoring opening, then to the damaged frame, and then to the hydraulic power source.Using two wheeled posts on the continuous track, a rotatable, pivotal, cross bar can be attached at its respective end portions to the wheeled posts. With the power source mounted on the cross bar, repairs can be made to the roof, or interior portions of an automobile (see FIG. 10).

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for fracturing and creating multiple fissures in hydrocarbon impregnated rock. The invention uses a sequence of explosive charges involving a main, centrally located high velocity, shape charge shot directed out horizontally into the stratum to be fractured, and two supplemental charges of bulk explosives of a lower detonation velocity positioned above and below the main shot and simultaneously detonated following the main charge, the purpose of the sequence and the physical arrangements being to effect greater penetration of the stratum. In the preferred embodiment a metal shaped charge containing a liquid explosive is used for the centrally located main shot comprising a number of longitudinally extended tined spokes directed radially outward from a common center (note FIG. 3). The diameter of the shaped charge can be varied to fit and preferably generally fills up the diameter of the well bore.

Abstract: A non-conductive safety line and method for producing the safety line is disclosed. The safety line of the preferred embodiment comprises a rope core which has an exterior tubing positioned over the rope core with a quantity of filler material contained within the exterior tubing to completely capsulate the rope core. End loop splices are formed on the rope core ends and a pair of shrinkable tubing sections are positioned over the end loop splices. The completed safety line has a film applied to the exterior thereof to prevent surface wetting. The safety line may be used in conjunction with aerial buckets or hot boards from a lineman's body belt to the boom of an aerial lift or platform of an insulated hot board. The line maintains dielectric integrity, wet or dry, preventing shorting of the lineman's insulation from ground as conventional safety lines can do.

Abstract: A reinforced concrete threaded pile provides a generally conically shaped tapered concrete pile member which is provided with a metallic reinforcement core for carrying the torsional and tensile forces created in the pile during its insertion. A metallic head is provided at, for example, the upper portion of the pile, which provides a point for the connection of a sufficient torsional driving force thereto for insertion of the pile. The head member can be metallic, and is substantially integrally connected to the reinforcement core, so that the torsional forces can be developed through the head and the reinforcement core such that torsional and tensile forces are not carried by the concrete to a degree which would cause a failure of the concrete by cracking. The concrete body is provided with an outer surface of spiral threads which has a relatively minor thread pitch that provides for relatively easy insertion of the pile into the desired soil medium and is mechanically compatible therewith.

Abstract: An automatic and semiautomatic small caliber conversion system for automatic or semiautomatic shotguns and rifles such as, for example, M-16 and AR-16 rifles including a uniquely designed three element structure and associated ammunition feeding means to permit the use of smaller caliber, inexpensive ammunition in rilfes and shotguns designed originally for larger caliber ammunition. The system includes a bolt/receiver assembly which easily replaces the bolt carrier of the, for example, M-16 rifle, and a magazine assembly which can be inserted by hand into any standard, for example, 0.223 round M-16 magazine. The bolt/receiver assembly is made up of three sub-assemblies, a receiver, a bolt, and a recoil spring. The receiver sub-assembly includes a section of a circle with a short barrel section in the front which fits into the M-16 chambers, a receiver lug at top rear to locate it within the M-16 chamber and prevent its rotary or linear motions and a guide rail.

Abstract: An automobile windshield rain deflector which functions as a result of a mathematical relationship between rain deflector, forward velocity of vehicle windshield and downward velocity of rain drops; and comprises a shield arranged above the driver's line of vision and is positioned substantially in front of the windshield, with a substantial gap between the deflector shield and the windshield. The shield is connected to a support means for movement between an inoperative orientation to an operative orientation by which a substantially rain free clear vision zone is provided on the windshield. In addition, the support means is movable relative to the windshield to adjust the position of the shield in its operative orientation so that the substantially rain free clear vision zone always coincides with the driver's line of vision regardless of the vehicle's speed or rainfall quantity.