Abstract: This invention uses a combination of drilling, dissolving, and sinking to emplace a closed end well pipe into a salt formation. The well which results can be used to produce geothermal power or for such other purposes for which it may offer an advantage. This method uses the following combination of properties of salt to achieve the desired result: solubility in water, plasticity at relatively low temperatures, and occurrence in large, deeply penetrating structures.

Abstract: A method for seismic data interpretation for the purposes of identification of oil, gas and water accumulation locations and delineation of their contours uses a model of discrete media with inhomogeneous stresses. For a selected reflection horizon, the relative value of overall pressure gradient is calculated on the basis of instantaneous amplitudes and frequencies of seismic signals using a derived relationship between the reflection coefficients of elastic waves and the stress condition parameter. The calculation technique uses estimates of instantaneous amplitudes and frequencies smoothed over the entire seismic horizon or its fragment. A generalized model of normal (lithostatic) pressure is excluded, and the final interpreted parameters have the sense of relative estimates of anomalous pressure caused by basin dynamics.

Abstract: The articulated boom and utility head for manipulating objects underwater of the present invention includes an articulated arm mounted at a first end thereof to a free floating platform, and a remotely operable utility head mountable at a second end of the arm. At least one sensor for relaying sensed information from the sensor to a remote operator or processor is mounted to the articulated arm. The sensed information is transmitted in real time as the arm remotely operated under water.

Abstract: A method for putting which achieves improved alignment between the face of the putter and the golf ball towards the desired initial line of progress of the golf ball. In the method, a putter is provided which has a head having a contoured portion of the heel allowing the head to be rotated about the ground from a position where the handle is generally upright to a position where the handle is generally inclined towards the ground. The putter head is provided with an alignment mark allowing a golfer to align the alignment mark, a golf ball, and a golf cup. A golfer positions such a putter such that a golf ball is disposed between the face of the putter and a golf cup. The golfer then rotates the handle of the putter to a position inclined towards the ground such that the face of the putter is facing in a generally upward direction. The golfer then sights along the alignment mark on the body of the putter to align the alignment mark with the golf ball in the direction of the golf cup.

Abstract: A load conformable tarp includes a plurality of strap adjustment assemblies for adjusting the effective length of associated adjusting straps. Each adjustment strap assembly includes an adjustment assembly for adjusting the length of an associated adjustment strap, as well as a locking mechanism for securing a free end of the adjusting strap, the other end being fixed with respect to the tarp base material. Each adjustment assembly preferably includes a pulley throughwhich one end of the adjustable strap is looped, one end of the adjustment strap preferably being fixed to the base material, the other end being free and configured to be engaged in various positions by the locking mechanism, thus forming an adjustable strap loop of variable size.

Abstract: Apparatus for the remote measurement of physical parameters, the apparatus comprises a sensor (1) for sensing one or more physical parameters, an interrogator (2) for interrogating the sensor (1) and making a measurement, a cable (3) for extending between the sensor (1) and the interrogator (2), a conduit (4) for extending to a measurement location (5) and which is of such a cross-sectional size that it is able to accept the cable (3) and the sensor (1), and a cable installer (6) for installing the sensor (1) and the cable (3) through the conduit (4) and for placing the sensor (1) at the measurement location (5), the cable installer (6) being such that it includes a device (7) for propelling a fluid along the conduit (4), and the conduit (4) being such that it contains a lead-in section (8) for providing sufficient fluid drag on the cable (3) as it enters the conduit (4) from the cable installer (6) to ensure that the sensor (1) is able to be transported through the conduit (4).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a circuit for providing a variable output signal in response to a physical parameter sensed by a sensor in the circuit, preferably a force sensing resistor. The current mirror may consist of two transistors having common bases. Flow of current through the first transistor flows through the sensor and through a parallel resistor. This current is mirrored in a second transistor which provides flow of current which may either be used as an output signal or, more preferably, as a base current for a transistor which is used to control output signal voltage. The circuit uses the current mirror in connection with the sensor to eliminate the need for a negative voltage supply. The circuit may further advantageously contain a voltage limiter module which is used to limit the voltage which may be applied across the sensor if the range of input signals or the desired range of output signals exceeds the sensor's capability.