Abstract: In a petroleum coking drum, a drill stem guide latches internally to a structure adjacent the drum opening, rather than externally to a flange about the drum opening. In preferred embodiments, the latching mechanism is spring loaded, and operated automatically as a function of raising and lowering the guide.

Abstract: Novel fire-retardant electrolyte compositions are provided. These compositions comprise a lithium salt dissolved in a fire-retardant solvent selected from the group consisting of phosphates, phospholanes, cyclophosphazenes, silanes, fluorinated carbonates, fluorinated polyethers and mixtures thereof. The electrolyte composition optionally contains a CO.sub.2 -generating compound. Also provided are fire-retardant batteries and fire-retardant conductive films formulated with such compositions, as well as methods of manufacturing such films.

Abstract: A free spinning annular cylinder-like hollow body, having a leading and trailing end which are open at the ends. The leading end contains a balanced, uniformly and heavily weighted dense rim for generating gyroscopic forces. When the device is propelled forward with a spinning motion about an axis in substantially the direction of flight, the body is gyroscopically stabilized, in reference to direction, attitude and orientation. The weighted rim also shifts the body's center of gravity toward the center of pressure, near the leading edge, which enables creation of lift.