Abstract: An automatic nursing sequence indicator bra that indicates to a nursing mother alternating between two breasts for feeding an infant which breast is to be used next in turn. In the preferred embodiment the nursing sequence indicators are integral parts of the bra cups themselves in the form of two flaps, each a part of the two bra cups. The flaps are inwardly disposed between the two cups with one at least partially covering the other when both bra cups are closed. The flap of the cup opened last for nursing lies so that it at least partially covers the flap of the other cup. The top flap therefore points to the next breast to be used in turn. In a second embodiment, the flaps are added as separate parts to the bra cups. In the preferred and second embodiments the flaps may be stiffened with additional material for flap alignment. The shape of the flaps, and decorations or slogans may aid their intended function.

Abstract: A gauge for measuring in situ the diameter of a borehole in salt or other ft creeping rock types is provided so that changes in borehole structure can be detected. The gauge comprises a cylindrical body insertable lengthwise into a borehole and having an internal channel wherein sensors can be displaced outwardly when air is directed into the gauge, two air displacement sensors located in the channel having slotted keyways at their inner ends which form an orifice proportional to the distance between the sensors, a pneumatic device capable of providing a stream of air into the gauge body, and a flow meter for measuring air flow through the gauge body. The borehole diameter is determined by directing a stream of air into the gauge body and measuring the air flow which will be proportional to the distance between the sensors when displaced outwardly against the borehole walls. The gauge is advantageous in that it does not itself create artificial stresses or deformations in the borehole walls.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of gathering information from sensors from which the Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, and the two principal stresses can be obtained. The absolute secondary principal stresses can also be obtained. The method involves the placement of two inclusions of different, but known, physical properties in a single bore hole with a strain or displacement rosette sensor placed in each inclusion and oriented so as to measure physical properties on a plane normal to the bore hole axis. It is extremely important that intimate contact exists between the inclusions and the bore hole surface, because the physical properties of the two inclusions are different and the interactions between each inclusion and the rock mass will be different. The measurements from each rosette sensor and the known physical properties of each inclusion, the Young's modulus, the Poissons ratio, and the two principal stresses for the rock mass can be derived by known mathematical formula.

Abstract: A tensioned helical wire for use as a displacement sensor. The sensor made of high strength piano wire is attached at its ends to two anchors which in turn are attached to or are a part of the object or objects to be tested. In the preferred embodiment the sensor has straight ends which are attached to two small anchor blocks. These blocks are then attached to the test object. The displacement range and sensitivity of the sensor can be controlled by the initial geometry selected. If an initial tension applied is small, the sensor has a very large response range that is about fifty times that of a straight wire sensor. If a large initial tension is applied, the helical shape approaches that of a straight sensor and has a displacement range only a few times that of a straight wire sensor. If the sensor has a large displacement range, the sensitivity is much less than that of a straight wire sensor and if the sensor has a small range the sensitivity is comparable to that of the straight wire sensor.

Abstract: A tensioned helical wire for use as a displacement sensor. The sensor made of high strength piano wire is attached at its ends to two anchors which in turn are attached to or are a part of the object or objects to be tested. In the preferred embodiment the sensor has straight ends which are attached to two small anchor blocks. These blocks are then attached to the test object. The displacement range and sensitivity of the sensor can be controlled by the initial geometry selected. If an initial tension applied is small, the sensor has a very large response range that is about fifty times that of a straight wire sensor. If a large initial tension is applied, the helical shape approaches that of a straight sensor and has a displacement range only a few times that of a straight wire sensor. If the sensor has a large displacement range, the sensitivity is much less than that of a straight wire sensor and if the sensor has a small range the sensitivity is comparable to that of the straight wire sensor.

Abstract: A load measuring gage generally shaped like a conventional split ring washer. In the center opening of the gage a shaft, which mounts the device whose load is to be measured, may extend through the washer. The opening for the washer is cut diagonally so that the loading and unloading forces acting upon it are collinear thereby reducing friction that resist its opening and closing to a minimum. This is accomplished by orienting the angle between the split ring surface and adjacent bearing surface to be between 50.degree. and 62.degree.. A force indicating pointer and scale can be attached to the washer to inform observers visually of variations in the force applied to the gage. In this way if the tension on a mine rock bolt is being measured, observers may safely be informed of the force on the in situ bolt from a distance.

Abstract: A flexible rock bolt for use in anchoring mine structures to ground formations and in supporting such structures which consists of a rock bolt helically coiled into a spring shape having relatively large pitch and a spring index of at least two which allows the rock bolt to elongate upon application of tension and torsion loading and allows the rock bolt to contract under compression.