Abstract: Gas generating compositions having a fuel preferably comprising a mixture of 5-aminotetrazole (5-AT), azodicarbonamide (ADCA), an oxidizer, and a superfine metal powder burn rate enhancer such as nano-aluminum, for use in automotive seatbelt pretensioners and other suitable applications requiring high impetus, high rate of gas generation. Also, methods of making these compositions, and devices incorporating them such as seatbelt pretensioners.

Abstract: An anti-splash, anti-spill fluid-holding apparatus is disclosed, comprising: an inner side surface comprising an inner mid section diameter continuing inwardly to an inner upper section diameter which is smaller than the inner mid section diameter; an outer side surface comprising an outer mid section diameter continuing to an outer lower section diameter which is larger than the outer mid section diameter; an inward angle comprising a less than 90 degree angle tangential to any point along the inner side surface from the inner mid section diameter to the inner upper section diameter; an open top circumscribed by the inner upper section diameter; and a base circumscribed by the outer lower section diameter. In a related method, this apparatus is set upon a surgical support surface, filled with antiseptic solution, and a surgical sponge or swab is introduced to absorb some antiseptic solution for cleaning a patent wound or surgical site.

Abstract: A device for temporarily disabling a doorknob attached to a hinged door. The device covers the doorknob with a rigid enclosure, preventing rotation of the doorknob to move the associated locking bolt. A retaining unit is mated with an extension from the rigid enclosure in a male-female relationship, simultaneously with fitting the retaining unit over the outer edge of the hinged door while ajar. Closure of the door into the associated doorjamb, with the enclosure over the doorknob, prevents parting movement between the enclosure and the retaining unit, providing a self-locking feature.

Abstract: Time-coherency traces generated during velocity analysis are displayed in panels where each panel contains traces representing a single selected trial stacking velocity function and a plurality of common midpoint locations along a seismic line of exploration. Points selected from the panels, optimally by comparison with stacked sections, are used to generate a time velocity funtion for stacking, NMO correction, interval velocity determination, or other uses.

Abstract: Regional coherency maxima are displayed in various domains and interactively edited to produce stacking velocity functions, horizon velocity functions, and sets of edited velocity spectra regional coherency peaks for use in geophysical exploration for oil and gas.

Abstract: A method for processing and displaying seismic data. More particularly, a novel method for enhancing the display of common depth point seismic data. Common Depth point gathers of seismic data are processed to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio by reducing the averaging effects of lateral variations in the subterranean formation on the seismic data as well as reducing the averaging of range dependent amplitude variations in the seismic data.

Abstract: A method for quantitatively distinguishing seismic events on a seismic record for inferring changes in the geological character of the subterranean formations. Reflection coefficients are obtained for such seismic events and a first set of attributes indicative of amplitude variations in the offset seismic signals corresponding to the seismic event as a function of incident angle are obtained therefrom. The first set of attributes provide a seismologist with a diagnostic tool for quantitatively evaluating subtle changes in the seismic event. A second set of attributes which are functions of the first set of attributes provide the seismologist with additional diagnostic tools for evaluating subtle changes in the seismic events.

Abstract: In an improved urea dewaxing process a urea/alcohol slurry chilled to 60.degree. F. to 65.degree. F. is added to a naphthenic distillate chilled to 60.degree. F. to 65.degree. F. to produce a refrigerator oil with improved low temperature properties.

Abstract: A used lubricating oil is reclaimed by vacuum distillation. The bottoms is vacuum pyrolyzed with limestone to form a virtually insoluble coked mass containing insoluble metal carbonates and free metal. This solid coked residuum is suitable for landfilling.

Abstract: An improved catalyst is described which comprises a normally cylindrical refractory support having gas passages communicating from end to end and oriented parallel to its axis and having gas passages in the shape of segments of circles (pie-shaped), square, hexagonal, circular, oval or sinusoidal. The exterior and interior surfaces are coated with catalytic compositions. The length of the refractory support is significantly less than the diameter. Further, there is a definite ratio of height to effective internal diameter (H:ID) of each of the gas passages. These catalysts are especially effective for endothermal reactions because both the internal and external surfaces of the support are coated with catalysts and are more efficiently heated. This is especially true for the internal surfaces of the support (i.e., the walls of the axially oriented gas passages) which heretofore have been shielded from the infra-red rays radiating from the tubes of the catalytic reactor.

Abstract: An improved catalyst is described which comprises a normally cylindrical refractory support having gas passages communicating from end to end and oriented parallel to its axis and having gas passages in the shape of segments of circles (pie-shaped), square, hexagonal, circular, oval or sinusoidal. The exterior and interior surfaces are coated with catalytic compositions. The length of the refractory support is significantly less than the diameter. Further, there is a definite ratio of height to effective internal diameter (H:ID) of each of the gas passages. These catalysts are especially effective for endothermal reactions because both the internal and external surfaces of the support are coated with catalysts and are more efficiently heated. This is especially true for the internal surfaces of the support (i.e., the walls of the axially oriented gas passages) which heretofore have been shielded from the infra-red rays radiating from the tubes of the catalytic reactor.