Abstract: A method of testing the accuracy of results obtained from an automatic viscometer is described. Firstly, provide an automatic viscometer having at least two capillary tube test sections, each of a distinct uniform diameter. Secondly, calibrate the automatic viscometer by allowing a Newtonian fluid of known viscosity to flow through each of the capillary tube test sections and recording the time duration of the flow of the Newtonian fluid through each of the capillary tube test sections. Thirdly, calculate a viscosity constant for each capillary tube test section by dividing the known viscosity by the recorded flow time. Fourthly, send a test sample through each of the capillary tube test sections and record the time duration of the flow of the test sample through each of the capillary tube test sections. Fifthly, calculate values for the viscosity of the test sample based upon the times recorded and the known viscosity constant for each of the at least two capillary tube test sections.

Abstract: An apparatus for restraining ruminant mammals; especially deer. The apparatus includes a "V" shaped open ended chute having opposed sidewalls and a floor. Shoulder pads are secured in opposed relation to the opposed sidewalls adjacent one open end. The shoulder pads engage shoulders of an animal attempting to pass through chute, thereby retarding the animals forward progress. Relative movement of the sidewalls and the floor is effected, thereby suspending the animal in the "V" shaped open ended chute.

Abstract: An improved threaded joint for connecting a first tubular member, for example a valve housing, with an outer end having interior threads with pitch W and terminating in a shoulder. A second tubular member has an exterior threaded end and a flanged end. A shoulder extends outwardly of the second tubular member intermediate the threaded and flanged ends. A flange at the flanged end has N equally circumferentially spaced connectors. One of the first shoulder and second shoulder includes a portion that is elastically deformable over a distance at least equal to W/N so that connectors in the flange may be aligned with connectors in a connecting flange of a pipe line. A side entry cap is disposed in the valve assembly. The side entry cap includes a threaded portion and a sealing portion inward of the threaded portion, the threaded portion being cylindrical and the sealing portion having an exterior surface forming a conical section increasing in diameter outward.

Abstract: A method of stopping excessive leakage from sprinkler heads of a liquid piping network. Firstly, providing a backflow inducer housing divided by a flexible diaphragm into a first compartment on a first side of the diaphragm and a second compartment on a second side of the diaphragm. The relative volume of the first compartment and the second compartment change with the positioning of the diaphragm. A spring is provided in the first compartment to bias the diaphragm toward a backflow inducing position in which the volume of the first compartment is larger than the volume of the second compartment. Secondly, connecting a first inlet/outlet of the housing to a liquid piping network. Thirdly, connecting a second inlet/outlet of the housing to a source of pressurized working fluid. The diaphragm is moved by the pressurized working fluid toward an operational position in which the volume of the second compartment is larger than the volume of the first compartment.

Abstract: A combination drinking straw and edible plug, the edible plug includes a body formed of a fondant mixture containing water, glucose and sucrose. There is not less than 30 parts of glucose and not more than 220 parts of glucose for every 100 parts of sucrose. The body has not less than 2% water and not more than 6% water by weight.

Abstract: Light from a laser transmitter propagates along several optical light guides from a laser transmitter to a laser receiver. The optical light guides form a guided light path traversing each of several target zones where unwanted gas may be present. An optical switch permits selection of one of the paths and hence one of the target zones for the detection of gas. A preferred light guide uses optical fibers with optical switches, or a combination of a splitter and a switch. A lens system provides for the collection of light from a transmitting fiber optic and receiving fiber optic. The gas detector is provided with means to eliminate phase sensitivity of the detector.

Abstract: A pressure switch has a housing with an interior bore extending from one end to the other. A rod slidable within the bore and operated by external fluid pressure extends between a piston at one end of the housing and a mechanically operated electrical switch at the other end of the housing. A spring is disposed about the rod between a first stop on the rod and a second stop on the housing. The spring provides resistance against movement of the rod under external pressure. The resistance of the spring to movement is adjusted by a sleeve engaging the spring, with the sleeve threaded into the bore of the housing for movement longitudinally within the housing. A split ring wedged between two other rings resists movement of the rod to longitudinal movement.

Abstract: A scrum machine with an articulated head formed of an extendable actuator arm mounted on the forward end of the scrum machine and extending upwardly from the ground, and preferably extending forwardly as well, with a pad carrying forward thrusting ram pivotally mounted on a pivot on the extendable actuator arm and locatable in selected angular positions about the pivot. An angle actuator controllably changes the angular position of the forward thrusting ram about the pivot. The angle actuator is pivotally attached to an end of the forward thrusting ram remote from the pad and pivotally mounted on the extendable actuator arm. A scrum machine having a movable pad carrying head is provided with a ground engaging base that includes a front wheel mounted on the forward end of the frame and a rear wheel or wheels mounted for steering about a substantially vertical axis on the rearward end of the frame. Steering of the rear wheel or wheels is controlled by a steering actuator.

Abstract: A method for detecting changes in the rate of discharge of fluid from a well bore. Firstly, providing a flow nipple having a first end, a second end, and a flow line connection extending substantially radially from the flow nipple intermediate the first end and the second end. Secondly, providing a drilling fluid treatment tank. Thirdly, providing a flow line having a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the flow line connection of the flow nipple and the second end to the drilling fluid treatment tank. This creates a flow path for drilling fluids from the flow nipple along the flow line to the drilling fluid treatment tank. Fourthly, providing an elongate antechamber adjoining one of the flow nipple, the flow line or the drilling fluid treatment tank. The elongate antechamber has a first end and a second end. The first end is positioned in fluid communication with the flow path.

Abstract: A method for maintaining the position of a containment boom in a fast flowing waterway. Firstly, providing an elongate containment boom having a first side, a second side, a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis. The containment boom consists of a plurality of smaller substantially coaxial boom sections. Secondly, providing a plurality of floats having floating deflector appendages. Thirdly, placing the plurality of floats at spaced intervals along the containment boom between the boom sections, with the floating deflector appendage of each float oriented on the first side of the containment boom extending outwardly at an angle in relation to the longitudinal axis and pointing generally toward the second end.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an optical element on the surface of a substrate by ejecting a curable light guide forming liquid from a nozzle onto the substrate and curing the curable light guide forming liquid. A waveguide may be formed by moving the nozzle in a linear pattern over the surface of the substrate during ejection of the liquid from the nozzle. Curing the liquid may include exposing the liquid to ultraviolet radiation, and the radiation may be applied to only a small portion of the liquid. A multilayered waveguide may be formed by ejecting a further light guide forming liquid onto the first and curing it. A core and cladding may be formed simultaneously by ejecting core forming liquid from an inner tube and cladding forming liquid from an annulus about the inner tube. The waveguide may be formed in a groove, and a splitter may be formed by branching a second waveguide from a first, or by laying out two parallel waveguides and connecting them.

Abstract: A ventilator which includes a male member is telescopically received within a female housing. The male member is longer than the passage in the female housing such that the male member protrudes from the passage of the female housing. Radial air flow passages are positioned at both the first end and the second end of the male member. Relative movement of the male member and the female housing in a first direction diminishes the area of radial air flow passages exposed to air flow from the first end of the female housing while increasing the area of the radial air flow passages exposed to air flow from the second end of the female housing. Relative movement in a second direction diminishes the area of radial air flow passages exposed to air flow from the second end of the female housing while increasing the area of the radial air flow passages exposed to air flow from the first end of the female housing.

Abstract: An isolation gate and frame assembly has a frame having a frame sealing surface extending around the frame and a fluid impervious gate having a gate sealing surface complementary to the frame sealing surface extending around the gate. One of the first and second sealing surfaces carries an inflatable seal. A mechanism is provided to locate the gate within the frame with the first sealing surface sealed against the second sealing surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting a mid-stream urine sample includes a funnel having a wide end and a narrow end. The funnel is supported over a specimen container with the narrow end of the funnel at a mouth of the specimen container. A tubular receptacle depends from and is in fluid communication with the narrow end of the funnel. The tubular receptacle has at least one radial overflow passage adjacent the narrow end of the funnel. Once the tubular receptacle is filled with urine, any further urine entering the tubular receptacle overflows through the radial overflow passage.

Abstract: A protection device for a spa pack has a sensor and associated controller responsive to failure of the electrical circuits in the spa pack and a warning device responsive to operation of the controller to provide a warning of failure of the power supply for the spa pack. An automatic dialling system responsive to the controller provides automatic placement of a warning signal on a telephone line connected alarm system. The controller is connected within a circuit protected by a ground fault interrupter.

Abstract: A method of disabling a motor vehicle, comprising the steps of, firstly, providing an apparatus for disabling a motor vehicle which includes a plinth-like base small enough to fit in the palm of a person's hand. The base has a first substantially planar surface and a second substantially planar surface. At least one spike receiving aperture is provided in the first planar surface. At least one hollow tubular spike is removably secured in the at least one spike receiving aperture. The spike protrudes from the first planar surface at an angle of between 55 and 90 degrees. Secondly, positioning the plinth-like base under a tire of a motor vehicle with the at least one spike pointing toward the tire, such that upon the tire rolling over the plinth-like base, the at least one hollow tubular spike is transferred from the base to the tire, puncturing the tire and thereby serving as a conduit for the gradual escape of air to deflate the tire.

Abstract: A device and method for the measurement of stiffness of cartilage, specifically intended for arthroscopic use. An tissue softness probe is formed from a stiff shaft and flexible shaft, and strain gauges continuously measure the load in the stiff shaft and the deflection of the flexible shaft as they are displaced into cartilage. The stiff shaft and flexible shaft extend away from a probe body beside each other. The stiff shaft is semi-circular in section at one end with a flat side extending along the shaft at that end, and the flexible shaft is a flat shim that is attached to the flat side of the stiff shaft. Such a design advantageously allows the more or less parallel shafts to be inserted into a human body joint for displacement against cartilage, as for example during arthroscopic surgery. The stiff shaft terminates in a plunger extending at right angles to the stiff shaft, with the tip of the plunger lying, in the rest position, between a forked tip of the flexible shaft.

Abstract: A perforating gun brake includes a tubular housing, an annular piston and a mandrel. A first end of the piston is telescopically received in an interior bore at a second end of the tubular housing. The mandrel extends through an interior bore of the piston into the interior bore of the tubular housing. An hydraulic fluid chamber is formed in the interior bore of the tubular housing. A spring biases the piston toward a first end of the mandrel. The movement of the piston along the mandrel is resisted by hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic fluid chamber. An explosive charge is positioned on a first sealing assembly for the hydraulic chamber. Several gripping members are pivotally mounted to an exterior surface of the piston. The gripping members are movable between a retracted position and a deployed position. The gripping members are moved to the deployed position by a deploying collar that is released in response to pressure exerted upon detonation of the perforating gun.