Abstract: A multistage printing machine is disclosed with a vacuum conveyor between stages, and in which supplemental air is provided adjacent at least one printing cylinder.

Abstract: Methods and apparati are disclosed for continuous circulation of drilling fluids while adding or removing tubulars to and from a drill string, and also for continuing drilling during the addition or removal of tubulars to and from the drill string.

Abstract: The Portable Ramp with Pad and Stabilizers makes it possible to turn your wheels right or left while your vehicle is on the ramps and get at work areas of your car or other vehicle that you may not get at easily with a conventional portable ramp. The Stabilizers on the ramp are to help with the flip problem which has happened with conventional ramps. The ramp is portable so you can move the ramp or take it with you to other worksites.

Abstract: A mounting system is disclosed for removably mounting rollers and cylinders in a machine for quick and easy removal and replacement by other rollers and cylinders. The mounting system provides for rapid separation of the journal from the roller or cylinder so that only the roller or cylinder is removed, and the mounting system has particular applicability with respect to ink rolls in printing machines.

Abstract: An improved keyboard comprises a base, and a plurality of keys, and a grid surrounding some of the keys which can be projected onto a screen, and in which some of the keys control the functions of others of the keys.

Abstract: A massage device for massaging back and/or feet of a user consists of groups of massaging elements connected together so that the elements of each group move together to execute a recurrent motion and press against a resilient surface in contact with the user. The elements in each group are able to move independently of the other groups and the elements are arranged in parallel rows with the massaging elements of each row staggered along the row with respect to the massaging elements of an adjacent row.

Abstract: A method and equipment for measuring vapor flux from a surface e.g. the rate of water loss from human skin which is useful in the evaluation of the efficiency of the skin/water barrier uses a closed cylinder which is placed with the open end against the skin and the closed end is cooled. By measuring the temperature and relative humidity within the cylinder the water vapor flux can be determined.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for securing insulation panels to the surface of a poured concrete wall by securing caps to the protruding ends of the ties extending through the wall.

Abstract: A rotary printing machine is disclosed in which the timing of the sheet feeding is adjustable as a function of the thickness of the selected printing plate.

Abstract: Several systems for bursting amusement balloons are disclosed. The systems include a hinged lever carrying a puncturing element for bursting the balloon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the temperature and strain within a structure consists in having optical fibres incorporated in the structure, passing pulses of light down the fibre and detecting the backscattered light.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for securing a layer of insulation in place between two spaced apart wall forms while concrete is poured on both sides of the insulation layer.

Abstract: A method for drilling wells in which the tubular (5) can be added or removed from the drill string (17) while the drill is rotating with the mud and drilling fluids being circulated continuously and kept separated from the environment to reduce pollution. A connector is used with an inlet (15) and outlet (10) for the mud etc. and which incorporates rams (11) to seal off and separate the flow of mud as a tubular is added or removed.

Abstract: A toilet bowl cleaner in the form of a reusable wand which may be mounted on a support when not in use. The support may include a reservoir for a disinfectant liquid. The lower end of the wand is a push fit into the core of a hollow cylindrical head of absorbent material. When any soiling matter has been removed from the bowl's surfaces by the head, the head is dislodged from the end of the wand by contact with the lip of the bowl to fall by gravity into the bowl, from where it is removed by flushing. An alternative head may be made from a rigid material for scraping hardened matter from the bowl's surface. A device for facilitating removal of the head from the wand is also provided.

Abstract: A looped cord biomedia filter cartridge is employed in a trickle tower filter to quickly and efficiently process wastewater. A base tank holds a volume of wastewater to be processed. The filter cartridge is mounted on top of the base tank and comprises a cylindrical frame having a plurality of upper and lower concentric hanger rings. The looped cord biomedia is interlaced, under tension, between the upper and lower concentric hanger rings to create a plurality of parallel, vertically extending, linear lengths of looped cord biomedia. The concentric hanger rings are radially spaced, and include circumferentially spaced notches for interlacing the looped cord biomedia. The spaced lengths of looped cord biomedia provide increased surface area while allowing sufficient space for water flow and air flow. Tensioning of the biomedia creates a highly desirable laminar downward flow of wastewater over the surfaces of the biomedia.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring the properties of rocks such as permeability, porosity and fluid properties downhole around a borehole (3) in which a seismic source (6) which radiates a seismic signal substantially radially within the borehole is lowered down the borehole (3) and the electrical signal generated by the seismic signal within the surrounding rock is detected by detectors (4, 5) mounted above and below the seismic source (6) so that signals are received from substantially all radial directions. Preferably a continuous wave signal is generated and the signal detected whilst the apparatus (1) is raised or lowered. The apparatus (1) gives a much better and more accurate measurement than previous methods.

Abstract: A wrapping apparatus including parallel conveyors for moving loaded pallets to wrapping areas of the conveyors, a mobile wrapping machine on wheels, a guide for maintaining the wrapping machine along a path, position sensors for detecting loaded pallets at loading areas, and a computer control for directing the mobile wrapping machine to wrap the loaded pallets on a prioritized basis. The invention is extremely mobile, and is computer controlled to wrap the pallets without need for an operator.

Abstract: A platinum complex useful as a catalyst for converting nitrites into amides comprises a platinum complex of dialkyl phosphine of stoichiometric formula: PtX(R.sub.2 POHOPR.sub.2)(PR.sub.2 OH) where R is an alkyl, alicyclic, chiral, alkylaryl group or substituted alkyl, alicyclic, chiral, alkaryl group or the two R groups attached to one phosphorous atom can form a heterocyclic ring with the phosphorous atom and X is H or a halide. The conversion takes place under reflux conditions to give a high yield of the amide.

Abstract: A rotary printing machine is disclosed which eliminates an impression roller and creates a fluid force which urges the material to be imprinted against the printing plate.

Abstract: A system for insulating only the interior surface of a concrete wall to be poured between a pair of interior and exterior wall forms. The system includes horizontally extending elongated tie strips which connect to each of the wall forms to hold the wall forms spaced apart, a single layer of insulation positioned in contact with the interior wall form, and a plurality of connectors for securing the single layer of insulation to only the interior surface of the concrete wall. The connectors include an enlarged head portion which engages the insulation and a web portion of smaller cross section which extends through apertures in the insulation and into the space between the wall forms, the web portion including openings for the passage of concrete therethrough.