Abstract: Locking apparatus for locking a movable object relative to a fixed object including a sleeve member, a rod member and a cylindrical member. The sleeve member is affixed to the fixed object. One end of the rod member is receivable within the sleeve member for rotating and limited axial movement therein. The opposite end of the rod member is provided with a plurality of holes perpendicular to its axis. The cylindrical member may be placed on the opposite end of the rod member for relative rotation and axial movement thereon. One or more holes are provided through the cylindrical member perpendicular to its axis. The cylindrical member has a projecting portion thereon which is engageable with the movable object to lock the movable object relative to the fixed object upon placement of a lock shackle through one of the cylindrical member holes and a corresponding one of the rod member holes.

Abstract: Pipe alignment apparatus comprising: a tubular mandrel having a central bore therethrough, the opposite ends of which terminate in outwardly diverging first and second frusto-conical surfaces, the mandrel being divided into a plurality of longitudinal sections, allowing the mandrel to be radially expanded. A rod member extends through the central mandrel bore. First and second axially spaced frusto-conical members are carried on the rod and are axially movable toward each other upon manipulation of the rod member to wedgedly engage the first and second frusto-conical surfaces, respectively, effecting radial expansion of the mandrel for firmly engaging the interior of first and second pipe sections to effect the axial alignment thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for protecting the work of an artist being performed on canvas mounted on a canvas stretch frame including a mounting assembly by which the apparatus is attached to the canvas frame. A suspension member extends from the mounting assembly and a maulstick is supportable from a proximal end thereof by the suspension member. The maulstick may hang free of the work but is graspable at a distal end thereof for positioning across the work.

Abstract: A method of recovering petroleum fluids from an underground reservoir comprising the steps of: injecting into the reservoir a substantially water insoluble gas; generating and directing pressure waves into the reservoir to release petroleum fluids retained therein, and producing the released petroleum fluids through a well communicating with the reservoir. In alternate embodiments of the invention production is ceased and additional steps are performed to release additional petroleum fluids from the reservoir. These steps may include: injection of hydrocarbon solvents, or an aqueous solution rich in the sodium ion, or a detergent solution with or without additional pressure wave generation.

Abstract: A portable decontamination unit comprising: at least two pans each of which includes a bottom and side walls extending upwardly therefrom, the pans being positionable side by side so that one of the side walls of each pan lies adjacent to one of the side walls of the adjacent pan; a tent frame supportable on the pans; and a tent having a top, sides, ends and at least one intermediate partition supportable by the tent frame forming at least two compartments, the bottoms of which are the two pans. Each of the ends and partitions of the tent is formed by first, second and third curtains, the first curtain being attached along an upper edge thereof to the top of the tent and along one vertical edge thereof to one side of said tent, leaving the opposite vertical edge free. The second curtain is attached along an upper edge thereof to the top of the tent and along one vertical edge thereof to an opposite side of the tent, leaving the opposite vertical edge free.

Abstract: Improved radar reflector apparatus of the type comprising a collapsible and inflatable envelope surrounding a collapsible reflector array made of reflectors which, when the envelope is inflated, form a plurality of corner reflectors. The improvement resides primarily in the fact that each of the reflectors is mounted or suspended in the envelope by a string mounting network independently of the others.

Abstract: Apparatus for removably attaching an item to a columnar member may include: a socket member for attachment to the item having a generally cylindrical interior terminating at a circular wall for receiving one end of the columnar member and a bushing member placeable over one end of the columnar member and receivable by the socket member to provide bearing and anti-galling surfaces between the socket member and the columnar member. A locking device may be carried by the socket member for engagement with the bushing member to apply radial forces to the bushing and columnar members to lock the item to the columnar member.

Abstract: A method of recovering petroleum fluids from an underground reservoir comprising the steps of: injecting into the reservoir a substantially water insoluble gas; generating and directing soundwaves into the reservoir to release petroleum fluids retained therein; and producing the released petroleum fluids through a well communicating with the reservoir. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, after sufficient water insoluble gas is injected forcing water in the reservoir downwardly and forming a water/oil/gas interface, water and/or oil soluble gas may be injected into the reservoir.

Abstract: A device for assisting in and maintaining erection of the human penis, comprising: a relatively rigid arc member and an elastic cord extending from each end of the arc member and joined to form a large loop.

Abstract: An improved aerosol can agitator is described. An unbalanced, multi-pronged, agitator aids in more complete more thorough mixing of the contents of an aerosol can. Additionally, paddle-like devices on some of the prongs are utilized to increase the surface area to which pigment and other settled contents may adhere. The use of additional surface area to which pigment and other settled contents may temporarily adhere to aids in the mixing of the pigment with the carrier as the agitator is propelled throughout the carrier within the aerosol can. The unbalanced agitator results in a random, unpredictable agitation pattern thus aiding in more thorough mixing of the entire contents of the can.

Abstract: A magazine stand which includes: a base by which the stand is supported on the floor; elongated support members extending upwardly from the base; and a table hingedly attached to the upper end of the support members for pivoting from a generally horizontal first position, in which magazines may be placed thereon for reading, to a generally vertical second position allowing easier access to portions of the stand below the table.

Abstract: Combination noise and emission control apparatus comprising: an enclosed cylindrical housing for connection with the exhaust of an internal combustion engine and including noise reduction components mounted in the housing for reducing noise emitted from the engine and converter components mounted in the housing for reducing noxious gases emitted from the engine.

Abstract: Improved grate for protectively surrounding the base of a tree, including a support ring for surrounding the tree at a radially spaced distance therefrom and a series of spirally disposed members, the proximal ends of which are affixed to the support ring and the distal ends of which generally define an opening through which the trunk of the tree may extend.

Abstract: Smoking apparatus comprising a tubular chimney having a cylindrical interior open at both ends and in which a charge of smoking material may be placed. A conduit may be provided in fluid communication with the chimney and an air inlet. Smoke from the burning of said smoking material entrained with air from the air inlet through the conduit may be drawn through the conduit by the smoker. A plunger engages the cylindrical interior of the chimney and is reciprocally movable relative thereto for displacing burned smoking material from the chimney.

Abstract: Shock absorbing apparatus for use on a wheelchair of the type having a frame mounted on a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels in which the front wheels and/or back wheels are provided with shock mounting assemblies. The shock mounting assemblies include one or more spring assemblies attached to the frame to cushion shock on the respective wheel.

Abstract: A system for real-time measurement of multiple properties of drilling fluids from a single sampling point may comprise: a pump for transferring fluids in the system, the suction of which may be alternately communicated through suction conduits with a reservoir of drilling fluids being measured and the source of cleaning fluids; valves connected in the suction conduits for alternately allowing or preventing fluid communication between the pump and the drilling fluid reservoir or the source of cleaning fluids; a weight measuring device connected to the discharge side of the pump for receiving and measuring the weight of drilling fluids therefrom; and a viscosity measuring device connected to the discharge of the pump for receiving and measuring indices of viscosity of the drilling fluids therefrom. A source of power is connected to the pump, the weight measuring device, the viscosity measuring device and control apparatus.

Abstract: An improved cylinder and extractor assembly for use in a revolver comprising a cylinder having a central longitudinal chamber and a plurality of longitudinal cartridge chambers at uniformly spaced intervals thereabout and including radial slots at the rear of the cylinder providing communication between the central chamber and each of the cartridge chambers. An extractor assembly, centrally disposed in the central chamber, includes an extractor member having circumferentially spaced radial projections each one of which may be disposed in one of the radial slots at the rear of the cylinder for engagement with the groove of a cartridge. The extractor member is axially movable from a first position, within the central chamber to a second position substantially rearwardly of the central chamber, to force cartridges from the cartridge chambers.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming, filling and sealing bags from a continuous supply of bagging material, the apparatus including a pair of sealing jaws transversely movable toward each other to engage the bagging material to form a transverse seal providing the top closure for a filled bag and the bottom closure for a succeeding bag. The improvement includes stretch assemblies attached to the sealing jaws and engageable with the bagging material at opposite edges thereof to provide opposing forces in directions perpendicular to the movement of the sealing jaws to flatten the bag and remove any wrinkles therefrom prior to sealing of the bags by the sealing jaws.

Abstract: Portable cooking apparatus including a support base, a support column and a grill member. The support column is pivotally attached to the support base for movement from a first position, adjacent the support base, to a second position extending upwardly from the support base. The grill member is selectively positionable on the support column and removable therefrom to allow the support column to assume the first position.