Abstract: A player interactive live action football game which may be played for example on a television screen. A player interactive live action football game is provided which comprises a random access storage and retrieval device and a plurality of individual, pre-recorded action football plays illustrating interaction of players of opposite teams. This information is stored in random access storage and retrieval device and accessible according to type of play. The invention further comprises a microprocessor and microprocessor control device electronically associated with the random access storage and retrieval device. The microprocessor is programmed to enable one or more users to select in sequence, through the control device, different football plays according to play type. A display device is electronically associated with the microprocessor to enable the selected plays to be viewed by the users.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the recovery and assay of gold, silver (PMs) and the 6 platinum group elements (PGEs) from playa-evaporite sediments. Fine sediments are subjected to a primary leach with a highly caustic sodium thiosulfate leach liquor to produce a metal-pregnant solution. After filtration the pregnant solution is subjected to a two-stage precipitation of gold, silver and PGE values. In a first stage precious metals and some PGE elements are precipitated by lead acetate or sodium borohydride reagents. The precipitate may be subjected further to desulfurization and metallic footing to produce a lead-precious metal sponge. The sponge is de-leaded by firing and cupelling, selective cementation or electrolysis and reduction to dore is best effected by a carburizing distillation. The final recovery of the metal values is produced by controlled acid parting into individual precious metals and cupellation to the metallic state.

Abstract: An explosive composition for mining operations has been produced using waste oil, lignite and ammonium nitrate in selected ranges of concentrations.

Abstract: A ball striking practice device comprising an elongated base having an upper surface, longitudinal groove in the upper surface, a post having an end pivotally secured to the base at a location in the groove spaced below the upper surface for pivotal movement in its longitudinal direction between a first, starting position and a second, remote position, and means for supporting a ball to be hit at the other end of the post. Resilient stop means are releasably secured on the upper surface in positions across the groove to define the starting and remote positions of the post. A biasing means is associated with the base and the post yieldably to urge the post towards starting position.

Abstract: A releasable mounting binder for wires and cables, the binder comprising a buckle, a pair of spaced slots in the buckle, means to receive securing means for securing the buckle in position on a surface of a body, and a flexible strap having ends to be fitted through the slots, each opposite surface of each end of the strap having co-operating hook or pile securing means so that the ends are releasably securable to each other in overlapping, abutting relationship for releasably looping about wires and cables to secure them on the buckle.

Abstract: A boot jack for gripping a boot to assist a user in removal of the user's foot therefrom, of the type comprising a frame and a plate, secured to the frame, having a U-shaped notch for receiving and gripping the boot above the users heel. In this type of boot jack, according to the invention, the plate is supported on a frame in a downwardly inclined orientation towards the notch, when the frame is supported on a horizontal base, the plate being supported at a height above the base to permit the user's toes to press against the base as a fulcrum to facilitate removal of the user's foot from the boot when the boot is gripped in the U-shaped notch. A fulcrum or leverage block may be provided to accomodate variation in size of foot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a checker board game which introduces an element of chance whereby at predetermined times during play of the game, playing pieces on predetermined playing spaces must be removed.

Abstract: A decorative form for a chain link fence of the type having post-supported interwoven wires producing a matrix of wire lengths extending between wire cross-over centers. The form is to be used with other similar forms to produce a decorative pattern over an area of the chain link fence. The form comprises a pair of sections each having a face with circumscribing sides and interlocking means to secure the sections together along edges of their sides. The sections, when secured together over a cross-over center produce a hollow form having opposed faces and sides extending therebetween. The sides of the form have slots, when the form is so seated, located as to be seated over corresponding portions of the wire lengths extending outwardly from that center. A plurality of such forms, when secured to a chain link fence at predetermined locations may produce a predetermined design.

Abstract: A solenoid comprising a first coil positioned within a frame from which a magnetizable armature, having a coil end and a free end, extends, the coil end of the armature having a section of non-magnetizable material secured to it, and a second coil, which coil is energizable in a manner independent from that of the first coil, the second coil being secured to the other end of the non-magnetizable material so as to move with the armature from a position adjacent the first coil when the armature is in extended position to a position spaced therefrom when the armature is in retracted position, whereby when the first coil is energized to move the armature along its throw into retracted position, the second coil is simultaneously energized so as produce a repulsive magnetic force with respect to that of the first coil.

Abstract: A device for promoting health and rehabilitation through exercise by way of providing motion to one's legs. The device comprises a frame, with a motor secured to the frame. An axle extends outwardly from the frame to either side and is powered by the motor for rotation about a horizontal axis. The axle drives a pair of crank arms to the free ends of which are secured pedals. The pedals are adjustable so that their axes of rotation are adjustable with respect to the axis of rotation of the axle. Straps or the like associated with each of the pedals to releasably secure a user's foot to the pedal. A flexible leg support strap extends from a portion of the frame. In operation, an end of the strap is wrapped around a leg just behind the knee. The strap is of a length and is positioned so that the leg is free to move as the pedal rotates with one's foot strapped to the pedal while sufficient force is provided by the strap on the leg to prevent unwanted lateral movement of the leg.

Abstract: A self-contained unit and method for splicing together the ends of jacketed optical fibers. The unit comprises a guide to align fibers, such as a capillary tube, having opposite ends into which the ends of optical fibers to be spliced pass until they are in contact in a central portion of the guide. A heater high temperature proximal to the central portion of the guide, when activated, generates sufficient heat to fuse and splice together the contacting fiber ends. A securing means, such as spaced ferrules with a tube of ceramic material joining the ferrules, is mechanically associated with the guide to mechanically hold in position the optical fibers when spliced together. By bringing the ends of jacketed optical fibers into contact within the guide, in the vicinity of heater, and subjecting the ends to high temperature heating, the fibers are fused and spliced at their ends.

Abstract: An adjustable manhole top which can be readily raised up or down in minutes to correct problems when the ground around it heaves. A cylindrical sleeve with a plurality of spaced elongated ribs extending longitudinally along an internal surface thereof, is adjustably seated by its ribs resting in notches at predetermined elevations on riser blocks upwardly extending from height adjustment rings resting on the support rim.

Abstract: Relocation of the guide and control system for a seawater ballast/cargo oil, horizontal separation diaphragm, from the lower portion of the cargo tank of an oil tanker to the main deck level, with a corresponding increase in the length of the diaphragm membrane and the guide cylinder, thereby allowing the diaphragm full travel from top to bottom of the tank and vice versa. This relocation enables the total volume of the cargo tank to be utilized for the carriage of two different liquids, at different times, without cross-contamination occurring between the cargo being carried and any residue remaining at in the tank from the previous cargo e.g. a marine very large crude oil carrier (VLCC) fitted with a diaphragm in each of its cargo tanks, could carry a full cargo of crude oil from the Arabian Gulf to Europe or Japan and return with a full cargo of fresh water for industrial or agricultural use.

Abstract: An improved solenoid wherein the end of the armature within the first coils has a predetermined length of rigid non-magnetizable material secured to it, and a second, electrically energizable coil being energizable in a manner opposite to that of the first coil, being secured to the other end of the length of non-magnetizable material so as to move therewith from a position adjacent the first coil when the arm is in extended position to one space therefrom when the arm is in retracted position. This coil provides magnetic repulsion between the two coils to produce good starting power for the armature when the first coil is energized, as a result of repulsive magnetic forces created between the two coils.

Abstract: A game in the form of a parlor game, video game or television game for purposes of entertainment. The game comprises a plurality of distinct, arbitrarily selectable information units, each unit being divided into two independently viewable sub-units. The first sub-unit has a visual representation of a different, recognizable object and the second sub-unit is a visual representation of the identity of that object and questions and answers concerning that object. Means are provided for the selection of a particular question by the player and for accumulating the player's score based on proper answers to the questions. For the parlor game form of the game, the units comprise two-sided cards, the first side displaying a photograph of an object and the second side the identity of the object and a plurality of questions concerning the object and answers to those questions.

Abstract: A tool is provided for lifting and rolling for removal ordinary roofing shingles which have been nailed on roofs. The tool comprises an articulated, elongated handle having upper and lower sections joined at an intermediate pivot, the lower section angled forwardly, out of alignment with respect to the upper section. The pivot permits relative pivotal movement of the lower section with respect to the upper section to vary the angle it makes therewith. Means are provided to secure the lower section at an angle within a range of angles with respect to the upper section. A flat blade is secured to the free end of the lower section for slipping beneath shingles, for lifting and rolling thereof. The blade comprises a plurality of spaced tines extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lower section. The tool according to the present invention provides a construction of shingle lifting tool which will facilitate the lifting and rolling of ordinary roofing shingles.

Abstract: There is provided a new and useful liner for a van or the like vehicle, the liner comprising at least one panel member, the panel member comprising a face sheet having a series of grooves therein, each groove having at least one area of discontinuity or of reduced depth therein, at least one area of discontinuity aligned with a similar area in each groove of the series whereby the areas of discontinuity may be secured to a stud located behind the panel member.

Abstract: A new and useful method and apparatus for distribution of movies for viewing on a customer's television set. Digitized compressed signals containing audio and visual components of the movie selected by the customer are sent to the customer's receiver. The digital signals are converted to corresponding electronic signals; which are decompressed and converted to audio and video signals. These converted signals are passed to a conventional television set for viewing by the customer.