Abstract: A voice enunciation system and method provides a user with the capability to sound out text files. As the files are audibly played, if the user is not satisfied with the pronunciation of a particular word, the system provides the user with the means of replacing the word with his own particular pronunciation. The preferred pronunciation is also stored in an override dictionary so that any subsequent encounter with that particular word is pronounced correctly.

Abstract: A method for composing and performing music on an electronic instrument are provided. The method provides a technique in which individual chord progression chords can be triggered in real-time, while simultaneously generating the individual notes of the chord, and/or possible scale and non-scale notes to play along with the chord, and making them available for playing in separate fixed-locations on the instrument. The method of composition involves the designation of a chord progression section on the instrument, then assigning chords or individual chord notes to this chord progression section according to a song key's defined customary scale or customary scale equivalent song keys and scales. Further, as each chord is played in the chord progression section, the individual notes of the currently triggered chords are generated and simultaneously made available for playing in a separate fixed location on the instrument.

Abstract: A hanger is provided for a clay pot which is constructed with a top circling lip or rim of increased thickness, and wherein the rim has a nether lip surface for engagement. In first and second embodiments, the hanger includes a plurality of clamps having an exterior and an interior arm, the two arms being in contact at one position at a fulcrum point. The two arms are joined together by an elongate rod or bolt which is fastened to one arm and extends through the other arm and which threads to a locking ball. On the exterior, the locking ball and the exterior arm are shown as a decorative clamp. The overhead portion of the hanger utilizes an upwardly extending suspension member for each of the plurality clamps.

Abstract: A drop bolt system provides a low profile, simplified arrangement of a central metal plate, a metal doorjamb restraint and a plate latch. This system prevents overriding the door security system from a position exterior to the protected door.

Abstract: A pair of strainer systems in parallel provide continuous filtration of solids from an influent stream. In influent strikes a filtration medium in the form of a porous membrane at an angle other than the perpendicular to create a washing action to remove filtrate from the surface of the porous membrane. As filtrate builds up on the surface of the porous membrane, the pressure differential across the strainer increases to a first setpoint which activates a motor which drives a wiper blade to scrub filtrate off the surface of the porous membrane. Ultimately, solids build up within the pores of the porous membrane to a point where the wiper blade is no longer effective to lower the differential pressure across the strainer to an acceptable level. When this happens, a differential pressure signal isolates the operations strainer and places the standby, parallel strainer in service. Filtrate scrubbed from the surface of the porous membrane is collected in a sump and occasionally drained or flushed from the system.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of this disclosure are directed to a system for diluting a sample gas. For example, the sample gas may carry excessive water which creates difficulties in analysis. The apparatus includes an inlet line, a control valve which switches through several positions to provide 1, 2 or 3 decades of dilutions and each decade is defined by a flow through a restricted orifice calibrated to a specified flow volume. The sample is diluted with the dilution flow which is furnished through a similar orifice, but that orifice is replicated in a ratio of N:1. The N orifices provide the cumulative dilution flow which is commingle with the sample. Two more decades can be switched to obtain a wide range of dilution.

Abstract: A detection system measures very small concentrations of compounds of interest within gaseous samples. A spark discharge system induces pulsed spark discharges across a pair of electrodes within an inert gas in a gas flow chamber. Various reactions are induced by spark interaction with the flow of inert gas, and with any sample or dopant commingled with the inert gas, in the region of the pulsed spark discharge. This induces photon ionization which creates an instantaneous current flow within the gas flow chamber. Current flow is held constant for all concentrations of sample introduced into the gas flow by means of a control feedback system. The output of the control feedback system is indicative of sample concentration. The system responds linearly over approximately five orders of magnitude of sample concentration for use with the sample which will be described and low femtogram sensitivity is achieved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that enables modification of a document via telephone. One user is defined as a Driver and another user is defined as a Passenger. The Driver then determines the changes to be made to the document, and the changes are reflected in both versions of the document. Further, it is not necessary that both Driver and Passenger use the same application program.

Abstract: Odorant depletion is reduced by passivating the internal surface of LP-gas transportation and storage vessels by the addition of passivating agents comprising mixtures of corrosion inhibitors such as phosphate esters, fatty amines, poly amides, imidazolines, poly imidazolines, quaternary amines, poly quats, dimer acids, trimer acids, polymeric acids, ethoxylated fatty amines, ethoxylated polyamides, ethoxylated alcohols and mixtures thereof in one or more solvents. In a preferred embodiment, the passivating agents contain one or more phosphate esters defined by the equation:?R--X--?C.sub.m H.sub.2m O).sub.n !.sub.k --PO(OH).sub.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward apparatus and methods for servicing equipment such as air conditioning systems, refrigeration systems, engines, transmissions, and tires More particularly, invention is directed toward a system for safely transferring precisely measured quantities of a variety of liquids and gases to the serviced item using essentially a single work station apparatus cooperating with multiple reservoirs of fluids. Furthermore, one or more types of fluids can be supplied, from remote reservoirs, to one or more mobile work stations. Fluids can also be withdrawn from the apparatus being serviced, and reprocessed for future use. Stated another way, the invention eliminates the need for dedicated service equipment to provide each applicable service. This invention is suitable for many market segments such as commercial, industrial, marine, utility, and the like. Government, military, public and private sectors of the economy will benefit from the use of this invention.

Abstract: The disclosed method relate to a cleaning nozzle which, in multiple embodiments, is rotated in a circle or in an ellipse, being one nozzle in one embodiment and multiple nozzles in alternate embodiments so that the surface of a pipeline can be clean with high pressure water or other fluids. Furthermore, the rotating nozzle is supported in a carriage in one embodiment which encircles and travels along a pipeline. The carriage is supported by drive wheels which cooperate with separate drive motors and a control circuit to assure that the carriage remains upright. Multiple rotating nozzles are supported in the carriage to clean adjacent portions of the pipeline. Alternate embodiments are shown for cleaning a horizontal surface with a hand pushed or motorized version, and another version is disclosed supported on a moveable boom, thereby enabling cleaning of an upstanding vertical surface such as the hull of a ship.

Abstract: A valveless positive displacement pump with a closed end cylinder has fluid inlet and outlet ports adjacent to the closed end. A piston is reciprocally and rotatively driven in the cylinder. The piston is provided with crisscrossed helical slots formed thereon which communicate specifically with the inlet and outlet ports for pumping fluid through the positive displacement pump. The piston is rotated by a drive shaft connected to a motor and reciprocated by an cam actuator mechanism cooperating with the drive shaft.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward the detection fluid infiltration into an underground pipe system, and more particularly is directed toward the qualitative and quantitative detection of liquid leaks into, and out of, underground sewer systems. The invention is particularly suited for detecting the infiltration of ground water into sewer systems such that the leaks can be precisely located as a precursor to time and cost efficient repairs. Fluid properties are measured with a probe at station locations which are preferably manholes. Any leaks in the system are first determined to a geographic location spanning two adjacent manholes. The locations of the leaks are further define to a very high geographic resolution by floating the probe from the upstream manhole toward the downstream manhole while continuously recording fluid property measurements at the surface of the earth. Results are preferably presented in the form of a survey map.

Abstract: An extendible measuring rule comprises a main frame and an extension element. The extension element is mounted within the main frame for easy extension and manipulation of the extension element. The main frame includes one or more scale markings, one of which is included beneath the extension element, and is progressively exposed as the extension element is withdrawn from the main frame.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the disposal of solid particulate material in subterranean formations penetrated by a borehole are disclosed. The invention includes, but is not limited to, the disposal of oil field waste and therefore provides means and methods for the disposal of virtually any type of waste slurry stream. A slurry is formed at the surface of the earth by mixing the solid waste in particulate form with liquid and preferably a viscosifier thereby forming a slurry. A borehole is drilled into a selected injection formation and the slurry is pumped or flowed "on vacuum" from the surface through the borehole and into the injection formation. Some surface pretreating of the slurry may be required including sizing of the particulate solids, adding weighting material, removing excessive amounts of oil and grease and diluting to reduce the level of radioactivity.

Abstract: An improved pipe wiping device is set forth which incorporates from an upper end fishing neck, a threaded connection for a central mandrel and multiple pipe wiping elements which are formed of flat resilient sheet material cut in circular fashion and having notches therein. The pipe wiping elements are alternately spaced so that the notches in the pipe wiping elements are overlapped above or below by protruding pipe wiping elements. Enlarged and elongated spacers are positioned between adjacent pipe wiping elements. The central mandrel terminates at a flexible coupling formed of resilient material or a spring. It then connects with a buoyant chamber there below to cause the device to float in the drill mud in the pipe string as the pipe string is pulled from the well borehole.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a game board, one embodiment incorporating a carrying case which encloses a stack of inserts. While the inserts appear differently, they all provide game playing paths thereon to simulate running, swimming and other sporting events. Moreover, a typical insert has top and bottom faces which present different images thereon. Each is formed of a laminate presenting upper or lower images, and there is a magnetically attracted layer therein to enable a talisman having a magnet in the base to move thereon in accordance with the rules of play. A convenient carrying case is incorporated with storage compartments for the various markers and other equipment as well as for a stack of the images. A CD ROM software package is likewise included.

Abstract: For use with a mud pit connected to a drilling rig, a first pipe and connected pump pulls mud from the pit for use or disposal. The pit is provided with a bottom located drain line with a valve connected to an added pipe, a serially connected pump and outlet pipe going to a backload line for recovery in a tanker.

Abstract: A mounted display is set forth comprising a central housing, a CPU within the housing along with a power supply and two memories. One memory stores an operating system while another memory, removable in form, stores a pattern to be displayed. A display strip provided with LCD or LED elements is powered to thereby provide illumination. A protective transparent tube and Velcro fasteners are used to secure the device on the person or user. The display is worn around the user as a belt or around a cap or hat. Another form comprises a jacket or vest mounted display for the back of the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a solution for use in downhole drilling to reduce the torque necessary to rotate the drill string. The solution comprises a phosphate and a sulfonate according to the formula (RSO.sub.3).sub.x Me.sup.x, where R is selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group, an aryl group, an alkylaryl group, and mixtures thereof having a molecular weight between about 280 and about 650, x is the number of (RSO.sub.3) groups, and Me.sup.x is a metal ion having a valence x. The phosphate is preferably a phosphate ester, ether phosphate, or soluble phosphate having a molecular weight in the range of about 300 to bout 900. The phosphate is able to operate at temperatures prevailing in drilling mud systems. The solution is pumped down a drill string as a slug in order to coat solids which accumulate in the well and allow them to be removed along with the drilling fluid.