Abstract: In a representative embodiment of the invention described herein, a well logging system for investigating subsurface formations is controlled by a general purpose computer programmed for real-time operation. The system is cooperatively arranged to provide for all aspects of a well logging operation, such as data acquisition and processing, tool control, information or data storage, and data presentation as a well logging tool is moved through a wellbore. The computer controlling the system is programmed to provide for data acquisition and tool control commands in direct response to asynchronous real-time external events. Such real-time external events may occur, for example, as a result of movement of the logging tool over a selected depth interval, or in response to requests or commands directed to the system by the well logging engineer by means of keyboard input.

Abstract: A method of reducing a highwall or sharp cliff like exposure at a mining site to gradable rubble for the purpose of reclamation is disclosed. The method includes the steps of placing a series of non-directional explosive charges at specific preselected locations on the floor of cavities created by mining, such cavities being auger holes, longwall mine areas or the like. The charges are then detonated within the cavities to create rubble. Preferably, each cavity is sealed proximate its opening on the highwall with stemming to maintain pressure within the associated cavity during the blast and to alternate the expulsion of air blast emissions. The charges are detonated to attenuate the horizontal force vectors, and to enhance the vertical force vectors such that the major effect of the blasts is exerted on the overburden to assure breakage. An improved charge for carrying out the method of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved bit for use in drilling masonry and the like. This bit is of the type having a transverse bar of hardened material in the tip thereof with symmetrical end surfaces sloping away from a central chisel edge located on the axis of the bit. One of these surfaces is provided along its length with a groove extending from a cutting lip to the trailing edge, with the groove width and depth at the trailing edge having at least the same dimensions as at the cutting edge. Preferably the dimensions at the trailing edge are slightly greater than those at the cutting edge. The second of the surfaces has an outer portion with a reduced angle with respect to the axis of the bit as compared to the angle of the inner portion. This construction provides for the accurate drilling of holes in masonry and the like and further accomplishes the drilling at increased penetration rates with the same or lower axial force applied to the bit.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for providing an AM stereo receiver suitable for receiving an AM/PM modulated RF carrier frequency, the receiver uses a standard AM detector to receive said AM/PM modulated intermediate frequency and to provide an 1+r signal. The stereo detector system further provides an 1-r signal and comprises means (104) for receiving and limiting the amplitude of the AM/PM modulated signal to eliminate the amplitude modulation therefrom and for providing a signal having phase modulation only. The limited AM/PM signal from limiter (104) is then provided to an FM quadrature detector (106) for recovering any PM signal. The PM signal detected and provided by said FM quadrature detector (106) is then integrated by an integrator (124) to provide a true PM signal. The output of integrator (124) is provided to a squelch gate (128) and to a means for sampling and determining the presence of a 5 Hz signal.

Abstract: A combination stitching system including a pneumatic sensing apparatus which operates to assure the presence of a material to be stitched is in a proper location before machine operation is possible is disclosed. The combination system comprises a machine (10) for stitching or sewing a material (30) with thread (26). At least one reciprocating needle (12) receives thread (26) through an aperture (28) for stitching the material (30). A power source (20) is connected by a drive linkage (18) which includes a clutch (21) and which provides reciprocating motion to needle (12). The clutch (21) operates to selectively connect and disconnect the power source from the reciprocating needle (12) by means of an activating means (22). To assure that the reciprocating needle operates only when a work piece (30) is in a position to be stitched, there is also included a pneumatic sensing apparatus (32).

Abstract: An improved shop light for being releasably mounted in a desired location for illuminating a work area. The shop light (10) comprises a handle member (12) provided with a light bulb socket (16) for releasably receiving a light bulb (18). Electricity for powering the light bulb (18) is supplied by a cord (20) received in handle member (12). A guard member (34) is releasably engaged to the handle member (12) in order to protect the light bulb (18) from damage. Magnetic mounting means (52) are provided for selectively mounting the shop light (10) on a metalic surface, such means being capable of selectively pivoting the shop light (10) to most desirably illuminate a preselected work area. The shop light (10) is further provided with a hook member (50) for hanging the shop light (10) at a desired location.

Abstract: Security devices for a toilet bowl and refrigerator are disclosed which are designed for preventing small children from independently gaining access to the contents of the toilet bowl or the contents of a refrigerator. The toilet bowl security device (10) includes first and further suction cup members (46) and (54) fabricated from flexible air impervious material. One of such suction cup members has a face area less than the face area of the further suction cup member such that the adhesive forces of the face having the greater area are greater thereby enabling the installer to determine which surface the device adheres to at all times. These suction cup members are joined by a stem (38) and as necessary or desired may be integrally formed therewith. In the device (70) for securing a refrigerator door (72), means (86) are provided for selectively joining first and further suction cup members 78 and 82 which are secured on the cabinet portion of the refrigerator and the door (72) respectively.

Abstract: An energy absorbing chain which can be used as a "one shot" safety chain to absorb sudden impacts or short term tensional forces is disclosed. According to the invention, the safety chain is made of a metal having high ductility such that the chain will tend to deform, stretch, and/or deflect rather than break. According to a preferred embodiment, the chain may include links such as links (36), (38), (40) and (42) each of which includes a twist of 90.degree. to increase the amount of available deformation. In the preferred embodiment, link (36) and (40) include a twist in a first direction such as a clockwise direction whereas links (38) and (42) which alternate with links (36) and (40) include a 90.degree. twist in the opposite or counterclockwise direction. Thus upon receiving or being subjected to such tensional forces, the links can deform as shown by links (58), (60) and (62) as they absorb energy for a short period of time.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for improving the performance of a batter. The apparatus includes sequencing lights (38) which are representative of a ball moving toward an impact zone. Further included are light indicia (46 and 48) which inform a batter that the pitched ball will either be a ball or a strike so that the batter may determine whether or not he should swing the bat. Also included are means to generate an electrical signal to indicate that the strike light (46) is illuminated. First and second light beams (18 and 20) are provided which pass through the ball/bat impact zone and are located at selected and known distances apart such that the bat swing through the impact zone will sequentially interrupt both first and second beams (20 and 18). First and second sensors (22 and 24) are also located for receiving and sensing the presence of the first and second beams and provide second and third electrical signals, respectively, if the beams are interrupted.

Abstract: A twist drill (20) is provided which has an improved tip (26) including at least one spiral groove (42) which extends from the leading face of a cutting edge of a tip portion of the drill. This groove is positioned at a spaced location from the cutting lip (40) and extends to the trailing face of the cutting blade tip such that a portion of the material to be drilled initially passes through the spiral groove (42) during the drilling operation as the drill is fed into the work piece. The portion of the material which passes through the groove (42) is at least partially cut by a subsequent pass of the cutting edge of the further cutting blade tip and causes shavings of the material to be broken into smaller sizes thereby enhancing the travel of the shavings along the length of the flutes (70') and reducing the binding forces applied to the twist drill during drilling operations. The flutes (70') are also enlarged in accordance with a specified criteria to enhance the drilling efficiency.

Abstract: An improved gear wrench which is particularly adapted for tightening or loosening nuts or bolts in tight places. The gear wrench comprises an elongated first member which carries at one of its ends a housing which rotatably receives a gear wheel therein. A tubular member is secured along its length to the first member and rotatably receives an elongated shaft which includes one end portion which extends beyond the corresponding end portion of the tubular member and is disposed proximate the gear wheel carried by the housing. A pinion gear is secured to this end portion of the shaft and includes teeth which mesh with the teeth of the gear wheel such that upon rotation of the shaft, a corresponding rotation is imparted to the gear wheel and a stud carried thereon which is adapted for receiving a suitable conventional socket. The teeth on the gear wheel and the surface of the gear wheel serve to define a recess which receives the end portion of the socket which is assembled on the stud.

Abstract: A sabre saw chuck for securing the shank of one or more files/rasps to the standard head of a sabre saw such that the reciprocating motion of the saw head is imparted to the file/rasp secured thereon. The chuck includes an adaptor body having a centrally disposed bore which receives the sabre saw head. Means are provided which extend through the adaptor body for securing the adaptor body in position on the sabre saw head. The adaptor body includes at least one groove disposed proximate its perimeter for receiving the shank of a file/rasp. A sleeve is telescoped over the adaptor body and secures the file/rasp shank or shanks in position such that reciprocation of the saw head imparts a like reciprocating motion to the file/rasp carried by the chuck.

Abstract: A self-contained vault unit which contains a plurality of safety deposit boxes is disclosed. The vault apparatus includes means which define a secure interior chamber in which the safety deposit boxes are positioned. An entrance into the chamber is secured and selectively openable, preferably by security personnel. A plurality of elongated rows of cabinet sections are arranged in a substantially parallel relationship. The cabinet sections define a plurality of openings having preselected cross-sectional outlines which are proportioned for receiving the safety deposit boxes. Each of the boxes includes a lock for securing the box within the cabinet section upon moving the box to its closed position. A plurality of booths are strategically positioned about the vault apparatus for the convenience of customers to inspect the box contents.

Abstract: A loudspeaker system (10) having improved directional and frequency response characteristics for use in connection with a sound system having at least two speakers such as a stereo system which is provided. The loudspeaker system includes a driver (14) for low frequencies and/or a full range of frequencies. This driver includes an electroacoustic transducer unit and a sound radiating face having a dustcap (16) and a diaphragm (36). A dispersion control member (34) is positioned at a preselected location such that it overlays a preselected portion of the sound radiating face of the speaker to enhance its directional characteristics. In this connection, the dispersion control member (34) comprises a layer of acoustical, semi-transparent foam having a preselected cross-sectional outline which preferably terminates in one substantially straight edge (38).

Abstract: An automatic drain system is provided for reservoirs used to accumulate water, condensables, and other foreign materials which may be present in pneumatic systems and the like. This drain system is associated with a reservoir wherein these contaminants are accumulated and is operated by a float within this reservoir. The principal operating items of the drain system are a pair of magnetically coupled magnets, one positioned within the float and the other within a valve plug of a pilot valve. These magnets normally have opposite polarities whereby the float, in its lowest position and as it rises within the reservoir, causes the valve plug to be maintained against the pilot valve seat. A separate pneumatic system attached to this pilot valve maintains a drain valve operator in a condition such that the drain valve from the reservoir is closed while the pilot valve components are in contact.

Abstract: A structure and method for producing such a structure of a unique design is disclosed. The structure produced by the features and techniques of this invention comprise a base (16) which is typically supported by the earth (18). The base (16) supports a vertical core structure (14) which extends from the base to a top end. A tension ring (24) is fixedly attached to the top end of the core structure (14). In addition, a compression ring (22) is fixedly attached to the core structure (14). A multiplicity of curved meridian members (26), (28), (30) and (32), extend between the tension ring (24), and the compression ring (22) are of a single selected shape and are circumferentially shaped around the tension ring (24) and the compression ring (22). A multiplicity of radial members (62 through 68) extend horizontal between the core structure (14) and the curved meridian members (26 through 32) and provide structural support for floors and ceilings separating various building levels.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a pliable package having a flat bottom is disclosed. The apparatus includes a hollow guide form (16). The guide form, in a preferred embodiment, has a rectangular cross-section. Also provided are means (2) for forming pliable sealable material (12) which is received from a continuous roll, around guide form (16) to form a continuous seamed packaging preform (30). Members (32), (34) are also provided for advancing the continuous packaging preform (3) such that a seamed preform (58) extends below bottom (20) of guide-form (16). A pair of opposing and movable tucking jaws (60) and (62) are located close to the bottom end (20) of guide-form (16). Each of the tucking jaws includes a pair of pointed extension members (68) and (70), and (72) and (74) respectively separated a selected distance, for contacting and partially collapsing preform (58) to form a tuck in the preform (58) when tucking jaws (60) and ( 62) are moved toward each other.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for remotely positioning individual explosive charges at preselected locations in substantially horizontal voids created by mining hard material such as coal are disclosed. The method includes the steps of positioning at least one charge proximate the entry of a void. The charge is then armed as by connecting a detonator cord thereto and inserted into a void to a preselected depth from a remote location. An apparatus is provided for positioning the charges at preselected locations in the voids and includes insert means having a body member for releasably engaging the charges during the positioning operation. The insert means is driven until the body member and charge propelled thereby is moved to a preselected location within the void where the charge is deposited.