Abstract: A stand for displaying rectangular shaped computer keyboard function key guides. The stand includes a tubular, open ended sheath preferably having three rectangular shaped, transparent sides. The guides may be selectively inserted into or removed from the interior of the sheath such that the function information printed on the key guides may be viewed through the transparent sides. A cardboard backing substantially conforming to the shape of the interior of the sheath is selectively disposed within the sheath and is adapted to maintain each key guide in an abutting relation against the interior surface of an associated one of the sides. Additional key guides may be stored within the interior of the sheath.

Abstract: A method for diverting resins and other treating fluids used for sand control in wells drilled through unconsolidated subterranean formations is provided. Explosives placed in the wellbore in proximity to the treating solutions are actuated to divert the solutions through all perforations in the casing of the well and allow sand-free production of fluids through the well.

Abstract: The combustion of gas produced from the combination of coal pyrolysis and gasification involves combining a combustible gas coal and an oxidant in a pyrolysis chamber and heating the components to a temperature of at least 1600.degree. F. The products of coal pyrolysis are dispersed from the pyrolyzer directly into the high temperature gasification region of a pressure vessel. Steam and air needed for gasification are introduced in the pressure vessel and the materials exiting the pyrolyzer flow down through the pressure vessel by gravity with sufficient residence time to allow any carbon to form carbon monoxide. Gas produced from these reactions are then released from the pressure vessel and ash is disposed of.

Abstract: A backlighted liquid crystal display (LCD) system with a light source and a light pipe which is separated from the LCD panel by an air gap to facilitate uniform brightness of the viewing area. The air gap effectively blocks conductive heat transfer from the light source to the LCD panel. The LCD panel is enframed within a metal frame that serves as a heat sink which prevents a temperature gradient across the LDC panel. The light source is fastened to the light pipe and remaining exposed areas of the light source are covered with an insulating material to trap heat and prevent heat radiation to the LCD panel. A sheet of heat conductive material, which lines the inner back surface of a plastic enclosure surrounding the LCD display assembly, serves to equally distribute heat throughout the inner area of the enclosure. The exposed surface of the heat conductive lining is preferably blackened.

Abstract: This invention provides a guard rail post for use on scaffolding of the type used in the construction of buildings. The guard rail post comprises an elongated member having securing means for securing the guard rail post to a vertical support member of the scaffold, positioning means for mounting the guard rail post in fixed relationship to a scaffold work platform and means for connecting guard rails to the post at a fixed distance above the work platform.

Abstract: A collapsible crayfish trap apparatus of non-metallic material disassembles to a collapsed, substantially flat position for storage and transportation. Upon assembly, the trap apparatus has side walls with specially positioned scores or hinges that define inlets upon assembly.

Abstract: A method for managing memory in a computer system utilizing Intel Corporation's method of segmentation, memory management and protection techniques. The method is directed toward loading all computer registers and segment descriptor tables from a table of prestored values in memory while operating in real mode. At least two of the registers addresses are in excess of the real mode boundary of 1 Mbyte. The method described permits these registers to be loaded, without the generation of illegal flag values or general protection violations.

Abstract: Continuity of subsurface formations or beds in the earth between existing wells is investigated. Seismic energy is sent from a seismic source in one of the wells at various selected fixed depths. A number of sensing geophones deployed at selected fixed depths in one or more adjacent wells detect the seismic energy as data. A frequency domain decomposition process is performed on the data in order to determine if any of the formations located between the wells function as waveguides for seismic energy within the frequencies of interest. Those formations exhibiting waveguide properties are indicated as continuous between the wells.

Abstract: A ceramic package component has a base portion and an upstanding enclosing wall on the base portion, the upper surface of the wall being provided with an electrically conductive coating in order to receive a lid sealingly thereon. The electrically conductive coating on the upper surface of the wall is electrically connected to a further conductive coating on the undersurface of the base portion by means of a high density array of conductive vias extending through the wall. The inter via spacing between adjacent vias is preferably less than one quarter of the wavelength of the frequency at which the component is to operate.

Abstract: A ureteral stent includes a stiffer stent body that affords superior columnar and axial strength for smooth advancement during insertion into a patient's ureter, and a softer bladder coil portion for reducing the risk of irritation at the trigone. A collar forms an interface between the stiffer stent body and the softer bladder coil. The collar has an annular shoulder that faces the bladder coil, providing a load transfer surface for controlled placement of the stent with a pusher tube that rides over the bladder coil. A pusher assembly includes a first inner and smaller diameter pusher having the diameter of the bladder coil, and a larger diameter pusher tube having the diameter of the collar anular shoulder. For easier placements, the smaller pusher tube bears against the bladder tube. For more difficult placements, the larger pusher tube can ride over the smaller pusher tube and engage the annular shoulder of the collar.

Abstract: A combined fan clearance and wire guide device for use with electronic equipment. A surface generally parallel to the rear of the computer system unit is extended from the rear of the system unit the distance necessary to provide adequate clearance for proper air flow developed by fans contained in the system unit. Arms are provided which are angled from this clearance surface and a distance from side portions of the system unit to form cavities for guiding wires and cables.

Abstract: An apparatus for identifying oilfield equipment, including the maintenance of usage histories for the equipment and recommending whether the equipment is to be used in a prospective application based on prospective application and usage history. A portable encapsulated passive circuit capable of transmitting an identification code is affixed to a piece of oilfield equipment. The circuit is activated by a portable reader which receives and decodes the identification code and transmits it to a central computer. The central computer verifies the reader and the existence of the equipment in a database and retrieves the usage history for the equipment. Based on the usage history, the prospective application and guidelines for usage of equipment, the computer determines the advisability of using the equipment in the prospective application and transmits the recommendation back to the portable reader.

Abstract: An instrument which is insertable through the common tubes of a trocar, so that the distal end of the instrument may enter into the body cavity during surgery.

Abstract: A sugar cane harvester has a base cutter elevation control system that compensates for changes in terrain such as ruts, small hills, etc. by raising or lowering the base cutter. A forwardly positioned slipper assembly gives feedback as to upcoming changes in terrain. A sensor also monitors tire position as when the harvester sinks into soft spots, muddy spots and the like wherein base cutter position is adjusted to compensate for sinkage of the tires.

Abstract: An alarm indicating system utilizing a plurality of remote sensors connected to a wired-OR address bus, the sensors having means for forming a binary address which is placed on the address bus as a series of high and low signal levels when the remote sensor is activated. The system includes a plurality of comparators, each having a binary address corresponding to a remote sensor. The comparators detect the activation of its corresponding remote sensor by monitoring the address bus for presence of the designated address and activating a central alarm indicating system. The system also includes a testing means which can present test addresses onto the address bus, thereby activating the sensors and testing the operation of the comparators. The system includes a means for disabling the testing means when a remote sensor is activated by an external alarm, and therefore the testing means does not interfere with the operation of the system.

Abstract: A computer system is provided which is compatible with existing programmable option select systems and which provides optional enhanced system setup capabilities. The enhanced system permits use of application software designed specifically for existing programmable option select systems which utilize limited system configuration data registers but further provides an optional mode accessed during system setup procedures wherein application software can access and utilize an expanded set of system setup configuration registers to enhance the performance of the computer system.