Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the temperature and strain within a structure consists in having optical fibres incorporated in the structure, passing pulses of light down the fibre and detecting the backscattered light.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for securing a layer of insulation in place between two spaced apart wall forms while concrete is poured on both sides of the insulation layer.

Abstract: A method for drilling wells in which the tubular (5) can be added or removed from the drill string (17) while the drill is rotating with the mud and drilling fluids being circulated continuously and kept separated from the environment to reduce pollution. A connector is used with an inlet (15) and outlet (10) for the mud etc. and which incorporates rams (11) to seal off and separate the flow of mud as a tubular is added or removed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring the properties of rocks such as permeability, porosity and fluid properties downhole around a borehole (3) in which a seismic source (6) which radiates a seismic signal substantially radially within the borehole is lowered down the borehole (3) and the electrical signal generated by the seismic signal within the surrounding rock is detected by detectors (4, 5) mounted above and below the seismic source (6) so that signals are received from substantially all radial directions. Preferably a continuous wave signal is generated and the signal detected whilst the apparatus (1) is raised or lowered. The apparatus (1) gives a much better and more accurate measurement than previous methods.

Abstract: A wrapping apparatus including parallel conveyors for moving loaded pallets to wrapping areas of the conveyors, a mobile wrapping machine on wheels, a guide for maintaining the wrapping machine along a path, position sensors for detecting loaded pallets at loading areas, and a computer control for directing the mobile wrapping machine to wrap the loaded pallets on a prioritized basis. The invention is extremely mobile, and is computer controlled to wrap the pallets without need for an operator.

Abstract: A process for treatment of zeolite membranes to improve performance which comprises contacting the membrane with a silicic acid or a mixture of silicic acids.

Abstract: A platinum complex useful as a catalyst for converting nitriles into amides comprises a platinum complex of dialkyl phosphine of stoichiometric formula: PtX(R.sub.2 POHOPR.sub.2)(PR.sub.2 OH) were R is an alkyl, alicyclic, chiral, alkylaryl group or substituted alkyl, alicyclic, chiral, alkaryl group or the two R groups attached to one phosphorus atom can form a heterocyclic ring with the phosphorus atom and X is H or a halide. The conversion takes place under reflux conditions to give a high yield of the amide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting underground liquids is disclosed in which the electrical potential generated by a seismic shock is detected and measured with respect to a base point insulated from the earth.

Abstract: A necklace which is comprised of a plurality of soft Pom-Pom balls such that the necklace may be thrown to participants at celebrations without injury while still being very festive for the occasion.

Abstract: A confetti launching wand is disclosed in which the wand comprises a relatively short barrel portion which contains the confetti, preferably in the form of a stack or bundle, and the barrel portion is connected to a relatively long handle portion. In some embodiments, the barrel portions may be separable from the handle portion and may be replaced by other barrel portions designed to launch multiple bundles of confetti in different, non-parallel trajectories, and/or the handle and barrel portions may be composed of biodegradable materials such as paper and cardboard. Tapered wands are also disclosed which may be composed of deformable materials such as thin plastic, rubber or plastic foam, or rolled cardboard or paper.

Abstract: A streamer is disclosed which includes at least one strip of plastic film having a silvered layer and a lacquered coating containing a lubricant. In one embodiment, the strip includes a plurality of individual strips wound together with overlapping ends such that the individual strips separate into multiple pieces as the streamer flies through the air. In another embodiment, a lubricant is disposed between each wound layer of film such that the outermost layer may be slid off the streamer without the provision of a tab.

Abstract: A hand-held confetti launcher is disclosed of a size and shape such as to be held in and operated by one hand, and which includes readily separable connectors for rapidly removing an empty barrel and replacing it with another barrel pre-filled with confetti.

Abstract: A detonator for exploding amusement balloons is disclosed in which the detonator comprises a pair of electrical lead wires electrically connected at their ends by a small-gage filament, which filament may be a standard office-type staple, and the detonator may be covered by an intermediate layer of material between the detonator and the balloon wall through which layer heat passes from the heated filament to the balloon wall to cause the balloon to explodes.

Abstract: A remote control system for actuating special effects theatrical devices is disclosed in which a transmitter generates and transmits two different signals, and a receiver includes first and second receiver circuits such that the first signal arms the receiver but does not actuate the special effects theatrical device unless and until said second signal is also received.

Abstract: An amusement streamer is disclosed in which portions of the streamer of greater and lesser widths are disposed along the length of the streamer.

Abstract: A stack of confetti is disclosed which is wrapped by a wrapper about only a portion of the circumference of the stack whereby insertion of the stack into a launcher is facilitated and the aerodynamics of the stack in the air are substantially improved.

Abstract: A rolled banner containing confetti in the rolled layers of the banner is disclosed including apparatus for releasing the rolled banner such that the banner may be unrolled upon command whereby a message or other indicia on the banner is displayed simultaneously with the confetti bursting into the air.

Abstract: A computer workstation is disclosed which comprises a kitchen cabinet having a front door with a note-type computer screen mounted on the door, and with supports for holding a keyboard and/or electronic pen on the cabinet.

Abstract: A form of confetti is disclosed which comprises a plurality of pieces of paper, tissue paper or plastic film wherein each piece of confetti has an elongated tetragonal shape and the plurality of pieces of confetti are stacked in face-to-face relationship with their lengths parallel to each other so as to form an unwrapped stack of tetragonal-shaped confetti having a mass so as to be capable of being projected high into the air.

Abstract: A system for launching confetti into the air is disclosed in which a gas cylinder is connected to a barrel containing confetti through a manually operated on-off valve. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the valve is a pressure reduction valve, and the confetti comprises stacks of elongated tetragonal-shaped confetti.