Abstract: A drill bit (10) for drilling geophysical exploratory holes using a non-rotating drill approach is disclosed. The bit (10) includes a tubular body (12) threaded at one end for engagement with a pipe stem. The elements (16a -b) of a divided conical tip (14) are hinged to a second end (20) of the bit body (12). The wall thickness of the bit body (12) gradually increases from the first end (18) to the second end (20) to create, when the divided elements (16a-b) of the tip are closed, a generally diamond-shaped cross section facilitating burrowing when forced into the soil. An O-ring (36) installed in a groove (34) about the outer circumference of the tip (14) biases divided elements (16a-b) closed until a selected tool is loaded through the interior of the bit body (12), whereupon the divided elements (16a-b) are forced to rotate radially outward. The bit (10) can then be raised and removed from the borehole as desired.

Abstract: A signal intercept system intercepts an international calling frame, modifies a specific set of bits and then retransmits the frame in real time. The signal intercept system includes a communications processor and a signalling link interface. In one arrangement, the signalling link interface includes two intercept and transmit connectors and a coprocessor connector. In one arrangement, the communications processor includes a computer and a communications coprocessor. The computer maintains a data base with tables of such data as invalid calling card numbers. A computer program initializes and starts the communications coprocessor which handles high speed signal capture, manipulation and high speed signal retransmission. The communications coprocessor also interacts with the computer's data base to alter table parameters.

Abstract: A vibrator yoke assembly (Y) for drill stems is moveably mounted on a drilling rig (R). A guide rail (10) is mounted to a support section (22) of the drill rig (R). Traveling along the guide rail (10) along the direction of travel for the drill string while boring the hole is a carriage (28) supporting the yoke assembly (Y). Activation of a motor moves the carriage (28) along the guide rail (10) as desired by the operator. Affixed to the carriage (28) above the upper end (12u) of the upper section (12) of the drill string (14) is the yoke assembly (Y). The yoke assembly (Y) has an upper hydraulic motor (40) coupled to an upper end (42) of a quill body (44). The quill body extends through the yoke assembly (Y) and a lower end (48) of the quill body engages the upper pipe end (12u). A pair of vibrators (52a and 52b) are attached to the yoke assembly (Y).

Abstract: A plurality of computers or buses share a common memory system having a common memory, a plurality of front end circuits corresponding to the plurality of computers or buses, an internal logic circuit and internal address and memory buses. The plurality of computers or buses use certain locations in common memory to lock other computers or buses and to determine priority. The internal logic circuit generates hardware interrupts and synchronizes signals coming in through the front end circuits with the internal clock.

Abstract: A drill bit (10) for drilling geophysical exploratory holes using a non-rotating dill approach is disclosed. The bit (10) comprises a tubular body (12) threaded at one end for engagement with a pipe stem. The elements (16a-b) of a divided conical tip (14) are hinged to a second end (20) of the bit body (12). The wall thickness of the bit body (12) gradually increases from the first end (18) to the second end (20) to create, when the divided elements (16a-b) of the tip are closed, a generally diamond-shaped cross section facilitating burrowing when forced in to the soil. An O-ring (36) installed in a groove (34) about the outer circumference of the tip (14) biases divided elements (16a-b) closed until a selected tool is loaded through the interior of the bit body (12), whereupon the divided elements (16a-b) are forced to rotate radially outward. The bit (10) can then be raised and removed from the borehole as desired.

Abstract: An improved bowling alley bumper system for selectively guarding against the throwing of gutter balls. Comprising the system is a gutter formed of transversely divided elongated sections of which at least one is pivotally displaceable by underside actuator apparatus from a first position cooperating with the remaining section to form a conventional unguarded gutter to a second position extending above the adjacent lane bed to afford a bumper bowling effect.

Abstract: A paddle, including a surface for hitting a ball or other object, a transducer coupled to the hitting surface for detecting when the hitting surface hits the object, a counter for counting the number of hits and a display is disclosed. In one arrangement, the counter is a processor from a microcontroller. A timer is coupled to the transducer and to the counter for determining the time elapsed from the last hit. The timer stops the counter when the time elapsed since the most recent hit exceeds a predetermined length of time, indicating a miss of the ball. An audio amplifier drives a speaker so that the speaker makes a first predetermined sound whenever the hitting surface hits the object. The speaker emits a second predetermined sound when there is a miss, as indicated by the timer. A manual reset is coupled to the processor. A push button resets the counter to zero. A source of electric power, such as batteries, is located inside the handle.

Abstract: A hand actuated medical suction apparatus especially suited for aspirating vomitus from the airway of an unconscious person in emergency field operations is disclosed. The apparatus includes a cylinder for containing the evacuated vomitus, a piston movable within the cylinder, forming a substantially airtight seal with the wall of the cylinder, and a flexible tube in communication with the cylinder. The apparatus also includes a smooth convex surface forming a tip for the distal end of the flexible tube. The flexible tube forms at least one aperture in the distal end near the smooth convex surface. In one arrangement of the apparatus, the piston can be moved by a trigger which is longitudinally slidable along the outside of the cylinder, a linkage for transmitting motion from the trigger to the piston, and a grip affixed to the cylinder near the end of the cylinder opposite the tube end and extending outward from the cylinder in the same direction as the trigger.

Abstract: An apparatus for dissolving a solid in a liquid flowing in a liquid line is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tank for holding the solid to be dissolved, an intake line for bringing liquid from the liquid line into the tank, and a return line for returning the liquid from the tank into the liquid line. In one arrangement, the return line is inserted an adjustable depth into the tank allowing adjustment of the water flow across the solid to be dissolved within the tank. An intake connector terminates the liquid line end of the intake line. The intake connector extends into the liquid line and forms an opening facing upstream in the liquid line. A return connector terminates the liquid line end of the return line. The return connector extends into the fluid line and forms an opening facing downstream in the liquid line. A hand operable valve and a flow meter are connected in-line with the intake line.

Abstract: A web fed offset printing press unit (42) including a frame (12), an auxiliary frame (44), a pair of plate cylinders (46 and 46a), a first blanket cylinder (48), a second blanket cylinder (50), a common impression cylinder (56) and an auxiliary impression cylinder (58) is disclosed. The second blanket cylinder is swung bodily through a short radius arc between a first end position in rolling contact with the common impression cylinder and a second end position in rolling contact with the auxiliary impression cylinder.In one arrangement, the second blanket cylinder is journaled in an eccentric sleeve (76) at each end and linkage (86) is switchable between the two modes of operation with a throw-off position associated with each.A method for converting a web fed letterpress unit (10) into a web fed offset printing press unit for multicolor or two-sided printing is disclosed.

Abstract: A duct reinforcement and a method for building the reinforcement including a special tool for use in a preferred method are disclosed. The duct reinforcement includes a support washer on each of two opposing sides of the duct to be supported and a stiff wire extending through the sides of the ducts and both washers. The portion of the wire protruding beyond each support washer on the outside of the duct forms a hook with a tip of the wire substantially opposed to the outer face of the respective support washer. A preferred form of the support washer forms a volcano-shaped contour surrounding the washer hole on the outer face so that the tip of the wire makes contact with the washer inside the crest of the volcano-shaped contour. A preferred arrangement includes a rubbery seal between each support washer and the respective side of the duct to prevent leakage from the duct.

Abstract: A game apparatus for play between two opposing teams and including a game board with a cover simulating a playing field, with one goal at each end of the simulated playing field is disclosed. The game board is electrically conducting, and the cover which forms openings over the playing area is electrically insulating. The game apparatus also includes a movable playing piece having an electrically conducting base suitable for making contact with the game board through the openings formed in the cover. The electrically conducting base includes a spring coiled around a marker and extending beyond the tip of the marker when uncompressed. The electrically conducting base is electrically connected to a power supply and an electrically operable alarm device so that the alarm device is operated when the base of the playing piece touches the game board, but not when the base touches the cover without touching the game board.

Abstract: A smoking apparatus that appears to be a conventional drink container with a suitable cover and mouthpiece is disclosed. A cigarette or the like is held within the conventional drink container so that a continuous passageway is formed from the cigarette or the like to the mouthpiece, allowing the cigarette or the like to be smoked while it is in the conventional drink container by puffing on the mouthpiece. Either a wall of the conventional drink container or the cover forms at least one ventilation hole. A receptacle inside the conventional drink container collects residue of the cigarette or the like. In one arrangement, the smoking apparatus appears to be a cold drink cup with a lid and straw sticking through the lid. The receptacle is made of a metallic foil, and the cigarette is held in a downward direction by a plumbing insert. A second plumbing insert goes through the hole in the lid with the lip of the insert resting on top of the lid, and holds the straw.

Abstract: A self contained alarm device is disclosed for aiding in the prevention of the theft of articles from an automobile, such as a citizens band radio, by sounding an audible alarm in the event of an attempted theft. The device includes a box or container in which the article to be protected is mounted and at least one switch mounted on the outside of the container for articles, and at least one switch between the container for the articles and the lid for the container so that removing the container from the surface on which it is mounted will cause an audible alarm to be sounded. One embodiment of the device also includes an electrically conducting wire forming a loop outside of the container for encircling an element of the automobile such as the steering column so that if the loop is cut, the audible alarm will also be sounded.

Abstract: A socket insertion guide for an encapsulated electronics package having pins oriented to be inserted into socket contacts in substantially a single direction is disclosed. The socket insertion guide includes a pair of longitudinal placement guides and a pair of lateral placement guides. The guides extend beyond the distal ends of the pins and guide the movement of the encapsulated electronics package toward the socket so that the pins are inserted into the socket contacts. The guide also includes a means for orienting the proximal ends of the pins for proper insertion of the distal ends of the pins into the socket contacts.

Abstract: A waterbed frame including a support structure for supporting a water mattress, a support ledge for supporting a user while the user is getting into or out of the waterbed, and a transition member to help the user transfer from the support ledge to the water mattress and back is disclosed. In one arrangement, the transition member is a rigid leaf member pivotally connected to the support structure at the water mattress edge of the support ledge so that when a user moves from the support ledge to the leaf member, the leaf member lowers the user onto the water mattress, spreading the user's weight over the water mattress for the entire length of the leaf member. In one arrangement, the waterbed frame can be converted into an exercise table. In an arrangement especially suited for persons confined to wheelchairs, the support ledge and the top of the water mattress are at substantially the same height as the cushion on a standard height wheelchair, making transfer from a wheelchair to the waterbed frame easier.