Abstract: A method of assimilating utility meter data at the meter locations by accumulating on an input tape customer profile information for a plurality of meter customers, including the customer's account number, service address, meter number, customer name, previous reading date and meter reading, utility rate factors and debit/credit transactions. The input tape is then placed in a portable computer capable of being manually carried to the site of a given meter. The portable computer has the capability of updating, printing and visually presenting various of the customer profile information before and after receiving current customer profile information. The computer is actuated to visually present at least the meter number and customer address of a given meter customer. The current meter reading is then placed in the computer which is then actuated to calculate the charge for the utility usage based upon the previous meter reading and the current meter reading.

Abstract: A means for transporting natural gas which eliminates the need for ultra low temperature refrigeration units. The method comprises saturating natural gas at its source with certain hydrocarbon additives which liquefy at substantially higher temperatures than natural gas alone, liquefying the saturated mixture for fuel transport, transporting the mixture to its destination for usage, and adding sufficient air to the mixture prior to combustion to provide a fuel of a normal Btu capacity.

Abstract: A means for applying additives to industrial gas wherein a closed container has an industrial gas inlet port and a discharge port, a quantity of liquid gas additive in the bottom of said container, a movable arm means mounted within said container and adapted to pivot into and out of said liquid gas additive, a thermal spring element secured to the arm means to cause said arm to dip into the liquid gas additive when the temperature within the container is at least 0.degree. F., and to progressively lift the arm out of the gas additive as the temperature is increased, a conduit means connecting the outer end of said arm with the inlet port to cause the industrial gas to be discharged either into or above the liquid gas additive depending on the attitude of the arm.

Abstract: A method of flame cutting using an improved industrial fuel gas composition consisting of an industrial fuel gas such as propane, butane, natural gas and acetylene, or a mixture thereof, and a supplemental hydrocarbon additive which, when combusted, emits radiant energy waves within the range of greatest absorbability of the material being cut.