Abstract: A semi-automated drill rod handling apparatus and method is provided for a drilling rig of the type having a main winch and haul plug with adapter for assembling and disassembling the drill string and carrying drill rods between a drill rod stowage platform and the drilling rig. The apparatus comprises: an elongated boom mounted substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the platform mounted on a transverse elevated horizontal beam situated above the proximal end of the platform relative to the drilling rig and to one side of the longitudinal axis thereof, wherein the boom is position adjustable both axially and transversely on the elevated beam as well as angularly within a vertical plane perpendicular to the elevated horizontal beam; and a drill rod and winch cable guiding means longitudinally movable along said boom.

Abstract: A semi-automated drill rod handling apparatus and method is provided for a drilling rig of the type having a main winch and haul plug with adapter for assembling and disassembling the drill string and carrying drill rods between a drill rod stowage platform and the drilling rig. The apparatus comprises: an elongated boom mounted substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the platform mounted on a transverse elevated horizontal beam situated above the proximal end of the platform relative to the drilling rig and to one side of the longitudinal axis thereof, wherein the boom is position adjustable both axially and transversely on the elevated beam as well as angularly within a vertical plane perpendicular to the elevated horizontal beam; and a drill rod and winch cable guiding means longitudinally movable along said boom.

Abstract: The invention utilizes a known syntax and concept model to enable a user to make a reliable and accurate database query with words that more closely resemble the user's natural language and less like a structured database query. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: The invention builds a natural-language query by associating a auto-complete menu system with a domain-specific concept model, generating a command displayed in a list of proper commands, in a auto-complete fashion to the user (the list of proper commands comprising all elements of a set of proper commands), detecting a command choice of the user, and displaying the command choice in the entry area upon determining that the command choice is a proper command, and generating a target concept in a similar manner. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: The invention compares a user-generated inquiry to a known data source in order to present a user with a choice of valid natural language inquiries. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The invention defines a domain specific concept model that is flexible, intuitive, and which easily integrates into disparate, but similarly architected, domain-specific databases. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A fire safety device for controlling the spread of fire in a structure. The invention comprises a base plate, a smoke detector, a syringe, and a cover. The syringe has a reservoir containing a fire retardant chemical. A fuse link holder has a melting fuse link that maintains a plunger assembly in position, and a spring is loaded behind the plunger. The syringe also has a nozzle in open communication with a supply line, which is in open communication to the reservoir. When a sufficiently high ambient temperature is reached, the fuse link melts, releasing the piston rod from the fuse link and allowing the coil spring to urge the plunger toward the other end of the syringe, and forcing the fire-retardant chemical from the nozzle. When smoke is present, the smoke detector sounds an audible alarm.