Abstract: The present invention provides a friction reducing device for an elongate member. The device comprises a friction reducing sleeve removably positionable on a first longitudinal segment of the elongate member. The present invention also provides a method of inserting an elongate assembly into the ground. The method comprises the step of incorporating the inventive friction reducing device in the elongate assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for obtaining a subterranean material sample. The inventive sampling apparatus comprises an elongate housing having a passageway extending longitudinally therethrough, a tip member movable through the passageway, and a locking means for releasably preventing the tip member from moving from a first portion of the passageway to a second portion of the passageway. The inventive sampling method comprises the step of inserting the inventive sampling apparatus into the ground. The present invention also provides a device for retaining material in a housing, said device comprising a plurality of resilient petal members.

Abstract: A memory unit is disclosed for receiving and executing instructions transmitted along buses. The memory unit includes registers and control logic that permit it to accept a second instruction from the bus and begin error checking procedures on the second instruction, all while completing the execution of a first instruction.

Abstract: A processing system is disclosed in which transfers between processors and memory are made on dual redundant buses. In a transfer, the transmitting unit sends the same information simultaneously on each of the buses. The receiving unit makes parity checks on each bus, and compares the information received on one bus with that received on the other bus. The receiving unit includes means for implementing a decision rule, based on these checks and comparison, to choose from which bus to take information, if either.