Abstract: A wristworn device having a releasable coupling mechanism for releasably coupling a first strap section and a second strap section about a user's wrist. The wristworn device includes an elongated member that is positioned within a channel of one of the strap sections and which has an actuation section that extends from the channel. A directional force upon the actuation section of the elongated member causes a slidable locking plate in the releasable coupling mechanism to move in a direction and disengage from a locking member, whereby separation of the sections of the releasable coupling mechanism is facilitated upon the disengagement of the slidable locking plate from the locking member.

Abstract: A wristworn device having a releasable coupling mechanism for releasably coupling a first strap section and a second strap section about a user's wrist. The wristworn device includes an elongated member that is positioned within a channel of one of the strap sections and which has an actuation section that extends from the channel. A directional force upon the actuation section of the elongated member causes a slidable locking plate in the releasable coupling mechanism to move in a direction and disengage from a locking member, whereby separation of the sections of the releasable coupling mechanism is facilitated upon the disengagement of the slidable locking plate from the locking member.

Abstract: Mooring system arranged in a body of water for the mooring of multiple surface or semi-submersible vessels or platforms with a artificial seafloor grid designed as a mesh-like structure arranged in a substantially horizontal plane in the body of water. The artificial seafloor grid including means for attachment to said vessel or platform, and is mechanically coupled to the bottom of the sea using anchoring elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing tubulars on a floating semi-submersible drilling or production vessel. The apparatus comprises a storage device for storing tubulars in a submerged position, essentially below a splash zone. The storage device is generally open to the surroundings so that the tubulars are externally exposed to surrounding water. It is also described an apparatus for transporting tubulars between a storage and a derrick on an offshore drilling and/or production platform having a platform deck. The apparatus is situated below the platform deck and is adapted for movement under the platform deck. A method for disassembling a pipe string is also described.

Abstract: A wave power plant arranged to be placed on or in the sea or a lake in order to produce energy, comprising a fixed or floating structure and at least one floating body (1) that moves vertically relative to the floating structure and is connected to the structure via energy transmission devices (11). The floating body (1) is designed to be held in a fixed position during part of the wave induced motion of the body (1), thus to increase the recovery of energy from the waves. A method is also disclosed, in which the body (1) is held in a fixed position during part of the time it takes for a wave crest or trough to pass the body (1).

Abstract: Mooring system arranged in a body of water for the mooring of multiple surface or semi-submersible vessels or platforms with a artificial seafloor grid designed as a mesh-like structure arranged in a substantially horizontal plane in the body of water. The artificial seafloor grid including means for attachment to said vessel or platform, and is mechanically coupled to the bottom of the sea using anchoring elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing tubulars on a floating semi-submersible drilling or production vessel. The apparatus comprises a storage device for storing tubulars in a submerged position, essentially below a splash zone. The storage device is generally open to the surroundings so that the tubulars are externally exposed to surrounding water. It is also described an apparatus for transporting tubulars between a storage and a derrick on an offshore drilling and/or production platform having a platform deck. The apparatus is situated below the platform deck and is adapted for movement under the platform deck. A method for disassembling a pipe string is also described.

Abstract: A wave power plant arranged to be placed on or in the sea or a lake in order to produce energy, comprising a fixed or floating structure and at least one floating body (1) that moves vertically relative to the floating structure and is connected to the structure via energy transmission devices (11). The floating body (1) is designed to be held in a fixed position during part of the wave induced motion of the body (1), thus to increase the recovery of energy from the waves. A method is also disclosed, in which the body (1) is held in a fixed position during part of the time it takes for a wave crest or trough to pass the body (1).

Abstract: Formations on the surface of bodies for reducing the drag relative to a medium which the body is located in or close to. The formations comprise a plurality of cavities (1,20,40,60). The surface in which the cavities are formed is closed. The cavity has a disruption edge (5,25,44,66) adjacent to the cavity, with the disruption edge located upstream of the cavity, so as to set the flowing medium most proximal to the surface into turbulence upon passing the disruption edge. The cavity has a maximum depth from the surface of at least approximately 2 mm.

Abstract: Formations on the surface of bodies for reducing the drag relative to a medium which the body is located in or close to. The formations comprise a plurality of cavities (1,20,40,60). The surface in which the cavities are formed is closed. The cavity has a disruption edge (5,25,44,66) adjacent to the cavity, with the disruption edge located upstream of the cavity, so as to set the flowing medium most proximal to the surface into turbulence upon passing the disruption edge. The cavity has a maximum depth from the surface of at least approximately 2 mm.

Abstract: A system for discouraging the unauthorized removal of an electronic device from a designated area is provided. The electronic device includes at least one functional feature (such as a display, speaker, power enabler, controller, etc.) for performing at least one desired function and an enabler, operatively coupled to the functional feature, for enabling the functional feature to perform the at least one desired function. The system further includes a security device that generates a signal, such as an electromagnetic field, so as to cause the enabler to enable the functional feature to perform the at least one desired function. The enabler may comprise a breakable link, such as a fuse. When the electronic device is placed in proximity to the electromagnetic field, the link is broken and the functional feature is enabled. In another preferred embodiment, the electronic device may include a controller operatively coupled to the functional feature for controlling the operability of the functional feature.

Abstract: A system for discouraging the unauthorized removal of an electronic device from a designated area is provided. The electronic device includes at least one functional feature (such as a display, speaker, power enabler, controller, etc.) for performing at least one desired function and an enabler, operatively coupled to the functional feature, for enabling the functional feature to perform the at least one desired function. The system further includes a security device that generates a signal, such as an electromagnetic field, so as to cause the enabler to enable the functional feature to perform the at least one desired function. The enabler may comprise a breakable link, such as a fuse. When the electronic device is placed in proximity to the electromagnetic field, the link is broken and the functional feature is enabled. In another preferred embodiment, the electronic device may include a controller operatively coupled to the functional feature for controlling the operability of the functional feature.

Abstract: A system for discouraging the unauthorized removal of an electronic device from a designated area is provided. The electronic device includes at least one functional feature (such as a display, speaker, power enabler, controller, etc.) for performing at least one desired function and an enabler, operatively coupled to the functional feature, for enabling the functional feature to perform the at least one desired function. The system further includes a security device that generates a signal, such as an electromagnetic field, so as to cause the enabler to enable the functional feature to perform the at least one desired function. The enabler may comprise a breakable link, such as a fuse. When the electronic device is placed in proximity to the electromagnetic field, the link is broken and the functional feature is enabled. In another preferred embodiment, the electronic device may include a controller operatively coupled to the functional feature for controlling the operability of the functional feature.

Abstract: A radiotelephone arrangement includes a wristworn device comprising a transceiver for receiving signals from and for transmitting signals to a wireless communications system and a controller coupled to the transceiver for controlling the transmission and reception of the signals. The battery for the wristworn device is coupled to the controller but is physically separated from the wristworn device during operation. Wires are preferably used to electrically connect the battery to the wristworn device. Alternatively, the radiotelephone arrangement comprises a wristworn unit and a radiotelephone unit. Local transceivers in each unit permits the wristworn unit to control the radiotelephone unit remotely.

Abstract: A processor-based computer pointing device includes a keypad, a display and data memory. The pointing device includes traditional computer mouse components to position a cursor displayed on a computer display screen and select items displayed on the screen. The pointing device provides data organizer and timekeeping functions and can be programmed to control other devices. Data interfaces are provided for transferring data between the pointing device and other devices.

Abstract: Ski conversion apparatus for converting a cross-country ski to a downhill contoured ski. A tip shape modifier is attached to the tip section of the ski by expandable wedge assemblies and mating dovetails. A tail shape modifier is attached to the tail section of the ski by longitudinal dovetails and a detachable connection. The tip shape and tail shape modifiers are carried by the cross-country skier and attached to the cross-country skis when necessary to ski downhill in deep snow.

Abstract: An improved textile material having a bristle pile specially adapted for use on articles of clothing to create a preferential movement thereof, said improved material comprising a plurality of weft and/or warp yarns, and a pile yarn passing among said weft and/or warp yarns, at least one leg of each loop of said pile yarn being straight and extending at a preselected angle from the surface of said textile to provide a plurality of relatively rigid bristles, and means causing said pile bristles to maintain said preselected angle with the surface of the textile, whereby random movement of the textile with the bristles against the surface of an adjacent object will create a preferential movement of said textile with respect to said object.

Abstract: A watch case has attachment lugs on opposite ends thereof, a flexible resilient watch band with attachment ends, first means pivotably connecting one attachment end of the watch band to the lugs on the six o'clock end of the watch case, and second means pivotably connecting the other attachment end of the watch band to the lugs on the twelve o'clock end of the watch case and having abutment means limiting pivoting on the twelve o'clock lugs so as to require more resilient flexing of the watch band on the twelve o'clock end than on the six o'clock end as the band curves toward the wearer's wrist, whereby tendency of the more flexed end to unflex displaces the watch case in a preferred direction on the wrist.

Abstract: An improved wristwatch, radiotelephone comprising a case having a timekeeping circuit a radio transceiver and a display disposed therein, a strap having a pair of strap ends connected to opposite ends of the case and adapted to be connected together for holding the case on a wearer's wrist, a microphone connected to the transceiver, a speaker connected to the transceiver, and an antenna connected to the transceiver and embedded in the strap, wherein the improvement comprises a microphone housing and a speaker housing disposed on the strap and spaced apart a sufficient distance to permit simultaneous use thereof by a user when said strap ends are not connected. Either or both of the speaker housing and microphone housing are disposed on and supported by the terminating end of a strap end and incorporate portions of the clasp. The antenna is provided by coupling through a filter circuit to a pair of audio leads connecting the transceiver to either or both of the speaker and microphone.

Abstract: A buoyant support unit and platform employing the same which includes at least five substantially cylindrical floatable pipes having a diameter of less than about 5 meters which are arranged parallel to each other in spaced-apart relationship, wherein the edge to edge distance between adjacent pipes is from 0.25 to 2.0 times the diameter of the pipe.