Abstract: The present application is directed toward fire-rated wall construction components and wall systems for use in building construction. Embodiments can include tracks for holding studs which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving fire-retardant material, flat straps for use between tracks and fluted wall components, fire sponges for use in fluted wall components, and tracks with protruding grooves or other structures which prevent unwanted air movement between a wallboard component and the track.

Abstract: It is the principal object of the present invention to provide an improved identification method, which will facilitate the rapid and accurate identification of individuals. In addition, this allows sensitive locations to record and track service personnel that enter any secured area. The method incorporates the use of a identity verification company to store all vendor employee information for identification purposes. The identification required includes an identification card distributed by the identity verification company, a biometric scan, which can include a hand scan, retinal scan, voice recognition device or handwriting sample, and digitized picture identification.

Abstract: A digital computer system and method for storing and retrieving data contained in a "relational data table" in such a way that individual items of data are readily accessible and the data itself is compressible. The items of data are arranged in the table in a plurality of rows and columns. The items of data in each given column are of the same type (fixed length character, variable length up to a prescribed maximum length, etc.). The items of data are arranged in a particular data format which comprises a plurality of "column descriptor" or "C" records, each of which is associated with one column of the table, followed by a plurality of "data" or "D" records which include the items of data in the table. The D records and C records contain the following information: Each D record includes one or more of the items of data from a particular table row. It is therefore associated with this table row and with at least one table column.

Abstract: Wellhead fluid sampling apparatus comprising a closed housing with a side opening for inserting a sample receiving receptacle and a bottom aperture in sealed communication with a removable conduit that is carried by and in fluid communication with the interior of a closed container disposed below the bottom aperture.

Abstract: Apparatus for containing and collecting leaks from the stuffing box of a fluid producing wellhead comprising collection means carried by the wellhead below the stuffing box and encircling the wellhead and at least two separate upstanding hollow shapes of such cross-sectional configuration that when they are brought into abutment with one another the volume enclosed within abutting shapes encircles the wellhead and extends from the liquid collection means to above the stuffing box, said shapes having apertured top edge means which form an opening that encircles the polished rod that reciprocates through the stuffing box, the shapes being hingedly engaged so they can be pivoted toward and away from one another for ease of access to the enclosed stuffing box as desired.

Abstract: A technique for providing automatic modification of a computer application program adopts the program for compatibility with hardware different from that for which the program was originally written and tested. Upon initial loading of the application program, a search is made to determine the existence of a set of exception tables, external to the application program. If the exception tables are present, all code conversion tables within the application program relating to I/O operations are modified according to the set of exception tables. Plural sets of exception tables may be included with the ability of the operator to choose which set of exception tables will be used to modify the program, thereby allowing the operator to use a single program with a variety of different hardwawre configurations, assuring with each configuration that the intended characters and symbols are displayed and printed.