Abstract: A method is provided for use of a concrete composition and an associated apparatus. The method provides for mixing of the concrete material, accelerant powder and, optionally, an associated substance to enable the controlled hardening of the concrete material in a monolithic structure. The apparatus can dispose a slip-plane film to facilitate a relatively continuous process.

Abstract: A method is provided for use of a concrete composition and an associated apparatus. The method provides for mixing of the concrete material, accelerant powder and, optionally, an associated substance to enable the controlled hardening of the concrete material in a monolithic structure. The apparatus can dispose a slip-plane film to facilitate a relatively continuous process.

Abstract: Multifocal and single focus lenses are defined by nonconical aspheric optical surfaces. Various alternative surface shapes provide one or more vision regions bounded by optical steps. Each optical step has rapidly and smoothly changing power in the radial direction which creates an induced aperture through which the cortical elements of the human vision system are induced to concentrate. The induced aperture results in increased clarity and enhanced vision. In various configurations, the induced aperture decreases spherical aberration to further enhance vision. To increase correction intensity at one or more powers, redundant power regions are provided in repeated optical steps or annular apertures. In several embodiments, the redundant power regions create multiple induced apertures at one or more optical powers directed at one or more vision distances.

Abstract: Hybrid securities defined as last-to-default credit default swaps over multiple name baskets and having protection against event risk. In the preferred embodiment, the hybrid security is defined as a second-to-default credit default swap over a two-name basket, wherein the underlying reference obligors in the basket are uncorrelated or substantially uncorrelated. A portfolio of second-to-default swaps over two-name baskets is provided, wherein the portfolio is defined in a manner that further reduces default risk through enhanced diversification achieved by recombining underlying reference obligors in different second-to-default baskets. A structured investment in a portfolio of underlying second-to-default swaps over two-name baskets is provided using a collateralized debt obligation (CDO) structure.

Abstract: Multifocal and single focus lenses are defined by nonconical aspheric optical surfaces. Various alternative surface shapes provide one or more vision regions bounded by optical steps. Each optical step has rapidly and smoothly changing power in the radial direction which creates an induced aperture through which the cortical elements of the human vision system are induced to concentrate. The induced aperture results in increased clarity and enhanced vision. In various configurations, the induced aperture decreases spherical aberration to further enhance vision. To increase correction intensity at one or more powers, redundant power regions are provided in repeated optical steps or annular apertures. In several embodiments, the redundant power regions create multiple induced apertures at one or more optical powers directed at one or more vision distances.

Abstract: Multifocal lenses are defined by nonconical aspheric optical surfaces. Various alternative surface shapes provide a central distance vision region surrounded by an optical step. The optical step has rapidly increasing power in the radial direction which creates an induced aperture through which the cortical elements of the vision system are induced to concentrate. The induced aperture results in increased clarity in distance vision. Nonconical aspheric optical surfaces are defined to produce the desired optical power distributions. These surface functions are also provided in form of polynomial series for simplicity of use in computer driven lathes for shaping contact lenses. The invention includes contact lenses, scleral lenses, intraocular lenses, and lenses impressed or surgically shaped within the corneal tissue as well as methods of designing and fitting these lenses.

Abstract: An oilfield tubular string 10, 60, 60A comprising a plurality of elongate joints having one or both ends threaded. The joints may be connected by a coupling including a generally sleeve shaped coupling body having a tapered upstream thread profile and a tapered downstream thread profile for threaded engagement with a mating profile of a respective joint. The coupling body includes a low stress flex groove 30 having a selected box thread runout bevel angle, and all transitions in the flex groove between surfaces are radiused to greater than 0.100 inches to minimize stress risers. A pin-in-box connection between tubular joints includes mating tapered threads 72, engagement of end shoulder 74, 76, 78, and 80, and a low stress flex groove 82. The present invention allows the elongate joints to be used as both a casing string and a drill string, thereby saving significant time and expense.

Abstract: A toy conker which has a main body portion attachable to a line member, the body portion having at least one insert which can be struck off.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in calibrating a display system comprising digital-to-analogue converters (D.A.C) (11,12,13) for converting a digital colour control signal to analogue colour component signals which are suitable for controlling an electronic display. An analogue signal modifier modifies the signals from the D.A.C. The apparatus also comprises a switch (10) for connecting between the D.A.C. and the analogue signal modifier. The switch is operable in a first mode (52,54) to pass signals from the D.A.C. (11,12,13) directly to the analogue signal modifier or in a second mode (53) to pass analogue calibration colour component signals to the analogue signal modifier such that the appearance of the signals from the D.A.C. and the calibration signals can be visually compared on a screen (17) to determine whether any reproduction errors are in the D.A.C. (11,12,13) or in the signal modifier.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for applying coextensive lines or dots of an adhesive comprising an airless, solenoid-operated, adhesive spray applicator having a plurality of individual applicators within a single housing including a flow distribution arrangement, and a transverse, internally-mounted filter. The filter may be removed and replaced without disturbing the flow lines. Virtually any spray pattern may be applied by staggering rows of applicators and electronically controlling the operation of the individual applicators.