Abstract: Described are various embodiments of space-compressing methods, materials, devices, and systems, and imaging or optical devices and systems using same. In one embodiment, an optical system comprises an optical convergence element having a defined optical path convergence distance and disposed so to produce converging optical rays along an optical convergence path to converge at said distance; an optical space-compression medium disposed along the optical convergence path to intersect the converging optical rays to compress a resulting optical convergence distance by imparting an inward transverse translation of the converging optical rays while substantially maintaining respective incident convergence angles upon output.

Abstract: Described are various embodiments of space-compressing methods, materials, devices, and systems, and imaging or optical devices and systems using same. In one embodiment, an optical system comprises an optical convergence element having a defined optical path convergence distance and disposed so to produce converging optical rays along an optical convergence path to converge at said distance; an optical space-compression medium disposed along the optical convergence path to intersect the converging optical rays to compress a resulting optical convergence distance by imparting an inward transverse translation of the converging optical rays while substantially maintaining respective incident convergence angles upon output.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a depth in a borehole penetrating the earth includes: a global positioning system (GPS) receiver disposed at a platform configured for conducting operations related to the borehole, the GPS receiver being configured to receive GPS signals related to a location of the GPS receiver; and a processor coupled to the GPS receiver and configured to estimate the depth in the borehole using GPS location data received from the GPS receiver.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a depth in a borehole penetrating the earth includes: a global positioning system (GPS) receiver disposed at a platform configured for conducting operations related to the borehole, the GPS receiver being configured to receive GPS signals related to a location of the GPS receiver; and a processor coupled to the GPS receiver and configured to estimate the depth in the borehole using GPS location data received from the GPS receiver.

Abstract: A first buckle having a slot therethrough is connected to the garment at a first location. One end portion of a takeup strap is connected to the garment at a spaced second location. A second buckle has a pair of slots formed therethrough with a bar therebetween. The takeup strap extends from the second location through a slot in the second buckle, around the bar, through the other slot in the second buckle, through the slot in the first buckle, and the opposite end portion of the takeup strap is connected to the second buckle.

Abstract: The back section of the outer shell of a fireman's coat includes a slit therein and a strip of reflectorized material attached to the outer surface thereof near the slit and the liner which is removably attachable inside the outer shell includes a flap which can fit through the slit and cover the strip of fluorescent and reflective material so that an observer can tell whether or not the liner is in fact present inside the outer shell.

Abstract: Various forms of method and apparatus are described for the manufacture of steel wherein solid carbonaceous materials are injected below the surface of a melt during the introduction of oxygen to raise the energy level within the melt. Solid iron-bearing materials may also be introduced to the melt and a continuous tapping process is described wherein the iron-bearing and carbonaceous materials are delivered continuously to the melt.