Abstract: A solid column explosive charge method for blasting rock includes a hollow gas-filled core component arranged collinearly in concentrically spaced relation within a vertical borehole, the core component being seated upon a first layer of particulate explosive material, and a first annular portion of the particulate explosive material being arranged concentrically about the core component. The first layer and the first annular portion are in engagement to define a continuous explosive column. A plurality of core components together with associated layers and annular portions of the explosive charge may be arranged in a continuous vertical column, the total volume of the core components being from 10 percent to 25 percent of the volume of the explosive column. A top layer of inert fill material is arranged above the core component to close the upper end of the bore opening.

Abstract: A method and system for visually guiding an aircraft in its landing approach to a runway having an approach area equipped with approach lights operable in off, low, medium, and high intensity states. The lights are communicated with a secondary side of a transformer, which has a primary side with low, medium, and high taps that correspond to the light states. Off, low, medium, and high lighting intensity requests correspond to the low, medium, and high states of the plurality of lights. AC power is switched between the transformer taps in response to a request for an increase in lighting intensity. Power is sequentially applied to the taps by supplying the power to the low tap for a first predetermined time interval before supplying the power to the medium tap.

Abstract: An invention for the prevention of entry of flying and non-flying stinging insects into open disposable beverage containers. According to the embodiment, the invention is attached to a disposable beverage container over the normal dispensing port to act as a shield to prevent the entry of flying and non-flying insects, debris, or foreign chemicals in either tablet or encapsulated form. The invention is attached during the normal manufacturing process of the disposable beverage container. The invention will not interfere with the normal opening mechanism of the disposable beverage container. Normal manufacturing processes such as argon laser welding, adhesive, ecetra, attach the invention to the disposable beverage container. The invention is manufactured out of the same material, a dissimilar material, or both as the disposable beverage container.

Abstract: A device for the prevention of entry of flying and non-flying stinging insects into open disposable beverage containers. According to the embodiment, the device is manufactured out of flexible memory retentive plastic or rubber to allow for small variants in disposable beverage container diameters. The device incorporates several types of various openings of slotted, circular, elliptical, or geometrical shapes to allow for the free flow of the contained liquid. The device is capable of relief impressions and/or print ink application for advertising purposes. The device is capable of being installed and removed by the human hand. The device is reusable and is washable in both home and commercial dishwashing equipment.

Abstract: An adjustable bracket and housing assembly mountable to any horizontal or verticle surface designed primarily for passive infrared detective for security systems. The bracket has a mounting member (30), a cylindrical member (20) allowing horizontal adjustability of the housing assembly and a bracket arm (15) having teeth (21) for vertical adjustability of the housing assembly. The housing assembly has a base (10) and removable cover (12). The base is attachable to the bracket arm (15) by a screw (29). The housing assembly cannot be adjusted directionally, unless the cover (12) is removed, thereby providing access to the screw (29). This latter feature makes the unit of the present invention tamper proof as an alarm will be triggered if the cover (12) is removed from the housing assembly.