Abstract: A Log Roll article of manufacture for use in water recreation. The article is characterized by its fidelity to the properties of a natural log when the article is in use and by its novel and economical construction. The fabricated log is assembled from two substantially identical longitudinal half sections. A bulkhead terminates each end of the half sections. One bulkhead has a closable port through which water and air may pass when the port is open. The log is assembled by cementing two identical half sections together so that the port ends of the half sections are at opposite ends of the log. Water is permitted to enter or leave the log at one port while air is permitted to enter or leave the port at the other end of the log. The filling and emptying of the log with water is thereby facilitated.

Abstract: Apparatus including a pair of portable sections for use in a combined horse race track and dog race track so that in one position of the portable sections, the horse race track may be used and in another position of such sections the dog race track may be used. The invention includes power plants for selectively moving the portable sections into and out of operative position and apparatus for aligning the portable sections with the fixed sections of the dog race track when the sections are moved into operative position.

Abstract: A jump rope featuring, in various aspects, a soft cushion element attached to a cord to prevent the cord from striking the ground, thereby decreasing noise; and a grip at each end of the cord including a ring attached to the cord, the cord being adjustably threaded through the ring to form a loop which can be increased or decreased in size to change the operative length of the rope.

Abstract: A non-visual ball and paddle game played through the medium of sound. Ball location, paddle position and playing field are defined by variations of volume, tone, pitch, frequency and stereo separation by means of stereo earphones worn by each player.

Abstract: A device which is especially adapted for use as a golf practice unit or as a game takes the form of a solid ring or band mounted on an adjustable stand or base which is capable of supporting a target so that the target rests substantially in a horizontal plane. The target proper is comprised of a fabric or fabric-like material and is characterized in particular by having outer peripheral flaps extending from the outer surrounding edge of the target which are sized to be passed around opposite sides of the outer ring member, then adjustably secured together to establish the desired tautness in the target. One or more ball returns may be placed in the surface of the target so as to permit use and playing by a number of individuals at one time.

Abstract: A game method and apparatus utilizes a first and second plurality of card-like devices, each bearing indicia. The first plurality of card-like devices, include indicia depicting various arithmetic symbols, while the second plurality of card-like devices include indicia representing numerals. The symbol bearing cards determine the method of play of the game in which the numeral bearing cards may be matched, added, subtracted, multiplied, divided, or deleted from play, in accordance with a method of play determined by the rules of the game.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the InventionThis invention relates to playing cards used for educational purposes.In order to induce children, especially, to practice arithmetic concepts among themselves without the aid of a teacher, the present invention makes such an endeavor more fun. Children, even adults, like to play games, and many like to play card games.

Abstract: A dartboard safety surround for receiving badly-aimed darts which narrowly miss the dartboard comprises an annular element of an elastomeric material such as, for example, a polyether urethane elastomer, which is dense enough to hold darts piercing the element and which resiliently grips the periphery of the dartboard. The rear face of the annular element defines a recess which is occupied by a filler having a density less than the elastomer of the annular element.

Abstract: A water tight seal structure for a camera or other device comprises a step formed in the upper end of an opening provided in the frame of the device to pass a rotating shank body which forms a movable operating member of the device. Water repellent rubber is fixedly secured to the step. The inner peripheral surface or the upper surface of the water repellent rubber is maintained in tight engagement with the adjacent surface of the shank body to prevent an ingress of water into the device.

Abstract: A seal for a space between two surfaces which are movable relative to each other such as a shaft engaging through an opening in a housing or the like comprising a seal body made of an elastic material adapted to be secured to one of the surfaces such as the housing. A groove is formed in the seal body which confronts the other surface periphery of the shaft and is formed by a pair of spaced wall portions which converge inwardly toward the other surface so that the base of the groove is wider than the groove at the outer terminal edges of the wall portions. A flexible strip is seated in the groove and has a face confronting the other surface coated with a fiber flock projecting beyond the terminal edges of the wall portions. The strip is of a transverse dimension greater than the spacing between the terminal ends of the wall portions so that the strip and fiber flock are self-supporting in the groove and may be easily assembled therein and removed for replacement when desired.

Abstract: Rotary sealing apparatus for sealing off between a relatively rotating shaft having an axis of rotation and mounting an impeller, and a relatively non-rotating wall through which the shaft extends, there being an annular seat on the wall, comprises:(a) a non-metallic seal ring extending about the shaft and engaging the seat to seal off between the seat and ring,(b) means located between the impeller and the seal ring to rotate the ring with the shaft, and(c) a non-metallic annular seal member located between the seal ring and the shaft to seal off therebetween.

Abstract: This invention relates to packer element design for use in high temperature well bores. Packing material of asbestos fibers impregnated with a thermoplastic and interwoven with Inconel wire is employed in a center packer ring of triangular cross-section disposed between two facing series of frusto-conically shaped packer rings, which are backed by expandable metal packer shoes.

Abstract: An all metal reusable O-ring sealing arrangement for sealing two concentric tubes in an ultra-high vacuum system. An O-ring of a heat recoverable alloy such as Nitinol is concentrically positioned between protruding sealing rings of the concentric tubes. The O-ring is installed between the tubes while in a stressed martensitic state and is made to undergo a thermally induced transformation to an austenitic state. During the transformation the O-ring expands outwardly and contracts inwardly toward a previously sized austenitic configuration, thereby sealing against the protruding sealing rings of the concentric tubes.

Abstract: An inner diameter chuck which has a cup shaped holder with a concave face joined by the interior side of the face to a base portion. The holder will flex upon movement of an actuator against the lip of the cup to change the outer diameter along the forward side portions of the cup so to allow for engagement and disengagement of a workpiece.

Abstract: A tool carrier having a first tool receptacle or container and a second tool receptacle mounted on a frame which is made up of a pair of essentially reverse Z-shaped side members joined at the top by a transverse handle and having at the bottom a short vertical leg, the legs being joined by a transverse member. The upper arm of the "Z" is essentially horizontal and the lower arm of the "Z" is slanted downwardly and forwardly to form the leg. At the upper and rearward end of the lower arm of the "Z" an axle passes through both side members and a wheel is mounted at each end of the axle. The first receptacle rests on the cross member and the axle. The second receptacle comprises a number of pockets and depends from the handle. Means for holding the handles of long-handled tools are provided on the upper arm of the "Z".

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a support surface which is mounted upon at least two carriers, one of the carriers being steerable and having a castor like structure and in which steering can take place by tilting of the castoring axis of the castor like structure.

Abstract: An input-output force correlated drive system for driving a driven device such as the rear wheel of a bicycle or the like comprising: input force applying apparatus for transmitting input force to and causing operation of the drive system; rotatable output force transfer apparatus operable by the input force applying apparatus for transferring output force to the driven device; and input-output force correlation apparatus being continuously operatively connected to and operable by the input force applying apparatus and being continuously operatively connected to and operating the output force transfer apparatus for variably changing the rotational speed and circumferential location of the output force transfer apparatus relative to the input force applying apparatus during each revolution in accordance with predetermined input-output force correlation characteristics to be provided by the drive system.

Abstract: An anti-jackknife mechanism for a tractor-trailer arrangement wherein a stop member on the tractor and an assembly on the trailer can be positioned relative to each other so that an angular change between the tractor and trailer from its normally longitudinally aligned position is resiliently resisted and such resilient resistance is under the control of fluid motors.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a trailer hitch for a vehicle. The trailer hitch is designed to be connected to a vehicle and permits two degrees of freedom for the hitchpoint. The first degree of freedom is in a lateral direction which permits the hitchpoint to have freedom to move horizontally in a lateral direction. This degree of freedom is dampened by a viscous dampener to improve the lateral stability of a trailer connected to the hitchball. Further, springs are provided to resist lateral movement and to restore the hitchpoint to its original position during the pulling of a trailer. In addition, a second degree of freedom is provided which permits rotation of the hitchball about a longitudinal axis. Permitting the rotation of the hitchball permits the accidental overturning of a towed vehicle without overturning the towing vehicle.

Abstract: An articulated joint for an articulated vehicle. Upper and lower pivotal connections, each employing a ball and socket, allow pivoting of two vehicle sections about a vertical axis. The ball of the lower joint is attached to one section while the socket is attached to the other section of the vehicle. The socket and ball of the upper joint are attached to a support member free to move along a shaft in a transverse direction between two stops. The ball of the upper joint is free to move along a vertical shaft joined to the other section of the vehicle. The transverse shaft provides a bearing surface to transmit loads between the two vehicle sections. Seals along the support member prevent entrainment of dirt along the shaft and bearing. The stops are part of the structure attaching the transverse shaft to the vehicle.

Abstract: A portable and collapsible luggage carrier having an upright frame including a lower frame section and an upper frame section pivotally connected to the upper end of the lower frame section. Wheels are secured to the lower end of the lower frame section and the ends of legs of a U-shaped base frame are pivotally connected to the lower frame section so that the base frame is swingable between a generally horizontal, operative position and a generally vertical, inoperative position between the side portions of the lower frame section. A pair of U-shaped auxiliary support frames are pivotally connected to the legs of the base frame and an extension frame is shiftably mounted on each auxiliary support frame. When the base frame is in its operative position, the auxiliary support frames are engaged with the legs of the base frame and the extension frames are extended, the lateral stability of luggage supported on the carrier is substantially improved.

Abstract: Anti-sway apparatus for use on a vehicle such as a car, truck, or trailer. The vehicle includes an elongated frame structure conventionally carried on a wheel-mounted support structure. The apparatus includes a rigid beam connected to one of the vehicle structures, transversally of the frame structure's long axis, for shifting angularly with the structure to which it is connected and substantially vertically with respect thereto. The beam is coupled to the other vehicle structure by an elastic belt which acts to resist angular movement, about its long axis, with respect to the support structure.

Abstract: A spring suspension system for mounting a spring member to an axle assembly and vehicle body.A bracket member adapted to receive and secure the end portion of the spring member is pivotally mounted to the vehicle body and clamping means are provided for securing the spring to the axle assembly.

Abstract: A motion converting system is configured for operating a vehicular jacking mechanism having a jacking member and a shaft rotatable for actuating the jacking member. The system comprises a sleeve for receiving the shaft which is then coupled to the sleeve, as through a transmission. The system includes a pneumatic cylinder. An actuator rod extends from the cylinder axially normal to the sleeve and is reciprocal toward and away from the sleeve, which carries a toothed wheel. Lever arms, arranged in pairs on opposite faces of the toothed wheel, extend radially outward from the sleeve and have proximal ends swingable about the sleeve. Pairs of links respectively interconnect distal ends of the lever arms with the end of the actuator. Selectively reversible pawls carried between pairs of the lever arms engage teeth of the toothed wheel to cause rotation of the sleeve for rotating the shaft in a selected continuous direction upon each movement of the actuator rod.

Abstract: A seat belt restraining apparatus for vehicles which frees access to the seat of the user when the door of the vehicle is open and which closes over the body of the user while the door is closed is disclosed. This apparatus is characterized by the fact that it uses a movable anchorage affixed to the extremity of a flexible rack and movable by the force of a motor.

Abstract: A lining to be applied to a spine of a book is disclosed wherein the lining is characterized by an integrated construction of a tough, relatively lightweight, durable, synthetic sheet exhibiting dimensional stability, good printability and good ink adhesiveness and which has printed simulated headbands at its opposite ends. The lining has a maximum length corresponding to the length of a book spine to which the lining is to be applied and the extent of the printed headbands correspond to the thickness of the book to which the lining is to be applied.

Abstract: A pressure- or heat-sensitive recording material which contains as color former at least one 2,2-diarylchromeno compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein V.sub.1 and V.sub.2, each independently of the other, represent hydrogen, halogen, lower alkyl or lower alkoxy,Y.sub.1 and Y.sub.2, each independently of the other, represent hydrogen, --O--R.sub.1 or ##STR2## X.sub.1 and X.sub.2 , each independently of the other, represent hydrogen, alkyl of up to 12 carbon atoms which is unsubstituted or substituted by halogen, or represent benzyl, phenyl, or benzyl or phenyl which is substituted by halogen, nitro, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy or the amino group ##STR3## and the ring A is unsubstituted or substituted by halogen, nitro, lower alkyl, --O--R.sub.5 or ##STR4## or contains a fused benzene ring, and R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5 and R.sub.

Abstract: A cementable coupling for plastic pipe, that may be employed whether the parts are wet or dry, including cementable fitting and sleeve members that initially provide a dry seal near the end of the pipe, permitting initial drying of the pipe upstream of the dry seal, and enable later cementing of these members together and to the pipe at a location upstream of the dry seal.

Abstract: A faucet connector includes a nut assembly having a pair of individual sections that form a bore for receiving a pipe-like member, such as the tailpiece of a faucet assembly. A retaining device including a pair of strap-like members surround the nut sections to maintain the nut sections in surrounding relation with the tailpiece.The nut sections are free to move radially toward and away from each other and therefore into and out of contact with the tailpiece. A pair of levers are pivotally connected to the retaining device and are operable to pivot into and out of contact with the nut sections respectively. Pivoting the levers to contact the nut sections urges the nut sections into clamping engagement with the tailpiece. By wedging the upper ends of the levers into contact with the supporting structure on which the faucet assembly is positioned, a downward force is applied to the tailpiece through the nut sections to clamp the faucet assembly onto the supporting structure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a selectively telescopable joint carryable in a tubular conduit having upper and lower conduit members which are extendable within a subterranean oil or gas well. The apparatus comprises an outer cylindrical housing with an inner cylindrical body carried therein. One of the housing and the body is connectable to the upper member while the other of the housing and the body is connectable to the lower member. Seal means are carried on one of the housing and the body and are slidable along the other of same to prevent fluid communication during telescopic motion. Engagement profiles are defined on each of the housing and the body. A bridging member is extendable within the joint and between the housing and the body. Engaging means, such as a collet, are carried on the bridging member and are extendably and selectively secured within the profiles whereby the housing and the body are in relative locked position.

Abstract: The invention relates to means and methods for rendering fire-safe, or more fire-safe, steel or like pipework which is lined with a plastic or like liner. At joints in such pipework, the liner is brought out over the flange face to form the actual seal. Consequently, the liner is vulnerable to fire or other forms of external heat at the joints.In accordance with the present invention, a metal ring is provided around the periphery of the liner at each joint to protect the liner from fire. The metal ring is not intended to provide a complete seal if the seal between the liners should fail, but is does prevent any large escape of the contents of the pipework.The ring may take various forms and may be, for example, a resilient ring of either U-section or M-section. Alternatively, the ring may be of flat-section and may slide on lips formed on inserts arranged between the flanges and the liners.

Abstract: A plastic conduit section of the bell and spigot variety for protecting electrical and communications cable, featuring paired, parallel, ridged spigots or channeled spigots, slotted bells, and resilient tie rods or keys to join adjacent conduit sections together. Interrupted peripheral keyways and resilient keys are used to join adjacent conduit sections together. These conduit sections may be internally divided into smaller subcompartments. A circumferential gasket seals the joint between the spigot and the bell ends. Flanged end surfaces limit axial movement and deflection. Lipped ends index and seat adjacent conduit sections for subsequent joining.

Abstract: A ball joint having first and second tubular members to be connected; the first tubular member extending toward the second tubular member and having an internal annular sealing means; the second tubular member extending toward the first tubular member and having an external annular spherical surface engaging within said sealing means, means for interconnecting the first and second tubular members so that relative pivoting of the members about the center of the annular spherical surface, the second tubular member and the sealing means being removable and replaceable through the flange connecting to the second tubular member.

Abstract: A sleeve is used in a tubing joint assembly, usually an inner sleeve, with a tube telescoped over this inner sleeve. An outer sleeve may optionally be telescoped over the tube and the entire assembly. One of the sleeves has a lateral shoulder transverse to the axis of the sleeve and with this shoulder terminating in a sharp angled peripheral rib. The outer sleeve is inwardly compressed by two dies which have interdigitated teeth. This compresses the outer sleeve, where used, and compresses the tube at the peripheral ribs of the sleeve. The interdigitated teeth on the dies assure complete compression all the way around the periphery, between the tube and the sleeve with a lateral shoulder being formed on the tube to act against the lateral shoulder on the sleeve and thus longitudinally retain together these parts. Also a fluid pressure tight seal is established primarily at the sharp angled peripheral rib and its junction with the facing wall of the tube.

Abstract: A clamp particularly suited for crimp joining the telescoped end portions of thin walled tubing which is prone to inward collapse when overly constricted. The clamp includes an upper and a lower member each of thin metal material and each forming a curved mid-portion the arcuate edge of which contacts the surface of the outer telescoped tube member. Overlying portions at one side of the two clamping members forms a hinging action about the tube. At the opposite side of the members, tubular contours are formed in aligned relationship to one another to receive a bolt and nut fastener. The fastener is operated to draw the upper and lower members together about the exhaust tubes. Prior to operation of the fastener, the configuration of the members is such that a gap is formed between the facing end surfaces of the adjacent tubular portions.

Abstract: In the closed state, a cover of the transport container strikes against an actuation element and displaces this element in the direction toward a contact device. The actuation stroke of the actuation element is only sufficiently large when a counter bearing of the actuation element is preformed in the direction toward the contact device when a catch which engages in the cover is brought into its final position. The inventive locking device is employed for transport containers which are placed upon an electrically driven traveling device running on rails, wherein the rail lines are laid out in such manner that the traveling device can be driven horizontally and vertically.

Abstract: An interior door knob security cinch loop comprising, a rectangular shaped plate bent at appointed and spaced apart relationship to form a vertical back with a top and base horizontal extensions wherein, said top has a triangularly shaped eyelet extending upward from said top and open vertically of said horizontal top. The base extension extends beyond said top extension slightly and has its forward edge diagonally planed inward to form a chisel edge and the inner said base has a predetermined number of inwardly punched out, triangularly shaped, grip points facing the vertical back of said plate. A wire of high tensile strength is threaded through the aforesaid eyelet and the ends of said wire are secured together to form an extended loop. A metal plate formed in the shape of a vertical rectangle which is inwardly open and having a retainer shaft extending from said rectangular side horizontally to house an anchor hook and/or a combination anchor device which uses a circular elastic loop.

Abstract: A metal strap having a pedal, fulcrum and weed pulling trowel is attached to the bottom of an elongated handle. The trowel is bifurcated and notched so it may be forced into the ground by a foot on the pedal and the weed root caught within the slot and pried from the ground by the fulcrum. The weed is ejected from the slot by moving a blade in the slot downward against spring action. In one embodiment the tines of the trowel are twisted on each side of the slot.

Abstract: Disengaging apparatus including a hook pivotally located below its hooking point between a pair of plates, and having a counterbalanced cam locking structure wherein the force applied to the hook by the weight of the item being held causes positive engagement with a cam surface, but when the force applied to the surface falls below a predetermined level a counterweight rotates the cam structure away from the hook and allows rotation of the hook to open. The counterweight is further used to positively pull the hook to the open position after a given amount of travel. Additionally a locking structure may be provided to prevent accidental motion of the counterweight, and a spring-biased reset may also be provided.

Abstract: An improvement in rail threading devices having at least four rollers mounted on two rectangular plates. Each rectangular plate is fastened by a stud to a framing member which allows movement of the rectangular plate relative to the framing member. The framing members are mechanically attached together so that the rollers will straddle a section of rail and grip the rail from the underside of the rails' upper section when the device is lifted by a crane. The mechanical attachment of the framing members is such that the device can be used to lift a rail which is on the ground and further allow the rollers to be separated when the tension on an attached crane cable is relaxed thereby providing for ease in removal or attachment of the device.

Abstract: In combination for trailers and bob tail trucks, an air spoiler and an air foil mounted in assembly together. The air spoiler having a generally conical shape and being hollow at its annular open end. Means mounting structure is secured with the air spoiler adjacent to its annular open end for attaching the air spoiler to a truck trailer and the like. The generally conical shape includes a gently curving upper surface defined by an outer generally arcuately curved continuous lead edge and an under curved surface continuously joining the continuous curved lead edge with the open end of the air spoiler. The air foil has mounting means supporting it on the gently curving upper surface generally at its rear most upper end. The air foil has a generally arched shape which shape is arched in a direction away from the gently curving upper surface.

Abstract: A deck assembly for a vehicle freight container, e.g., a highway trailer, comprising a series of panels which extend across the container and rest on side rails to provide a second floor for lading spaced above the main floor of the container, the panels being hinged to opposed side walls of the container in a manner to permit storage against the side walls above the side rails. The panels are pivoted at two corners, one pivot being a universal joint and the other being detachable from the side wall to permit the panels to be rotated about both a vertical and a horizontal axis for moving them from stored to operative position and vice versa.

Abstract: A motor vehicle seat mounted for longitudinal sliding mobility, the seat frame of which is braced by slide blocks fixed to lateral connecting brackets on two parallel, upright, C-shaped guide rails. One of the C-shaped guide rails is fixed to the approximately vertical web surface of the central floor assembly tunnel and is provided with a latch device for determining the desired seat position.

Abstract: A cover system according to one aspect of the invention includes a tarpaulin and a series of support rods attached to a longitudinal medial section thereof in spaced parallel relation and arranged to extend transversely of the truck box in the installed condition. A cable system is provided adapted to be installed such that each one of a pair of horizontal reaches of the cable extend along parallel to and above respective ones of the upper edges of the box. The support rods are adapted to be connected at their opposing ends to the respective horizontal reaches of the cable. These rods, save for a final or terminal one of the rods, are arranged to be connected to said reaches of the cable for relative movement therealong. The final rod is adapted to be connected to the tarpaulin and to said reaches of the cable so that movement of the latter can carry the tarpaulin along the upper edges of the box in either direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a furniture unit comprising a bed convertible into a seat. The unit comprises a flexible cover containing a deformable filling material such as plastics granules and comprises closure means defining a separate seat portion and a separate bed portion. When the unit is in use as a bed all the filling material is contained within the bed portion of the outer cover but the redundant seat portion remains attached and is conveniently stored in a pocket of the bed. When the unit is in use as a seat all the filling material is contained within the seat portion of the outer cover but the redundant bed portion remains attached and is conveniently held in place by a flap.

Abstract: A vehicular seat, such as an aircraft seat, comprising a seat bottom portion, a seat back portion mounted for pivotal movement about a selected pivot axis and having a predetermined upright position, a tray assembly including a tray member and leg means mounted for pivotal movement about the pivot axis from a first storage position to a second in use position, the tray member mounted on the leg means and having a horizontal in use position and a storage position whereat the tray defines the rear surface of the seat back portion, the leg menas having first and second segments joined by a bend having a predetermined angle, and the leg means being selectively configured so that when the tray assembly is in the in use position the bend will be proximate the seat back and one of the segments will be substantially horizontal whereby the tray assembly will not interfere with the lateral leg movement of a user of the tray assembly.

Abstract: A supporting structure, effective to act as a chair seat and/or back, and to be fixed to a chair body, is described which consists of a substantially flat structure, structure having a suitable thickness and being made of a suitable plastics material, the structure having the form of an interlacing of straw stems, or other similar vegetal materials, defining a plurality of holes. The structure may be obtained in any flat geometrical shape, depending on the shape of the frame with which it must be associated, the structure is provided, peripherically, with an upper edge and lower lug, provided, at even spacings, with tabs, the tabs defining an outer tooth effective to engage into suitable slots formed in said structure supporting frame.

Abstract: A method of recovering particulate material from a seam of such material within the earth bounded above and below by different material which comprises the steps of positioning in mining relation to the seam a continuous mining machine having a power driven mechanism thereon for moving the machine through successive seam material cutting cycles which include an advancing movement along a mined entry within the seam in a direction toward the working face of the seam; illuminating portions of the space surrounding the continuous mining machine including portions of the working face disposed forwardly thereof and adjacent portions of the roof, floor and side walls of the mined entry rearwardly of the working face; establishing electromagnetic signals indicative of the appearance of the illuminated portions of the working face of the seam and the adjacent portions of the roof, floor and side walls; transmitting the established electromagnetic signals to a remote control station; converting at the remote control s

Abstract: A subterranean formation containing oil shale is prepared for in situ retorting by forming a fragmented permeable mass of formation particles containing oil shale in an in situ oil shale retort site. Formation is initially excavated from the retort site for forming one or more voids extending horizontally across the retort site, leaving a zone of unfragmented formation adjacent such a void. In one ambodiment, an array of rocks bolts are anchored in at least a portion of the roof adjacent such a void for providing reinforcement of unfragmented formation above the void. Vertical blasting holes are drilled in the zone of unfragmented formation adjacent the void. Explosive is placed in the blasting holes and detonated for explosively expanding the zone of unfragmented formation toward the void, including the rock bolted portion of the roof, for forming at least a portion of a fragmented permeable mass of formation particles containing oil shale in an in situ oil shale retort.

Abstract: There is provided a method for forming an in situ oil shale retort in a subterranean formation containing oil shale. At least one void is excavated in the formation, leaving zones of unfragmented formation adjacent the void. An array of main blastholes is formed in the zone of unfragmented formation and at least one explosive charge which is shaped for forming a high velocity gas jet is placed into a main blasthole with the axis of the gas jet extending transverse to the blasthole. The shaped charge is detonated for forming an auxiliary blasthole in the unfragmented formation adjacent a side wall of the main blasthole. The auxiliary blasthole extends laterally away from the main blasthole. Explosive is placed into the main blasthole and into the auxiliary blasthole and is detonated for explosively expanding formation towards the free face for forming a fragmented permeable mass of formation particles in the in situ oil shale retort.

Abstract: A continuous mining machine includes a body portion. A longitudinally extending conveyor support frame is positioned on the body portion. A pair of parallel spaced side walls are positioned outboard of the conveyor support frame. A unitary stabilizing member is pivotally connected at an upper end to the lower edge portions of the side walls and extends transversely between the side walls beyond the width of and below the conveyor support frame. A lower end of the stabilizing member is adapted for movement into and out of engagement with the mine floor. A pair of piston cylinder assemblies for actuating the stabilizing member are connected to and positioned outboard and laterally of the side walls. The piston rods of the assemblies are intermediately connected to the lateral edges of the stabilizing member.