Abstract: A spread illuminating apparatus includes a light conductive plate provided with a light entry face at its corner, having a spot-like light source disposed close to or in contact with the light entry face, and having a light reflection pattern formed on its major surface. The light reflection pattern comprises a plurality of arced grooves and is configured such that the grooves have their depths increasing with an increase in the distance from the light source, and that each of the grooves has its depth increasing with an increase in the light emission angle made by a line of a light emission direction with respect to a diagonal line from the light source. Thus, the light reflection pattern is adapted to reflect more light at an area farther from the light source and the diagonal line as well, thereby further improving uniformity in brightness all over the light conductive plate.

Abstract: In a button for an electronic device, a red numeral pattern 21, a green kana pattern 31 and a black English character pattern 41 are printed on a key top 11 as plural kinds of patterns. By selectively causing a red LED 51 and a green LED 52 that function as a light source of a backlight to emit a light, red, green and orange lighting colors of the backlight are obtained. According to the color of the pattern used according to a mode, the lighting color of the backlight is switched.

Abstract: An improved ceiling feature and particularly a ceiling feature that can be installed easily to anchor a holding dish. It mainly includes a ceiling plate fastened to the ceiling for engaging with a bolt. A holding dish may be coupled with the bolt in the direction of the ceiling. The holding dish has elastic plates which may be depressed to wedge in the screw thread pitches of the bolt to anchor the holding dish. Then a glass shade and a cap may be coupled and a nut may be fastened to complete the installation.

Abstract: A flashlight includes a tubular body with a power supply device received therein via an open end of the body. A cap is connected to the open end and has a groove defined in an inner periphery thereof A bulb and reflection disk assembly is engaged with the cap and a lens is engaged with the cap. A seal is engaged with the groove and mounted to an outer periphery of the open end of the tubular body. The seal has a dumb-bell shaped cross section.

Abstract: An assembly developed for the purpose of detachably mounting an illuminating means to the upper portion of an existing headstone or monument by means of an appropriate mounting assembly. In place, the mounting assembly extends above the top portion of the headstone, and preferably, a lighting means, such as a solar powered light provides illumination over the headstone or monument. The mounting assembly includes a base member, and a lower bracket assembly for detachably mounting the monument assembly to the top portion of a headstone or monument. The lower bracket assembly cooperates with the back panel member so that the lower portion of the back panel member and a vertical end of the lower bracket assembly extends downward and adjustably overlap the top portion of the headstone.

Abstract: An elastic flash stick with an ornamental block is assembled by a holding rod, an elastic stem, a turning switch kit and an ornamental block. The holding rod is provided with an inserting end on the top to be secured to the bottom end of the elastic stem. The elastic stem is made of elastic coil or material of elasticity. The turning switch kit is provided with a connecting base at the bottom to receive the turning pivot, a plurality of batteries are provided to the top of the turning pivot, and at least one flickering diode is provided in the top end of the turning switch kit. The at least one flickering diode as well as the top end of the turning switch kit is covered by the replaceable ornamental block so as to achieve vivid and aesthetic effects.

Abstract: A light beam modifier device for attachment to a light beam generator apparatus such as a flashlight or a weapon light. The light beam modifier includes an easily operable clamp for facilitating securement and removal of the light beam modifier device to and from the light generator. The device provides a positive locking closure between the flip-open door and the clamp, and further includes a spring hinge for permitting at least one and preferably two flip-open positions of the door out of the path of the light beam.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device capable of generating and emitting light and a translucent light diffusing element attached to the device to receive and diffuse light from the device. The device is composed of a housing that supports a switch and a light source capable of emitting multi-colored light. The light source is capable of being disposed in an illuminated state in response to actuation of the switch. Indicia are carried by the light diffusing element, which illuminates when the light source is disposed in its illuminated state. The light diffusing element consists of a translucent body having a proximal end attached to the device, an opposing distal end, and a receptacle disposed between the proximal and distal ends. The translucent member is removably disposed in the receptacle, and the indicia are carried by the translucent member.

Abstract: A connecting structure of lamp rod and lamp base for all kinds of for lamps, comprising a lamp base coupled to a side of the wire connection box and a lamp rod inserted into the interior of the lamp base; wherein a socket is coupled to an end of the lamp base, and a guiding hole is protruded from a side of the lamp base to provide an embedding member for the fixture, and the embedding member further comprises a steel ball placed in a guiding groove of the lamp base in advance, a spring disposed behind the steel ball, and a stopcock disposed at the rear end of the spring; working together with a blocking groove disposed at the position at the head of the lamp rod corresponsive to the embedding member for accommodating the insertion of the lamp rod such that the resumption of spring pushes the steel ball back into its original position, and the steel ball will press against and be stuck in the blocking groove for inserting the lamp rod into the lamp base.

Abstract: A controller for a lighting system is integrated with a light or other device. The controller operates in a local mode to control the integrated light only and in a remote mode to function as a serial network protocol controller for a series of connected devices. In remote mode, an IR/RF remote control is used to change settings for any device connected to the controller. The controller generates a fast serial network protocol instruction sequence, such as a DMX-512 protocol instruction sequence, from the commands received relatively slowly from the IR/RF remote control. The controller can include an hours of operation counter for the integrated light and a global setting function for changing all connected devices simultaneously to a single setting.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retrofitting a backlit sign with an LED module. The housing includes sidewalls with translucent portions. The LED module includes linear arrays of LEDs supported by support arms having mounting mechanisms for engaging with the housing sidewalls. The mounting mechanisms include scissor arms rotatably attached together about mid-portions thereof, and a tightening screw that adjusts the distance between the scissor arm ends to press engagement surfaces of the scissor arms against the housing sidewalls. Adjustment screws at the lower ends of the support arm can be adjusted to further extend the engagement surfaces, so that a single LED module can be installed inside a wide range of backlit sign sizes. The retrofit method includes removing the conventional fluorescent lamp from the backlit sign, and installing the LED module using the scissor arm mounting mechanisms.

Abstract: A waterproof illumination device for simulating the lighting effect of neon lighting with the additional feature of being unaffected by water submersion. The device comprises a plurality of space point light sources secured within a waveguide that is waterproofed by sealing.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting apparatus includes lamp deflection angle controlling means for controlling the change of a deflection angle of a lamp. The vehicle lighting apparatus further includes a reference angular position setting means for setting the deflection angle of the lamp to a predetermined reference angular position when a deflection angle detecting means for detecting the deflection angle of the lamp is broken down. When the deflection angle of the lamp cannot be detected in an adaptive front-lighting system (AFS), and thus the AFS lapsed into malfunction, the deflection angle of the lamp is fixed to a reference position obtained by rotating a motor for deflecting the lamp in one direction to the locked state, and from this locked state, rotating by the given amount in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A portable shop light with extended handle is a utility light assembly having an extended handle mounted thereto. The utility light assembly has a pivotally mounted utility light, along with a pair of caster wheels. A support member is affixed to the extended handle to provide an additional point of support so the portable shop light with extended handle may be positioned in a self-stabilized and freestanding manner. An up-turned handgrip end of the extended handle facilitates placement and positioning of the portable shop light with extended handle underneath an automobile or in another low or restricted area.

Abstract: A lighting device, comprising a luminous source consisting of a LED (5) that is placed between the flanges (2,3) of a primary reflector (1), which is essentially V-shaped. A secondary reflector (7), composed of an elongated element with steps (8), runs along the extension of one of the flanges (3) of the primary reflector (1), while an elongated transparent diffuser (9) runs along the extension of the other flange (2).

Abstract: The present invention involves an apparatus for swiveling a headlamp body of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a headlamp bracket configured to receive the headlamp body to rotate the headlamp body. The headlamp bracket has a mounting stem and a first receiving port extending therefrom. An outer bracket has a receiving slot formed thereon. The receiving slot is shaped so as to receive the mounting stem to define a first axis about which the headlamp bracket rotates within the outer bracket. The outer bracket has a second receiving port extending therefrom. The first receiving port is cooperable with a first motor assembly for rotation of the headlamp bracket within the outer bracket. A plurality of sockets is attached to the outer bracket to define a second axis about which the outer bracket and headlamp bracket rotate. The second receiving port is cooperable with a second motor assembly for rotation of the outer bracket and headlamp bracket about the second axis.

Abstract: A mixer stand for supporting a mixer includes a base member, a turntable mounted for rotation on the base member, a bowl supported on the turntable, a pedestal extending generally upwardly from the base member, and a pivot head pivotally connected to an upper portion of the pedestal for receiving the mixer. A first locking mechanism is operably associated with the pivot head and the pedestal for locking the pivot head in an upright operative position and/or a tilted position. A second locking mechanism is operably associated with the pivot head and the mixer for releasably locking the mixer onto the pivot head.

Abstract: There is disclosed a chronograph mechanism capable of operating either in the conventional direct direction, or in the opposite direction to perform a countdown. The seconds counter (80) has a control finger (85) for incrementing and decrementing the minutes counter (11). In order to prevent the control finger acting at the start of a revolution of the seconds counter during a countdown, it is mounted so as to pivot on a disc (91) of the counter. Two pins (95, 96), which can be indexed and are fixed onto the disc, abut against the respective flanks of the control finger to drive it only at the end of a revolution, respectively in one direction or the other. A spring (97) keeps the finger from meshing with the transmission wheel (84) when the countdown time interval is being pre-selected.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for securing a back cover (6) to a middle part (28) of a watchcase (26), the back cover (6) having a screw thread (8) on its outer periphery, the device being characterized in that it includes an intermediate element (1) including a resilient blocking element (4) and a metal element (2) concentric to the resilient blocking element (4), this intermediate assembly being forcibly driven into the lower part of the middle part (28) of the watch (26), and the back cover (6) being screwed onto the metal element (2) so that, when the back cover (6) is completely screwed onto the metal element (2), the metal element (2) can be pivoted by sliding on the resilient blocking element (4) to a stop point from which the resilient blocking element (4) can in turn pivot by sliding on the middle part (28) of the watch (26), allowing the alignment of the back cover (6) to be adjusted with respect to the vertical 12 o'clock-6 o'clock axis of the watch (26).

Abstract: A thermocouple holder assembly for a furnace tube including a heat sink block for welding to the furnace tube, the heat sink block having a first bore therein for slidably receiving the distal end of an elongated sheathed thermocouple, the heat sink block having a hollow heat sink tube extending from the first bore for receiving a portion of the thermocouple, and a heat shield for welding to the furnace tube having walls for shielding and completely enclosing the heat sink block to shield the heat sink block from ambient heat on the exterior of the heat shield, the heat shield having a cavity therein for receipt of the heat sink block and the heat sink tube and flexible insulation material placed over the heat sink block and the heat sink tube, one of the walls having a second bore extending therethrough to the cavity for slidably receiving the thermocouple, the second bore being positioned in the heat shield wall for alignment with the heat sink tube for conveying the thermocouple through the second bore to

Abstract: A bag including two generally parallel sheets forming the main walls of the bag, complementary closure strips fixed to respective ones of the sheets, and a cursor for actuating the strips for closing and opening purposes. Parallel to the closure strips between the sheets, and level with the mouth of the bag, additional sealing structure in relief disposed on the insides of the closure strips, designed to provide sealing by forming a barrier between the sheets in the closed position of the bag, the additional sealing structure in relief being placed facing the flanks of the cursor to be urged towards their sealing position by the cursor when the cursor is moved towards the sealing position.

Abstract: A rolling guide apparatus includes a race shaft on which a rolling element rolling surface is formed in a longitudinal direction thereof, and a sliding table having an endless circulation passage. The endless circulation passage includes a load rolling surface corresponding to the rolling element rolling surface. Plural rolling elements are housed in the endless circulation passage. The sliding table has a sliding table main unit and side covers attached to respective ends of the sliding table main unit. The sliding table main unit has a load rolling surface section having the load rolling surface, and a main body section. The load rolling surface section is made from engineering ceramic. The main body section is made from machinable ceramic.

Abstract: The slide bearing is constructed of, on one hand, a hydrodyamic radial slide bearing (2) which surrounds, with a play, an axle (1) to be beared, such that between the axle (1) and the radial slide bearing (2), a first gap (9) is formed which is in connection with a source of liquid under pressure and, on the other hand, at least one hydrostatic axial slide bearing (3) which is situated with a play opposite to a radially extending surface portion (6) of the axle (1), such that also between this portion (6) of the axle (1) and a radially directed portion (12) of the axial slide bearing (3), a second gap (13) is formed which is in connection with the first gap (9).

Abstract: The invention relates to a crankshaft bearing for a motor vehicle, in which a crankshaft 1 produced from ADI (austempered ductile iron, DIN EN 1564) is supported on an engine block 2 produced from aluminum without the interposition of other components. There is very little difference between the thermal expansion coefficients between ADI and aluminum materials, ensuring that the bearing operates reliably even when there are fluctuations in temperature.

Abstract: Two bearings 3, 4 are used to rotatably support the pivot 1 with reference to a fixed shaft. The swing arm 5 is highly precisely fixed to the pivot 1. The outer diameter 4b of the outer race 4a of the lower bearing 4 is larger than the outer diameter 3b of the outer race 3a of the upper bearing 3. The end surface of the outer race 4b of the outer race 4a of the lower bearing 4 and the outer periphery 3b of the outer race 3a of the upper ball bearing 3 are used as a reference surface to fix the swing arm 5. The housing used in the prior art is eliminated from the structure according to the present invention to reduce the number of parts.

Abstract: A bearing unit for vehicle wheel support comprising a shaft having a mounting flange for vehicle wheel or suspension apparatus, a step portion formed on one end portion thereof, a first inner ring raceway directly formed thereon, and a crimped portion formed on the end side of the step portion, and an inner ring fitted onto the step portion and having a second inner ring raceway thereon, the shaft being quench hardened at least at the first inner ring raceway with the crimped portion kept as formed and without quench hardened, and the inner ring being fixed to the shaft by the crimped portion of the shaft.

Abstract: A modular and adjustable backplane assembly for providing a fiber-optics backplane interface to a plurality of router cards functioning as a data router is provided. The assembly includes a first portion having a first array of connectors for interfacing with a compatible array of second connectors engaging specific ones of the router cards, and a second portion having a second array of connectors for interfacing with a compatible array of second connectors engaging specific others of the router cards. The mechanics of the assembly enable a moveable attachment with respect to the first and second portions such that they may be positionally adjusted during mounting, and wherein external data paths are provided from individual ones of the connectors to individual others of the connectors by fiber-optic conductors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holding device for holding at least one optical plug that can be coupled with a coupling partner in an optical coupling system. According to the invention, the holding device comprises an inner holding part (11) into which the plug (3) can be locked and an outer holding part (12) in which the inner holding part (11) is arranged so as to be rotatable and laterally displaceable. The holding device enables a coupling of an optical plug with a coupling partner even for the case in which the coupling partner is situated with an imprecise position.

Abstract: A ferrule is provided that has an exterior surface that can be defined with sufficient precision to serve as a datum during subsequent polishing operations. The ferrule includes first and second ferrule body portions that are joined along a parting line. The first ferrule body portion has a first width and the second ferrule body portion has a second width that is less than the first width, such as by at least 50 microns. In addition, the width of the first ferrule body portion is defined to be within a first tolerance, while the width of the second ferrule body is defined to be within a second tolerance that is larger than the first tolerance. As such, the first ferrule body portion is not only larger than the second ferrule body portion, but the first ferrule body portion is also more precisely defined. Thus, only one portion of the ferrule of the present invention needs to be precisely defined. A mold for forming the ferrule and a method of fabricating the ferrule are also provided.

Abstract: The capillary for optical fiber has an inner hole allowing an optical fiber to be inserted and retained therein. Ra value of the surface roughness of the inner hole is 0.1 &mgr;m to 0.5 &mgr;m. The ferrule for optical connector is provided with a chamfered part on one end of the capillary for optical fiber for guiding it into a sleeve and a flared part on the other end of the capillary for optical fiber for guiding the optical fiber into the inner hole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and use of information exchange between processing solution supply cartridges that are placed on a small processing machine and a controller that is used to operate the machine. In a feature of the present invention, the controller is adapted to control the operation of the processing machine based on the residual volume of processing solution in the cartridge. That is, the controller is adapted to compare the residual volume of processing solution in the supply cartridge to the amount of processing solution needed to process a specific roll of loaded film and control processing accordingly.

Abstract: An image forming device which automatically manages temperature and humidity for stably processing a photosensitive material. A temperature sensor and a humidity sensor sense changes in temperature and humidity within a heat developing section of the image forming device. A temperature regulator computes an optimal temperature and heating time in accordance with results of sensing, and controls a heating section and conveying of the photosensitive material.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides for a printing device which is connectable to a computer. The printing device includes a user interface which includes a primary user interface button. When the printing device is not connected to the computer and the primary user interface button is actuated in an intended manner, the printing device prints a demonstration page. However, when the printing device is connected to the computer then the printing device is configured to detect the presence of the computer, and to perform a function defined within the computer when the primary user interface button is actuated in the intended manner.

Abstract: A button apparatus with dual elastic elements includes a base, a key top located above the base, an elevation mechanism, and a complex elastic unit. The elevation mechanism is used to execute lifting and lowering operation between the base and the key top. The complex elastic unit, positioned between the base and the key top for providing resilience to the button apparatus, further includes a lower elastic element mounted on the base and an upper elastic element mounted under the key top. When the button apparatus is operated, an S-shaped resilience pattern can be provided by the complex elastic unit to generate a two-step punch feeling back to the user. Thereby, controllability of the button apparatus can be enhanced.

Abstract: An improved structure of a pen is disclosed. The casing is provided with a conic casing at the top portion and having two protruded pegs. The cap mounting for capping onto the conic casing is provided with an upper circular groove and a lower circular groove at the inner edge of the cap mounting. A vertical sliding rail is provided at the side of the circular groove. The interior of the casing is mounted with a compression spring and a refill and the upper portion of the conic casing is mounted onto the compression spring and is positioned within the cap mounting. The protruded pegs are in combination with the upper circular groove and the lower circular groove so that the rotating of the casing will retracting or extending out the refill for writing.

Abstract: A writing instrument equipped with an exchangeable inner pen filled with an ink containing a solvent having a vapor pressure of 1 to 50 mm Hg (20° C.) in a writing instrument main body which is a barrel part, wherein the inner pen described above has a pen tip comprising a fiber feeder or a plastic feeder, and the above pen tip is coated with a substance having a vaporization-inhibiting action in an amount of 0.01 to 20% by weight in terms of a weight ratio based on the pen tip. It is more effective to further add a substance having a vaporization-inhibiting action to the ink. The substance having a vaporization-inhibiting action includes glycerin derivatives, polyoxyethylenesorbit fatty acid esters, alkyl phosphates, waxes and lecithin.

Abstract: For ring binders of externally fitted types it is an essential requirement that they do not interfere with the turning of loose leaves. Conventional binders have had too broad backbone plates supporting binder rings to permit smooth turning of the leaves. The invention provides a loose-leaf binder a loose-leaf binder comprising an elongate first backbone plate having a plurality of first binder half-rings formed at given intervals upright along its outer edge, and a second backbone plate having a plurality of second binder half-rings formed at given intervals upright along its edge opposite to that of the first backbone plate. The first and second backbone plates are adapted to be combined to close the first and second half-rings to form complete binder rings.

Abstract: In a binder such as a window binder having two opaque thermoplastic sheets sandwiching therebetween front and rear panels and a spine panel and an outer clear thermoplastic panel forming a window over at least the spine, the outer surface of the spine panel has a depression formed in it such that the spine is thicker or otherwise raised near its vertical edges, and thinner or otherwise depressed between the raised portions. The opaque sheet covering the outward face of the spine panel is sufficiently flexible so as to deflect inwardly into the depression in the spine panel. The deflection of the thermoplastic sheet into the spine depression allows a spine label to be inserted into the pocket between the thermoplastic sheet with relatively little force.

Abstract: A bearing shell for ball-and-socket joints or ball sleeve joints is provided with an inner hollow spherically designed bearing surface (3). The bearing shell has an outer cylindrically designed support surface with which the bearing shell can be inserted into a joint housing. The bearing shell has a multipart design with at least two shell parts (1, 2), which can be detachably coupled with one another by a clamping device (6, 8). The parting plane between the half shells extends in the direction of the central longitudinal axis (10) of the bearing shell.

Abstract: A connector includes first and second engagable components for mounting on an implement and a handle. The first component has a boss formed with an internal socket and an outer peripheral surface surrounding the socket, and the second component includes an insert member, a sleeve member which is independent of the insert member, and parts for interengaging the insert and sleeve members when the insert member is received in the sleeve member. The insert member has an insert portion engagable within an opening in the end of the handle and a spigot portion adapted to fit within the internal socket of the boss. The sleeve member has a first portion engagable with the external surface of the end of the handle, and a second portion engagable with the outer peripheral surface of the first component.

Abstract: Each one of telescopic units (12) that are used for a tripod includes a first tubular member (15). A second tubular member (16) is inserted in the first tubular member (15) so as to be capable of rotating circumferentially and enabling the adjustment of the distance by which the second tubular member (16) projects from the first tubular member (15). Press receiving surface portions (25) having a cross section which has an arc-shaped surface such that the center axis of the arc extends in parallel with the center axis of the first tubular member (15) are formed on the inner cylindrical surface of the first tubular member (15). Press applying surface portions (37) having a cross section which has an arc-shaped surface such that the center axis of the arc extends in parallel with the center axis of the second tubular member (16) are formed on the outer cylindrical surface of the second tubular member (16).

Abstract: A joint (40) for joining a first metal sheet (10) to a second metal sheet (30) comprises a plurality of deformable projections (14) on an edge (12) of the first metal sheet (10). Each deformable projection (14) has an aperture (16) therethrough to form two sides (18,20) and a deformable head (22). The sides (18,20) have dogs (24,26). A plurality of slots (32) are provided through the second metal sheet (30). The deformable projections (14) extend through the slots (32) in the second metal sheet (30). The deformable projections (14) are deformed such that the head (22) of the deformable projection (14) expands the dogs (18,20) of the deformable projections (14) beyond the sides (34,36) of the slots (32) to prevent withdrawal of the deformable projections (14) from the slots (32) in the second ductile sheet (30).

Abstract: An improved female splined member includes a female tubular member having an inner surface provided with a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves that are sized and spaced in accordance with a desired number and position of splines to be formed. A plurality of elongate rods is disposed in respective longitudinally extending grooves formed in the inner surface of the female tubular member. A quantity of positioning material is provided within spaces provided between the elongate rods and the longitudinally extending grooves. The positioning material is hardened to support the elongate rods in the longitudinally extending grooves to define a plurality of inwardly extending splines in the female splined member. An improved method for manufacturing a female splined member includes the initial step of providing a female tubular member having an inner surface provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced, longitudinally extending grooves.

Abstract: A cladding for a partially-overhanging substrate, such as a tunnel wall which comprises in sequence, from the tunnel wall, a drainage means, a sprayed polymeric membrane and a final layer of concrete. The cladding gives an effective cladding in conditions where the tunnel walls suffer from running water at the time of cladding, is easier to apply and requires less material.

Abstract: A pipeline laying ship has a hull with a deck area and a moon pool that extends through the hull midships. The pipeline welding stations are provided on the deck in between the bow of the hull and the moon pool. A superstructure is positioned in front of the moon pool and extends upwardly from the deck. The superstructure includes a track that is comprised of a plurality of supports for supporting a pipeline to be launched to the seabed. The superstructure has upper and lower sections that are removable with respect to each other. The upper section pivots upon the lower section in the preferred embodiment. The superstructure lower section supports the welded pipeline as it is being fabricated in a first plane that includes a central longitudinal axis for the pipeline. The upper section supports the pipeline on a second plane that forms an acute angle with the first plane.

Abstract: A pipe lay vessel with a reel for carrying a length of pipe and first drive part for controlling rotation of the reel. A substantially vertical guide structure includes at its upper end a deflection member for deflecting the pipe from a first trajectory extending between the reel and the guide structure to a second, substantially vertical trajectory. A clamping member carries the vertical pipe section and has second drive for feeding the pipe along the vertical trajectory. A movable tension compensator (7) is provided at the first pipe trajectory for lengthening or shortening the first pipe trajectory to maintain a substantially constant tension of the pipe along the first trajectory during unwinding of the reel.

Abstract: An impactor for use with a directional boring machine for replacement of underground pipes includes a bursting head having a rearwardly opening recess and a front end opening that communicates with the recess. An inlet pipe is connected at its front end to a distal end of the drill string and extends into the recess of the bursting head through the front end opening. A striker is mounted for sliding movement along the inlet pipe, and a distributing mechanism responsive to pressure fluid supplied through the drill string and inlet pipe causes the striker to reciprocate in the rearwardly opening recess of the head to deliver forward impacts against the bursting head. The striker and distributing mechanism are mounted in a tubular housing, and a pulling connection is provided by which the impactor can be pulled by the drill string while the striker is delivering impacts against the head in the same direction as a pulling force exerted by the drill string.

Abstract: A floating platform with motion characteristics for offshore deepwater developments with vertical axial symmetry and decoupling of hydrodynamic design features. A motion-damping skirt (120) is provided around the base of the hull (1), which is configured to provide ease of installation for various umbilicals and risers. A retractable center assembly (300) is used in a lowered position to adjust the center of gravity and metacentric height, reducing wind loads and moments on the structure, providing lateral areas for damping and volume for added mass for roll resistance. The center assembly (300) is used to tune system response in conjunction with the hull damping skirt (120) and fins (121). The center assembly (300) also includes separators (350) below the floating platform deck which serve to add stability to the floating structure by shifting the center of gravity downward, the separators (350) capable of being raised and lowered vertical separators alone or as a unit.

Abstract: A retaining wall with stacked courses of concrete modules, each module having an upright front wall, two upright lateral walls, and a bottom wall. Each lateral wall has a front edge adjoining the front wall, a back edge spaced from the front edge, and upright ribs extending in-wardly outwardly from the lateral wall. The upright ribs are spaced equally from the front wall. Each lateral wall also has a provision for receiving a batten which, if pulled backwardly, bears against the upright ribs. A geogrid is anchored to the modules by the batten.

Abstract: A cutting tool is provided which comprises a curved cutting edge at a nose, a pair of straight cutting edges between which the nose is located, and a chamfer extending along the curved cutting edge and the straight cutting edges so as to form a curved ridge at a junction of a portion of the chamfer extending along the curved cutting edge and a tool face. A portion of the chamfer increases in width from a junction of the curved cutting edge and each of the straight cutting edges to a midpoint of the curved cutting edge when observed in plan.