Abstract: In a water distribution system having a number of first water pipes and second water pipes connected to the first water pipes by connections in which the second water pipe is connected to the side of the first water pipe, a method of preventing the build-up of sludge in the first water pipe. The method consists of the steps of: disconnecting the second water pipe from the first water pipe; and reconnecting the second water pipe to the first water pipe so that the second water pipe is connected to the bottom of the first water pipe. An apparatus preventing the build-up of sludge in the first water pipe consists of a connection from the bottom of the first water pipe to the second water pipe. A method of preventing the build-up of sludge in the first water pipe consists of the steps of disconnecting the second water pipe from the first water pipe; and reconnecting the second water pipe to the first water pipe so that the second water pipe is connected eccentrically to the first water pipe.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for carving a uniformly carved portion and a variably carved portion in a workpiece in a single pass. The apparatus consists of a uniform carving head fixed relative to the workpiece and a variable carving head that is movable simultaneously in two directions substantially perpendicular to the motion of the workpiece. A control system, which may include a programmable computer, controls the motion of the variable carving head.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for carving a uniformly carved portion and a variably carved portion in a workpiece in a single pass. The apparatus consists of a uniform carving head fixed relative to the workpiece and a variable carving head that is movable simultaneously in two directions substantially perpendicular to the motion of the workpiece. A control system, which may include a programmable computer, controls the motion of the variable carving head.

Abstract: For use with a city water system having a plurality of street water mains interconnected by branch water mains and having hydrants connected to the branch water mains, a city water flushing and sludge prevention method consisting the steps of: inserting a sludge-prevention control valve into a branch water main between two street water mains and closer to one of the two street water mains; the sludge-prevention control valve in the closed position preventing water from flowing through the branch water main from the closer street water main during a flushing operations, whereby all water flows through the branch water main from the more distant street water main and thereby flushes the portion of the branch water main between the sludge-prevention control valve and the more distant street water main; and an optional control mechanism adapted to close and open the sludge-prevention control valve. The control mechanism can utilize any power source such as electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, etc.

Abstract: For use with a city water system having a plurality of street water mains interconnected by branch water mains and having hydrants connected to the branch water mains, a city water flushing and sludge prevention apparatus consisting of: a sludge-prevention control valve insertable into a branch water main between two street water mains and closer to one of the two street water mains; the sludge-prevention control valve in the closed position preventing water from flowing through the branch water main from the closer street water main during a flushing operation, whereby all water flows through the branch water main from the more distant street water main and thereby flushes the portion of the branch water main between the sludge-prevention control valve and the more distant street water main; and a control mechanism adapted to close and open the sludge-prevention control valve.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for urging proper breathing. The apparatus comprises an oral barrier placed in or over the mouth having an air impervious layer to prevent airflow into the mouth and through an oral air passageway. The oral barrier may also have an appendage extending into the mouth to engage the tongue and teeth. The apparatus may also comprise a mouth closer urging the mouth into the closed position to prevent the entry of air through the mouth and into the oral passageway. The mouth closer further secures the tongue in the mouth.

Abstract: A curved machining jig for machining a curved workpiece having an arcuate shaped centerline, the curved machining jig comprising a table having a rotatably mounted column extending perpendicular from the table, the column rotating on a first axis perpendicular to the table, an arm attached to and extending from the column, a drive portion on the arm, a tool attachment and a workpiece attachment supported above the table, the curved workpiece removably retained by the workpiece attachment, a machining tool on the tool attachment, a means for moving the drive arm causing the arm to rotate about the column engaging the workpiece and the machining tool to perform a curved machining operation on the workpiece.

Abstract: An orbiting piston combustion engine includes a toroidal cylindrical block with a continuous toroidal cylinder within the block. Within the cylinder is a continuously orbiting piston assembly which includes a compression piston with a compression chamber therebehind in the direction of rotation within the cylinder and a power piston with a combustion chamber therebehind in the direction of rotation within the cylinder. A power transfer mechanism is engageable with the continuously orbiting piston assembly for power transfer from the engine.