Abstract: Disclosed is a boiler apparatus useful for the heating of living and working spaces. The disclosed boiler apparatus incorporates a burner element and controller element that cooperate to provide a modulated firing rate. The modulated firing rate serves to increase the efficiency of the disclosed boiler apparatus. The boiler apparatus of the invention incorporates a heat exchanger and a combustion system. In operation, the control element collects and analyzes information from a multiplicity of sensors in order to modulate the firing rate of the burner element so as to maintain a selected output temperature for the water being heated. This monitoring activity by the control element also avoids short cycling of the boiler apparatus of the invention. The boiler apparatus of the invention also includes an indicator light that provides a visual indication the invention's operational status.

Abstract: A venting apparatus being used in for the ventilation of roof structures. The venting apparatus includes at least two side panels in juxtaposition to each other. A series of support elements hold the side panels at a selected height. Channels between the support elements permit the movement of air from the ambient external environment to the inside of the architectural structure on which the venting apparatus is positioned. A mesh side element extends between the support elements and provides both a baffle to the movement of air and a mechanical barrier to the infiltration of large airborne materials, animals, and birds.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composite material and a method for the manufacture thereof. The disclosed material includes a layer of polymeric material in substantially continuous surface-to-surface contact with a layer of cementitious material. The composite material can be used as both a planar tactile warning and as a subunit in the construction of three dimensional structures. The external surface of the polymeric material can be configured, i.e., textured or smoothed, as needed for a given application.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for the continuous remediation of a site contaminated with a hazardous substance. The remediation apparatus includes a material selectively permeable to the hazardous substance located at the site. Once isolated, the hazardous substance is removed to a remote vessel by utilization of an automated gas-injection system. The remediation apparatus also incorporates a valve configured to protect the system from detrimental, and potentially dangerous, overloadings of hazardous substances.

Abstract: An alarm apparatus includes two sensor circuits. One of the circuits is configured to emit an audible warning upon the sensing of an adverse condition. The other circuit functions to scan for a radio signal and, when one is detected, transmit a further radio signal. The apparatus can be used alone or together with a series of other similar apparatuses to create a warning system. When used as part of a system, once one apparatus is activated due to the existence of, for example, a fire, the apparatuses produce a alarm signal and transmit a radio signal. Transmission of the subsequent radio signal is sensed by the other apparatuses of the system which, in a cascade fashion, also become activated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for the continuous remediation of a site contaminated with a hazardous substance. The remediation apparatus includes a material selectively permeable to the hazardous substance located at the site. Once isolated, the hazardous substance is removed to a remote vessel by mechanical means or by utilization of an gas-injection system. The invention also contemplates a valve configured to protect remediation apparatuses from detrimental overloadings of hazardous substances during a remediation procedure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for the continuous remediation of a site contaminated with a hazardous substance. The remediation apparatus includes a material selectively permeable to the hazardous substance located at the site. Once isolated, the hazardous substance is removed to a remote vessel by mechanical means or by utilization of an gas-injection system. The invention also contemplates a valve configured to protect remediation apparatuses from detrimental overloadings of hazardous substances during a remediation procedure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a structural material having a lattice configuration. In one embodiment of the invention, the structural material is manufactured by weaving a continuous wire filament on a loom assembly. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the structural material is formed using substrate sheets that are machined or molded into a desired configuration. The structural material of the invention can be used alone or layered to form a multi-laminate material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a structural material having a wire lattice configuration. The structural material can manufactured by first weaving a continuous wire filament on a loom assembly. Once woven into arrays of parallel wires, the filament is fixed in position and cut into segments. The segments are then placed in a rig. The rig positions the segments at relative angles so as to form a matrix or mesh. In the final step of the manufacturing process, the wires are welded together using, for example, a forge press. Alternatively, the material can be formed by first holding wire segments in a pair of rigs and then sequentially welding the wire segments together. The structural material of the invention can be used alone or layered to form a multilaminate material.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for strengthening the muscles of the upper body and arms includes a handle means, a connecting means, and a bias means or counterweight system. The connecting means is telescopically positioned within the handle means. The bias means, or counterweight system, provides the resistive force desired during a work-out period.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the attachment of siding to an architectural structure. The apparatus of the invention is characterized by a longitudinally extending gage member, a first element for engaging a first piece of siding, a second element for engaging a second piece of siding, and a handle element. In operation, the element for engaging the first piece of siding is adjusted using the gage member as a guide. Once adjusted as desired, the apparatus is placed in abutting contact with a first course of siding previously attached to an architectural structure. Next, a board making up a second course of siding is positioned in the element for engaging the second piece of siding. In the final step of the procedure, the board positioned in the element for engaging the second piece of siding is attached to the architectural structure.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for strengthening the muscles of the upper body and arms includes a handle means, a connecting means, and a bias means or counterweight system. The connecting means is telescopically positioned within the handle means. The bias means, or counterweight system, provides the resistive force desired during a work-out period.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adapter apparatus useful in conjunction with recording systems employing tape cassettes. The apparatus includes a first and second element for operatively engaging the tape drive element of a tape recorder/playback apparatus, a compartment sized to receive a smaller tape cassette, a magnetic head, and an element connecting the magnetic head of the adapter apparatus to the magnetic head of the tape recorder/playback apparatus. The adapter is configured such that when a smaller cassette is positioned within the compartment the entire apparatus can be substantially flush-mounted in a tape recorder/playback apparatus, that is, the overall profile of the adapter remains unchanged whether or not a smaller cassette is positioned in it.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tensioning apparatus and method for creating and maintaining a substantially constant tension force in a flexible cable or shaft element. The apparatus used for maintaining the flexible cable at a constant tension includes interconnected reel and camming elements joined to a resiliently acting element. The reel and camming elements cooperate to adjust a variable tension force produced by the resiliently acting element to a substantially constant tension force of selected characteristic in the flexible cable.