Abstract: Equipment supports having irregular lower surface disclosed. Ridges protruding from the lower surface of support (if present) displace soil in use, while recesses in the surface (if present) tend to collect or accumulate the soil. The surface features effectively lock the support in position relative to the ground, inhibiting lateral and rotational movement of the base after the equipment is mounted. In some embodiments, ridges of one pad fit within recesses of another when the pair is stacked with their bottom surfaces in contact, thereby reducing the volume needed to transport the pads between locations.

Abstract: Support systems for vessels such as above-ground swimming pools are disclosed. Each system may include one or more buttresses adapted to support substantially the entire vertical height of the side wall or each of a series of side walls of the pool. The buttresses, which flare along their lengths, closely match the support they provide each side wall to the outward water pressure present along its height for enhanced reliability. The diminished space required for installation of the disclosed buttresses reduces the surface area required for their associated pool.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus for cleaning swimming pools or other vessels are disclosed. Exemplary systems may include an automatic swimming pool cleaner adapted not only to filter debris from water mechanically, but to dispense water sanitizing chemicals as well. Fluid drawn into the cleaner in operation contacts or otherwise passes through media containing the chemicals, purifying the fluid at least partially within the cleaner itself.

Abstract: A cable suspension clamp is provided comprising a roller capable in use of rotating as a cable is drawn across it, and securing means comprising a length of material having a central locking portion adapted to engage the roller and a pair of helical arms adapted to be intertwined with, and grip, the cable once the cable is in extended position. Using this clamp it is possible to mount a plurality of rollers along the intended path of the cable, draw cable over the rollers, and secure the cable to the rollers without having to remove the rollers as is conventional practice.

Abstract: Indicators of incremental brush wear are disclosed. Versions of the indicators may comprise signal wire assemblies embedded in brushes so that they continuously contact rotating components of electrical machines. Each such wire assembly typically is chosen so that its nominal electrical resistance differs from that of its corresponding brush, while its mechanical properties remain similar to those of the brush.

Abstract: A method for printing a scrambled image and decoding mechanism in registration one on top of the other. The decoding mechanism is not immediately apparent upon inspection. A person decodes the scrambled image by exposing the decoding mechanism.

Abstract: A flow-through water purification method and device, the device having an inlet, an outlet, first and second internal chambers, and water purification materials in the two chambers. In one aspect, water flowing through the first chamber does not flow through the second chamber, and water flowing through the second chamber does not flow through the first chamber. The water purification material in the first chamber is restricted from contacting the water purification material in the second chamber. In a preferred embodiment the two materials are a silver-containing material and an oxidizing material such as chlorine, the device being used to treat pool water. Flow regulation means in the form of selectable output orifice areas are disclosed.

Abstract: A label comprised of at least two coupled plies is disclosed that incorporates a removable game on the inside face of an outer ply. The outer ply is adhered to an inner ply along two of its edges. The game piece, which is printed to the inside face of an outer ply between the two adhered edges of the outer ply, is removable from the label by sequentially tearing the game piece from the two edges. A suitable label construction is further disclosed in which the game piece incorporates removable scratch off coatings.

Abstract: A support or pad for equipment, especially electrical transformers, is disclosed. The pad is designed to permit multi-directional access to its underside; consequently, it need not be positioned specially once a transformer is mounted to it, but rather is accessible in almost any upright orientation to the tines of a fork-lift truck. In some embodiments the tine-receiving recesses do not abut an opening for electrical cables attached to the transformer, the opening instead being bordered by sections of the full depth of the pad. The multiple recesses of the pad thus fail to communicate with the opening, blocking any path along the underside from the periphery of the pad to the cable opening itself.

Abstract: Dual electric/gas heating in a crucible melting furnace with segmental lining, and lining and segments of linings for same, are disclosed.

Abstract: Device for attaching an oar (3) to the peripheral inflatable cushion (1) of an inflatable dinghy, characterized in that it comprises: a base (5) secured to the inflatable cushion (1) and having a retaining head (7), and a fastener (4) comprising, on the one hand, a mounting root shaped to complement the retaining head (7) so that it can be clipped removably onto this head and, on the other hand, above the said root, a ring (11) that can be deformed elastically in the radial direction and is shaped to grip tightly and elastically around the shaft (12) of an oar (3).