Abstract: A water-purifying device has both a strainer and water purification materials, as well as an inlet and outlet. In the preferred embodiment, the water purification materials are contained within a separable purifier housing, and a deflector extending from a support plate into a strainer housing deflects incoming water to the purification materials. The device has particular application to claimed methods of purifying water for swimming pools, spas, cooling towers, fountains and the like. The purifier housing may be an attachment to existing pump inlet strainer basket housings.

Abstract: A microporous insulation material contains an ingredient which exhibits a phase transition and functions to maintain temperatures attained by an object shielded by the microporous insulation material, during exposure of the microporous insulation material to a high temperature environment, at an acceptable level over a given period of time. The insulation material is especially suitable for insulating flight data and voice recorder systems. The microporous insulation material contains inorganic particulate material; endothermic compounds, an opacifier, inorganic fiber and preferably, a dry resin binder. The inorganic particulate material can comprise only hydrophilic material or both hydrophilic and hydrophobic material.

Abstract: Interactive, computer-activated games or other activities are disclosed. Included among the disclosed embodiments are systems employing not only a computer program, but also a ticket that, if a "winner," must be modified prior to redemption to include information gleaned by executing the program. The ticket additionally may include an activation code for input into the computer program.

Abstract: This invention provides an accessory for an automatic pool cleaner, to increase the randomness of movement of a suction head of the pool cleaner, and a method therefor. The method comprises looping a section of the cleaner hose and allowing the hose sections leading up to the loop to vary in length. Particularly, the hose section leading from the pump to the loop is varied. The accessory comprises two connection parts, one for connection to each respective section of hose to form the necessary hose loop. Preferably one of the parts is slidable along the hose length to enable the hose to vary its length. The sliding action of the hose occurs between two stops in the length of the hose, and a pawl mechanism is provided to enable the slide to occur in one direction towards a stop. Contact with the stop causes the pawl mechanism to switch over and slide the hose in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A water purifier includes a housing that contains a purification material for purifying the water. The water purifier is placed a flow of circulating water in the spa. The purification material preferably can be a silver-containing material.

Abstract: Wheeled vehicle which automatically changes travel direction when it meets an obstacle and which includes two independent front driving wheels; two obstacle-detection units located on the front of the vehicle at each side; a transmission mechanism for each driving wheel from a motor shaft through a mechanism for reversing the direction of rotation; and a connection mechanism placed between each obstacle-detection unit and the transmission mechanism for each driving wheel located on the opposite side; the obstacle-detection units and connection mechanisms being arranged in such a manner that, when the vehicle meets an obstacle, the detection unit or units actuated by the obstacle act through the corresponding connection mechanisms so as to actuate the direction-reversing mechanism, and to have the rotation of the driving wheel pass from the forward direction to the rear direction.

Abstract: The invention features a water purifier for purifying water in a pool having a volume less than about 13,500 gallons. In general, the water purifier has a threaded fitting that allows it to be removably-attached to a water-exchange fitting, preferably on the side of the pool. The water purifier contains a purification material for purifying the water. The purification material preferably can be a silver-containing material.

Abstract: Automatic swimming pool cleaning systems are disclosed. The systems include an automatic swimming pool cleaner incorporating one or more curved wipers protruding from its lower surface. The wipers and flat bottom of the cleaner induce a vortex as fluid flows to its central inlet, entraining debris in the flow. A fluted throat surrounding the inlet additionally assists the interior of the base of the cleaner in retaining debris when opened for cleaning, additionally providing an improved flow path for enhanced debris pick-up. Also disclosed is a valve useful for controlling and indicating the rate of fluid flow to a cleaner. Included within the valve is a plunger attached to a spring, with the spring force opposing fluid flow through the valve. Flow sufficient to overcome the spring force compresses the spring, however, thereby moving the plunger within the tube and providing a dynamic indication of the rate of fluid flow.

Abstract: A system in which mass quantities of liquids may be stored in a substantially frozen state, portions thawed for dispensing, and any undispensed thawed portions rechilled for further storage is disclosed. The system includes a tank with a substantially bell-shaped, or flared, interior, the flaring of the tank surface combining with force of gravity to detach frozen material for dispensing. Separate temperature control sections allow selected areas of the tank to be heated or cooled as necessary, moreover, and distinct reservoirs of heat-transfer liquid (such as glycol) may be used for heating versus cooling the tank.

Abstract: A flash device has a flash tube which generates light in response to electrical energy. The amount of light emitted by the flash tube is monitored by a circuit which is connected to means for adjusting the electrical energy supplied to said flash tube when a predetermined amount of light has been emitted to thereby increase the effective life span of the flash tube and maintain intensity level of the flash tube within a given tolerance.

Abstract: Techniques and retinoscopic apparatus for measuring or determining a patient's optical error are disclosed. The techniques include overrefraction and can be performed from a fixed position, avoiding the practitioner's need to move back and forth relative to the patient's eye. Equipment associated with the apparatus is adapted to record the location of the retinoscope slide (relative to its upper or lower position) during the examination to provide information concerning the optical error present in the patient's eye. Other associated equipment can include discs of spherical lenses and devices for limiting relative movement of components of the retinoscopic apparatus. Alternatively, the apparatus may include a scale graduated in suitable units for determining the patient's optical error.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for subjectively (and in some cases at least partially objectively) determining the proper positioning of progressive power or other corrective lenses are disclosed. The apparatus includes a target such as a small fiber optic or other light source and one or more marking rods which may be activated by the patient (or, in some cases, by the practitioner). While wearing pre-fitted frames and fixating on a remote target, the patient (or practitioner) places the light source against or immediately adjacent the exterior surface of the simulated or other lens within either of the frames and positions the light so that it is centered in the patient's line of sight. Once the light is centered the marking rod is activated which contacts, and marks, the exterior surface of the lens.