Abstract: A water closet fitting installation assembly for installation and optional testing of a water closet fitting within a poured, permanently set floor. The assembly permits the fitting to be rapidly and efficiently installed flush with the floor surface, without risk of fouling the drainage system or blocking drainage of water from the system with slopped or mispoured floor material such as concrete; facilitates mounting and placement of a water closet stool. Optionally the system further facilitates pressure testing of the drain system after the fitting has been installed, without the necessity of placing permanent structures or other blockages in the drain system.

Abstract: A water closet fitting comprising a removable test baffle allows a water closet drain system to be tested for fluid tight integrity after the fitting has been installed in a poured, permanently set floor such as concrete. The test baffle is removably attached to the fitting, preferably by interfering fit between the test baffle and the fitting, for efficient installation, and comprises means for removing the baffle entirely from the fitting and the drain system after the completed system has been permanently installed and successfully tested. A preferred embodiment of the baffle is flexible, has a diameter greater than that of the central drain system, and comprises a central dome to enhance its pressure resistant characteristics. The flexibility of the baffle allows it to be removed through the installed drain system after the system has been tested successfully.

Abstract: Fully oxidized cutback asphalts suitable for application in roofing, waterproofing, and sealing applications in all weather conditions, including as mastics and other sealants. Compositions according to the invention comprise unprecedented proportions of solids and asphalts yet remain workable to temperatures as low as 20.degree. F. or below. In addition to fully-oxidized roofing-grade asphalts, preferred compositions according to the invention also comprise hydrophobic agents selected from the group comprising fatty acids and amine compounds and may be applied in rain or other wet conditions, and include polybutene to control the glass transition temperature of the completed mastic and thereby permit application of the composition at extremely low temperatures. Preferred embodiments optionally also comprise fillers such as cellulose fibers, diatomaceous earth, limestone, and asbestos for various advantageous purposes.

Abstract: An improved system for the non-destructive testing of the fluid tight integrity of an installed fluid transfer line such as a drain pipe or vent and wastewater system of a building. A removable test baffle is held in place between ends of adjacent sections of an installed fluid transfer line to isolate a portion of the line for testing. The test system comprises a baffle carriage, a removable test baffle, and a sleeve adapted to engage the outer surfaces of the adjacent sections to seal the junction and the test installation from leaking and optionally to provide one or more gaskets between the section ends and the baffle carriage. In optional preferred embodiments of the test system the baffle carriage is an integral part of the sleeve. Preferred baffles for use with the invention are flexible, of larger diameter than the fluid line, and comprise dual-gasket sealing means and means for removal of the baffles from either side of the test seal.

Abstract: The group of inventions pertains to rocket technology, in particular guided rockets, and can be used in various types and classes of rocket with lattice control surfaces, and in the rocket control surfaces. The rocket is of a standard aerodynamic design and comprises a body (1) with a motor assembly, a guidance and control system apparatus, fixed wings (2) and movable lattice control surfaces (3) of a control system, said control surfaces being spaced evenly on the outer body along the latter's longitudinal axis. In the reinforcement frame, side members (18, 19) are designed so as to narrow towards the end region of the control surface; the root surface (22) is broader than the end surface (23), the thickness of the lattice planes (24, 25) narrowing either continuously or in steps towards the end region.

Abstract: A dehydration apparatus and process utilizing a closed system are provided and enable substantial dehydration of biological products while enabling retention of the essential flavor and fragrance of the natural product. The apparatus comprises a heat exchanger and dehydration chamber connected in closed fashion by appropriate conduits or ducting. Appropriate blowers are provided, as are controls for the system parameters of the dehydration process.

Abstract: An improved system for the non-destructive testing of the fluid tight integrity of an installed fluid transfer line such as a drain pipe or vent and wastewater system of a building. A removable test baffle is installed in a seat extending radially into the sidewall of a pipe or other fluid transfer line to isolate an installed portion of the fluid line for testing. The test baffle comprises a pair of gaskets to improve the effectiveness of the baffle in sealing or isolating the line and a domed central web to facilitate testing at increased pressures. The test baffle optionally further includes a lightweight, low cost ribbed construction and a means for removing the baffle from either the convex or concave side of the dome without leaving behind any portion of the baffle to impair fluid flow within the line. On removal, the baffle is flexed into a saddle shape and removed from the line without need for dismantlement of the line.

Abstract: An emergency vehicle traction device for improving the traction of an automobile wheel having laterally communicating hub apertures. The device comprises a traction member preferably comprising a chain for improvement of the wheel's traction, a flexible rope or strap for wrapping around the inside of the wheel and through a hub aperture, and a novel fastener member for holding the traction device in place on the wheel. The fastener member comprises one or more rope binding channels and one or more rope binder adapted to bind a free end of the rope member, and thereby to hold the traction device securely in place. A preferred embodiment of the traction device further comprises a retrieval tool adapted to pass through the hub aperture and to draw the free end of the rope through the wheel by engaging an eye provided on the free end of the rope. No more than two or three traction devices according to the disclosure are needed to move a vehicle out of even the worst predicaments.

Abstract: Product and method for making an asphaltic emulsion enjoying the weather-resistant and durability advantages of a fully-oxidized asphaltic base. Preferred compositions according to the invention comprise a fully-oxidized asphalt having a softening point of between about 110.degree. F. and about 160.degree. F. and a slurry, the slurry comprising water, a colloidal clay (preferably bentonite clay), barium chloride, and citric acid. Optionally sodium dichromate, fillers such as cellulose fibers, and biocidal agents are added as well. The method for making such asphalts comprises oxidation of a flux asphalt in an air still, preparation of the slurry, and combination of the oxidized asphalt and the slurry in a high speed mixing machine such as a colloidal mill.

Abstract: Process and composition for styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) block copolymer modified asphalt mixtures for use in roofing, sealing, paving, and waterproofing membranes. Powdered and pelletized SEBS is added to oxidized or unoxidized asphalt flux in high-shear processes, and is applied in hot and ambient uses such as cutbacks and emulsions, with or without added fillers, fibers, or other additives.

Abstract: A multipurpose tool and a method for indoor or outdoor gardening, planting, and soil working are disclosed. The tool and method incorporate the capabilities of scooping, cutting, scraping, loosening, working, furrowing, trenching, digging, removing, and replacing kitchen commodities, household dirt or garden soil; of setting and removing plants; of weeding; of scraping, emptying, or cleaning planters, pots, and other kitchen or gardening containers, especially those having tight corners; and of cutting and removing plant roots and other obstacles found in or around soil. Preferred embodiments of the tool aspect of the invention provide a generally dished blade with a highly curved, offset pointed tip. Serrated blade edges for cutting of roots and other obstacles or debris are optionally provided. The method includes a procedure for loosening, furrowing, digging, and excavating soil with a single tool.

Abstract: A multifunction head apparel is disclosed and configurable into a variety of protective forms to provide varying degrees of protection of a user's head and face from the surrounding environment. The accessory is characterized as having a hood portion which defines a face opening sufficient in size so as to permit a head to extend there through, and a neck portion wherein the neck portion has a proximal portion adjacent to the hood portion and a distal portion terminating at a neck opening. The length of the neck portion is sufficient to permit full coverage of the neck when the neck opening is involuted to terminate at or near the mid point of the face opening, thereby forming a dual layer of material surrounding the neck. In this manner, a single accessory can be configured to provide a hood with or without a face mask; a neck tube, with or without a face mask; and a hat.

Abstract: Process and composition for styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) block copolymer modified asphalt mixtures for use in roofing, sealing, paving, and waterproofing membranes. A plasticized SEBS compound is added to oxidized or unoxidized asphalt flux in either low-shear or high-shear processes, and is applied in hot and ambient uses such as cutbacks and emulsions, with or without added fillers, fibers, or other additives.

Abstract: A combination measuring instrument such as an elongated and retractable tape measuring device is associated with an audio recording apparatus which enables a user to record measurements observed on the tape measure device simultaneously with the act of performing the measurement and which permits the subsequent playback of the recorded information for use in a later discrete step of manufacturing or utilizing the recorded information. The recording device may be positioned in or on the housing of the measuring device so that the user may conveniently record the observed measurement orally for later reuse.

Abstract: A multifunction head apparel is disclosed and configurable into a variety of protective forms to provide varying degrees of protection of a user's head and face from the surrounding environment. The accessory is characterized as having a hood portion which defines a face opening sufficient in size so as to permit a head to extend there through, and a neck portion wherein the neck portion has a proximal portion adjacent to the hood portion and a distal portion terminating at a neck opening. The length of the neck portion is sufficient to permit full coverage of the neck when the neck opening is involuted to terminate at or near the mid point of the face opening, thereby forming a dual layer of material surrounding the neck. In this manner, a single accessory can be configured to provide a hood with or without a face mask; a neck tube, with or without a face mask; and a hat.