Abstract: Plasma arc cutter apparatus for cutting large diameter pipe from within the pipe, a frame with adjustable legs, a locking device to secure the apparatus within the pipe, apparatus to adjust the spacing between the plasma arc and the inside wall of the pipe during cutting, a drive shaft to rotate the cutter apparatus around the circumference of the pipe during cutting, controls to change the elevation of the drive shaft to vary the angle of cut, and adjustment devices to center the drive shaft within the pipe.

Abstract: A snow scoop which is slid along the ground into the snow to be removed, a movable handle which may be rotated to positions to either push or pull the scoop into the snow, a hinged scraper at the entrance to the scoop, and the handle being pivotal to a generally upright position, close to a user's body in order to lift up the open end of the scoop and discharge snow rearwardly over the rear wall of the scoop.

Abstract: A dual chamber inflatable safety tire mounted on a rim, said tire having an outer tire with an inner tire disposed within the outer tire forming an outer chamber and inner chamber, a one way valve means extending through the inner tire to enable air flow from the outer chamber to the inner chamber, a first inflation and deflation valve means extending through the apparatus into the outer chamber, and a second inflation and deflation valve means extended through the apparatus into the inner chamber.

Abstract: A cylindrical viewing tube for reading submerged water meters, comprising a clear, high strength polycarbonate viewing tube, a closed bottom end for engaging a submerged meter face, the bottom end being replacable and being threaded onto the viewing tube.

Abstract: Apparatus for lifting and transporting a prone patient comprising a mobile base frame that may extend under the patient's bed, a vertical support structure mounted along one side of the base frame, a pair of cooperating patient supporting plates connected to the support structure, the first supporting plate is horizontally oriented and may be lowered onto the bed and slid partially under a prone patient who has been rolled slightly to the side away from the support structure, after rolling the patient in the opposite direction towards the support structure and upon the first supporting plate, the second supporting plate is pivoted downwardly onto the bed into alignment with the first supporting plate, and the patient is rolled away from the support structure onto the second supporting plate. A sling may assist positioning the patient relative to the supporting plates.

Abstract: Safety apparatus for disconnecting overhead electrical switches for maintenance, comprising an insulated rod having an upper disconnect hook to engage a handle of a switch box and move it from an on position to an off position in which power is disconnected, an arm attached to the rod and cooperating with the hook to secure the switch handle in the off position, and a locking device connected to the arm and to the rod to prevent inadvertent movement of the switch handle to the on position.

Abstract: In a sewage piping system that includes a new sewer main line that crosses existing lateral sewer lines, a rotary valve is installed at the intersection of the main line and each lateral line. Ditches containing the lines may be backfilled. Before completion and testing of the new main line; the valve permits the existing lateral line to be used as before. Thereafter the valve is rotated from above ground to connect the lateral line to the new main line and to seal off the unused portion of the lateral line.

Abstract: A safety tire is provided having an outer tire with treads and a puncture resistant inner tire defining inner and outer chambers, a first inflation/deflation valve extending through the sidewall of the outer tire into the outer chamber, a one-way valve to enable air flow from the outer chamber to the inner chamber, and a second inflation/deflation valve extending through the rim of the tire into the inner chamber.

Abstract: A basketball game comprising a game board with a main section simulating a basketball court, a pathway of playing spaces around the periphery of the basketball court, a miniature basketball goal and basketball at each end of the court, at least one set of basketball information question and answer cards, a plurality of questions and answers on each card, indicia on the cards identifying the questions, and means to determine by chance which question to use during a given player turn. In one aspect of the invention, the goals are movable by chance to vary the distance of a shot at the goal. Points are scored by correctly answering questions and/or by making shots at the goals.

Abstract: An adjustable connector for attaching a light to a safety helmet, the connector enabling adjustment of the position of the light is selectively illuminate a work area for the helmet's wearer; the connector being suitable to retrofit typical existing safety helmet and light combinations. The connector has two members hinged together with one member inserted into a slot on the helmet and the other member engaging a tongue on the light.

Abstract: Electrical energy is generated from waves in a body of water employing a support member, buoyant vanes connected to a shaft and rotated by the waves, and a generator coupled to the shaft. Each vane has an elongated slot that the shaft extends through. Cooperating gear teeth around the periphery of the slots and on the shaft cause radial movement of the vanes relative to the shaft during the rotation of the vanes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new glass material applicable in those situations where thermal and/or mechanical shock would limit the use of other glass materials, presently available. Dopants are deposited into the interconnected pores of a porous glass in a non-uniform manner such that upon consolidation and cooling the final article has its surface under compressive stress. Dopants may also be added to control color and other appearance features.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a glass composition for forming glass articles suitable for forming or being converted to articles or devices for use in the guided transmission of light, for both imaging and communications purposes. Base glass compositions are purified by phase separation, leached to remove impurities, and dopants are then deposited into interconnected pores of porous glass in such a fashion that properties of the glass are varied, e.g., for optical purposes, the index of refraction is controlled.

Abstract: A buoyant sail or wing tethered to a line an appreciable distance above the surface where the winds are at higher speed than at ground level is provided with wind velocity gradient sensing members to guide movement of the buoyant sail to the elevation of greatest wind velocity, the other end of the line is attached to an electric generator. A series of sails are utilized with one being retracted while at least one other sail is positioned to catch the wind away from the generator. The wings may have dividers to increase the amount of flow disruption of the wind and increase the drag coefficient and hence the amount of energy extracted, and a pulley system may be utilized in lieu of a single pass tether line.

Abstract: A hot runner mold provided with a runner pipe instead of a runner block wherein the walls of both end portions of the runner pipe are formed progressively thinner toward the tip of both end portions so as to cause the inner diameter of the walls to approximate to the outer diameter. One end portion of the runner pipe is made engageable with a hole formed in one side wall of a nozzle assembly and the other end portion is made engageable with a hole bored in a sprue bush. The runner pipe is laid between the nozzle assembly and sprue bush in a state inserted at both ends into said holes with a clearance provided therein in the axial directon of the runner pipe. Upon application of injection pressure, the thin walls of both end portions of the runner pipe expand outward in the radial direction for tight attachment to the inner walls of the holes, thereby presenting a sealing effect.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of blackberry plant which exhibits an absence of thorns, and two crops per season with sprouts of the second crop appearing about the time that the berries of the first crop begin to ripen. The plants have sturdy canes with generally round berries that ripen over an extended period of time.