Abstract: A plumbing system operable to automatically introduce antifreeze into the hot and cold water systems responsive to a signal from a controller. The controller activates the system automatically at a predetermined ambient temperature. The system can also be reconfigured manually.

Abstract: A wood gasification apparatus in which cellulosic material is transported by an auger through a housing and heated to vaporize at least a portion of the cellulosic material by frictional heating. The auger and housing define a spiral void through which the cellulosic material is propelled from the inlet to the outlet, and which continually decreases in volume from the inlet to the outlet. The ever decreasing volume of the void increases the pressure on the cellulosic material and maximizes the frictional heating until the material reaches a vaporization temperature.

Abstract: A fish hook assembly including a conventional hook and an auxiliary hook mounted on the conventional hook. The auxiliary hook includes an operable member that engages the mouth of the fish responsive to the fish biting the hook assembly.

Abstract: A speaker assembly a speaker assembly that is readily mounted and dismounted from a mounting bar, and which also achieves reliable electrical connection in the same mounting connection. To mount the speaker, one pulls a plunger pin out, inserts a mounting boss into a swivel mount, and releases the plunger pin to lock the speaker onto the swivel mount. This action also inserts a jack into a receptacle, and completes the electrical connection of the speaker to the music source. The speaker is then rotated to the desired position and fixed in place by tightening a thumb screw.

Abstract: A portable air purifier for reducing pollutants in the passenger cabin of a vehicle to concentrations at least as low as the US-EPA National Ambient Air Quality Standards for: carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, lead, and particulate matter; plus benzene to a European ambient air standard. The purifier includes an air inlet and air outlet in communication with the vehicle cabin, with air circulation provided by a DC electric motor/blower attachable to a vehicle power plug. The filter assembly includes a specified series of filter media packets and a HEPA filter. The machine's preferred location is in the center of a rear seat where it can serve as an armrest/console and be secured by a seat belt.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing mercury, and in particular elemental mercury, from a fluid stream by exposing the fluid stream to a polyethersulfone or filter-coated with anion exchange resin, or anion exchange resin-coated surface onto which has been loaded elemental iodine. Elemental iodine is loaded onto the PES or anion exchange resin-coated surface by immersing the PES or anion exchange resin-coated substrate in an iodine/pentane solution, then removing the substrate from the iodine/pentane solution and rinsing in pentane.

Abstract: A method and system for creating improved search queries using pre-arranged controlled vocabularies, word groups, and word types. The invention is called a search builder. The search builder is a server-based program, which houses numerous individual topic oriented search builder modules. Each module is focused on a special topic of interest. Each search builder module leads users through a series of word groups, where a user may select words to be added to a query, which will ultimately be sent to a search engine or searchable database.

Abstract: A cover for temporarily covering a hinge, the hinge having a first portion for mounting on a fixed surface and a second portion for mounting on a door, the second portion hingedly attached to the first portion, the hinge having a first position wherein the first and second portions are perpendicular to one another, and a second position wherein the first and second portions are parallel to one another. The hinge cover includes a first member having a raised central channel, first left and right flanges, and a first vertical flange for resiliently engaging at least one vertical surface of the first hinge portion. A second member includes a raised channel, second left and right flanges, and a second vertical flange for resiliently engaging at least one vertical surface of the second hinge portion, the second body portion raised channel adapted for receiving a portion of the first member raised central channel.

Abstract: A leg support for attachment to a crutch for supporting the affected leg of a user, and having a cushioned upper surface. The support is preferably adjustable to a variety of heights on the crutch, and adjustable to position the cushioned upper member at one or more preselected angles for enhanced comfort.