Abstract: A curved block formwork element for use in forming structures such as curved cornices, lintels and window sills. The curved block formwork element comprises a substantially rectangular shaped block having two oppositely disposed side walls and two oppositely disposed end walls creating a hollow cavity inside, wherein a first of the side walls comprises a flat surface and a second of the side walls comprises a curved surface; means for vertically interlocking the block with a plurality of rectangular block formwork elements along a top and bottom surface of the block; and means for horizontally interlocking the blocks.

Abstract: An integrated window construction system. The present invention provides an integrated window construction system for mounting both window units and hurricane shutters, comprising a header bracket which includes a window header bracket portion and an upper shutter bracket portion spacedly connected by an extended member; a sill bracket comprising a window sill bracket portion and a lower shutter bracket portion spacedly connected by an extended section; means for fastening the header bracket to a window header; means for fastening the sill bracket to a window sill; means for mounting the window unit between the header and sill brackets; and means for securing at least one hurricane shutter between the header and sill brackets.

Abstract: A shut-off valve, for use with a sprinkler head affixed to a riser pipe, including a valve seat affixed within the riser pipe upstream from the sprinkler head, the valve seat having an opening and impeding flow through said riser except through the opening. A movable valve element is located within the riser pipe upstream from the valve seat, the valve element being movable between an open position, in which it is spaced apart from the valve seat, and a closed position, in which it engages the valve seat to close the opening and impede fluid from flowing through the riser pipe. A spring biases the valve element toward the valve seat, and a perforated tube extends from the valve element through the opening in the valve seat and contacts the sprinkler head to maintain the valve element in its open position.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for treating a polyolefin surface to become receptive to inks and adhesives is disclosed. The present invention provides a method of and apparatus for treating a polyolefin surface to become receptive to inks and adhesives, using the steps of introducing the shaped object onto a conveyor belt; conveying the shaped object towards an output end of the conveyor belt; aligning and guiding the shaped object across a treatment device to treat the entire 360.degree. surface of the shaped object. The treatment device includes, for example, an electrode spark generator.

Abstract: A method for removal of prolapsed nucleus pulposus material of an intervertebral disc of a patient using a laser is disclosed. The present invention provides applying a laser beam directly in contact with the prolapsed nucleus pulposus material within the spinal foramen of an intervertebral disc, whereby the laser beam eliminates the prolapsed nucleus pulposus material, without touching the intervertebral disc. A cannula is inserted into the spinal foramen. Once the cannula has passed the ligamentum flavum, a laser fiber is inserted into the cannula. The laser fiber contacts the prolapsed material and a laser beam substantially eliminates the prolapsed material within the spinal foramen.

Abstract: A non-invasive method of treatment for urinary incontinence wherein the electromyographic biofeedback equipment is used on a patient by medical personnel without the necessity of insertion and removal of the catheter or neuromuscular stimulation, wherein the biofeedback results are monitored by both the medical personnel and the patient and are computed in "real-time" allowing contemporaneous instructions to the patient. The method includes the steps of preparing a patient for the method of treatment; attaching sensors of an electromyographic biofeedback device to the patient; monitoring biofeedback signals resulting from voluntary muscle contractions by the patient; interpreting the biofeedback signals; instructing the patient to control muscle contractions according to the signals; and developing a self-treatment program of muscle contraction maneuvers for the patient.

Abstract: A sharps disposal system providing a frame and a container having an opening and being selectively mountable to the frame. A lid is pivotally attached to the frame and is selectively movable into engagement with the container when the container is mounted to the frame. Engaging the container with the lid closes the opening except for an aperture through which sharps can be inserted into the container but which impedes insertion of human hands. Engaging the container with the lid also impedes removal of the container from the frame. The system employs a means for selectively locking the lid into engagement with the container. The system further provides a cover for selectively sealing said opening.

Abstract: A fluidized bed scrubber for use in gas cleaning systems, comprising means for introducing a quantity of polluted gas into a first chamber; means for removing a portion of the pollutants from the polluted gas in the first chamber; means for introducing the polluted gas into a second chamber; and means for removing additional pollutants from the polluted gas in the second chamber. The invention also provides a method for cleaning polluted gas, comprising the steps of passing the polluted gas from a combustion source through a fluidized bed scrubber, removing a plurality of pollutants within the fluidized bed scrubber, passing the fluidized gas through a reactor, passing the fluidized gas through a filter in order to remove further quantities of pollutants, and emitting the now-clean gas into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A multi-layered educational and entertaining device including a plurality of independent layers, comprising a top planar layer comprising a plurality of irregularly-shaped pieces assembled together to form a top educational and entertaining picture, at least one intermediate planar layer comprising a plurality of irregularly-shaped pieces assembled together to form at least one intermediate educational and entertaining picture, and a bottom planar layer including a bottom puzzle portion and a raised decorative border extending inward from the bottom layer's outer edges and abutting the bottom puzzle portion, the bottom puzzle portion comprising at least one piece which forms a bottom educational and entertaining picture.