Abstract: An improved, disposable filter bag is provided for automatic and manual pool water filtering assemblies. The filter bag is formed from a water-permeable, non-woven fabric such as Pellon®. The seams can be formed by heat-fusing.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a double-wall steel pipe joint. Each section of double-wall steel pipe has a steel outer casing and a steel inner carrier pipe. The completed joint comprises a steel joint ring fitted within the annular space at the end of each double-wall steel pipe section. The combination of locking serration and epoxy bonding join and seal the inner steel pipe to the bore of the joint ring, without welding. Welding joins the ends of the sections of outer casing.

Abstract: A device is provided for protecting a window or door during severe storms. A panel, cut to fit in a window frame, is held in place by the action of the slide-arm-and-bolt assemblies described herein. A rubber gasket can be used along one side of the panel in place of some of the slide-arm-and-bolt assemblies. Different embodiments of the assembly are described for mounting along the sides or at the corners of the panel. A “clip-on” assembly is also described. Wind resistance is enhanced by tightening the assemblies until the panel bows outward. Optional security features are disclosed to prevent unauthorized removal of the panel.

Abstract: A plumbing system which, when ambient outdoor temperatures drop below freezing, circulates water to prevent it from freezing, utilizing a check valve to prevent water from flowing back into the water main and further utilizing a relief valve which can open to the atmosphere and relieve pressure in the system if necessary. The system can have two separate circulation pumps, one for hot water and one for cold water.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling safety valves used for shutting off high pressure upward flow through drill pipe or tubing. The apparatus includes an adjustable clamp assembly for holding the safety valve; a three-stage double-acting hydraulic extension system to provide horizontal (and optionally, rotational) movement of the safety valve; a stable track assembly for vertical movement of the apparatus; and a positioning arm with a yoke for placement against the drill pipe or tubing, providing a distance measurement used to vertically align the safety valve with the drill pipe or tubing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for fusing a sidewall pipe onto a host pipe using pneumatic equipment. The functions of the fusing apparatus are controlled by a programmable computer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for fusing a sidewall pipe onto a host pipe at an angle of less than 90.degree.. The apparatus prevents the angled sidewall pipe from migrating during the fusing operation. Also provided is a radius cutter for cutting the radius of the angled sidewall pipe to match the concave upper surface of the host pipe.

Abstract: A method for electronically accumulating market survey data from inherently interested Internet users or TV viewers. Various market survey questions can be disseminated to Internet users and TV viewers, and the answers are processed at a central location. In exchange for his answers, the responder receives free access to the Internet or cable TV for a predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: A backflow preventer assembly installed between a supply line and a service line, comprising one or more check valves and a high pressure relief valve operating to discharge water in the service line under a high pressure condition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for fusing a sidewall pipe onto a host pipe using pneumatic equipment. The functions of the fusing apparatus are controlled by a programmable computer. Further, as each fuse is performed, a GPS system provides and stores the geographical location of the fuse.

Abstract: An arrow rest assembly attached to a bow is designed to be horizontally movable in order to clear the fletching on a released arrow. The arrow rest assembly incorporates a flexible positioner to position the arrow away from the handle of the bow, in line with the bow string and in clearance of the fletching. An arrow rest holds the arrow in position while the bow is drawn and the arrow is aimed. The arrow rest assembly has a triggering control which responds to the movement of the bow string after the arrow is released; such triggering control retracts the arrow rest from its extended holding position to its retracted clearing position before the fletching of the arrow passes by the arrow rest. The triggering control can be adjusted relative to the bow string in order to vary the timing of the arrow rest's retraction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an additive degradable/compostable package, the combination of a metal carboxylate and an aliphatic poly hydroxy-carboxyl acids, which is added to polyolefin resins in the production of specific products. The addition of the additive degradable/compostable package produces a packaging product which is degradable/compostable. The additive package may include calcium oxide (CaO) to make the modified polyolefin resin more processable. Further, stabilizers or oxidizers may be added to the additive package. The additive package is specifically modified or tailored to the application of the packaging product, e.g. trash bag, compost bag, merchant bag, diaper liner, wrapping film, agricultural film, landfill cover or foamed planks. The present invention further includes the method or process of producing the degradable/compostable concentrates and the improvement of the process of making the degradable/compostable packaging products by the addition of calcium oxide (CaO).

Abstract: A method is disclosed for verifying that a check user, a credit card holder, or an account user is authorized to complete a transaction. The issuer of the check or credit card or the verifying entity assigns a security code formula to each user, consisting of two variables: a base code number separated into two parts; and one or more arithmetic modes. The authorized user will calculate a verification code number in a two step process using the two parts of the base code and the check number or transaction amount; he then places it on the check or the transaction slip. Verification can be performed by the issuer, who ensures that a correct verification code number has been entered on the check or transaction slip.

Abstract: The invention is a gameboard consisting of movable rows of squares of two alternating colors. The surface of the gameboard has the appearance of a checkerboard, with extra squares of each side of the playing field. Each player has the option of altering the playing surface between plays by moving a row of squares upon which playing pieces rest. The gameboard results in a completely different way of playing games such as checkers and chess.

Abstract: A "backpack"-style carrier for transporting sporting equipment such as a rifle, a shotgun, an archery bow, or a fishing rod. The butt end of the rifle stock, the pulley end of a compound bow, or the handle grip of a fishing rod is disposed in the device's lower "pocket". The barrel, the upper bow limb, or the upper fishing rod portion is held in place by an upper strap which closes with a hook and loop fastening system. Shoulder straps attached to the device allow the sporting equipment to be carried "backpack"-style, in a vertical position. An optional waist belt provides additional stability.

Abstract: A rust-removing composition comprises alkali metal hydrogen citrates, water, optionally citric acid, and optionally a thickener. The invention further provides a method for removing rust from rusted metal surfaces, concrete surfaces, and the siliceous surfaces of natural stone by applying the composition, allowing contact until substantially all of the rust is removed, and washing away the composition and dissolved rust with water.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for removing a utility pipe or main and replacing the main with a polyolefin pipe. More specifically, the unique apparatus or system of the present invention includes a rotating head connected to a plurality of pipe joints to remove the old pipe, usually concrete or tile, by cutting, chipping and grinding. The head has an outer periphery of roller bits which cut, chip and grind the old pipe or earth into pieces which pass inwardly through the head. Behind the head is a non-rotating member which opens and packs the hole formed by the head for the replacement polyolefin pipe which is pulled into the hole by the member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a machine which is attached to the compactor to lay film over the face of a landfill. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a machine and the method for laying a polyolefin film over the face of a landfill and distributing available solids such as dirt, clay, gravel or other solid material inside the edges of the film to hold the film against the face of the landfill.