Abstract: A device adapted to be emplaced in a self-securing manner between adjacent strings of a tennis racquet for dampening vibrations caused by impact with a tennis ball produces beneficial sensory effects such as a whistling sound and flashing light.

Abstract: A blended composition of hydrogel polymer granules capable of selectively removing toxic dissolved metal species from water containing abundant innocuous species, and spacer particles which minimize contact between contiguous polymer granules is provided for reducing the impedance of water caused to flow through a confined bed of the composition.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for producing periodic lateral displacement of a cruise control cable associated with the engine of an automotive vehicle. The periodic displacement is produced by an activation arm which attaches to the cable and is caused to undergo reciprocal linear movement produced by a rotating disc that is driven at a controlled speed by a motor that operates off the electrical system of the vehicle.

Abstract: A mold assembly for making concrete blocks includes a billet of foamed polystyrene having flat upper and lower surfaces, and having apertures produced by a CNC milling machine. The apertures are bounded by perimeter walls of varied contour orthogonally disposed to the flat surfaces of the billet. The bottom surface of the billet is secured to a flat rigid floor panel. Blocks are produced by pouring concrete into the aperture, allowing the concrete to harden, then breaking the polystyrene away from the blocks formed within the apertures.

Abstract: Apparatus having four pivotably interconnected sides of slidably adjustable length is provided for conforming to the size and configuration of quadrilateral shapes to permit replication of the shapes upon a flat surface or within an aperture. Threaded bolts equipped with wing nuts permit adjustments in the lengths and angular relationships of the sides.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle having improved fuel economy is equipped with a drive system having a primary internal combustion engine and an auxiliary internal combustion engine of smaller size and better fuel economy than the primary engine. The primary engine is adapted to take the vehicle to its cruising speed, at which point the auxiliary engine is activated and interacts by way of an automatic clutch system to power the vehicle while the primary engine is disconnected from the drive system and throttled down.

Abstract: A fail-safe breakaway belt is provided for installation onto a single occupant transporter having a seat portion laterally bounded by arm rests, an electrical system that drives the transporter, and a joystick associated with one arm rest for controlling the electrical system. The belt includes two oppositely disposed elongated members, each having a proximal extremity secured to the transporter below an arm rest, and extending to a distal extremity. Electrical conductor wires in series connection with the electrical system are incorporated into the elongated members. When the distal extremities are separated, the transporter is rendered inoperable. When the distal extremities are connected across the lap of the occupant, full functionality is restored to the transporter.

Abstract: An assembly for receiving and diffusing stormwater in underground installations includes a horizontally elongated plastic chamber having an arched cross-sectional shape with an upwardly directed apex having an inlet portal. A sediment-accumulating compartment is positioned below the chamber in vertical alignment with the portal. A rigid riser pipe of circular cylindrical configuration penetrates the portal and extends vertically between a bottom extremity located within the chamber and a top extremity positioned substantially at ground level in association with a grated street-level stormwater receiving structure.