Abstract: An apparatus to permit or stop the flow of water through a conduit is described as having a microprocessor which contains a real time clock, day of the week indication, and an elapsed time clock. Data relating to the quantity of water flowing at any given moment is supplied by a flowmeter to the microprocessor. Primary and subsetting information is supplied to the microprocessor to determine the maximum allowable quantity of water that may flow over a specified period of time. The subsetting parameters override the primary information if so enabled and supply replacement information for certain periods of time. The elapsed time clock is reset whenever the flow rate becomes zero (no water flowing) or when the predetermined period of time is exceeded prior to exceeding the predetermined quantity of water that is allowed to flow within that period of time. If the flow of the predetermined quantity of water is exceeded within the predetermined (allowable) time frame, a solenoid is energized.

Abstract: A removable apparatus used to cover a knob is provided that includes an inner casing and an outer casing, both of which together form a collar that surrounds a portion of the knob and in so doing mechanically decouples a rotary motion that is applied to the cover from the knob. Disposed intermediate the inner casing and the outer casing is provided a latching mechanism which secures a hinged door to the cover. Release of the latching mechanism requires a two-step procedure beginning with the simultaneous application of a sufficient vertical force applied to urge a pair of vertical slide members downward. The downward force must be maintained in order for the second step to be accomplished.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted for maneuvering and drilling at least one hole at a site location is described as having an engine mounted in a supporting frame, at least part of the supporting frame including members that are adapted to contain a reservoir of fuel and a reservoir of hydraulic fluid, a hydraulic pump operatively attached to the engine, an electrical-hydraulic system operatively attached to the pump, and four extensible bi-directionally driven wheels along with a control panel that is adapted for remote use to control and to monitor the apparatus. A boom, capable of motion along a plurality of axes, is operatively attached and is adapted to receive a drill column or an accessory device, the accessory device being specifically designed to perform a special operation other than the direct drilling of a hole.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for closing wire gates includes an inner U-shaped ring that is pivotally attached at each end of the inner U-shaped ring to a U-shaped handle at each of two open ends thereof. A first length of chain is attached near to one of the two open ends of the U-shaped handle. A second length of chain is attached near to the remaining end of the two open ends of the U-shaped handle. The second length of chain includes a hook that can be attached to any link of the first length of chain, and therefore provides a method to adjust the overall combined length of the first length of chain and the second length of chain as desired. The inner U-shaped ring bears against a first post that is to be drawn closer toward a second post thereby eliminating the need for any attachment of the closer to either the first post or to the second post.

Abstract: A simulated cigarette is provided that includes an elongated deformable cylindrical body that is open at both ends thereof. At least two capsules, at least one of which being rupturable, are included in the cylindrical body. Each capsule contains a potentially chemically reactive substance which, when admixed together, react chemically to produce an exothermic chemical reaction, the heat of which is used to elevate the temperature of a vapor within the simulated cigarette. The heated vapor is inhaled by a user and in the process passes through a substance from which it absorbs either a flavoring, medicine, or a quantity of nicotine. A one-way valve is provided which permits the vapor to travel in only one direction through the simulated cigarette.

Abstract: A system includes a medication dispensing device that is adapted for dispensing a medication to a patient at a predetermined time interval and includes a method for the detection of the timely removal of the medication from the device. When the medication is not timely removed from the device a signal of non-compliance is generated and is received by an alarm system that is adapted to summon help. According to a first embodiment the alarm system places a telephone call to a care-giver or, if the care-giver is unresponsive, to an alternate care-giver who in turn makes contact with the patient. According to a second embodiment the alarm system places a telephone call to a central monitoring station which attempts to make contact with the patient by use of a two-way speaker phone that is included in the alarm system.

Abstract: A book of matches includes a plurality of matches each of the matches having a match base that includes a flammable match tip at a first end and a remaining end that is disposed opposite to the first end. Each match base at the remaining end is attached to a central strip. An improvement is made to each match base near the remaining end to facilitate removal of the match from the central strip. The improvement consists either of at least one perforation passing through the match base, at least one score line that is cut or impressed into the match base, or a combination of at least one score line and at least one perforation.

Abstract: A prosthesis for the replacement of a spinal disk includes a first disk half and a second disk half. The first disk half includes a portion of a socket attached to a first plate. The second disk half includes a portion of a ball attached to a second plate. The socket includes a plurality of expansion slots which expand to allow the portion of a ball to be inserted into the socket and which then contract to retain the portion of a ball therein. A first hole is provided through the first plate, a second hole is provided through the socket, and a third hole is provided through the second plate which together form an opening through the disk. The opening is adapted to receive an insert to either medicate a pair of vertebrae or provide a barrier therein. The disk is fastened to the vertebrae by any preferred combination of pins, tabs, or a first annulus or second annulus, each of which extend from the disk.

Abstract: An easel is pivotally attached to a palette about an axis by at least one hinge. According to a first embodiment an extensible member is detachably attached to the palette and includes a first retracted position and a second extended position wherein the extensible member substantially extends to the rear of the palette in the second position. A brace having a slot is detachably attached at one end thereof to an end of the extensible member disposed furthest to the rear of the palette and is detachably attached at a remaining end thereof to said easel. A pair of thumbscrews pass through the slot at opposite ends thereof and are used to tighten the brace to the extensible member and to the easel, thereby securing the easel in a desired position with respect to the palette.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing at least one spool of wire includes a drawbar that is adapted at one end thereof to fit into a receiver hitch of a vehicle. A cross tube is attached to the remaining end of the drawbar and includes at least one upright post that is adapted to receive the spool of wire. As the vehicle is driven forward along side a plurality of fence posts, wire is unwound from the spool and may then be secured to each of the fence posts as desired. According to a modification a pair of end supports are each attached to the cross tube at a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other. Each of the end supports includes an upright post member attached thereto. A cross tube having a pair of holes adapted to fit over each of said upright post members is included. The cross tube is inserted through a spool of wire and is then placed upon each of the pair of end supports so that each of the upright post members pass through each of the pair of holes.

Abstract: A system for cleaning a string of an oil well that includes a washing unit having a first section and a second section that are placed atop an oil well head. The washing unit includes a center opening larger than the outside diameter of the string and includes a plurality of hoses for directing a fluid that is supplied under pressure to a plurality of nozzles, the plurality of nozzles being disposed on the center opening. The system relies upon either a rod table or a tubing slip to support the weight of the string as it is being extracted and to transfer the weight of the string to the washing unit which in turn transfers the weight of the string to the well head. The washing unit is constructed of heavy gauge materials that are strong enough to bear the weight of the string. The fluid under pressure is directed through the nozzles onto the string to flush pollutants off of the string and back through the well head and into the well.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the direction to impart to a golf ball when putting is disclosed as having a transparent receptacle including at least one longitudinal line on at least one side thereof. A slot is provided in the top of the receptacle that is adapted for placement of a slidable member therein, the slidable member being adapted for motion within the slot. A plumb line is attached at one end thereof to the slidable member and a weight is attached to the remaining end of the plumb line. In use a golfer looks through the receptacle while aligning the longitudinal line over both the golf ball and the target cup simultaneously. The golfer then slides the slidable member within the slot until any portion of the plumb line or the weight is also superimposed simultaneously over the golf ball and the longitudinal line.

Abstract: A pickup bed includes a lower plane having opposite ends and opposite sides and being disposed over a plurality of elevating members, each of the elevating members disposed atop the frame of a pickup truck and perpendicular with respect to a longitudinal axis of the truck. A pair of upstanding walls having a lower edge and an upper edge are disposed on the opposite sides at the lower edge thereof perpendicular with respect to the plane of the lower plane and parallel with the longitudinal axis. A pair of outer elevated planes are each attached at a first edge thereof to the upper edge of each of the upstanding walls and are attached at a second edge thereof to a supporting frame structure assembly that is disposed about the perimeter of the bed. The supporting frame structure assembly is adapted for transferring the weight of a cargo item placed on the bed to the frame.

Abstract: An articulated caster is described which provides a base having more than two casters attached thereto and disposed radially away from the approximate geometric center of the base. A pivot arm includes a pivot housing for receiving and maintaining a pivot ball therein. The pivot housing and pivot ball respectively each are provided with a pivot housing hole and a pivot ball hole which align together when the pivot ball is correctly disposed within the pivot housing. The pivot arm is pivotally attached to the base about a point that is disposed within the pivot ball by a shaft passing through the pivot ball hole, the pivot housing hole, and a pair of holes formed in opposing side walls of the base. According to a preferred modification, an angled slot is provided that is disposed in at least one side of the pivot housing having a width approximately equal to the diameter of the pivot ball hole.

Abstract: A cargo support frame structure for vehicles is disclosed as including a replacement rear supporting bumper having two upright members attached thereto and extending above the bumper to a predetermined height that is, for most types of vehicles, in excess of the roof height of the vehicle. A connecting member is disposed between one end of each of the upright members opposite to where each upright member is attached to the supporting bumper and is attached thereto. A longitudinal member is perpendicularly attached near to the center of the connecting member and extends longitudinally generally parallel with the center-line of the vehicle. A front cross member having two ends is attached to the end of the longitudinal member that is opposite to the end where the longitudinal member is attached to the connecting member and extends perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal member. The two ends of the front cross member are each attached to a front upright member at a first end of each front upright member.

Abstract: A base structure for receiving an electrical relay is described as being adapted to receive the relay removeably. Electrical contacts in the base connect the base electrically with the circuitry of the attached relay. Terminals are provided for the connection of external wiring to the base and are each connected to at least one of the electrical contacts. Permanent magnets affixed to the base attach the base securely to an electrical panel so that the base is easily removed. According to a modification, electro-magnetism is used to secure the base to the panel. A magnetic shield is disposed, according to a modification, between the source of magnetism and the attached relay.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automatic combustion of gas produced from oil and natural gas wells at remote locations is described as including an inner conduit having a first and second end that is disposed within a larger dimension outer conduit, each of which share a parallel longitudinal axis. The inner conduit first end is attached to a source of escaping gas and the second end is disposed within the outer conduit. At least one fin is included in the inner conduit for deflecting a portion of the escaping gas through at least one hole that is provided in the inner conduit. The gas thus deflected passes into the area disposed between the outside of the inner conduit and the inside of the outer conduit where it produces a partial vacuum as it continues to travel in the same general direction out of the outer conduit. The partial vacuum draws ambient air into the outer conduit where at least one slow roll fin is present to agitate the ambient air being drawn therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding firewood and dimension lumber during cutting includes an upright member having a generally triangular shaped plate attached near one end thereof, the plate includes a plurality of steps, each of the plurality of steps having a generally V-shaped portion facing downwards that is attached thereto. The V-shaped portions engage the butt end of any diameter of a log of sufficient size that is placed on the holder and prevents the butt end from becoming dislodged. A serrated plate is attached under the triangular shaped plate that is useful for securing the butt end of small logs and of dimension lumber. A first end of a longitudinal member is attached to the upright member under the serrated plate and extends away from the upright member and is generally perpendicular with respect thereto. A generally rectangular plate having a trough at the top is attached at a second end of the longitudinal member and is useful for the cantilevered placement of logs for cutting thereon.

Abstract: An anti-rotation pipe clamp type of apparatus is described for securing a section of gated irrigation pipe thereto. The section of gated irrigation pipe is placed on top of the ground surface. One or more anti-rotation pipe clamps are used, as necessary, to prevent the various sections of gated irrigation pipe from rotating axially as they are periodically heated and cooled. The anti-rotation pipe clamp includes a base that is placed on top of the ground surface and maintains the anti-rotation pipe clamp in a predetermined attitude with respect to the ground surface that is generally parallel thereto. A clamping mechanism is attached to the base that includes a flexible strap which is attached to the base at one end and which surrounds a portion of the gated irrigation pipe.

Abstract: An improved backpack is described as including a frame assembly having a first closed position and a second open position and cooperating with a fabric shell in both the first closed position and the second open position. In the first closed position the fabric shell forms a compartment useful for containing cargo items. In the second open position the fabric shell provides a bed useful for placing large or heavy cargo items on. Detachable wheels are included that separate apart from an axle that is attached to the frame. The wheels are not used in the first closed position and are transported inside the compartment as additional cargo items. The wheels are attached to each end of the axle when the frame is pivoted into the second open position and are useful in maneuvering the improved backpack over the ground surface.