Abstract: The present invention is a toy hoop for use by a person. In one embodiment of the present invention, the toy hoop comprises a hoop member having first and second end portions and a first channel adapted to receive flow of a first medium such as water. The toy hoop further comprises an interconnect member having first and second end portions adapted to connect the first and second end portions of the hoop member. The interconnect member comprises a first channel in communication with the first channel of the hoop member to allow the first medium to flow there thru. Each of the first and second end portions have an outside surface and an inside surface. The inside surfaces are downwardly tapered to provide laminar flow of the first medium thru the first channel of the hoop member. The toy hoop further comprises a first inlet port in communication with the first channel to allow the person to adjust the volume of the first medium and therefore the mass of the hoop member and the centrifugal force.

Abstract: The present invention is an adapter for use with a washer machine having a water discharge system having a main drain conduit and a water inlet system having first and second secondary drain conduits and a drain pipe. In one embodiment, the adapter comprises a body portion comprising a primary inlet portion, a primary outlet portion, and first and second secondary inlet portions. The primary inlet portion is in fluid communication with the primary outlet portion. The first and second secondary inlet portions are in fluid communication with the primary outlet portion. The primary inlet portion is adapted to receive the main drain conduit. The primary outlet portion is adapted to receive the first and second secondary drain conduits.

Abstract: The present invention is a recreational floating device for use by a person in water such as a swimming pool. The device comprises a board member adapted to float on the water. The board member comprises an upper surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface is in contact with the water. The device further comprises a projectile retention member engaged with the board member and a projectile member retained by the projectile retention member. The device further comprises a projectile trigger member engaged with the projectile retention member and operable by the person to dispense the projectile member thru the water. In another embodiment, the device further comprises a projectile viewing member that allows the person to view the projectile member after firing or dispensing.

Abstract: The present invention is a pallet made from a combination of recycled tire shreds and recycled plastic particles. In one embodiment, the pallet comprises a plurality of recycled tire shreds having different surface areas, a plurality of recycled plastic flakes having different surface areas, and a bonding agent coated about substantially all of the surfaces of the recycled tire shreds and the recycled plastic flakes. The combination of the recycled tire shreds having different surface areas, the recycled plastic particles having different surface and the bonding agent results in a stronger and durable pallet.

Abstract: The present invention is an economizer that is capable of mixing outside air and inside air while incurring a significantly low pressure drop across the return air damper. In one embodiment, the economizer comprises a mixing chamber, a return air vent, and an outside air vent. The economizer further comprises a plurality of curved return air dampers moveable from an open position to a closed position to control the flow of return air to the mixing chamber. The economizer further comprises a plurality of straight dampers moveable from an open position to a closed position to control the flow of outside air to the mixing chamber. During operation of the economizer, a significantly lower pressure drop exists across the curved return air dampers than in conventional economizers thereby reducing the amount of energy needed to operate fans to maintain the desired air flow.

Abstract: The present invention is a safety hose system for use in delivering water from a water supply source to an inlet connector of a washing machine. In one embodiment, the system comprises a first connector engageable with the inlet connector of the washer machine and a second connector engageable with the water supply source. The system further comprises a first hose having first and seconds end connected to the first and second connectors, respectively. The system further comprises a second hose disposed concentrically and sealed about the first hose and extending from the first connector to the second connector. The system further comprises a sealing material. The first and second ends of the second hose are molded to the first and second connector, respectively, by the sealing material to form an unitary one piece structure. The system may further comprise an over-spill portion formed by said second hose being disposed about the first hose.