Abstract: A knee scooter having pivotable handle bars, a U-shaped frame with a wide rear axle and an adjustable knee support for use by injured or disabled users. The wide rear axle of the U-shaped frame can be laterally moved to accommodate either an injury to a right or left leg. The scooter is steered by turning a pair of front wheels and hand brakes are positioned on the handle bars to manually stop the scooter as needed. The steering or turning of the front wheels is limited to about 60° rotation for safety purposes. The method of use includes securing the handle bars in an upright position, adjusting the steering column height, adjusting the knee support height and moving the rear axle laterally to accommodate supporting either a right or left leg as needed as the other leg is used to propel the scooter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a displaceable fifth-wheel hitch assembly configured to be mounted in a bed of a truck. The displaceable fifth-wheel hitch assembly includes a platform track, a displaceable platform, and an adjustment assembly. The platform track defines a track space therein and is configured to be mounted in the bed of the truck. The displaceable platform is configured to be positioned in the track space and includes a fifth-wheel hitch coupled thereto. The adjustment assembly includes a means for displacing the platform and a means for locking the platform in place with respect to the platform track and truck. The means for locking the platform includes a locking pin that is spring biased into holes in the platform track. The means for displacing the platform includes an adjustment rod and bracket to displace the locking pin from its locking position.

Abstract: A support assembly for use in packaging and other purposes which includes a pivotable support member engaged by a pawl. The support assembly may move along a rail and collect articles thereagainst which are moving at a rate greater than the support assembly. Once the support member accumulates a predetermined number of articles, a pawl rotates and the support member pivots to allow the accumulated group of articles to pass thereby and be removed from the rail for packaging or other purposes.

Abstract: A valve and method allows efficient closure for a pipe containing liquid. The valve in the preferred form is operated by a float in a sump pit should the sump pump fail to operate. The float is lifted by rising water and an arm attached to the float is supported on rollers when the valve is normally open turns to disengage from the rollers to close the valve. A shaft positioned in the conduit is attached to a cap which reacts to the expansion of a spring to thus close the end of the conduit and prevent further liquid flow therethrough. An audible alarm system sounds as the rising liquid level reaches a water sensor on the valve to warn a homeowner or building occupant. The alarm also sounds when a manual test switch is closed or if the smoke sensor is activated.

Abstract: An irrigation control system with a programmable controller having a high speed central processor and a touch screen monitor for independent and simultaneous operation of multiple watering stations and schedules. The touch screen monitor allows for quick entry of changes to irrigation schedules that can be made while the system is in use, thus preventing service interruption. The irrigation control system will accommodate multiple watering stations with precise accuracy and allows for independent start times for each station. Multiple output terminals permit connection to various watering stations as a pre-programmed, removable thumb drive containing the operating system and application software is connected through a USB port to a high speed central processor. The irrigation method describes using the controller for optimum plant growth and health.

Abstract: A therapeutic method utilizing a therapeutic pad for heating or cooling which has a liquid absorbent to prevent liquid leakage in the event the sealed envelope of the pad is ruptured. The method of forming the pad includes vacuuming the thermoplastic envelope prior to sealing. The pad can be used alone or with a comforter to provide warmth or to remove heat from the body of the user.

Abstract: An intake flow booster is provided for insertion between the carburetor and intake manifold of an internal combustion engine which includes a series of downwardly depending tubes having an internal frustro-conical shape. The fuel/air mixture leaving the carburetor passes through a well in the manifold plate and into the manifold tubes whereby the mixture flows more efficiently to the engine providing a higher performance and greater horsepower.

Abstract: A retaining apparatus is provided for mounting glass panels within the cabinet frame such as china cabinet doors or the like. The retaining apparatus contains an insert which is resilient and provides a cushion effect to the glass panels which may be subject to sudden impacts during shipping and handling. The insert can be removed and replaced by a thicker or thinner insert as needed.