Abstract: A composite noise abatement block (12)(13), containing at least one embedded sound absorbing medium (18) and at least one orfice (19) which partially exposes the embedded sound absorbing medium (18). The composite noise abatement block (12)(13) has connecters (14)(15)(16) (17) allowing multiple blocks to be connected to form an imbricated noise abatement wall (FIG. 9). The functional design of the orfice (19) allows sound to enter the orfice (19) directly into the sound absorbing medium (18) where sound quickly dissipates with less resonance than existing noise abatement systems. The noise abatement block walls are used to absorb sound in or on highways, airports, sound studios, theaters and other commercial and non commercial uses.

Abstract: The invention presents a method for conducting an on-line raffle session, where an article owner 50 participates in the on-line raffle session by submitting an article 45 via remote computer 31 or carrier service, to a central raffle company 16. The on-line raffle company places the article in the company's data base 17 and the on-line raffle directory 24. Accordingly, the method of raffling the article is conducted over a computer network 15, that includes a central computer 19, a number of remote computers 31, communication lines 30, connecting the remote computers 31 to the central computer 19. Ticket purchasers 56 purchase raffle tickets via on-line over the Internet by remote computers 31. Each ticket purchaser 56 registers information and opens an account by remote computer 31 linked with the raffle company computer 27 of the account division 26. Account information is filed in the ticket purchaser data base 21.

Abstract: An improved method and means for transforming kinetic energy into mechanical energy to generate hydroelectric power. A submersible scoop-like composite structure (10) with a hollow, tapered, inner chamber to funnel moving water through a turbine (22). The structure (10) has a hydrodynamically clean outer hull with cambered surfaces to increase the velocity of moving water to enhance the turbine's (22) efficiency. The structure (10) has a large orifice with a protective grill (14). The body of the structure (10) contains a vertical stabilizer petition (13) to keep the structure (10) parallel with the direction of the moving water. The detachable turbine (22) is housed in a tube (11) attached aft of the structure (10). The detachable generator (25A, 25B, 25C) is housed in a protective housing (12A, 12B, 12C) and attached to the turbine housing (11). The turbine (22) is coupled to the generator (25A, 25B, 25C) by a turbine drive shaft (24) through a gear box (23) to a generator drive shaft (26A, 26B, 26C).

Abstract: The invention presents a method for conducting an on-line raffle session, where an article owner 50 participates in the on-line raffle session by submitting an article 45 via remote computer 31 or carrier service, to a central raffle company 16. The on-line raffle company places the article in the company's data base 17 and the on-line raffle directory 24. Accordingly, the method of raffling the article is conducted over a computer network 15, that includes a central computer 19, a number of remote computers 31, communication lines 30, connecting the remote computers 31 to the central computer 19. Ticket purchasers 56 purchase raffle tickets via on-line over the Internet by remote computers 31. Each ticket purchaser 56 registers information and opens an account by remote computer 31 linked with the raffle company computer 27 of the account division 26. Account information is filed in the ticket purchaser data base 21.

Abstract: A method and means for making and using three composite concrete construction components that share a common matrix. The articles are comprised of: discarded whole tires 2, axially aligned, with rebar formed washers 4, transversely placed at intervals between the tires 2. The tire bundle 2, with the washers 4, are compressed, banded with metal or fiber strapping 1, reinforced with wire mesh 5, and rebar rods 6, and encased in a concrete shell 3, to form: cylinders; rectangular-blocks; or, half blocks. The concrete composite articles can be molded with hollow cores and used individually or in multiple configurations to construct environmentally safe structures such as: artificial reefs, beach erosion inhibitors, jetties and artificial islands; imbricated walls for: highway dividers, noise abatement, retaining and security walls around airports and buildings.