Abstract: The invention concerns a coupling for use in forming a sealed joint between first and second tubular members. The coupling provides a through-passage defined by an inner coupling face and having a first open end for insertion of the first tubular member into a first region of the through-passage and a second open end for insertion of the second tubular member into a second region of the through-passage. A first inwardly directed engagement recess is provided in the inner coupling face in the first region of the through-passage and a second inwardly directed engagement recess is provided in the inner coupling face in the second region of the passage. In the assembled joint, the first inwardly directed engagement recess aligns with a first outwardly directed engagement recess of the first tubular member to form a first channel for receipt of a first retainer to secure the first tubular member in the coupling.

Abstract: A hammer for installing a gasket into a joint between two pipes, the hammer comprising two opposed substantially rectangular, non-square strike surfaces which are rotationally offset from one another by 90 degrees such that an appropriate substantially rectangular, non-square strike surface may be selected by the user and applied to a gasket by simply rotating the hammer in the user's hands without requiring the user to relocate around the gasket.

Abstract: A hammer for installing a gasket into a joint between two pipes, the hammer comprising two opposed substantially rectangular, non-square strike surfaces which are rotationally offset from one another by 90 degrees such that an appropriate substantially rectangular, non-square strike surface may be selected by the user and applied to a gasket by simply rotating the hammer in the user's hands without requiring the user to relocate around the gasket.

Abstract: The invention concerns a coupling for use in forming a sealed joint between first and second tubular members. The coupling provides a through-passage defined by an inner coupling face and having a first open end for insertion of the first tubular member into a first region of the through-passage and a second open end for insertion of the second tubular member into a second region of the through-passage. A first inwardly directed engagement recess is provided in the inner coupling face in the first region of the through-passage and a second inwardly directed engagement recess is provided in the inner coupling face in the second region of the passage. In the assembled joint, the first inwardly directed engagement recess aligns with a first outwardly directed engagement recess of the first tubular member to form a first channel for receipt of a first retainer to secure the first tubular member in the coupling.

Abstract: A hammer for installing a gasket into a joint between two pipes, the hammer comprising two opposed substantially rectangular, non-square strike surfaces which are rotationally offset from one another by 90 degrees such that an appropriate substantially rectangular, non-square strike surface may be selected by the user and applied to a gasket by simply rotating the hammer in the user's hands without requiring the user to relocate around the gasket.

Abstract: Provided is a pipe joint for connecting tubular conduits, in particular for connecting lengths of pipe to form a fluid transport system. The pipe joint includes a conduit formed with at least one connection end. The or each connection end includes a wall defining a receiving recess for receiving an end of a pipe length; a groove formed to a depth in an internal surface of the wall of the receiving recess; and a channel communicating between the groove and an external surface of the connection end. The pipe joint further includes a connector formed from a length of material which is seatable within the groove via the channel and which is wider than the depth of the groove so that when seated within the groove the connector extends into the receiving recess.

Abstract: A connection end for a pipe joint (2) having a wall defining a receiving recess (8) for receiving an end of a pipe length (4); a groove (12) formed to a depth in an internal surface of the wall of the receiving recess (8);a channel (34) communicating between the groove and an external surface of the connection end; the channel (34) and groove (12) being configured to receive a flexible elongate connector (30) having an axial cross-section with an aspect ratio of greater than 1, and seatable within the groove via the channel, the connector having a width greater than the depth of the groove so that when seated within the groove the connector extends into the receiving recess; and wherein the profiles of said groove and said channel are configured such that when such a connector is seated within the groove, the major axis of the axial cross-section of said connector may be aligned to be neither per pendicular nor parallel to the axis of the conduit.

Abstract: A restroom aid is disclosed for providing comfortable support for disabled, handicapped, elderly, or ill persons who require assistance using the restroom facilities. The restroom aid creates a sturdy frame around the toilet with aids for sitting, standing, and supporting the user's arms and head. The restroom aid can assemble and disassemble quickly using a quick-release mechanism. Furthermore, the restroom aid is easily adjustable to fit users and restroom facilities of different sizes.

Abstract: A restroom aid is disclosed for providing comfortable support for disabled, handicapped, elderly, or ill persons who require assistance using the restroom facilities. The restroom aid creates a sturdy frame around the toilet with aids for sitting, standing, and supporting the user's arms and head. The restroom aid can assemble and disassemble quickly using a quick-release mechanism. Furthermore, the restroom aid is easily adjustable to fit users and restroom facilities of different sizes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipe joint for connecting tubular conduits, in particular for connecting lengths of pipe to form a fluid transport system. The pipe joint (2) comprises: a conduit (14) formed with at least one connection end (18). The or each connection end (18) comprises: a wall defining a receiving recess (8) for receiving an end of a pipe length (4); a groove (12) formed to a depth in an internal surface of the wall of the receiving recess (8); and a channel (34) communicating between the groove (12) and an external surface of the connection end (18). The pipe joint further comprises a connector (30) formed from a length of material which is seatable within the groove (12) via the channel (34) and which is wider than the depth of the groove (12) so that when seated within the groove (12) the connector (30) extends into the receiving recess (8).

Abstract: A power saving circuit is provided for a consumer device for disconnecting a mains power supply (2) from a supply circuit (including a transformer (18)) of the device when the device goes into a standby mode. The circuit comprises a high voltage switching module (16) interposed between the mains alternating current electrical power supply (2) and such a supply circuit. The circuit is reset by an actuable initiating component (12, 28) for generating a temporary signal to the high voltage switching module (16) to change the state of the switching module (16) to a conducting state. Then a sensing component (26) operates in a first mode responsive to the supply of mains alternating current to the supply circuit for maintaining the switching module (16) in a conducting state replacing the temporary signal.

Abstract: A pipe coupling has a housing has a receiving recess for a pipe, the housing having a through hole extending from a first aperture in an external surface of the housing through to a second aperture in the inner wall of the receiving recess. A fixing element is arranged to slidingly mate with the through hole in the housing to give a mated configuration, and when in the mated configuration, an engagement part of the fixing element is adapted to project through the second aperture to lockingly engage with the outer surface of the pipe. The through note is also provided with a locking means adapted to be configured in an open configuration, in which the fixing element can be slidingly mated with or removed from the through hole through the first aperture, and a locked configuration, in which the locking means holds the fixing element in the mated configuration in the through hole.

Abstract: An electric motor starting device for an electric motor that incorporates air, gas, liquid or electrically actuated engine starter to initiate rotation of an electric motor and its associated driven component. Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus and method for starting an electric motor whether or not it is being used to drive any type of mechanical or electrical device, and are consistent with use as an alternative to or in conjunction with any electric motor starting method or technology.

Abstract: A torque drive mechanism for a gas compressor incorporates one or more air or gas engine starters to initiate rotation of a gas compressor and its associated driving electric motor. The air or gas engine starters are advantageously driven by natural gas from a supply pipeline, where the natural gas is present at sufficient pressure to drive the starters even before the natural gas is compressed.

Abstract: A dual drive mechanism for a gas compressor includes a pulley and belt drive system to provide power to a gas compressor using either an electric motor or a reciprocating engine. The source of the power can be chosen by the operator of the system depending on a number of variables, including the cost of electric power.

Abstract: Methods and systems for delivering multimedia learning modules to one or more students in a computer based education environment. The multimedia education system includes a host server, communication link connecting the host server to a remote computer, and software operable on the host server and remote computer. Methods include providing: a set of global knowledge/vocabulary words with high interest expository text and graphics; a contextual definition for at least one of the words; or an additional set of vocabulary words presented as a pair of synonyms for a new stimulus word. A method includes causing a student to select an appropriate synonym to replace the stimulus word based on another high interest expository text. A method includes providing a game scenario including a multisensory scenario, wherein the student must select an appropriate synonym or a pair of synonyms from a number of synonyms to complete a task in a game.

Abstract: Methods and systems for delivering multimedia learning modules to one or more students in a computer based education environment. The multimedia education system includes a host server, communication link connecting the host server to a remote computer, and software operable on the host server and remote computer. Methods include providing: a set of global knowledge/vocabulary words with high interest expository text and graphics; a contextual definition for at least one of the words; or an additional set of vocabulary words presented as a pair of synonyms for a new stimulus word. A method includes causing a student to select an appropriate synonym to replace the stimulus word based on another high interest expository text. A method includes providing a game scenario including a multisensory scenario, wherein the student must select an appropriate synonym or a pair of synonyms from a number of synonyms to complete a task in a game.

Abstract: An alarm which is actuated when the driver of a vehicle falls asleep or dozes includes spaced conductors affixed to the steering wheel of the vehicle. When the driver is awake, both of the conductors are firmly contacted by one of the driver's hands and a minute current flows between the conductors through the driver's hand. This current maintains a switch in one state in which an alarm is deactuated. Should the driver fall asleep while driving, his hands will lose their grip on the steering wheel and thereby open the conducting path between the conductors. When this occurs, the switch is placed in a second condition in which the alarm becomes actuated to awaken the driver. The alarm may either be mounted to the steering wheel itself or on a cover attached to the wheel.