Abstract: A plastic pipe union has an integral locking mechanism which is activated when nut member of the union is sufficiently tightened to the threads of an adjoining male nipple. The nut member and the tail piece of the plastic union each have matching engagement surfaces, where each engagement surface has a scalloped profile. Once sufficiently tightened, tactile feedback is provided to a personal manually tightening the nut member, indicating that the scalloped structures of the opposing engagement surfaces have interacted and reached a locked configuration.

Abstract: A plastic pipe union has an integral locking mechanism which is activated when nut member of the union is sufficiently tightened to the threads of an adjoining male nipple. The nut member and the tail piece of the plastic union each have matching engagement surfaces, where each engagement surface has a scalloped profile. Once sufficiently tightened, tactile feedback is provided to a personal manually tightening the nut member, indicating that the scalloped structures of the opposing engagement surfaces have interacted and reached a locked configuration.

Abstract: A plastic pipe union has an integral locking mechanism which is activated when nut member of the union is sufficiently tightened to the threads of an adjoining male nipple. The nut member and the tail piece of the plastic union each have matching engagement surfaces, where each engagement surface has a scalloped profile. Once sufficiently tightened, tactile feedback is provided to a personal manually tightening the nut member, indicating that the scalloped structures of the opposing engagement surfaces have interacted and reached a locked configuration.

Abstract: A check valve adapted to open only at a predetermined positive pressure, and to open fully and abruptly when said pressure is exerted.

Abstract: A check valve adapted to open only at a predetermined positive pressure, and to open fully and abruptly when said pressure is exerted.

Abstract: An axially actuated drain valve for pools and spas mountable in a wall thereof. It includes a tubular body and a coaxial plunger. The body opens into the spa or pool at an inner end. The plunger has a passage opening near the outer end of its passage. A cylindrical seal engages with a seal on the plunger for a substantial range of movement to keep the valve closed. Beyond that, the plunger passage is opened for flow from the body passage opening. The plunger may have threads on its outer end to be coupled to a hose fitting.

Abstract: An axially actuated drain valve for pools and spas mountable in a wall thereof. It includes a tubular body and a coaxial plunger. The body opens into the spa or pool at an inner end. The plunger has a passage opening at the outer end of the passage. A cylindrical seal with substantial axial length seals with a seal on the plunger for a substantial range of movement to keep the valve closed. Beyond that, the plunger passage is opened for flow from the body passage opening.

Abstract: A method of obtaining, analyzing and utilizing customer information from a customer at a point-of-sale system for a retail environment. The method includes an identification code assigned to a customer. The customer is provided with a data card having a storage medium containing the identification code. The data card is used to enter the identification code into a computerized point-of-sale system to identify the customer. Customer transaction data is received from the customer while interacting with the point-of-sale system. The transaction data is stored in a customer preference profile database. Based on the transaction data, incentives are provided to the customer to return to the point-of-sale system and reuse the data card on a regular basis.

Abstract: A computerized system for a retail environment including a host computer, an in store processor in electrical communication with the host computer, and a Point Of Sale system. The Point Of Sale system includes a primary point of sale server in electrical communication with the in store processor, and a POS terminal in electrical communication with the primary point of sale server. The POS terminal includes a central processing unit, a cashier display, and a customer display. The cashier display and the customer display are directly controlled by the central processing unit such that they are interactive with each other.

Abstract: A method of interaction between a customer and a point-of-sale system for a retail store. The method includes receiving customer transaction data from a select plurality of customers while interacting with a point-of-sale system. The data is stored and analyzed to formulate business strategies for the development and retention of the customers. Feedback is provided to the customers based on the formulated business strategies through a plurality of multi-media functions associated with the point of sale system.