Abstract: The device is an excavator with electric plug-in capability. An electric power source of conventional power or a generator is attached to an electric motor on the excavator by a power cord. The electric motor activates a hydraulic pump, which in turn operates a boom with a bucket, a leveling blade, a drill, or an auger. Alternatively, an electric motor with a hydraulic pump are at a remote location and connected by a power cord and a hose to the excavator.

Abstract: A device and method for creatin a low profile key fob for combining with a cell phone case or a cell phone. A manufacturer's key fob is disassembled and its printed circuit board and battery are removed and inserted side by side into the low-profile housing along with interconnecting custom metal electrical contacts. The low-profile key fob is attached to the rear panel of a specially designed cell phone case and/or cell phone. The resulting combination of the cell phone and/or cell phone case and the low-profile key fob allows a user to carry only one essential physical item on his or her person rather than two separate items, each retaining its original functionality and the two can be separated at will without losing any functionality.

Abstract: Concrete which is used in structural support of freeways, bridges, and large buildings, must be tested for anomalies. The testing equipment consists of probes which are inserted into testing tubes. The tubes are placed within rebar cages before concrete is poured. The prior art involved ad hoc methods of tying the tubes to the rebar. The improvement is pre-fabricated, mass produced cylindrical devices which can be axially snapped onto the testing tube. A first cylindrical device also has a perpendicular receptacle which facilitates connection to a second cylindrical device, where the second device can be axially snapped onto a piece of longitudinal rebar on the edge of the rebar cage. The combined first and second devices safely, accurately, and quickly affix the testing tubes to the rebar.

Abstract: Concrete which is used in structural support of freeways, bridges, and large buildings, must be tested for anomalies. The testing equipment consists of probes which are inserted into testing tubes. The tubes are placed within rebar cages before concrete is poured. The prior art involved ad hoc methods of tying the tubes to the rebar. The improvement is pre-fabricated, mass produced cylindrical devices which can be axially snapped onto the testing tube. A first cylindrical device also has a perpendicular receptacle which facilitates connection to a second cylindrical device, where the second device can be axially snapped onto a piece of longitudinal rebar on the edge of the rebar cage. The combined first and second devices safely, accurately, and quickly affix the testing tubes to the rebar.

Abstract: Concrete which is used in structural support of freeways, bridges, and large buildings, must be tested for anomalies. The testing equipment consists of probes which are inserted into testing tubes. The tubes are placed within rebar cages before concrete is poured. The prior art involved ad hoc methods of tying the tubes to the rebar. The improvement is pre-fabricated, mass produced cylindrical devices which can be axially snapped onto the testing tube. A first cylindrical device also has a perpendicular receptacle which facilitates connection to a second cylindrical device, where the second device can be axially snapped onto a piece of longitudinal rebar on the edge of the rebar cage. The combined first and second devices safely, accurately, and quickly affix the testing tubes to the rebar.

Abstract: Concrete which is used in structural support of freeways, bridges, and large buildings, must be tested for anomalies. The testing equipment consists of probes which are inserted into testing tubes. The tubes are placed within rebar cages before concrete is poured. The prior art involved ad hoc methods of tying the tubes to the rebar. The improvement is pre-fabricated, mass produced cylindrical devices which can be axially snapped onto the testing tube. A first cylindrical device also has a perpendicular receptacle which facilitates connection to a second cylindrical device, where the second device can be axially snapped onto a piece of longitudinal rebar on the edge of the rebar cage. The combined first and second devices safely, accurately, and quickly affix the testing tubes to the rebar.

Abstract: Methods of and systems for inhibiting freezing of a set of pipes are provided. One system includes: a first connector connected to a first fluid supply line; a second connector connected to a second fluid supply line; a valve fluidly connected to the first connector and the second connector; and a third connector connected to a drain line and fluidly connected to the valve. One method includes providing the above system and running fluid from the first and second fluid supply lines into a drain line when a temperature falls below a threshold or a flow rate falls below a threshold.

Abstract: The device is a Full Displacement Pile Tip (FDPT) with a sacrificial drill bit that is connected to a steel pipe, where the tip comprises at least four flanges or fish tails at the cutting edge extending from a conical, dome-like bottom, and integrally connected to the cutting teeth along the tip's axial shaft. The purpose of the FDPT is allow a steel pier to be screwed into the ground to serve as a foundation for a structure. This is a single operation where the FDPT and pipe remain in the ground. There is no removal of FDPT, minimal pouring of concrete, and there is minimal soil spoilage. A smaller drilling rig can be employed to save operating costs.

Abstract: The device is a Full Displacement Pile Tip (FDPT) with a sacrificial drill bit that is connected to a steel pipe, where the tip comprises at least four flanges or fish tails at the cutting edge extending from a conical, dome-like bottom, and integrally connected to the cutting teeth along the tip's axial shaft. The purpose of the FDPT is allow a steel pier to be screwed into the ground to serve as a foundation for a structure. This is a single operation where the FDPT and pipe remain in the ground. There is no removal of FDPT, minimal pouring of concrete, and there is minimal soil spoilage. A smaller drilling rig can be employed to save operating costs.

Abstract: A fluid medium containing article for use in transferring an image onto a second article is provided. The fluid medium containing article includes a base and a fluid medium retaining pad positioned on the base. The base is generally in the shape of a terminal portion of a human extremity, such as a hand. A fluid medium is disposed on the pad. The user presses a hand onto the surface of the fluid retaining medium pad to form a thin layer of fluid medium on the surface of the hand and then presses the hand against a second object to transfer an image of the hand to the second article.