Abstract: An automated meter reader module can be operably connected to an existing utility meter to provide an endpoint for use in an automated meter reader system. The automated meter reader module can utilize an index attachment drive mechanism to electronically and mechanically monitor consumption of a utility such as water, gas, or electricity. The index attachment of the existing utility meter is attached so that it does not physically impede reception or transmission of radio frequency communications by a patch antenna integrated into a printed circuit board located inside the automated meter reader module. A gasket around the edge of the housing sealingly interfaces with the existing utility meter and a multi-faced cover that allows the registered dials located on the index attached to be viewed from a plurality of vantage points.

Abstract: It is possible to predict with acceptable accuracy the time to failure of a device having a thin gate dielectric in a field effect transistor. Such prediction is based on the realization that for such thin dielectric multiple dielectric breakdown occurs before device failure ensues and that measurement of the device quiescent current flow provides the information necessary for such prediction. The ability to make reliable prediction allows improvement of device design, manufacture, and use.

Abstract: The cup holder for a drinking game is a triangular multi-cup beverage tray and freezer pack insert that holds and chills multiple cups in a “billiard ball rack” formation for use in the drinking game “Beer-Pong,” “Beirut,” or variations thereof. The cup holder for a drinking game includes cup pockets, indentations or channels in a triangular row formation (front to back) of one cup, two cups, three cups, etc., which are formed in the freezer pack The cup holding freezer pack fits into the triangular tray for added stability. Rubber or neoprene feet are disposed symmetrically on an underside of the bottom of the tray to provide traction during use. Preferably, the placement and depth of the cup pockets provide for the correct orientation of the cups for optimal playing of the drinking game with standard 16-ounce party cups.

Abstract: A system and method of installing a preconstruction support system for a building, according to which the corresponding ends of two piling sections are connected together and an a auger is provided on one or more of the piling sections. The piling sections are driven into the ground in a manner so that a portion of the uppermost piling section extends above ground; and a concrete slab encases the portion of the piling sections.

Abstract: A system and method of installing a preconstruction support system for a building, according to which the corresponding ends of two piling sections are connected together and an a auger is provided on one or more of the piling sections. The piling sections are driven into the ground in a manner so that a portion of the uppermost piling section extends above ground; and a concrete slab encases the portion of the piling sections.

Abstract: A method for moving a wall from a first position to a second position and anchoring the wall in the second position, according to which a portion of an elongated assembly is placed through an opening in the wall. An auger is provided on one end portion of the assembly and torque is applied to the assembly to cause the auger to penetrate the ground, and a nut is advanced along the assembly to engage the wall and force the wall from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A laundering apparatus for collecting fluid, such as clean liquor, from a tank. The laundering apparatus includes a central conduit which is configured to be located near, and at least partially circumscribe, the radial center of the tank. At least one substantially linear conduits is tangentially coupled to, and in fluid communication with, the central conduit. One or more openings defined within the at least one substantially linear conduits is configured to draw a volume of fluid therethrough into the laundering apparatus. The at least one substantially linear conduit may also be substantially radially extending out through the wall of the tank. An access port may be formed in the radially distal end of the at least one substantially linear conduit to facilitate cleaning of the laundering apparatus from a location outside of the tank.

Abstract: A system and method of installing a preconstruction support system for a building, according to which the corresponding ends of two piling sections are connected together and an a auger is provided on one or more of the piling sections. The piling sections are driven into the ground in a manner so that a portion of the uppermost piling section extends above ground; and a concrete slab encases the portion of the piling sections.

Abstract: A method for moving a wall from a first position to a second position and anchoring the wall in the second position, according to which a portion of an elongated assembly is placed through an opening in the wall. An auger is provided on one end portion of the assembly and torque is applied to the assembly to cause the auger to penetrate the ground, and a nut is advanced along the assembly to engage the wall and force the wall from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing and dispensing an influent slurry into a tank. The apparatus may include a body having a sidewall and floor which together define a volume for the slurry to pass through. Fixed baffles and rotating paddles may be disposed within the body in an interleaved manner to promote mixing of the slurry with a flocculating reagent. The apparatus may also include scrapers for reducing built-up floc on the walls and/or floor of the apparatus. The floor of the apparatus may define a constricted opening for discharge of the slurry. The constricted opening, which serves to control the flow of the slurry through the body of the apparatus, also helps to increase mixing time of the slurry with the flocculating reagent. The constricted opening may be configured as an annular or ring-shaped port.

Abstract: A method is provided for manipulating data related to the ordering and performance of services and communication of results. The invention discloses a method of relating various databases with reporting engines to combine information in useful ways to coordinate customer location information, provider service information, contract information, product information and pricing information, and submit required requests to service partners to complete the work orders. Accounting and budgeting information also can be tracked, along with the submission, status and completion of work orders.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for providing information to a user on modifications made to a base software product with a program temporary fix. The program temporary fix is applied to the base software product. The program temporary fix includes informational text describing how the program temporary fix modifies the base software product. The informational text included with the program temporary fix is applied to informational text provided with the base software product to generate cumulative informational text. The cumulative informational text describes the base software product as modified by the program temporary fix. The cumulative informational text may be accessed and presented to the user.

Abstract: A system and method for defining rewriteable data storage media defined by ECMA Standard ECMA-272 2nd edition (1999) for 120 mm DVD rewriteable disk (DVD-RAM) as a write once data storage media and for storing data thereon. The apparatus consists of a data storage device for reading and writing data on the media, the media, a media type indicator in the media, two write protect flags in the user data area of the media, and programming to examine the two write protect flags prior to a write, erase, or format operation. If both flags match and the media type indicator is write once, the drive is prevented from writing to the user data area if both flags are in the data written state. If both flags do not match after two re-reads, an error message is generated. If both flags are in the data unwritten state, data is written to the user data area and both flags are set to the data written state.

Abstract: Apparatus for filtering spa water includes a therapy pump and a circulation pump. A filter of unitary construction includes a surface loading filter element for filtering water passing through the therapy pump and a depth loading filter element for filtering water passing through the circulation pump. A connector releasably interconnects the two filter elements.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a plastic jacket having air spaces formed by spaced walls used to insulate hot and cold piping systems and the fittings for those systems. The jacket is made from multiple segments, which are joined together along their longitudinal joints. The segments are joined to each other by tongue and groove connections. One segment can be cut longitudinally and glued to another segment to make a larger segment to fit various diameters of pipe. In a further embodiment, the plastic jacket is modified to form the duct of a heating, ventilating and air conditioning system. The inner wall of the jacket forms the air duct. In both embodiments, at least some of the segments have hinge portions created by omitting the inner wall at the hinge portions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for supporting a building and to a system and method for connecting sections, such as pilings, pipes, conduits, and the like, in an end-to-end, abutting, relationship to form pilings for the support system.

Abstract: A pillow structure is releasably connected to a hot tub shell. The pillow structure includes a border pillow having an opening providing access to the border pillow interior and an insert pillow releasably attached to the border pillow. When in place, the insert pillow covers the opening for preventing manual access to and viewing of connector structure utilized to attach the border pillow to the shell.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a plastic jacket having air spaces formed by spaced walls used to insulate hot and cold piping systems and the fittings for those systems. The jacket is made from multiple segments, which are joined together along their longitudinal joints. The segments are joined to each other by tongue and groove connections. One segment can be cut longitudinally and glued to another segment to make a larger segment to fit various diameters of pipe. In a further embodiment, the plastic jacket is modified to form the duct of a heating, ventilating and air conditioning system. The inner wall of the jacket forms the air duct. In both embodiments, at least some of the segments have hinge portions created by omitting the inner wall at the hinge portions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for supporting a building and to a system and method for connecting sections, such as pilings, pipes, conduits, and the like, in an end-to-end, abutting, relationship to form pilings for the support system. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure; and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims under 37 CFR §1.72.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for providing information to a user on modifications made to a base software product with a program temporary fix. The program temporary fix is applied to the base software product. The program temporary fix includes informational text describing how the program temporary fix modifies the base software product. The informational text included with the program temporary fix is applied to informational text provided with the base software product to generate cumulative informational text. The cumulative informational text describes the base software product as modified by the program temporary fix. The cumulative informational text may be accessed and presented to the user.