Abstract: A wheelchair including three component parts: a propulsion means, a support means provided with means for receiving the legs of a chair, and a chair. The propulsion means is removably engaged with the support means by sliding the propulsion means into the support means. The propulsion means includes a ratchet and sprocket means. The occupant propels the wheelchair forward and backward by moving a handle attached to the ratchet in a rowing type motion. A chair is then engaged with the support means by inserting the chair legs into the means for receiving the chair legs on the support. The means located on the support for receiving chair legs can be varied to accommodate a variety of chair types. The chair is optionally provided with a central opening for facilitating toilet use.

Abstract: A highly efficient flame arrester adapted for use in preventing an external flame from backflashing upstream in a pipe, or a conduit, or a stream carrying a flammable substance. The flame arrester comprises a contained layer of nested ellipsoids formed from expanded metal sheets made from magnesium alloy foil. The arrester is useful in fuel tanks, combustion systems, sea-going tankers, hot water or space heaters, and the like.

Abstract: The end fitting of the present invention is generally hollowly cylindrical in shape and sized so that the outer diameter of the end fitting is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the well screen to which the fitting is to be joined. Bores are formed in the body of the end fitting. The number and placement of bores in the end fitting should be such that the number and placement of bores in the end fitting match the number and placement of longitudinal rods in the well screen. The end fitting is mounted to the well screen by means of inserting each of the longitudinal rods of the well screen into each of the bores in the end fitting. The end fitting is permanently secured to the well screen by swaging the end fitting so that the fitting is compressed about the longitudinal rods. Alternatively, adhesive may be used to secure the longitudinal rods in the bores of the end fitting. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the bores are drilled completely through the end fitting.

Abstract: The lubricating oil removal device and method of the present invention provides a device for intercepting the oil used to lubricate the line shaft bearings of an oil lubricated turbine pump before the oil can contaminate the water. Holes are provided in the oil tube below the bottom bearing to be lubricated and above the relief ports typically provided in the bowl assembly. An annular relief collar is provided around the oil tube at the location of the holes. A drainage pipe allows oil to flow from the relief collar to a reservoir located on the outside of the column pipe. A pump located within the reservoir lifts oil from the reservoir, through a tube, and onto the surface for reuse or disposal.

Abstract: Because mechanical aerators are located in a pond of liquid and, therefore, not subject to convenient visual monitoring by operations personnel, it is desirable to have a method for automatically detecting and dislodging debris which become caught on the aerator propeller. The present invention includes a waterproof vibration sensor mounted within sensing range of the rotating shaft of the aerator propeller. The sensor is operably connected to the propeller motor so that when the sensor detects excessive rotating shaft vibrations caused by debris attached to the propeller, the motor is automatically shut down and then run in the reverse direction causing the debris to be thrown off the propeller. Once the debris have been dislocated from the propeller, the motor is restarted in the forward direction. If the sensor continues to detect excessive motor shaft vibration, the motor will once again be shut down and then run in the reverse direction.

Abstract: An expandable metal product for use in extinguishing fires and in the prevention of or protection against explosions. The product is a continuous sheet of material having discontinuous slits in spaced apart lines parallel to each other but transverse to the longitudinal dimension of the sheet. The invention is also directed to the expanded form of the product, either in sheets which may be used for preventing fires or explosion or in the form of shaped ellipsoids for use in a passive inerting system for fuel tanks, as flame arresters, as anti-explosion barriers, and as shields against mechanical impact.

Abstract: The present invention is a portable pneumatic target device for raising and lowering a target. With the target raising and lowering device of the present invention, a target can be selectively stopped at any point of extension or retraction. The target raising and lowering device of the present invention includes a support frame secured to a base, a horizontal target carrier assembly mounted to the support frame and moveable on the frame, and in air actuated cylinder operably attached to the target carrier assembly. The target is mounted to the target carrier assembly and is raised and lowered through the action of the air actuated cylinder. Pressurized air is selectively admitted into the cylinder by a solenoid operated valve. The solenoid is energized, after actuation of a manual switch or an infrared switch for a predetermined period under control of a programmable timer.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting bearing overheating in oil-lubricated turbine pumps comprising and temperature transmitting collar and infrared sensor. The temperature transmitting collar is mounted on the pump line shaft immediately adjacent to the stretch bearing, which is the top bearing in the pump system. The infrared sensor is positioned within sensing distance of the temperature transmitting collar and control circuitry is provided to warn of abnormal temperatures and to turn the pump off if temperatures continue to rise to an alarm condition.

Abstract: A baby blanket of two layer construction which is generally rectangular in shape. The two layers are joined by one seam running along the bottom of the bag and a second seam running up the midline on the front of the bag. The midline seam runs from the bottom of the bag to about two-thirds of the distance to the top. The top ⅓ of the midline seam is left open. Means for releasably attaching the two sides of the blanket top are provided on the top of the blanket on each side of the open midline seam. In use, a baby is inserted into the top open end of the blanket. The two sides of the blanket top are then secured about the baby under its arms by the means for releasably attaching the two sides.

Abstract: The golf bag holder of the present invention includes a vertically adjustable clamp which is mounted to a horizontal support member. The clamp is provided with a vertical slot for insertion of a bolt. The bolt is inserted through the slot in the clamp, through a bore in the horizontal support member, and then is threadedly engaged with a nut. When a golf bag is placed adjacent to the horizontal support member, the clamp is lowered onto the lip of the golf bag. Once properly positioned, the clamp is fixed in place by tightening the nut on the bolt.

Abstract: A highly efficient flame arrester adapted for use in preventing an external flame from backflashing upstream in a pipe, or a conduit, or a stream carrying a flammable substance. The flame arrester comprises a contained layer of nested ellipsoids formed from expanded metal sheets made from magnesium alloy foil. The arrester is useful in fuel tanks, combustion systems, sea-going tankers, hot water, or space heaters, and the like.

Abstract: A security hardware device used to hold multi-leafed materials, for example, telephone books, which device has an inner box within an outer sleeve, wherein the inner box has a first end with a toothed grip and a second end with a means for receiving a screw; and the outer sleeve has a first open end for receiving the inner box and second closed end, and wherein the second closed end is provided with a toothed grip and further provided with a hole for passing a screw through the outer sleeve and into the means for receiving a screw so that, as the screw is turned into engagement, the inner box is drawn into the outer sleeve, and a means for attaching the device to a surface.

Abstract: A device for reducing the likelihood that an automatic swimming pool cleaner will become stuck on the steps and corners of a swimming pool. The device has a continuous wall extending between a smaller end fitted to the circumference of the hose leading to or from the pool cleaner and a larger end facing the pool cleaner.

Abstract: A highly effective module for preventing corrosion of oil well pipes and equipment and for preventing resulting fires and explosions. The module is a collar formed from slitted and expanded metal net and is adapted to fit in the annular space between the oil production pipe and the outer casing of the oil well, to prevent oxygen from the atmosphere from entering the annular space at the top of the well, and to exclude hydrocarbon vapors from the subterranean production zone from entering the annular space at the bottom of the well. The invention also relates to methods for extinguishing a burning oil well.

Abstract: An expandable metal product for use in extinguishing fires and in the prevention of or protection against explosions. The product is a continuous sheet of magnesium alloy foil having discontinuous slits in spaced apart lines parallel to each other but transverse to the longitudinal dimension of the sheet. The invention is also directed to the expanded form of the product, either in sheets which may be used for preventing fires or explosion or in the form of shaped ellipsoids for use in a passive inerting system for fuel tanks.