Abstract: A portable universal apparatus for seating a bead of a wide range of tire sizes onto a rim. An upright support frame includes a rim support surface and a rim retainer for securing the rim in a generally horizontal position atop the rim support surface. A tubular air ring includes an air inlet port connectable to an air tank and is vertically adjustably supportable on the support frame. A plurality of inwardly oriented air discharge tubes connectable to the air ring and selectable from different sets of lengths thereof cooperate with the vertical adjustability of the air ring to position the distal end of each of discharge tube in close proximity between a lower rim seal and a lower sealing bead of the tire to force the lower sealing downwardly into sealing engagement with the lower rim seal when compressed air is released from the air tank into the air ring and air discharge tubes.

Abstract: In one aspect of this invention, a battery power transfer device connected or connectable to establish an electrical path between a battery and a starter motor of an internal combustion engine. A coil of conductive hollow tubing having a plurality of complete loops is connectable between a positive (+) terminal of the battery and a positive (+) input terminal or contact of the starter motor. In another aspect, a battery power transfer device is connected to connectable to establish an electrical path between a battery and an electric motor of a battery-powered vehicle. The coil of conductive hollow tubing, having a plurality of complete loops, is connectable between a positive (+) terminal of the battery and a positive (+) input of the electric motor. Both aspects of this invention enhance performance.

Abstract: A flexion-traction type lumbar traction table for treating a patient including a base supporting a stationary head-thoracic support and a pivotally movable pelvic support section positioned end-to-end with the head-thoracic support section. Upper and lower pelvic sections form the pelvic support section and are connected together for sliding longitudinal translation of the upper pelvic section on the lower pelvic section. A proximal end of the lower pelvic section is connected for pivotal movement about a horizontal transverse flexion axis between a horizontal first position and a downwardly inclined second position. An axial traction member is pivotally connected between the upper pelvic section adjacent to a distal end thereof and the frame just beneath the flexion axis wherein said upper pelvic section is automatically slidably translated further from said proximal end of the lower pelvic section as the pelvic support section is manually pivoted downwardly for enhanced longitudinal traction.

Abstract: A catalytic electrode, cell, system and process for absorbing and storing hydrogen (H2) and deuterium (D2) from the gaseous to the solid ionic form. The cell includes a non-conductive sealed housing and a conductive catalytic electrode positioned within the housing which absorbs H2 and/or D2 gas and stores it in a solid ionic form. These electrodes are formed of palladium (Pd), titanium (Ti), or zirconium (Zr). Each end of the electrode is plated with a layer of gold and encapsulated with a curable resin to form a confinement zone for H± and/or D± storage. The process includes connecting an external d.c. electric power source to each confinement zone during H2 and/or D2 gas loading of the electrode to cause a plasma-like reaction to occur which drives the H2 and/or D2 in the electrode to each encapsulated confinement to effect long-term storage of the ion form H± and D± in a solid form for later use.

Abstract: An assistive walking rear entry device including a main frame, elongated upright body weight support members connected to each side portion of the main frame and two elongated leg members connected to each body support member one extending forwardly, the other extending rearwardly, each leg member including a rollable member attached to a distal end portion thereof. An elongated seat is attached to and supported on a lower portion of a centerpost, the centerpost being supported on the main frame. Rearwardly opening lateral torso supports are attached to the upper portion of the centerpost and make supporting contact with the thoracic area and for propelling the device during a walking gait. The seat is positioned against the perennial region to support the pelvis and to help propel the device on a “hands free” basis.

Abstract: An air admittance valve assembly for venting ambient air into a system while preventing the escape of gases within the system. A housing includes first and second passageways in fluid communication through a valve seat therebetween. A flat generally thin, flexible, preferably resilient free-floating sealing membrane is positioned for sealing engagement by gravity only atop the valve seat. Ambient air in the second passageway will freely flow into the first passageway and the system at system air pressure less than atmospheric pressure while air within the system is prevented from flowing outwardly therefrom through the valve assembly.

Abstract: A thumb tool for use by a massage therapist includes a tubular sleeve having at least a portion of which is a rigid plastic tubular sleeve that slides over the thumb. A portion of the tool may include a flexible PVC thermo plastic membrane. The tool may be a one-piece construction or may include multiple layers or removable inserts. The tool and/or an insert may comprise a gel-like substance acting as thermal medium that may be heated or cooled for individualized thermal therapy.

Abstract: A molded braking and support wheel assembly for a multi-wheeled wheelchair for a handicapped person. The wheel assembly includes a braking support wheel molded as a single unit of plastic or plastic-like material having concentric components including a tire receiving rim, a wheel bearing and brake assembly receiving hub, and spaced wheel spokes substantially radially extending between the hub and rim. A ring or band-shaped metal brake drum is also molded as a unit into the hub, the brake drum having a generally cylindrical inner braking friction surface and plastic-interlocking outer surface features which permanently interlock with the plastic material when the braking support wheel is mold formed. The plastic-interlocking outer features are molded with the hub into a single unit with the support wheel to secure the brake drum from relative movement in the hub. The brake drum defines a generally cylindrical cavity for operatively receiving the brake assembly.

Abstract: An auxiliary embosser for use with a mobile or stationary on or off-site roll forming apparatus which roll forms sheet material into objects such as a rain gutter or aluminum siding having complex cross section profiles. The auxiliary embosser includes a frame adapted to be aligned and attached adjacent to the apparatus in relation to a roll formed object discharge thereof. The frame includes closely spaced mating embossing rollers held for rotation in the frame about spaced rotational axes and aligned to receive one surface of a roll formed object discharging from the apparatus. The embossing rollers are formed having a profile of their mating surfaces configured to be substantially similar to a profile of the one surface of the object and further include a decorative design which is embossed into the one surface of the object while being moved through the embossing rollers as controlled by the apparatus.

Abstract: For a manually propelled wheelchair having a rear wheel located on either side of the wheelchair, each rear wheel including an annular or round push rim of substantially uniform, uninterrupted cross section, a grip attachment attachable to the rim used by an occupant of the wheelchair to propel the wheelchair. The grip attachment includes a gripping body having a preferably convex palm-pushing surface on a posterior side thereof and a preferably concave finger-pulling surface on an anterior side thereof. A rim-engaging member having an annular or circular-shaped attached to each rear wheel is adapted to cooperate with the gripping body to clampingly secure the gripping body to the rim in a laterally outwardly extending orientation. By this arrangement, an occupant may propel the wheelchair forwardly by exerting palm pressure against the posterior side and rearwardly by exerting finger pressure against the anterior side.

Abstract: A hand-held manually swingable chum distributing device including a substantially elongated bat-shaped housing having a hollow interior, a closed handle at a proximal end thereof and an enlarged open distal end. The distal end is defined by an opening formed preferably generally diagonally to a longitudinal axis of the housing. The hollow interior is sized to receive and hold a quantity of chum therein which is placeable or pourable into the hollow interior when the housing is held tipped upwardly and with the opening upwardly facing. An interior surface of the housing adjacent the opening is smooth and uninterrupted to allow the chum within the hollow interior to flow smoothly therefrom when the housing is held by the handle and swung. Flotation material within the handle preferably renders the device buoyant in water.

Abstract: A resilient hand guard for protecting the hand of a hacksaw user including a flat shield formed of resilient non-metallic or elastomeric material having a height equal to that of the frame and a width at least as great as a projected frontal width of a user's hand when grasped around the handle. The shield has an elongated notch extending downwardly from an upper margin having a width and length sufficient to be fitted around and receive support from an upper portion of the frame just forwardly of the handle. The shield also has a mounting aperture positioned directly below the notch sized to fit over and receive support from a threaded end of an elongated rear blade tensioning support of the frame. The shield has sufficient resiliency for a side portion thereof to be protectively deflected around the hand upon inadvertent impact against an object during use of the hacksaw.

Abstract: An oxygen tank holder attachable to a reclining seatback-type wheelchair. The holder includes a T-shaped main frame including an elongated upright central member and an upper support arm extending horizontally in either direction from an upper end of the central member. Each end of the upper support arm adapted for slidable or fixed connection to and along the sides of the wheelchair. A lower support bar is connected to, and extends laterally in either direction from a lower end of the central member, each distal end thereof adapted for connection to a lower side frame bar of the wheelchair. Spaced tubular upper and lower oxygen cylinder carriers are connected to the central member for receiving an elongated cylindrical oxygen tank positioned uprightly therein, securing the tank from excessive when the seat back is reclined or the wheelchair transported.

Abstract: An ignition spark enhancing system and devices which, in one aspect, establish the electrical path between a spark source (e.g. an ignition coil) and a spark plug, and in another aspect, between a power source (e.g. battery) and an ignition coil and, in a third aspect, between the ignition coil and the spark distributor of an internal combustion engine. The devices preferably include a coil of one or more turns or loops formed on and along a length of a small segment of hollow conductive tubing. A length of solid conductive wire is wound in tightly spaced fashion around a portion of the conductive tubing and is formed in intermittent segments which are preferably electrically coextensive with the conductive tubing. The tubing and the wire are preferably copper and also preferably form each entire spark plug and ignition coil wire. The device is also preferably coated with a non-conductive material to reduce any risk of electrical shock or short circuit.