Abstract: A handle attachment assembly for a toilet seat is disclosed for manually raising or lowering a toilet seat without a user having to touch the toilet seat proper. The handle attachment includes an attachment plate securable to the underside of a toilet seat with an adhesive. The attachment plate further includes a rigid flange which grips the interior edge of the opening of the toilet seat. This flange serves as a guide for proper alignment of the seat and provides lifting support to the seat for reducing strain on the adhesive. The handle attachment assembly further includes a handle which is grasped by a user for raising or lowering the toilet seat. The handle is demountably attached to the attachment plate and extends outwardly therefrom. The handle is thus removable for cleaning or for replacement with handles of various aesthetic designs.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing a crack in a bituminous road surface utilizes a beam embedded in the road surface. A slot is cut in the road with the crack centered therein. A fiber reinforced plastic composite beam has a plurality of fingers extending from one end thereof. The beam is placed on a sand base in the slot with a straight end of the beam on one side of the crack and a serrated/finger end on the opposed side of the crack. A panel having apertures therein is positioned over the finger end of the crack. A course aggregate material is placed atop the sand base within epoxy material then filling the slot so as to anchor the beam therein. Upon curing, the road material is placed atop the beam and flush with the original road surface. The fingers are coated with a release agent to preclude binding with the surrounding epoxy material which allows for movement of the beam relative to the surrounding material upon forces acting upon the beam.

Abstract: A splatter shield for connection to a conventional paint roller handle assembly includes a shield having a hemispherical top wall and parallel end walls for confining paint splatter or dripping during paint rolling. Opposing ends of the shield are releasably attached to the shaft portion of the paint roller handle assembly with one end of the shaft engaging a hub assembly releasably connected to an end of the roller pad assembly and shield. This structure allows for rotation of the roller pad about the longitudinal shaft axis. The splatter shield further includes an adjustment arm assembly having first and second arms, the first arm being centrally pivotably attached to the shield and second arm being pivotably attached to the handle.

Abstract: An accessory device capable of being mounted on a ladder having hollow rungs includes a pair of primary support arms which are shaped to fit within rungs having flat top sides to prevent rotation of the primary arms therein. Secondary support arms are slidably extensible from the primary support arms to laterally position a tray assembly relative to one side of the ladder. A brace connected to the secondary support arms engages a tray assembly. The level of the tray relative to the slope of the ladder is adjusted by varying the position of arcuate slots found within a pair of flanges mounted on the bottom side of the tray relative to the brace. Thus, a user can adjust the level of the tray while keeping one or both hands on the tray for stability. The device may be mounted to either side of the ladder with the supporting arms and brace optionally remaining mounted on the ladder during transport and/or storage.

Abstract: A tanning apparatus includes a plurality of tubular lamp housings releasably joined together in an electrical series relationship for tanning either an erect or recumbent person. Lamp housings, walls, and power cords are easily attachable and detachable for adjusting the configuration of the apparatus. Each lamp housing includes an ultraviolet lamp, ballast, and igniter. The lamp housing further includes a front panel which allows access to the lamp for replacement while protecting a user from injury in case a lamp bursts during use. The front panel is transparent, allowing ultraviolet rays to be transmitted toward a user. Reflective surfaces within the lamp housings and on the interior wall surfaces further contribute to efficient tanning. A frame is provided to support the apparatus above a recumbent user. The lamp housings may also be vertically positioned to surround and tan an erect user. Following use, the apparatus may be rolled into a compact bundle and secured by straps for transport or storage.

Abstract: An improved polo mallet includes a single-cane upper shaft portion spliced to a twin-cane lower shaft portion which is securely joined to a mallet head. The upper shaft portion maintains the flexibility required for effective game play while the lower shaft portion provides increased strength and durability at the point of frequent breakage for increasing the useful life of the polo mallet. The lower shaft portion is secured within a non-circular aperture in the mallet head to thereby prevent shaft twisting or rotation which may cause unnecessary premature breakage. This invention further includes a cost-effective method of repairing broken polo mallets whereby a broken shaft is removed and replaced with a twin-cane shaft which is then spliced to the remaining original shaft and is insertably secured within corresponding apertures in the mallet head.

Abstract: A multi-tiered shovel includes a generally stepped blade carried by a shaft with a handle. The blade comprises a lower distal portion, relative to user, having a pointed configuration with tapered edges extending upwardly and outwardly therefrom to a juncture between the lower portion and an adjacent medial portion. The medial portion is then defined by the blade edges which extend outwardly and upwardly to a juncture between the medial portion and an adjacent upper proximal portion. The blade edges likewise define the upper portion by extending outwardly and upwardly between the juncture between medial and upper portions and an upper edge of the overall blade. Accordingly, portions of the blade can be urged into the ground when force is applied to the top edge of the blade by a user's foot. Successive forces may thereafter be applied to cause the blade to penetrate the ground to a desired depth.

Abstract: A system for forming and packaging a bulk of loose particulate material. The system utilizes a compression tower for initial deposit of the loose particular material therein with the bottom floor of said tower being presented by a belt of a conveyor system. A ram within the tower compresses the loose material into a bulk form atop the conveyor belt. Subsequent to compression, the conveyor system is vertically displaced so that the formed material bulk can be conveyed to an horizontally adjacent conveyor for downstream conveyance to a space formed between downstream upper and lower conveyor assemblies. A sheet of packaging material spans the upper and lower conveyor assemblies such that the material bulk is directed through the sheet and enveloped thereby. The system diminishes the dislodgement of the particulate material from the bulk subsequent to its formation and transports and avoids the expenses of utilizing separately formed packaging bags.

Abstract: A vacuum storage system for extending the life of the goods stored therein. The system includes a chamber having an open end, a lid releasably securable to the chamber over its open end and a vacuum adapted for positioning on the lid to evacuate air from within the chamber. The lid has a neck portion with an aperture therethrough and includes a stopper sealably mounted within the aperture and a plug mounted within the stopper for regulating the evacuation of the air within the chamber. The stopper has a channel formed therethrough. The plug has a flared exterior end, an elongated portion and a flared interior end. The elongated portion extends through the channel and has a diameter smaller than the channel's diameter for free movement therein. This allows the vacuum to evacuate air from within the chamber through the channel. The plug's flared exterior end is forced to engage the stopper and seal the channel upon evacuation of the air.

Abstract: A storage can for ready-to-use liquid consumer products, such as paint, enamel and liquid resins. The storage can includes a cylindrical body forming a side wall, a bottom wall and a lid member attached to an open end of the body. A pour spout is formed in the side wall and extends outwardly therefrom a distance no greater than the distance at which perpendicular tangents to the can body intersect. The spout extends upwardly from the body to the point at which the lid member lies and preferably includes a filter member therein. The open end of the body presents a flat, annular rim from which a first gripping member extends with a second gripping member formed around the outer circumference of the lid to mate with the first gripping member and secure the lid to the open end. The lid member preferably includes a spout lid portion hingeably attached thereto to selectively open and close only the spout opening.

Abstract: A window insulating air bag includes a bag body presenting a perimetrical seam therearound and an adhesive strip extending continuously around the seam to secure and seal the air bag to the interior frame of the window. The bag body is formed of first and second layers of elastic thin plastic film, with the first layer being thinner than the second layer. This relationship presents a ballooning layer upon bag inflation adapted to engage the window's casing but spaced apart from the interior surface of the window. Preferably, the second layer has an air valve formed therein for inflation of the bag. Alternatively, the air bag is used with a conventional storm window having a rigid self supporting sheet of glass adapted to be secured to a window's exterior frame with the flexible air bag as discussed above secured to the window's interior frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for purifying and treating water includes a first magnetic plug having a plurality of polarizing magnets evenly spaced about the circumference of a circular aperture. The longitudinal axis of each magnet is perpendicular to the aperture with its north pole magnetic field directed radially outwardly and its south pole directed radially inwardly to provide a magnetic charge to water molecules passed through the magnetic plug. The water stream is further passed through a chamber having two electrodes made of a copper/silver alloy. By alternating the polarity between the electrodes, copper and silver ions are released into the water while avoiding fouling of either electrode. The water stream is then passed through a filter assembly and a second magnetic plug to enhance retention of beneficial minerals and ions.

Abstract: A balloon holding device comprises a dome-like body member attached to a base plate for anchoring a plurality of helium filled balloons for display as a balloon bouquet for festive occasions. A central bore vertically extends through the body member and base plate for receiving tethers from a plurality of balloons. The base plate includes slits suitable for receiving free ends of the balloon tethers. The bottom slits cooperate with vertically disposed slits in the exterior of the body member for frictionally securing free ends of the tethers therein. Balloons can be released from the holder simply by pulling the tethers out of the slits and back through the central bore, thereby making the holder immediately available for reuse.

Abstract: A cardboard blank includes a front wall, end wall, side walls, top wall and bottom wall and glue flaps for presenting a container upon folding. An opening is presented In the top wall of the container with a spout assembly, integral with the blank, surrounding the opening. The spout assembly is foldable between open and closed positions. The lower wall of the container presents first and second flaps maintained together by a tab insert. Removal of the tab presents a second opening for gross discharge of the container contents. A tab on the spout assembly is insertable in a slot on the top wall for maintaining the spout assembly in a closed position.

Abstract: A method for establishing a thermal interface between an electrical component and a heat sink including the selection of a compound having a melt temperature above the normal operating temperature of the component. The compound may be placed on a carrier gasket or the like for insertion between the component and the heat sink. Upon initial heat up of the component, the component heats beyond its normal operating temperature due to an inefficient thermal joint among the component, solidified compound and heat sink. The electrical component initially reaches an initial operating temperature sufficient to cause the compound to deform or melt and fill the spaces between the mating surfaces of the component and heat sink. Once the compound resolidifies, a thermal joint is permanently established which precludes the component from heating beyond its normal operating temperature upon subsequent operation.

Abstract: Decorated nails and methods therefor preferably using tissue paper and metallic foils. Crumbled pieces of metallic foil or pieces of tissue paper are mixed with a substantially clear polish and applied to a nail with the pieces in an overlapping relationship or immediately adjacent one another to present a textured or stained-glass effect, respectively. Alternatively, a thin layer of a metallic foil or tissue paper may be affixed to the nail over an adhesive layer. A substantially clear top sealing layer is applied over the decorated nail.

Abstract: A reliable and consistent electrical contact path between the rails of a section of railroad track established by the shunting effect of the wheels and axles of a train is ensured by applying time-spaced, short duration electrical pulses to the rails at a voltage level sufficient to overcome poor wheel/rail contact. Each of the pulses is produced by a generator that discharges a capacitor across the rails. The narrow pulse width inductively isolates the pulse generator and associated track section from adjacent stretches of track, and the spacing between pulses further avoids interference with other types of electrical track equipment. A detector responsive to the voltage on the rails disables the pulse generator when the received voltage exceeds a threshold and thus indicates that no train wheels are present in the track section. In a grade crossing warning system, once activated the pulse generator and detector assume the role of the island detection circuit and maintain the crossing warning.

Abstract: A connection for a plurality of wire ends utilizes a first housing having a conical metal housing embedded therein. A terminal lug assembly is releasably engageable with the first housing and in contact with the metal housing. Upon insertion of an initial twist of the wire ends within the first housing and into the metal housing, rotation of the first housing further twists the wire ends into a first connection in contact with the metal housing. The contact of the terminal lug assembly with the metal housing presents a current flow path from the twisted wire ends to the terminal lug, the latter for connection to a terminal of a downstream component. An end cap is insertable within the first housing in lieu of the terminal lug assembly if only a current flow path through the connected wire ends is desired.

Abstract: An orthosis for external application to the wrist for treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, which applies simultaneous yet independent bilateral parallel midline compression along with simultaneous yet independent anterior midline torsion to the distal ends of the radius and ulna and the lateral and medial wall of the carpal bones. The orthoses relaxes the flexor retinaculum (transverse and volar carpal ligaments), reverses anterior to posterior prolapse of the carpal tunnel, and reduces stress on the median nerve, ligaments and bursa traversing the wrist. The device is constructed to allow full and unrestricted movement of the wrist, hand and fingers. The device utilizes a flexible substrate to which are attached releasable compression elements for positioning at the distal end of the radius and ulna at the lateral walls of the carpal tunnel.

Abstract: A handrail assembly for access walkways on railway hopper cars is movable between a retracted position, where the assembly is stored for transit, and an extended position where the posts and rails of the assembly are raised to provide a protective barrier. The posts and rails are pivotally interconnected to provide a parallel linkage, each of the posts swinging about an axis that is displaced from a right angle to the longitudinal axis of the walkway. Also, the posts are inclined from the vertical when the assembly is in its extended position. The combined effect of the displacement and the inclination maintains the components of the assembly within allowable clearances and precludes interference with the top surface of the car body. A counterweight arrangement allows the posts and rails to be easily raised manually from one end of the car, and a mechanical lock is provided to positively retain the assembly in either its extended or retracted position.