Abstract: A propulsion system designed to propel submarine and surface vessels by discharging fluid rearwardly with a reaction of increased force that is approximately twenty percent greater than that possible with conventional propeller systems. Its conical/tapered housing is mounted to the inside bottom surface and transom of a marine vessel hull whereby a keyhole-shaped inlet opening directs a large volume of seawater into the housing's wider end. Seawater then flows across several increasingly smaller propellers positioned within the housing. A reverse and steering assembly with a movable gate can be optionally aligned with the discharge end of the housing to control the direction of marine vessel movement. Size is not a limiting factor for the present invention and its operation is virtually silent. Also, its inlet opening is always below the water level so priming is never needed and no transmission is required. Recreational, commercial, and military applications are contemplated.

Abstract: A compact, portable, and expedient system for precisely testing the balance of balls used in sports and competitive games, which includes a test container slightly larger than the ball being tested. Preferably, the test container has several spaced-apart ball-centering guides, a fluid fill line, a removable cap, a sleeve attached to the cap and adapted for positioning a permanent ink marker relative to the golf ball being tested for consistent ball marking, and at least one associated packet of pre-measured ingredients for raising the specific gravity of the fluid used in the test container for balance testing. Optionally, a ball lifter can be used for removing a ball from the test container subsequent to balance testing. It is contemplated that an operator will be able to test multiple balls with a single packet of pre-mixed and pre-measured specific gravity increasing chemicals.

Abstract: A mobile tree stand that can be suspended in a desired position with a single rope, chain or the like, and thereafter safely, quietly and easily maneuvered into any position about the tree's circumference. Its user can shoot in any direction without standing and also use the tree as a gun rest for a shot in any direction. The mobile nature of the stand also provides a hunter with the option of using a gun support lanyard, which can be attached to the upper part of the stand or its supporting member. The stand can also be used for ground level hunting, as well as indoor and outdoor use by adults and children in recreational pursuits common to hanging chairs and swings. One embodiment includes a back support that reclines into various postures, including a completely supine position. In addition, it can be readily disassembled for easy transport and storage.

Abstract: A chafing dish for rapidly bringing catered food items up to the temperatures required for safe food handling and optimal flavor enhancement, and even heating of the food items thereafter without a constant monitoring of the flame height. The invention utilizes butane gas as a heat source and a burner control mechanism with a butane burner integrated into the base of a chafing dish, a bracket to hold a butane can securely in place, an engaging apparatus to start the flow of butane from the butane can to the burner, a copper tube to transport butane from the butane can to the burner, an electronic ignition switch and insulated wiring to ignite the butane at the burner, a burner control mechanism and regulator to regulate the flow of butane to the burner for the purpose of allowing a range of flame height and temperature, and a series of ventilation holes in the base of the chafing dish.

Abstract: A low-profile container with a wide flat bottom for use in transplanting trees and other large plants with minimal disruption to the root ball. It typically has a diameter dimension of approximately four feet or more, with the minimum contemplated diameter dimension being approximately one-and-one-half feet, as well as arcuate side walls and at least one sturdy ring on its outside surface that is configured for lifting the combined weight of the container, plant, and root ball. A plant would be grown in the container, transported to its intended planting location in the container, and then transplanted into a pre-dug hole with the assistance of the container. Optionally, the container also may have drainage holes adjacent to or through its bottom surface and obliquely positioned anchoring passages that assist in maintaining the plant and container in an upright position in the presence of strong winds.

Abstract: A compact transmission that is infinitely variable and load sensitive. It incorporates a standard hydrodynamic torque converter, however, this converter does not use a lock-up device. Instead engaged gears progressively change ratio output without shifting, thus eliminating the momentary power loss between shifts. It requires no special tooling and can be made from readily available over-the-counter parts. Thus, it is less expensive to manufacture than the transmissions and gearboxes currently used in modern vehicular and marine applications.

Abstract: An infinity mirror display apparatus, and method of manufacture, which allows private and commercial users to rapidly trade out favored display objects to create different infinity display effects for continued viewer interest and enjoyment. The apparatus comprises a housing having a stationary base member and an easily removable cover which together define an enclosed interior space, at least two reflective surfaces positioned adjacent to the interior space with at least one of the surfaces being partially reflective, and at least one illumination source communicating with the interior space. The cover can be partially or totally removed from the stationary member during display object exchange. The apparatus can be wall-mounted for front and/or side viewing of the infinity mirror effect, or it can be table-mounted with multiple partially reflective surfaces for a full 360° view of the infinity mirror effect created by one or more illuminated display objects.

Abstract: A gravity-assisted water saving system, and method of use, utilized for collecting condensate from an air conditioning system, sanitizing it, and then diverting it for constructive use. It has a chamber with an inclined bottom surface, a removable basket for containing tablets used for sanitizing swimming pool water or bleach tablets used for laundry sanitizing purposes, a double P-trap assembly on its water inlet side that prevents sanitizing vapors from entering the air conditioning system to which it is connected, a removable cap sealing its top opening to prevent escape of sanitizing vapors into the atmosphere, and an optional mounting bracket for enhanced stabilization against a stationary object. Inflow tubing connected to the chamber permits ready attachment of the present invention to an air conditioning condensate discharge pipe, while a discharge tube in an inferior position transports reclaimed water to its location of subsequent use.

Abstract: A rugged braced bag for securing hand tools and other equipment to a ladder, scaffold, or mechanical lift within easy reach of a worker. The bag has wide flexible support band with a rigid distal clip configured for engagement with a slot in one of its upstanding walls. Alternatively, the bag can be secured by the support band and clip engaging a ladder top, or the band encircling a ladder rung or horizontally-extending bar with the clip inserted into the slot. The bag has a shoulder strap and release handle used for raising the bag and ready release of the clip from its engaged position. Optionally, the bag can have compartments, pockets, and/or a removable liner. Applications can include, but are not limited to, use by carpenters, painters, electricians, plumbers, homeowners, and anyone needing to use tools and equipment while on a ladder, scaffold, lift, or other raised support structure.

Abstract: A filter assembly for use with a gravity-assisted water saver system that sanitizes condensate from an air conditioning system with vapors released from dissolvable tablets, such as those used for treating swimming pool water or laundering purposes. It is compact and cleanable via a removable bottom cover, and it inner structure is configured to substantially reduce the likelihood of treatment vapors from the treatment chamber backing through the filter assembly and entering the connected air conditioning system from which condensate is collected. Applications can include, but are not limited to, use with systems that replenish water lost from swimming pools due to evaporation, and divert water for use in filling toilets, pressure washing, cleaning, and other gray water uses.

Abstract: An improved electronic controller for the motor of a high-speed spindle attachment used in conjunction with a cnc milling machine. The controller comprises preventative circuitry that protects the spindle assembly of the attachment from overload accruing as a result of relatively moderate increases in torque demand during use. The controller senses the power level being used by the motor while it causes high-speed spindle rotation, and when it identifies a power consumption rate by the spindle that exceeds the operator pre-set maximum level determined to be safe for avoiding catastrophic spindle damage, the electronic controller sends a signal back to the computer controlling the axes of the cnc milling machine that is sufficient to slow, pause, and/or stop the feed-rate.

Abstract: A device that deters and repels birds from landing on masts, spreaders, rigging and attached apparatus of sailboats, as well as towers and outriggers of power boats. The device generates an intermittent, quiet vibration that is transmitted to the boat. The combination of intermittent vibration and movement of the device results in stimuli that are unpleasant for birds. Birds attempting to perch upon a sailboat are deterred by the movement of the device and are otherwise repelled by the unsettling vibration transmitted through those parts of the boat usually used as perches.

Abstract: A lighting standard, and a method for its use, that has incorporated into its top end a swivel means for the adjustment of a lighting fixture head in train and elevation. The swivel means also incorporates passages through which electrical conductors are passed to provide power for the lighting fixture. The elevating member can include a fixture body, or in the alternative, the fixture body and elevating member can be separate components. The lower end of the standard can be buried in the ground, with the wiring necessary to power the fixture entering through the lower end of the standard and wiring terminations being made through a covered opening on the side of the standard. In the alternative, the standard can be connected directly to a junction box. Applications may include, but are not limited to, landscape lighting, accent lighting, and the lighting of signs, driveways, and walkways.

Abstract: A miniature, stand-alone, countertop freezer primarily for domestic use, and a soft-serve dispensing method, that allows extended storage of a food product at an optimum soft-serve sub-freezing temperature prior to dispensing. Its housing has a compact configuration for freezer-like insulated food product storage. However, when soft-serve dispensing is desired, the housing is vertically extended to expose a decorator pattern cap. A press plate in the upper portion of the housing is activated, either manually or otherwise, to push downwardly on the food product container, and thus force the food product through the pattern cap below the food product container and into a receiving vessel. The pattern cap may be a part of the dispenser or a part of the food product container. Although not limited thereto, use is contemplated with ice cream, sherbet, yogurt, sorbet, and other frozen dessert products. Alternative power supply sources are contemplated.

Abstract: A reusable bomb diffusing device having a core structure with outer surfaces covered by outwardly extending and increasingly upwardly-directed energy-absorbing vanes that are fixed in position and separated from one another by approximately 3°, the core structure being centered within an outer chamber having solid side walls and a mesh top surface through which the rapidly expanding gases from a blast are exhausted. A central bottom opening in the present invention permits placement directly over a bomb, with movement of the device to a bomb's location being accomplished manually or via attachment to a motorized vehicle. Expanding gases within the core structure are directed to the vanes in vector geometry fashion, which reduces the gases' energy and drives them upward to exit the outer chamber through the openings in its mesh top. During detonation, the present invention device remains substantially in its pre-explosion position. Police and military applications are contemplated.

Abstract: A reusable compact device having a T-shaped plate with a tapering end, a cross member end, a central aperture, and a darkened perpendicular line between the aperture and cross member. When the golfer places the plate at ground level, points its tapering end toward the desired flight path of his/her ball, inserts a tee through the aperture and partially into the ground, places a golf ball upon the tee, self-aligns with the plate's tapering end, aligns the club face with the plate's cross member, and centers the club face to the exact ball center using the darkened perpendicular line, the golfer does not have to look up, position and stance are not lost during the swing, and the resulting swing is straightened, with improved accuracy and consistency in launching a golf ball along an intended flight path. Optionally, grooved tees are used to adjust ball height according to club type.

Abstract: A compact and efficient stop for establishing the position of maximum extension in a mechanical joint, which comprises a free-floating piston, a piston-retaining pin, and a resilient bumper positioned to engage one end of the piston. The piston, retaining pin, and bumper are located on one side of the joint. A cross stop bushing on the opposing side of the mechanical joint is positioned to engage the exposed end of the piston when the joint is in its position of maximum extension. Applications may include, but are not limited to, use in orthotic and prosthetic devices wherein a larger tolerance in the range of motion is provided for a locking mechanism to engage as the joint reaches maximum extension, while any unwanted feeling of free movement in the joint at full extension is concurrently dampened. A secondary advantage is a softer extension stop for a user.