Abstract: An improved cartridge loader for releasable securement of cartridges to be simultaneously loaded into the cylinder of a revolver. A pintle rotates between a cartridge engaging position and a cartridge releasing position and is held in positive engagement with the loader body by the action of a spring-loaded pin assembly along a pin-engaging surface. The pin-engaging surface may be formed in the pintle and the pin assembly is substantially located within the loader body.

Abstract: Crossbow bowstring drawing mechanisms which are integrated into or secured in the crossbow handle and which provide a straight and balanced draw to the crossbow bowstring to cock the crossbow bowstring in position in the crossbow trigger mechanism ready for firing. The cocking system can be manually operated or motorized, and can be manufactured as part of a crossbow or retrofit into a crossbow. An internal or external source of rotational power, such as hand crank, power screwdriver or an electrical motor, is preferably utilized in conjunction with a claw member including a bowstring engaging portion to translate rotation of the input source to longitudinal movement of the claw member to draw or release the crossbow bowstring resulting with minimal effort being expended by the user. The claw member may include adjustable cams used to center the claw member with respect to the crossbow barrel.

Abstract: A belt tension mechanism for tensioning an associated belt drive system on an associated vehicle is provided. The associated belt drive system includes a double stacked pulley, a first belt for providing power from a power mechanism to the double stacked pulley and a second belt for providing power from the double stacked pulley to an associated implement. A first tensioning mechanism is provided for tensioning the first belt and a second tensioning mechanism is provided for tensioning the second belt. A tension arm selectively simultaneously tensions the first and second belts from an inoperative condition to an operative condition or from an operative condition to an inoperative condition. A balancing mechanism is also provided for balancing tension on the first and second belts as the implement is selectively height adjusted.

Abstract: A clutch retaining device for use in a clutch collar and clutch assembly. The clutch retaining device includes multiple cover clips which extend downwardly from the cover and have a substantial L-shape. The clutch collar has corresponding cover clip notches which correspond to the cover clips of the clutch collar cover. The clutch collar assembly includes a first and second clutch collar cover. The entire assembly includes a series of drive springs and drive pins which are compressed in place by the first and second clutch collar covers. A method for assembling the clutch collar assembly is also included. The method includes the steps of inserting drive pins into drive springs into drive pin receptors, aligning cover clips of a clutch cover with cover clip notches on a clutch collar, and connecting the clutch cover to the clutch collar and thereby depressing the drive pins and the drive springs.

Abstract: An implement attachment apparatus is provided for use with a lawn and garden tractor and an implement. The implement has first and second attachment brackets having first and second holes and first and second slots respectively. The lawn and garden tractor includes a frame having first and second surfaces with first and second openings respectively. The tractor also includes a plurality of wheels operatively connected to the frame, an engine for use in providing locomotion to the plurality of wheels and, first and second extension members extending from the first and second surfaces of the frame. The implement attachment apparatus includes first and second pins as well as securing apparatus for securing the first and second pins in place. The first and second slots of the implement receive the first and second extension members respectively. The first and second holes of the implement and the first and second openings of the frame selectively receive the first and second pins respectively.

Abstract: A method of exchanging a first implement for a second implement on a mower is disclosed. First, the first implement is disconnected from the mower and then the mower is adjusted to accommodate the second implement. The second implement is then operatively connected to the mower. The mower comprises frame receiving brackets and side frame members that are moved with respect to one another to adjust the mower to accommodate the second implement. A method of exchanging castor wheels is also included. The castor wheels, initially connected to an axle member, are disconnected from the axle member. Then, the position of the axle member with respect to the frame is adjusted, such as by being rotated approximately 180°. finally, different castor wheels are connected to the axle member.

Abstract: A conveyor belt (10) contains at least one integrated circuit transponder (30) which, upon interrogation by an external radio signal, transmits identification information in digitally encoded form. The transponder (30) has a generally planar, circular antenna (36A) surrounding a printed circuit board to which an integrated circuit is attached. The transponder may be encased in a rigid epoxy material to protect the structure from damage during use. Transponders placed adjacent splices (60, 62, 64) in a splice segment provide non-contact means of locating and monitoring the repair.

Abstract: A wire capable of operating at high temperatures and a method of making the same is disclosed. The high temperature wire comprises fiberglass, which surrounds the conductor. The fiberglass insulates the conductor and enables it to operative at relatively high temperatures. The fiberglass is heat-treated without any additional, or in lieu of, other chemical treatment and is sufficiently frangible to be easily removable from the conductor. The frangible fiberglass may be easily stripped away from the conductor without leaving strands which need to be individually removed.

Abstract: A sleeping apparatus includes a sleeping bag and a pad. The sleeping bag has front and back sides and is selectively convertible between an unfolded sleeping configuration and a folded backpack configuration. The pad is operatively attached to the back side of the sleeping bag and is also selectively convertible between an unfolded sleeping configuration and a folded backpack configuration. The pad serves as padding for the sleeping bag when both are in the sleeping configuration. The pad also serves as a backpack shell for holding the sleeping bag and any other contents within when both are in the backpack configuration. Thus, the pad provides structural strength to the backpack. To convert the sleeping apparatus from the sleeping configuration to the backpack configuration, the sleeping bag is folded into the backpack configuration. Next, the pad is folded into the backpack configuration around the folded sleeping bag.

Abstract: A drive system for a grounds care device using two identical final drives in combination with two identical power units to provide directional drive to the wheels. The final drives and power units are assembled to each other differently for use on each side to provide the required relative reverse rotation of each drive wheel while maintaining the same direction of control movement for forward (or reverse) movement of each drive wheel (in regards to machine movement). Additionally, the drive belt for the cutting unit is routed between the power units (rather than under or over) to allow a lower center of gravity for increased stability.

Abstract: A shredder including a frame, a housing with a housing opening mounted to the frame, and a cutting blade mounted within the housing for use in shredding associated lawn debris is provided. The shredder also includes an engine mounted to the frame for use in driving the cutting blade and a hopper assembly for use in directing the associated lawn debris into the housing opening and to the cutting blade. The hopper assembly includes a chute having a first end pivotably connected to the housing and having a chute opening for receiving the associated lawn debris. The chute opening communicates with the housing opening. The chute can be positioned into first and second positions with respect to the housing. The hopper assembly also includes a flap for automatically covering at least a portion of the chute opening when the chute is placed in the first position and for automatically uncovering the opening when the chute is placed in the second position.

Abstract: A method of coating ferrous and nonferrous metal substrates that provides cathodic protection from corrosion by coating with inherently conductive polymers and sacrificial anodic metal particles. This method of coating is characterized by its conductivity and cathodic corrosion resistant qualities.

Abstract: A riding lawn mower is provided that has an engine, a device that requires control and a vacuum actuated control mechanism for controlling the device. The vacuum actuated control mechanism includes a vacuum actuator having first and second chambers separated by a movable membrane, first connecting means for operatively connecting the vacuum actuator to the device, vacuum means for providing a vacuum to the vacuum actuator, activating means for selectively activating the vacuum actuator and securing means for securing the vacuum actuator in place. The securing means also secures the device in place.

Abstract: An adjustable axle assembly is provided for use on a mower. The assembly includes an arcuate shaped axle member that can be connected to the frame of a mower. The axle member has first and second ends with a cylindrically shaped first castor pivot member connected to the first end and a cylindrically shaped second castor pivot member connected to the second end. The first castor pivot member has first and second ends with first and second castor openings respectively formed therein. The first and second castor openings are differently sized to receive differently sized castor wheels. The second castor pivot member has first and second ends with third and fourth castor openings respectively formed therein. The third and fourth castor openings are differently sized to receive differently sized castor wheels. A bushing and a rod connect the axle to the frame while allowing the axle to articulate and pivot with respect to the frame.

Abstract: An inventive flexible shield and carrying case for laptop computers and other delicate devices are described herein. The flexible shield is preferably made of polyethylene that increases in width from the front of the case to the zipper, and from the back of the case to the zipper. The flexible shield dissipates the force of a blow to the outside of the case and away from the computer. A method is also included for recharging the computer without opening the case, including the steps of providing an adapter, an adapter cord, an adapter port, and a cord retractor, pulling the cord through the adapter port, plugging the cord into a power source, recharging the associated equipment, unplugging the cord from the power source, and retracting the cord.

Abstract: A dynamic drive and brake system is provided. To accelerate the mower in a forward direction, the operator depresses the acceleration pedal, overcoming the biasing force of the acceleration spring. This causes the double idler pulley system to pivot from an inoperative or de-lutched condition to an operative condition. The farther the accelerator pedal is depressed, the more the double idler pulley system pivots and, correspondingly, the more tension is applied to the first belt. The increased tension in the first belt causes the middle pulley member to move in a downward direction and therefore decreases the diameter of the first belt about the double pulley shaft. The movement of the middle pulley member simultaneously increases the diameter of the second belt about the double pulley shaft. This increases the tension in the second belt which tension is absorbed by the idler spring that permits the idler pulley to pivot in a clockwise direction.

Abstract: An electric switch operating mechanism is disclosed utilizing a rotating bail and a secondary inward moving interlock, wherein a single multiple function spring rotatively biases the moving bail into an inactive position, biasing the interlock into a non-engaged outward position and in addition operates the switch.