Abstract: A collapsible and adjustable firearm support, the present invention comprises a vertical support member with means for supporting a gun cradle and a horizontal support member, said vertical and horizontal support members pivotally connected to a hub; connecting arm means joining said vertical and horizontal members, said connecting arm being pivotally connected to said vertical member and slidably connected to said horizontal member such that the height and position of said vertical member is adjusted; leg means for pivotally connected to said hub for supporting said firearms support; said leg means being pivotable with respect to said vertical member whereby said leg means can support said prior arm support on an inclined surface; and gun cradle means for supporting a firearm.

Abstract: A hand-held mechanism for holding staples. The invention comprises a flexible member having a substantially flat main section and at least one handle extending therefrom. The main section has a plurality of first slots for holding staples, the slots extending at an angle to facilitate the placement and attachment of the staples. The invention further comprises a plurality of second slots interspersed to either hold different sized staples or aid in aligning the first slots with the workpiece.

Abstract: A sorting conveyor system useful for sorting relatively small articles, such as, books is disclosed. The system comprises a take-in conveyor having a plurality of take-in vessels for receiving articles at random; a sorting conveyor having a plurality of sorting vessels disposed in a plurality of rows crossing beneath the take-in conveyor; and a timing basket table including a plurality of timing baskets disposed between the take-in conveyor and the sorting conveyor. The timing basket table receives articles from the take-in conveyor and discharges the articles to the sorting conveyor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shock absorber unit for use on sailboards to absorb detrimental vertical forces generated during sailing in rough water. The unit replaces existing flexible solid rubber universal joints with a joint comprising a pressurized chamber with a flexible side wall. The flexibility of the side wall allows the present invention to absorb the impact forces while serving as an improved universal joint.

Abstract: An improved boom elevating device for a line lift or other aerial lift is disclosed. The present invention vastly expands the range of movement of the line lift through use of an extension arm, attached between a line lift boom and conventional boom actuating means, and an extension arm activating means.

Abstract: A low pressure recirculation valve for cooling a centrifugal pump. The invention comprises a unitary valve casing divided into a first valve chamber and a second valve chamber, the casing having a first port for introducing fluids into said first chamber, and a second port for expelling fluids out of said second chamber, the first chamber having a recirculation port for redirecting fluids back to said centrifugal pump. A multiple piece check valve member situated between said first chamber and second chambers permits the flow of fluid from said first chamber to the second chamber and prevents the flow of fluid from said second chamber to said first chamber. A slidable valve stem coupled to said check valve member and extending through the first chamber moves the check valve member from an open to closed position. Means coupled to said valve stem biases the slidable valve stem and check valve means toward the closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which provides a low temperature mist of cleaning liquid for cleaning jewelry and gems, and, particularly, sensitive gems which cannot withstand harsher methods of cleaning. The apparatus also provides a stream of warmed compressed air for drying the jewelry once cleaned.

Abstract: An electro-rheological valve controller. The invention comprises a generally cylindrical casing holding an electro-rheological fluid; a reciprocating tappet attached at one end of the cylindrical casing, said tappet contacting cam means for thrusting said tappet into said casing toward a reciprocating valve lift member; a plunger member coupled to said tappet, said plunger being perforated to permit the flow of electro-rheological fluid therethrough; a reciprocating valve lift member situated within said casing and separated from said perforated plunger member by a biasing spring and said elecro-rheological fluid, said lift member communicating with a valve to be lifted; and electrode means coupled to said perforated member for generating an elecric field within said perforated member such that said electro-rheological fluid within said perforated member solidifies, whereby said plunger applies a compressive fluid force against said reciprocatring lift member thereby lifting said valve to be lifted.

Abstract: An ultrasonic anti-collision detection and warning system adapted to be attached to a corner for warning objects approaching an intersection.

Abstract: A disposable flashlight comprising a hollow flexible outer casing having a first end and a second end, a top end cap member for attachment to said first end, the end cap member having an aperture for an electric lamp device and a bottom end cap for attachment to said second end. A battery holding member is placed within the outer casing, the holding member comprising parallel first and second concave battery jackets; a first battery having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, said first battery being placed in the first jacket with its positive terminal proximate to said bottom end cap; a second battery having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, said second battery being placed in said second jacket with its positive terminal proximate to said top end. An electric lamp means is in electrical contact with the batteries and extends through the aperture.

Abstract: A rotary exhaust control valve for two-stroke cycle engines is disclosed. This valve is oriented at least partially within the exhaust passage and, for each revolution of the engine, delays flow from the combustion chamber through the exhaust passage during the expansion stroke of the piston while permitting full opening of the exhaust passage and blow down to initiate the scavenging cycle of the engine. The valve of the present invention permits complete opening and closing of the exhaust passage during the appropriate portions of the engine cycle. Also disclosed is a mechanical linkage mechanism between the rotary valve and the crankshaft to provide precise control of the exhaust valve throughout the engine cycle.

Abstract: A fluid barrier curtain at an aperture in a wall within a duct, as at the entrance to a furnace, is disclosed that maintains separation of fluids on opposite sides of said barrier curtain while permitting passage of objects therethrough. The barrier curtain comprises aperture zone defining means, means for shaping a fluid flow into a laminar sheet pattern and forcing said fluid across said aperture zone, receiving means having thin-edged vanes located opposite said fluid flow shaping means for receiving the resulting flow, so as to remain laminar, and a fluid supply to said fluid flow shaping means.

Abstract: A sliding exhaust control valve for two-stroke cycle engines is disclosed. This valve actuates at least partially through the exhaust passage and delays flow from the combustion chamber through the exhaust passage during the expansion stroke of the piston while permitting full opening of the exhaust passage and giving complete blow down before the scavenging cycle of the engine. Also disclosed is a mechanical linkage mechanism between the slide valve and the crankshaft and cam controlled actuation means to provide precise control of the exhaust valve throughout the engine cycle.

Abstract: An exhaust control valve for two-stroke cycle engines used in conjunction with a fuel injection system is disclosed. This valve is within the exhaust passage and, for each revolution of the engine, delays opening of the exhaust passage to the combustion chamber during the expansion stroke of the piston for a preselected number of degrees of rotation of the crankshaft while permitting the necessary opening of the exhaust port to give complete blow down before the scavenging cycle. The valve also permits advanced closing of the exhaust port to eliminate short circuiting of the fresh charge out the exhaust port. A fuel injection system, providing fuel either upstream or downstream from valves in the engine's air intake passage, is provided to operate in timed relation to the piston strokes and the exhaust valve. Also disclosed are means for modifying opening of the exhaust valve at high engine speeds to improve scavenging.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved apparatus for treatment of amblyopia and similar eye conditions through use of a solitary visual target maintained at a level of minimal discernible size. The improved apparatus provides instantaneous electronic switching between targets of different acuity demand levels, compact optics requiring limited case size, and automatic scoring of correct responses.

Abstract: A dual mode germicidal lamp is disclosed having a base section with a fan and filters and a germicidal lamp section with a handle and switch means which can be moved by hand over surfaces to be sterilized and plugged into the base section to allow air to be drawn across the lamps and sterilized.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a heating element comprising the following steps: surface protecting a silicon object by forming a protective layer by means of thermal oxidation, CVD or suitable alternative method; selectively etching away said protective layer so as to form a pattern to permit the formation of wire-like regions for a desired heater configuration; exposing the silicon object to halogenated tungsten gas at a reaction temperature of between 250.degree. and 500.degree. centigrade so as to chemically reduce a layer of tungsten onto the exposed silicon; and then coating the composite structure with a corrosion and oxidation resistant layer.

Abstract: A brine concentrator utilizing two separate concentrating devices in combination wherein a first concentrating device comprises a plurality of serpentine pipes interposed within a concentrator tank containing a dilute brine solution and a second concentrating device, including a venturi, is attached to the upper end of the concentrator tank and connected to receive exhaust gases from an exterior source. The brine solution which has been concentrated by the first concentrating device exit the tank through an output opening and is introduced into the venturi via a plurality of nozzles where it is mixed with the exhaust gases.A venting stack is also attached to the upper end of the tank for venting the exhaust gases emitted from the venturi and pre-heating dilute brine solution, which is introduced into the tank through the venting stack. As the solution travels down the stack and into the tank, it comes into contact with the exhaust gases exiting the tank from the venturi.

Abstract: The present invention employs a method of negative dice scoring in which multiple dice are thrown and the score of the dice is the sum of any numbers not shown on the dice. The game is readily combined with unique board apparatus in which one or more playing pieces race along intersecting and overlapping paths from a start to a finish.