Abstract: A cover particularly adapted to extend over outdoor recreational fire pits when not in use includes a circular perforated center plate. Attached to an outer edge of this center plate is an angle-shaped rim having a downward extending vertical flange. Then, attached to a bottom side of the center plate is a centering ring. For use, a pair of spaced apart handles attached to a top side of the center plate may be used to remove the cover so that a fire may be built in the pit and then used to replaced the cover after pit use. In this latter case, the cover is positioned over the pit so that the centering ring extends into the pit next to a vertical sidewall of the pit. Any inadvertent cover movement is inhibited by an interference fit between the cover ring and the pit sidewall.

Abstract: Formwork for erecting a crown on a top end of a structural concrete column of a highway bridge is supported by a pair of vertically positioned elongated jack-screws. Lower ends of these jack-screws are threaded respectively into adjusting nuts seated on outer ends of respective horizontal arms of a pair of brackets. Each bracket includes an upright support member. These members are attached respectively to opposite sides of the column. The vertical location of the formwork attached to an upper end of a jack-screw may be adjusted up or down by selective rotation of the adjusting nut into which that jackscrew is assembled.

Abstract: A locking device to inhibit unauthorized operation of a fire hydrant includes a locking plug having a bottom opening that fits over an actuating nut of the hydrant. The locking plug has a cylindrically-shaped body formed with an upper actuator nut. A peripheral groove in a sidewall of the plug body is located above a set of inward extending, threaded bores for set screws to affix the locking plug to the hydrant actuating nut. Fitting over the plug is a cap having a passageway that intersects tangentially with the plug groove. A locking pin on a hasp bracket then is inserted into the cap passageway to form an interference fit with the plug groove. Rotating the bracket upward positions a staple post on the cap in a slot in the hasp bracket. A padlock then secures the position of the hasp bracket to inhibit access to the plug actuator nut and operatively connected hydrant actuating nut.

Abstract: A gripper to hold a fish upright during hook removal has a pliers-like body. This body includes a first member having an outer handle portion joined to an upper jaw portion and a second member having an inner handle portion joined to a lower jaw portion. The lower jaw portion is pivotally carried in an opening between sidewalls of the upper jaw portion. Bottom edges of outer segments of the upper jaw portion sidewalls have tooth-like abrasions. These abrasions mate with like abrasions on a top wall of a swivel element pivotally attached to the lower jaw portion. When the handle portions of the gripper are squeezed togther so that the jaw and swivel element abrasions compressively engage a lower jaw of a fish, downward movement of the swivel element is inhibited by a locking action between complementarily formed offsets on a bottom surface of the swivel element top wall and on the lower jaw portion.

Abstract: A duct, for channeling air from outside of a personal computer (PC) to cool a processor (CPU) of the PC, has a hollow body. This body comprises spaced apart sidewalls connected by an inner wall and an outer wall. In a lower section of the outer wall is an intake opening prepared to align with vent openings in an enclosure of the PC. As the walls of the body lower section extend upward, the side walls pinch inward to form a narrow top end. This narrow top end then connects with a narrow bottom end of an upper section of the body. The inner wall of the upper section arches inward while the outer wall flares upward. Inner end edges of the upper section walls define an outlet opening prepared to fit next to the processor. During operation, an intake fan of the CPU draws air through the duct that then discharges directly on the processor. This air flow may be enchanced by another fan unit carried in the duct upper section.

Abstract: A race for street cars driven by non professional drivers on circuit-type race courses begins with an average car driver wishing to race other like drivers requesting an application for registration. The entrants, with now pre safety inspected cars, arrive at the track on the day and time set out in the application. Entrants are assigned to groups based on the performance potential of their cars, generally whether the car is a large or small sports or touring type car. After being briefed on race procedures and rules, the entrants undertake a practice driving session on the track course. Next, the entrants drive 10-15 qualifying laps with the time of each lap recorded. Based on the fastest qualifying lap time, a Performance Parity Time (PPT) is calculated for each entrant. Now ready to race and again by group, the entrants are released from the track pit in reverse order based on their respective differences in PPT. Each race, typically 50 laps, may require at least one pit stop.

Abstract: A fly rod reel seat butt protection device is comprised of a rubber body resiliently expandable for covering and conforming to shafts and rimmed butts of fly rod reel seats. The body has an axial bore at its front end and a conical exterior surface convergently tapering from the front end to a domed-shaped rear. An annular ridge and an inwardly projecting annular recess are formed about the conical interior surface of the body for receiving and attaching to an annular rim of the fly rod reel seat butt.

Abstract: A shipping container for rodents includes a boxlike base defined by a bottom connecting with outwardly sloped side and end walls. In openings in these walls are filter units that entrap contaminants. An interior space of the base is dividable into compartments by longitudinal and a lateral partition that includes a feeding bin. A lid of the container includes an outer edge channel that snaps over a top edge flange of the base walls to form an airtight fit. The lid has raised end portions formed with pairs of openings for further filter units. For use, the base is selectively divided into compartments by the partitions. When filled with rodents and the lid installed, sets of containers may be vertically stacked. As stacked and then closely packed, the filter units of each container remain free for cross-circulation of fresh, filtered air.

Abstract: A device particularly adapted to engage an irregular bottom surface of an object and then carry that object includes a support block. In the support block is a set of longitudinally spaced apart upright bores. On each side of the bores in a top wall of the block is a guide channel for a slide bar. Ends of these bars operatively connect with a reciprocating mechanism attached to one end of the block. In each bore is a sleeve having an inner opening formed with an upper section for a spring. An upper and lower end coil of a coil portion of each spring connects with an arm that projects outwardly. The upper arms fit respectively in upward facing slots in one slide bar while the lower arms fit respectively in downward facing slots in the other slide bar. In the sleeve inner openings and extending respectively through the coil portion of each springs is a support pin. Top ends of these pins fit in openings in a top cover plate fastened to the support block top wall.

Abstract: An improved rigid carpenter's belt with lumbosacral support includes end sections to accept a plurality of interchangeable looped carpenter pouches with Velcro strips to attach the pouches to corresponding Velcro strips on the carpenter belt. The belt comprises a belt structure of leather having a buckle on one end and holes in the other end to form a releasable coupling and a central section of increased height, cephalad and caudoly, to provide lumbosacral support extending laterally within the central section and fabricated of foam-like material covered with split leather. Laterally disposed on opposite sides of the lumbosacral support.

Abstract: A bag, particularly adapted for absorbing hydrocarbons dispersed in smaller quantities of water, has a ball-like shaped body formed from oleophobic netting materials. The bag body includes a tubular-shaped outer sleeve positioned about a tubular-shaped inner sleeve to form an interior space therebetween. Adjacent end portions of each sleeve then are connected so that an absorbent medium in the bag interior space is fully enclosed. The inner sleeve defines a central passageway through the bag. To hold the bag during use, a cord loop may be disposed in the central passageway with a knotted end of the cord joined with one of the sleeve end portion connections. A looped end of the cord then extends from an opposite end of the central passageway to provide convenient means for attaching the bag to a support while the bag is immersed in a hydrocarbon-water mix. As hydrocarbons are drawn to strands of the bag netting and then collect in voids of the netting, the bag discolors.

Abstract: A device particularly adapted to engage an irregular bottom surface of an object and then carry that object includes a support block. In the support block is a set of longitudinally spaced apart upright bores. On each side of the bores in a top wall of the block is a guide channel for a slide bar. Ends of these bars operatively connect with a reciprocating mechanism attached to one end of the block. In each bore is a sleeve having an inner opening formed with an upper section for a spring. An upper and lower end coil of a coil portion of each spring connects with an arm that projects outwardly. The upper arms fit respectively in upward facing slots in one slide bar while the lower arms fit respectively in downward facing slots in the other slide bar. In the sleeve inner openings and extending respectively through the coil portion of each springs is a support pin. Top ends of these pins fit in openings in a top cover plate fastened to the support block top wall.

Abstract: An antenna, particularly adapted to produce a scanning beam usable for radar and communication applications, includes a frame. Attached to the frame is a reciprocating device that is operatively connected to a reflecting conductor. Spaced by a uniform gap from the conductor is an elongated dielectric waveguide carried on a conductive layer of a laminate supported by the frame on an input side of the antenna. The waveguide covers a set of spaced apart apertures in the laminate conductive layer. Joined to the laminate conductive layer on an opposite output side of the antenna is a dielectric layer. On an outer surface of the laminate dielectric layer is a set of spaced apart conductive patches that align with the laminate conductive layer apertures. During operation of the antennas an electromagnetic wave is transmitted through the waveguide to pass through the laminate apertures and energizes the patches.

Abstract: A device for focusing optical instruments, for example a telescope or microscope, includes a drive assembly having a fine and a coarse control knob. The knobs operatively connect with a drive shaft that extends transversely through a concave shaped support area of the drive. Seated in this support area is a tubular-shaped housing having an opening that fits over the drive shaft. Respective pairs of longitudinally spaced apart bearings then are attached to an inside wall of the housing to proximately align one each with ends of the housing shaft opening. A tubular-shaped drawtube then movably fits in the housing where a friction plate carried by a bottom portion of the drawtube engages the drive shaft. In an outer surface of the drawtube on each side of the friction plate is a longitudinal slot. Each slot has a bottom offset for a self-locating rail. Respective upper flat segments of the rails are in rolling contact with one each of the bearing pairs.

Abstract: A cage particularly adapted for maintaining birds in a residential setting includes an upper enclosure having spaced apart, bar-formed top wall, bottom wall, and sidewalls. Corner posts of the enclosure are carried on corner posts of a caster riding carriage allowing ready cage relocation. Slidably carried by the carriage below the enclosure bottom wall is a bottom tray. The attached to the carriage and positioned about a lower end of the enclosure is a seed deflection screen. This screen includes a set of readily removable side panels having fastening elements that slide into openings in the carriage posts. The deflection screen additionally includes a front and a rear panel having end flanges that slip into channels on ends of the side panels to form interference fits. As carried, bottom edges of the screen panels are positioned to divert any seeds striking the panels into the bottom tray.

Abstract: A locking bolt for helping make connections between beams and columns of a building under construction includes an elongated body having a rear threaded section. This threaded section connects with a smooth toggle section having a rounded front end. An inverted L-shaped slot in the toggle section includes a deep front recess that connects with a shallow rear recess. A toggle bar is carried in the slot by a pivot pin that extends loosely through an opening in a base of the toggle bar. Connecting with the toggle base is a rearward extending locking arm. When the toggle bar locking arm seats in the slot, the front end of locking bolt may readily pass through bolt holes in a beam and a web of an adjoining column. Once the toggle bar is clear of the column web, the toggle bar locking arm is free swing from the slot and into a locking mode where held by interference fits between edge segments of the toggle bar base and walls of the slot deep recess.

Abstract: A support system for use in construction or repair of a fire hydrant installation includes a lower bracket and an upper bracket. The upper bracket has an adjustable hydrant riser clamp which is connected to an adjustable hydrant valve casing clamp by an adjustable spacer. The lower bracket also has an adjustable riser clamp connected by a like spacer to an upright bar. Ends of this bar then join a pair of vertically spaced apart adjustable casing clamps. As constructed in an open hole, the hydrant installation includes a hydrant riser that is positively joined to a water main and a valve casing that merely sits with a gravity fit on a hydrant valve located between the main and riser. For use, the lower bracket spacer is placed in an adjustable state allowing its respective clamps to be attached to respective lower ends of the riser and casing. Then, the lower bracket spacer is secured in place. Next, the upper bracket is attached in a like manner to respective upper ends of the riser and casing.

Abstract: Support structure for carrying a vehicle body comprises a pair of spaced apart frames positioned about a front and rear end of the vehicle body. Each frame has an octagon shape formed by joined elongated members. A cross bar assembly of each frame includes a pair of sleeve supports positioned on side members of the frame body and a center member pivotally carried by the sleeve supports. Latching mechanisms at ends of the cross bar assembly limit the degree of center member rotation with respect to the frame body. During use the frames are positioned horizontally so that bottom sections may be slid under respective slightly raised ends of the vehicle body. Mounts on each cross bar assembly then are attached to mounting structure of the vehicle. Next, a top member of one frame is lifted upward which rotates the frame body and lifts that end of the vehicle body. When vertical, its latching mechanisms activate to inhibit further frame movement. Bracing carried by the frame then is attached to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A filament rope may be produced continuously by the method and apparatus of this invention. In an upper portion of a frame of the apparatus is a unit having strand carrying spools that move about to braid the strands into a core of the rope. During braiding the strands overlap to form sets of pairs of transversely aligned openings which decrease in size as the rope core is drawn away from the braiding unit by a tension wheel assembly. While the openings are still large, a filament length carried by a first cylinder passes through one pair of strand openings. The cylinder then is withdrawn and the filament length severed leaving a filament segment in that pair of openings. Next, a second filament segment is placed in the other strand opening pair by a second cylinder. After filament segment insertion a tamping tool engages the strands and inserted filament segments to promote opening size reduction and improve formation of a compressive fit by the strands on the filament segments.