Abstract: A method for repairing a crack in a windshield wherein the windshield has an outer glass member and an inner-glass member, and wherein the crack is disposed within either the outer glass member or the inner glass member. The method includes the steps of (a) applying pressure to either the outside glass member or the inside glass member, depending in which glass member the crack is disposed, to expand the width of the crack; (b) depositing a repair material at predetermined positions within the crack to allow the deposited material to flow within and fill the crack by capillary action; and (c) creating an anaerobic activity upon said crack.

Abstract: An apparatus used to protect a motor vehicle has a low profile housing placed below a rear bumper of the vehicle, and a cover placed within the housing in an accordion-like fashion. An electric motor drives a roller belt assembly which frictionally engages with the cover to provide a force to aid a user in either the extension from or the retraction into the housing of the cover. The electric motor also drives a trace spool connected to a rear end of the cover for aiding in the retraction of the cover into the housing. The electric motor is controlled from an extension handle attached to a forward portion of the cover.

Abstract: An electronic system for controlling the operation of a hand-held pull strap closure unit. The system includes a central processing unit which controls peripheral circuitry for directing commands to a motor within the hand-held unit. The system further includes a circuit for monitoring motor torque and a hand-held unit identification circuit for identifying each unit with an individualized code. The CPU may be accessed via an external communications port to store user-selected operational parameters in a memory circuit. These parameters may include time of day, calendar, and motor torque limits for each device.

Abstract: A generally L-shaped electrical outlet cover remover having a handle and prying shank defined by a tapered end for wedging between the outlet plug and the outlet. The outlet cover remover may also include two handles with opposing prying shanks for removing the outlet cover from the outlet.

Abstract: An improved muffler for silencing the exhaust emitted from a water cooled marine engine employing a first outer housing encompassing a generally cone shaped inner member and forming a silencing volume therebetween and an angularly disposed inner planar baffle, inlet path, outlet path, ramp, and aperture for exhaust gas and cooling water to fluidly communicate from an inlet to an outlet resulting in a diminution in flow velocity so as to attenuate the exhaust noise.

Abstract: A combination beach towel and tote bag comprising a towel made of fiber-reactive dyed velour on one side for a decorative pattern and a pair of rectangular panels attached to one corner of said beach towel, occupying approximately one-sixth the surface area of the beach towel, said panels being sized in shape and connected to form a tote bag when turned inside out for receiving the remainder of the towel and presenting decorative designs on the outside of said tote bag. The towel is easily deployed and easily folded neatly and inserted into the tote bag. Attached to the tote bag are first and second adjustable fabric straps, sized to fit around the shoulders of a user, that have adjustable fabric fasteners that allow the tote bag in the tote bag position with the beach towel disposed therein to be used and carried as a backpack.

Abstract: Disclosed is a double-walled gasoline or fluid tank having a hollow space allowing light to be visible externally through a variety of openings or designs. A concave side portion of an existing tank is removed and a flat side wall, having an illumination device attached thereto, is attached where the original side portion was removed to create a new tank. An opening is created on the original side portion and the original side portion is reattached to the tank. The illumination device provides light through the opening in the original side portion.

Abstract: An improved muffler for silencing the exhaust emitted from a marine engine employing a reverse entry inlet conduit, an attenuation chamber and an outlet conduit whereby exhaust gas and liquid is communicated through the inlet conduit and into the attenuation chamber against the direction of the outlet stream. Upon entering the attenuation chamber exhaust gases and liquids reflect off the inner walls of the chamber and incoming exhaust thereby attenuating exhaust noise until they are finally forced out of the attenuation chamber through the outlet conduit. The reverse entry design of the muffler provides protection against backwardly flowing water that commonly enters a marine exhaust system by orienting the direction of inlet flow at an angle which is greater than 0 degrees but less than 90 degrees relative to the direction of output flow from the muffler.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing jewelry and a chain article formed therefrom which provides an embossed, decorative pattern in either surface of an omega-style chain. A length of wire mesh or woven wire type of "fabric" of a width and length corresponding generally to the proportions of the jewelry chain to be created is provided whereon a series of hollow link sections are received such that the interior surfaces of the links surround the mesh. The links are arranged in end-to-end abutting relationship upon the mesh until the length of chain desired is reached. Upper and lower die members are brought into contact with the preformed chain and forced thereagainst with a magnitude of pressure and for a duration of time sufficient to deform the links and bring the inner surfaces thereof into at least partial engagement with the mesh.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the testing of air bags in a pressure-sealed container (1), which swivels and is suspended by a frame (5), with lid (11). A removable retainer (16) is in the inside of the container (1) to serve as a receptacle for various air bags or gas producers (30).

Abstract: The instant invention contemplates a process for manufacturing jewelry including the steps of: (a) creating a photographic negative from a computer-generated image; (b) masking the negative over a photopolymerizable resin backed by a rigid substrate; (c) irradiating the unmasked resin with ultraviolet radiation; (d) removing the unpolymerized resin from the photopolymer, using a washing agent such as water, resulting in a positive three-dimensional likeness of the object to be cast; (e) placing the resulting etched resin plate into a container and pouring tooling resin into the container thereby creating a plug bearing the negative impression of the jewelry item to be created; (f) inserting the tooling resin plug into a jewelry item mold having an empty sleeve which receives the plug resulting in a completed jewelry mold; (g) filling the completed mold with plastic resulting in a plastic model of the jewelry item to be created; (h) using the plastic model in a "lost wax" casting process to create an individua

Abstract: An apparatus for use in training proper swing mechanics, for use in connection with golf, baseball, tennis, or similar sports. The device includes a sheath, which has an cushion member attached to a concave inner surface for user comfort. The apparatus is releasably attachable to a user's legs or hips by a pair of straps incorporating hook and loop fastening material, and includes a projecting rigid support member extending normal to the sheath outer surface with a weight member having a soft outer shell and suspended therefrom by a flexible cord; a clip device allows for adjustment of the cord length for suspending the weight member at a user selected position. The weight member includes access means for enabling user to add mass to, or subtract mass from, the suspended weight. The position and movement of the suspended weight member provides the user with feedback relative to numerous body positions and movements for teaching the user proper swing or body movement mechanics.

Abstract: A novel card game set including a plurality of card game block-style tiles. Each tile bears traditional Western-style card indicia. Each tile is made of a plurality of individually laminated wood layers permanently prressed together to form a high gade plywood piece. Each tile is completely covered with a protective waterproof enamel coating. The waterproof enamel coating has a granular substance to give each tile a semi-rough exterior surface to facilitate gripping. The tiles are of sufficient thickness for convenient handling by young, unskilled and arthritic persons. Each tile is of sufficient weight to resist the force of wind and sudden drafts for facilitating the playing of games outdoors. The card game set also including a rack for supporting the tiles in strategic alignment.

Abstract: An improved, self-propelled fork lift having a variable wheelbase, a tilting and leveraged platform, and a translating fork carriage, all under hydraulic control, to permit load positioning for maximum stability, minimum turning radius, and good tractive force despite a relatively low ratio of vehicle weight to loaded condition. The improved fork lift is towable at highway speeds and is collapsible for mounting beneath the mid section of a semi trailer.

Abstract: A system which enables the user to accurately determine the business and personal usage of a motor vehicle by converting mileage information received from the odometer of the vehicle into an electronic format that is transferable to magnetic disk and compatible with personal computer accounting and database software. The system contains a device for receiving input from the user comprised of an alphanumeric keypad and magnetic disk drive. The system displays information to the user through a liquid crystal or light emitting diode display. A microprocessor correlates information received from the user with information received from the motor vehicle to compute mileage and assign usage of the motor vehicle to an account provided by the user. The microprocessor records the mileage and account information onto a magnetic disk which can be used with personal computer software to determine the total distance traveled, and the costs and expenses associated with the usage of the vehicle.

Abstract: A spill resistant fuel cap and ventilation system to prevent fuel from spilling during the boat refueling process and when internal fuel system pressure increases, and for maintaining the internal pressure of the fuel system at a predetermined level, wherein the system comprises a fuel fill neck fluidly connected to a tank, the fuel fill neck having two venting apertures defined by it with one venting aperture in fluid communication with the tank and the other aperture in fluid communication with an air intake vent, such that the system provides two vapor and air venting paths for removing vapor and air during refueling and for relieving pressure, respectively, and such that an air intake venting path is formed for inducing air into the system through the fuel fill neck to prevent pulling vacuum in the tank during boat engine operation.