Abstract: A multi-force actuator valve invention including a radially polarized permanent magnet, a pair of associated electromagnetic coils, a movable magnetically operated armature member, a valve located to be actuated by movement of the armature member, and mechanical force exerting means located and positioned to exert a force on the movable magnetically operated armature member. The multi-force actuator valve invention has electrical current control input means for supplying and controlling electrical current to the electromagnetic coils for controlling the movable magnetically operated armature member. The electrical current control input means for supplying and controlling electrical current to the electromagnetic coils for controlling the movable magnetically operated armature member has a plurality of types of controls that allow the multi-force actuator valve invention to operate or function as a plurality of types of valves such as a latching valve or a modulating valve.

Abstract: A tie-down assembly is engaged within a truck side wall pocket to enable attachment of ropes, cables, bungee cords and the like. A body has an open ring formation and a bottom surface with an indented cavity and a mounting hole extending therethrough. A mount has a flange laying in contact with the outside surface of the truck side wall, and further has a bottom panel having an upwardly extending ridge which extends into the indented cavity of the body. A clamp includes a clamp plate with legs in contact with the inside surface of the truck side wall. The clamp has a fastener receiver engaging a fastener extending through the body and the mount, and which can be adjusted to provide clamping forces through the legs and flange on opposing sides of the truck side wall to secure the assembly to the side wall.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system and method in an internal combustion engine including directing fuel in thermal contact with an exhaust system of the engine to vaporize the fuel, using liquid fuel when vaporized fuel is not available, and controlling the temperature of the vaporized fuel by mixing vapor and liquid.

Abstract: A chain pipe-cutter is made up of chain links joined together by cross bars, the cross bars further engage cutting wheels. A pair of adapters each having a U-shaped body with a pair of longitudinally oriented legs joined together by a back portion from which the legs depend. The legs have holes so the adapters may engaged with one of the chain links at a terminal position on the chain by cross bars. The back portions providing a groove having a longitudinal orientation so that with the chain wrapped around a brittle pipe the adapters are positioned in near adjacency, and may be further forced into convergence by a tool engaging each of the longitudinal grooves to sever the pipe.

Abstract: An electric heater and a fan are enclosed within a cylindrical case for blowing warmed air from one end of the case. The case is supported at a distal end by a flexible strut enabling selective positioning of the case for directing the warmed air in a preferred direction. The flexible strut is rotationally engaged in a base. The base supports the flexible strut and the case in a selectable orientation. A lamp is fixed to the underside of the case in a position for directing illumination downwardly; the lamp positioned such that a forward end of the case provides shadowing of the light from a baby's eyes.

Abstract: A multipurpose ceiling fixture selectively receives and powers multiple components. A mounting strap supports a lamp socket, a battery socket, and plural power outlets for selected components. A cylindrical lamp housing within the fixture is attached to the mounting strap and a lamp is engaged with the lamp socket. An annular mounting chassis is adapted for receiving a plurality of the components which may include a loudspeaker; detectors of particles, heat, motion, sound and noxious gas; an audible alarm; a video cam; and an intercom. One may select only those components that are of interest to a particular installation and then can install such components into power sockets and on one or another of the several mounting surfaces. Of particular advantage is a mounting chassis that allows components a line of sight lateral to the fixture.

Abstract: A wall mounted urinal has a detachable urinal insert where the insert provides a frontally directed opening for receiving a urine stream. The insert provides a lower surface in contact with the bottom surface of the urinal for supporting the insert, and an upper surface or a rear surface, or both, for stabilizing the insert within the urinal. A splash capturing surface defines an aperture for admitting a urine stream, the aperture comprising an area inferior to that of the frontally directed opening of the urinal and extending outwardly from it.

Abstract: A pipe run is secured from theft by an antitheft apparatus providing a pair of straight tubes, coaxially engaged with an inner one of the tubes slidingly engaged within an outer one of the tubes. Each of the tubes provides a closure plate at one end with one or more apertures in it. A cover on an upper end of the inner tube is able to engage the pipe run to prevent it from being disassembled or pulled from its installation. To service the pipe run, the cover may be opened and the inner pipe lowered into the outer pipe. The tubes are secured to a mooring. Two of the apparatuses may be secured in spaced apart locations on the pipe run to secure components of the pipe run that are between the apparatuses.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of use for injection, confinement, neutralization, acceleration and compression of an ion field using a solenoid having an axis of symmetry and supported within a vacuum space. A pair of magnetizable elements are positioned initially in spaced apart positions within the solenoid and after the solenoid is filled with ions from an ion source, the magnetizable elements are brought into close proximity to compress the ion field and accelerate its ions.

Abstract: Refinishing an exterior automotive lens having a damaged exterior surface in situ using a continuous movement and oscillating motion, with first, a 320 grit sanding disc, next a 600 grit sanding disc and finally a 1500 grit sanding pad while flushing the surface with water to prevent melting of the surface. Buffing the surface with a polishing compound until a high gloss is achieved. Finally, coating the surface with a transparent ultraviolet hardenable coating material, and hardening it by exposure to an ultraviolet light source. This method is accomplished using an oscillating tool having a remotely located drive.

Abstract: A game target is supported by a plurality of legs capable of remaining sure on both grass and concrete. The target is partitioned by the target frame into a plurality of zones. A pocket, attached to the target frame, occupies each zone. The pockets are of an appropriate depth to hold a plurality throwing projectiles. The target is supported in a reclining orientation in order to align with the typical trajectory of an underhand throw thereby better facilitating the capture of a throwing ball in a pocket.

Abstract: A portable headrest apparatus engages a top of a chair with a U-shaped bracket sized for clamping onto the chair top. The bracket provides a quick-release clamp holding a telescoping rod extending downwardly. An adjustable elbow joint at a downwardly terminal end of the rod enabled rotation of a support arm extending to a head rest mounting plate which is pivotally engaged with the support arm. A head rest cushion is removably attached to the head rest mounting plate which is thus able to be positioned for comfortably resting one's head in almost any position desired.

Abstract: A scoop is constructed for retrieving a beverage container from an ice chest. The scoop provides a rectangular basket with arcuate cross rib extending between and joining a rim. The basket is sized, shaped, and positioned so as to provide low resistance when drawn through an ice and water mixture within the ice chest and the rim has openings for receiving the necks of bottles such as soft drink or beer bottles.

Abstract: A kit apparatus has a molded support card holding a plurality of film sheets each having an adhesive layer on one side, a spray bottle containing a cleaning and activating solution enabled for activating the adhesive layers of the film sheets, and a squeegee. The film sheets are secured within a first pocket in the support card, the squeegee secured within a second pocket in the support card, and the spray bottle is secured within a recess in the support card. Plural tabs extend over the recess for holding the spray bottle securely within the recess.

Abstract: An automated method for controlling a solids inventory in a continuous backwashing upflow sand filter system treating a liquid inflow having impurities therein, includes the steps of: monitoring an influent inflow pressure and controlling the air pressure in an air lift pump to maintain a target ratio range between the size of a solids inventory of the system and the size of the sand bed of the system.

Abstract: An agricultural bale cutter has a scoop shaped lower jaw frame supporting a first set of teeth at a lower end and is pivotally mounted to an upper jaw frame. A second set of teeth mounted on the upper jaw frame may therefore be moved between distal and proximal positions relative to the first set of horizontal teeth for cutting a bale that is held between the upper and lower jaw frames. The frames are manipulated by hydraulic linear actuators so that both the lower and upper frames may be lifted by a front end loader mounted on a tractor and the upper jaw may be moved relative to the lower jaw for picking up a bale, cutting the bale and dropping a first cut portion of the bale at a first location and a second portion at a different location.

Abstract: A steering wheel has a structural skeleton forming a core within an outer covering, the covering and skeleton forming a hub portion having at least one arm interconnecting the hub portion with an outer wheel portion. The skeleton within the outer wheel portion has a U-shaped cross sectional conformation. A wire harness is positioned within the U-shaped conformation of the outer wheel portion and a plurality of ethanol detectors are mounted in spaced apart relationship within the outer wheel portion and adjacent to an outer surface of the steering wheel. The ethanol detectors communicate with the wire harness and an electrical circuit, the circuit engaging the hub portion of the skeleton. The circuit is in communication with the wire harness for receiving electrical signals from the ethanol detectors for sensing ethanol vapors in proximity to at least one of the ethanol detectors.