Abstract: A device for expanding flexible tubes and similar elastic articles including a cable, hydraulic or air actuated cam coupled to move projecting fingers for expanding the elastic article. The device includes a housing pivotally mounting two opposed parallel blocks, each of which includes a cam follower surface and a projecting finger. Initially, the spreading finger elements are inserted into a tube or other elastic article and the cam is moved against the cam follower to pivot the blocks away from one another. At that time, the attached fingers also rotate away from one another and act to expand the tube or elastic article. The housing is constructed to enable the cam and drive to be interchanged for cable, hydraulic, or air cylinder actuation.

Abstract: Improved eyeglasses for use by color blind individuals or viewers. The eyeglasses are constructed to have two lenses, one of which is clear and the other of which is colored. Each lens is formed to have a reflective or mirror surface as viewed from the front of the eyeglasses. When worn by a color blind viewer, the combination of lenses improves the color blind viewer's ability to discriminate between different colored objects while the reflective or mirror surfaces cause the lenses to appear to be identical to other persons or viewers.

Abstract: An improved tool particularly suited for removing nuts and the like from a stud or similar retaining member. The tool includes a split housing having channels therein extending along perpendicular axes, and at least one cam follower pivotally mounted within the housing. A shaft is slidably positioned in one channel for linear movement along an axis. The shaft is threaded at one end and extends through the housing and has a rotating member coupled thereto which bears against the exterior of the housing. On the opposite end of the shaft a camming surface engages one end of the cam follower to cause movement of the follower in response to movement of the shaft. A cutting element is slidably positioned within a channel in the housing for linear movement along an axis perpendicular to the axis of the shaft. The cutting element is coupled to engage the opposite end of the cam follower for movement in response to movement of the follower.

Abstract: An adjustable support or reading stand for providing inclined support of books, papers and similar materials. The stand includes a support plate, a foldable horizontal support ledge attached to a support surface of the plate and an arcuate telescoping leg attached to the plate to adjust the inclination of the support surface. The telescoping leg includes a bearing and ratchet arrangement to provide adjustable inclination and a hinge coupling to make the leg foldable for easy and compact transportation of the stand.

Abstract: A process for forming an improved briquette for use with gas-fired grills and the like. A briquette is formed from a mixture consisting essentially of sand and the following percentages of materials based on the weight of the sand: about 1% water; 5%-15% ball clay, bentonite, or other suitable alternatives; 0.25%-2% iron oxide for coloring; 3%-8% sodium aluminate; and 5%-12% sodium silicate, preferably grade #40. Individual briquettes formed from this mixture retain heat in gas grills for aiding the cooking process. The briquettes are placed in the grill and heated prior to cooking. Thereafter, the briquettes maintain cooking temperatures even after the gas is turned lower and for a time period after the gas flame is removed.

Abstract: An improved technique for making the finished shell of a violin. The wood used in the construction of a violin shell is subjected to a heating and treating process which improves the sound properties of the wood in a completed violin. The wood is first subjected to a temperature of 180.degree. F. to 350.degree. F. for a period of 1 to 2 months and then coated with iodine and again heated to a temperature of 300.degree. for a period of 2 to 7 days until the wood becomes charcoal-like. The wood is then scraped and varnished to produce the finished shell of a violin.

Abstract: A technique for correcting defects in lens surfaces caused during lens formation. During the formation of a plastic lens, a low melting point alloy block is applied to the convex surface of the lens to hold the lens for working and machining. Upon removal, a defect in the lens surface, such as distortion, warping or aberration may appear in the area which was beneath the low melting point alloy. Accordingly, the lens is treated by subjecting it to microwave energy until the defect is removed from the lens surface, thereby reducing waste in the lens forming process.