Abstract: An improved vacuum cleaner wherein the hand tools have improved cleaning capacity by addition of air jets to the to the hand tools. The air jets dislodge debris and dust from inaccessible spaces to be scavenged by the vacuum stream. The jets are powered by an additional blower (23) housed in the vacuum cleaner body. The blower runs continuously and by drawing air through filter (19) boosts the vacuum power of the machine. A manual switch (5, 5a, 5b) on the vacuum cleaner body turns control plate and control vanes (24, 24a) directing air to the jets and controlling the volume of the air flow from zero to maximum. Air is pushed through tool hose body terminus (2), hose (37), tool hose tool end terminus (40), and tool (46). Vacuum stream is drawn back through channels (36).

Abstract: A slope measuring device, suitable for use on bicycles or other vehicles. Slope measurements are made by sensing the position of a weighted disk rotating in a cylindrical chamber. The disk is hermetically sealed and it's position is electrically monitored. Damping methods prevent the disk from moving radically over rough terrain and an onboard microprocessor processes disk readings to make accurate slope calculations. The device clamps to the handle bars of a bicycle and may be battery or generator powered.

Abstract: This invention discloses waste receptacles comprising a waste receiving chamber and a bag storing chamber, which is defined by generally planar ends and a tubular or cylindrical shaped bottom meant to hold rolls of plastic liner bags where preferably the bags are joined by perforated seams. The bag roll chamber may be integrated into the bottom of the waste receiving chamber with a plate fastened over the chamber to confine the bag roll. It may appear as a removable tray or chamber under the waste receiving chamber or in another embodiment appear to the side and at the bottom of the waste chamber. In all cases, the bag roll chamber will accommodate any size roll for that particular size of waste receptacle, and will continue to center, hold, and feed bags from the roll even as the roll decreases in diameter as bags are used.

Abstract: An improved sheet binding device for fastening together a plurality of sheets having prepunched, spaced apart openings, comprises a plurality of locking members for each pre-punched hole, either with an individual restraining element or connected with a backing member extending between them, each comprising a connecting portion for insertion through the openings and a series of interlocking elements or teeth extending along the length of the locking member and a receiving member with an opening to receive the length of the locking member and a series of compatible interlocking elements or teeth, shaped to receive the interlocking elements of the locking member, so that when the locking element is in the (1) locked position, the interlocking elements or teeth are engaged and immovable relative to each other and when the locking element is in the (2) unlocked position, the interlocking elements or teeth are disengaged to allow removal of the receiving element and insertion of sheets of paper.

Abstract: A shopping cart has a brake added as an improvement. The assembly is completely enclosed within a wheel of the shopping cart and is automatically engaged when a predetermined speed is reached. When the cart is propelled beyond a normal operating speed either by being pushed or when unattended, the brake will engage. The brake is actuated by centrifugal force acting on a mechanism contained within the wheel, consisting of rotating weights and ratchet assemblies that engage to dissipate rotational energy by means of a friction connection to the axle of the wheel. Gears cause the weights to rotate at a faster rate than the wheel, so that heavier weights and counter weight springs may be used, making the brake less susceptible to actuation by jolts when the cart is pushed over uneven surfaces. The brake, being internal to the wheel assembly is protected from the effects of weather and physical abuse.

Abstract: Containers having a container carrying body (30) and a removable lid (29) portion, both formed of thin light weight sheet material, and including a combined latching (13) and handle (9) system carried by the container carrying body (30). The handles (9) and locking tabs (13) are integrally attached to the carrying body (30). The lid (29) includes an opening through which the handle (9) can pass, and slots which can be engaged by the locking tabs (13) to secure the lid (29) to the container body (30). The tabs (13) are placed into locking position when the handles (9) are lifted into the carrying position through the lid (29). The handles (9), locking tabs (13), and container body (30) may be stamped from a single piece of thin light weight sheet material, thereby simplifying its construction and adding to the economy of the container. In one modification, the configuration of the carrying handles (9) allows a slotted liner ( 27) to be slipped over the handles (9), before the lid (29) is attached.