Abstract: A hinged socket wrench speed handle having an offset shank (20) with a first end (22) and a second end (24). Attached to the first end (22) is a clevis (28) which receives a 180-degree drive head that is held by a hinge pin (40). The drive head consists of either a square drive head (30) or a ratchet drive head (31). To the second end (24) is attached a handle (58), which rotates the wrench. A second embodiment of the hinged socket wrench includes a second clevis (28) that is added to the second end (24) of the offset shank. The second clevis (28) adds further combinations of angular displacement of the handle (58). Thus increasing the value of the wrench as a tool and also its utility in difficult work areas. The wrench consists of five hinge pin (40) variations which provide additional surface interface with both the hinge pin and the handle yoke, thereby improving the structural integrity and prolonging the tool's life.

Abstract: A portable playground swing seat (10) is configured to interface with a playground swing and that includes an open-topped, rigid, cup shaped bucket (20) having a width compatible to a playground swing seat (22). The bucket is substantially oval in shape, having a raised back (24) with a hand hole (34) therethrough for manual portability. A removable soft fabric liner (42) interfaces the inner surface of the bucket to provide a supple and comfortable environment for a toddler when sitting within the portable swing seat. A five-point harness (50), which is adjustably affixed onto the bucket, is sized in length and contour to fit over the toddler's shoulders, chest and legs. Two rigid foldable attachment arms (54) are rotatably affixed onto the bucket for attachment to each playground swing chain.

Abstract: A cap storage and display assembly (10) that is comprised of three elements: a cap support (12), a swivel arm (32), and a mounting plate (70). The cap support (12) is dimensioned to accept a cap (90) preferably consisting of a sport cap (90). The cap (12) has on a lower surface (16) a segmented receptacle (20) that is rotatably attached to a segmented ball plug (42) located on an outer end (34) of the swivel arm (32). The inner end of the swivel arm (32) has a segmented button plug (54) that is rotatably attached to a serrated bore (82) located on the mounting plate (70). The plate (70) also has a bolt mounting bore (78) that accepts a bolt that secures the plate (70) to a mounting surface (92). When the assembly (10) is secured, the cap support (12) can be tilted and radially rotated, and the swivel arm (32) can also be radially rotated to allow the assembly (10) to be positioned in an optimum cap (90) display position.

Abstract: A self-powered, heat-activated LED exhaust tip assembly (10) that is comprised of three major elements: a cylindrical enclosure (12), a heat conducting sub-assembly (80) and an electronics circuit (130). The sub-assembly (80) consists of an external heat conducting plate (82), and an enclosure-internal heat conductive horizontal structure (110) that is attached to the plate (82) through a heat conductive vertical rod (98). When heated vehicle exhaust gases pass through the enclosure (12), the gases heat the structure (110) and the heat is then transferred to the plate (92) via the rod (98). The heat from the plate (82) is transferred to a peltier device (132) that interfaces with the plate (82). The heated peltier device (132) produces a first d-c voltage (11) that is applied to a DC to DC converter (134), where a second d-c voltage (13) is produced.

Abstract: An antenna beam controlling system (ABCS) for use in cellular communication systems. The ABCS allows the antenna's horizontal beam direction and horizontal beam width to be remotely adjusted for optimum reception and transmission. The ABCS, in its basic design, is comprised of at least one antenna reflector that incorporates a reflecting disk for receiving and transmitting RF signals, an antenna rotating assembly, and an electronic controller. All the elements of the ABCS are housed within an antenna enclosure, such as a radome, which is maintained in an environmentally shielded condition by a top and bottom cover. The electronic controller is designed to remotely activate the ABCS and to control and optimize the position of the antenna reflector.

Abstract: A MEMS-based optical, wireless communication system (10) that is comprised of a receiving and transmitting optical unit (12) that is further comprised of a transmitting subsystem (14) and a receiving subsystem (60), both of which are controlled by a microcontroller (16) and firmware (96). The system (10) is designed to allow a first unit (12) to transmit through free space a modulated laser beam (39) that is received by a second unit (12) located within line-of-sight of the first unit (12). Conversely, the second unit (12) can likewise transmit a modulated laser beam (39) that is received by the first unit (12) or other line-of-sight units (12). The system (10) features a MEMS mirror assembly (34) that operates in combination with a quad sensor (100). The combination allows fast, precise tracking and compensates for atmospheric disturbances associated with optical communication namely, building sway, wind and scintillations caused by changes in the refraction index of the atmosphere.

Abstract: A retort cleaning apparatus 10 (RCA 10) comprising a blow-off nozzle (12) having an air inlet port (14) and an orifice (16). An air passage extension tube (22) has an inward coupler (24), and a heat-resistant outward coupler (26) that attaches to the air inlet port (14) on the blow-off nozzle (12). An air hose (42) has an air inlet coupler (44), and an air outlet coupler (46) that attaches to the inward coupler (24) on the air passage extension tube (22). An air compressor (60) has a compressed air fastener (62) that attaches to the air inlet coupler (44) on the air hose (42). The air compressor is equipped with a power switch (64) that controls the operation of an electrical motor (66). When the power switch is closed, power from a power source (80) is applied to the motor (66) which then allows pressurized air to flow through the air hose (42), the air passage extension tube (22), and into and out of the orifice (16) on the blow-off nozzle (12).

Abstract: Linesman type pliers (10) that have provisions for splicing wires together. The pliers (10) have a right body (20) with a first jaw (22) on one end, and a handle (24) on the other end, and a pivotal bore (26) in-between. The first jaw (22) includes a truncated, tapered recess half (28) that is configured to receive an outward-extending stop and the provisions for gripping wire. A left body (32) has a similar jaw, handle, bore and truncated tapered recess half, except with an outward-extending stop (38) on the inner end. A pivot pin (42) is jointly disposed within bores (26) and (36), thus forming a solid-joint that arcuately swivels the right body (20) and left body (32) together into parallel and adjacent alignment. When the jaws are closed a complete, annular, truncated tapered recess (44) is formed that allows insertion of a number of stripped wires that form a twisted splice when the pliers are manually rotated around the stationary wires.

Abstract: An orbital resistance-adjustable sphere exercising apparatus (10) that is designed to allow several exercise routines to be performed through several planes and range-of-motion at selectable friction levels. The apparatus (10) consists of four major elements: a sphere cradle (12), a sphere (116), a set of three sphere friction pads (42, 54, 94) and a telescoping pole assembly (126). The sphere cradle (12) includes a base (14) that has attached three sphere support frames (32, 52, 92) that are evenly spaced and that each have attached the friction pads (42, 54, 94) that interface with and support the sphere (116). The sphere cradle (12) also includes a sphere friction adjusting rod (104) that when rotated clockwise the three sphere support frames (32, 52, 92) simultaneously extend inward allowing the friction applied by the three friction pads (42, 54, 94) to the sphere (116) to increase. Likewise, when the rod (104) is rotated counter-clockwise the applied friction is reduced.

Abstract: A hydraulic rescue tool (20) that utilizes a hydraulic cylinder (22) having a piston rod (24) that is movably disposed within the housing of the cylinder to provide linear driving means for the rescue tool. A cylinder yoke (32) is rotatably attached to the hydraulic cylinder housing and includes a front handle bar (34) for manipulating the tool. Rotation of the cylinder yoke (32) relative to the cylinder (22) prevents injury to an operator in the event that the tool binds and torques. An implement unit (50), which is either a cutter (54) or a spreader (74), is detachably disposed onto the piston rod (24). Pivotal links (36) connect the unit (50) to the cylinder yoke (32), with the unit used for cutting or spreading metal during a rescue. A plurality of quick release pins (72) attach the implement unit (50) to the piston rod (24) and pivotal links, thus providing a rapid release of the implement unit (50) from the piston rod (24) and links (36) for replacement or repair.

Abstract: A trailer hitch (20) for attachment onto a motor vehicle for pulling a trailer. The hitch (20) consists of a pair of forward and aft mounting brackets (22 and 24) that are connected into existing holes in the vehicle's frame. Each mounting bracket has flanges (22? and 24?) with the aft brackets (24) having thru-holes (26) arranged in a bolt circle array. The pair of forward mounting brackets (22) are connected to the aft mounting brackets (24) for length adjustment of the trailer hitch relative to the hitch position on the motor vehicle. The height of the trailer hitch (20) is regulated by the right side up or upside down position of the aft mounting brackets (24) properly orienting the thru-holes. A box hitch (44) is adjustably attached for width regulation onto the thru-holes of the aft mounting brackets (24) by inserting arms (30) into a tubular sleeve (50) of the box hitch at an appropriate distance.

Abstract: A dual-wheel valve stem stabilizing clip (20) that is used for immobilizing a reverse-mounted valve (40) mounted on dual truck wheels (28). The clip consists of pair of U-shaped spring brackets (22), with each including an S-shaped outer distal end (24). The brackets are positioned on top of each other with the outer distal ends at opposite extremities. A number of adjustment holes (26) in each bracket align together to permit a variation in overall length. A spring doubler shim (32) that is configured in a U-shape and is sandwiched on top of each spring bracket to provide additional rigidity to the spring brackets. A valve stem cushion (38) is compressed within brackets and shims and receives and secures the valve on an inner wheel of dual truck wheels. Threaded fasteners attach the brackets and shims together to form a clip capable of being manually bent in an arc shape and snapped into a hand hole (30) of an outer truck wheel rim in order to stabilize the valve stem installed on an inner truck wheel rim.

Abstract: A selection valve (10) for use with a multi-chambered fluid container having outlet openings in communication with the fluid container chambers. The selection valve (10) utilizes an outer housing (12) having a bore (14) for receiving a fluid from the multi-chambered container. An upper gasket (20) engages an inner surface (16) of the outer housing (12) and an inner housing (28) having intake ports (34) that interface with the upper gasket, permitting communication between the outer housing (12) and the fluid container. A spring detent (46) is disposed upon the inner housing with protruding pins (48) that ride upon a rotating detent ring (50). When the housing (12) and the detent ring (50) rotate, the pins (48) enter radial grooves (54) and (55) causing the housing to remain at a desired location. A closure assembly is snapped onto the inner housing to permit a fluid path to be formed between a specific compartment in the container and the bore (14) in the outer housing.

Abstract: An articulating platform (20) that is used to vary the longitudinal and lateral angular displacement of an exercise bicycle (22) mounted thereon. The platform includes a bicycle mounting base (24) configured to accept the footprint of a conventionally dimensioned exercise bicycle. The base (24) pivots in both a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis, thereby simulating uphill and downhill bicycle riding and turning when leaning sideways in a turning direction. The base (24) is preferably articulated by a D.C. motor drive system or optionally by a gear motor, pneumatic, hydraulic and worm drive systems each having controls for initiating directional articulation. A platform enclosure (40) supports the base and the drive system to provide a safety barrier for protecting moving components of the platform.

Abstract: A new and distinct Chrysanthemum plant cultivar is disclosed, characterized by large decorative type inflorescences, consistent flowering response to short days, blooming consistently after 49 days of short day length, bright yellow ray florets, free branching habit, and a consistent natural season flowering habit during the last two weeks of August.

Abstract: A new and distinct Chrysanthemum plant cultivar is disclosed, characterized by large decorative type inflorescences, consistent flowering response to short days, blooming consistently after 49 days of short day length, bright yellow ray florets, free branching habit, and a consistent natural season flowering habit during the first week of September.

Abstract: A new and distinct Chrysanthemum plant cultivar is disclosed, characterized by large decorative type inflorescences, consistent flowering response to short days, blooming consistently after 49 days of short day length, pink two tone ray florets, free branching habit, and a consistent natural season flowering habit during early September.

Abstract: A new and distinct Poinsettia plant cultivar is disclosed, characterized by medium-sized, deep red bracts, blooming consistently after 7.5 weeks of night-length of 13.5 hours or more, with a post-production longevity of 7 weeks or more.