Abstract: An adjustable candle holder (10) designed to accept candles (120) having diameters ranging from 0.188 to 0.75 inches (0.478 to 1.91 cm). The holder consists of a base (12) having attached a slider sleeve (26) that encloses a candle retaining assembly (45) that includes a candle concentric-gripping mechanism (78). When the slider sleeve (26) is in an upward, normal position, the mechanism (78) positions a set of candle gripping slats (80) in an inward configuration. Conversely, when the slider sleeve (26) is grasped and pulled downward, the slats (80) expand to allow the candle (120) to be inserted into a candle opening (52) located on the candle retaining assembly (45). After the candle (120) is inserted, the slider sleeve (26) is released which causes the candle gripping slats (80) to return to their inward configuration. In this configuration the slats (80) produce an inward force that securely holds and centers the candle (120) within the adjustable candle holder (10).

Abstract: A selection valve (10) for use with a multi-chambered fluid container having outlet openings which are in fluid communication with the fluid container chambers. The selection valve (10) utilizes an outer housing (12) with a bore (14) therethrough for receiving a singular fluid from the multi-chambered container. An upper gasket (20) engages an inner surface (16) of the outer housing and an inner housing (28) having intake ports (34) interfaces with the upper gasket, thus permitting fluid communication between the outer housing and the fluid container. A molded spring detent (46) is disposed upon the inner housing with pins (48) protruding externally that ride upon a rotating detent ring (50). When the outer housing (12) and the detent ring (50) are rotated, the pins (48) are urged into radial grooves (54) and (55) thereby causing the housing to remain at a desired location.

Abstract: A lug wrench and spare tire locking assembly that is attached to a motor vehicle or trailer which includes a hollow wrench carrier body (20) having four open-ended slots (22) at right angles to each other that are configured to interface with a four-way lug-wrench (56). The body has a pair of opposed short legs (24) formed between two adjacent slots, and another pair of opposed long legs (26) formed between each remaining slot. The body also includes a shackle lock pin (28) that extends beyond the legs. A slotted flange (38) is joined to a vehicle bracket (44) and threaded shaft (36) connects the body to the flange. A spare wheel is fastened to the vehicle bracket on top of the flange and a four-way lug-wrench (56) is placed over the wheel interfacing with the slots in the body.

Abstract: A vehicle auxiliary light assembly (10) having a housing (12) that houses a conventional, central incandescent light bulb (56) and an electro-luminescent panel (ELP) (60) that is located around the inner perimeter of the housing (12). The ELP (60), depending on the luminescent material used, can be made to illuminate in various colors. The assembly (10) can be operated by either a first cable assembly (84) or a second cable assembly (85). The first cable assembly (84) allows the incandescent light bulb (56) and the ELP (60) to be operated independently of each other. The second cable assembly (85) allows the light (56) and the ELP (60) to be operated simultaneously.

Abstract: A simulated neon-light tube assembly (10) that is comprised of four major elements: a transparent tube (12) having a closed front end (16) and an open rear edge (18), a light-diffusing material (24), a light source (50) and a power source (60). The light-diffusing material (24) consists of stacks of thin acetate, or a like material, which are rolled and inserted into the tube (12) through the tube's open rear edge (18). The light source (50) can consist of a single LED (52) or an LED cluster. In either case, the LED(s) are located within a light-power assembly (70) that encloses the LED (52). The power source (60) for the LED can consist of an internal battery located within the assembly (70) or the assembly (70) can include a cable that is connected to an external battery. In either design, when the LED (52) illuminates, the light travels through the light emitting material 928) to cause the simulation of a neon-light.

Abstract: A turbo-charged vehicle engine sound simulator (10) that is designed to function in combination with a vehicle having a coil (92), a tachometer (94), an alternator (96), an engine manifold (98) having a manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor (100), and a battery (90). The simulator (10) utilizes an engine RPM source (12), a vacuum pressure switch (14), a turbo-sound storage unit (28), a power amplifier (30), a loudspeaker (32) and a regulated power supply (34) to accurately reproduce the sound that is heard from a blow-off valve on a turbo-charged engine. The simulator (10) allows a person to provide the appearance that his/her vehicle is equipped with a turbo-charger.

Abstract: A convertible couch bed that consists of a frame (20) that has a pair of opposed ends (22) with each end having a horizontal upper surface (24), an arm (26) and a plurality of legs (28). The frame includes a pair of lower longitudinal supports (30) and a upper longitudinal support (32) attached between the ends. A mattress support structure (34) is positioned between the ends and sustained by the lower longitudinal supports and a mattress (36) is positioned on the support structure forming a comfortable seat for sitting on the front portion. An upholstered top (38) covers the rear portion of the mattress and is attached to the frame with a piano hinge (44). An upholstered back (48) is attached to the top allowing the back to fold upward in accordion fashion and rest upon the frame thereby permitting conversion of the couch into a bed by exposing the entire mattress therefore forming a bed suitable for sleeping.

Abstract: A fire-extinguishing device (10) that is disclosed in three embodiments. All three embodiments utilize a water-spraying unit (12), a water hose (20) and a water-delivering tube (28). When the device (10) is attached to a pressurized water source (150) a water spray can be directed into a burning area. The first embodiment of the device (10) utilize a triangular water-delivering tube (28) that when attached to an elongated water supply tube (64) functions as a battering ram for penetrating a building structure. The second embodiment consists of an elongated water-delivering tube (28) having a lower section (36) that has attached a support structure (94) that is angled to substantially fit over a gabled roof. The third embodiment is also comprised of an elongated water-delivering tube (28) that is attached to a side of a fire truck (160). When the truck (160) is parked alongside a burning structure a water spray is produced that is directed into a burning area.

Abstract: A wheel cover (20) that simulates a high profile automotive wheel and tire. The wheel cover (20) includes a base mounting plate (26) that is removably attached to a wheel (22) using conventional methods. A face plate (38), which is configured to partially cover the tire sidewall as well as a central portion of a wheel, is positioned on top of the base mounting plate (26). The mounting plate (26) is attached to the face plate (38) in a spring-loaded manner, which continually urges the face plate (38) to be in contact with the side wall of the tire (24). The spring-loading arrangement permits the face plate (38) to yield when the tire bulges due to weight induced distortion or road hazard impact. The face plate (38) gives way at the tire bulge and yet retains contiguous engagement with the tire. When attached, the face plate (38) extends outward from the wheel's outer perimeter and over a portion of the tire's sidewall, thus producing the appearance of a high profile wheel and tire.

Abstract: A light-pole erecting and lowering apparatus (10) that is designed to allow a single person to install, remove and service a light pole (136) that is attached to an above-ground concrete pedestal (130). The apparatus (10) consists of an integrated unit that incorporates three major elements: a transporting dolly (12), a pole platform and pedestal attachment frame (34) and a pivoting pole-securing assembly (70). The dolly (12) includes a set of wheels (28) and casters (30) that allow the apparatus (10) to be transported over various surfaces. The pole platform and pedestal attachment frame (34) allows the apparatus (10) to be placed in either a horizontal storage and transporting position or in a vertical position. The pivoting pole-securing assembly (70) includes a pole securing platform (86) and means for allowing the platform (86) to be rotated to either a horizontal or to a vertical position and to adjust the height of an erected platform (86).

Abstract: A harness assembly (24 surrounding an animal's body around the neck, across the back, upon the underside and around the animal's chest. The harness assembly (24) includes a shoulder connecting member (28) having an upward extending, quick connect plug (34); a neck band (46) encircling the animal's neck and that is attached to the shoulder connecting member (28); a body band (50) encircling the animal behind its front legs and that attaches to the shoulder connecting member (28); and a chest member (54) connected to the neck and body. A stand-up leash (64), which is attached to the plug (34), normally remains in an upright position permitting a person walking the animal to comfortably grasp the leash (64) with a hand grip (88). A quick connect coupling (74) interfaces with the plug (34) for removing or replacing the stand-up leash (64) from the harness assembly (24). The leash (64) also has an extension (90) for lengthening which permits the animal increased freedom of movement.

Abstract: A fall protection restraint apparatus that is utilized during building construction comprising a base (20) that rests on the lowest floor surface of a building during construction. A number of poles (36) are connected to the base sequentially, as construction height requires, to form a structurally sound column. Support cables (40) are connected between the poles and the building under construction to horizontally support the column by forming a guyed matrix. A retractable lifeline lanyard (48) is attached to D-rings on the end cap (54) on the uppermost pole (36b), thereby allowing the lanyard to expand and retract freely until a sudden tug impedes and secures the lanyard's movement. A construction worker (50) wears a fall arrest harness (52) that is connected to the lanyard, thus providing protection. In the event of a fall, the lanyard limits and maintains the minimal distance between the worker and the column, thereby precluding a fall to the surface below.

Abstract: A water flow control valve (10) designed to be installed externally on a toilet tank (108) or as an integral element of a toilet ballcock (110). The valve (10) incorporates a diaphragm (46), a spring (62), a poppet assembly (70), and an inlet port (38) that is connected to a utility water supply (100) and an outlet port (42) that is connected through a pipe (102) to a fitting (106) on the the toilet tank (108). The valve functions by sensing the pressure at the inlet port (38). When no large demands are placed on the water supply (100), the valve (10) remains open, thus allowing the toilet tank (108) to fill. When a shower is turned on, the water pressure drops which reduces the upward force on the diaphragm (46), thus allowing the spring (62) to place the poppet (70) in a closed position which prevents the toilet tank (108) from filling. When the water demand ceases, the water pressure opens the valve (10), which allows the toilet tank (108) to fill.

Abstract: A combined physiological monitoring system (CPMS) (10) which provides an electrodiagnostic functional assessment (EFA) to determine the relative age and severity of a myofasical injury. The EFA utilizes data serviced by electromyography (EMG) sensors which measures the amplitude and frequency of a muscle group; functional capacity evaluation (FCE) sensors, which measure the lift, pull and push capability; range-of-motion (ROM) sensors, which measure the range of motion in the cervical, thoraic, lubosacral, upper and lower extremities; and a grip and pinch sensor, which measures a person's grip and pinch strength. The CPMS (10), allows the measurement to be conducted individually or be integrated and conducted simultaneously in combination with EKG activity, blood flow and nerve conduction velocity. The CPMS (10) which can be designed to be portable, operates in combination with a software program (80) which resides in a dedicated laptop computer (82).

Abstract: A vehicle wheel cover (10) having a design (36) which replicates the intrinsic design (20) of a vehicle wheel (12), and which includes a central aperture (38) which encompasses a set of lug nuts located on the vehicle wheel (12). The wheel cover (10) also includes a plurality of spaced wheel cover fasteners (44). When the wheel cover (10) is pressed against the vehicle wheel (12) the wheel cover fasteners (44) clip onto a peripheral edge (14) on the vehicle wheel (12) to securely hold the wheel cover (10) to the vehicle wheel (12). When the wheel cover (10) is attached, the vehicle wheel simulates the appearance of a solid, chrome plated vehicle wheel.