Abstract: A safe comprising a box-like receptacle having a substantially rectangular cut-out opening in one of its walls adapted to be closed by a flat plate-like door. Said door comprising a substantially rectangular outer wall to which is attached a rectangular panel movable relative thereto. One dimension of the panel being longer than that of the outer wall and the opening. A lock on the door is used to slide the panel between a locked and unlocked position. In the unlocked position the panel extends beyond only one side of the outer wall of the door. In the locked position the panel extends beyond the opposite sides of the outer wall of the door. The opening in the receptacle is provided with means for holding the flat plate-like door flush with the outer surface of the box-like receptacle.

Abstract: An improved battery access system which can be used, not only to start the engine of a vehicle having a defective battery, but also to supply power to an external electrical apparatus. The system can be entirely situated under the hood of a vehicle and eliminates many of the dangers associated with battery jumping.

Abstract: A wall-hung cabinet comprising a body portion fixedly attached to a wall. A door is hingedly mounted to said body portion and equipped to independently store items therein. A foldable work bench extends from the bottom body portion of the cabinet. In one embodiment, the bottom of the cabinet is at approximately table height. In another embodiment the cabinet extends practically to the floor. The top of the cabinet is approximately no higher than the reach of an average person. Thus, the wall-hung cabinet provides an ideal and compact unit for storing and making use of craft and hobby tools and apparatus.

Abstract: A locking arrangement using an actuating gear mounted on a cylinder lock for turning a gear wheel having locking bolt means linked thereto for movement to locked and unlocked positions responsive to movement of the cylinder of the cylinder lock. A spring-biased latch normally in the locked position is further provided which can be moved to the unlocked position, when the locking bolt means is in the unlocked position either by separate handle or by the further movement of the cylinder.

Abstract: The improved safe door locking arrangement includes a pair of oppositely extending dovetail locking bolts. The locking bolts are eccentrically attached to a crank wheel and are actuated responsive to rotation of the wheel. The wheel is spring loaded for easier operation. In the extended or locked position, a combination lock controlled bolt locks the dovetail bolts in their extended condition. A further feature is a safety bolt which in turn locks the combination lock controlled bolt in the locking position, if attempts are made to dislodge the combination lock.

Abstract: A ceiling mounted forced circulation electric air heater has a housing comprising upper and lower housing members fastenable together at a plurality of tangentially abutting, convex dome-like bosses integrally formed on the housing members. The housing supports a fan and an electric heating element. The housing members define therebetween a circumferentially extending air flow passage providing wide distribution of the air directed through the housing by the fan and heated by the heating element. The bosses provide secure, permanently aligned mating points for the housing members. The housing includes a cover securable to the lower housing member.

Abstract: A dual pin tumbler lock and a key having two planar faces wherein the two planar faces of the key blade have similar concentric projections and depressions on both sides of a longitudinal axis for operating the lock, regardless of into which side of the dual lock the key is placed, and wherein each tumbler of the fixed part of the lock is made of two parts -- one part telescopically slidable within the other, both parts being urged by springs against a corresponding tumbler housed in the rotating cylinder which corresponding tumbler is likewise made of two telescopic parts.

Abstract: An improved slide fastener for coupling garment portions together. The slide fastener construction including extending parallel tines designed for preventing the garment or parts of the garment or threads therein from jamming the slider as the slider is moved along for fastening or unfastening the garment.

Abstract: A refillable ice dispensing apparatus for automatically vending ice in cracked, chipped or cubed shapes. Use of an oblong shaped storage bin with drainage means and having a specially designed agitation system and ice jogging system facilitates even and relatively complete circulation of the stored ice to a release aperture. A solenoid controlled dispensing gate cooperates with the agitation system to dispense the stored ice, and utilizes lost motion linkage connections with the gate in order to create momentum before lifting of the gate is commenced.

Abstract: A continuous plating bath treatment system directs contaminated plating solution through a specially prepared filter medium and returns the filtered solution to service. The filter medium is a calendered polyester material provided in continuous roll form and is automatically replaced at regular intervals. As a new filter medium segment is drawn into position, a layer of carbon is deposited thereon to provide a chemical filtering element, thus providing chemical and mechanical filtration. Carbon is supplied from a supply hopper by vibrators; adjusting the rate at which vibration occurs conveniently allows adjustment of the volumetric flow of carbon.

Abstract: A unique private automatic branch exchange system wherein a plurality of paths from the calling line circuits are established through the switching matrix to more than one output circuit. The paths are held simultaneously. The ability for multiple simultaneous connections eliminates the necessity for many circuits such as toll restrictors, access circuits, and such other accessory circuits. This approach not only saves hardware but also allows more features to be incorporated into the system with more efficient use of the circuits.

Abstract: A telescopic boom assembly including first and second telescoping members. The assembly employs rack and pinion telescoping mechanisms which are driven by hydraulically controlled piston and cylinder members. The combination provides positive and precise positioning of the telescoping members and extremely smooth movement thereof.

Abstract: A device for the removal of snow without stooping, bending, or lifting. The device is constructed as a substantially flat panel arching upwardly at one end. A blade is fixedly attached to the leading edge of this flat panel. Raised side walls provide structural support and increase the volume of snow held. Likewise, a handle is attached for propulsion of the apparatus by a user. A sliding surface on the exterior of the flat panel enables propulsion of the device horizontally across pavement, thus removing the snow without lifting. A smooth surface on the interior of the device enables disposal of accumulated snow by rapidly pushing or "slinging" the device, thereby propelling the snow forward and out of the device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus using parakites, or modified parachutes, for capturing wind energy and for converting the consequent wind-induced linear motion to shaft rotation. The parakite apparatus includes a plurality of trains of parakites, with each train comprising a power line having a plurality of serially coupled parakites secured thereto. The power lines are of sufficient length to allow the parakites to reach an altitude above the earth at which prevailing winds are stronger and more uniform than at the earth's surface. Each train is secured at its earthbound end to a drum or windlass selectively rotatable in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions to either reel in the power lines attached thereto, or to enable the power lines to be pulled upwardly and outwardly by the action of the winds on the parakites. Provision is made, including canopy lines, to selectively collapse the parakites on selected power lines to facilitate the reeling-in procedure.

Abstract: A portable vignetting system attaches directly to the lens element of a photographic instrument enabling on-site creation of selected vignette effects with results comparable to those achieved under studio conditions. A main housing accommodates a camera lens at one end and a series of vignetting lids at the other. Each lid has formed therethrough an aperture of selected size and shape producing the desired vignette. Structure on the lid an housing cooperates to enable the lid to rotate with respect to the housing and to positively engage the housing at a multiplicity of precisely defined sites. The system may be used to create multiple vignette effects by combining different lids while making multiple exposures on a single film segment.

Abstract: A single point boring tool using an eccentric for varying the radius of the cutting edge of the tool from the longitudinal axis of the tool to thereby vary the bore being machined. The holder tool can be rotated a full 360.degree., therefore a small eccentric can effect a relatively large variation in bore diameters. The tool holder is rotated after loosening fastener means to obtain the desired radius of bore and then locked in place by tightening the fastener means. Index markings on the tool shaft and tool holder enable unskilled personnel to adjust the bore size with precision.

Abstract: A roof mountable pipe flashing unit allows penetration of the roof surface by a single pipe while effectively weather-proofing the site of penetration. A selectively separable sealing element enables a weathertight seal to be formed with pipes whose diameters fall within a selected range.

Abstract: A self-propelled articulated vehicle having two vehicle modules pivotally attached at their ends. Steering of the vehicle is obtained through hydraulic steering components attached between the first and second vehicle modules and pivotally attached at a common end. A single load container is carried across the two vehicle modules at pivotal support mountings, with one of the support mountings cooperating with a linear track device to displace the load container a desired direction and distance when the articulated vehicle is steered. Utilization of independent power drive for each of the two vehicle modules increases the maneuverability of the overall articulated vehicle and minimizes the miring down of the vehicle in slick, muddy, or staggered terrain. Through elimination of conventional steering techniques, increased power and lower fuel consumption is obtained through such an articulated steering technique.

Abstract: A self-propelled articulated vehicle having two vehicle modules pivotally attached at their ends. Steering of the vehicle is obtained through hydraulic steering components attached between the first and second vehicle modules and pivotally attached at a common end. A single load container is carried across the two vehicle modules at pivotal support mountings, with one of the support mountings cooperating with a linear track device to displace the load container a desired direction and distance when the articulated vehicle is steered. Utilization of independent power drive for each of the two vehicle modules increases the maneuverability of the overall articulated vehicle and minimizes the miring down of the vehicle in slick, muddy, or staggered terrain. Through elimination of conventional steering techniques, increased power and lower fuel consumption is obtained through such an articulated steering technique.

Abstract: A steering system for articulated vehicles having two or more pivotally connected vehicle modules. The invention provides for such a vehicle a dual hydraulic power steering system cooperating with a plurality of telescoping hydraulic cylinders to initiate steering about the pivot point connecting the two or more vehicle modules. Auxiliary, emergency, and back-up steering capabilities are imparted through the use of independently operated double-acting cylinders on both sides of the vehicle pivot attachment, with one hydraulic power system supplementing or replacing the other in case of failure. A series of pumps, accumulators, reservoirs, and other associated hydraulic elements cooperate with the synchronized valve metering construction to accomplish steering of the vehicle.