Abstract: A visual communication tool for children in which non-worded expression can be displayed in pictorial form. By utilizing a series of provided figures, a child is capable of creating his own storybook so as to communicate his creativity to others through the pictorial display or with an accompanying explanation.

Abstract: A flanged automotive trim apparatus for attachment to the fender wheel-well of a vehicle so as to replace the vehicle's removable rear wheel-well cover in a more desirable fashion. A device at the top of the trim apparatus engages and locks the vehicle's upper mounting feet. Offset seating rods located at the bottom front and rear portions of the trim apparatus engage and lock the vehicle's lower mounting feet.

Abstract: A tonneau cover for recreational vehicles of pliable weatherproof material which simultaneously covers the rear cab portion of the passenger compartment, and the load bed, as desired. Utilizing already provided mounting apparatus, the cover seals from moisture and the elements of weather, the cab and load bed of the vehicle while providing means of rearward vision for the user of the vehicle.

Abstract: A mechanical coupling for connecting together two buoyant members, such as pontoons, to make a buoyant structure. The mechanical coupling comprises vertical grooves in the pontoons. A pair of spaced apart plates partially cover the edge of the grooves. A key member in the shape of an I-beam fits with its web between the plates of a pair of pontoons so that its flanges hold the two pontoons together. Wedge shaped members attached to the I-beam and to the plates further act to wedge and lock the pontoons together as a unit.

Abstract: An improved pneumatically operated automatic screw driver system for affixing screw devices into objects. The inverted screw-driving system utilizes a locator guide and locator to pre-position and align a screw device relative to the object that is being driven into. Drawing the object against the locator and the pre-positioned screw automatically imparts rotation to the aligned screw even before contact is made between the screw and the object. The construction of the locator and locator guide is such to absorb the initial torque developed by the driver, and the locator is spring-loaded within the locator guide so as to maintain the driver in the operably "off" position until the locator guide is depressed to activate the air motor and thus rotate the screw device.

Abstract: A rotating seat pedestal has an outer tube, the wall of which has an I-shaped slot formed axially therein, telescoping over an inner tube connected to a floor base. The outer tube has brackets formed on either side of the slot, and a lever passing through the brackets has a pair of cam members mounted thereon, with one cam abutting each bracket. A sprocket is mounted on the lever intermediate the brackets. A spring-biased projection mounted transversely within the inner tube is shaped and dimensioned to protrude through the transverse portion of the slot when aligned therewith, thus indexing the seat pedestal in a forward-facing position. To lock the pedestal in a position other than forward-facing requires further turning of the lever in a first direction causing the first and second cams to pinch the brackets together thereby narrowing the slot and tightening the outer tube circumferentially onto the inner tube.

Abstract: An improved ball clamp wherein a socket is provided at the end of a threaded member for receiving a truncated sphere. The degree of movement of the sphere within the socket is controlled to facilitate the use of the ball clamp.

Abstract: An improved gliding chair system for use in residential and commercial applications which provides facilitated gliding movement over non-smooth surfaces, such as carpets, without the need for area chair mats. Lever assemblies attached to the chairs legs automatically distribute the weight of the chair and its user as desired to a greater number of support locations, and in cooperation with various gliding devices, imparts a facilitated gliding action on such surfaces.

Abstract: A carrier adapted to carry a child on the rear of a bicycle includes a tubular frame and a seat portion attached thereto. Brackets mountable on support members of the bicycle feature quick release attaching means allowing fast, simple mounting and demounting of the carrier from the bicycle, without the use of tools.

Abstract: A fixture for use in preparing replacement O-rings from cord material, such as buna-N. The fixture automatically provides mating ends which when spliced together preclude undue stress along the plane of splicing.

Abstract: A clutch comprising a pair of spring loaded shoes and a drum, somewhat like brake shoes and a drum, applies and removes loads upon an automatic transmission. As the motor speed picks up, the shoes are flung outwardly under centrifugal force. When the speed is great enough, the shoes grip the drum and turn it. The drum drives the automatic transmission. Under runaway conditions, the drum is rotated by the load acting through the transmission. When the load drives the drum even faster than the motor rotates the shoes, slippage occurs in the clutch and the motor is relieved. This way the transmission may be shifted up or down at any speed. The clutch utilizes one or more shoes with a relative high coefficient of friction on one side and a lower coefficient of friction on the other side. A driving notch within the clutch directs the higher coefficient lining on the shoe to drive the drum and directs the other lower coefficient lining when the drum is rotating faster than the motor, such as in a runaway condition.

Abstract: A work bench structure has a horizontal work surface at which articles may be assembled at individual work stations. At the rear of the work surface is a first vertical wall member upon which is mounted a horizontally extending shelf. A second vertical wall member is mounted forward of said first vertical wall member, with the lower edge of said second vertical wall member terminating at a point which is above the shelf yet below the upper edge of the first vertical wall member, thus blocking any direct line of sight extending from the front of the work bench past the second vertical wall member. In this manner, access from the rear of the structure is provided whereby material to be used in the construction of such articles may be placed on the shelf from behind the bench for use by a person standing at the bench.

Abstract: A template unit on a router for trimming laminate plastics comprising a base and template follower. A clearance space exists between the base and template follower for the insertion of material to be flush trimmed. The template follower has a template abutment for the placing of template material adjacent thereto. The base and blade of the router are adjustable for alignment of the blade with respect to the template abutment means.

Abstract: A universal electronic camera flash features a plug with provision for connection to cameras having flash cube sockets, as well as for cameras having flash bar plug sockets. A rotatably adjustable clamp makes possible the mounting of the flash unit on cameras of varying body styles and dimensions, while also providing a means for angularly adjusting the direction of flash.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering waters at different temperatures to the patient's ears to induce nystagmus. The systems use compressed air to deliver water at a specified temperature to the selected ear of the patient. The system vis-a-vis pump systems is quieter, thermally more efficient and diagnostically improves the entire nystagmus process.

Abstract: A pillow cushion construction of foam material which has improved resilience and shape retention, and which facilitates the manufacture of pillow cushions. An upper and lower portion of the cushion provide a cavity which cooperates with a fibrous filler towards achievement of these results.

Abstract: A brief case comprises two oppositely disposed side shells which are hinged together at a centrally located valence. Double action locks on the valence individually lock or otherwise secure each of the two side shells in position adjacent the valence. When the lock mechanism is operated in one manner, one side shell is released, and when the lock mechanism is operated in another manner the other side shell is released. A special procedure is required to release both side shells simultaneously. The valence includes a closed, deep tray compartment which may be either permanently or releasably secured therein. The deep tray faces one side shell to cooperate with that side shell and form a completely closed compartment. The bottom of the tray blocks the other side shell from view.

Abstract: A unique glucose sensor to determine the glucose level in patients, for example, for use in treating or diagnosing diabetes. The patient's eye is automatically scanned using a dual source of polarized radiation, each transmitting at a different wavelength at one side of the cornea of the patient. A sensor located at the other side of the cornea detects the optical rotation of the radiation that passed through the cornea. The level of glucose in the bloodstream of the patient is a function of the amount of the optical rotation of the radiation detected at the other side of the cornea of the patient. The result is transmitted to a remote receiver that is coupled to a readout device to thereby provide non-invasive glucose determinations of high specificity and reliability.

Abstract: A power transmission apparatus comprising planetary gear elements for controlling the direction and speed of power transmitted to a driven power unit, such as a vehicle, industrial machines, household equipment, or the like. In one embodiment of the invention, power from a constant speed, uni-directional prime mover is converted to multi-speed forward and reverse power by controlling only the movement of the planetary carrier. In a variation of this embodiment of the invention, a variable speed uni-directional prime mover is converted into a speed division torque-multiplication system by control of the carrier by a torque control device, such as a torque converter, or mechanical torque limited. In yet another embodiment, control of the carrier and associated clutch mechanisms permits one of two output power paths from the transmission to be reversed while the first path continues to rotate in the same direction as the prime mover.

Abstract: A range-hood installation device for use on canopy-type range-hoods so as to facilitate one-man installation by allowing preliminary juxtaposition of a range-hood against a wall or soffit through the use of two snap-in retaining brackets which hold the range-hood in place while allowing an installer to more easily finish complete installation by securing additional bolting devices.