Abstract: An apparatus for straightening damaged automobile frames or bodies utilizing a rigid structural ramp capable of supporting a vehicle. A preferably hydraulic power source capable of imparting alternatively a compressive or a tensile force to the damaged frame or body is adjustably mounted on a wheeled post which slidably travels a continuous track circumventing the ramp. The ramp is provided with improved chain anchoring openings. A chain can be used for a applying tensile force to the frame directly or indirectly to the frame by connecting a chain first to the anchoring opening, then to the damaged frame, and then to the hydraulic power source.Using two wheeled posts on the continuous track, a rotatable, pivotal, cross bar can be attached at its respective end portions to the wheeled posts. With the power source mounted on the cross bar, repairs can be made to the roof, or interior portions of an automobile (see FIG. 10).

Abstract: A non-conductive safety line and method for producing the safety line is disclosed. The safety line of the preferred embodiment comprises a rope core which has an exterior tubing positioned over the rope core with a quantity of filler material contained within the exterior tubing to completely capsulate the rope core. End loop splices are formed on the rope core ends and a pair of shrinkable tubing sections are positioned over the end loop splices. The completed safety line has a film applied to the exterior thereof to prevent surface wetting. The safety line may be used in conjunction with aerial buckets or hot boards from a lineman's body belt to the boom of an aerial lift or platform of an insulated hot board. The line maintains dielectric integrity, wet or dry, preventing shorting of the lineman's insulation from ground as conventional safety lines can do.

Abstract: A reinforced concrete threaded pile provides a generally conically shaped tapered concrete pile member which is provided with a metallic reinforcement core for carrying the torsional and tensile forces created in the pile during its insertion. A metallic head is provided at, for example, the upper portion of the pile, which provides a point for the connection of a sufficient torsional driving force thereto for insertion of the pile. The head member can be metallic, and is substantially integrally connected to the reinforcement core, so that the torsional forces can be developed through the head and the reinforcement core such that torsional and tensile forces are not carried by the concrete to a degree which would cause a failure of the concrete by cracking. The concrete body is provided with an outer surface of spiral threads which has a relatively minor thread pitch that provides for relatively easy insertion of the pile into the desired soil medium and is mechanically compatible therewith.

Abstract: An automatic and semiautomatic small caliber conversion system for automatic or semiautomatic shotguns and rifles such as, for example, M-16 and AR-16 rifles including a uniquely designed three element structure and associated ammunition feeding means to permit the use of smaller caliber, inexpensive ammunition in rilfes and shotguns designed originally for larger caliber ammunition. The system includes a bolt/receiver assembly which easily replaces the bolt carrier of the, for example, M-16 rifle, and a magazine assembly which can be inserted by hand into any standard, for example, 0.223 round M-16 magazine. The bolt/receiver assembly is made up of three sub-assemblies, a receiver, a bolt, and a recoil spring. The receiver sub-assembly includes a section of a circle with a short barrel section in the front which fits into the M-16 chambers, a receiver lug at top rear to locate it within the M-16 chamber and prevent its rotary or linear motions and a guide rail.

Abstract: An automobile windshield rain deflector which functions as a result of a mathematical relationship between rain deflector, forward velocity of vehicle windshield and downward velocity of rain drops; and comprises a shield arranged above the driver's line of vision and is positioned substantially in front of the windshield, with a substantial gap between the deflector shield and the windshield. The shield is connected to a support means for movement between an inoperative orientation to an operative orientation by which a substantially rain free clear vision zone is provided on the windshield. In addition, the support means is movable relative to the windshield to adjust the position of the shield in its operative orientation so that the substantially rain free clear vision zone always coincides with the driver's line of vision regardless of the vehicle's speed or rainfall quantity.

Abstract: A chemical contraception system is described in which the spermicidal chemical, for example, "Nonoxynol-9", is provided in a powder or tablet form and is dissolved in a solvent, primarily water, immediately before use. The solution containing the spermacide is then allowed to soak into an applicator matrix, such as a sponge or pad. The spermicide-impregnated matrix is inserted into the vagina and later removed. The system can be provided in kit form (FIGS. 1 and 2) including a storage container for the powder, a mixing container, and a measuring spoon, or in a pre-packaged form where the chemical has already been added to the sponge.Among the preferred embodiments of the system are the use of the spermicidal chemical in powder or tablet form and the use of a sponge for vaginal retention of the spermicidal solution.

Abstract: A rug or mat cleaning system is disclosed which is comprised of first a dry lint and dust removing section, then a water or like liquid containing vessel having an initial wash section and then a rinse section and then finally a wringer section. A mat to be cleaned is passed through a first conveying roller at a slower driving speed. Thereafter, the mat or rug enters an increased speed brush which both removes dirt and agitates the surface of the rug and beats it to knock loose undesireable dirt and like particles. In the wash section of the system, alternating feed rollers and brush rollers carry the mat or rug to be cleaned. Each feed roller clamps and holds the rug to prevent slipping while conveying it at a slower linear speed. Each brush roller provides a brushing surface having a substantially higher linear speed than the surface of the conveying rolls. Thus, a "tuck" or crease is created in the rug between each high speed roller brush and its adjacent and following slower conveying roll.

Abstract: A relatively light, compact and variable neck exerciser which is worn and automatically functions throughout the entire range of neck motion as a result of natural effort an individual performs in his or her particular activity; and simultaneously acts as a neck exerciser and neck protector through the entire range of neck motion during this activity, thereby, being a neck rehabilitator. The device includes a looped spring element fastened, in the case of a football player, between the back of the player's helmet at the apex of the looped spring and the back of the player's shoulder pads at the legs of the looped spring. The spring includes compression, torsion and extention spring sections.

Abstract: An automatic microfiche duplicator having an upper receiving slot for receiving a copy sheet and master sheet, and a first conveyor which transports the copy sheet and master sheet together in a generally horizontal direction past an exposure cylinder where the copy is exposed and then to a separator which automatically separates the master sheet down and away from the copy sheet. Three embodiments of the separator are illustrated (FIGS. 9-11, 12-14, and 15a-c). The master sheet is then delivered to a reverse, lower conveyor which conveys the master sheet in a reverse horizontal path to an exit tray located below and near the receiving slot. A second upper conveyor transports the exposed copy sheet in the same general horizontal direction as before to a belt driven cylindrical heat developer and then down to a cooling tray where the copy is held for a few seconds.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for curling hair which includes a hair roller featuring an elongated resilient open mesh strip of inherently spring coil design with gripping combs attached to its extreme end portions. The hair roller is provided with resilient means, e.g. three spring wires, for urging the roller into its coiled positon (FIG. 3). A setting lotion packet (FIGS. 3 & 4) including a container surrounded by a foam diffusing strip can be coiled with a strand of hair in the hair roller and the container ruptured to dispense its contents to the curled hair strand. Numerical scales are included along the edges of the roller as a guide in its positioning on the hair strand. Methods of application of the hair roller are sequentially illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7.

Abstract: A crossword puzzle system for creating crossword puzzles including the steps of (a) obtaining a crossword puzzle grid defining sections; (b) inserting "generator" words into the grid; (c) making "possibility" check from a provided "Table of Average Preference Values"; (d) assigning "C" (consonant) and "V" (vowel) locations based on highest frequency rate with the longest words done first and with "possibility" checks done as needed; (e) determining the relative priorities of the crossword puzzle grid sections; and (f) filling in the blanks with the use of provided "Paralog" lists starting with the most difficult.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing a tack strip or the like providing a rigid frame having an adjustable guide which spaces the tack strip at a proper distance from a wall, baseboard, or other guide. An adjustable base on the apparatus varies the width of an open space in which a tack strip to be installed is positioned and located. The base gap width thus can be adjusted to position differing width tack strips as necessary. A central hammer equipped with an impact head is hit with a conventional hammer or the like, when the tack strip nailer is located above a spot in the tack strip where it is desirous to hammer a nail to secure the tack strip. The hammer can be equipped with a magnetic tip portion for holding and properly orienting nails to be installed. Additionally, the hammer is adjustable in its longitudinal position over the tack strip allowing the proper placement of the hammer to correspond with different tack strip widths.

Abstract: A drumstick structure provides a structural outer body, preferably transparent, with a central hollow bore therein, into which a rod can be inserted as desired. The central portion is permanent, or removable which can be interchanged between drumsticks as desired. In the preferred embodiment, the inner portion is comprised of an elongated shaft which conforms to the configuration of the inner bore. An end cap seals off the inner bore securing the rod therein by providing a screw-on end portion. In the preferred embodiment the cap can be an enlarged rubberized tip to provide a tympani beater head. In an alternative embodiment, the inner portion is injected with an injection moldable plastic, the plastic then hardened to form a permanent but lighter inner portion so as to make the overall drumstick a desired weight. The drumstick would be of a plastic construction to provide greater strength.

Abstract: A crabmeat extraction apparatus and method for extracting the meat of the crab from its inner meat cavities using uniquely designed cleaning probe and conveying tube used in association with a standard home vacuum cleaner as a suction source to pull the crabmeat into a central container. The system includes suction hoses with crabmeat probes attached thereon leading to the collection container. The meat collection container has a hose attachment leading to a standard home-type vacuum cleaner which serves as the source of negative air pressure or suction for collecting the meat. Additionally, a little water is initially sucked into the system to keep the meat moist and lubricate the tubes. The crab is initially prepared by removing the outer shell (carapace), the legs, etc. and the entrails, etc.

Abstract: A new and improved shock absorbing structure and method for use on a jack-up off-shore drilling rig is disclosed. The shock absorbing structure is designed for mounting on the bottom of each existing leg of the drilling rig and comprises a novel bottom member fixedly attached to each leg with the bottom member having a piston member positioned in the central portion thereof. The piston member is associated with at least one compression member formed around the piston member with the compression member being designed to absorb shock during a shock absorbing condition on the drilling rig leg. The compression member is fixedly attached to the bottom member by retaining means thereby making the structure self contained.Also disclosed is a new and novel method utilizing the shock absorbing structure on a jack-up off-shore drilling rig.

Abstract: A floating retriever for retrieving, for example, spilled oil or other liquid substances on the top of water having a central liquid collection chamber with a vacuum or suction pick-up for delivery of the pollutants to a mother vessel which controls the retriever by means of a boom structure. The retriever has a large surrounding circular float with intake ports with "V" shaped lateral screws to bring the retrieved liquid to the collection chamber. The device includes an inverted-dome, water well with limited openings underneath the collection chamber for stability, as well as radially positioned, selectively controlled, out-rigger screws including an auxiliary tow, for drawing the oil to the intake ports and providing for propulsion and guidance. The ports have inclined stepped bottom surfaces with discharge holes with a lower paddle wheel drive to initially enhance oil/water separation, as well as air jets or sprays for producing a suction effect in the intakes.

Abstract: An automatic and semiautomatic small caliber conversion system for automatic or semiautomatic shotguns and rifles such as, for example, M-16 and AR-16 rifles, including a uniquely three element structure and associated ammunition feeding means to permit the use of smaller caliber, inexpensive ammunition in rifles and shotguns designed originally for larger caliber ammunition. The system includes a bolt/receiver assembly which easily replaces the bolt carrier of the, for example, M-16 rifle, and a magazine assembly which can be inserted by hand into any standard, for example, 0.223 round M-16 magazine. The bolt/receiver assembly is made up of three sub-assemblies, a receiver, a bolt, and a recoil spring. The receiver sub-assembly includes a section of a circle with a short barrel section in the front which fits into the M-16 chambers, a receiver lug at top rear to locate it within the M-16 chamber and prevent its rotary or linear motions and a guide rail.

Abstract: A washer separator system for drilling cuttings for use in drilling mud washing systems for water environment oil wells filled with washing solution is described using a receiving tank with an agitation subchamber which causes thorough scrubbing of the deposited drilling cuttings. The washed cuttings settle to the bottom of the tank causing the solution level to rise. When a predetermined solution level is reached, an auger, situated at the bottom of the tank, is activated and the collected cuttings are removed. When the solution level drops a sufficient amount for removal of the cuttings, the auger is shut off and the cycle begins anew. Fresh water washing solutions may be used, so that the oil saturated depleted solution may be added to the drilling mud. Collected cuttings may be deposited in the water environment without a slick forming. A pump delivers solution to the top of the cuttings trough. Intake for the pump is above the collected cuttings.

Abstract: A vehicle cover assembly including a housing disposed adjacent a passenger compartment of a vehicle, a roller disposed in the housing, a flexible shade disposed on the roller, conveyor wheels attached to the roller at either end thereof, conveyor lines mounted on the conveyor wheels, the shade being connected to the conveyor lines, brackets mounted on upper exterior portions of the passenger compartment and adjacent the passenger compartment at an end thereof remote from the housing, conveyor spools mounted on the brackets and having the conveyor lines mounted thereon; the shade may be moved out of the housing and along the conveyor lines to the passenger compartment end remote from the housing to cover the passenger compartment at the top and either end thereof. The intermediate brackets are preferably mounted on the rain gutters (note FIG. 2) of the vehicle.