Abstract: A trowel machine has replaceable blades. In a preferred embodiment, the blade can be replaced separately from its backing bar, and the same fasteners that secure the blade to the backing bar also secure the blade to the trowel arm of the machine. In a preferred embodiment, the blade is deformed in the area of the mounting holes, providing a clamping surface recessed from the working surface of the blade to provide retention of the blade on the trowel machine.

Abstract: A tie down device for securing equipment such as lawn mowers, snow blowers, and generators to the deck of a trailer comprises a retractable arm which hangs under the trailer deck when not in use but which may be extended above the deck in order latch onto a mating projection on the equipment to be secured.

Abstract: A device for cleaning contact lenses, which device comprises a first chamber (1) provided with draining means (3,8), a second chamber (2) adapted to be fluidly communicable with the first chamber (1), a lens holder (20) adapted to be inserted in the first chamber (1) and agitating means (22-28) adapted to agitate the lens holder, wherein the device further comprises a valve (5) adapted to control fluid flow between the first chamber (1) and the draining means (3,8) and between the first (1) and second chambers (2). The valve (5) can be automatically controlled.

Abstract: An adjustable aperture forming mechanism provides a tapered hole, an O-ring located in the tapered hole, and a pusher that pushes the O-ring and compresses it into the tapered hole in order to reduce the size of the aperture. When the pusher is retracted, the O-ring returns to its uncompressed, enlarged shape, enlarging the shape of the aperture.

Abstract: A cyclone for high temperature applications where the outlet pipe is vertically hung, properly located, and sealed over the vessel outlet opening without the need for bolts, so as to allow dimensional growth due to thermal expansion without failure-causing stresses induced on welds.

Abstract: A pole assembly includes two parts—a hollow stub foundation and a hollow pole, which telescopes over the stub foundation and rests on the ground. The stub and the pole preferably are adhered together. The stub preferably has a roughened outer surface at least in its upper portion to help it adhere to the inner surface of the pole when the two are assembled together. The stub has access openings to facilitate running wiring through the stub into the pole, and the pole preferably has an access opening that is aligned with an opening in the stub when the pole is installed on the stub to provide access for connecting wiring running inside the stub to wiring running inside the pole.

Abstract: An article of manufacture having a wear-resistant cylindrical surface is made up of a metallurgically tough base steel with a substantially cylindrical surface, a thin, cylindrical metal sleeve mated to and affixed to the cylindrical surface of the base steel, and a composite metallic coating containing particles having a hardness greater than Rockwell C 70 metallurgically bonded to the surface of the sleeve opposite the base steel/sleeve interface.

Abstract: An articulator that can be recalibrated easily in the field. The articulator has left and right condyle elements that resemble barbells, with an inner sphere, an outer sphere, and a shaft connecting the inner and outer spheres together. In the preferred embodiment, the outer spheres are releasably fixed to the lower frame member by clamping members, and the inner spheres are pivotably mounted to the upper frame member. To calibrate the articulator, the clamping members are loosened, an alignment fixture is installed to ensure that the articulator is in proper alignment, and then the clamping members are tightened into position, fixing the outer spheres in the properly-aligned position.

Abstract: A water recycling device, wherein gray water from a bathroom sink is reused to flush a toilet. The device includes a gray water reservoir, means for sensing the level of water in the toilet tank, a pump to transfer water from the gray water reservoir to the toilet tank, and a mechanical means to stop the normal potable water supply from filling the toilet water tank as long as sufficient water is being supplied from the gray water reservoir. The mechanical means physically holds the float valve of the fresh water line closed by holding the float in the up position, unless there is no flow of gray water into the toilet's tank, in which case the float is released, allowing the normal potable water supply to fill the tank.

Abstract: The present invention, a hermetically sealed picture frame, comprises a frame, a lens and a seal wherein the seal is an elastomeric seal, preferrably an elastomeric o-ring seal. The frame comprises a lens locking groove, a seal groove and mounting framework. The lens snaps into the lens locking groove, compressing the seal in the seal groove between the lens and the frame, providing a hermetic seal for a picture contained between the lens and the frame. The mounting framework is slideable over a mounting base that can be attached to a surface.

Abstract: A system is provided, in which the drive chain has features that permit control of the threshold driving force that will be reached before the chain's carrier rollers begin to rotate to permit accumulation or slip. The threshold driving force is controlled by friction members which are located between split portions of the carrier rollers and by the angle of the outer surface of the carrier rollers as well as by the amount of force provided by a biasing member. The threshold force depends upon the angle and the amount of biasing force.

Abstract: A device to reduce flatulence includes a shaft with at least one axial groove in its outer surface. The shaft is enlarged and rounded at the insertion end. This enlarged end is inserted beyond the sphincter muscle. The muscle then closes in on shaft itself, but the grooves provides a path for the continual relief of gas pressure.

Abstract: A bathing cap includes lower extensions which can wrap around the sides of the cap, cross at the top, wrap down around the sides, and tie at the nape of the neck. Preferably, the portions of the cap adjacent the cheeks project forward of the normal hairline.

Abstract: A ring is provided with one or more rotatable beads projecting less than halfway out of the outer surface of the ring. There is a hole extending through each ring and an axle extending through the hole and anchored to the ring body. Where there is a plurality of beads, the axes of rotation of the beads lie parallel to each other.

Abstract: A sulky for transportation of an operator, attachable to a self-propelled vehicle, defines pivot axes, one of which is selectively lockable in order to preclude yaw motion. The sulky also includes caster wheels which are selectively lockable to permit or preclude free castering of said wheels. It also provides stops at the pivot axes for limiting the amount of pivot.

Abstract: The present invention provides an athletic brace in which the brace and a protective attachment are secured together as a single, unitary piece without stitching or glue. The protective attachment can have an intricate shape to fit around a moving body part, thereby permitting the therapeutic and protective use of braces that could not be achieved before. The protective attachment is anatomically secured in relation to a selected body part, and may provide control to an unstable joint, decrease stress to an over-worked tendon, provide pain relief to a sore muscle, and pad the area against impact that could cause further damage. An alternative embodiment of the present invention provides for a cushioned protective attachment on the brace to be protected by a protective shell brace.

Abstract: A flashlight and a tool are held in a housing that rotates relative to the tool, so that the flashlight remains in a relatively fixed position even when the tool is rotated. This allows the user to illuminate a work area and to rotate the tool without causing changes in the work area lighting.