Abstract: A coupling member for connecting a conventional handle to a lock release actuating shaft of an vehicle tilt seat mechanism. The coupling member comprises a relatively short shaft having contiguous first and second portions that are of different outer dimensions transverse to the length of the shaft. The larger one of the first and second portions has a recess extending a selected distance inwardly from a free outer end of such portion in a direction toward the smaller one of the two contiguous portions. Means are provided within the recess for detachably mounting and securely anchoring the coupling member on and to the lock release actuating the shaft for rotating same. The smaller one of the contiguous portions is adapted to project into a socket in the handle for the tilt mechanism, and has means thereon cooperating with means in the socket of the handle for preventing relative movement of the handle and coupling member when the handle is moved in a direction to rotate the lock release actuating shaft.

Abstract: An industrial grade mower that has a cutting blade rotating in horizontal plane under an inverted dish like housing that has a cuttings discharge opening in a side wall of the housing, and a door moveably mounted on the housing selectively to cover and uncover the discharge opening respectively to mulch and discharge the cuttings. A multi link linkage system is mounted on the mower so the operator can controllably move the discharge door from one position to the other selectively to cover and uncover the discharge opening without interrupting the mowing operation. There is an actuator in proximity of the operator that is connected to a series of interconnected links and members with crank arms.

Abstract: The introduction of nanotubes in a liquid provides a means for changing the physical and/or chemical properties of the liquid. Improvements in heat transfer, electrical properties, viscosity, and lubricity can be realized upon dispersion of nanotubes in liquids; however, nanotubes behave like hydrophobic particles and tend to clump together in liquids. Methods of preparing stable dispersions of nanotubes are described and surfactants/dispersants are identified which can disperse carbon nanotubes in aqueous and petroleum liquid medium. The appropriate dispersant is chosen for the carbon nanotube and the water or oil based medium and the dispersant is dissolved into the liquid medium to form a solution. The carbon nanotube is added to the dispersant containing the solution with agitation, ultrasonication, and/or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A lubricant additive formulation for increasing the performance of conventional engine lubricants for use as an engine treatment oil additive formulated for addition to conventional motor oil to improve the lubricating properties of the engine oil and enhance the performance of the engine. A preferred embodiment of the engine treatment oil additive comprises a blend of chemical constituents including a base stock selected from a synthetic base stock, a mineral oil base stock, and a severely hydrocracked base stock or combinations thereof, an oil soluble molybdenum additive, dispersant inhibitor, and selected additives such as polytetrafluoroethylene, viscosity index improvers, and extreme pressure wear agent used in combination with a conventional crankcase lubricant at about a 20 to about a 25% volume/percent or as a complete motor oil. Additional components may be added to the engine treatment oil additive formulation to enhance specific properties for special applications.

Abstract: The guard rail support attachment and positioning block or spacer block is used to space guard railing away from posts such as “I” beams which are driven into the ground. The spacer block keeps automobile wheels from impacting the I beams and initiating a roll of the vehicle. The spacer block is a generally rectangular block or cube including corded-out cavities to reduce weight and tabs or projections which cooperatively engage the side of the post and the edge of the guard rail to position and hold same in position for attachment with holding members such as bolts. Webbing can be used to provide structural support within the cavity. The spacer block may be formed by low pressure injection molding to form a structural foam spacer block to optimize the strength to weight characteristics of the spacer block.

Abstract: A hitch and adapter assembly for connecting an implement to the front end of vehicles such as all terrain vehicle providing a rigid connection with limited motion for reduced vibration operation. The hitch has two spaced apart sockets on a rigid frame that pivotally connects to the vehicle providing a rigid extension thereof. The sockets receive and cooperatively engage respective pins on the implement providing a quick connection. An electrically powered hydraulic cylinder is connected at one end to the frame and the other end connects to the vehicle by a coupler that slip fits into a socket therefore on the vehicle. The frame pivotally connects to the vehicle at two spaced apart positions. There is a coarse and fine adjustment for varying the height and tilt positions of the implement.

Abstract: A hand sanding tool that has a strip of material secured to a frame and spanning across an open gap of the frame. The strip of material has an abrasive surface for sanding objects and a spring force applies tension to the strip. The spring force maybe a resiliently flexible frame or a separate spring element anchoring the strip to the frame. Quick connect-quick release connectors connect the strip to the frame.

Abstract: A measured suction system utilizes a tracheostomy tube apparatus includes a tracheostomy tube, Tracheostomy collar, and swivel adapter. The tracheotomy tube includes an internal channel within the Tracheostomy tube allowing for all suctioning of the patient. The system will insure that all negative suction pressure is maintained within the Tracheostomy tube, which eliminates any trauma that may be caused by using excessive negative suction pressures when the standard methods of suctioning are employed. The new system also reduces the risk of infection caused by using the sterile invasive suction techniques.

Abstract: A pumpkin carving tool that has a cutter in the form of a loop projecting a selected distance from an edge of an open annular frame. In the simplest form the cutter is fixed to the frame. In an alternate embodiment the cutter is detachably mounted on the frame. The detachable cutter can be adjustably varied in the amount it projects from the frame to make different depths of carvings. The cutter is a narrow thin band of metal sharp enough to cut carvings in the outer surface of a pumpkin but not sharp enough to cut the users skin.

Abstract: A holder for tracheostomy systems on a patient that can function as a tracheostomy tube holder or as a ventilator tube holder. The holder is a bifurcated strip of flexible material providing a principal portion and a pair of minor portions extending therefrom. The principal portion has a hole therethrough. The strip has portions of a hook and loop fastener adjacent respective opposite ends thereof.

Abstract: A compact one-handed thumb actuated friction type turkey call is formed generally of a rectangular, elongated hollow wooden sound chamber box assembly having longitudinally opposed side walls with a double longitudinally convex bottomed striker pivotally mounted to one end block at one end thereof for oscillation across the sound chambers opposed walls. The striker having the end opposite of the pivotal mount cut at an angle and having a rectangular shaped thumb tab affixed to the flat upper side angle cut end is actuated by the operator by holding the call across ones palm and pushing the thumb tab. A closed, looped, stretchable band biases the striker back to an open position which is slightly unparallel to the position of the sound chamber box when in the open position.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing metal doped carbon films by placing a substrate in a chamber with a selected amount of a metalorganic compound. An electron cyclotron resonance is applied to the chamber in order to vaporize the metalorganic compound. The resonance is applied to the chamber until a metal doped carbon film is formed. The metalorganic compound is preferably selected from the group consisting of an organic salt of ruthenium, palladium, gold or platinum.