Abstract: A diaper organizer bag 10 provides an enclosure 30 having opposed side panels, a back panel, and a bottom panel, and defines front and rear cavities between a lengthwise divider. A changing pad 60 is movable between a raised position wherein it forms a front panel of the enclosure to a lowered position, wherein it forms a soft, cleanable surface for changing a baby. A flap 70 is attached to an upper edge of the back panel, and in a travel position covers the top and front of the enclosure. In a use position, the flap may be folded back to provide access to the top and front of the enclosure. At least one separating panel 90 is provided to compartmentalize the rear cavity defined within the enclosure in a variable manner, thereby forming small or large storage areas within the rear cavity, as needed. A drawer assembly 180 is carried within the front cavity of the enclosure, and is accessible when the flap is in the use position.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus 10 with circuit load sensor provides an extension cord 20 having first and second ends extending from an enclosure 30. Within the enclosure, a power supply indicator circuit 40 lights an LED in response to the plug of the extension cord being inserted into a live outlet. Also within the enclosure, a power consumption indicator circuit 60 lights an LED in response to consumption of power by a load plugged into the socket of the extension cord. A nominal voltage drop across a TRIAC 70, carried in-line with the neutral conductor within the enclosure, triggers the power consumption indicator circuit when the load draws current.

Abstract: An exhaust-driven sawdust venting attachment for a sawmill provides a curved conduit portion attachable to the protective blade cover of the sawmill. A first exhaust inlet, carried by the curved conduit portion, supplies a stream of exhaust gasses that transports sawdust into a straight conduit portion. A second exhaust inlet carried by the straight conduit portion supplies a stream of exhaust gasses that transports sawdust out a vent opening some distance from the sawmill. As a result, sawdust does not tend to accumulate in the area of the saw blade.

Abstract: A soil sampling apparatus provides a drive shoe that is threadedly carried by the soil sampling tube. The drive shoe provides a hollow cylindrical body defining an internal flange extending radially inwardly. A pin point slides within the drive shoe and sample tube in the unlocked mode, when the soil sample is being taken, and is fixedly attached to the drive shoe in the locked mode, when the drive rod and attached soil sampling apparatus is driven to the depth where the soil sample is to be taken. Three collets are radially distributed about a wide neck portion of the pin point, and are supported by a shoulder portion of the pin point. Downward force on the drive rod results in downward movement of the drive shoe, causing the internal flange to push down on the collets, which in turn push down on a shoulder portion of the pin point, pushing the pin point deeper into the ground.

Abstract: A lighted planter includes a lighting assembly removably supported on the upper rim of a planter box. The planter box is sized to contain a flower or plant pot. The lighting assembly provides nested inner and outer frames, separated by an array of stained glass panels, defining a channel containing a wrap-around lighting element.

Abstract: A covering apparatus is usable with a pickup truck having a bed that is fitted with a fifth-wheel hitch, and protects interior cargo space from the elements and theft, and also tends to reduce the aerodynamic drag of the truck. The covering apparatus provides a cover defining a hitch opening allowing access to the fifth wheel hitch. A trough defines a channel between the hitch opening and the tailgate, which is notched to fit the trough. A boot forms a weather-tight seal with a trailer gooseneck attached to the fifth-wheel hitch. Side rail supports allow the width of the covering apparatus to be adjusted according to the width of the truck bed. A removable trough floor allows the hitching and unhitching where the trailer gooseneck would otherwise make contact with the floor of the trough.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a spray plate includes the steps of making a plurality of layers from powdered metal, solidified by pressure between an appropriate upper die and lower die. The dies define appropriate holes required to form inlet ports, feed ports, swirl chamber or discharge apertures. Fluid pressure applied to the back side of the die flushes away green, unfired material in selected areas from each layer, thereby forming a layer having an array of swirl atomizer components. A multi-layered spray plate is assembled from a plurality of layers, which in a preferred version includes two to four layers, which are stacked so that the alignment features are in-line and associated atomizer components are aligned. The layers are then joined into a monolithic fused plate, by compacting and firing the layers.

Abstract: A combined marker and glue stick device allows a bingo player to dab or mark a called number using one end of the device and to use the other end of the device to glue the bingo number card to a playing surface. This device facilitates greater speed in card setup and play, and correspondingly increases the chances of winning. The combination marker and glue stick which includes: a tubular body defining an ink compartment within a first end portion and a glue compartment within a second end portion; an ink blotter covering an opening defined in the ink compartment; a glue blotter covering an opening defined in the glue compartment; a removable cap covering the ink blotter; and a removable bottom cap covering the glue blotter.

Abstract: A pipeline pig suitable for use in cleaning deposits and buildup from an interior surface in a pipeline is also particularly suited for applications wherein the pipeline has a series of bends, right angles or even plug headers. The pig is suitable for bidirectional travel, having front and rear hemispherical noses. The pig is constructed in a manner that facilitates a greater degree of elongation and deformation than is possible with known pipeline pigs, while still providing the radially outward bias that is required to effectively scrape the sidewalls of the pipeline. A cover carries a plurality of metal studs arrayed about the cylindrical middle portion, and encloses an internal core. The core is formed in a mold from a mixture of resin and ISO, resulting in a pig having superior ability to elongate and deform, if needed, while still effectively scraping the sidewalls of the pipeline.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle with a releasable locking mechanism is disclosed. A body formed from upper and lower body portions encloses line and neutral contact assemblies and a ground contact assembly. The line and neutral contact assemblies carry a latching mechanism which releasably and automatically engages the holes in the line and neutral prongs of a standard electrical plug. A collar, carried by the body slides between a forward position and a rearward position. The collar is biased to the forward position. Moving the collar rearwardly pivots the latching mechanism, thereby releasing the prongs of the plug. Moving the collar rearwardly and rotating it to the right causes a release hold structure in the collar to engage the latching mechanism, keeping it in the unlocked position. Moving the collar rearwardly and rotating it to the left causes a release disable structure in the collar to engage the latching mechanism, keeping it in the locked position.

Abstract: Five embodiments of a sprinkler head protector provide an annular body defining a central hole and having a variety of differently designed spikes for retaining the body in place about a sprinkler head. A first version of the invention provides an annular body anchored by four large nails or spikes that may be driven into place by use of a hammer. A second version of the invention provides a one-piece unit including a body having four attached fastening spikes. A third version provides an annular body anchored by four spikes each having tapered top portions that insert into, and are frictionally engaged by, holes in the bottom of the annular body. A fourth version of the invention provides an annular body as in the first version, but provides four spikes which are attached to the body by fasteners such as screws. A fifth version of the invention provides an annular body 100 having four spikes which are threadedly attached to the body.

Abstract: A solenoid switch 10 modified for higher current passage provides a case 20 containing an electromagnetic coil 30 within which slides a cylindrical post 50. A first stage 60 and a second stage 80, stacked on an open end of the case, each include electrically conductive disks which alternate between electrically conductive states, wherein electrical current is transported between opposed electrical conductors 40, and a nonconductive state wherein an open circuit exists between the conductors 40. An air inlet 82 and associated air outlet 83 allow the use of compressed air to cool the conductive disks. An optional third stage 100 provides a further conductive disk which further reduces electrical resistance and heat production.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a worker's hand and wrist, particularly from the power saws is used in a meat cutting or lumber cutting environment. The apparatus provides a generally planar armor plate covering the back of the wrist, hand and fingers. An insulating layer covers the lower surface of the armor plate. The armor plate is segmented into hingably related wrist, hand and finger plates. The finger plate may be compound, with separately hinged index finger and outer finger plates. A glove, worn by the user, is connected to the armor plate by a plurality of adjustable straps.

Abstract: An awning extension and retraction apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is adaptable to being powered by an electrical motor if desired. Left and right support arms are carried by a low position on a supporting wall, and provide telescoping inner and outer support arms. These arms move from a vertical orientation when the awning is retracted, to an angular position when the awning is extended. Hinged left and right rafter arms are carried by an upper position on a supporting wall, and provide an inner rafter arm adjacent to the supporting wall, and an outer rafter arm connected to a roller tube supporting the awning fabric. The inner and outer rafter arms are connected at a mid-point by an elbow joint allowing them to extend from a folded position when the awning is retracted to an extended, locked position when the awning is extended.

Abstract: A power sharing device is disclosed, having a primary utility in supplying power to automotive block heaters or other auto warming devices at a user selectable duty cycle of 12.5% or 25%. In a first mode, power is supplied to 4 outlets in a sequential manner, for 15 minutes each. In a second mode, power is supplied to the 4 outlets in a sequential manner, for 7.5 minutes each, followed by a period of 7.5 minutes in which power is not supplied. The user may elect to initiate a delay period, that is selectable between 1 and 2 hours, to precede the sequence of power distribution, allowing time for the car to cool before the power cycles begin. A test circuit, activated by a pushbutton, allows a user to distinguish between the periods of time when power is not being supplied to an outlet as a part of the sequential sharing of power between outlets and a circuit malfunction, such as a blown fuse.

Abstract: A spray cooled circuit card cage includes opposed card guides separated by opposed card cage side panels. Each card guide carries a top rail and lower manifold. The manifold provides coolant fluid to a plurality of spray plate assemblies, which direct a spray of coolant over the top surface of the electronic cards carried between the card guides. A VME or other type of electronic back plane is typically attached to the manifolds and a back plane support, and is in electronic communication with the circuit cards.

Abstract: An improvement for the header of a cereal grain harvesting combine is disclosed. A first version of disclosure provides rollers driving two or more chain loops which in turn carry a plurality of slats which propel cut crop material rearwardly. A second version of the disclosure includes rollers carrying an endless loop of canvass fabric. The canvass fabric is preferably covered with a rubberized coating, which protects against water damage and better frictionally engages the cut crop material. The fabric supports a plurality of slats which propel cut crop material rearwardly. A third version of the disclosure includes three rotating tubes, each having a square cross-section, that aid in more rapidly and more evenly inputting cut crop material. The tubes carry elongate felt strips which frictionally engage the cut crop, moving it rearwardly. The tubes tend to move the cut crop that would otherwise be too low to be engaged by the rotating spikes used between the left and right augers.

Abstract: A water manifold is usable in the construction of a fluid-based heat-transfer system for space heating, the supply and distribution of potable water, and other applications. The water manifold is formed from a number of elements in a flexible manner, in that the elements are assembled as needed for a particular application. A plurality of manifold segments 100, each supporting a pipe directed away from a main pipe, transfer heat to a specific area, and may be be connected in a linear manner, as required by the design of the application. A cross tee segment 300 is attachable to the manifold segments, and may be used to support a thermometer unit 200, an automatic air vent or other apparatus. A spigot 400 is attachable to the cross tee segment, adjacent to the thermometer. An open end cap 500 provides a male plastic fitting connected to a brass female fitting, thereby allowing connection of the manifold to metal plumbing. A closed end cap 600 allows the manifold to be terminated.

Abstract: A laminated array of pressure swirl atomizers forms spray plate that produces a fine mist or spray of liquid. The atomizers may be arrayed in a custom manner that may be made application specific for greater efficiency. The spray plate is typically formed of a plurality of laminated plates. In a preferred embodiment, a plate adjacent to a fluid reservoir provides an array of aperture sets, each aperture set having two or three apertures that allow liquid to pass from the pressurized reservoir through the first layer. The second plate provides a corresponding array of swirlers, each swirler providing at least two swirl feed ports to tangentially project liquid into the swirl chambers contained in a third plate. A fourth plate provides a corresponding array of discharge apertures, which release the liquid in an atomized state.

Abstract: A novel spinner fishing lure is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the lure provides a planar head having a blade-like or keel-like shape having a slightly wider front edge which tapers to a slightly narrower rear edge, and that supports an eye on each side that is typically painted or stuck on. An arm having an R-bend, extending from a nose on the head, carries a swivel which in turn carries a blade. A neck portion, adjacent to the planar head, supports a rearwardly directed skirt attachment post. In the preferred embodiment, the skirt attachment post provides an upwardly directed barb, which retains a rubber collar used to attach a skirt, typically comprising a plurality of plastic filaments. A body portion having a width several times that of the planar head extends rearwardly from the neck portion. The lower surface of the body portion typically forms a strike zone surface which is generally uncovered by the skirt due to the position of the skirt attachment post, behind the neck.