Abstract: A parallelogram lift in which the deck rails are raised by lifting legs affixed to sliding members that slide within channels in the deck rails. Link arms pivotally connect to the deck rail to each leg, so that the deck rail lifts vertically. A single hydraulic actuator is used to actuate the legs supporting each deck rail, which ensures that the deck rail remains level during the lifting and lowering processes.

Abstract: A system for redistributing a multiple input audio/video signals having a redistributing device equipped to receive signals in a multiple formats and redistribute a selected signal to a user's premises over existing twisted-pair telephone wire. The redistributing device is in interactive communication with a communications interface located in the user's premises which receives user-input control signals and contains switching circuitry which routes the selected signal to the user's premises where it is received by the receiving unit such as a television receiver. A single redistributing device services an entire multi-user network from a common distribution point, and services multiple users independently. The system of the invention does not interfere with normal use of the telephone network, so users can interactively access services provided by the system and use the telephone at the same time.

Abstract: A spark plug is described incorporating a metal hydride in one of its electrodes thereby being able to generate plasma or ionization in the spark gap for ignition of the fuel mixture in the engine.

Abstract: The invention provides a device having a plurality of magnets, preferably mounted at an angle relative to one another, with their south poles oriented toward a magnetic backing plate. The north poles of the magnets direct negative magnetic energy forwardly to create a magnetic field able to penetrate deeply into bodily tissue.

Abstract: An articulating connector for a mandibular repositioning appliance comprises upper and lower housings each pivotally mounted on a pin and rotatable about the axis of the pin, to selectively permit movement of the mandible in the lateral direction. The pins are hingedly connected respectively to threaded adjusting screws to selectively permit movement of the mandible in the vertical direction. The adjusting screws have opposite thread directions and are engaged within a collar, rotation of which sets a desired spacing between the adjusting screws to fix the position of the mandible in the anterior/posterior directions. Optionally the lateral and/or vertical hinges can be locked to restrain lateral and/or vertical movement of the mandible.

Abstract: A clip for mounting a recessed light fixture into a panel includes a clamping assembly for anchoring the clip to a hole in the panel, and a resilient arm biased toward a housing of the light fixture which frictionally engages the housing to support the fixture in the panel. In the preferred embodiment a gripping edge of the resilient arm contacts the housing at an oblique angle, so that turning the housing in a particular direction draws the fixture into the hole and thus draws a flange surrounding the mouth of the housing flush against the panel.

Abstract: A device for protecting a putter head and repairing ball marks includes a body having a substantially planar face for abutting a face of the putter head, prongs extending from the body for repairing ball marks and a clip projecting from the body for detachably securing the device to the putter head to protect the putter face. In the preferred embodiment an rear face of the body is provided with an absorbent pad for cleaning a golf ball.

Abstract: A telescoping hydraulic hoist formed from a non-corrosive material provides bearings and hydraulic seals about the bottom portion of each intermediate moving stage. The bearings and hydraulic seals are thus always maintained within the hoist and are not exposed to dust or particulate matter from outside the hoist. Air flows into and out of the air spaces between adjacent stages through air breathers. The hoist may also include variable length stroke limiters, and a cushion member which partially closes off the hydraulic inlet as the innermost stage is fully retracted to slow the hoist motion in the final stages of retraction.

Abstract: The invention provides a forced air furnace integrated with a ventilator having a pair of regenerative bed heat exchangers. The heat exchangers alternate between heat recovery and heat release modes such that when one heat exchanger is in the heat release mode the other is in the heat recovery mode. A pair of valve members are fixed on a common shaft to control the alternate switching of recovery and release modes between the two heat exchange beds. The valve members are mounted adjacent to inlet and outlet partitions containing the inlet and outlet ports, respectively, in communication with the heat exchange compartments, and are provided with valve openings which, by rotating the shaft, are brought into alignment with the inlet and outlet ports to direct the fresh and stale air streams through the heat exchange beds.

Abstract: The invention provides a base for a vending machine having a removable cash box slidably received within the base for receiving coins or tokens deposited by the coin mechanism into the base compartment. In the preferred embodiment the base includes a base frame having a reinforcing bridge bracing the front and rear portions of the base frame. The bridge resists deformation of the base frame, provides a secure structure for receiving the latch from the box lock, and provides a means elevated above the base floor for affixing a center rod which secures the components of the vender together, allowing the cash box to occupy virtually the entire floor area of the base.

Abstract: A bulk vender having a lockable cash box which has a coin aperture into which coins fall as they are ejected from the coin mechanism. During removal of the cash box from the vender a blocking mechanism automatically blocks the coin aperture, rendering the contents of the cash box accessible only to someone who possesses the key for unlocking the cash box. In a preferred embodiment the blocking mechanism is actuated by rotation of the lock which locks the cash box into the vender.

Abstract: A phase shifting transformer or autotransformer for a three phase power distribution network in which selected outputs have a low zero phase sequence impedance. At least one low zero phase sequence impedance output is fed by a plurality of windings distributed amongst the three core legs such that the number of turns of windings generating a flux in the positive direction is substantially equal to the number of turns of windings generating a flux in the negative direction. Thus, according to the invention, the transformer may be provided with any necessary phase shifting angles between different harmonic sources, with some or all outputs having a low zero phase sequence impedance to reduce voltage distortion created by zero phase sequence harmonics.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle adapted to be recessed into a work surface, having a concealed compartment containing electrical ports for connection to a remote power supply and communications devices and an exposed compartment for connecting electrical cables to the ports. The ports are mounted on a partition plate isolating the exposed compartment from the concealed compartment, which is disposed at an oblique angle relative to the work surface to facilitate the connection and detachment of electrical cables and reduce clutter in the work space.

Abstract: A plug remover for extracting a plug from a marker bottle or the like slips laterally over and entraps the plug. The plug remover includes a handle making it easy to grasp, which in the preferred embodiment has a flat top surface and can be inverted and placed on a table top or other surface, with the plug still in the plug remover, while the bottle is refilled. In the preferred embodiment the plug remover includes a bottom cam which, after the plug has been entrapped by the remover, can be turned along the thread of the bottle neck and rides up the thread to provide additional leverage for overcoming the "stiction" between the plug and the neck of the bottle.

Abstract: The invention provides a floodlight in which the lamp axis is offset from the axis of a reflector. In the preferred embodiment an arc lamp is oriented vertically when the reflector axis is oriented at an oblique downward angle. The reflector includes a back reflector having a parabolic reflecting surface and a front reflector having at least one ellipsoidal reflecting surface disposed symmetrically about the reflector axis. In a preferred embodiment the front reflector is hinged to the back reflector and can be pivoted away from the back reflector to expose the lamp to facilitate cleaning and maintenance.