Abstract: A reconditioned used propane gas tank or cylinder having (1) aluminum mesh inserts formed from a sheet of aluminum mesh and positioned into the propane cylinder/tank to provide a large wetted surface area inside the tank for increasing the efficiency of vaporization, (2) a replaced relief valve with a higher CFM rating, (3) a coating of a corrosive resistant adhesive material on the outer surface of the cylinder, and (4) a sheath of fire resistant composite fiber affixed to the outer surface of the cylinder.

Abstract: A wheelchair motorizing apparatus employs an articulated tread drive in combination with front support wheels and rear drive wheels. The tread drive is used to provide traction during the ascent or descent of stairs or the traversing of obstacles, the front support wheels are used to raise and lower the front of the wheelchair, and the rear drive wheels are used to raise and lower the rear of the wheelchair in addition to providing drive traction and steering. A positioning mechanism integral with the tread drive acts to keep the treads in contact with the terrain or stairs.

Abstract: The method for reconditioning a used propane gas tank or cylinder comprises the steps of: removing an existing relief valve from the tank; rolling up sheets of aluminum mesh material into mesh inserts and clipping the rolled up sheet with two clips; inserting the aluminum mesh inserts into the propane tank to provide a large wetted surface area inside the tank for increasing the efficiency of vaporization; and replacing the relief valve with a relief valve having a higher CFM rate than is now standard in the lift truck propane gas tank industry.

Abstract: Filler elements for a tank of combustible fluid described herein are formed from a sheet of foil mesh material by a multiple fold technique. The folding process places the free edges of the sheet in the center of the filler element where they are protected and where any piece that breaks off will be trapped. The sides are first folded inwardly and then the ends are folded inwardly. Finally, this intermediate member is rolled, formed, molded or folded further into the final desired shape for the filler element. Folding is facilitated by use of a crushed crease along desired fold lines. To reduce nesting of the mesh, various sections of the mesh corresponding to the fold lines present openings of differing sizes.

Abstract: There is provided herein a graphite plate assembly including an injection molded plastic frame which carries the border detail for the graphite plate. The planar graphite plate is provided with a frame engaging protrusion around its periphery and with beveled edges bordering the broad top and bottom surfaces of the graphite plate. These beveled edges seal against respective beveled surfaces of the mold to prevent plastic from entering onto the graphite plate surfaces during injection molding of the frame. The graphite plate is held in position within the mold by a vacuum grid and locating pins while plastic is injected into the cavity space around the graphite plate from a plurality of spaced plastic injection gates.

Abstract: The fuel tank assembly for an automobile comprises a substantially box-shaped bottom portion having a top peripheral flange; several highly porous filler packets or blocks made from metal foil mesh material received in the tank, each packet being formed from two to ten layers of metal foil mesh material, and some of said packets being folded over, thereby to substantially fill the tank with the highly porous packets or blocks, and a top tank cover plate sealed to the top peripheral flange.

Abstract: There is provided herein a graphite plate assembly including an injection molded plastic frame which carries the border detail for the graphite plate. The planar graphite plate is provided with a frame engaging protrusion around its periphery and with beveled edges bordering the broad top and bottom surfaces of the graphite plate. These beveled edges seal against respective beveled surfaces of the mold to prevent plastic from entering onto the graphite plate surfaces during injection molding of the frame. The graphite plate is held in position within the mold by a vacuum grid and locating pins while plastic is injected into the cavity space around the graphite plate from a plurality of spaced plastic injection gates.

Abstract: There is provided a hinge design which includes: (1) an alignment edge along each leaf of the hinge for aligning the hinge during installation, (2) a tapered pin with a bulbous extremity for easier installation, (3) a cam device in the form of a threaded insert positioned in a leaf of the hinge for affecting the adjustment of the hinge to correct the hang of the door, and (4) a security tab for interlocking the leaves of the hinge to prevent removal of the door when the pin is pulled from the knuckles. As an alternative secure design, the hinge is formed with a flexible plastic region between the leaves to function in place of the knuckle/pin combination and thereby prevent separation of the leaves.

Abstract: There is described herein a sharpener for a carpenter's pencil having a centering collar mounted to an enclosure for relative rotation to generate the sharpening effect. Within the base enclosure there is a symmetrical pencil point contour surface and a blade mounted along the contour for cutting against the inserted pencil. The shape of the blade is either curved or formed from a plurality of sections to produce a narrow cut around the point extremity of the pencil and a wider cut further up the pencil shaft.

Abstract: A waste processing system transports waste by rail to a processing location near a landfill site where it is pulverized and mixed to form a slurry. This slurry is delivered to the landfill with an auger device. The landfill is first prepared by placing a layer of compacted coal at the bottom of a clay lined pit, covering that layer with a layer of granular coal, and then providing a layer of lye over the coal. The waste slurry is then distributed over these processing layers. A conduit is used to return leachate from the area between the coal layers to the mixing stage; and gas emanating from the process is recovered.

Abstract: This spout cleaning tool presents a sponge-like foam rubber tip on a flat handle for cleaning a spout. In the preferred embodiment this tip is tapered and provides opposing flat sides, a rounded side, and a hard abrading edge. Additionally, this device is produced by first adhering a tapered foam rubber member around the extremity of a handle. Then, through the application of heat and pressure, a hard edge is formed while sealing the adjoining edges of the foam member.