Abstract: A hand tool for installing clips to abutting edges of ducts and for crimping the clips to secure the ducts together is comprised of a rectangularly shaped base plate including pairs of opposed rollers mounted thereon with their axes perpendicular to the plate. A gap between the rollers is approximately the same size as the width of the combined edges being secured together. A raised pusher member pushes a clip which is resting on the plate into place and the same is crimped by the rollers when the tool is drawn back. A handle is located on the reverse side of the plate for manually moving the tool.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser includes a cylindrical body which is open at one end and which has an opening in its side wall adjacent the other end to communicate with fluid material inside a container in which the dispenser is mounted. A second cylinder having openings in opposed side walls is slidably mounted within the body and is connected to a plunger for axially moving the inner cylinder which is normally biased inwardly so that fluid material may pass into the interior of the inner cylinder. As the plunger is activated, a closure member first slides under the opening in the cylindrical body to prevent additional material from leaving the container. Further movement of the plunger pushes the end of the inner cylinder out of the body of the dispenser to expose the opening in the side wall to thereby dispense the fluid material which had been in the interior thereof.

Abstract: Novel aqueous liquid detergents having superior soil penetration, dissolving and suspending properties comprising a lower alkanolacetamide and/or a liquid hydrocarbon such as an isoparaffinic hydrocarbon. The detergents may be used in laundering natural or synthetic fabrics or general purpose cleaning.

Abstract: A substantially spherically-shaped electric melting furnace includes a carbon-lined crucible. The interior of said crucible is sealed from the atmosphere outside the crucible and a vacuum pump and venturi device control the atmosphere within the crucible by removing oxygen therefrom. A feeder lock allows material to be fed into the crucible without interfering with the atmospheric control of the crucible and a tap hole adjacent the lower portion of the crucible allows molten material to be removed. When used in the manufacture of mineral wool insulation, slag is fed into the crucible to be melted and the molten slag from the tap hole is delivered to a fiberizing device.

Abstract: A roll-up door assembly for a vehicle body having a roof, a pair of opposed sidewalls and an end wall including an opening into the interior of the body and over which the door assembly is disposed. The door assembly is located externally of the body adjacent the opening and includes a sliding door which is slidable from a stored position above the roof to a pivoted open position wherein the door covers the opening but is pivoted outward from the opening about a pivot axis located adjacent the bottom of the opening. The door is pivotable to a pivoted closed position wherein the door is pivoted toward the opening to fully close the opening. The door is located within fixedly mounted track means when in the stored position. The fixedly mounted track means are mounted externally of the body adjacent the roof and the sidewalls. The door is rolled into pivotable track means when it is in either the pivoted open or pivoted close position.

Abstract: A substantially rectangularly shaped block of cementitious material has a metal reinforcing member extending there through and embedded therein. The reinforcing member has a height substantially equal to the height of the block and extends past one end of the block, terminating in an elongated T-shaped tongue. Adjacent the other end of the block, the reinforcing member terminates in an elongated groove, slightly larger than but complementary to the shape of the tongue. In use, adjacent blocks are loosely but securely locked together by the cooperating tongues and grooves of the reinforcing members of the adjoining building blocks.

Abstract: A substantially cylindrically shaped rubber food scraper is mounted on a steel dish cleaning table over a refuse container located below the table. The interior of the scraper is substantially hourglass shaped and includes a plurality of magnets embedded in the interior wall thereof adjacent the reduced diameter portion. Food and waste paper scraped from dishes pass through the scraper to the container below but stainless steel flatware is attracted to and held by the magnets.

Abstract: A substantially rectangularly shaped metal housing includes a rear wall, a pair of side walls, a top wall and a lower partial front wall; the upper portion of the front of the housing being open. The top wall being larger than the base of the housing and extending forwardly and downwardly over the front thereof. A cover for the open front fits up under the top wall and includes a rearwardly and downwardly extending flange which rests on the top edge of the partial front wall to support the cover in place. A locking member prevents unauthorized removal of the cover.

Abstract: A combined pick and stringed instrument tuning device includes a relatively flat, substantially rectangularly shaped housing having a pick attached thereto and is small enough to be easily held in one's hand. A momentary contact push-button switch mounted on top of the housing controls an electronic tuning circuit by selecting one of several predetermined frequencies from a frequency generator. In one embodiment, the tuning circuit is mounted in the housing so that the tuning device is totally self-contained. Alternatively, the tuning circuit is remotely located and is controlled by a cable connected to the housing or by radio signals. The frequency selected is displayed on the housing and the frequency generator drives a strobe light located near the pick. In another embodiment, a microphone mounted on the housing converts sounds from the string being tuned to a signal which is compared to the preselected frequency.

Abstract: A utility cart particularly adapted for transporting trash cans is comprised of a plurality of prefabricated, rigid, molded plastic components which can be readily assembled by a consumer. The cart includes substantially U-shaped side structures which are joined together at the bottoms by a rear crossbar and a front axle which also function to support the trash cans. The rear upwardly extending legs of the U form the cart handles. A substantially rectangularly shaped frame joins the upper ends of all of the U legs and acts as a retainer for holding the trash cans in place.

Abstract: An electrically conductive refractory lined crucible is covered by a refractory lined roof. At least one electrode supported by the roof extends downwardly into the crucible for melting the flux within the crucible. The crucible lining itself functions as the second electrode. The roof and the crucible are air-tight thereby preventing air from entering the crucible. An exhaust port located in the upper portion of the roof is connected to a vacuum device for exhausting fumes from the crucible and for controlling the atmosphere within the crucible.

Abstract: This invention relates to a disposable cat litter chamber. Being unique in nature this design provides increased sanitation features, minimized odors, and disposability. The box may be formed in various shapes, but the preferred embodiment is that of a "milk carton" type construction, only somewhat taller and elongated. The cat enters the chamber through a flexible expansion type door at either or both ends. This chamber remains entirely sealed at all times except for slits in the door. Windows for light emission would be glazed with cellophane or equivalent. All excretions and resulting odors are confined within the chamber. This invention also totally eliminates the unsightliness of conventional cat boxes and also prevents any litter from being expelled out of the box during use. The chamber can be made of cardboard or other suitable material so that the entire unit may be disposed of after use. This feature prevents any necessity for direct or even visual human contact with the litter.

Abstract: A fabric stretcher includes a pair of clamps for holding the ends of a length of fabric. Each clamp includes a cylindrically-shaped member which has the fabric wrapped once there around. A semicylindrically-shaped cover member covers the fabric on one side of the cylinder and the fabric is wrapped once again around the clamp so as to force the cover onto the fabric beneath it to hold the same in place. A plurality of rods having pins extending from the ends thereof are located between the clamp members and stretch the fabric transversely.