Abstract: Valve keeper pliers that facilitate the installation of the two-part valve keepers in an internal combustion engine, the pliers comprising jaws and handles with a pivot point therebetween, at least two grasping pins per keeper projecting outwardly from a shoulder stop at a terminal end of each jaw, the pins adapted to abut an outer surface of a keeper, and at least one magnet substantially flush with each shoulder stop for engaging an end of a keeper, the magnet adapted to releasably retain a keeper in contact with its grasping pins while minimizing the magnetic attraction between the pins and the engine, whereby each keeper is retained in contact with its magnets and pins without requiring grip pressure to retain it in place allowing easier insertion of the keeper, particularly in cases where the keeper has more than one retention groove. The jaws are preferably offset from a plane created by the handles to facilitate reaching into the locations where the valve keepers must be installed.

Abstract: A system for distinguishing between a fire sprinkler water flow and a domestic use water flow by supplying water to a dwelling through a multipurpose piping system to at least one domestic use and at least one fire sprinkler and providing a means for distinguishing between the fire sprinkler and domestic flow.

Abstract: An improved shelter of the type having a front wall, a back wall, two opposing side walls, a bottom and a top defining a substantially rectangular box with an opening defined in the top, a flat lid adapted to cover the opening, a roller means for alternately rolling the lid to expose or close the open top, the improvement comprising: substantially, the entire top of the box defining an opening; the lid adapted to be substantially flush with the surrounding ground level in a closed position; and a roller means for allowing the lid to slide above the ground level, exposing more than half of the top when in an open position. The shelter alternatively including stairs rotatably affixed to the front wall and a stair support means releaseably supporting the stair in position to be used as a stepping entrance into the shelter, whereby the stair can be rotated against the front wall when not in use or rotated and fixed in place by the stair support means to serve as a stepping surface.

Abstract: A flow sensor having an inlet and an outlet comprising: a plate moving in response to fluid flow therethrough, being displaced further as flow increases; a sensor for determining moving plate's position and creating an electronic signal related thereto; a biasing device for biasing the plate towards the sensor's inlet end. The sensor may include a sealing device for preventing flow therethrough until a specified differential pressure is reached allowing the device to be used as a bypass mechanism. The sealing device may also constitute a check valve device to prevent flow in an undesired direction. The method using the sensor in multipurpose piping systems includes use of the apparatus in a system incorporating at least one fire sprinkler, the piping system also preferably providing at least one other use in the structure. The other use in the structure may be supplying domestic needs, or supplying heating/cooling water for a heating/air conditioning system.

Abstract: A construction layout stripping and method for laying out construction members or framing members at a fixed distance interval from one another. The construction layout stripping comprises: first, a pliably, non-elastic elongated base; and second, repeating units disposed on the base, the repeating units having a plurality of pairs of uprights at fixed intervals, each pair of uprights defining a partition for receiving a specified size of framing member. In a preferred embodiment, the construction layout stripping has upright defining spaces for receiving 1??, 3??, and ½? framing members on either 16? or 24? centers using the same construction layout stripping. The construction layout stripping may have cutting ribs defined thereon for cutting the stripping at a desired length.

Abstract: A combination livestock and travel trailer includes a trailer frame having wheels, a base floor and an upper ceiling, living quarters in the front portion of the trailer having a living floor above the base floor and a ceiling in common with the upper ceiling, a livestock portion in the rear portion of the trailer having a floor in common with the base floor and a horse ceiling below the upper ceiling, a first cargo area defined by the space between the horse ceiling and the upper ceiling and a second cargo area defined by the space between the horse ceiling and the upper ceiling. Additional components of the trailer may include a removable cover for the second cargo area, a gravity-fed water system with a fresh water tank in the second cargo area, a solar hot water heater, and fresh, gray, and black water tanks in the first cargo area down the center of the first cargo area with storage compartments along the outside of the trailer.

Abstract: A flow sensor having an inlet and an outlet comprising: a plate moving in response to fluid flow therethrough, being displaced further as flow increases; a sensor for determining moving plate's position and creating an electronic signal related thereto; a biasing means for biasing the plate towards the sensor's inlet end. The sensor may include a sealing means for preventing flow therethrough until a specified differential pressure is reached allowing the device to be used as a bypass mechanism. The sealing means may also constitute a check valve means to prevent flow in an undesired direction.

Abstract: An improvement flow sensor of the type having inlet and outlet ports, a moving plate unit for moving in response to fluid flow through the sensor, a sensor unit for sensing the movement of the moving plate and creating a signal related to its location, and biasing unit for biasing the plate towards the inlet (“base elements”). One improvement comprises the moving plate composed of a magnetizable material and the sensor unit comprised of a steel sensor disposed adjacent to a path traveled by the moving plate for sensing the location of the moving plate.

Abstract: The present invention related to devices for mechanically separating hay bales. More particularly, the present invention relates to devices intended to flake rather then shred or grind bales. The invention is of the type having a horizontal main frame, a biasing means thereon for moving a hay bale, a separation means toward which the biasing means moves the bale, and a transportation means for moving the bale to the locate at which hay is desired to be flaked.

Abstract: The present invention comprises of a circular prism having beveled periphery and center faces cooperating with multiple other prisms to form a light capacitor. The present invention allows a user to collect and hold the light in a storage-type device for use in a concentrated way when desired.

Abstract: A method for marketing and redeeming vouchers (meaning gift certificates or coupons) for use in online purchases is disclosed. The method includes the use of a centralized voucher server for processing transactions. A purchaser may buy a gift certificate through a number of routes such as a brick and mortar store, via the telephone, or via an online connection. The gift certificate can be delivered to a recipient by regular mail, email, telephone or the like. The purchaser can select one or more merchants by type or category of goods sold at which the gift certificate will apply. Merchants may offer coupons through a number of venues for redemption via the voucher server.

Abstract: An apparatus for flow detection, measurement and control and method for use of same in a piping and/or fire sprinkler system. The apparatus combines a flow sensor for creating an electrical output proportional to flow through therethrough with a bypass means for allowing flow through an alternate flow path where a primary flow path is insufficient to supply the demand. The apparatus includes a moving orifice plate, which is displaced by flow through the sensor and creates an electronic output by the interaction of a moving magnet moving in tandem with the orifice plate with a normally closed Reed switch on an exterior surface of the sensor, which is opened when the magnet is displaced into sufficiently close proximity to the Reed switch. The apparatus can also be adapted to serve as a double check valve. A moving check is added with a sealing means thereon for providing one check, and sealing means on the orifice plate are provided to serve as a second check.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a flow-based fire alarm. A bypass system is provided to allow sufficient water flow where a pressure drop, particularly in a residential or multi-purpose piping system such as a water softener is encountered, by providing an alternate, lower pressure flow path allowing additional flow when the pressure drop through the system becomes too great. Flow detection means are also provided with minimal pressure drop to insure that flow for fire protection need is not unduly restricted. The flow detection means includes either a differential pressure switch coupled to an orifice plate or a moving orifice plate having thereon a magnet, which communicates with a Reed switch in proportion to the flow therethrough. An integral system incorporating all of the elements discussed provides multiple levels of security for a fire protection system for use in a residence or other structure.

Abstract: The present invention is a wheelchair scale adapter comprising a substantially planar platform defining a cut out near a center and side walls and a rear wall respectively projecting upwardly therefrom, and having legs adjustably attached thereto for providing added stability, particularly when loading and unloading a wheelchair from the platform; an access ramp hingedly connected to the front of the platform for allowing a wheelchair-bound person to be wheeled onto the platform; a typical bathroom scale, etc., attached to the lower surface of the platform; the invention being adapted for weighing a wheelchair and an occupant which has been wheeled onto the platform. The invention also comprises a ramp mounted on the platform, and associated linkage, for causing the access ramp to rotate upwardly out of contact with a surface on which the invention rests, so as to give a more accurate reading of the weight of a person and wheelchair on the platform.

Abstract: An apparatus for a flow-based fire alarm. A bypass system is provided to allow sufficient water flow where a pressure drop, particularly in a residential or multi-purpose piping system such as a water softener is encountered, by providing an alternate, lower pressure flow path allowing additional flow when the pressure drop through the system becomes too great. Flow detection means are also provided with minimal pressure drop to insure that flow for fire protection need is not unduly restricted. The flow detection means includes either a differential pressure switch coupled to an orifice plate or a moving orifice plate having thereon a magnet, which communicates with a Reed switch in proportion to the flow therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for designating and marking an area. The apparatus consists of a hanger for suspension to a string line. Attached to this hanger is a brace which supports a pivoting laser source. This laser source may be rotated to any desired angle, so that the laser source projects its beam to a desired location for use in marking this location. The desired angle is designated with a compass plate and pointer.

Abstract: A flow sensor having an inlet and an outlet comprising: a plate moving in response to fluid flow therethrough, being displaced further as flow increases; a sensor for determining moving plate's position and creating an electronic signal related thereto; a biasing means for biasing the plate towards the sensor's inlet end. The sensor may include a sealing means for preventing flow therethrough until a specified differential pressure is reached allowing the device to be used as a bypass mechanism. The sealing means may also constitute a check valve means to prevent flow in an undesired direction.