Abstract: A polymer modifying agent for use in increasing the shelf life of natural rubber. The polymer modifying agent consists of a zeolite, a high molecular weight fatty acid, a starch, a catalyst, and rubber processing oil and aliphatic resin. The compound bonds with the rubber, particularly the polymer chains of the rubber being encapsulated by the zeolite, preventing the aging effect caused by oxidation and light. The compound also acts to disperse the silica evenly throughout the rubber. The inventive compound is also composed of components that are non-toxic. A method of blocking the effects of premature curing of rubber is also provided. The method includes a step of adding the inventive compound to the rubber.

Abstract: An electric switch operating mechanism is disclosed for use with an electric lawn care appliance. The lawn care appliance has a housing, a switch and a movable bail which can be biased between active and inactive positions. An actuator is juxtaposed in between the bail and the switch. When the bail is moved to its active position, it causes the actuator to actuate the switch. The actuator has an engagement surface that engages with the bail to activate the mechanism. The switch further contains a button which enables the bail to engage the actuator.

Abstract: A bag-full indicator mechanism is provided for use on a mower that has a mower deck with cutting blades, a bag for collecting cut vegetation, and a chute communicating the mower deck with the bag. The bag-full indicator mechanism includes a vacuum actuator, a vacuum for providing a vacuum to the vacuum actuator, and a sensor for sensing that the bag is full. Preferably the vacuum is the intake manifold of the mower engine. The bag-full indicator mechanism also includes activator for activating the vacuum actuator and includes a switch and a pivotable lever. Finally, an indicator is used for indicating that the bag is full and preferably includes a shutoff for stopping the rotation of the cutting blades.

Abstract: A reversible taillight assembly that can be used on either the right or left side of a vehicle. The taillight assembly includes a lens housing, a bracket, a lens and a spring clip. The lens housing has a parabolic configuration and accepts a lens at either its left or right hand side. The bracket can be used on either the right or left hand side of the vehicle by simply rotating the bracket 180.degree.. The lens fits within the lens housing after removing the portion of the front face of the lens housing depending upon which side the assembly is attached to. A method for reversing the taillight assembly is also provided. The method contains the steps of rotating the taillight fixture 180.degree. about its z-axis, replacing a first lens portion, removing a second lens portion, and placing a lens in the lens housing. The lens will be placed in the hole that remains from the removal of the second lens portion.

Abstract: A cruise bar is provided for use with a lawn tractor. The lawn tractor includes a frame, a driving device for use in driving the lawn tractor, a first drive wheel for use in driving the lawn tractor, a console that is operatively connected to the frame, and a first control lever for use in controlling the speed and direction of the lawn tractor. The cruise bar is used to limit the motion of the first control lever. The first control lever is operatively connected to the driving device and to the first drive wheel. The first control lever is selectively moveable in a first direction. The cruise bar limits the motion of the first control lever in the first direction and is operatively connected to the console. The cruise bar may be adjusted relative to the first control lever thereby providing a method for limiting the top speed of the lawn tractor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stretching and exercising the wrist is disclosed. The apparatus includes a securing apparatus for securing the device to the wrist, a cord or strap, a footstep that enables the cord or strap to be secured to the floor, and an adjustment apparatus for adjusting the length of the cord or strap. The cord or strap wraps around the footstep for storage of the apparatus. The cord or strap is between 4 feet and 8 feet long and made of an inelastic material. The footstep may include a traction device for preventing slippage of the foot on the footstep. The method includes the steps of placing the wrist within the securing apparatus, tightening the securing apparatus, adjusting the length of the cord or strap using the adjustment apparatus so the footstep rests on the floor, placing the foot on the footstep to secure the footstep to the floor, and stretching the wrist.

Abstract: A cover assembly for use with an associated pet cage having a roof and four sides is provided. The cover assembly includes a gable shaped adapter and a cover for covering both the adapter and the pet cage. The cover has four walls for covering the four sides of the pet cage and a top for covering the roof of the pet cage. At least two of the walls are made of flexible material such as canvas. Preferably, two of the walls have openings for ventilation purposes. The top is also gable shaped to cover the support member of the adapter. Adjustable fasteners, such as zippers, are provided to fasten the four walls of the cover to each other. A method of covering a pet cage is also provided. The method includes the steps of connecting the adapter to the roof of the pet cage, placing a cover over the adapter and the pet cage, adjusting one of the walls into a raised condition and, securing the first wall into the raised condition.

Abstract: A device for and method of ergonomically removing parts from a parts bin, so that an operator does not have to unnecessarily bend to remove parts, using an open-ended bin, a platform removably contained within the bin, and a mechanism for lifting the platform which is, also, removably contained within the bin. The mechanism for lifting the platform may be a manually operated or automatically operated scissor-type jack, hydraulic cylinder, or pneumatic cylinder. Also, the platform may be vertically adjusted by a spring whose spring constant is chosen to correspond to the weight of the parts within the bin.

Abstract: An improved interconnection for use with electric power equipment, and more particularly with electric power rotary lawn mowers, is disclosed. The interconnection includes a connection apparatus that has a loop that slides over a rod that extends between the two handle bars of the lawn mower. The connection apparatus also includes an access slot for receiving a looped portion of an extension cord and a tab for releasably connecting the extension cord to the connection apparatus. The connection apparatus allows the power cord and extension cord to freely move back and forth along the rod between the two tubes of the lawn mowers handle bars. In an alternate embodiment, the rod 50 may have an extended W-shaped to provide a greater distance along which the connection apparatus may move.

Abstract: A clutch retaining device for use in a clutch collar and clutch assembly. The clutch retaining device includes multiple cover clips which extend downwardly from the cover and have a substantial L-shape. The clutch collar has corresponding cover clip notches which correspond to the cover clips of the clutch collar cover. The clutch collar assembly includes a first and second clutch collar cover. The entire assembly includes a series of drive springs and drive pins which are compressed in place by the first and second clutch collar covers. A method for assembling the clutch collar assembly is also included. The method includes the steps of inserting drive pins into drive springs into drive pin receptors, aligning cover clips of a clutch cover with cover clip notches on a clutch collar, and connecting the clutch cover to the clutch collar and thereby depressing the drive pins and the drive springs.

Abstract: A device for and method of ergonomically removing parts from a parts bin, so that an operator does not have to unnecessarily bend to remove parts, using an open-ended bin, a platform removably contained within the bin, and a mechanism for lifting the platform which is, also, removably contained within the bin. The mechanism for lifting the platform may be a manually operated or automatically operated scissor-type jack, hydraulic cylinder, or pneumatic cylinder. Also, the platform may be vertically adjusted by a spring whose spring constant is chosen to correspond to the weight of the parts within the bin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting sonochemical reactions and processes using in large scales liquid medium volumes is disclosed which passes a hydrodynamic liquid flow at a velocity through a flow through channel internally containing at least one element to produce a local constriction of the hydrodynamic liquid flow. The velocity of the liquid flow in the local constriction is at least 16 m/sec. A hydrodynamic cavitation cavern is created down stream of the local constriction, thereby generating cavitation bubbles. The cavitation bubbles are shifted with the liquid flow to an outlet from the flow through channel and the static pressure of the liquid flow is increased to at least 0.85 kg/cm.sup.2. The cavitation bubbles are then collapsed in the elevated static pressure zone, thereby initiating the sonochemical reactions and processes.

Abstract: A power assisted, vacuum actuated steering system with a rotary valve and vacuum actuators. The rotary valve has two identical discs which each include grooves and channels for communicating the vacuum pressure to the vacuum actuators. The relative rotary motion of the two discs causes the vacuum pressure to pass to the vacuum actuators to assist the steering of a vehicle. A set of springs and spring arms biases the discs to a central, neutral position.

Abstract: A tire inflating method and apparatus, allowing inflation of different sized tires without changing over a tire inflation device. The tire inflation device has two chambers, an inner chamber and an outer chamber. The inner chamber is within the outer chamber and extends downwardly when a smaller sized rim is being used. The tire inflation device has a linear transducer, with a magnetic ring, that determines the height of the tire inflation head and knows when to shut off inflation. A method of inflating tires without changing over an inflation device is also provided. The method includes the steps of photo switches detecting the size of the rim being used, an inflation head adjusting to a corresponding size of the tire rim, and the inflation head inflating the tire and rim to a specified pressure.

Abstract: A control system is used with an associated mower having a cutting blade, a drive shaft for rotating the cutting blade, first and second drive wheels, and a power train for driving the first and second drive wheels. The control system has an electric clutch for selectively coupling the cutting blade to the drive shaft, first and second handles for independently driving the first and second drive wheels, first and second switches selectively switchable between first and second positions, a relay for electrically connecting the first and second switches to the electric clutch and control rods for mechanically connecting the first and second handles to the first and second switches. First and second handles are placeable into reverse positions. This causing first and second bell cranks to rotate about a control shaft which lifts first and second control rods. When the control rods are lifted, first and second switches are switched and power is disconnected to the electric clutch.

Abstract: A motion sensitive control apparatus for turning on and turning off electrical devices. The apparatus turns on light sources or electrical devices in the presence of motion of one or more persons. The apparatus also turns off light sources or electrical devices in the absence of motion from one or more persons for a period of time. The apparatus produces an indication, such as a loud noise or flashing or bright light, to indicate when a light source or electrical device has been activated or deactivated by the apparatus. The apparatus also has backup components to ensure that the apparatus continues to operate in the event that primary components fail.

Abstract: A modular injection molding machine has an extruder/injector assembly, a carriage assembly for carrying the extruder/injector assembly, a first clamping apparatus for holding an associated first mold, a main frame assembly which supports the first clamping apparatus and, a first adder module assembly. The first adder module assembly is selectively operatively connectable to the main frame assembly and is used to support a second clamping apparatus at any selectable laterally spaced distance. The carriage assembly selectively carries the extruder/injector assembly between the first and second clamping apparatuses.

Abstract: A wheel drive system using an enlarged flywheel shaft to form an integral drive pulley for a wheel drive.