Abstract: An adaptor for reducing the size of an original hole in a frame member to an adaptor hole sized to receive a selected bolt and which permits adjustment of the relative location of the adaptor hole relative to the original hole and the frame member. The adaptor comprises a washer plate having first and second projections extending outward from opposite sides of the washer. The adaptor hole extends through the washer plate and the first and second projections. The location of the adaptor hole relative to the first projection is different from the location of adaptor hole relative to the second projection.

Abstract: A thermal expansion arrester for positioning within the tank of a water heater comprises a rigid tube maintaining a compressible volume of gas between first and second closure members wherein at least one of the closure members comprises a piston that is slidably and sealingly secured within the tube. In a preferred embodiment both closure members comprise pistons held in the tube by crimping its ends. In an uncompressed state the pressure of the gas within the tube is sixty psig.

Abstract: A one piece ground stake for securing drain, waste or vent pipe relative to the ground comprises a wire rod bent to form a hook having a ground engaging shank, a pipe engaging bend or cradle and a connecting leg connected between the pipe engaging bend and the shank by upper and lower connecting bends. The upper connecting bend extends above the lower connecting bend and is adapted to be struck by a hammer or the like to drive a lower end of the shank into the ground. The stake is driven into the ground until the cradle abuts against an upper surface of a pipe positioned on a bed of gravel, sand or the ground at a selected grade and position.

Abstract: A starter system for racing vehicles such as sprint cars that enables the vehicle to be started while in position for a race without the need for a clutch or external means of generating forward motion.

Abstract: An automobile service lift includes a plurality of generally vertical posts, each of which has a carriage moveably mounted thereon. Each carriage has an outrigger which extends outwardly from the carriage and supports a portion of the weight of a vehicle positioned on the lift. Each outrigger is pivotable relative to the respective carriage about a generally horizontal axis. Each carriage further includes an adjustment mechanism for selectively pivoting the respective outrigger to compensate for any deflection of the outrigger due to the weight supported thereon.

Abstract: A bathing apparatus comprises a bathtub having a wall with an opening formed therein and a door panel sized and shaped to conform to the opening. The door panel is movably connected to the wall by a hinge mechanism which includes a substantially horizontal bar having a first end pivotally connected to the wall adjacent to the door opening and a substantially vertical slide rail secured to the bar. A slide bracket secured to the door panel is slidably mounted on the slide rail. The bathing apparatus further includes a chair with a seat portion that is removably attached to a base portion and receivable within the bathtub. The chair includes a pair of armrests, one of which is attached to the chair portion and one of which is attached to the base portion.

Abstract: A dent puller includes a bridge having a pair of legs extending outwardly and downwardly therefrom at an angle of approximately forty-five degrees. Each leg has a lower end with a foot. Each foot has a resilient pad secured thereto. An aperture formed through the bridge receives a shaft. An engagement member connected to a lower end of the shaft includes a plate having at least one opening extending therethrough. A knob is connected to the shaft such that application of a rotational force to the knob acts to draw the engagement member toward the bridge. The dent puller may further include a tool adapter comprising a socket engageable with the knob and an arbor extending axially outward from the socket.

Abstract: A handle assembly for an appliance such as a lawnmower having front and rear wheels includes a handlebar having a pair of legs pivotally connected to the appliance at front mounting points proximate the front wheels. The handlebar extends upwardly and rearwardly until it terminates with a push bar adapted for gripping by the operator. The handlebar preferably includes a front crossbar connected between the legs forward of the center of gravity of the appliance. The handle assembly also includes a handle height control mechanism which is connected at a lower end to the lawnmower proximate the rear wheels and at an upper end to the handlebar. The handle height control mechanism allows the handlebar to pivot about the front mounting point through a limited range of movement while the lawnmower is being propelled by the operator.

Abstract: A carburetor fuel level management system includes a fuel level sensor mounted in the float bowl of the carburetor for monitoring actual fuel level and providing a signal indicative of the fuel level. The sensor may be used for data acquisition and/or to provide feedback to a controller which maintains fuel level at or near a preferred level by varying fuel flow rate into the float bowl in response to an indication from the sensor that the actual fuel level differs from the preferred fuel level. Fuel flow rate may be controlled by selectively bypassing a fuel pressure regulator in the carburetor inlet line or by varying voltage to an electric fuel pump, among other methods.