Abstract: A method for manufacturing plastic products from moldable plastic materials, involving the efficient use of a press and a mold is disclosed. The method includes heating the press and the mold to a temperature above the melt temperature of the plastic material, with the mold then being removed from contact with the press and with the press being applied to a replicate mold. The press is utilized so as not to apply pressure to the plastic material and the mold is preferably formed of a light weight material having high heat conductivity.

Abstract: A portable tray for use in various activities such as study or games is disclosed. The tray includes an accessory bag located beneath the center portion of the tray, with a hinged cover which folds flat with the main portion of the base. Hinged legs are provided on the under side of the tray to provide support during use. The sides of the base are curved outwardly toward the user to increase the adjacent usable tray surface. A detachable light is conveniently mounted on the rear of the tray.

Abstract: A coordinated building layout which includes a restaurant and artist work/exhibit area is disclosed. The cooperation between the restaurant area and the artist work/exhibit area results in maximum efficiency and space utilization. The present system enables accommodation of a wide variety of art disciplines, including the performing arts, while contributing to enjoyment of the arts by the dining patrons of the restaurant.

Abstract: A device having combined features of a glove and a garden tool is disclosed. The device includes a glove element having a bar grip installed therein, with a tool element attached to the bar grip. In one embodiment, a horizontal bar grip is employed in conjunction with a tool element having forks or tines, such as a rake. In a second embodiment, a vertical bar grip is employed in conjunction with a tool element which has the form of a scoop or spade. An additional feature includes the attachment of a bracket on the upper, forward portion of the glove element to receive a second tool element which is detachably connected thereto. Alternatively, a bracket for receiving a second tool element may be affixed directly to the shaft of the main fixed tool element. Also, a threaded connection may be employed for attachment of the tool element which is connected directly to the bar grip. The bar grip may be provided with grooves or ridges to allow the bar to be gripped more firmly.

Abstract: An improved protective clamp for the root ball portion of a tree is disclosed. The clamp includes a plurality of arcuate plate members, each of which is provided with an outwardly extending foot portion at the lower end thereof. Raised re-inforcing ribs on the sides of each plate and a tie bar at the upper end thereof are additional features which provide a greatly improved protection for the root ball during removal of the tree from the ground, or when the tree is being transported, stored, or other-wise handled prior to planting, compared with the traditional "ball-burlapping".

Abstract: A device for disengaging snagged fishing hooks and lures is disclosed. The device includes a pole member and an operative end member which is bifurcated to define a central opening for retaining the fishing line during operation of the device. The end member is provided with features which include a flat end portion, a downwardly extending hook on one side thereof and a small opening located immediately below the hook to allow the fishing line to enter the central opening. The interior sides of the central opening are straight and smooth to avoid snagging the fishing line. The general construction of the present invention results in a straight or direct line of force from the operator through to the end of the device, thus facilitating the disengagement of snagged hooks and lures.

Abstract: A light reflective projection system is disclosed. The system includes a combination of a light source, at least one reflective or transparent disc having means for rotation thereof and a lens. In one embodiment, disc rotation is provided by the rotatable turntable of a record player. In this embodiment, the reflective or transparent discs may be carried by a record mounted on the record player, by a pedestal member mounted over the spindle of the record player, or by a differential speed ring having drive wheels which bear upon and are rotated by the label portion of the rotating record. A stationary support provides a location for an additional disc. The light source and lens are so mounted that light rays from the light source are projected downwardly through or onto one or more of the transparent or reflective rotating discs, then upwardly through the lens for projection upon the viewing surface.

Abstract: A heating system which includes a combination of a sliding vane compressor, a positive pressure combustor and a sliding vane expander is disclosed. The components of the present system have been found to operate together to permit full use of the B.T.U. value of fuel. In an alternative embodiment, the heating system uses heat extracted from the ambient air as the heat source. The system may also be operated as an air conditioning system, rejecting heat from the system to the ambient air.

Abstract: A heating system which includes a combination of a sliding vane compressor, a positive pressure combustor and a sliding vane expander is disclosed. The components of the present system have been found to operate together to permit full use of the B.T.U. value of fuel.

Abstract: A device having combined features of a glove and a garden tool is disclosed. The device includes a glove element having a bar grip installed therein, with a tool element attached to the bar grip. In one embodiment, a horizontal bar grip is employed in conjunction with a tool element having forks or tines, such as a rake. In a second embodiment, a vertical bar grip is employed in conjunction with a tool element which has the form of a scoop or spade.

Abstract: A device for shelling peas, beans, and the like. The device comprises a rotating drum having a plurality of paddles mounted therein on a rotating shaft which extends axially through the drum. The paddles each have a flat striking surface which extends for substantially the entire length thereof and which is oriented to be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rotating shaft. A cover surrounds the drum and forms a chute for guiding kernels separated from the shells in the drum onto an inclined trough which guides those kernels to a collection location. The drum and the paddles both rotate in the same direction at prescribed velocities.

Abstract: An artificial and mechanical tree which includes a pole member and a plurality of vertical, accordion-type limb sections is disclosed. Each of the tree limb sections has the tree limbs attached to a vertically collapsible and expandable tubular member which is concentric with and removably attached in the expanded configuration to the pole member.

Abstract: A method for treating mushrooms in order to preserve and clean them and to improve their flavor is disclosed. The method includes soaking of the mushrooms in an edible vegetable oil such as soybean oil. After the soaking step, the mushrooms are water rinsed to clean and to remove excess oil, and then allowed to dry. As an alternative, a source of air under pressure may be used to clean the mushrooms and remove excess oil. Mushrooms treated in accordance with the present invention have been found to maintain a fresh condition for much longer periods of time than untreated mushrooms, and with a definite improvement in the flavor thereof.

Abstract: A screen device for use in preventing grease from splattering within a stove oven while broiling food is disclosed. The screen device includes means for adjusting the height of the screen above an oven rack upon which the screen may be placed. In addition, the screen is provided with leg members which allow the screen to be attached directly to the broiler coils of an electric oven. The present invention is particularly constructed to prevent grease from splattering up to the flame or broiler coils of the oven.

Abstract: A speed reducing device which is capable of large speed reductions and torque multiplication in a single stage is disclosed. The device includes input and output shafts in axial alignment, together with a transformer gear component having primary and secondary gears which rotate together. The primary gear engages a fixed gear spline while the secondary gear engages a rotatable output gear spline. This combination of gears, together with an eccentric and counterweight mounted on the input shaft, provides a system having numerous advantages in the field of high-ratio mechanical power transmission.

Abstract: A rain curtain assembly for a golf cart, including a plurality of panels which are attachable to the surface of the cart by a combination of suction cups and hook means. Tie cords are provided for securing the panels to each other to prevent entry of rain and wind to the passenger compartment of the cart.

Abstract: An insulating building block which is a composite of masonry material and a foam material is disclosed. The building block is obtained by applying a layer of foam material to a longitudinally extending side face of a cavity located within the block. A shield insert may be employed to define that portion of a block cavity which is to receive the foam.

Abstract: A seismic generator for communicating from either above or below the surface of the earth is disclosed. The generator includes a system of eccentrically weighted masses such as, for example, unbalanced flywheels, which can be rotated to produce a seismic signal capable of being detected at great distances either on the surface or underground.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing continuous pressure filter separation are disclosed. The apparatus includes a chamber with a pair of perforated cylindrical sleeves having filter media and precoat material disposed therebetween. A rotatable wiper blade assembly mounted on a first hollow shaft is longitudinally disposed within the central portion of the chamber. Filtered solid materials are removed through one or more slots in the first hollow shaft which intermittently align with prealigned slots in a pair of concentric hollow shafts mounted within the first hollow shaft.

Abstract: An anti-siphoning device for preventing the siphoning of gasoline from the gasoline tank of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The device is formed in a helical spring construction having an upper cylindrical-shaped portion and a lower cone-shaped portion. The cylindrical-shaped portion is formed of a series of contiguous or "kissing" coils, and the cone-shaped portion is also provided with a series of contiguous coils at its lower end. The lower end of the cone-shaped portion is provided with a bend so that the contiguous coil portion at the lower end of the spring projects outwardly at an angle of approximately 45.degree. from the vertical axis of the device. The tips at the upper and lower ends of the device are formed so as to avoid any friction between adjacent surfaces which could cause sparks.