Abstract: A retracting tow system is disclosed which provides a spring loaded tow rope which automatically winds the tow rope around an included spool when not in use. The tow rope is affixed to a supplied shaft in a manner which prevents damage to the retracting mechanism while in use. An offset fairlead is also supplied which reduces the force on the shaft during a tow.

Abstract: Embodiments of a mass impact claw bar are disclosed which may be used as a pry bar or as a tool to separate articles such as trim board from wallboard. The device has a substantially vertical claw at one end and a substantially horizontal claw at the other end. Force is applied to either claw by moving a slidable mass slidably affixed to the claw bar.

Abstract: Embodiments of a strap roll up device are disclosed which may be used to conveniently roll up and secure tie down straps or other similar articles.

Abstract: Embodiments of an x-ray converter are disclosed in which a conventional PSP and computed digital radiology equipment may be used with the converter to convert an analog x-ray image into a digital image.

Abstract: A variable reluctance electric power system which comprises an alternator and a motor having a rotor with longitudinal lobes and no windings, commutators, slip rings, magnets, or laminations. The alternator and the motor have stators which have conventional windings and laminations and a rotor which is polarized using a static field winding which surrounds but does not touch the rotor. The alternator and the motor may be coupled with current from the alternator driving the motor and solid state power devices controlling the frequency of the current to insure that the current from the alternator is always synchronized with the motor rotor.

Abstract: Embodiments of a stage lighting console are disclosed which may be used to control the light level of a plurality of stage lighting interments. The stage lighting console includes a plurality of sliders, each of which may control a separate lighting instrument and several settings of multiple sliders may be recorded for later playback. The sliders move from a +100% position to a ?100% position such that they may be used to add to or subtract from the illumination of lighting instruments.

Abstract: Laser guides for an X-ray device are disclosed in which a pair of laser projecting means are rotatably affixed to any X-ray device, either portable or stationary, such that the beams from the projecting means project toward the X-ray receptor and inward toward a line between the receptor and the X-ray device, and the laser beams cross at a particular location such that when the X-ray device is moved closer to or further from the X-ray receptor the laser beams cross when the X-ray device is at the optimum distance from the X-ray image receptor and the X-ray beam is centered upon the X-ray image receptor.

Abstract: Embodiments of a pressure tank valve socket are disclosed which may be used to safely remove the valve from a propane or other pressure tank without damaging the valve. The pressure tank valve socket applies force only to the sturdiest part of the valve and, thus, prevents injury to the more delicate parts of the valve.

Abstract: Embodiments of a farrier's tool are disclosed which may to trim a horse's hoof. The farrier's tool of the instant invention employs a cam which amplifies the mechanical advantage of the tool such that the operator may trim a hoof using a single hand.

Abstract: Embodiments of a pump protection system are disclosed which may be used to enclose, protect, and improve the efficiency of a submersible pump. The pump protection system of the instant invention prevents unwanted materials from clogging the pump intake port and from entering the pump intake port to damage the internal parts of the pump. The pump protection system may be back flushed to clean the pump protection system without damaging the pump. The pump protection system also prevents entrained gasses from entering the pump. A pressure relief valve is also disclosed which provides back pressure on the pump at pump startup.

Abstract: Embodiments of a fishing planer are disclosed which may be used to troll a lure at a significant depth beneath the boat without the inconvenience of using an inordinate amount of weight. The fishing planer changes configuration to rise if a fish strikes the lure or if the lure becomes snagged and automatically changes back to diving configuration if the fish gets off or the lure is freed from the snag. The fishing planer also may be configured so that it may be trolled to either side of the boat away from the path of the boat.

Abstract: Embodiments of a multi-draw poker are disclosed which is played in a manner somewhat similar to traditional five card draw poker, but in which a player is given the opportunity to make additional wagers and additional draws.

Abstract: Embodiments of a pyrolizer are disclosed in which carbonaceous materials are pyrolyzed in a two stage process. In the first stage the materials are moved through a pretreater using augers and are heated to between 180 and 220 degrees C. In the second stage the materials are moved through a pyrolysis reactor using augers and are heated to between 500 and 1,100 degrees C.

Abstract: An individual water vehicle is disclosed for propelling an operator through or across the surface of water. The individual water vehicle includes a case having a foot platform upon which an operator may stand. In operation, the operator is suspended in the water in a semi-submerged position. A propeller at the base of the water vehicle creates a thrust toward the center of gravity of the operator. The operator may be propelled through or across the surface of the water in a chosen direction by shifting the operator's center of gravity toward the chosen direction.

Abstract: Embodiments of a speaker stand are disclosed which include a unique speaker cabinet. The cabinet is constructed by drawing a freeform enclosed shape on a board and drawing smaller concentric versions of the enclosed shape. The enclosed shapes are cut out of the board at an angle of 45 degrees to form a series of concentric rings. The body of the cabinet is made by attaching the smaller face of the largest of the rings created to the larger face of the next largest of the rings and continuing to attached the rest of the rings in a similar manner. A face plate is provided to which speakers may be attached. The face plate has the same size and shape as the largest of the rings and may be attached to that ring to form an enclosed cabinet. The top end of a stem is attached to the cabinet and the bottom end attached to a base plate.

Abstract: A vehicle foot peg is disclosed for use with a motorcycle, ATV, or similar vehicle. The vehicle foot pegs are used in pairs and attached to the supplied foot peg brackets on the vehicle. The vehicle foot pegs are configured such that the outer ends of the pegs are angled rearward allowing the rider to rest the feet on the pegs in a natural and comfortable position with the toes slightly outward.

Abstract: Embodiments of a pipeline repair habitat are disclosed which may be used to facilitate the repair of vertical underwater pipelines or risers. Two hollow, half-cylindrical shells are provided which form a stable, rigid shell around the section of pipe to be repaired. Structure is provided for introducing an atmosphere into the habitat which is breathable while most repairs are accomplished. Under certain conditions a non explosive atmosphere which is not breathable is introduced into the habitat so that welding may be safely performed. Various useful accessories are provided including an elevator by which a person accomplishing repairs may move up and down within the pipeline repair habitat.