Abstract: A hand tool is used for resizing bent, broken, warped or swollen tongue-in-groove panels or planks or boards. The tool has cutting tools mounted on its sides so as to be inserted into a groove for cutting the groove to size or opposing cutting surfaces for sizing a tongue. The tool is fastened by a simple clamp or clamps and has a handle for manipulation.

Abstract: An apparatus for straining fluid flow in a drainpipe, including a cylindrical body having a sidewall terminating with an integral closed end providing a means for engaging a drain plate, and, in opposition, an open end providing an integral uniform peripheral flange extending outwardly. The peripheral flange is adapted for a tight fitting relationship with a drain pipe inside surface; and, further, the side wall provided a plurality of apertures and a further plurality of surface protuberances extending outwardly from an exterior surface of the side wall.

Abstract: A photocopying machine provides the typical capabilities of paper storage, transport reproduction and copy outputting. An electrical circuit stores a plurality of English language inventory human voice commands and a plurality of machine voice responses. A microphone receives each action-request human voice command compares each action-request human voice command with each one of the inventory human voice commands in turn until a match is found and then selects each machine voice response, from the plurality of machine voice responses, corresponding to each said match. An audible message is generated corresponding to each selected machine voice response. When a complete command is received the copying machine responds accordingly.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for a model lighthouse provides a lighting effect similar to that of a commercial lighthouse. In one embodiment a lamp is rotationally driven. In another embodiment a lighting means for extending a stationary lamp is taught so as to accommodate various size lighthouse models. In a still further embodiment, a combination of rotational and extension features are provided including a set of exterior wipers mounted in electrical contact with slip rings onto a rotating boom for delivery of power to a lamp.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine with an interior annular surface. A rotary piston mount rotates within an engine block interior space. Several spherical pistons are urged radially outwardly from the rotary piston mount by an urging means, and move in a radial reciprocating motion within the rotary piston mount. A gas-producing means produces an expanding gas. The gas drives the spherical pistons and the rotary piston mount rotationally along the interior annular surface of the engine block.

Abstract: A customizable potted plant watering apparatus is made up of a variety of interconnecting parts to form one or more separate elongate trays which are arrange in any fashion but generally one above the next. Each linear or radial tray section is adapted for supporting one or more potted plants. Trays are interconnected by flexible tubes so that when water is introduced into an upper tray it flows downwardly into subsequent lower trays. Trays are inexpensively fabricated by an extrusion process and when attached at both ends to end sections, form a finished shelf into which water may be introduced so as to hydrate and feed the plants by root absorption. The end sections are held in place by a snap on cover which also engages a screen to provide an effective watering tray and a clog free system.

Abstract: A muffler-filter apparatus comprises a filter housing providing a flexible cylindrical wall enclosed at one end by a screen integrally joined peripherally with a distal end rim of the cylindrical wall, and a strap device for tightening a proximal end rim of the cylindrical wall for enabling the proximal end rim of the cylindrical wall to be fixed onto a propeller hub of an outboard motor so as to position the filter housing for receiving exhausts of the outboard motor's engine. A filter media is tight fitting within the cylindrical wall so as to prevent exhaust gas blowby, and is enabled for capturing oil, dust and water from exhaust gases passing therethrough while reducing exhaust noise.

Abstract: A boxing exercise apparatus is mounted onto a stand. A pivoted support arm provides a strike absorbing means. In a first embodiment, the support arm is connected to the stand with a spring joined to a rigid rod. The rigid rod is preferably positioned in a neutral position with an integral positioning means. Displacement of the support arm away from the neutral position toward at a rocked-back position is counteracted by the spring. In a second embodiment, the apparatus further includes a second spring joining the stand and the rigid rod; and a second positioning means for contacting the rigid rod. When the support arm is deflected, alternately the first spring and then the second spring retards the motion of the support arm. In a third embodiment, a pair of strike absorbing means are mounted in such a manner that they move away from a blow and recover a neutral position as described, and also move laterally, and again recover a neutral position.

Abstract: A support provides a window for the display of advertising material. The support has a gripping feature on opposing sides for engaging an airline fold-down tray by its side edges. A bottom flange functions as a position limiting device so that the support is correctly positioned onto the tray. The advertising medium is held within a groove between the window and the under surface of the fold-down tray.

Abstract: An exercise machine provides a pair of arms positionable for completing chest presses and also for doing a fly type exercise. On each arm a knuckle is hinged between two orthogonal sockets so as to enable positioning of the arms in appropriate positions for the two exercises. The exerciser may move the arms apart for fly exercise motion or to a position in front of the chest for a press exercise motion.

Abstract: A skating training apparatus includes rotating gears positioned in a generally horizontal plane. Linear supporting struts are pivotally attached to the gears for movement therewith and a motion restricting device is engaging with the liner supporting struts and adapted for restricting the linear supporting struts to a combination of pivotal and linear translational motion. Pivots engage the linear supporting struts and restrict it to pivotal motion at one end. Foot rests are mounted on the linear supporting struts at an end opposite to the pivots. The rotating gears, linear supporting struts, motion restricting device and pivots are mutually interconnected for moving the foot rests in a skating motion as driven by a person's feet while training on the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing coffee comprises a chassis engaging an electronic power and control circuit, a water heater, a coffee brewing tray adapted for receiving a coffee packet, a coffee pot supporting shelf, a control panel adapted for receiving manual selections for operating the apparatus, an electrical interlock adapted for sensing the presence of a coffee pot on the coffee pot supporting shelf. An electrical interlocking scheme is adapted for sensing when the coffee pot is present and when it is full, the temperature and level of water in the water heater, and when a restraining handle is in place.

Abstract: Motion of an apparatus having reciprocal linear motion of an input member is converted into alternating rotary motion of a drive member such as a drive shaft or a drive gear. Additionally, a system is taught which uses linear motion, oscillating motion and rotational motion or any two or three with conversions and is adapted for using kinetic and electrical energy sources together and interchangeably. The system may be adapted for vehicular use. In one embodiment a two-cycle internal combustion engine is used in combination with the apparatus.

Abstract: A shade for a personal watercraft includes a canopy and a canopy support frame. The shade is formed to provide a clearance such that a person thrown from the craft to either of its sides is not in danger of striking the canopy or its frame. The frame is easily broken down into small, easily transported components and is quickly assembled and mounted onto the craft. A breakaway strap holds the shade in position at the helm of the craft.

Abstract: A hand tool is used for resizing bent, broken, warped or swollen tongue-in-groove panels, planks or boards. The tool has a cutter or file (rasp) mounted on one side so as to be inserted into a groove for cutting the groove to size. The other side of the tool has a pair of spaced apart cutting surfaces for smoothing a tongue. The tool is fastened by a simple clamp and has a handle for manipulation.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a musical instrument during play comprises a hub pivotally engaging a plurality of horizontally disposed arms which extend radially outwardly from the hub. At least one of the arms is adjustable in length. A plurality of vertically disposed legs where, at least one of the legs is adjustable in length, are joined at the free ends of the arms. The hub provides a base portion and a cover portion and the arms are sandwiched between them. The cover may be tightened down on the base portion so as to lock the arms of the apparatus in a position of choice for best supporting the musical instrument. The base portion further provides a horizontal step extending downwardly in a position for engaging a pedal and striker assembly. The pedal and striker assembly are positioned for striking a musical instrument supported by the legs.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a pair of elongated reciprocating members. The reciprocating members are supported for rotational motion about a pivot axis and the forward ends of the reciprocating members reciprocate back and forth linearly along a motion restrictor forcing near linear motion. The combination of these two motions by the reciprocating members permit a user's feet to travel along conical orelliption motion path of travel. Resistance to rotation of a cranking means is provided and may be selectively altered by the user. At lower inclinations/elevations of the restrictor, the stepping motion may resemble cross-country skiing. At progressively higher angles of inclination or elevations of the restrictor, the stepping motions may simulate walking, jogging, running, climbing.

Abstract: A dead time regulating apparatus is used in a switch mode power system. The apparatus, comprises a power MOSFET circuit with PMOS and NMOS devices. Driving means is connected for driving and for turning-on a delay in the MOSFETs. A time delay detecting means is connected for detecting dead time during MOSFET turn on and a pulse width comparing means is connected for receiving dead time signals and synchronous pulses for generating control signals. The control signals are directed to the driver means respectively for adjusting turn-on delays. The method of the invention provides precise dead time control in the MOSFET devices. The circuit drives the two MOSFET devices such that there is precise control of the dead time during on-off switching.