Abstract: On conventional method of surfacing the interior of a pipe employing arc welding techniques is to apply a series of annular weld strips to the pipe. A simpler, more efficient method is to apply longitudinally extending strips to the interior of the pipe, while rotating the pipe between each welding metal application.

Abstract: Most bicycle racks are heavy metal objects, which are ill suited for home use. A simple, portable bicycle rack for home use includes a hollow plastic body with an inlet near the top end thereof permitting at least partial filling of the body with water or sand; and an arcuate recess in an inclined front surface of the body for receiving a bicycle wheel to hold the bicycle in a standing position.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a length of pipe and/or sleeve mounted thereon includes a main frame defined by a pair of posts for mounting on the pipe on each side of the area to be heated and a guide bar extending between the top ends of the posts parallel to the pipe; a screw extending between the posts above the pipe in the use position; a carriage mounted on the screw for movement longitudinally of the pipe when the screw is rotated; a bifurcated heater carrier frame, the arms of which are pivotally connected to the carriage for rotation between an open position and a closed position in which the heaters surround the pipe and any sleeve mounted thereon, whereby, with the heaters in operation, the carriage and consequently the heaters can be moved along the pipe to heat the latter uniformly.

Abstract: In general, hand trucks are heavy metal devices which are somewhat expensive and difficult to manipulate. A simple, readily portable, collapsible hand truck includes a tubular rectangular frame, the corners of which are interconnected by similar pairs of upper and lower, inverted L-shaped brackets, the upper brackets pivotally supporting a tubular, generally C-shaped handle and the lower brackets pivotally supporting a tubular, generally C-shaped load supporting platform; a pair of bifurcated yokes rotatably mounted on the frame sides above the lower brackets for supporting a pair of wheels; and a crossbar pivotally mounted on the inner end of the axle of one wheel for rotation from a vertical storage position to a horizontal use position engaging the yoke carrying the other wheel, whereby the yokes and wheels can be releasably latched in the parallel use position perpendicular to the frame.

Abstract: A relatively simple carrier for an electrical extension cord and a license plate includes a rectangular casing with an open front end, a spool slidably mounted in the open front end of the casing for movement between a closed position in which the spool is located in and closes the casing, and an open position in which the spool is accessible outside of the casing, permitting the winding of the extension cord onto the spool. Spring and cam devices positively bias has the spool to the closed or open position when the spool is moved to such position.

Abstract: In general, it can be difficult and time consuming to mount X-ray shields or filters on an X-ray machine. An even more serious difficulty is that of effectively masking all but a specific area. A relatively effective X-ray shielding support, which can be adjusted in any direction to mask all but a specific area includes an apertured base plate for mounting on the machine to define a frame around the collimator aperture of the machine, a variety of spacers for mounting on the base plate, and filter holders for mounting on at least one of the base plate and spacers. The spacers and filter holders are magnetic to make interconnection of the elements quick and easy.

Abstract: One form of conventional earth anchor device includes an anchor which is driven into the ground as the leading element of a combination. Thus, the anchor must be streamlined to facilitate ground entry which is incompatible with the need for a curved body facilitating anchoring. Another problem is the need for anchors having large bearing areas which require considerable effort for insertion into the ground. A device providing a solution to these problems includes a tube or sleeve with a sacrificial blade releasably mounted in the bottom end thereof for driving into the ground, and a rod carrying an anchor and a spring biasing the anchor outwardly, whereby the sleeve can be driven into the ground, following which the rod is held down while the sleeve is extracted, leaving the blade, and, when the anchor and spring exit the sleeve, the spring biases the anchor into a ground engaging position. An upward pull on the rod pivots the anchor into a secure anchoring position in the ground.

Abstract: The normal practice in serve yourself coffee outlets, such as cafeteria-style restaurants and some convenience stores, is to provide loose lids in a cardboard box. A common result is that lids are knocked on the floor and spread around so that different sizes of lids become mixed together. A simple solution to the problem is a lid dispenser which dispenses lids one at a time when a lever is pressed downwardly. The lever extends through the front wall of the dispenser for actuating a pusher arm which engages the flange of the lowermost lid of a stack of lids and pushes the lid through a slot in the dispenser housing. A helical spring returns the lever and the pusher arm to the rest position in which the arm is suitably located for another lid dispensing operation.

Abstract: In general, catalytic heaters which rely on ambient air for operation are self limiting. A simple, effective solution to the problem includes a casing with an open front end, a screen on such front end, a catalyst pad in the casing behind the screen, and diffuser pads for receiving a gas/air fuel mixture from a mixer which creates the mixture and introduces the mixture through the rear wall of the casing. Channels or dikes in the diffuser pads ensure even distribution of the gas/air fuel mixture to the catalyst pad.

Abstract: The conventional electric toothbrush includes a vibrating head or cylindrical brushes which rotate in one direction only. The toothbrush described herein includes a plurality of annular brushes which rotate in opposite directions to simulate the up and down brushing action of ordinary, manually operated toothbrushes.

Abstract: A bendable sub for use in the drilling string includes an elongated tubular mandrel with a threaded top end for mounting the mandrel at the bottom end of a drilling string, a lock nut threaded onto the body of the mandrel between the ends thereof for vertical movement, a coupler slidably mounted on the mandrel beneath the lock nut for movement between a release position and a locking position, the coupler being non-rotatable on the mandrel, a sleeve on the mandrel beneath the coupler with a tapering passage extending therethrough, a latch between the coupler and the sleeve for releasably connecting the coupler to the sleeve, and a retaining nut on the bottom end of the mandrel beneath the sleeve for retaining the latter on the mandrel, at least the bottom end of the coupler and the top end of the sleeve being inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the mandrel, whereby the sleeve can be tilted or inclined with respect to the mandrel to form a bend in the drilling sub.

Abstract: An auxiliary pedestrian crossing warning signal system for use in automobiles equipped with a main signal system including front and rear, left and right amber turn indicator lamps incorporates an alternating flasher into the main signal system via a relay to provide communication between a driver and a pedestrian in order to reduce vehicle-pedestrian collisions. An automatic shut-off timer is connected to the relay circuit for controlling the duration of the auxiliary system operation after the brake pedal is released. The auxiliary system is operated by a momentary pressure on a pushbutton switch mounted in the dashboard and by the application of pressure to the vehicle brake pedal, so that the auxiliary system operates only when the pushbutton is energized and the vehicle is stopped. In addition to the in-dash indicator lights, a pair of indicator lights can be mounted beside the pushbutton switch as an additional indication that the auxiliary system is in operation.

Abstract: An automated vapor pressure measuring apparatus includes an elongated cylindrical casing with a valve therein separating a liquid sample receiving chamber (the liquid chamber) from a vapor decompression chamber (vapor chamber), heaters for heating the chambers separately, temperature probes extending into both chambers, a pressure measuring device connected to the vapor chamber, a device to rotate the cylindrical casing to effect mixing of the contents and a programmable controller for controlling operation of the valve between the chambers, the heaters, valves for introducing and discharging liquid sample from the liquid chamber, and a valve for discharging vapor from the vapor chamber, for monitoring the temperature probes and the pressure measuring device, for controlling the rotating device and for providing visual indications of temperature and pressure.

Abstract: There has been very little improvement in pole climbing devices over the past one hundred years. A relatively simple, electrically insulating pole climbing device includes a solid, one-piece sole plate for attachment to the bottom of a boot or shoe, a side bar pivotally connected to one side of the sole plate for extending upwardly therefrom and carrying a top strap for connecting the device to the calf of a user, a metal gaff mounted on the side bar for engaging a pole, and an arm extending upwardly from the other side of the sole plate and carrying straps for connecting the sole plate to the foot and ankle of the wearer. The combination electrically insulates the gaff from the wearer, so that the possibility of an electrical shock is substantially reduced.

Abstract: The problem of carrying logs into a house and dumping them into a bin or the like is readily solved by a multi-port container for mounting in an exterior wall of a dwelling, the container having an opening in one side thereof outside the dwelling, a drum in the container with an opening aligned with the container opening for receiving the logs, the drum being rotatable to a second position in which the drum opening is aligned with a second opening in the container located inside the dwelling for unloading the logs. The structure can also be used as a garbage bin under a kitchen counter, or, by reversing the loading and unloading openings, in an exterior building wall for discharging garbage from the inside of the building.

Abstract: A relatively simple spot and stain remover composition contains approximately 60% by weight vegetable oil, 29.36 by weight water, 0.04% by weight formaldehyde, 1.6% by weight sodium xylene sulphonate, 1.6% by weight of the sodium salt of ether sulphate, 1.7% by weight of a 45% aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide, 4.4% by weight sulphonic acid, 1.2% by weight lauryl alkanolamide, and traces of a fragrance and a pink dye.

Abstract: A dough working device includes a rectangular body with a recess in the top surface thereof for receiving dough to be rolled; a plurality of thin plates for insertion into the recess for changing the depth thereof and consequently the thickness of the dough; a second, circular recess in the bottom surface of the body for carrying a turntable; a plug normally carried in a well in one side of the body for insertion into a well in the circular recess when the body is inverted for rotatably supporting the turntable; and a rubber pad supporting the body in either the dough rolling or turntable position.