Abstract: A lifting device utilizing a utility winch having an electric motor and cable drum. The cable on the cable drum extends around a pulley located on a load cell beam. Excessive loads will deflect the load cell beam causing a contact on a micro switch to be engaged to shut off power to the motor. The cable is attached to a trolley which reciprocates along a mast between upper and lower limits. The trolley includes a brake which has a drum which engages the mast to stop in travel of the trolley in the event of a cable breakage. Cable tension is also sensed and cable slack will actuate a switch to interrupt power to the electric motor. Various load handling attachments are detachably securable to the trolley.

Abstract: A lightweight trench shield having side panels spaced apart by spreaders. Each panel has a core formed of a metal honeycomb with the core faces having a fiber in resin matrix layer thereon. The core density varies with regions proximate the spreader supports being increased to provide support for side loads. The spreader supports receive the ends of the spreaders and distribute the applied loads outwardly from the spreader via a mounting ring.

Abstract: A positioning attachment for vehicle seatbelts primarily for use by pregnant women. The attachment has an anchor portion securable to the vehicle seat or seat support and an attachment portion adjustably securable to the vehicle lap belt to position the lap belt in a lowered position extending below the abdomen of the wearer to secure the wearer in the pelvic area.

Abstract: An improved shoulder rest for a stringed instrument such as a violin or a viola. The rest has a curved edge conforming to the shape of the tail piece of the instrument. One surface of the rest is planar and is positioned against the bottom of the tail piece. The opposite surface has a first region and a second region of increased thickness. An intermediate region transitions between the first and second region. The rest is formed from a resilient foam material and is detachably secured to the instrument by an elastic band extending between the C-bouts and the end button. In a playing position, the thicker second region is placed over the collar bone area of the musician and the thinner first region extends forwardly along the shoulder so as to not raise the instrument.

Abstract: A process for treating a substrate such as glass or wood to provide the appearance of concrete. One or more coats of a polymeric cementitious material is thinly spread over the substrate. Colorants may be added or the coating may be stained subsequent to drying. Designs may be impressed or applied to the coating. The completed article may be used for decorative and architectural items such as table tops. In one embodiment a design is marked off with tape prior to applying the cementitious material.

Abstract: A protective sleeve for use when handling animals to protect against cuts and scratches. The sleeve has an outer puncture-resistant surface and a scratch-resistant layer. The sleeve tapers from the elbow toward the hand of the user. A thumb receiving aperture is provided near the lower end of the sleeve to provide stability and to permit free use of the hand. A glove may be attached or integral with the sleeve which is also made of a laminate puncture- and scratch-resistant material.

Abstract: A prototype connector has a section in the general shape of the letter. “C”, thereby causing it to have a convex outer surface. Ends of the prototype connector form lips that are contiguously connected through respective flanges to ends of a web. A connector for making a butt connection between two cement composite panels is formed by two prototype connectors that have outer surfaces of their webs welded together. A connector for making an “L” connection between the two panels is formed by welding an outer surface of a flange of one prototype connector to an outer surface of a web of another prototype connector. A connector for connecting the two panels together at a preselected angle is made by using two sheet metal plates to connect each flange of a first prototype connector to a flange of a second prototype connector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to several embodiments of tools for finishing stone particularly stone tiles. The first embodiment is a production table on which a plurality of tiles can be secured within a cabinet so a worker may finish and polish the edges of the aligned tiles to produce a desired profile. Another embodiment of the invention relates to a modification of a standard tile saw in which any auxiliary carriage table is securable to the conveyer. The auxiliary table has an adjustable fence for precisely positioning a tile to be polished. The saw blade is replaced with an arbor to which a replaceable polishing ring can be secured. The rings are plastic having an abrasive surface defining various profiles and are provided in various grits. The tile is advanced by the table to bring the edge of the tile into engagement with the periphery of the ring to polish and profile the tile.

Abstract: A tool to facilitate the removal of a barrel bushing on a handgun such as the 1911 automatic pistol. The tool has a handle which foldably receives a wrench having an aperture conforming to the shape of bushing. In the extended position, the wrench is provided with ridges or serrations to frictionally engage the fingers or hands of the user. Additional accessory items such as knife blades or other tools may be foldably secured to the handle.

Abstract: A novelty golf club, such as a putter, having a head and a shaft. The upper end of the shaft has a hollow, tubular grip section below which is a transparent tubular viewing section. Graphics are displayed on the viewing section. The upper section of the shaft is filled with a fluid. A sleeve is reciprocal within the fluid and has a specific gravity less than the fluid so that when the club is inverted the sleeve is located behind the graphics to obscure viewing of the graphics. When the club is inverted to a playing position, the sleeve, due to its buoyancy, will “float” to a position within the grip to allow viewing of the graphics.

Abstract: A multi-compartment container for storage of food, personal and miscellaneous items. The container has a base with a bottom and a circular sidewall. Radial dividers for a plurality of generally pre-shaped individual compartments which may be integral or removable. An access opening with a closure is provided for each compartment. The center of the container defines a through aperture which may be used for support in a position of use or for receiving an accessory such as a small battery-powered light.

Abstract: A light holder for a brimmed helmet of the type worn by firefighters. The holder has an aperture for receiving the barrel of a light. A mounting slot extends angularly with respect to the aperture so when the slot is engaged with the brim, the light is maintained at eye level disposed below the brim and in an out-of-the-way position to minimize the possibility of snagging. Set screw or other fasteners may be provided for securement of the light to the holder and the holder to the helmet.

Abstract: A portable desk for a laptop computer or similar device. The desk has a rigid panel with a central cutout. Pads are provided on the top surface to receive the computer case to provide friction. Cushions on the underside of the panel engage and stabilize the desk on the user's legs in a sitting position. A mouse pad is hinged to the desk and in a stored position is received in the center cutout and may be deployed to a position adjacent the desk when in use. Heat is dissipated through the central cutout and also along air troughs between the bottom of the case and upper surface of the desk. In one embodiment, the desk may be provided with folding legs which may be deployed to impart an inclination to the working surface. The desk is compact, lightweight and can be conveniently stored in a carrying case alongside the computer when not in use.

Abstract: A topical dressing and method of making same wherein a gauze pad is impregnated with tannin extract derived from Black Pekoe tea.