Abstract: A selectively lockable, articulated boat trailer comprising a carriage having a selectively pivoted front axle controlled by a jack column assembly. The carriage comprises a wheeled trailer and a separate front axle assembly adapted to be coupled to a conventional tow vehicle. The wheeled axle of the trailer is suspended perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the trailer. A system for retrofitting to existing trailers includes independent framework that receives the tongue of the trailer fixed to the jack column assembly. Regardless of the configuration, retrofit or original equipment, the separate front axle assembly is operatively coupled to the trailer by the jack column assembly. The jack column assembly provides lifting action and a pivot between the trailer section and the separate front axle assembly. Sleeved portions of the jack column assembly coaxially rotate relative to one another.

Abstract: An adjustable, self-gripping and self-balancing fishing rod holder comprises a mounting block adapted to be secured to the gunwale rail of a fishing boat or the like and a cooperating receiver swiveled to the block that holds the rod. The preferably wire receiver holds the handle or grip portion of a fishing rod in such a manner that its grip is increased on the fishing rod when a fish strikes. The resilient, generally rectangular mounting block comprises a rail receptive bore forward of the block's center. Two bolts secure the halves of the block together, frictionally capturing the rail therebetween. The receiver is constructed of a single continuous piece of wire forming a forward cradle, an integral notch, and a central base interconnecting the cradle to the notch. The cradle and notch are offset. A bracket spanning the base pivotally secures the receiver to the block. The bore and the pivot bolt are offset from the center of the block in opposite directions.

Abstract: A narrow profile, variable width stump grinder comprising a stump treatment tool adapted to forcibly grind a stump and a variable width carriage. The carriage comprises a rigid elongated frame and independently driven wheels coupled to the frame by extensible axles or struts. The frame comprises a longitudinal central member terminating in a header supporting the tool and a front tongue adapted to be coupled to a tow vehicle. The retractable struts are oriented generally perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the machine. The header comprises a housing defining parallel sleeves oriented perpendicularly to the axis to receive the struts. A hinged stand is pivotally secured to the top of the header to support the treatment tool in a raised position for transport. A linkage interconnecting the struts and a hydraulic cylinder deploys or retracts the struts to widen or narrow the grinder's stance. The linkage comprises an L-shaped crank pivoted to the frame.

Abstract: An automatic grading control device for finishing plastic concrete controls several different elongated, multi-section concrete finishing tools such as vibratory screeds or the like, with or without forms. Supporting skis facilitate sliding, winch driven movement of the device relative to the plastic concrete. Spaced apart and vertically upwardly extending towers are supported by the skis and disposed periodically along the length of the finishing tool. Each tower comprises a pair of elongated, spaced apart stanchions disposed on opposite sides of the tool that are braced with a rigid, adjustable upper strut. The strut extends between the stanchions and forms the top of the tower. Movable sleeves coaxially fitted to the stanchions are synchronized by rigid transverse bridges that extend between the sleeves above the tool. Hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders extending between the strut and the bridge raise and lower the tool thereby controlling level.

Abstract: A planting, and agri-chemical applicating farming implement for multiple tilling functions. The implement can be deployed in multiple gang configurations. Each gang comprises a frame for coupling the implement to a tow vehicle, a blade depending downwardly from the front of the frame for initially contacting, shaping, and leveling a raised row or bed, means for applying agri-chemicals and seed to soil behind the blade, and multiple spider gangs for vigorously mixing and incorporating agri-chemical, seed, and soil. The spider gangs comprise a first gang of rotatable spiders disposed in a row beneath said frame and journaled for rotation about a first adjustable common axis of rotation, and a second gang of rotatable spiders disposed in a row beneath said frame means and journaled for rotation about a second adjustable common axis of rotation. The first and second axes of rotation preferably form equal and opposite acute angles with respect to the implement's longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An Emergency Respirator of a half mask type for in-home or institutional use including a filtration canister housing two carbon elements and two fiberglass elements. The canister is preferably constructed of stamped sheet aluminum or plastic held together by a split U-shaped retaining ring or snap fit clips cast into the casings. A cover forming a plenum is also fixed in place by the retaining ring or snap fit clips. The cover has a bushing for connecting a mouth cover to the respirator. The mouth cover is of an elliptical shape with a central opening to receive the bushing. Valve covers are disposed over webbed openings in the inner casing and the cover to secure rubber diaphragm valves. Each valve allows air flow in a single direction. The inner casing valve allows air from the filter system to pass into the plenum. Air is expelled through the cover's outer valve.

Abstract: A hanging file frame system adapted to accommodate conventional hanging file folders comprising two side rails, two cross member rods and two hoops joined together by four modular joint supports. The side rails are of relatively flat stock with a plurality of breakaway notches in one end. The cross members and the hoops are formed from round bar stock of the same diameter. The cross members are round bar stock of a predetermined length. The hoops are bent from a single piece of stock forming a foot section, uprights at either end of the foot section, two terminating horizontal tangs and barbs on each tang. The modular joint supports are interchangeable and constructed of a resilient but somewhat flexible plastic. The supports comprise minor bosses in a horizonal orientation whenever the hanging file frame is assembled with internal keyways running parallel with the central axis of the minor bosses, and a major boss formed in the side of the support.