Abstract: A device for simulating the sound of a motorcycle as a child's toy in which the simulated sound is composed of at least two rectangular waves partially out of phase with each other, mixed and amplified. The frequency (and preferably the volume) of the mixed rectangular waves varies with the position of a rotatable simulated throttle.

Abstract: In connection with a pair of binoculars hung over a hunter's neck, a device for keeping the binoculars secured to the user's body, including a length of surgical tubing with a gripping piece installed within the tubing on both ends. Each gripping piece has a hole in it for the attachment of a metal ring to be connected to the binoculars and to a quick release mechanism to aid in the installation of the invention around the torso of the hunter.

Abstract: In a hot environment such as the exhaust system of a steam generator an apparatus for protecting a measuring device such as an oxygen concentration probe from heat damage by offering a probe housing within the hot environment for housing the probe and a surrounding convection housing which defines a convection space therebetween substantially closed to the subject environment and open to the ambient environment. The higher temperature of the hot environment relative to the ambient environment causes gas convection currents to flow from the defined convection space to the ambient environment, protecting the probe from heat damage.

Abstract: A fire protection device for a structure using a fire resistant sheet material compacted in a folded condition in a housing on the roof of the structure so that when deployed from the housing it can be unfolded to quickly envelop the structure.

Abstract: In connection with a child with a cleft palate and/or cleft lip, a device to allow the child to effectively suck by mouth typically comprising a solid duckbill shaped shield with an incorporated nipple on its underside together with a means of interconnecting the nipple to a baby bottle or the breast. The shield acts to seal the cleft palate while keeping the nipple from collapsing into the cleft palate and cleft lip to allow the infant to suck liquids from a bottle or the breast.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning blinds which have a plurality of parallel, spaced slats where the method comprises the steps of (1) drawing the slats of the blind together, (2) immersing the blind in a container of liquid detergent, (3) rinsing the drawn blind with a rinsing liquid and (4) blowing the blind with a gas until it is substantially dry. The apparatus comprises a container containing a liquid detergent and capable of receiving the blind, a rinsing means for propelling rinsing liquid over the blind and drying means for blowing a gas over and through the blind until it is substantially dry.

Abstract: An electronic pickup device for stringed instruments having a pivot securely attached to the musical instrument and one rockshaft for each string of the musical instrument. The rockshaft is attached to one end of a string and attached to the pivot so that the other end of the rockshaft vibrates in conformity with the vibrations of the string. The vibrations of the rockshaft are then translated into electrical vibrations typically via a magnet on the end of the rockshaft juxtaposed to an induction coil.

Abstract: This is a device for aerating water comprising (1) a fan within a pumping chamber for drawing air through an intake port and forcing air out an exhaust port therein, (2) a fan enabling means located outside the pumping chamber for moving the fan so that air is drawn through the intake port and out the exhaust port, (3) a means for insulating the pumping chamber from the heat created by the fan enabling means, and (4) a means for dispersing the air flowing out of the exhaust port and into water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thumb support for the human hand comprising a support piece having a cradle portion installable around the thenar eminence and the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb and a tab portion wrappable over the thumb/index web space. When the cradle portion and tab portion are properly installed, they create a frustoconically shaped cone portion which acts to enclose the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb and isolate the index finger and the thumb and support the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb.

Abstract: The present invention is an educational aid for the teaching of different spellings for each of at least two vowel sounds. It comprises a board marked with the common symbol for each of the vowel sounds. In a circular indentation wedge-shaped pieces are housed, each piece having a spelling for one of the vowel sounds marked thereon. One surface of each piece is colored with the color which exists around the marking of its vowel sound on the board. The other side of each piece is similarly marked but not colored.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for installing and disengaging the well-known twist lock air fitting (also known as a Chicago fitting). The invention in its narrower sense comprises two vise grips each securely attached to one of the two interlocking members of the twist lock air fitting with the two vise grips connected by an interconnecting bar attached to one vise grip with a ball joint interconnection. The twist lock air fitting is installed by pressing together and rotating the two vise grips until the claws pass the locking tabs of the fitting. Disengaging of the fitting is accomplished by a reversal of the above procedure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container constructed of a material with a stiffness coefficient of less than one-tenth (0.