Abstract: A filter container arrangement which permits ease of positioning, installation and maintenance within limited space allocable to such a device in applications such as a boat. The head plug being easily removably insertable to provide a large opening for removal and replacement of the filter element after which the head plug may be easily reinserted and the container sealed. The input and output mechanisms, mounted on the port plug, being non-incrementally rotatably and longitudinally adjustable to facilitate alignment of the input and output mechanisms with the input and output sources. A plurality of pressure monitor assembles which may incorporate a bleed valve for each of the input and output sides of the filter are mounted in the head plug to allow the user to determine the status of the filter element without opening the filter container.

Abstract: A portable office carrying case having a base fabricated of ridged material and at least the front and back sides fabricated of ridged material to protect electronic equipment, such as a portable computer, placed within the case by the user to be moved and placed on a working surface. The sides between the front and back may be ridged or flexible to allow the expansion of the space within the case. At least the front ridged side is hinged to the base and detachable from the sides so that the user may lower the front side from a vertical position onto the working surface providing access to the keyboard of the computer at substantially the working surface level. A storage pocket may be attached to the outside of the back ridged side. A divider may be mounted inside the case to define compartments. Pockets may be mounted on the divider to allow the user to store office materials. A top is provided to close over the case.

Abstract: An improved arrangement for controlling and adjusting the compression ratio of an internal combustion engine (10) during operation. A secondary cylinder (201) is formed in the engine cylinder head (102) and opens upon the combustion chamber (110) of the engine. A secondary piston (203) is positioned by a control device (503) within the secondary cylinder (201). The rear most position corresponding to the lowest compression ratio. The desired position of the secondary piston (203), that compression ratio which corresponds to maximum efficiency of the engine, is controlled by a logic unit (816) operating upon such inputs as the engine load as correlated to the input manifold pressure, the engine RPM and the present position of the secondary piston (203). The linkage of the control may utilize a servo motor or hydraulic driver to rotate a shaft (301). All secondary pistons (203) may be operated in unison or a control system may be provided for each cylinder (201).

Abstract: A snail and slug control apparatus formed as a composite sheet fabricated from a layer of polythene (polyeethylene) coated at least on one side with copper foil. An adhesive layer may be applied between the layer of polythene and the copper foil. The apparatus may be fabricated into a composite sheet by inserting the layers between nip rollers and cut to a preselected width. A length of the apparatus may be shaped to form a protective perimeter around selected areas. The apparatus may be held in place with stakes.

Abstract: A passive reflective safety device for vehicles formed as a wheel cover, a fixed applique to the outside of the vehicle body, a fixed geometric shape attached to a rotational part of the vehicle or as a rotating wind driven vane attached to the vehicle. Each of the devices functions as a passive beacon to alert persons in other vehicles of the presence of the users vehicle. Each device is fabricated of rigid sheet material with a reflective layer applied to a visible side of the device. If transparent sheet material is used, the reflective layer may be applied to the inboard side of the device. The wind vane device may contain a governor to limit the rotational speed. A wind deflector may be installed in front of the vane device to encourage rotation in one direction.

Abstract: A floatable device having a ridged body containing a plurality of tie points near the edge and a substantially central orifice. Several bodies may be tied in series to form a ladder for ingress and egress of boats. The body may be filled with closed cell foam to sustain buoyancy if the ridged body is pierced or cracked. The body may be tinted a bright, safety color. The ties securing the blocks together may be whipped with a clamp having a tapered end to prevent the knots from slipping.

Abstract: An exercise device providing a sling of flexible material forming a cradle supported by a frame so that the cradle is initially taut. The frame is basically a "U" shape fabricated from tube stock. The cradle may be fabricated of canvas with two opposing edges formed as channels into which the frame is inserted. A cross piece completes the closure of the "U" open end, holds the cradle taut and prevents the collapse of the cradle and frame when at upon by the user. The frame by be bent to form a support to hold the cradle in a fixed inclination to the horizontal. A riser and base by be attached to a frame to form a triangle to allow the cradle to be set at a plurality of preselected inclinations.

Abstract: A method and device for vegetation control. More particularly a technique of a plurality of steps in the application of electromagnetic fields of two or more selected but different frequencies, at least one in the ratio frequency range being first applied followed by application of others in the microwave region, to the area in which vegetation is to be controlled.

Abstract: An articulated body armor arrangement constructed of panels of multi-layered energy absorbent material such as KEVLAR attached to an outer shell fabricated to fit the upper body and a separate lower body unit. The panel which surrounds the torso is unitarily fabricated with an overlapping opening. Each panel protects a non-hinged body part. Adjacent panels abut at hinged body joints to allow freedom of movement of the user. The resulting seam may be further protected by the application of an external shield.

Abstract: In combination with a digital computing machine the computer card is formatted by the user to include an audio portion and a visual portion of an interpersonal-social communication. The composite communication is transmitted by the user to a recipient through a computerized central mail exchange apparatus or created on removable, transportable magnetic media, such as a floppy disk, insertable into and readable by the recipient's audio and visual display device whereby a synchronized audio and visual display of the interpersonal-social communication is created.

Abstract: In combination with a digital computing machine the computer card is formatted by the user to include an audio portion and a visual portion of an interpersonal-social communication. The composite communication is transmitted by the user to a recipient through a computerized central mail exchange apparatus or created on removable, transportable magnetic media, such as a floppy disk, insertable into and readable by the recipient's audio and visual display device whereby a synchronized audio and visual display of the interpersonal-social communication is created.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for cleaning internal combustion engines by providing a cart with wheels to transport the apparatus to the engine to the serviced. The apparatus can contain a battery or be connected to the power supply of the engine. A cleaning solution is poured into the reservoir of the apparatus. A pump delivers the cleaning solution to the input junction of the fuel supply line of the engine. Control switches insure the apparatus is started and brought up to operating pressure. If internal pressure is not achieved or if pressure is lost during operating, the power to the pump is interrupted. A return line is provided to establish a pathway for excess cleaning solution to be returned to the reservoir of the apparatus. The return line incorporates an adjustable pressure regulator to compensate for an inadequate or manufactioning engine fuel pressure regulator.

Abstract: An improved cargo carrying arrangement particularly adapted to carry a sailboard and related equipment. A horizontal cargo bed is vertically supported above the user's head. The vertical supports are attached to curved shoulder supports. Padding is provided on the top of the cargo bed and under the shoulder supports. Handles are mounted on the front vertical supports within reach of the user to be used to steady the load. A strap is provided to tie the cargo to the bed. The vertical supports may be hinged to the bed to allow the arrangement to be folded for storage.

Abstract: A mechanical arrangement to provide power assistance for the application of vehicle brakes with a positive shut-off of power assistance immediately upon release of the brake control by the user. The shut-off is achieved mechanically by providing pressure relief from the power assist pressure chamber by connecting a pressure relief channel between the power assist chamber and the brake fluid reservoir or by disconnecting the power piston in the power assist chamber from the main piston as soon as the brake control is released by the user.

Abstract: A personal identification tag for notation of name, address, medical information, etc. which may be installed in side the shoe of the user. During distribution the paper layer made up of a notational part and a border on the edges of the notational part are attached by an adhesive layer to a clear plastic overlay. The backing of the paper layer is removable from the adhesive layer. During installation, the boarder is removed from the tag and discarded. The notational part of the tag is positioned in an accessible part of the shoe or other article. The notational part of the tag is protected from wear and moisture and hold in place by the clear plastic overlay and the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A personal identification tag for notation of name, address, medical information, etc. which may be installed inside the shoe of the user. During distribution the paper layer made up of a notational part and a border on the edges of the notational part are attached by an adhesive layer to a clear plastic overlay. The backing of the paper layer is removable from the adhesive layer. During installation, the boarder is removed from the tag and discarded. In another embodiment, the paper layer serves as a backing to a notational strip as well as a overlay portion, both having an adhesive layer. The surface of the notational strip opposite the adhesive layer may have an opaque layer added to accept writing of identification data. For either configuration, the notational part of the tag is positioned in an accessible part of the shoe or other article. The notational part of the tag is protected from wear and moisture and held in place by the clear plastic overlay and the adhesive layer.