Abstract: A tree climbing apparatus which includes a climbing platform for supporting a hunter on a tree and a cooperating foot platform for engaging the tree beneath the climbing platform and intermittently supporting the hunter while the climbing platform is caused to ascend the tree. The front ends of a pivoting cable adjusting guide bar and a pivoting cable retention guide bar, respectively, are slidably mounted for lateral and medial displacement on opposite sides of each platform at the front end thereof. One end of a support cable or chain is attached to an adjusting handle slidably and adjustably mounted on the cable adjusting guide bar and the opposite end of the support cable is extended around the tree and removably secured to the cable retention guide bar.

Abstract: An adjustable C-clamp which includes a generally C-shaped frame fitted with parallel bottom and top clamp seats and threadibly receiving a clamp cylinder at the top clamp seat. A slotted cylinder is secured in the clamp cylinder typically by means of an allen screw, and a clamp rod slidably disposed in the slotted cylinder is fitted with a clamp rod pin. A clamp nut typically attached to one end of the clamp rod faces the bottom clamp seat across the expanse of the clamp frame. The clamp rod pin is designed to traverse a pair of parallel, diametrically-opposed longitudinal cylinder slots in the slotted cylinder to facilitate slidably adjusting the clamp rod in the slotted cylinder and quickly positioning the clamp nut at a selected spacing from the bottom clamp seat.

Abstract: A portable folding tray for use in vehicles, which tray includes a bi-folding tray element pivotally attached to a tray mount that is fitted with a pair of extendible suction cups for removable attachment of the tray mount to the window of a vehicle. A rotatable tray adjustment bolt fitted in the tray mount threadably engages a pair of tray arms that mounts the tray to facilitate selectively raising and lowering the bi-folding tray of the window-mounted tray mount. A pair of tray leveling bolts can be adjustably extended from the tray mount to facilitate horizontal leveling of the tray by engaging the vehicle window beneath the suction cups.

Abstract: A precision multi-purpose machining apparatus for facilitating lathing, milling, drilling, sawing or routing operations typically using a rotary-type cutting tool. In a preferred embodiment the multi-purpose machining apparatus of this invention is characterized by an elongated support frame and a cutting tool mount cradle which is adjustably mounted on the support frame for receiving a cutting tool, such as an electric-powered DREMEL (trademark) rotary cutting tool. The support frame is capable of resting in a horizontal position, in which the cutting tool can be fitted with a cutting tool bit and the frame fitted with alternative workstock mounting attachments, to facilitate various lathing operations on a wooden or aluminum workstock. Alternatively, a saw table and saw blade can be removably mounted on the horizontal support frame and the cutting tool becomes a saw motor, the rotating shaft of which is connected to the saw blade by means of a drive belt, to facilitate various sawing operations.

Abstract: A heat exchanger housing support for supporting a heat exchanger or coil housing and accompanying ductwork in the installation of heating and air conditioning equipment. The heat exchanger housing supports are typically used in pairs and are each characterized by a vertically-oriented support leg having a longitudinal leg cavity for receiving a threaded rod, with an adjusting nut provided on the threaded rod and a bevel gear provided on the adjusting nut. A second bevel gear is mounted on the support leg for meshing with the first bevel gear on the adjusting nut and driving the threaded rod up and down. A bottom bracket is attached to the bottom end of the support leg for resting on a supporting surface and a top bracket is fitted to a top nut threaded on the upper end of the threaded rod for engagement with the heat exchanger or coil housing.

Abstract: Propellers and impellers having multiple recesses or striations which are cast in the low-pressure face of each blade of the propeller and impeller and extend from the junction of the blade with the hub, toward the extending or distal end of the blade. The parallel or fan-like striations define a waffle-like pattern and act as stress relief pockets as they effect optimum uniform cooling of the blade and hub portions during setting of the poured propeller and impeller in the casting mold, to eliminate or reduce the formation of voids in each blade, as well as shrinkage and warpage along that segment of the blades which join the hub.

Abstract: A rodless cylinder rope tensioning apparatus maintains tension in an endless rope operable for threading a web in a paper-making apparatus and includes at least one rodless cylinder having at least one yoke sheave attached to the internal piston in the rodless cylinder. The rope is initially threaded around an entry guide roller and the yoke sheave and spliced, and then stretched by operation of the rodless cylinder, which selectively causes the piston to relocate the yoke sheave along the length of the rodless cylinder and apply a selected degree of tension to the rope. In a preferred embodiment a pair of entry guide rollers is provided in a frame containing a pair of parallel rodless cylinders, each having a yoke sheave independently movable along the rodless cylinder by operation of the rodless cylinder piston, to effect tensioning of a pair of ropes in the paper-making apparatus.

Abstract: A dual filter isolation block for isolating a fluid stream between a fluid source and a user device and including a main body, a first fluid path provided in the main body between the source and the user device and a first filter provided in the first fluid path. A second fluid path is also provided in the main body between the source and the user device and a second filter is included in the second fluid path. A pair of spools are slidably disposed in the main body and intersect the first fluid path and the second fluid path, respectively, for selectively isolating the first fluid path and the first filter from the second fluid path and the second filter. In a specific application the dual filter isolation block selectively isolates a pair of filters for filteringg an operating fluid such as hydraulic oil or fluid between an actuator and a servo valve to protect the servo valve from contaminants in the operating fluid.

Abstract: A head and neck support for engaging a leg of a seated person or the arm of a chair and comfortably supporting the head and neck of the person at a selected angle and height above his or her lap. In a preferred embodiment the head and neck support includes a head support tray which typically supports a pillow, upon which the head of the sitting person rests. The head support tray is pivotally and adjustably mounted on a cylindrical compression shaft fitting which adjustably receives the upper end of an extension shaft or a support shaft attached to the extension shaft and terminated on the bottom end by a curved support arm which typically engages the leg of the person. A compression sleeve is provided on the extension or support shaft for threadibly engaging and compressing the compression shaft fitting against the extension shaft or the support shaft after a selected length of the extension shaft or the support shaft is extended from the compression shaft fitting.

Abstract: A pressure flow stop for temporarily blocking flow of water from a main water supply line to a residence or business, in order to facilitate replacement of a damaged, defective or deteriorated water shutoff valve, or “curbstop”, of the residence or business. In a preferred embodiment the pressure flow stop is characterized by an elongated, typically cylindrical stem housing which is removably attached to the damaged, defective or deteriorated shutoff valve after the shutoff valve is closed and the water meter is removed from the shutoff valve, respectively. An elongated, flexible stem, terminated by an inflatable balloon, is slidably disposed in the stem housing, and the shutoff valve is opened to facilitate extension of the balloon end of the stem from the housing through the shutoff valve and into the water source pipe leading from the main water line.

Abstract: A food, beverage and utility tray which includes in a first embodiment a plate section having downwardly-extending legs or supports and a flat area bordered by a tapered lip for receiving and supporting a plate. An intermediate section extends from the plate section and includes a downwardly-extending conical hand grip and a slotted cup holder. A stiffening and finger access indentation typically extends from the plate section, through the upper surface of the hand grip to the cup holder. A downwardly-extending arm rest may be provided in the plate section for engaging the forearm of the user. In another embodiment a supplemental cup holder may be included in the intermediate section between the plate section and the cup holder. In yet another embodiment two to four legs may be provided on the plate section and these legs may project from the lip extending around the plate section as substantially flat or slightly curved supports, or as frusto-conical legs extending from the plate section.

Abstract: A hand-held circular saw which is characterized by a gasoline-powered, trigger-operated blade drive unit connected to a conventional circular saw by means of a specially-designed adaptor. In a preferred embodiment the circular saw is characterized by a circular saw blade rotatably mounted in a saw housing which is connected to a drive shaft housing and adjacent gear housing. The adaptor is secured inside the drive shaft housing, and the blade drive shaft extends from connection to a blade-driving gear train inside the gear housing, and through the adaptor and projects from the drive shaft housing. The blade drive unit receives the protruding blade drive shaft, and is fitted with an attachment collar which removably receives the adaptor to connect the blade drive unit to the circular saw. The gasoline-powered circular saw is lightweight, efficient and suitable for outdoor home, farm or commercial use.

Abstract: A liquid composition and method for chemical remediation of eroded soil or oil-damaged vegetation and/or soil. In a preferred embodiment the soil remediation composition is characterized by a homogenous aqueous solution having selected quantities of urea, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), hydrated calcium nitrate and an ionic or non-ionic surfactant such as ether sulfate. The composition solution is typically sprayed either full-strength or at a selected dilution on the oil-damaged soil and vegetation or eroded, sparsely-vegetated or oil-damaged soil, and rapidly penetrates the soil to the vegetation roots to cleanse the vegetation and soil, activate hydrocarbon-consuming bacteria in the case of oil spills, and promote plant nitrogen assimilation and rapid growth and ground coverage of vegetation. The treated soil is typically seeded to enhance grass or vegetation growth and coverage.

Abstract: Multi-polyhedral puzzles characterized by four tetrahedra and one octahedron which are divided into different sets of multiple polyhedron blocks having various configurations, each block having multiple faces and each face being one of several colors. In a preferred embodiment the polyhedron blocks of each octahedron or tetrahedron set are fitted together in a corresponding transparent case to form the octahedron or tetrahedron, according to one of three levels of difficulty. At the most advanced level of difficulty in assembling each octahedron and tetrahedron, the polyhedron blocks of each set are fitted together such that abutting faces of adjacent polyhedron blocks match in color and a prescribed color pattern is formed on the respective faces of the assembled octahedron or tetrahedron.

Abstract: A paper clamp press for straightening or smoothing a bended, folded or creased clamp arm of a metal paper clamp. In a preferred embodiment the paper clamp press is characterized by a pair of pivoting, plier-type handles which terminate in top and bottom jaws which can be manipulated between open and closed positions by means of the handles. After the open jaws receive the distorted clamp arm, a cylindrical roller disposed for travel in the top jaw, presses the clamp arm against the bottom jaw along the length of the clamp arm, toward the extending end of the jaws as the jaws are pivoted to the closed position, progressively straightening or smoothing the clamp arm. A leaf spring provided in the top jaw returns the bidirectional roller to the pivoted end of the top jaw as the spring-biased handles are released and the jaws opened.

Abstract: Mouthpiece and speaker assemblies for underwater speech using SCUBA and snorkel equipment, which mouthpiece is characterized by a molded rubber or plastic mouthpiece having a regulator or snorkel connector, a lip cup and a pair of elongated, serpentine or curved teeth grips or bites extending from the lip cup for gripping by the jaw teeth of a SCUBA diver or snorkeler and facilitating movement of the lips to enable underwater speech. The mouthpiece is designed for attachment directly to an underwater speaker, a snorkel, a snorkel and speaker combination, or to the mouthpiece of a conventional second-stage regulator and speaker combination. The underwater speaker includes a pair of flexible membranes connected at a common perimeter and designed to pulse and flex responsive to the pressure pulses of a diver or snorkeler's breath and voice.

Abstract: An automatic fifth wheel loading and unloading system which is designed to automatically unlock and disengage a trailer from the fifth wheel apparatus in a towing vehicle such as a pickup truck and level and then recouple the trailer to the vehicle. The automatic fifth wheel loading and unloading system initially raises the trailer coupler a predetermined distance, unlocks the trailer hitch mechanism in the fifth wheel and opens it on command. The truck or towing vehicle is then pulled forwardly from beneath the trailer coupling mechanism and the trailer is automatically lowered into a level position. When the trailer is to be recoupled to the towing vehicle, the trailer is automatically raised to an access position by operation of a memory circuit, the truck is positioned such that the fifth wheel mechanism is located beneath the trailer coupling mechanism and the trailer coupling mechanism is automatically lowered into engagement with the fifth wheel.

Abstract: A linkage connection which loosely and yet securely mounts an excavator bucket on a hydraulic excavator and facilitates enhanced positioning capability of the bucket on the excavator, particularly in confined areas. In a preferred embodiment the linkage connection includes a pair of bucket flanges which extend rearwardly from the excavator bucket, in horizontally spaced-apart relationship to each other. A pair of circular linkage openings is provided in vertically spaced-apart relationship with each other in each bucket flange, and a circular pin plate is disposed in each linkage opening. A linkage pin extends through the pin plates of each bucket flange for connection to the rotation linkage and dipper stick linkage, respectively, of a hydraulic excavator, such that the bucket is supported on the respective pin plates.