Abstract: A tool for gripping and removing mechanical fasteners such as pedicle screws. With reference to FIG. 7, the device generally resembles a screwdriver, having a handle on one end, a long shaft in the middle, and fastener engaging means on the other end. The fastener engaging means comprises a set of two or more jaws having inward facing gripping surfaces positioned to grasp the external surfaces of a screw head. The jaws are formed as part of a collet slidably mounted within an outer thread sleeve. The thread sleeve is attached to the shaft. A tapered journal on the collet interacts with a tapered bore in the thread sleeve so that when the collet is pulled into the thread sleeve, the set of two or more jaws are squeezed together. The threaded engagements between the collet and the thread sleeve should be the reverse of the thread on the screw to be removed; i.e., if a right-hand screw is to be removed then the threaded engagement between the collet and the thread sleeve should be made with a left-hand thread.

Abstract: A step configured to be attached to the drawbar of a trailer hitch. The step incorporates a hole and a ball mount receiver. The ball mount receiver is placed over the ball mount on the hitch. The hole allows the hitch ball and its accompanying lock washer and nut to be used to simultaneously mount the step and the hitch ball. The step is shaped to allow free access to the hitch ball so that a trailer can be attached while the step remains in place. The step then allows a user to step up and over the hitch with attached trailer.

Abstract: A toilet paper dispenser which stores several rolls in a vertical column. The rolls are individually dispensed via a swinging carriage located near the column's top. A spring-loaded follower urges the stack of rolls upward, so that as each roll is dispensed, the one immediately below takes its place. The dispensing mechanism is designed so that one and only one roll is dispensed for each cycle of the swinging carriage.

Abstract: An apparatus which is capable of supporting a process for gasifying a variety of hydrocarbon-containing materials. The resulting hydrogen-containing gas is suitable for use in various combustion processes and for petrochemical processes. A hydrocarbon-containing material is mixed with natural gas (or other suitable hydrocarbon gas) under pressure. The suspended material and gas are then injected under pressure into an acceleration/gasification tube. Intense heat (provided by an external energy source) is applied to the mixture as it travels through this tube, resulting in the cracking of the hydrocarbon chains and the release of additional energy. The released bond energy, along with the addition of the external energy, rapidly expands the gas and causes the velocity of the moving mixture to rise sharply as it proceeds down the tube. The acceleration/gasification tube is connected to a diffuser, which is essentially an expansion nozzle with a series of heat exchangers to cool the rapidly expanding gas.

Abstract: An accessory holder designed to attach to a stand. The stand has a lower tube, a locking collet on the top of the lower tube, and a mast extending upward from the locking collet. The accessory holder has a top mount with a mast receiver that slips around the mast just over the top of the locking collet. The accessory holder also has a clip designed to slip around and engage the mast below the locking collet in the order to lock the holder to the stand. A variety of holding devices can be affixed to the accessory holder, including devices configured to hold an ashtray, a beverage, and a pick.

Abstract: A device for protecting a wristwatch being worn on a user's wrist. The device slips around and secures itself over the watch body and watch band. A cover flap is provided to removably cover the watch face. A secured storage pocket is also provided, allowing the user to store small items.

Abstract: A tranquilizer bracelet which can be locked onto A wearer's wrist. The bracelet contains A power source, an electronic control module, and means for injecting A tranquilizing agent into the wearer. Instructions can be sent to the control module remotely, such as by using radio transmissions. The bracelet is provided with A lock to secure it to the wrist. It can only be opened using A mechanical key or electronic code. Thus, once the bracelet is installed, it cannot be removed by the wearer. In the event that tranquilization is necessary, A remote signal is sent to the control module. The signal activates A mechanism within the bracelet which causes the injection of the tranquilizing agent. Anti-tampering mechanisms are also provided, which will produce an alert signal if the bracelet is somehow removed by the wearer.

Abstract: A modified mast and keel system for a sailing vessel. The mast is gimbaled to the hull, so that it can move in a pitch roll. A downward extension of the mast pivotally connects to a winged keel. An aft strut also pivotally connects to the hull and pivotally connects to the winged keel. The hull, the mast extension, the winged keel, and the aft strut combine to form a traditional four bar linkage which is used to adjust the angle of attack of the winged keel with respect to the vessel. The winged keel moves with the mast in pitch and roll. It also includes a hydrofoil having an angle of attack which can be changeable in response to the pitching of the mast. This hydrofoil thereby generates downforce which counteracts the lifting forces created by the mast. It also creates lateral forces to counteract the sideslip of the vessel.

Abstract: A modified spray cap and extension tube. Positive mechanical interlocking features are added which lock the extension tube to the cap. The extension tube therefore does not fly out of the cap when in use. The modified spray cap is configured so that a conventional diffused spray pattern is still achieved when the modified extension tube is removed.

Abstract: A modified clothes hanger configured to suspend belts from a clothing rod. The device has a hook on its upper extreme, and a transverse beam on its lower extreme. A series of alternating prongs extend outward and upward from the transverse beam. The hook is placed over the clothing rod to install the device in a closet. The belt buckle of each belt to be hung is placed over one of the alternating prongs. The prongs are positioned and oriented so that the resulting weight placed on the hanger is well balanced. A variety of embodiments are described, including a hanger formed as one piece from molded plastic.

Abstract: A nursing bottle with a vent located in its base. The vent is positioned so that the user can easily open it by pressing on it with a finger or thumb. The vent remains open only so long as it is pressed. Once released, a spring returns the vent to its closed position. The user may therefore set the bottle down without having to do anything to close the vent. The vent assembly may be easily removed from the bottle for thorough cleaning. An access notch is provided so that the user does not have to strain to reach the vent. Mounting features are included to position the notch in a right-handed or left-handed configuration.

Abstract: An adjustable key-locked clamp for securing car stereo equipment against a mounting surface. A single rotary lock fixes the adjustable clamping member and secures the clamp to its base. A key is required to release the clamping member and remove the device from its base. Thus, without the key, it is very difficult to remove the car stereo equipment.

Abstract: A muter configured to be placed beneath the soundboard of a piano (in the case of a grand piano) in order to attenuate the downward transmission of sound. The muter employs blocks of acoustic foam, shaped to frictionally engage the structural elements of the piano in order to retain the muter within the piano. The muter is easily installed and removed. A version configured for use with an upright piano is also disclosed.

Abstract: An integrated data collection system which automates the collection of timber cruise data. A navigation system is integrated with a data collection system so that real-time positional data is fed directly into the data collection system. The invention guides a forester along a pre-defined cruise route and alerts the forester when a destination point is reached. The forester is then prompted to initiate a data collection cycle. Position data, cruise grid data (such as plot number), and other information is then automatically transferred from the navigation system to the data collection system. When the forester then inputs tree data (such as height, diameter, etc.), that data is automatically linked to the positional and cruise grid data transferred from the navigation system.

Abstract: A modular sign stand. The preferred embodiment consists primarily of a base portion attached to a breakaway column. The base portion is intended to be driven into the ground. The breakaway column supports an attached sign. The breakaway column is pierced by one or more breakaway holes at a position just above the ground. When the sign stand is struck by a moving vehicle, the one or more breakaway holes cause the breakaway column to fracture in a predictable fashion near its attachment to the base. Several embodiments are disclosed, including one forming the breakaway column and the base as one integral unit.

Abstract: A ladder incorporating a vertical support structure and a set of removable rungs. The vertical support structure is formed by stacking a series of interlocking sticks. The sticks incorporate features allowing the removable installation of the rungs. The rungs are small and light, so that a set of such rungs may be easily carried by a user. The vertical sticks generally remain attached to the object to be climbed—such as a tree or pole. When the user wishes to climb the object, the user installs the rungs as he or she climbs. The rungs are then removed upon descent. In this manner, unauthorized climbing of the object is inhibited. Locking features are also included to prevent unauthorized access by another person having a set of removable rungs. Several different embodiments of the removable rungs are disclosed. The common feature of all these embodiments is the fact that the rungs cannot come loose from the vertical stick while they are under load.

Abstract: An adjustable skid to be attached to the frame of a boat trailer just forward of the trailer wheels. Two skids would commonly be used, one for each side of the trailer. The function of the skids is to prevent the wheels of the trailer from rolling over the end of the launching ramp.

Abstract: This invention comprises a support base designed to elevate an appliance such as a washer, dryer, or refrigerator in order to provide more convenient access. The invention also optionally provides castors on the bottom of the support base so that the appliance may be easily moved, if the user desires such mobility.

Abstract: A paint brush protecting cover using a series of folding flaps. The flaps are connected in such a way that, when folded, they force the bristles into the desired tapered configuration. The invention's primary advantage lies in its method of closure: Two elastic bands are affixed to one of the flaps. The user simply passes these bands around the folded device, thereby securing it to the paint brush. The elastic bands place a small compressive force on the brush and bristles, helping to keep the bristles in the proper orientation. The elastic nature of the closure method also allows the device to accommodate a wide variety of brushes.

Abstract: A wall-mounted spool assembly connecting a water line to an icemaker. The icemaker connection is made by a flexible line which is dispensed by an automatically retracting spool. As the refrigerator is moved in and out, the spool dispenses and retracts sufficient line to maintain a stress-free connection to the icemaker. A shut-off valve is incorporated so that the user can shut off the water supply if the refrigerator must be disconnected. The device also included a fascia plate to give the whole a neat and finished appearance.