Abstract: A workpiece positioning apparatus comprises two sets of jaws mounted on a rigid elongate bar, the jaws being adjustable to provide repeatable spacing of any arbitrary distance between the jaw sets. When two pieces of lumber, such as wall studs, are inserted into the two jaw sets, they are positioned at the specified spacing along a stringer such as a wall bottom plate. Indicia are provided on the strip indicating the English or metric measure of the distance between corresponding parts of the jaw sets, as well as enhanced indication of typical, e.g., 16-inch and 24-inch centerings used in American homebuilding. 15¼ and 23¼ inch indicia are also provided for shorter spans needed at stringer ends and corners to accommodate 4-foot-wide panels. The gap between jaws on one or both of the jaw sets is further adjustable to fit the thicknesses of the lumber being used. Longer jaws can be used to assure perpendicularity of wider workpieces to the elongate edges of the supporting construction members.

Abstract: A writing instrument comprising a smooth elongate case has a recessed switch for extending and retracting the tip of an ink cartridge. This allows the tip to be extended and retracted with one hand, while at the same time preventing the switch from being snagged by the contents or threads inside a pocket. A second embodiment provides two cartridges and a three-way switch, allowing one tip to be extended at one end of the instrument while the other end remains within the case. A third embodiment utilizes a single cartridge with two writing tips, one at either end.

Abstract: A cigar holder assembly is provided for golf carts utilizing biased clasps to hold one or more cigars in a vertical position over a removable ashtray. Temporary and permanent means for attaching the cigar holder to a golf cart are provided, and a swivel mount is provided between the attachment and the cigar holder to allow the cigar holder to maintain a substantially vertical orientation.

Abstract: A portable combined clamp and bit guide assembly guides a bit, turned by a power driver, into the exact center between the opposing faces of the clamp. The clamp is designed to hold workpieces having substantially parallel edges and a substantially linear centerline on their upper surfaces, and provides a drill path perpendicular to that centerline. An optional incline adapter supports the clamp and bit guide at an angle to the workpiece, while also aiding in support of the workpiece itself. The entire assembly may be carried in a single case with a power driver and bits.

Abstract: A hands-free paper product dispenser has two separate IR emitter and sensor circuits, one to feed paper product through the dispenser and the other to cut it, each interlocked to prevent one from running while the other is in operation. The length of paper dispensed is under complete control of the user. Paper is clamped above and below the cut to assure a clean cut, clamped gently to avoid tearing by wet hands, and released completely after product is taken from the machine to avoid sticking of product to machine surfaces. Dynamic electric braking is used in the circuitry to reduce noise and impact wear on dispenser parts.

Abstract: A tool for adjusting extremely tight lug nuts, such as often found on tractor-trailer trucks, consists of a socket wrench pulled by a screw and anchored against another lug nut coaxial to the one being adjusted. A hand crank turns the screw, which in turn pulls the handle of the socket wrench toward the anchor yielding very high torque multiplication. The tool is elongated and shaped to permit its use in the tight space found in the annular recess surrounding the hubs of most truck wheels.

Abstract: Bodies for hook lift shuttles and other roll-off loaders are fitted with trailer towing hitches, such as fifth wheels and hitch balls, so that when one of these bodies is loaded onto a shuttle or loader, the shuttle or loader can be used temporarily as a tractor for a trailer. Means are provided for connecting truck utilities such as brake air and electricity to the invention and thence to a trailer.

Abstract: A flexible bag is equipped with grommets and cords enabling it to be placed over one end of a load of material and secured to a vehicle, thus preventing the load from shifting in transit. The bag is shaped to facilitate its placement on the load, and to conform the bag to the shape of the load, thereby reducing slipstream damage to the bag. The bag may also be equipped with brightly colored anti-collision devices.

Abstract: A process for reclaiming sulfur-cured, vulcanized rubber by combining finely ground scrap vulcanized rubber within a specialized, twin-screw extruder capable of providing strong shearing and just-on-time mixing; adding a reclaiming agent to the extruder; and masticating the rubber scrap and reclaiming agent within the extruder until the rubber scrap is devulcanized. The present invention also discloses a unique composition of reclaiming agent, which preferably includes the following compounds: accelerators TBBS, ZMBT, MBT, and TMTM; activators zinc oxide and stearic acid; and zinc salts of fatty acids and sulfur. The reclaimed rubber is suitable for use in producing high-grade, rubber products without adding a binder, or for combining with fresh rubber compounds to produce high-specification rubber products.

Abstract: The volume capacity of a hook lift or roll-off truck container body is increased temporarily by vertical extension of the container body's walls and rear door. The extension includes three walls and another door which are firmly attached to the top edges of the container body's walls and doors. The extension is conveniently secured to the body and the doors of the body and the extension open and latch in concert.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and a method for cleaning a trash bin. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes nozzles coupled to lifting means. The nozzles are aimed at the inside of the trash bin. The method includes the steps of lifting the trash bin, inverting it to empty its contents, spraying the inside of the trash bin, and returning the trash bin to the ground. An additional step may include spraying the trash bin when it is returned to the ground.

Abstract: Bodies for hook lift shuttles and other roll-off loaders are fitted with trailer towing hitches, such as fifth wheels and hitch balls, so that when one of these bodies is loaded onto a shuttle or loader, the shuttle or loader can be used temporarily as a tractor for a trailer.