Abstract: A filter system is used in water treatment for removing organic waste from fresh or salt water found in aquariums and culture systems and to facilitate gas exchange between water and atmosphere. The filter includes an air and organic waste laden water mixer, a water-air laden waste separator and an organic waste remover. The mixer is a long tube which has at its top, an inlet pipe that delivers organic waste laden water at high pressure into the tube, and surrounding apertures through which air is drawn. This tube is filled with water-air mixing media such as bioballs and has an outlet opening in the base of the tube which feeds water and waste laden air bubbles into a separator box. The separator box includes a deflector over which the water-air laden organic mix travels. The rising air will pull the organic waste attached to it upward into a foam collector for waste removal. The cleansed or treated water is discharged through a valve beyond the deflector.

Abstract: A compressed gas powered gun for firing fragile projectiles includes a bolt assembly that will retract and not fracture a projectile when it gets hung up in the breech due to misalignment with the barrel. The bolt assembly includes a front section that will come in contact with the projectile and direct gas at same, a back section for securing the bolt assembly to the cocking mechanism of the gun, a rod extending from the front section and slidable within the rear section and a spring positioned between the front and back sections about the rod so that the front section will retract when coming in contact with a projectile hung up in the breech of the gun.

Abstract: In a pair of swimming goggles a first pull cord extends from one end of the head strap through the first eye piece and about its lens to apply pressure to the second eye piece, while a second pull cord extends from the other end of the head strap through the second eye piece and about its lens to apply pressure to the first eye piece.

Abstract: A system for presenting automatic verbal announcement by means of active infrared detection in conjunction with a digital voice recorder/playback unit includes a modulated infrared signal generator for generating a signal of given frequency at a target when in a sensing range, a detector for detecting a modulated infrared signal of the given frequency reflected from a target within the sensing range, a digital voice recorder/playback unit for recording and then providing announcements, when a target is within the sensing range, a speaker to provide an audible output from a signal generated by the digital unit and a microprocessor operatively connected to the generator to periodically output a modulated signal from the generator, to the detector for receiving a signal of the given frequency when a target is within the sensing range and to the digital unit for sending a signal to same and initiate an announcement when a signal is received from the detector.

Abstract: An extensible ratchet wrench has a main inner shaft with a ratchet head at one end, aligned lock pin holes along the shaft, and a lengthwise grooved guiding track disposed on the opposite side of the shaft. An outer sleeve is mounted telescopically and fits snugly about the main shaft for axial movement relative thereto. The proximal end of the sleeve is of reduced outside thickness with oppositely disposed holes for receiving both bearings, the holes being aligned with the shaft lock pin holes and guiding track. A locking collar disposed about the proximal end fits about the proximal end of the sleeve and has a spirally grooved interior at its distal end for receipt of a spring and internal ball bearing channels at its proximal end.

Abstract: An invalid transport cart includes a pair of spaced-apart wheeled base rails, vertical posts extending therefrom, a brace extending between the rails and posts, a padded seat extending between the posts above the brace and sloped towards the front of the cart, and a horizontal grip bar extending from one of the vertical posts.

Abstract: Martial arts focus training apparatus comprises a backboard on which boards to be struck and broken by a practitioner are supported on and spaced from the backboard. The backboard may be grasped by holders assisting the practitioner via slots. An extender permits additional boards to be held on the apparatus. Handle extension means allows the backboard to be held to the side while positioned against a wall. A wall mount for the apparatus permits rotary, pivotal and vertical positioning of same.

Abstract: Apparatus for moving construction material relative to a building frame includes a weighted, pivotable base, an extensible shaft projecting from the base, and a carrier assembly adjustable transversely of and pivotable relative to the shaft and including releasable grippers for holding construction material on the assembly, positioned on the shaft. The base has a non-slip exterior surface and a retractable caster housed therein. The shaft is extensible manually and includes a jacking mechanism for extending same incrementally. A spring on the shaft urges the construction material in contact with the building frame. The shaft is made up of telescoped tubular members, and a piston type seal to trap air is provided for dampening downward movement. A collapsible tripod mechanism provides additional support for the apparatus.

Abstract: A power-driven voicing tool simultaneously inserts into and withdraws from the felt of a piano hammer, needles to raise a nap thereon. A row of four needles is driven by two circularly moved cam surfaces on the ends of an assembly rotatable by a variable speed electric motor through a flexible drive cable. One cam surface lies outside the other and drives the external needles of the row of needles; the other drives the internal needles. The slopes of the two cam surfaces are different and one-hundred-and eighty degrees out-of-phase with each other and effect different movements in adjacent needles, one needle moving outward while the other moves inward. A process of inserting a needle while withdrawing an adjacent needle in the felt of the piano hammer, is practiced.

Abstract: A portable outdoor grill includes a round, smooth stake having a T-shaped upper end to facilitate insertion and removal from the ground. An E-shaped double-hook having at each end a hook making contact with the post at two separated points, mounts on its external side a sleeve that slidably receives a horizontal arm. One end of the arm is for mounting a cooking utensil over a source of heat, and the other end mounts a wooden handle. The cooking utensil may be a wire basket having a wire lid allowing cooking of the other side of the food on rotation of the basket; two lid levers embracing the arm preclude opening of the lid on rotation of the basket. The basket may be replaced a Y-shaped bar whose branches have arcuate shapes providing three-point support for a range of differently sized cookware.

Abstract: A vehicular brake material collection system collects brake material dust particles emanating from both the brake friction material and the brake rotary member in a disc brake or a drum brake. The system includes a particle collection chamber around and/or suction nozzles in proximity to the friction material, the chamber and/or nozzles being connected to a suction system that carries such particles into a filter or separator as the vehicle operates. The particles are thereby collected for later safe removal and disposal.

Abstract: Child care device includes a pillow mounted on a baby blanket intermediate its ends. The ends of the blanket are providing with mating fastening means, one on one side of the blanket, one on the other. The blanket is wrapped around the baby holder's arm so that the pillow is on the upside and the baby's head rests thereon when the baby is being cradled by the baby holder. When the baby falls asleep it can be transferred to a crib mattress without disturbing it by placing its body on the mattress along with the pillow and removing the arm from beneath the pillow as by sliding it out. In an alternative embodiment, a sleeve mounting the pillow is utilized in lieu of a blanket.

Abstract: An anti-wrap apparatus and method for high speed printing press involves detecting the start of web wrap after web break to deactivate the press motors and apply the press brakes. In addition the detection mechanism which senses a change in the web path, can sever the already printed web being drawn backwards by the start of web wrap, to limit the availability of web material, for web wrap. In the case of difficult to sever web materials, severing action can be enhanced by forcing the web being drawn backwards, against the severing detection mechanism.

Abstract: A screw adjustment mechanism with pre-set backlash for an ink fountain blade, includes the adjusting screw threadedly mounting two bushings separated by a compression spring which biases the threads of the respective bushings into engagement with opposite sides of the screw thread a desired amount. The biased bushings are each fixed to the fountain blade. The bushings' thread contact with opposite sides of the screw thread effectively eliminates backlash (lost motion), but the contact can be adjusted to provide a desired resistance to screw adjustment.

Abstract: A kit is provided which is primarily designed to facilitate the construction of a fence with vertical posts and horizontal rails. The kit includes a leveling/plumbing device having a central level for indicating a horizontal position, and an end level for indicating a vertical position. The device is attachable to a workpiece being positioned, by separable fasteners of the hook and loop type. The user can then use two hands to position the workpiece while observing the desired one of the levels.

Abstract: A selective bird feeder has a cylindrical, transparent feed container located inside a concentric, coaxial, transparent shroud. The shroud is supported on the container by a spring for movement between a bird feeding position and a position in which heavier birds or animals cause the shroud to block access to the feed. Perches are supported on the shroud adjacent access openings in the shroud and container. Light birds can obtain feed through the openings while heavier ones or animals cannot.

Abstract: A bath mat has a body provided with a coating of adhesive for attaching the mat to the floor of a tub or shower. The body includes a primary layer underlying two layers in which sand particles are embedded in vinyl. Additional vinyl covers the two layers to a substantially uniform thickness while conforming to the underlying rough surface configuration caused by the sand particles. The adhesive has a protective sheet that is removed for installation. The mat is permanently bonded to the tub and provides a durable, slip resistant surface.

Abstract: A selective bird feeder has a cylindrical, transparent feed container located inside a concentric, coaxial, transparent shroud. The shroud is supported on the container by a spring for movement between a bird feeding position and a position in which heavier birds or animals cause the shroud to block access to the feed. Perches are supported on the shroud adjacent access openings in the shroud and container. Light birds can obtain feed through the openings while heavier ones or animals cannot.