Abstract: A dock structure, dock assembly and dock constructing method use one or more dock elements that are attachable to vertical pilings. Each dock element is a pan-like structure having a first end and a second end, a opposing side walls and opposing end walls, with one end wall disposed at each end of the element, and a floor. The side walls, the end walls and the floor form a pan-like cavity. Two cylindrical rims are disposed at the first end of the dock element, each rim forming a vertically-disposed cylindrical opening in the floor of the element and each opening being functionally adapted to receive a piling through it. Each dock element is attachable to pilings and a pair of overlapping members formed at the second end of each dock element allows adjacent elements to be attached one to another. Following attachment, each dock element is filled with concrete.

Abstract: A method for draining and transporting large diameter hoses includes providing a frame that is movable by virtue of a pair of wheels. The center of gravity of the frame, and of the frame and a coiled hose situated on it, is located directly above the wheels. The frame includes a front toe for facilitating the rolling of a coiled segment of hose up and onto the frame. The frame includes horizontally disposed rollers that facilitate removal of the coil from the frame. The frame also includes a guide bar to assist in maintaining the coil in an upright position during transport. An attachment is removably secured to the frame to allow a portion of the hose to drape over an elevated roller to extract water from the hose and, alternatively, to allow a power-driven winding rod wind the hose into a coil.

Abstract: An assembly has a bracket attached to the hitch ball mount of a towing vehicle. The bracket is used with a first removable item which allows for the alignment of a trailer coupler with the hitch ball. Once the coupler has been aligned and attached to the hitch ball, the first removable item can be removed. The first accessory item is then replaced by a second removable item which allows for securement of the coupler to the hitch ball and prevents removal of the coupler from the hitch ball. The alignment and guide structure of the first removable item is interchangeable with the securement structure of the second removable item. The second removable item further provides structure for locking the second removable item to the bracket. A method for guiding the coupler toward alignment with the hitch ball and for securing the coupler to the hitch ball is also provided.

Abstract: A vacuum system and apparatus extracts metal chips and cuttings away from the cutting area of a sawing machine. The system and apparatus is located on the previously cut surface end of the saw and includes rotatable bracketry to engage and disengage a vacuum nozzle from the end of a cut piece to extract metal chips and cuttings from the inside of hollow metal stock as the stock is being cut. Rotation of the bracketry is actuated by means of an electronic controller or other control circuitry.

Abstract: A button head tie has a button head and a tie strap. The button head is a generally flat member having an aperture for receiving the tie strap. The aperture includes lead-in ramps to facilitate tie strap insertion and is configured to prevent angled tie strap insertion. The tie strap is a flat elongate member having a wedge that is captured within the aperture. The remainder of the strap passes through the aperture. The wedge and strap have teeth and serrations on both sides, respectively, the teeth and serrations being engageable. In use, the strap is looped around a bundle and inserted into the aperture to either side of the wedge. Strap insertion force is reduced by standoff tabs which elevate the wedge out of aperture, temporarily, during installation. When loop tension is applied to the bundle, the wedge is pulled into the aperture, compressively locking the strap.

Abstract: A master key lock includes a lock cylinder having a keyway for receiving a key, a sleeve about the cylinder, a plurality of wafer tumblers, a master key and a spring operable to axially move the sleeve relative to the cylinder when the master key is inserted into the keyway. A system that uses the master key lock includes a lock case wherein the sleeve is disposed between the cylinder and the lock case, the sleeve being axially movable within the case. The sleeve comprises a plurality of transversely disposed slots for engaging the plurality of wafer tumblers such that the lock is unlocked by insertion of a key or a master key. A method of using the master key lock is also disclosed.

Abstract: A lift device replaces the toilet seat and seat cover of a conventional toilet. The lift device provides a portion that overlays the toilet bowl area and a portion that supports the forward elements of the assembly. The lift device further provides a toilet seat and a horizontally-disposed seat pivot shaft located to the front of the device. A reversible electric motor with a worm gear drive engages a worm wheel segment attached to the seat pivot shaft for raising and lowering the toilet seat as desired or required. This action assists the user in positioning himself or herself onto the toilet and in lifting the user from the toilet. The raising and lowering movement can also be alternatively actuated by the user or by an assistant-actuated override device, such as when the user is assisted by a care giver.

Abstract: A compact power lock is provided for use in a pickup truck tailgate with a key lockable latch that relies on a lock lever for its operation. The power lock includes a linear power actuator attached to a sliding actuating link with two tabs that engage the lock lever of the key lockable tailgate latch. The actuating link is arranged alongside the linear power actuator so as not to add to its length and to attain maximum compactness. The spacing of the two tabs is such that the lock lever can move freely between the locked and unlocked position when it is activated by the key lockable tailgate latch. When the actuator is energized by voltage pulses of alternating polarity its motion is transferred to the attached actuating link and the tabs push the locking lever to or fro to lock or unlock the tail gate.

Abstract: A tamperproof power lock is provided for use in a pickup truck tailgate latch handle. The lock includes a power actuator, a rotating crank, a connecting rod and a lock bolt that locks the tailgate handle. The linear output motion of the actuator is transferred into rotation of the crank that is limited to rotate between two stops. An over center spring or friction keeps the crank or the lock bolt in either of the two stop positions. The rotation of the crank is transferred into linear motion of the locking bolt by the connecting rod. In the locked position the crank is up against one of the stops and the connecting rod past dead center. As a result the locking bolt cannot be pushed back forcibly in an attempt to defeat the lock.

Abstract: A rotating blade guide assembly for use with a sawing machine includes a blade guide carrier and means for rotating the blade guide carrier from a first position to a second position. The first position would be that blade orientation when the blade is initially placed about a pair of band wheels. The second position would be the blade orientation when the blade is rotated about 90° to a cutting position. In this way, the orientation of the sawing machine blade is changed when the blade guide carrier is rotated from the first position to the second position. The rotating blade guide assembly further provides means for securing the blade guide carrier in the second position so as to prevent rotation of the blade guide carrier during use of the sawing machine.

Abstract: A jaw assembly for use with a tool for bundling elongated items with a tie strap, the strap having a tail and a tail-receiving head, the tool having a tool body, means for actuating the jaw assembly from an open position to a closed position, and means for introducing the tail of the strap to the jaw assembly, the jaws of the jaw assembly being mounted in a movable manner on the tool body, each jaw providing a guide means for the tie tail, and at least one jaw including means for receiving a tie mount within the jaw, the tie mount including means for receiving a portion of the tie strap tail through it such that a tie tail introduced to the jaw assembly is guided along each jaw and through the tail receiving means of the tie mount to bundle the elongate items.

Abstract: The apparatus for mounting a wheelchair pad provides a high degree of support and adjustability such that it can be used with wheelchairs from a wide variety of different manufacturers. This adjustability is also beneficial to the occupant of the wheelchair, as the adjustability can provide a wide variety of people with a more custom fit. In order to provide this custom fit, the claimed invention provides for depth adjustability, height adjustability and angle adjustability in both the vertical and horizontal planes of the amputee pad. Additionally the claimed invention can be installed on either side of the wheelchair.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a sleeve that is mountable within a rifle stock. The sleeve includes a central aperture, one end of which is threaded and is adapted to receive a like-threaded male portion of an action. The action is of the type that includes a female threaded portion, this portion being configured to receive the threaded male portion of a rifle barrel. In this configuration, the sleeve is in direct contact with the stock, the action is in direct contact with the sleeve, and the barrel is in direct contact with the action. However, neither the barrel nor the action is in direct contact with the stock. As such, both the barrel and the action are ‘floated’ within the rifle assembly. In an alternative embodiment, the sleeve may be fabricated with the action such that the sleeve and action form a single integrated element.

Abstract: An improved configuration for an in-line direct contact diffuser-type steam injection heater provides for a diffuser whereby steam flow is controlled using an angled sonic diffuser and plug arrangement. The steam flow is controlled by means of a steam plug which selectively exposes holes through which the steam passes. In the preferred embodiment, the configuration provides for a diffuser that had been angled approximately 30° from vertical to facilitate better mixing of the steam with the fluid. The precise angle may be altered depending on the fluid characteristics. A more durable end seal is also used. The end seal is a piston ring which prevents problems associated with the use of elastomeric rings of existing art. A more uniform diameter plug with linear travel is also an improvement over the prior art.

Abstract: A cleaning device having a handle, the handle having a cleaning pad assembly capable of pivoting between a cleaning position and a rinsing position. The handle of the cleaning device may further comprise a conduit for directing the flow of a liquid from a liquid input to a liquid output, the liquid output being capable of direction either though the cleaning pad to wet the cleaning pad or at a surface to rinse a surface. The cleaning device may further comprise a valve, the valve being operable to control the flow of water through the handle.

Abstract: A breakaway knuckle for an arm of a car wash is disclosed. The knuckle allows the arm of a car wash to receive an impact from a vehicle without breaking and return the arm to its original position automatically. The knuckle preferably comprises a joint having a series of inclined grooves and corresponding balls. The knuckle is spring loaded to actuate the return of the arm to an in-use position after an impact, and the balls roll into the grooves to hold the arm in place.