Abstract: A spike retaining base has a top base surface, a generally vertical aperture defined within it, and a plurality of aperture slots. A base insert includes a central hub and a plurality of insert arms. Each arm is foldable so as to allow the insert base to wrap around the base of a tire puncturing spike. When used, the base insert is positioned above the base aperture and the base of a spike is positioned above the base insert. The spike base and the base insert are urged into the base aperture to the point that the spike and the base insert are lockingly engaged with the base. As a tire engages the spike, a bubble at the hub of the base insert allows the base insert to be forced down into the base aperture thereby releasing the spike from the base.

Abstract: A method and apparatus turbulently exposes water flowing through a water system to a plurality of electrodes of an ion generator and provides a self-contained tank through which water flows. The generally cylindrical containment tank includes a tangential inlet pipe and an elliptical base having an outlet pipe. An aspect ratio, inlet pipe diameter versus containment tank diameter, is defined to achieve optimum ionization. A tank cover serves as the non-electrical conducting head for a plurality of electrodes which extend downwardly from the underside of the cover. The electrodes are functionally configured to maximize water flow between them. The rate of water flow within the containment tank is defined such that residence time of flow within the tank likewise optimizes water ionization. A sight glass allows for visualization of the container contents, and in particular anode wastage or wear, during operation.

Abstract: A track and a track assembly is surface mounted to a ceiling and extends longitudinally in front of a number of adjacent apartment or condominium storage compartments. The track assembly includes a trolley which is travelable along the track and which includes cooperating friction brakes. The friction brakes allow the trolley to be fixed in any location along the track. Suspended from the trolley is an extendable and retractable utility light fixture. Also attached to the trolley is a recoiled electrical connection and a pull cord for manually moving the trolley and suspended utility light fixture along the length of the track.

Abstract: A metal spike has a plurality of sharp blades which are functionally adapted for puncturing a rubber tire as the tire passes over the spike. As the rubber tire moves away from the spike assembly or array, the spike is withdrawn from the holder and remains embedded in the tread of the tire. The spike includes a plurality of grooves which extend along the body of the spike and between adjacent blades to allow pressurized air escaping from the tire to run along the spike grooves and to a central internal airflow vent until the tire is partially or completely deflated.

Abstract: An electrical box locating device is formed from a single piece of metallic material. The locating device has a forwardly extending fastening portion which is functionally adapted to be received within a threaded receptacle mounting hole of a typical electrical box. Rearwardly of the fastening portion is a drive portion which allows the device to be driven into the mounting hole and securely held within it. Rearwardly of the drive portion of the device is a drywall penetrating portion which extends outwardly of the electrical box and which is functionally adapted to penetrate and extend through a sheet of drywall when such is placed over the electrical box. The fastening portion, the drive portion and the penetrating portion of the device are made from a single piece of material and integrally formed in the preferred embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: A pair of handle grip-like holders are intended to be used in tandem in opposing ends of a cob of corn. The holders have removable skewer members, each of which is insertable into the ends of a corn cob. A first holder member is insertable within a first end of the cob of corn. This first holder member is adapted to allow rotation of the cob about the holder. The second holder member includes a torsion member having a pair of spikes which are insertable within the other end of the corn cob and about which the corn cob can rotate when the handle member is actuated by means of an actuating button. The corn cob holder member which is rotatable can be controllable both as to speed and amount of rotation. The handle end about which the corn cob rotates includes an electrically actuable sound generating device which, in the preferred embodiment, simulates the noise of a motorcycle engine.

Abstract: A safety warning flag assembly for use with highway trucks provides for a foldable placard which is attachable to the front end of a highway truck. The placard, attached longitudinally along the front bumper is foldable along its longitudinal length. When closed, the placard essentially becomes part of the bumper. When opened, the placard displays a warning sign to oncoming traffic. With the placard in its open position, a flag receiving fixture attached to the placard allows a conically shaped flag and flag holder to be received within the fixture. In an alternative embodiment, the flag fixture is functionally adapted to receive the flag from various angles such that the flag can be flown at its most effective angle for warning traffic of the approaching wide load. In another alternative embodiment, the flag fixture may be attachable to other parts of the truck and may be used in conjunction with the warning placard.

Abstract: A fire suppression method and apparatus has a sprinkler head support bracket which is installable immediately above a ceiling tile. The support bracket is configured with a plurality of openings such that multiple locations for the sprinkler head may be used and the exact "center of tile" installation of the sprinkler head can be accomplished with a wide variety of suspended ceiling assemblies and sprinkler heads. The support bracket rests on grid support members and arches over the ceiling tile. Hold down clips are provided to maintain the bracket in position relative to the grid support members. A pipe clamp is provided which is insertable within the bracket to retain a drop nipple within it. The drop nipple is adjustable relative to the horizontal to move it upwardly or downwardly relative to the ceiling tile. In this fashion, the vertical location of the sprinkler head can be adjusted depending upon the elevation of the ceiling tiles used and the style of sprinkler head used.

Abstract: An aluminum can crushing mechanism includes a support base which has a pair of support members extending from it. Situated between the support members is a pair of compacting plates. The compacting plates utilize a pair of alignment rods, one plate having the alignment rods affixed therewithin and the other plate being functionally adapted to be movable along the alignment rods. Rotatably affixed to the movable plate is a handle member which, when rotated from a generally upwardly extending position to a downward position, causes the compacting plates to move towards each other thereby compacting an aluminum can located between the compacting plates. When the handle member is rotated upwardly, the compacted can drops out from the mechanism without further handling of it.

Abstract: A pop-up electrical outlet assembly has a flush surface mounted bezel or flange with an opening defined in it. To one side of the bezel opening is a hinged cover. Located beneath the cover is an electrical box. The electrical box is mounted to the same side of the bezel opening with a supplemental hinge. The hinge allows the electrical box to pop-up when the cover is lifted from its closed position. The receptacle is held in position with a spring catch. The electrical box is effectively isolated from any water which may be splashed up against the bezel both during use of the receptacle and when it is not in use.

Abstract: A PCMCIA accessory card is provided which can be inserted into the lower PCMCIA card slot of a lap top computer to protect the PCMCIA card's connections when the PCMCIA card is plugged into the upper card slot of the lap top computer.

Abstract: An improved valve assembly spout is provided which contains a single hole or port at its uppermost portion. The improved spout is further provided with an inwardly extending, cylindrical straw-like member. Spout cavities are situated to either side of the straw-like member which facilitates entrapment of residual liquid contained within the spout after closure of the valve bridge is effected.

Abstract: An animal decoy mechanism includes a direct current motor which is powered by a direct current battery pack. The motor, in turn, is used to rotate a cam pulley which has at least one projecting member extending to one side of the cam pulley. The projection activates a tail flicking member to simulate the tail flicking action of a live animal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fastening one component, such as a table top, to a second component, such as that which is intended to support the table top. The support component is provided with alignment and fastening members extending from it. The alignment and fastening members are functionally adapted to be received by complimentary recesses situated within the complimentary component. The extending alignment members are actuable to force movement of the table top in relation to the support component. Such movement results in engagement of the fastening members with fastening clips situated within the table top and secures the table top to the support component.

Abstract: A valve is provided which includes a dispensing spout and a spout insert. The spout insert includes a pair of upwardly extending posts which project up and into the spout. The spout urges the posts towards each other and a valve bridge extends between the posts and overlays a hole defined in the spout insert through which liquid flows when a suction force is applied to the spout. When no suction force is applied to the spout, the valve bridge closes the hole.

Abstract: A resilient retaining device includes a base member which is adapted to engage and removably attach itself to a dishwasher rack prong and has extending from it a shaft and hook portion. The hook portion releasably engages and retains a cup or article with slight pressure.