Abstract: A drywall sheet is marked on the reverse side thereof with a plurality of bands; the bands are of two different types according to two modular dimensions of the sheet to form two grids, which aid in positioning drywall studs prior to the sheet being secured thereto. The obverse face is marked with two complementary marked grids to assist in positioning screws or other securing means. Preferably the obverse face has screws positioning intervals marked around the bounding edge thereof.

Abstract: A dead-man lever control system for apparatus such as a snow blower or lawnmower includes a latch and key arrangement connected to the levers which permits the levers to be operated independently or conjointly, and which also permits one lever to be locked out by the other. Provision may be made for the locked-out lever to over-ride the lock-out by applying a greater than normal force to the lever.

Abstract: A fabric sleeve has a resilient, bouyant pad on one outward facing side thereof and a flap at one end of the sleeve for detachably securing the sleeve to the thwart of a small water craft such as a canoe. The blade of a paddle may be inserted into the sleeve to secure the blade when the craft is portaged, the pad serving to cushion the weight of the craft on the shoulder of a portageur. A closable pocket is suitably secured to the outside wall of the sleeve opposed to the pad, the device thereby serving to store small articles aboard the craft. Conveniently the fabric sleeve forms a common wall of the pocket and an enclosure for the pad.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes stab portions and a cam for urging a wire cord into contact therewith. The cam mounts in a tubular housing which is telescopically receivable in a sleeve. The cam and housing coact such that the cam head tends to move outwardly from the housing when the cam is moved to a position to release the wire cord, and this is prevented by the sleeve. As a corollary, if the cam is turned away from its wire locking position, the housing cannot be engaged with the sleeve. The sleeve acts as a conduit for the wire cord, whereby the cord tends to anchor the housing in telescoped position in the sleeve, to prevent unauthorized tampering with the connector.

Abstract: This invention is a battery-powered lantern which is used by a child to collect Halloween treats. The outer shell simulates a jack-o'-lantern. It improves the child's ability to see and/or be seen at night. Other uses include: use as an illuminated ornament or use as a novelty toy.

Abstract: An artificial shrub or the like including at least one branch holder; said branch holder including a hub; a plurality of adjacent equispaced, radial walls supported from said hub; each said radial wall having a transverse aperture communicating with each lateral side thereof; a plurality of branches, each said branch having a u shaped hooked end thereto, said hooked ends being captured in said transverse apertures to thereby form hinge elements for said branches whereby said branches can be moved between a generally upstanding, stored position and an outspread position; means interconnected with said hub for supporting said branches in said outspread position.

Abstract: A molded electrical lamp socket includes threaded, insulating portions on the inner wall of the socket to engage the lamp. The side electrode providing electrical contact for the lamp is desirably set deeply within the socket, to reduce the danger of accidental finger contact with an electrically conducting lamp. Where the side electrode is of the edge-on type, the insulating threads center the lamp in the socket and reduce the incidence of shaving and jamming of the lamp.

Abstract: A fuse connector which may be in the form of a one-piece plug connector molded onto a wire cord uses a standard cartridge fuse that is contained within the body of the connector. The body is provided with windows through which the fuse is visible and through which the fuse may be withdrawn or inserted without opening the body and without the use of special tools.

Abstract: A pillow adapted for use by nursing mothers comprises a pair of arms forming an L shape. One of the arms is wider than the other, and preferably is less densely filled, so as to form an infant support surface, the other arm functioning as a cushion support for the mother. The free end of the arms may be secured in proximity whereby the pillow assumes a generally rectangular shape, for use as a normal bed pillow.

Abstract: A lined metal box for the containment and possible transportation of solid state electronic components is provided with a lid having a key-actuated securing latch therefor. In order to assure that no high voltage can be applied to the case, and more particularly its contents during the transfer thereof, the key for the metal case is provided with a grounding so adapted to ensure grounding of the case before the lid can be released and the contents therein made accessible. The box lining comprises an electrically conductive foam lining, to ensure that no cumulative electrostatic charge can build up, as all such charges leak to the box structure. At the time of unloading the box, the box is grounded and all electrostatic potentials are effectively reduced to the ground value.

Abstract: A probe for detecting separated sludges such as in sewage, is axially elongated and has a large number of LED-phototransistor pairs axially spaced thereon in facing relationship with a gap therebetween. The phototransistors are commonly connected, and the LEDs are sequentially fired by multiplex switching located within the probe. Since the quiescent current of the phototransistors is normally low, the common phototransistor output will essentially be proportional to the amount of light reaching a specific phototransistor. The output signals are processed to automatically locate an interface between separated sludge and clarified liquor. Circuitry is included to adjust the power level at which the LEDs are activated responsive to the output from selected ones of the phototransistors, for the purpose of reducing beam intensity if the sludge becomes thin, and also for increasing the intensity to overcome fouling of the windows of the probe.

Abstract: A retainer for a trouble lamp having an elongated handle comprises a holder including a pair of spaced apart jaws connected at one axial end thereof by a bight portion. The jaws are configured to provide a first pair of axially aligned bearing surfaces and a second pair of transversely aligned bearing surfaces communicating with the first pair of bearing surfaces for receiving the handle of the trouble lamp therebetween in either an axially aligned or a traversely aligned position. A journal connects the bight of the holder to a clamp member for relative axial rotation therewith.

Abstract: A drive mechanism comprises a support upon which a drive member is mounted for movement relative to a frame. The drive member comprises first and second elements which are relatively movable, the one of which may be mounted on the other. The elements are interconnected by a resilient member which transmits the drive therethrough, a drive input being coupled to a one element, a drive output to the other element. A detector generates a signal output responsive to relative movement of the elements which may serve to control a drive transmitted through the mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the support is a rotatable screwed shaft and the first element a traveller thereon upon which the second element is slidably mounted, the elements being interconnected by helical springs.

Abstract: A pleated skirt, especially a reversible pleated kilt, having the pleats extending the length of the skirt, has at least certain ones of the pleats closed by an adhesive material at the upper end portions thereof so as to lay flat over the waist of a wearer, without detracting from the appearance of the skirt when worn with the reverse side outermost.

Abstract: A cord reel for an extension cord comprises a housing and a hub mounted for rotation from the housing. A convenience receptacle is provided in the hub of the reel. The electrode supporting structure of the receptacle is relatively open, whereby water can drain therefrom to permit the reel to be used under moist conditions in relative safety. A circuit breaker connected serially with the cord mounts in the hub so as to be at least in part responsive to thermal build up within the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus for stuffing meat into a casing mounted on a horn comprising a pair of plates mounted in facing relationship, on one of which plates the horn is mounted, and on the other a meat supply conduit, together with a ram. The plates are relatively movable between a first station at which the conduit and horn are in communication, and a second station at which the ram and conduit are in communication, the ram serving to extrude meat contained in the horn into the casing. A knife is inlaid into one or both plates to sever meat bridging the horn and conduit when the plates are relatively moved. In the preferred embodiment the plates are mounted on an elongated shaft for rotary movement, and the shaft is itself mounted so as to be axially movable, so as to transmit a clamping pressure to retain the plates together. When the clamping pressure is released the plates can be relatively moved along the shaft for cleaning and maintenance purposes.