Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a mop head comprising a ram adapted to be urged downwardly having a ram head thereon to insert a rigid mop fiber securing wire into a preformed mop head. As the ram moves downwardly, the head is aligned with and engages a resiliently mounted mop head support apparatus in which a mop head is inserted. Mop fibers are placed over the mop head and metal fingers are positioned over the ends of the mop head. The ram head engages guide members to align the securing wire with the mop head and the ram is urged downwardly, causing the ends of the wire to engage the metal fingers such that the wire is moved past the metal fingers and under shoulders formed in the ends of the mop head and securely positioned thereon and retain the mop fibers therein. The fibers frictionally engage the sides of the mop head and are retained therein by the wire.

Abstract: A back support having a plurality of individually inflatable cushions extending horizontally across a frame and arranged such that air pressure may be adjusted in individual cushions to provide selective localized support to different areas of the back. A cross brace extends between spaced end frame members to furnish a firm support for each of the individually inflatable cushions to prevent undue deformation of the cushions.

Abstract: Apparatus for attaching a bucket to a conventional three-point hitch on a tractor to control dumping of the bucket. The bucket is pivotally secured by stub shafts to a yoke-shaped frame. The frame is secured to the bottom portion of a three-point hitch and has an upwardly extending center post attached to the adjustable upper link of the three-point hitch. A rod, pivotally secured to the rear edge of the bucket, is slideably disposed through a sleeve pivotally secured to a lug attached to the center post. A stop member is pivotally secured to the lug over the sleeve and is spring-urged forward over the upper end of the rod to limit movement of the rod upwardly through the sleeve. When the stop member is pivoted rearwardly away from the rod by pulling a rope, the rod slides upwardly through the sleeve as the tractor moves forward dumping the contents of the bucket onto the ground.

Abstract: A digital readout fuel gauge for monitoring the liquid level in a fuel storage tank. The device utilizes a pre-amplifier circuit which comprises a voltage divider network utilizing the fuel gauge tank variable resistor on one side of the divider and a variable resistance on the other side which is connected to a signal processor. The output voltage of the signal processor is connected to the analog input of an analog to digital converter. The analog to digital converter changes the DC voltage levels to a four bit BCD code. The output carrying the code is connected to a decimal digit to a seven segment LED decoder. The digits are generated and displayed on LED indicator units. In addition, a voltage comparator circuit compares the output of the signal processor with a reference voltage and when said output is below a predetermined level, the comparator circuit initiates a warning signal.

Abstract: A time cycle actuator having first and second chambers pivotally secured on opposite sides of a support such that a fluid may flow through a flow control valve from one chamber to the other. The chambers are arranged to move a valve element in a valve block to allow flow from an inlet supply line to one of two exhaust lines. The fluid passes from the first chamber to the second chamber thus causing the second chamber to move, actuating the valve to allow flow through the first exhaust line. The first exhaust line is connected to one side of an actuated valve, and a reset means moves the second chamber to higher position to reverse the flow of fluid back to the first chamber. When a predetermined amount of fluid has flowed back to the first chamber the valve is moved to the second position allowing pressure to be applied to the second exhaust line. The second exhaust line is connected to resetting means and moves the actuated valve to the second position.

Abstract: A tire sealant composition which possesses the added ability of operating as a tire balancing composition is provided. Such composition comprises a fibrous component of asbestos fibers and a polyvinyl alcohol-containing liquid component. The composition has a viscosity of about 1000 to about 2200 cps at 100.degree. F.

Abstract: A horizontal baler comprising a compactor chamber with a compaction end and a discharge end. A bale of material is formed in the compaction end of the chamber as loose material is deposited in the chamber and compressed by a plunger which is reciprocally driven in the chamber by a motor. A first bale is formed in the chamber and tied with wire. The first bale is urged toward the discharge end of the chamber by compression of more material in the chamber to form a second bale. The end of the first bale forms an end wall in the chamber against which loose material is compressed to form another bale. The improvement comprises a plate which is urged into frictional contact with the first bale when the first bale is adjacent the discharge end of the chamber to limit further movement of the first bale in the chamber. More material is compressed by the plunger into the second bale until the density of the second bale has reached a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A cap for a vehicle gas tank, the cap having an opening formed therein closed by a door having a smooth, continuous convex upper surface which is hingedly secured to an annular support body. The door is spring-urged into sealing engagement with a gasket and is adapted to permit passage of a gasoline nozzle through the opening to move the door out of the path of the nozzle. The sidewall of the nozzle engages the convex upper surface of the door such that the periphery of the door is maintained in spaced relation from the wall of the nozzle to permit withdrawal of the nozzle from the opening. The door is spring-urged into sealing engagement with the gasket with sufficient force to maintain a seal when a partial vacuum is formed in the tank.

Abstract: A pipe cut off saw comprising a pipe cradle and a cutting means pivotally secured adjacent said pipe cradle such that the pivot point is aligned with the center line of the pipe so that the cutting means may be rotated about the pipe to cut off the end of the pipe. The pipe cradle has elevating apparatus to change the angle of the center line relative to the pivot point of the saw to permit miter cuts on the pipe.

Abstract: A threaded blade holder for cutting an opening in a flexible externally threaded closure element on a pail or container. The holder comprises a hollow internally threaded tubular body. A retaining member, comprising a pointed spike, is slideably disposed in a central aperture in the top of the tubular body to perforate the closure element and to relieve internal pressure in the pail through space between loosely fitting threads on the blade holder and the closure element. A pointed cutting blade, having a single cutting edge, extends downwardly from the top of the tubular body such that rotation of the tubular body onto the externally threaded closure element of the pail causes the blade to engage the upper surface of the closure element to cut a circular hole therein. However, the blade does not cut into material adjacent the periphery of the hole when the tubular element is removed from the externally threaded closure element.

Abstract: A floating storage facility for storing small boats not greater than a predetermined length. A floor system comprising a network of longitudinal and lateral support members disposed over flotation blocks provides support for the building. A pair of spaced parallel weight supporting beams are disposed centrally over the flotation members on each side of the storage facility. The parallel beams support a plurality of columns which support a pair of parallel spaced crane runway rails disposed along the upper portion of the building. The building is designed such that the weight of the boats and cranes are supported by the columns which bears on the flotation device to provide a central stabilized loading point for the building. The building has a lightweight metal frame cover disposed overwardly with the outer walls which is cantilevered out from the front boat support members.

Abstract: A neck exercising device comprising a general frame secured to a wall or the like and a head gripping frame pivotally secured to the general frame such that the axis of rotation of the head gripping frame is aligned with the neck of the user. The head gripping frame has resilient pads which are adjustably secured to the head gripping frame such that the user may urge the pads against the sides of the head to secure the device to the user. A power cylinder is pivotally secured between the general frame and the head gripping frame to provide a resistance to pivotal movement of the head gripping frame about the axis of rotation in both directions. A body restraint member is rigidly secured to the general frame to engage the torso of the user to prevent movement of the lower body of the user, such that all movement of the head is accomplished by the muscles controlling the neck.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the force between the rifle barrel and the forearm of the stock comprising a stabilizing block having a concave groove formed on the upper surface thereof to engage the rifle barrel. An adjuster screw having an enlarged head is rotatably positioned in a socket formed in the lower side of the stabilizing block and retaining pins retain the head of the screw within the socket. A screw housing is rigidly secured within the stock close to the end of the forearm. The adjuster screw is threadedly secured to the screw housing such that the stabilizing block may be moved relative to the screw housing and forearm to adjust the force on the rifle barrel.

Abstract: A detachable radio mount for a vehicle comprising a dash bracket bolted or otherwise secured to the dash of a vehicle and a radio bracket bolted or otherwise secured to a radio or other communication device. Bar magnets are secured in ferrous metal brackets which are secured to the dash bracket such that a magnetic circuit is formed from the north to the south pole of the magnets increasing the magnetic flux of the magnet in the area surrounding the magnet. Ferrous metal plates having a width equal to the width of the ferrous metal brackets on the dash bracket and being approximately two times the thickness of the ferrous metal brackets are secured to the radio bracket by adhesive or other means such that magnetic force pulls the ferrous metal plates toward the bar magnets and ferrous metal brackets.

Abstract: A downstroke baler comprising a compaction chamber through which a platen is reciprocated vertically by spaced pressure actuated cylinders secured to opposite ends of the platen. The lower end of an actuating rod rests upon a support plate secured to the frame of the baler and a bracket secured to the frame of the baler is positioned adjacent the upper end of the actuating rod to restrain the actuating rod against vertical movement. A sleeve is secured to the platen and slides along the actuating rod such that the actuating rod is maintained perpendicular to the face of the platen. The upper end of the actuating rod is connected through an actuating link to valves secured to the frame of the baler. The valves control a hydraulic circuit connected to the cylinders which raise and lower the platen such that movement of the platen from a horizontal attitude causes the actuating rod to be moved from a vertical attitude thereby changing flow of fluid to the cylinders to return the platen to a horizontal attitude.

Abstract: Vehicle mounted compactor apparatus comprising multiple pressure actuated cylinders connected such that fluid is initially directed to a first cylinder to provide rapid reciprocating movement of a ram through a chamber to form a low density bale and is subsequently directed to second and third cylinders to provide low speed movement at increased compactive force to increase the density of the bale. A bonding agent is sprayed into the chamber to eliminate necessity for tying the bale. An elevator deposits the bale in a storage container pivoted to the frame of the vehicle for dumping.