Abstract: Provided is a skim net for use in swimming pools, comprising a frame and an open, meshed netting stretched in the frame. Rearwardly of the frame is a handle attachment of the quick connect and disconnect-type. The forward sweep end of the net frame is of substantial flat configuration in relation to the height of the sides and base of the frame, forming a shovel-shaped frame end which serves as a scoop for the removal of rocks, debris, and like substances, of the swimming pool surface. Additionally, the frame forward end is provided with a recessed magnet to attract metallic objects as, for example, hair pins.

Abstract: Provided is an adjustable motor cover designed to protect outdoor electric motors from sun and rain. The cover, made of a plastic material, is open-ended and has a generally LL-shaped configuration and is comprised of a pair of spaced parallel side panels and a top cover formed with longitudinally extending lateral recesses in which the side panels are slidably received. Detachably mounted within the cover interior are a pair of transversely-disposed motor clamps adapted to clampingly embrace an electric motor and, for this purpose, the motor clamps are formed with a base detachably mounted on the top cover inner surface, and concave sections oriented downwardly from the base, the concave sections having a curvature conforming closely to the accurate periphery of the motor accommodated within the clamp concavities.

Abstract: A dump valve assembly for opening and fluid-tightly sealing the drain outlet of a waste tank, the assembly comprisng a rotatable elongated shaft having a handle at its upper end and a first or lower compression plate adjustably secured to its lower end. Disposed concentrically about the shaft are a first and second tubular member, the former having a length less than that of the shaft, and the latter having a length less than that of the first tubular member. Fixedly secured to the lower end of the first tubular member is a second or upper compression plate spaced from the lower plate. Sandwiched and pre-loaded between the upper and lower compression plates is a valve plug made of an expandable material. The shaft is provided with a double-thrust ball bearing which abuttingly engages the upper end of the first tubular member to permit independent rotation of the shaft relative to the former member.

Abstract: An elevator comprising a self-propelled truck and a cab secured thereto and for use especially for transporting invalids and convalescents, the cab being adapted to be selectively lowered or raised relative to ground level by means of a vertical two-stage mast assembly. Electric motors within the truck hydraulically power the mast assembly, front wheels and the steering mechanism of the single rear wheel. Further electrically operated are interior lights, a courtesy light, windshield wiper and defroster fan and a bell effective to provide a warning when the cab is lowered or when the truck is moved in reverse. The square-shaped cab is further provided with all-around tiltable windows, a vent in the cab ceiling, wide sliding doors to facilitate easy access and exit, and bumpers in the cab lower contact areas. A manually positionable ramp aids a wheelchair passenger while boarding or leaving the cab, and an inner foldable safety railing further affords additional safety and support for such passengers.

Abstract: A microfilm recording and developing apparatus comprising an inverted planetary optical system for photographically recording and reducing documents, and the like on microfilm, and a film processor assembly for treating the exposed film. The processor assembly which is of the self-threading type, comprises an elongated, double-walled conveyor which carries a plurality of coupled pairs of upper and lower transporting pinch rollers operated by an associated drive mechanism, and which, following the exposure of the film, causes the exposed film to enter and exit a plurality of chemical pods which respectively contain a developing, fixing, neutralizing and washing liquid. The chemical pods are removably disposed in aperatures formed in the processing conveyor at a location slightly spaced from and beneath each two adjacent pairs of coupled rollers.

Abstract: A rotor at the front of a tennis ball retrieving device is journalled for rotation in a direction whereby tennis balls lying at random on a tennis court or like surface are picked up and conveyed upwardly rearwardly to the top of a receptacle. An arcuate guide plate is provided for cooperation with the rotor and is positioned between the latter and the receptacle, the conforming guide plate being spaced from the rotor such as to form a ball transfer path therebetween. The path has a width less than the diameter of a tennis ball and extends from an upper point lying in a plane coinciding with the upper level of the receptacle to a lower point proximate ground surface. In operation, rotational forces exerted by the resilient rotor surface act upon the balls to raise the latter through the transfer path to the upper point thereof where such elevated balls are ejected in rearward direction, gravity causing the balls to drop into the receptacle.

Abstract: A recovery buoy which is carried underwater by a diver and comprises an indented spool-like body of lightweight material around which is wrapped a cord. A weight is detachably mounted to the body and is attached to the cord so that the weight end of the cord can be attached to a structure to be recovered or marked, and when the body is released, its buoyancy causes it to rise, thereby unspooling the cord.

Abstract: Provided is a sauna heater comprising an upright casing including an upper open receptacle for rocks to be heated and a burner at the bottom of the casing. An air intake communicates with the burner for the supply of air thereto. A heat deflector plate of planar configuration is disposed in the path of the gases within the combustion chamber and such that gases from the burner past the plate end and onto the top and thence downwardly toward a flue. The top of the burner is provided with an arcuate cover plate supporting the piled rocks. Upon heating the rocks, water is poured thereon to provide steam at a desired level. Excess water not absorbed by the heated rocks is drained in a free flow from the cover plate and directed to passage ways isolated from the combustion chamber and extending from the extremities of the cover plate to a point well below the bottom of the burner.

Abstract: A multiple laser beam system comprises a laser device which is intended to be attached on or near the barrel of a rifle or the like such that triggering of the weapon activates the laser transmitter and results in the laser device producing a plurality of beams which by means of an adjustable diverging lens on the laser device may be defocused to produce an overlapping pattern. The beams are transmitted sequentially by the laser head assembly while timing of the transmission of the beams is controlled by electronic beam encoding logic. When the weapon is fired a mechanical-to-electrical transducer is energized and generates an electrical signal used to trigger the laser firing sequence. Visual indication means are provided to indicate that the laser timing sequence has been initiated. The light beam is detected by a target having a plurality of light sensing detectors. Whereby an indication of the accuracy of the aim of the weapon may be obtained.

Abstract: An electrical connector including a main body or shell having its rearward end equipped for receiving the end of coaxial cable and having its forward end adapted for telescopic current-transmitting engagement with the shell of a mating connector. Positioned centrally within the shell is a jack or plug unit to which the central conductor of the cable is to be secured while an internal clamping arrangement is provided for fastening the braided outer conductor of the cable to the shell, the latter thus defining the connector outer conductor.