Abstract: A fire-preventing warning system for alerting an occupant leaving the premises that a stove burner is on, includes (a) a sensor to detect whether a gas or electric stove is "on", connected to (b) a warning indicator located by the exit door. If the stove burner is on, the warning indicator will light up, or, in the alternative, emit an audible warning, or both, as the door is opened. The sensor and the indicator circuitry may be connected by electrical conductors or by radio frequency transmission; the system may be battery-operated or powered from household current.

Abstract: A rack for shipping a set of objects such as vehicle hoods comprises a base, two folding sides, a folding bumper, and several sets of pivotable clamps attached to the sides. The rack is employed by unfolding the sides to the upstanding, spaced-apart position, and loading the objects one at a time onto a set of clamps pivoted to the operative position from a storage position. As each object is put in position, the next set of clamps is pivoted into the operative position and loaded with the next object. The clamps are tightened and loosened by turning a bolt on each one with an air wrench. Pivotable clamps enable closer nesting of the objects. The bumper separates adjacent racks so the objects held by them do not interfere.

Abstract: A garment for protection against insects comprising an inner layer of material onto which an outer layer of mesh is placed. The inner layer is formed having a plurality of arches to elevate the outer mesh layer a distance from the user's skin. The outer mesh layer is impervious to insects while the distance defined by the arches prevents the insect's stinger or proboscis from reaching the skin. In an alternative embodiment, the inner layer is also made of mesh with a series of heat shrinkable polymeric strands running therethrough which are heat-treated to cause the inner layer to form a series of arches.

Abstract: The invention is an adjustable building frame comprising a plurality of interfitting parts. The frame includes a base having a pair of opposing receiving surfaces and several parallel roof members received and connected by and between the receiving surfaces. The roof members are generally perpendicularly to the opposing receiving surfaces of the base. Each roof member comprises at least two telescoping sections which may be telescoped together or apart to adjust the length of the roof member. Increasing the length of each roof member of the frame increases the height and volumetric area defined by the frame, and decreasing the length of the roof members decreases the height and volumetric area defined by the frame. A flexible cover is attachable to the roof members by a plurality of clasps or a flexible but more rigid cover is attachable to the roof members by a series of bolts. The cover ideally overlaps itself, so that it will expand or retract as the height of the frame is adjusted.

Abstract: A universal mount for a rifle comprises an upper rail having a plurality of traverse ribs running from the back of the upper receiver to the gas block, and a hand guard surrounding the barrel. The hand guard has side mounts allowing the addition of accessory devices such as flashlights and laser sights. A lower rail, designed to accept a grenade launcher and a bayonet, resides between the barrel and the hand guard. A heat shield is attached to the hand guard to protect the marksman from injury. A semicircular retaining ring locks the hand guard to the gas block by means of a throughhole which matingly engages a pin located in the muzzle end of the hand guard. When in place, the present invention provides a weapons' platform which achieves and maintains continuous alignment between the sight line of any optical attachments and the direction of a barrel that has become deformed due to thermal stress.

Abstract: The present invention is a ball valve that prevents scale formation on the exterior surface of the ball element, and therefore extends the life and efficiency of the ball valve. The ball valve comprises a ball element, a housing, and a jacket. The ball element has three ports formed therein and is seated within the jacket in the housing. The first and second ports of the ball element form a fluid conduit and the third port intersects the fluid conduit perpendicularly. In the open position, fluid flows through the housing into the first port of the ball element, through the fluid conduit, and out the third port. In the closed position, the fluid flows into the third port and into the fluid conduit but does not continue to flow through the housing. The design of the ball element does allow the exterior surface of the ball element to be exposed to the fluid, and thus prevents scale formation from occurring on this surface.

Abstract: A portable, charcoal-burning heater for out-of-door use comprises a body with a lid. Inside the body is a charcoal-supporting grill above a pull-out ash drawer and a cooking grill above the charcoal-supporting grill. Both grills rest on ledges that also provide structural support to preserve the shape of the body after prolonged, repeated use. Vents on the ends of the body and in the lid enable air to flow across the coals. Insulated handles for the lid and body, an insulated, recessed drawer and insulated feet prevent injury and damage from heat to the user or the surface on which the heater is placed.

Abstract: A weld spring clip used to tack weld two pipes together using a tungsten inert gas welder and a shield gas includes a reflector that can be inserted within a weld seam using a handle. The reflector, which is attached to an arm and a handle, is positioned beneath the desired weld site on the interior of the pipes. The handle biases the clip in place on the pipe at the seam, and a point on the end of the reflector assists in aligning the reflector at the seam. In position, the reflector reflects the shield gas toward the interior of the weld site. By reflecting the shield gas, oxidation along the interior surface of the weld site is prevented, and the need for a back gas is eliminated.

Abstract: The present invention is a receiver made by a welding process. The receiver made according to this process has less net distortion because of a number of techniques used in the process, including: (1) cooling the weld with Carbon Dioxide (CO.sub.2) preheated with the welding torch tip; (2) use of not more than approximately 4% oxygen in the shield gas to enable hotter, faster welding; (3) the use of a reduced voltage and wire feed rate at the end of a weld to avoid cracking; (4) the intentional use of distortion to reduce net distortion; and (5) sequencing of welds to reduce distortion. Distortion can be introduced in the stamped parts as they are made or when placed in a fixture for welding that, when welded, have less distortion than before. Distortion can also be countered by welding parts in a sequence where a subsequent weld reduces the distortion of a previous weld.

Abstract: A device for holding a door upright for painting comprises a bracket that attaches the device to the electrical junction box in a ceiling, a telescoping rigid section held by the bracket, and a pin at the end of the rigid section that engages the top edge of the door. The telescoping rigid section adjusts to different door sizes and different ceiling heights. It also moves to a retracted position from an extended position, so that the door can be easily positioned and removed. In the vertical position, only slight force is needed to hold the door there, force provided in part by the attachment of the device to the junction box. Use of the junction box obviates the need for more elaborate support systems.

Abstract: An applicator for use in applying lotion comprises a housing, a handle and an applicator pad. The housing is hollow so as to receive the handle therein when the handle is being stored. The applicator pad is attached to the housing and is used to spread lotion, such as suntan lotion, on one's back. The end of the handle has a locking ring, endplug or endcap that is designed to hold by friction the handle to the housing, either in the stored position with the handle in the housing, or in the extended position for use. The applicator pad has an annular depression to enable the pad to control the spread of the lotion. Lotion is spread toward the depression by the higher center and thus over the pad,but the excess lotion is confined to it by the higher edge of the pad. The present applicator will enable more efficient application of lotion by applying all of it rather than absorbing part of it.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pumping high viscosity paints. The apparatus comprises a double diaphragm pneumatic pump having means for controlling the air exhaust rate from the diaphragms to thereby reduce the diaphragm cycling rate. The decreased diaphragm cycling rate enables high viscosity paint to be drawn into the pump chambers and thereby avoids cavitation and increases the output flow rate. In a preferred embodiment, the bleed port, which vents air from the diaphragms to the atmosphere, is fitted with a needle valve, enabling the exhaust rate to be variably controlled. An alternative embodiment comprises a pump fitted with a valve received by the main exhaust of the air motor to thereby control the exhaust rate from the diaphragms.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing objects such as billiard chalk and containers of powder comprises a housing with a front door and two hoppers in it, one hopper for a stack of pairs of chalks and one for a stack of containers of powder, a shelf located below the hoppers, a chute beginning behind the shelf and leading to an access opening in the housing below its front door, and two coin mechanisms in the door of the housing. The coin mechanisms have push rods mounted so that they intercept the selected object when pushed. Placement of coins of the appropriate denomination enables the pushing of the push rods toward the selected object and its pushing from the shelf into the chute.