Abstract: This invention is an improved solar collector which combines a magnifying lense with separate reflectors to obtain maximum solar energy collection. The collector also tracks celestial movement so as to constantly maintain maximum solar exposure.

Abstract: This invention is an improved padding used by athletes and others to prevent or greatly reduce the instances of injury due to blows to the body and its appendages, particularly to the more boney parts thereof such as knees, elbow, shoulders, thighs, hips, and the like. This is accomplished through the utilization of non-metallic spring means encapsulated in a vinyl type material with air pockets formed therebetween with cross-stress means for additional protection.

Abstract: This invention is a non-fossil fuel fired hot water system which allows a large amount of water or other liquid to be raised to a relatively high temperature, but below the boiling point, in a relatively short period of time. Due to a unique air circulation system, extremely high temperatures of the combustible material can be obtained with secondary burning eliminating all visible particulate material from the exhaust stack of the system. The unique firebox itself is disposed such that it is surrounded by water on all sides including the access closures for said firebox.

Abstract: This invention is an adapter for a diver's buoyancy compensator vest which allows conversion from a single tank to a double tank configuration to be quickly and readily made. The adapter includes a pair of elongated rod-like members with tank locking wedges mounted on the end thereof with wing nuts. The conversion back to a single tank can be readily accomplished by simply disconnecting the adapter and removing the same from the vest.

Abstract: This invention is a retractable step which can be either retrofitted to a standard pickup truck type tail gate or can be made into the tail gate during manufacture. In this latter case, the step is of the disappearing type and would not be visible except when extended and folded down to its operative or use position. The above is accomplished through a track and pivot arrangement with the retrofit version having a housing disposed thereover when in the retracted position.

Abstract: This invention is a grill of the type ordinarily associated with charcoal. Such grill features sloped heat reflecting sides which create smoke but will not flame up, an elongated thin, centrally disposed charcoal basket is also provided with a clean out tray therebelow. Additionally, a charcoal igniting chamber is provided which allows the charcoal to be lit through the use of newspaper type combustibles thus eliminating the need for charcoal lighter fluid and similar ignitors.

Abstract: The present invention entails a wood I-joist and method of manufacturing and fabricating the same. Structurally the wood I-joist comprises a web assembly secured between two wood flange assemblies. Each wood flange assembly comprises a plurality of individual wood members secured together in end-to-end relationship to form an elongated wooden member subassembly that extends the entire length of each respective wood flange assembly. A series of wood member subassemblies are glued together in side-by-side relationship to form a respective wood flange assembly. In forming each wood flange assembly, an inner side is provided for receiving the web assembly. Each inner side is formed by providing an opening or void that stretches the entire length of each wood flange assembly to secure the web assembly within this opening or void. There is provided a number of wood wedge members which are driven into the web receiving opening, between each side of the web and an adjacent side of the wood flange assembly.

Abstract: This invention is a self-hoisting platform which can be used by painters, carpenters, or the like when painting or repairing elevated building structures. This is accomplished through the provision of a seat-like means having an interconnected dual lift system with reversible, pawl type locking means for manually raising and lowering the system.

Abstract: The present invention is a pocket cuspidor which is simple, sanitary and convenient for containerizing oral secretions. Tobacco juice, spitum and other oral secretions are expectorated through a mouthpiece into a small portable container. Pressing a thumb tab simultaneously opens a mouthpiece valve and a vent valve, allowing spitum to enter the container and air, displaced by spitum, to escape. Releasing the thumb tab closes both valves, sealing the container. The small sealed container may be carried conveniently in clothing and handbags. The apparatus includes a container and removable top.

Abstract: The present invention provides a clean, sanitary, and safe apparatus for capturing flies, and flying insects from the air. Specifically, the method and apparatus of the present invention entails a timed vacuum source for generating a system of moving air that is induced over an insect induction area. The velocity of the air is increased as it passes over the insect induction area. Flying insects or other insects that move into the vicinity of the induction area are captured and delivered by the moving air to an insect collection area.

Abstract: This invention is an improved container carrying means in the form of a central housing containing a plurality of inner-connected linkages with gripping fingers outwardly extending from on one end and a handle means outwardly extending from the other end. When the gripping fingers are placed on opposite sides of the containers to be carried and the handle lifted upwardly, the heavier the container, the tighter the gripping finger will hold the same.

Abstract: This invention is a heat storage system utilizing pressure treated, high density fibrous products to capture and hold heat, particularly in passive solar applications. This heat storage means is preferably in the form of pressure treated logs or timbers which, once heated, will slowly release this heat over an extended period of time.

Abstract: The present invention entails a system and method of controlling and preventing the spread of land fires and particularly forest fires. This is accomplished by forming a substantial foam strip along an area spaced from the fire, and back burning from the foam strip towards the fire or fire area. To form the foam strip, the present invention discloses the method of dropping foam containing containers from an aircraft in a selected pattern along the strip area designated. The foam containers are provided with valves that open approximately on impact or at a selected time thereafter to cause the release of the foam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a robotic head that includes a pair of fingers that are adapted to be moved back and forth in parallel relationship between closed and open positions. In addition there is provided a group of interchangeable fingertip sets, with each fingertip set being formed to retrieve and hold a certain size or shaped object. Each fingertip set can be automatically attached and detached from the fingers of the robotic head. In particular, at one single work station, the robotic head through appropriate programming can automatically interchange fingertip sets such that the same robotic head can retrieve and set various types and sizes of elements or parts at one single work station.

Abstract: This invention is a means for indicating the alignment or non-alignment of vehicle type frames. The device clips over a portion of the frame with an indicator arm terminating in an indicator finger which, if in alignment, will point toward a pre-determined location on the frame. If the frame is not in alignment, this is also readily apparent by the indicator being off the pre-determined location.