Abstract: A guide for mounting on an optical scanner, said guide including a guide framework provided with a laterally extending guide arm having a straight edge bearing surface which cooperates with a bearing surface on the scanner housing whereby the scanner can be moved in a parallel relationship with the straight edge to prevent lateral movement of the scanner or unintentional rotation of the scanner for superior scanning capability. The guide arm is preferably received within a passage or channel in the framework for reciprocal, lateral movement to adjust the guide arm and hence the bearing surface to be in proper alignment with the bearing surface on the scanner. Double sided adhesive tape provides secure attachment and detachment from the scanner without mutilation of the scanner.

Abstract: A trailer having a fixed framework and a telescoping framework engaging the fixed framework for shortening or lengthening of the trailer; a flexible floor foldable for use in either mode; a hitch assembly which permits ninety degree upwardly pivot of the trailer, when in the shortened mode for non-ground support portability on the towing vehicle; and a support bar engaging the towing vehicle for holding the trailer in the supported, portable position. A substantially V-shaped housing on the trailer provides a storage container with low center of gravity and also provides an axle housing for the trailer wheels.

Abstract: A self-removing cover guard for muzzle leading firearms of the type having a nipple for receiving a percussion cap. The cover guard includes a plate or cup secured to the breech or drum of the firearm by the nipple; a spring loaded hinge connected at one end to the plate or cup; and a nipple cover affixed to the other end of the hinge for pivotal placement or displacement of the nipple cover on or off the nipple. The spring, which may be integral with the hinge, is biased to automatically remove the nipple cover off the nipple, and hence the percussion cap, when the firearm hammer is retracted from its un-cocked, cover holding, position. A sealant may be provided between the nipple cover and the nipple or cup to protect the percussion cap from moisture.

Abstract: Animal training apparatus particularly useful in the training of cutting horses to cut a cow or calf from a herd. The apparatus includes a pneumatic tube, preferably annular, mounted at a selected height above the ground by support members. The tube is provided internally with a piston which is reciprocally moveable at a desired speed and direction by compressed air fed into and removed from air ports in the tube by an air compressor. A wheeled carriage, mounted on the exterior surface of the tube, carries a second magnet, magnetically coupled to the first magnet of the piston, for movement of the carriage in concert with the piston. An artificial cow or calf downwardly depends from the carriage, serving as a stimulus for training of the horse.

Abstract: A plant support for vegetables, flowers, and fruit, including a plurality of vertical rods, laterally spaced and linked together by a plurality of horizontal rings constructed of a multiplicity of horizontal rods to define a plant enclosure having numerous rectangular openings for supporting plant branches. Each of the horizontal rods define, on their opposing ends, a cylindrical portion for rotatably engaging respective adjacent vertical rods to permit the manipulation of the plant support to a variety of shapes in encircling a plant, when in the upright position and to define a protective cage for bedding plants when in the horizontal position. The cylindrical portions are preferably helical in shape and interwound with helical portions of adjacent horizontal rods for superior strength and frictional support for holding the plant support in a selected mode.

Abstract: A sound enhancing insert for stringed instruments in general and for guitars, in particular. The insert is readily mountable between the string supporting bridge saddle and the string tie-down members without repair, alteration of, or replacement of instrument parts. One or more rigid members, constructed of metal, wood, rigid plastic or ceramic, are mounted with a top surface of the rigid member contacting a respective string and the bottom surface of the rigid member contacting the sound table of the instrument. The rigid members are preferably mounted within a pliant soft plastic material such as Neoprene for supporting the rigid members in place and making the insert adaptable to different string heights. The rigid members, in their engagement between string and sound table, provide a second reverberation signal, a change in sustain, and a change in timbre, depending upon the particular material used.

Abstract: Double flow-through filtration apparatus requiring the bulk of the water to be treated to twice flow through filtering media contained within a filter housing. The housing includes an inlet port for receiving water from a source; a combination port for water flow to and from a storage tank and an outlet port which may lead to a water tap. Untreated water from a source flows into the filter housing through the inlet port. A cup type check valve prevents flow directly to the storage tank, forcing the water through the filter media for a first treatment. A filter tube, extending through the media, in cooperation with a check valve of the slip type, permits once treated water to flow to a storage tank and prevents backflow into the tube. Once the water tap is opened, the once treated water flows form the storage tank, through the combination port, by the cup valve, and through the filter media a second time before exiting the outlet port of the housing and the tap.

Abstract: Sewer check valve and cleanout apparatus including a valve body, substantially inverted-T in shape, said valve body provided with a horizontal conduit and an upright external riser; an internal riser receivable within the external riser; and a flapper. The horizontal conduit of the valve body is provided with opposing end hubs for attachment to existing sewer and drainage lines and is provided, on its upstream portion with an annular valve seat about the conduit. The flapper is pivotally attached to the lowermost end of the internal riser to sealingly engage the valve seat. The internal riser, with flapper, are readily accessible for maintenance or replacement by a simple retraction of the internal riser from the external riser. The internal riser is provided with a curved bore, cooperating with a curved bore in the external riser for directing cleanout cables downstream and away from the flapper valve.

Abstract: Water filtration apparatus with an internal by-pass for conducting water from a water source to a storage tank and from the storage tank through filter media to a tap. The apparatus includes a filter housing with an inlet port, and outlet port, and a combination inlet-outlet port connected to the storage tank. Water from the source flows slowly into the filter housing through the inlet port and through the combination port to the tank. Once the tap is opened, water flows from the storage tank, through the filter media, out the outlet port and out of the tap.

Abstract: A device for bundling objects such as cords, cables, wire, and hose comprising an elongated flexible strap having one side hook-loop material and having on the opposing side, for engagement therewith, complementary hook-loop material; having one one end of the strap a clasp for looping the strap therethrough to encircle an object for fastening the device thereto; having a rigid threading member on an opposing end of the strap for convenient threading of the strap through the clasp; and having, extending outwardly from a top side of the strap and in alignment therewith, a flexible tongue member having hook-loop material thereon of the same type as the adjacent surface of the strap enabling the strap to be divided into two sections for holding a portion of the cord, cable, or like, while holding a second portion in its bundled mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for passing migratory fish by dams to the sea. The method includes the creation of a water flow within a main conduit and in one or more collection conduits flowing into the main conduit from spawning areas; lighting the interior of the tubes by artificial lights to attract the fish and keep the fish moving downstream within the conduits; and emptying the fish and water on the downstream side of a dam, preferably by siphoning the water and fish over the dam. The apparatus includes the collection conduits; the main conduit receiving input from the collection conduits; pumps for creating water flow; a lighting system within the conduits; a siphon over the dam; and an open flume for non-pressurized passage of the fish down to the downstream level below the dam.

Abstract: A salt level monitoring device for water softeners including a weight for placement upon the salt mass; a drop line connected to the weight at one end and a sensor at the opposing, upper end; and a support member for supporting the sensor and drop line over the salt mass. Once the salt mass drops to a selected level, tension is placed upon the drop line and hence the sensor causing actuation thereof to send forth either an aural or visual signal. The weight has a mass less than the mass of the salt but greater than the mass of brine to prevent the weight from becoming embedded in the salt mass and to prevent false signals. A clip attaches the drop line to the weight for convenient adjustment of the drop line depth so that the salt level may be monitored at selected heights within the softener.

Abstract: A foot pedal mechanism for controlling input to a computer. The mechanism is particularly useful in computer video simulation programs. The mechanism offers realistic foot pedal action for rudder control, braking, speed control, or the like. The mechanism includes a housing placeable upon the floor; a pair of spring biased foot pedals pivotally engaging the housing in a side by side relationship for parallel vertical movement relative to one another; a potentiometer mounted within the housing and having an input into a computer, the potentiometer provided with an elongated shaft; and a cable having opposing ends affixed to the pedals and a central portion engaging the potentiometer shaft. Pivotal movement of the pedals rotate the shaft for controlling potentiometer input into the computer. Arms, radially extending from the potentiometer shaft and connected to the cable, permit realistic movement of the pedals and prevent excessive rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: A chain saw sharpener including a base plate; a clamp affixed to the base plate for holding the bar of a chain saw in vertical orientation; a tubular guide member affixable on the base plate at a selected angle relative to the clamp and hence the chain saw; a file carriage provided with a top rod insertible into the guide member for reciprocal and rotational movement relative thereto and an underlying bottom rod having a pair of downwardly depending file support members for giving support to both ends of the file; and a circular file rotatably mounted within the support members. A handle affixed to the file permits full foxibility and positioning of the sharpener in relation to the teeth to be sharpened. The top rod of the file carriage is provided with a free end for convenient insertion and removal from the file guide.

Abstract: A device for loading black powder, a projectile, and optional components into the muzzle of a muzzle loading firearm. The device includes an elongated tubular cartridge for holding the components to be loaded; a cartridge receiving housing for placement of the cartridge relative to the muzzle; and a plunger for insertion of the components into the muzzle. The cartridge has a central bore, substantially equal in diameter to the bore of the firearm, and preferably is transparent for viewing of the components therein. A crimp or frangible membrane serves to close one end of the cartridge and the projectile closes the opposing end. The cartridge housing includes a slotted portion for receiving and holding the cartridge and is provided with end apertures, aligned with the base of the cartridge for reciprocally receiving the plunger. The housing preferably includes a jacket for fitting over the end of the muzzle for perfecting alignment of the muzzle and cartridge bores.

Abstract: A fuel preconditioner for catalytic cracking of long-chain liquid hydrocarbons, and particularly gasoline, for internal combustion engines. A tubular housing, in-line with the fuel pump and carburetor or fuel injection system, contains a platinum catalyst for the cracking of liquid hydrocarbons into more volatile components for superior combustion, Heater elements may be provided for acceleration of the catalytic action. In one embodiment, the tubular housing defines a fuel rail of a fuel injection system.

Abstract: Aircraft engine deactivation apparatus for stopping an aircraft engine while the aircraft is on the ground. The apparatus is for safety purposes and is used to prevent a detected object from coming into contact with an engine driven propeller or a jet propulsion intake. A detector, preferably an infra-red radiation sensor, detects an object or person within a selected distance and within a seleced area about the engine. Upon detection, a mechanical engine deactivator, such as brake calipers engageable with the engine flywheel, or an electronic deactivator, such as an electronic switch operable to ground magnetos, shuts down the engine. A by-pass switch renders the system inoperable, when desired.

Abstract: An improved carburetor and fuel preconditioner for internal combustion engines comprising a first air conduit; a bubble chamber receiving air from said conduit and for bubbling the air through a fuel; a vapor chamber for receiving the air-fuel mixture; catalytic beads held within said bubble chamber for contacting and cracking fuel coming into contact therewith; a second air conduit for receiving an independent source of atmospheric air; and one or more pill cans located between the vapor chamber and the second air conduit for controlling the richness of the air-fuel mixture which is fed from the second air conduit into the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine for superior efficiency. Another pill can may be located between the vapor chamber and the intake manifold for controlling and feeding the highly volatile mixture from the vapor chamber directly to the intake manifold.

Abstract: A magnetic pick up device for a vacuum cleaner, including a first elongated strip of magnetized material affixed to and along the front lower face of a vacuum cleaner housing and a second elongated strip of magnetized material magnetically held in place by the first strip. The second strip may be magnetically secured to the front face of the first strip to accumulate magnetic debris such as pins, staples, needles, screws, and the like, from the surface being vacuumed. The second strip is then simply pulled from the magnetic attraction of the first strip and the debris removed. In this manner, the first strip remains relatively free from debris. The second strip may also be magnetically attached to the bottom-most edge of the first strip for placement closer to the carpet or floor being cleaned for more powerful attraction with the debris. The strips are preferably constructed of flexible material and include beveled ends to minimize damage to furniture or other objects which may be contacted.

Abstract: A float tube device with adjustable sling seat, the float tube device having a buoyant annular tubular member; a flexible fabric cover encasing the tubular member; a laterally extending band of flexible material, extending across a central opening of the tubular member to define a sling seat; and adjustable belt members for selectively increasing or decreasing the sling of the seat. The adjustable belts can be adjusted to provide sufficient tension on the seat to provide a stiff seat or may be loosened to provide a desired amount of sling. A second pair of adjustable belt members allows for selected forward or rearward tilt or pitch of the seat to maximize comfort. The seat member is affixed directly to the cover for safety and a crotch strap may be provided as an additional safety feature and to assist in providing selective tilt under some conditions.