Abstract: An irrigation and fertilization control/distribution system characterized by a distribution network and a control assembly coupling the distribution network to a pressurized water source. The control assembly includes an on/off valve mechanism operative to supply water to the distribution network when the ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined level, and a fertilizer metering mechanism operative to supply liquid fertilizer to the distribution network on the rising portion of a temperature cycle. The distribution network can include an inclined, hydroponic growth tube and a drip/mist tube.

Abstract: A fluid intensifier characterized by a bistable control mechanism which "remembers" the point in the operating cycle it is in. The bistable control mechanism controls the movement of a reciprocating assembly located within a main cylinder assembly. The reciprocating assembly co-acts with a stationary assembly to pump high pressure fluid from the main cylinder assembly. The fluid intensifier can be powered by an interruptable fluid source since the fluid intensifier will resume operation from its stopping point when fluid pressure is reapplied.

Abstract: A device for raising and lowering a pickup truck's spare tire characterized by an actuating lever pivotally attached to the truck's rear bumper, and a cable coupling the actuating lever to the truck's spare tire cross strap. The cable is trained over a pair of pulleys so that when the actuating lever is pivoted away from the bumper the spare tire cross strap member pivots to the ground to permit the removal of the spare tire. When the actuating lever is pivoted towards the bumper, the cross strap member pivots back into a horizontal position to raise the spare tire back to its stored position. A locking mechanism is provided so that the actuating lever can be locked to the bumper.

Abstract: A sprinkler system characterized by a tubular, substantially square base assembly, and two tubular arm assemblies pivotally coupled to the base assembly. The base assembly is provided with a female coupling receptive to the end of a garden hose such that the base assembly can be pressurized with water. The tubular arm assemblies receive water from the base assembly and are provided with a plurality of sprinkler heads for directing the water as desired by the user. Preferably, the arm assemblies telescope so that their lengths can be varied.

Abstract: An electronic level device characterized by an enclosure, a knob and shaft rotatably coupled to the enclosure, and a mercury switch located within the enclosure and attached to an end portion of the shaft. The mercury switch is closed when it is in a gravitationally normal position, and is open when it is tilted from the gravitational norm by more than a predetermined amount. By rotating the knob, the angle at which the mercury switch closes can be varied. An audible alarm is actuated by the closure of the mercury switch.

Abstract: A container to receive draining fluids characterized by a flexible base and sidewall, and a relatively stiff annulus portion surrounding the base and attached to the sidewall to provide a receptacle. The annulus portion, with the sides and mouth of the container draped over and outside it, forms a free-standing perimeter of sufficient depth, diameter and stability to receive fluids being freely drained into it as from an automobile or tractor radiator, crankcase or transmission. When the draining is completed, the mouth of the container may be sealed to prevent leakage. A resealable, flexible tube is incorporated near the base of the container to serve as a drain spout.

Abstract: A combination backpack and cot characterized by a main frame assembly and a pair of extension frame assemblies slidably coupled to the main frame assembly. When the extension frame assemblies are retracted the device serves as a backpack frame, and when the extension frame assemblies are extended the device serves as a cot. A pair of webs are used to support the weight of the backpacker when the device is in its cot configuration. A first of the webs is stretched tightly across the main frame assembly and supports most of the weight of the backpacker. A second web extends between the extension frame assemblies to support the extremities of the backpacker. The extension frame assemblies can be locked into a number of intermediate positions between their retracted position and their fully extended position so that the cot can be adjusted in length to fit the backpacker.

Abstract: A solar heating system characterized by a fixed base assembly and a movable collector assembly coupled to the base assembly such that it can move between a closed position and an heating position. The base assembly and is designed to fit an opening provided in an enclosure. The collector assembly is hinged to the base assembly such that it covers the base assembly when in the closed position and such that it is angled towards the sun when in the open position. Cool air is drawn from within the enclosure through ducts, and is heated within the collector assembly and returned to the enclosure. The warm air ducts and the cool air ducts of the two assemblies are connected together only when the collector assembly is in its heating position. Solar wings can help direct solar radiation to the collector assembly, and a reflective material can be attached to the back of the collector assembly to reflect unwanted heat away from the solar heating system.

Abstract: A portable drill press mechanism for electric hand drill characterized by a support post, a drill support assembly coupled to the support post, and clamping members removably attached to one or both ends of the support post. The drill support assembly has a drill clamp for attaching the hand drill to a movable carriage under the control of a carriage actuating mechanism. An angular adjustment mechanism is provided in the drill support assembly so that the hand drill can drill holes at various angular orientations relative the support post. Various clamping members are provided for special jobs, such as drilling into a work piece of rectangular cross-section, or drilling a hole from the inside of a large cylindrical container.

Abstract: A puzzle characterized by a number of stackable components each provided with an activated area consisting of a plurality of polarized zones. Each zone is polarized along one of two mutually perpendicular axes. The stackable components appear to be identical when separated, but when stacked together the appearance of the resultant solid will be dependent upon the alignment of the polarized zones of adjacent component. The object of the puzzle is to make the resultant solid totally transparent, totally opaque, or some other predetermined pattern of transparency and opacity.