Abstract: An automatic feeding device for animals includes a housing having multiple receptacles. Each receptacle is provided with a cover movable from a closed position to an open position. Each cover includes a latch for securing the cover in the closed position. The device includes an actuating mechanism for selectively releasing the covers. The actuating mechanism is in the form of a solenoid and a plurality of fingers connected to the solenoid. The fingers are arranged relative to each other such that, upon sequential actuation of the solenoid, the fingers sequentially engage and release the latches of the covers.

Abstract: A gas cooking range includes a number of energy-efficient features. The range includes an oven section in which combustion air is preheated by heated discharge gases. Panels are spaced from the walls of the oven and circulation fans are included to provide exceedingly effective airflow within the oven. A gas shutoff valve automatically controls the discharge of heated gases from the oven so that heated gases are discharged only when combustion is occurring. The range also includes a compact, rotatable oven/broiler burner unit, a smoke-free drip pan, an efficient piloted ignition, flame-containing rangetop burner rings atop which pots and pans can be supported, and a small, portable oven which can be supported atop the burner rings.

Abstract: A device for attachment to a crutch enables bulky objects or numerous items to be carried with little difficulty. The device includes an elongate, cylindrical tube having stoppers at each end within which a keyholder and an object carrier such as a net or a rope can be carried. The tube is attached to a crutch, preferably a single-shaft aluminum crutch, by means of a clamp. The clamp avoids the need for modification of the crutch and enables the device to be attached to crutches of any cross-sectional configuration. The device also includes a flexible casing which may be fitted in place about the crutch and the tube. The casing is equipped with various pockets for receiving items such as address books, checkbooks, and the like.

Abstract: A building form into which concrete may be poured to form a column or similar structure includes a plurality of stacked form units having interconnected expandable and contractable joints. The application of a vertically upward force to the joints of the uppermost form unit causes all the units to move together, first laterally outwardly and then upwardly to strip the form from the column. The form thereafter may be moved to another location where the joints of the form units may be contracted to provide a form for pouring another column. The joints include movable portions which are cammed outwardly or inwardly depending on the direction of vertical movement of a central, vertically movable portion.

Abstract: An induced draft cooling tower includes a unitary, seamless shell fabricated from a rust-free, plastics material. The cooling tower operates on the counterflow principle whereby a fluid to be cooled is directed downwardly through a block of cellular packing disposed within the tower, while cooling air is drawn upwardly through the cellular packing and is exhausted at the top of the tower. A fan is mounted atop the tower for purposes of drawing air through the tower. The shell includes a polygonal lower portion for easier formation of air inlets and for attachment of plumbing fixtures. The shell is fabricated from an inexpensive, relatively weak plastics material; however, due to the configuration of the shell, the tower possesses favorable strength characteristics and avoids the need for any supplementary structural supports made of very strong material such as steel or fiberglass reinforced polyester.

Abstract: A fish lure includes an ellipsoidal body portion having an axially extending ventral slot. A hook carrier is insertable into the slot and is retained in place there by a wedge which tightly locks the hook carrier and the body portion together. Upon removing the wedge, and without disconnecting the hook carrier from a fishing line to which it previously had been connected, the hook carrier can be removed from the body portion and another body portion can be substituted. Body portions according to the invention can be manufactured inexpensively from a plastics material in a molding operation. The hook carrier and the wedge can be manufactured inexpensively from metal in a stamping operation. The hook carrier and the wedge interact with the body portion in such a manner that another body portion can be substituted quickly, and yet an entire assembly of body portion, hook carrier, and wedge will be tightly secured together for various fishing operations such as casting and trolling.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable, auxiliary towel rack adapted for use with an existing towel bar includes spaced legs uniquely configured such that the towel rack is securely held in place on the towel bar. Each leg includes a first straight section at one end of which a reversely bent portion having a second straight section is provided. A straight third section extends from the reversely bent portion, the third straight section being substantially at right angles to the first straight section. A short wall-engaging portion extends from the third straight section in a direction generally parallel to the first straight section. The legs are connected to the underside of an oval member having a major dimension approximately equal to that of conventional towel bars. In use, the reversely bent portions of the legs are wrapped about the towel bar and the wall-engaging portions engage the wall.

Abstract: A safety razor having a movable head includes a handle to which a blade assembly carrier is secured. The blade assembly carrier is adapted to receive blade assemblies of different configurations as produced by different manufacturers; together, the blade assembly carrier and the blade assembly define the head of the razor. The head is movable about an axis parallel to edges of the blades. The head also is attached to the handle in such a fashion that the head "floats" with respect to the handle, that is, the head not only pivots about an axis parallel to the edges of the blades, but it also translates and is angularly displaceable relative to the handle. The resultant shaving action is superior to that attainable with other safety razors. Because of the simplicity of the components, the expense of the assembly is markedly reduced compared with prior safety razors having movable heads.

Abstract: An X-ray film holder particularly adapted for use in dental work comprises a first clip which may be secured to a conventional saliva ejector and tongue guard. The film holder includes a generally rectangular spine from which a second, film-holding clip projects on one side, and from which the first clip projects on the other side. In use, the normal placement of the saliva ejector and tongue guard properly positions a piece of X-ray film within the mouth.