Abstract: A light weight, portable, and self-contained soldering iron heating device in which one or more propane gas containers or equivalent provide fuel to two burners through a manifold which has independent burner fuel controls. The burners are located in a fire box which supports a cradle in which two soldering irons may be placed. The fire box is fitted with a hinged hood, provides for rapid and economical heating, and confines the flame so as to be safe for use in areas selected for soldering, with the hinged hood providing easy access to the burners for servicing. The fuel supply and fire box are positioned side-by-side on a horizontal base and are separated by an integral, vertical, combined sheet metal, heat shield and tubular handle. This configuration eliminates the need for any insulation, results in a low center of gravity allowing use on inclines up to for example thirty degrees, and permits single hand carriage.

Abstract: A flagpole system for automatically displaying and furling a flag employing a motorized drive in which a frictional roller causes the flag to be loosely folded without a spindle into or unfolded from a waterproof cylindrical housing. The system employs both light sensitive and moisture sensitive circuits to automatically activate the DC motor for furling and unfurling the flag. During furling of the flag, when the flag is fully furled, a welt along the side of the flag causes an amperage overload in the motor to take place, activating an amperage overload switch and turning off the motor. At the same time the amperage overload switch reverses the current so that, when the motor is reactivated to lower the flag, the flag will be unfurled. A similar welting overload system is used in the unfurling operation. The drive roller can include uni-directional flicking members on their surface for a flicking action in the furling operation only. The system can be grounded mounted (FIG. 5) or wall mounted (FIG. 9).

Abstract: A universal spreader comprising a hopper; a cable by which the speading of fertilizer/chemical/seed/pesticide/etc., in the hopper may be inititated or terminated; a rotatable, driven agitator which distributes and controls the amount of the fertilizer; an adjustable width drive for the agitator; a series of moveable fertilizer delivery tubes or "fingers" for delivering the fertiziler from the hopper to the ground which allows spreader to be fit on lawnmowers of most sizes with handles of different and varied configurations; and a guide securing device which also assists in spreading the fertilizer from the "fingers" while also serving to provide a base for anchoring and adjusting the width of the "fingers" to coincide with the swath of the lawn cut by the blades of the mower.

Abstract: A slotted material holder which is used in combination with a conventional circular table saw or the like to allow specified angular cuts to be made safely in boards as they are guided pass the saw. The miter board holder of the invention is adapted for usage with no modifications to the saw or table being necessary. The holder allows for the cutting of long boards in that both ends of the board may extend outwards from the holder allowing the cut to be made at any location along the board. The holder includes a flat base member upon which a mounted three sets of board guide elements projecting above its upper surface-a lateral one located at one end extending pass both sides of the slot for the saw blade; a side set extending diagonally to the slot; and an intermediate set. A moveable jam (FIG. 6) is included to be used on the base member in association with the intermediate set of guide elements.

Abstract: A system for delaying the ignition of, or for extinguishing, an oil well rig fire, by injecting an admixture of for example pressurized CO.sub.2 and mono-potassium phosphate into the flow of hydrocarbons from the drill pipe and casing, through a plurality of holds in the wall of a spool apparatus located in the "stack" above the "Hydril" and blow-out preventers and above the casing but preferably below the mud return line element. The spool apparatus is equipped with a plurality of one-way check valves for receiving a plurality of conduits or chicksaw lines for transporting the chemicals from storage tanks to the spool apparatus. The entire system can be manually activated by a spring-loaded mechanism at the control head. Additionally, the system can be used to inject, for example, ammonium hydroxide to neutralize highly toxic gases, known as "sour" gases, arising during a blow-out.

Abstract: A hydraulic quick release system for tightening and releasing tug and barge cable connections in the event of a breakage of a cable. The system comprises a novel hydraulic circuit comprising a pair of hydraulic cylinders mounted on the stern of the tug with apparatus for attaching the barge cable connections to the hydraulic cylinders. Each cylinder has an apparatus for actuating the cylinders simultaneously and independent of each other to tighten and loosen the cable connections. There is provided in the system by-passing apparatus whereby each cylinder may be independently actuated as required by conditions. Controlling apparatus permit the cylinders to be quickly actuated to tighten and loosen the barge cable connections as desired with apparatus being provided for increasing the extending speed of the cylinders in order that the cables can be quickly released from the cylinders by a quick extending thereof.

Abstract: A holder for a coin-operated carwash wand containing a spring-biased, friction brake triggered by the pressure of fluid jetting from the wand. The brake prevents the wand or gun from being inadvertently jetted out of the holder should the user mistakenly insert his coins before the gun is removed from the holder. The frictional resistance engagement of the brake is sufficient to overcome the jetting force but is low enough to allow the user to pull the gun out of the holder even when the brake is on. The holder is also spring-mounted to its wall bracket so that it can rotate 90.degree. in the event the wand hose becomes snagged on a portion of the automobile being serviced, thus allowing the wand to be pulled out of the holder rather than having the holder ripped off the wall or the hose system otherwise damaged.

Abstract: A crossword puzzle system for creating crossword puzzles including the steps of (a) obtaining a crossword puzzle grid defining sections; (b) inserting "generator" words into the grid; (c) making "possibility" check from a provided "Table of Average Preference Values"; (d) assigning "C" (consonant) and "V" (vowel) locations based on highest frequency rate with the longest words done first and with "possibility" checks done as needed; (e) determining the relative priorities of the crossword puzzle grid sections; and (f) filling in the blanks with the use of provided "Paralog" lists starting with the most difficult.

Abstract: An electric bass guitar with retractable frets for the purpose of for example enabling the musician to perform dynamic slides without volume attenuation of the slide by moving the frets down into the neck of the guitar out of play. The retractable frets provide dual positions to choose from in regard to fret positions: a first, retracted position which provides frets flush with the fretboard, giving the electric bass a fretless guitar characteristic, and a second, non-retracted position which provides frets protruding out of the plane of the fretboard as in a conventional guitar; or alternatively the selection of retracting only certain desired one of the frets without interrupting the effectiveness of the remaining frets.The neck includes on its upper side a lateral, inclined slope upon which the wedge-shaped frets ride. As the frets are moved across the neck, and ride up the slope, they rise up out from the neck body and protrude above it to be in their operative disposition.

Abstract: A key case for holding and enclosing one or more keys in a more orderly, compact manner while allowing ease of selection, freedom of use, and ease of restorage after use. This is accomplished using a single, triangularly shaped key-holder, which holds all the keys in the key case, and attaching it at one corner to the body of the key case by a double-hinge, universal pivot mechanism, with the keys being stored in face-to-face engagement in an "upside-down" disposition (FIG. 3). The triangular key holder in storage disposition allows for a reduction in size of the key case and further incorporates semicircular corners at its base to facilitate control and separation of the keys while a key is being put in use (FIG. 1).

Abstract: An accurate mechanical method and associated calliper for determining the vertical and longitudinal center lines and the mid-point between joint holes in the laying out of a stirrup for use in the foundation of a lower extremity orthosis. The calliper comprises an assembly with three main parts: a floating, calibrated main bar containing two lateral internal springs of equal tension connected to a center punch or marking pin, and two end bars of equal size connected to the other ends of the internal springs, which end bars slide in and out of the main floating bar. Each end bar includes a pin which attaches it to the main bar spring, a stirrup dowel and a scale to be used for inter alia measuring varus or valgus deformities of the ankle. The assembly is placed on a stirrup by inserting the stirrup dowels on the two end bars into the joint holes on the stirrup, thus positioning the main bar for measurement and marking purposes.

Abstract: A novel pipe joint intersection contour scriber is disclosed for use in the art of welding pipes together at intersections which may or may not be perpendicular. The invention consists of a template connected by two rods to a three-disc assembly, one disc of which has a scriber sub-assembly. The three-disc assembly provides an adjustable clamp and centering function with the disc closest to the template containing the scriber sub-assembly which is allowed to rotate through 360.degree.. The scriber pen is connected by way of a sleeve to a wheel which rotates on the template causing the pen to trace the appropriate line. The scriber and wheel assembly is attached to the rotating disc by means of an adjustable three-piece section which functions to provide a means for adjusting the distance of the scriber pen from the center of its path of rotation and operates on the principal of a parallelogram, always maintaining the pen in the same orientation.

Abstract: A direct contact, water heating column furnace for producing non-corrosive, drinking-water-quality heated water comprising a body or shell having at least an upper, heat exchange and stripping compartment and integrally formed and in-line therewith a lower compartment. A grating separates the integrated two compartments and a plurality of heat absorbing and transfer bodies, such as for example, Paul rings, are positioned within the upper compartment on top of the grating. A greater amount and depth of heat absorbing bodies are provided than would be needed merely for heating in order to also strip the water of substantially all its free oxygen to eliminate the corrosive effects of CO.sub.2 presence. Cold water is introduced into the furnace by a spray positioned over the heat absorbing bodies with the water running into the lower compartment as it is heated and oxygen-stripped by heating means. The heating means operates at a relatively low temperature free of intense hot spots to avoid NO.sub.

Abstract: A training toy for helping children learn how to lace their shoes and also to enhance or improve their fine motor skill (eye/hand coordination). The shoe-configured toy includes a series of adjustable diameter eyelets disposed upon the forward slope of the toy and an open or hollowed out central area for storage and ease in use. The toy is mounted on wheels, and the training shoe string can also be used to pull the toy about on its wheels. The diameter adjustment system for the eyelets includes a set of longitudinally slidable plates with different diameter eyelet openings which can be moved into the eyelet areas to alter the effective diameter of the eyelets. An alternate system (FIG. 5) includes a coiled spring element whose outer end is moved in and out to change its effective diameter.

Abstract: An ink pen is provided which is comprised of an outer rotating and sliding body which fits comfortably, overriding an inner ink containing cartridge. The outer body slides with respect to the inner cartridge when rotated with respect thereto. Rotation of the outer body with respect to the inner cartridge causes the cartridge to retract within the outer body, thus protecting the pocket of an individual upon placement of the pen in such a position when the pen is not in use. Inadvertent placement of the ink pen into a shirt pocket, for example, when the pen is in the writing position, is prevented by means of a projecting clip guard which catches on the outer portion of the pocket, thus preventing the pen from entry into the pocket when it is in its writing position.

Abstract: A system for making a "jack-up" rig with its jacked-up legs and hull rigid and fixed together by the use of "rack chock" elements which are designed to absorb the maximum axial chord loadings on the legs and transmit them directly into the hull. The "rack chock" elements are configured preferrably with a number of matching teeth for exact, in-line engagement with the legs' rack teeth, and are capable of being adjusted for vertical alignment and horizontal positioning to mate with the rack teeth position. By a series of screw jacks and/or secondary chocks, the "rack chock" elements provide rigid contact with both the legs and the hull structure and eliminate the requirement for the jack pinions to take the load (as is done in the prior art) in either jacked-up or ocean-tow dispositions.

Abstract: There is disclosed a new and improved air-fuel metering regulator which provides for extremely fine adjustment of the flow of fuel to the internal combustion engine which may be operating under idling, cruising or various accelerating power circumstances. This is provided, in the preferred embodiment, by the novel arrangement of the separate air and fuel diaphragm and chambers with extremely fine adjustments being provided in both the air or vacuum chamber bodies and the fuel chamber bodies to limit the travel of both diaphragm assemblies in their respective linear directions toward or away from the vacuum or fuel chamber bodies. As a result of the fine adjustments possible and the particular layout of the chambers, more precise and upgraded performance is available in the internal combustion engine as a result of the fuel supply to the internal combustion engine being made more responsive to the various operating conditions of the engine.

Abstract: A flue stack maintenance system particularly for those flues through which grease laden air passes such as for example exist in commercial restaurant kitchens and the like (FIG. 1), which utilizes an expandible, elongated metal foil liner bag which forms a closed interior system except for an air inlet conduit provided for the application into the interior of the bag an air pressure greater than the ambient to balloon out the bag into facing engagement with the interior of the flue stack (FIG. 3B). After the bag is ballooned out, the upper and lower ends are opened and folded over and around the ends of the flue for attaching the foil liner to the flue (FIG. 3C).

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for fracturing and creating multiple fissures in hydrocarbon impregnated rock. The invention uses a sequence of explosive charges involving a main, centrally located high velocity, shape charge shot directed out horizontally into the stratum to be fractured, and two supplemental charges of bulk explosives of a lower detonation velocity positioned above and below the main shot and simultaneously detonated following the main charge, the purpose of the sequence and the physical arrangements being to effect greater penetration of the stratum. In the preferred embodiment a metal shaped charge containing a liquid explosive is used for the centrally located main shot comprising a number of longitudinally extended tined spokes directed radially outward from a common center (note FIG. 3). The diameter of the shaped charge can be varied to fit and preferably generally fills up the diameter of the well bore.

Abstract: An apparatus for straightening damaged automobile frames or bodies utilizing a rigid structural ramp capable of supporting a vehicle. A preferably hydraulic power source capable of imparting alternatively a compressive or a tensile force to the damaged frame or body is adjustably mounted on a wheeled post which slidably travels a continuous track circumventing the ramp. The ramp is provided with improved chain anchoring openings. A chain can be used for a applying tensile force to the frame directly or indirectly to the frame by connecting a chain first to the anchoring opening, then to the damaged frame, and then to the hydraulic power source.Using two wheeled posts on the continuous track, a rotatable, pivotal, cross bar can be attached at its respective end portions to the wheeled posts. With the power source mounted on the cross bar, repairs can be made to the roof, or interior portions of an automobile (see FIG. 10).