Abstract: A solderless battery pack. The pack has a generally thin wall cell body portion with two tubular segments each adapted to hold a plurality of batteries. An upper end cap and a lower end cap are provided for fitting tightly over the upper and lower ends of the cell body portion, respectively. The end caps are compressingly engaged to make electrical connection with the terminals of the uppermost and the lowermost batteries by use of opposing all-thread fasteners. The all thread fasteners each extend through the upper and lower end caps and and along side of the cell body portion in a spaced apart relationship. The all thread fasteners are removably affixed by nuts below and above the end caps. In this manner, batteries are provided a complete electrical circuit without current draining soldered or welded contacts.

Abstract: A cue tip mounting system. A system for releasably securing a leather cue tip to a cue stick is provided. The system provides a tip mount for permanent mounting in the distal end of a cue stick. The tip mount has a threaded shaft extending outward along central axis for releasable threaded engagement with interior threads provided in a detachable mounting ferrule. The mounting ferrule has, at the tip end thereof, a centrally located nipple with flat distal surface for providing a centering force on a leather tip which is adhesively bonded to the tip end of the mounting ferrule. The tip is provided with a nipple accepting cup adapted to receiving the centering nipple protruding from the in the mounting ferrule. Preferably, the tip mount is provided in brass, and the ferrule in brass or aluminum, for absorbing shock.

Abstract: A high strength hitch. The hitch is affixed to the rear of a towing vehicle. The apparatus includes a frame having a transversely extending tubular structural member extending between a first end and a second end and having a front, a rear, a bottom, and a top. A rearwardly extending first tubular receiving member is provided with its forward end affixed to the rear of the transverse tubular structural member. A second tubular receiving member is provided mounted below the first tubular receiving member. An upper forward portion of the second tubular receiving member is affixed below the transverse structural member. A strengthing bottom plate is provided below and affixed to the second tubular receiving member. The bottom plate also has an upwardly extending forward portion which is affixed to the front of the transverse structural member.

Abstract: A multi-part foundation ventilator. The ventilator has a first frame member with a first exterior peripheral edge flange, and, extending inwardly therefrom, a protruding wall portion of preselected width X.sub.1(A). The first inwardly protruding wall portion has an outer surface portion with a first receiving ledge portion and a protruding, first joining flange portion. A second frame member has a second inwardly protruding wall portion of preselected width X.sub.2(A). The second inwardly protruding wall portion further includes an outer surface portion, with a second receiving ledge portion and a second joining flange portion. The first joining flange portion of the first frame member is sized and shaped to fit in close fitting, overlying engagement with the second receiving ledge portion of the second frame member.

Abstract: A beverage chilling monitoring and alarm device. The temperature sensing, beverage temperature estimating, and remote alarm device is adapted for use in quick chilling beverages in containers, and thus enables one who attempts to quick chill a beverage to avoid a freeze-ruptured container that messily or catastrophically loses some or all of its contents in the freezer. The device senses the temperature of a beverage container, uses a method which estimates the beverage temperature against a predetermined temperature profile, and provides multi-level alarms based on the temperature of the beverage. The apparatus includes a flexible thermal sensor support that is adapted for being detachably and non-invasively affixed to a container. The sensor support is provided in a stretch type or adjustable length material, such as elastic, or a narrow strip which is adjustably fastened around a container via detachably affixible fasteners, preferably via Velcro.RTM.

Abstract: A rehabilitation/training device. The device is in the form of an apron having multiple simulated apparel closures. The simulated apparel closures are mounted on layered fabric panels. Pockets are provided for storing hand exercise equipment, such as a ball of clay, and for storing a pad of paper, as well as for storing one or more writing/drawing implements.

Abstract: An implement holder. The implement holder is detachably affixable to a pre-selected substrate such as a glass window, mirror, or other suitable surface, for removably securing a pre-selected elongated implement such as a pen or pencil in a desired location. The devices are adjustable in multiple axes, so that in spite of various angular situations encountered with respect to one or more pre-selected substrates, the implement holder can be easily adjusted to secure a selected implement, such as a pen or pencil, in a desired orientation. The implement holder uses as a detachable securement device a flexible elastomeric suction cup. The suction cup has an attachment portion that is detachably affixable to the pre-selected substrate. Connected to and opposite the attachment portion a support portion. A fastener is affixed to the support portion to adjustably and slidably secure an implement cradle to the support portion.

Abstract: A joint system for cue sticks. The system includes a joining member, a sleeve, and a receiving member. The cue stick shaft is prepared by drilling and tapping therein a centered threaded bore extending inwardly along a longitudinal axis from a center end face which is transverse to the longitudinal axis. The cue stick handle is similarly prepared. The joining member is preferably integrally formed or machined from a single solid part, and includes a pin portion and a smaller stud portion with a transverse oriented transition portion therebetween preferably shaped as an annular face portion. The pin portion has an externally threaded engagement portion adapted to securely locate the joining member, in the threaded bore in the cue stick shaft. The stud portion extends along the longitudinal axis outward from the pin portion, and has, at the distal end, a threaded locking portion. A receiving member is provided to receive the stud portion.

Abstract: Small diameter rotary drill bits using rolling disc cutters. Novel small diameter rotary drill bits with detachable pedestal mounted rolling disc cutters are provided. The bit body has a plurality of longitudinal edge mounting slots located at preselected angularly spaced apart locations. Preferably, the slots each have an upper protective ledge and downwardly extending sidewalls. A set of peripheral pedestal mounts each having a mounting portion sized and shaped to fit into a preselected mounting slot are provided and each is detachably mounted in its preselected mounting slot. In one embodiment, the longitudinally extending slots further comprise a wedge shaped edge portion, and the pedestal mounts have a complimentary angularly shaped portion, so that when the pedestal mount is brought into a close fitting relationship with the longitudinal slot, the pedestal mount and the longitudinal slot are tightly and securely interfitting.

Abstract: A back support apparatus. The apparatus is fabricated with human dimensions including a torso harness (12) and two resilient leg strap assemblies (16) which terminate at and attach to a user's shoes. The harness (12) includes shoulder straps (22), a front strap (24), waistband clips (32), and a lumbar-supporting cincture (14). Positioned behind each leg of the user, the leg strap assemblies (16), include thigh straps (34), resilient members (20), ankle straps (40), sliding adjusters (42), and shoe clips (44). The waistband clips (32) attach to the user's waistband in front while the shoe clips (44) attach to the user's trailing shoe tops. The flexible torso harness (12) firmly embraces the user's upper body while the flexible leg strap assemblies (16) conform to the buttocks and legs. The lumbar-supporting cincture (14) braces the lower back of the user by its firm encirclement of the lumbar region but maintains flexibility with a multi-strap design vested in abdominal straps (28).

Abstract: A fluid diaphram valve and interconnected pilot valve apparatus for control flow of fluid discharge from a pressurized fluid distribution system. The apparatus has a primary valve with an inlet adapted to receive fluid under pressure, and an outlet adapted to discharge fluid to an outlet conduit. A diaphram chamber is provided in the primary valve which is responsive to fluid pressure controlled by a pilot diaphram valve. Upon release of fluid pressure in the pilot diaphram valve, the primary valve allows passage of fluid to the outlet conduit. Bleed fluid from the pilot valve is also discharged into the outlet conduit and is thus saved for use. Upon closure of the pilot valve, a bleed port in the primary diaphram in the primary valve allows repressurization and seating of the primary diaphram, thus terminating fluid flow through the primary valve. A novel, retrograde motion actuator is also described for use in manual operation of the pilot valve from a fixed location such as cabinets below kitchen sinks.

Abstract: A beverage container with flow enhancing sidewall structure. The container is preferably provided in thin-walled aluminum for containment of carbonated or other beverages such as beer or carbonated soda. The container has a liquid outlet, and adjacent the liquid outlet, but in the substantially cylindrical sidewalls, a generally nose-shaped inwardly indented liquid flow enhancing structure is provided. The flow enhancing structure is provided with a generally reducing cross-sectional area when progressively examined in transverse cross-sectional area toward the liquid outlet end of the cylindrical sidewall. The generally nose-shaped structure may be offset from the centerline of the liquid outlet to further enhance liquid outflow. Although in a preferred embodiment the nose-shaped structure is substantially pyramidal in shape, the structure may alternately be provided as a section of an oblique circular cone, or other flow enhancing shape.

Abstract: A waste collection device having a mouth opening is removably attached to a first strut. A rake with curved teeth is affixed to a second strut. The first and second struts are pivotally connected and biased in a normally open position with the rake and waste container urged apart. The rake and waste container are manipulated using a handle assembly fixedly attached to the proximal end of the first strut. The rake is mounted lengthwise and laterally in a manner so that the rake interfaces with the forward opening mouth of the waste container so as to be in a position to effectively urge solid waste toward the mouth of the waste container, when the rake and container are placed on opposing sides of solid waste lying on a substantially planar surface, and the device is manipulated to a closed position with the rake and waste container in close proximity. A gravity latch may be provided to releasably lock the rake in a closed position, as well as to function as a guide for the second strut and rake.

Abstract: An apparatus for pneumatically conveying granular material such as gravel. The apparatus includes a vehicle base mounting plate, a prime mover such as a diesel engine, a hydraulically driven air blower, a hopper for receiving gravel to be conveyed, and a hydraulically driven auger assembly for moving gravel from the hopper to a pneumatic pick-up point. After pneumatic pickup, the gravel is transported through an extended network of suitable pneumatic tubing such as low friction, thick wall, PVC pipe sections, to a desired discharge location, where the material is discharged into a catch can for downward placement at a desired point. In a preferred embodiment, the auger assembly comprises a three piece unit, with a shaft, an inner auger section, and an outer auger section. The outer auger section is a replaceable wear part which can be repaired, rebuilt, or replaced as necessary due to frictional wear on the auger due to contact with the solid being conveyed.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus for alternately cooking, broiling, or grilling foods in a single vessel. The apparatus includes a bottom pan portion which is supported by a lower frame portion. An upper frame is pivotally supported from the bottom pan portion. A top portion is provided, wherein the top portion is pivotally affixed to the upper frame. The top portion includes a reversible combination lid portion and a grille portion. The grille portion of the top portion is the inner wall surface of the lid portion, and is thus located in the upper reaches of the lid portion when the lid portion is in a cooking position. When the top portion is rotated one hundred eighty (180) degrees, the grille portion provides an upwardly exposed grille surface for food preparation. The top portion is shaped suitable for nesting in the bottom pan portion when the upper frame is returned to a normal, grille cooking position.

Abstract: An anti-skid device. The device is installed between tire pairs in vehicles using dual tires in wheel assemblies. The device increases friction between the wheeled vehicle and a slippery surface therebelow. Each of the two or more dual tire type wheel assemblies has a wheel having a central axis of rotation, a first tire, and a second tire. The first and second tire are mounted to the wheel in a spaced apart relationship along the axis of rotation, to provide therebetween a centrally located mounting space which is located radially outward from the central axis of rotation. The anti-skid device is placed in the mounting space between the first tire and the second tire. The anti-skid device includes, in radially outward order, a retainer ring, a spacer ring, an inflation ring (preferably pneumaticaly inflatable), and an anti-skid tread ring. The anti-skid tread ring is displaceable outward by inflation of the inflation ring, so as to engage the slippery surface with tread lugs or studs.

Abstract: A method for determining the emotional distance between individuals. A method of evaluating the emotional distance between individuals is described by use of a game process wherein the players are provided with a number of hypothetical human interaction situations, offered a set of possible responses for each situation, and are also given an opportunity to create unique responses. A coding system is provided for prepared responses, and a response coding flow sheet is provided for determining the behavior category of the players's response. Players each set forth their response behavior code on the game board. The majority response is established, and the distance of each individual from the majority is determined. The method includes a scorekeeping system for determining the emotional distance between players responses.

Abstract: A covered beverage container with an internal baffle which forces aroma laden vapor between the lid and the beverage in the container out openings in the lid when the container is tipped from the level position to the drinking position, thereby allowing the user to more fully enjoy the aroma of the beverage.

Abstract: A filter frame and media capable of withstanding repeated heating to high temperatures in an oxidizing environment, and a method of cleaning the same for indefinite use in a method of operating industrial paint booths. Progressive density, heat resistant, and preferably metal media paint booth filters are provided for replacement of existing filters in industrial paint booths. The filters are structurally resistant to cyclic heating to high temperature in an oxidizing bake-off oven where the paint residue accumulated on the filters is reduced to ash. After cooling, the ash is removed, and the filters returned to service, and the cycle is repeated. The filter comprises a frame section and a mesh media section which has a plurality of mesh portions. The mesh portions are preferably arranged in a series M.sub.1, M.sub.n-1, M.sub.n, wherein n is a positive integer of 4 or more, that are sized with the free face area A.sub.

Abstract: An improved disc type rolling rock cutter, and novel cutterheads employing such cutters. A rock cutter with an improved, simplified structure, with compact bearing, and smooth, rounded blade shape is disclosed. The design incorporates a cutter ring, bearing, and seal into a single cutter ring assembly. The cutter may be assembled and disassembled for rework by a single worker with simple hand tools. Replacement of worn out cutter rings is done quickly and easily by removing the old ring assembly and then sliding a new ring, bearing, and seal assembly on to the cutter shaft. This simplified assembly is achieved by using a comparatively large shaft which is normally in the range of 40-50% of the ring diameter. The shaft design is sufficiently robust to permit a cantilever mount of the cutter. The unique configuration allows 30,000 lbs. or more thrust to be applied to a 5 inch diameter miniature disc.