Abstract: A multi-mode electrical switch-outlet assembly as characterized by separate switch and outlet receptacle modules which are selectively plugged into a wiring box in the selected one of numerous possible combinations, there being a special face plate designed to snap-lock onto these modules, sandwiching them between the face plate and the wiring box, the latter of which is adjustably retained in a special mounting bracket which ordinarily would be connected to a building stud behind the wallboard.

Abstract: The invention is a multi-purpose electrical outlet box adapted for use with wall switches, plug outlet receptacles, and light fixtures, and includes a mounting bracket for attaching the assembly to a frame member of the building and a wiring box slidable within the mounting bracket, this wiring box being forwardly spring-biased in the mounting bracket but retained against the spring action, there being structure on a facia plate which releases the retaining detent to permit the wiring box to snap forward into final position, and the complete insertion of the facia plate causes the wiring box to be locked in its terminal position.

Abstract: A porpoise evacuation vessel comprises a skiff-like boat having a central bay area for the temporary retention of porpoises evacuated from tuna fishing nets, there being ramps on opposite sides of the boat leading into the water and open faced wells on opposite sides of each ramp for retaining operators to haul porpoises out of the water and into the bay, subsequent to which the boat, which is jet-propelled, is driven outside the net and the porpoises are released into the open ocean by releasing a rear gate.

Abstract: The invention is an angularly adjustable paint roller assembly which attaches to the end of an extension pole and is characterized by an adjustable elbow brace which provides supplemental support to the adjusting pivot and establishes a position of maximum adjustment of on the order of 80.degree. for the roller which defines an optimal angle for certain applications of the roller assembly and another position is struck by forwardly thrusting the pivot point of the elbow brace, establishing a roller angle of about 45.degree. to the handle, so that in addition to being continually adjustable from 0.degree. to 80.degree. three distinct angles, including straight, may be quickly and accurately established.

Abstract: The invention is a mounting bracket for mounting a flint striker used to ignite an oxyacetylene torch, the bracket connecting the striker to the gas feed hoses of the torch so that the welder knows at all times where the striker can be found.

Abstract: The invention comprises a combination electrical outlet and switch assembly characterized by a rocker-type actuator pivoted to the front of a wiring box, and a pair of sliding cam bars are pivoted to one end of the rocker and have non-linear or "programmed" surfaces which slide in biased relation across a pair of switch contacts to open and close same, these cam bars being arrangeable in several different ways, and being usable on two separate rockers to achieve several different switching modes in the same basic assembly. The outlet portion of the box includes three conductive elements adapted to receive the prongs of an electrical plug and having connector means comprising sleeves mounted within a casing of the wiring box by simply inserting stripped wires into the sleeve. The completed wiring box is adjustable forwardly and rearwardly in a special bracket to permit aligning the front plane of the assembly flush with the exposed surface of newly installed wall board.

Abstract: The invention is a manually operated brake for a skateboard which is connected by means of a tether cable to either the front or rear truck, there being two or more alternative means by which the braking of the wheels may be implemented, and the braking cable is disengageable from the skateboard so that the board may be alternatively used in the conventional fashion having no braking capacity.

Abstract: A simple and attractive dome structure comprises a pair of orthogonally intersecting arcuate main beams which define a portion of a sphere and a plurality of arcuate ribs lying in vertical planes are spaced between the ribs and supported by horizontal circular floor joists which are mounted interiorly of the beams and ribs. The structure is enclosed by wall segments one of which is disposed between each adjacent rib pair, these segments comprising a double layer of slats which are inserted into channels in the ribs and sandwich a layer of insulation therebetween. The ribs, joists, and main beams are of laminar wood construction, and a pair of annular floors are supported at their perimeters by the previously mentioned circular joists and centrally by circular joists suspended by cables from the main beams, there being a helical staircase providing central access to the annular floors from the supporting surface below the structure.

Abstract: The invention is a means for removing an often noisy and troublesome upper spin tube bearing used in a Speed Queen washer and comprises an elongated rigid sheath configured to fit over the spin tube bearing housing, the sheath having a central threaded shaft extending therethrough to extend into the bearing housing and through the annular spin tube bearing, the bearing being removed by means of a pressure disc threaded on the shaft beneath the bearing and drawn upwardly by rotating a nut on an upper portion of the shaft.

Abstract: A liquid stirrer for containerized liquids and particularly paint comprises a spanner bar having lips on each end thereof to engage between a container rim and lid, and a preferably semi-flexible blade structure depending from the spanner bar and extending into the liquid container such that reciprocating rotation of the paint can effects stirring of the liquid therein.

Abstract: The invention is a leash which attaches to a surfboard at one end and to the surfer's ankle by means of a novel Velcro sandwich-type strap structure at the other end, the leash comprising two separable sections one of which includes an elongated length of elastic tubing through which passes a length of cord which is fixed at the ends of the tubing and is coiled somewhat inside the cord such that the elastic will stretch to a certain extent until it is stopped by the cord, the other section of the leash comprising a stronger section of tubing having no cord inside to provide a resilient buffer when the slack is taken up in the line within the first tubing.

Abstract: The invention comprises a water wheel having spaced parallel circular side walls supported on bearings which are rotationally mounted in a stationary base, these bearings preferably being the wheels of railroad cars, there being a plurality of generally radially extended paddle elements disposed between the side walls and extending from the periphery thereof, and including an upwardly extended chute connected to an elevated water supply, this chute having a lower end shaped to deflect water generally horizontally and tangentially into the upper portion of the water wheel and against the paddle elements.

Abstract: The invention is a teaching and practicing aid for music students which graphically displays the relationship of the dominant, tonic, and subdominant scales in a particular key signature and as they relate to the diatonic scale in that key signature, the device structurally comprising a backing sheet optionally having the scale tones of a diatonic scale named in a row along the bottom, and three preferably reversible panels disposed in staggered horizontal slits cut in the backing sheet, these panels having portions visible above the slit with indicia thereon indicating by fingering number or scale tone name musical notes representing chords or scales, these notes being spaced proportionally to the key spacing of a piano keyboard. There is an optional insert card having two selectively displayable portions which represent the left and right hand, respectively, with the fingers thereof numbered in accordance with conventional elementary teaching techniques.

Abstract: A self-aligning construction block consisting of a basic double block having two flat vertical sides connected by two flat vertical end surfaces, the sides being twice the length of the ends with compound angled top and bottom surfaces having two hollowed center portions for receiving a reinforcing cement fill. The top and bottom surfaces of the basic blocks complement each other for automatic stacking. In construction of a wall, the top surface of modified top blocks and the bottom surfaces of modified bottom blocks are flat and at right angles to the side and end surfaces. The angular relationships of the basic block's top and bottom surfaces perforated by two hollow wells allow for reinforcement rods to lie in a transverse axis and at right angles thereto across each hollow well in a substantially coplanar relationship. Any odd space at the end of a wall is taken up by a half block which is constructed exactly as one half of the basic double block.

Abstract: A smog control device for use particularly on automobiles and comprising an enclosure connectable to the automotive exhaust system and having a passageway therein defined principally by baffles, and a pair of different sized vaned rotors coaxially mounted on a single shaft are disposed in the passageway such that the first smaller rotor is upstream from the second, larger rotor, whereby the first rotor is driven by the automotive exhaust flow and the second rotor is driven by the first rotor to create a partial vacuum in the passageway between the rotors, the partial vacuum being instrumental in causing the precipitation and caking of exhaust pollutants on downstream baffles which are removable for cleaning. A small motor could also be used to drive the rotors.

Abstract: An adjustable aerosol can holder which securely engages a can by its upper rim and bottom and has a trigger-operated actuator for depressing the firing head of the can to fire same.