Abstract: An animal separator particularly for waiting rooms in animal hospitals comprises an enclosed pet resting area for isolating pets and an integral chair for the owner. The resting area comprises a base having a raised side portion and end portions at the front and rear extending upwardly therefrom substantially at right angles. A pull out drawer is located beneath the base for ease of cleaning while a forward hinged door is located in the base of the unit to permit the base to move upwardly from the rear to deposit waste through the door into the drawer. The sides and end portions include a plurality of spaced apertures to permit an open feeling for the pet. The front end portion includes a slight lip to encourage the pet such as a dog to remain on the base which is grooved to permit ease of movement. A chair may be integrally molded to a one side of the separator adjacent the entrance side or the legs thereof may be inserted in a pair of elongated slots positioned adjacent the wall on the entrance side.

Abstract: The layout instrument or tool of this invention includes a pair of members arranged together to form an "L" at a right angle. The unique feature of this arrangement is that the two opposing ends of the "L" are also affixed to another member changing the shape from an "L" to the shape of a 3-4-5 triangle. All members of the instrument are permanently attached, therefore, misalignment is avoided and accuracy is assured and maintained. The two members are configured to slide with respect to one another at the pivot point of the "L" and simply pivot at their opposite ends about their pivot points connecting the third member and creating an enclosed triangle. A spring loaded rivet mounted in one of "L" members slides in a skewed slot in the adjacent member to open the triangle from a closed position where the three sides or members of the triangle are substantially parallel to one another.

Abstract: This invention comprises footwear having a power source and switching mechanism mounted in the heel under padding and an electroluminescent wire mounted in a predetermined position on the footwear to provide illumination. The electroluminescent wire comprises a thin linear light source wherein light is produced by activating an electroluminescent phosphor with high alternating electric current. The phosphor is located between two electrically conductive wires, one in the core or center of the phosphor layer and one on the outside of the phosphor layer with spirals about the wire. The electroluminescent wire is connected to a control circuit for converting the battery power to alternating current. When an individual applies force to the bottom of the footwear or motion, a vibration sensitive switch activates the circuit causing the electroluminescent phosphor to become lighted. The wire may be positioned along the out sole inside and outside or along the tongue or other position on the footwear.

Abstract: A flat end beverage can lid comprises a soda can lid wherein the inner platform is connected with the rim groove. The intent is to facilitate cleaning of the groove and nearby opening hole. The pull tab is located on the inner platform so that it can be readily cleaned by finger. The inner platform extends to the can edge and can be lower than or equal to the rim groove. With this design, it is also possible to use the existing crimping head on the filling line which represents a large cost savings for the filler.

Abstract: The set of blocks in this invention comprise "slot blocks" and "key blocks." A slot block is a cube having two slots on each face. Each slot crosses the entire face and bisects a pair of opposite edges. The cross section of each slot is a square whose width and depth are one-fifth the length of the edge of the cube. A key block is a rectilinear polygon whose thickness is equal to the slot width and depth. Each side of each polygon has a length that is a whole number multiple of the slot width and depth. The shapes of the key blocks are such that they can completely fill all the slots, internal and external, of an aligned stack of slot blocks, with the external key blocks forming continuous intersecting ridges whose width and height are equal to the slot width and depth. The key blocks, with or without the slot blocks, also lend themselves to the construction of other attractive forms that would be rarely, if ever, realized with other block sets.

Abstract: Racing car transmission in which the reverse gear does not rotate when the car is travelling in the forward direction. The main shaft in this transmission has shortened splines that do not engage the reverse idler gear except when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Provision is made for a spring biased pin on the gear shift yoke to engage the detent on the reverse idler gear hub to stop it from spinning when this gear is not in the engaged position. This improvement eliminates unnecessary rotational inertia when the vehicle is travelling in the forward direction thus eliminating unwanted inertia which saps power and speed from the engine. The improvement adds significantly to the available power of the engine.

Abstract: A suntanning apparatus comprises a plurality of chairs preferably of the lounge type which are mounted on a rotating platform which follows the sun's path. The platform rotates in accordance with a predetermined program and can vary in size to accommodate a predetermined plurality of lounge chairs. The platform is driven by a motor which is coupled to the platform to rotate the platform about a central axis. The motor is coupled to a computer which determines the movement of the platform so that the chairs are always facing towards the sun. In an alternate embodiment, a pair of lounge chairs are mounted on a rotatable platform with controls mounted therebetween for individuals to operate the drive motor to rotate the platform in accordance with the sun's rays.

Abstract: A tree watering device comprises a funnel having an aperture at one end coupled to an elongated tubing which extends horizontally for a predetermined distance and then downwardly into a tree stand which contains water for the base of a tree mounted therein. The hollow tubing includes an aperture in the wall thereof in the portion mounted within the stand and a C-shaped element protruding through the wall of the tubing opposite the aperture. The C-shaped element restricts the movement of a float between the legs which protrude through the wall. The aperture emits a gurgling sound when water is poured into the funnel until the water level rises causing the float to cover the hole causing the gurgling to cease and indicating that it is time to cease adding water.

Abstract: A backpack for carrying foldable chairs and other accessories comprises an outer envelope open at one end into which a foldable chair is placed, a pair of spaced straps mounted at one end to the outer surface of the backpack and extending over the outwardly extending legs of the chair and being removably coupled to a mating strap attached to the mid point of the opposite outer surface of the backpack. The backpack further includes a first zippered compartment extending horizontally across the outer surface and including a mesh pocket mounted at an intermediate position thereon. A drawstring is mounted along each end of the envelope opening to secure the chair in place. The backpack also includes a reinforcing strap mounted horizontally to the surface at the upper end thereof and having one end of a pair of shoulder straps mounted thereto at an intermediate position and a handle mounted thereto at the upper portion of said reinforcing strap to be used with a second handle on the other side of the opening.

Abstract: The structure comprises a tray of a substantially rectangular configuration having a telescoping hinged leg mounted to the bottom of the tray at one side thereof and projecting portions on the opposite side extending outwardly to fixedly engage clamp members in mating apertures. The clamp members mount to the side of a lounge chair or chaise while the telescoping leg is extended at a right angle to the tray and rests upon the ground where it is locked place. Alternative clamp members include flexible VELCRO.RTM. fasteners which are inserted through the tray slots and a C-clamp arrangement which surrounds a member on the chair for gripping purposes and is tightened thereabout by a vertical threaded member.

Abstract: A universal pager caddy comprises a transverse bar having a pivotal pin connected at one end and a locking catch at the other end to engage the free end of the pin. A downwardly extending support member is mounted to the opposite side of the bar at each end curving outwardly and then downwardly in a substantially U-shaped configuration. The pager caddy is pinned to clothing in whatever location the user deems appropriate eliminating the traditional belt mounting. A pager clip is then readily inserted between the bar and the support member with the member engaging the back of the pager case securely holding the pager in a convenient selected location.

Abstract: A cable support system for use on roofs comprises a cable support bracket with a raised center portion, having a plurality of spaced apertures located thereon, walls extending downwardly from said raised portion to form a channel therebetween and flange portions extending outwardly from the base of said walls having apertures at the end of each flange portion. The system further includes a roof pad to which the bracket is affixed with mounting means extending through the flange apertures. The bracket is mounted perpendicularly to the cables which are secured in position by snap in hanger brackets which extend through the apertures in the cable support bracket. A second bracket extension may be mounted above the bracket increasing the cable capacity. A substantially U-shaped cover is mounted over the cable and secured to adjacent brackets. The cover includes an upper surface and downwardly extending side portions.

Abstract: A rotary mower includes a flanged, straight rotary mower arm with a plurality of spaced, cutting width related knife blades and suspension hooks. The knife blades are adjustable to various cutting widths and are angular in configuration with respect to the grass being cut. The angular blades are arranged to provide a recutting element to mulch the cut grass in addition to the primary cutting.

Abstract: A ladder support for a parallel rail extension ladder to be used as a step ladder in situations where there is no vertical support available for the upper ends of the rails. The support comprises a base frame piece running perpendicular to the rails of the ladder. The base extends left and right and has terminal pieces that run perpendicular with a cross bar at each end. Running perpendicular and intersecting the central portion of the cross bar is a support member parallel with the bottom rail and running around the upper end and perpendicular to the base section. Connected intermediately is the top portion of the adjustable support including the vertical support piece which is hinged to the cross member at one end and the cross member of the parallel. At the top of the parallel rails is a support bar running perpendicular to the support piece and having lateral pieces at the end thereof which serve to prevent the ladder from shifting left or right.

Abstract: The Christoudias fascial closure device comprises an elongated penetrating instrument having a sharp conical trapping end, an elongated hollow body extending rearwardly from the solid trapping end, a stylet movable within the hollow body and an upper manipulating end including a handle mounted on the stylet and a flange grip extending outwardly from the hollow body. An opening is located in the wall of the hollow body near the conical end and a straight spring wire protrudes outwardly therefrom when the handle is compressed. The spring wire is affixed at one end to the conical tip and at the other end to the forward portion of the stylet within the hollow body. The spring wire grasps a thread within the peritoneal cavity in order to pass the thread through the tissues to the outside. The device is then introduced into the cavity in the same manner through the same layers of tissues at the opposite end of the wound in order to close the wound by grasping the other end of the thread.

Abstract: The Christoudias endodissector is an instrument for dissecting, wiping, sponging or cleaning tissues during endoscopic surgery. The instrument includes a mesh gauze body at one end which is held securely and housed in a recess on the head portion of the instrument by teeth on a fixed and a pivotal jaw. The lower part of the head portion is mounted within a resiliently backed cylindrical locking sheath. The lower head portion becomes an elongated main stem which is mounted within a handle sheath at the other end of the instrument. A locking pin on the stem engages a groove on the locking sheath to maintain the jaws in position. Alternate embodiments involve a mushroom dissector and a cocoon dissector named after the configuration of the gauze body which is securely affixed on a complimentary shaft. An alternate embodiment involves a tubular instrument onto which a tubular endodissector tip is attached thus forming a working port through which additional instruments can be inserted.

Abstract: This invention comprises a sanitary beverage can lid wherein the center platform of the lid including the pull tab is raised from below the rim of the can as in conventional cans to a position close to or slightly above the rim of the can. The center platform diameter is reduced in diameter to provide additional space from the exterior of the can body to the edge of the platform. The pull tab is positioned in the middle of the center platform so that the end of the pull tab is at the edge of the center platform to facilitate opening of the can. The raised center platform and the lid design prevent an individual's lip from coming in contact with the groove along the edge of the lid where dirt may accumulate. Another feature is the provision of a raised rim on the platform with an interior drain-back slope so that any excess beverage flows back into the can.

Abstract: A manually operable hand tool apparatus for providing a radially outward flare, known as push connect flare, away from the distal end of a deformable tube. The hand tool comprises a gripper-die means for securing the tube, a yoke portion having internal threads and a manual hydraulic pump portion. The yoke moves axially on a threaded positioning screw that is rigidly connected to the manual hydraulic pump portion. A vise means comprising a screw and a tightening rod is attached to the yoke. The vise is used to secure the gripper-die means to the yoke. The pump portion comprises a cylindrical body, a flaring piston, a threaded positioning screw, a pumping linkage system and a relief valve. An adapter-die is secured by a guide nut which is connected to the flaring piston. Alternative adapter-die and guide nut designs are also used to connect the die to the flaring piston.

Abstract: A show having a removable cover for the upper is disclosed. The cover is removably secured to the unfinished shoe upper by hook and loop fastener strips on the lower parts of the cover and shoe upper adjacent to the line where the upper joins the sole of the shoe. The lower edges of the cover are concealed by a vertical strip about the periphery of the sole.

Abstract: A desktop organizer, particularly for CD's and computer discs, comprises an elongated base having a track with a slot extending axially therealong, end walls supporting the base and a rear wall extending perpendicularly between the end walls and parallel to the base. A support member includes a coiled spring mounted within an upper recess and affixed at its lower end within the base slot for spring urged movement of the support member to and fro along the base. The coiled spring provides a resilient force to the upwardly extending support member to maintain objects on the base between the support member and one of the end walls. The support member and associated track are detachable and may be reassembled along the rear wall or in the opposite direction along the base. The organizer may be mounted on a turntable and includes a plurality of legs mounted to the end members which permit stacking of several organizers or positioning of the organizer at a particular height.