Abstract: A gas discharge lighting system with emergency lighting capability includes a gas discharge lighting device, a source of alternating current input power, and an electronic ballasting circuit having a direct current requirement and coupled between the gas discharge lighting device and the source of input power. The electronic ballasting circuit includes an alternating current-to-direct current conversion device, a power regulator connected to the conversion device, a controllable output direct current-to-alternating current inverter operated with a substantially square wave output, an impedance network, a controlling device for controlling the operation of the inverter and delivering power to the gas discharge lighting device, and an external source of direct current input power coupled to an input of the power regulator through an unidirectional current flow device.

Abstract: A solar-powered fluid heating system, having a thermal collector, a unitary water conducting assembly, and heat retention and efficiency components that are all included in a framework so as to provide a unitary construction. The framework includes a frame structure having non-conductive receptacles for receiving the edge marginal regions of the thermal conductor, so as to be free-floating to allow for thermal expansion and reduction of stresses on components as well as the heat resistant and enhancing components. The arrangement within the frame structure includes a dimpled or waffled metal water conducting assembly that rests upon a layer of insulation material held in the framing structure by a back sheet. The opposite side of the water conducting component is a solar selective sheet having a blackened surface upon which a thermal collector is disposed.

Abstract: A wheel set for boats attached to the transom has a first or non-operative position extending upwardly so as not to interfere with boat operation and a second or operative position where the wheel set is submerged below the surface of the water and makes rollable contact with the beach or land area beneath the boat. Supporting the wheel set is a base or rail fixed on the transom having a movable strut with one end supporting a wheel and the other end of slidably engaging with a track in the rail so that the strut is moved and pivoted from the non-operative position into the operative position. An open slot and pin arrangement is employed for holding one end of the strut in the non-operative position and an elongated closed slot and pin mechanism is provided for pivotally connecting the strut to the base or rail for pivoting into the operative position with the wheel downwardly depending from the boat, while another open slot and pin arrangement maintains the wheel in the operative position.

Abstract: A combined money clip, watch case, and card holder having a flat plate with a pivotal money clip on one side and a card holding receptacle on the other side. The money clip includes an outwardly projecting mount defining an inner space which is partially occupied by a hinge member supporting a watch and which includes a helical spring and having opposite ends which bear against one side of the plate and the other side pivotally carried on the mount. A latch member is carried on the hinge and is spring-biased into a closed position with its free end bearing against the plate when on one side of a spring toggle line and wherein the latch member is loose when positioned on the other side of the spring-toggle line. A receptacle is defined by a pair of lobes which extend from plate side members towards one another in spaced-apart opposition.

Abstract: A machine for producing a packaging filler material employing inflated pouches or cells fabricated from a tubular supply of plastic-like material having a top and bottom integral fold so that a pair of sheets are defined with their opposing inner surfaces establishing a compartment. Sealed strips, which are spaced apart in parallel relationship, define the sides of each pouch compartment. The machine includes a first work station having a source of tubular material that is introduced to a second or cutter station for severing the top fold of the tubular material followed by introduction to a third or inflation station where a source of pressurized fluid is fed to the pouch compartment. A sealing station follows the inflation station where the top opening to the pouch is closed such as by heat sealing. Idler rollers smoothly conduct the material past each of the respective work stations in a serial fashion and provide a gap for effecting inflation.

Abstract: A pole anchor installation having an anchor base with a central threaded open-ended hole mounted in a receptacle formed in a planking or concrete of a deck. An elongated sleeve having external threads is threadably fitted into the threaded opening of the anchor base so that the sleeve upwardly projects to insertably receive a substantial portion of a pole intended to be supported. A threaded blockage plug is received in the threaded opening of the anchor base when the sleeve and pole are not employed preventing clogging of the threaded opening. In a wood foundation, angular threaded bores are provided into which mounting screws are placed to secure the anchor base. In a concrete block or cement slab, reinforcing rods are carried on the underside of the anchor base and are embedded within the material of the block or slab. In either type of installation, the top surface of the support anchor base is flush with the surrounding surface of either the wood planking or the cement block or cement slab.

Abstract: Pressure point contact for interconnecting electronic circuits wherein one component includes a flexible cable having a plurality of conductive strips with each strip terminating in contact pads having outwardly projecting pressure point contact mounds that protrude through a layer covering the strips with electrically insulated material. The other component of the interconnecting circuit includes a plurality of conductive contact elements placed on the exposed surface of a printed circuit board, LCD or other planar surface. A pressure plate is arcuate shaped and is employed for applying pressure to the backside of the flexible cable in order to force the contact mounds into pressure engagement with the contact elements on the planar surface. To provide equal application of pressure, a flat compression stabilizer plate is placed between the arcuate pressure plate and the backside of the cable.

Abstract: An apparatus 1 provides left and right eye images to a conventional camera lens 7 such that the images are recorded by the camera 3 as head-to-head images. The apparatus 1 includes left and right plane mirrors 11, 12 that direct light rays from the left and right images onto respective faces of a triangular prism 9, the triangular prism directing the light rays to the camera lens 7. Alternatively, the apparatus may be incorporated within a camera lens, being located between the front and rear lens group of the camera lens. The plane mirrors 11, 12 can be moved along their image axes, effectively adjusting the interocular distance of the apparatus. The angle which the plane mirrors 11, 12 subtend to each other and to the triangular prism 9 may also be adjusted, thus adjusting the convergence of angle of view of the apparatus.

Abstract: A push broom having an extendable handle with an upper section slidably mounting a lower section with a compressible coil spring mounted therebetween for urging the lower section forward or away from the upper section. The lower section includes a bristle brush with an attachment fitting for threadably coupling with the lower section. Bushings carried on both the upper section and the lower section permit a smooth sliding relationship between the sections. A protective boot of the bellows type has opposite ends secured to the upper section and the lower section respectively and encloses the compressible coil spring.

Abstract: A weighted garment having a plurality of pockets for insertably receiving and retaining weighted inserts or members, whereby the increased weight serves as resistance for exercising the wearer's limbs, torso, etc. The pockets are integral with the stretch material of the garment and a D-ring is installed on the belt of the garment for attachment with a pull or tugging cable. The pockets are reinforced and a separate arrangement of pockets may be releasably attached to the exterior surface of the garment.

Abstract: A vibrating hammer glove having a motor housing cover with a palm portion across the top of a hammer housing includes downwardly depending flaps which wrap around the housing and fasten with a stationary fitting. Further, a securement strap is trained through slots in the flaps so that the terminating ends thereof engage in a hook and pile fastener. A cushion between the palm portion of the cover and the underside of the strap provides additional shock and vibration absorption. A securement ring midway between opposite strap ends engages the stationary fitting so that the strap and glove are properly aligned, mounted, and retained on the housing. Air vents are provided in the palm portion and in the attachment flaps, whereby heat generated within the housing is dissipated to the environment.

Abstract: A mounting system for a beverage container includes a cup holder having a pair of upright spaced-apart arms forming a yoke terminating in a first pivotal connection with opposite ends of a semi-circular retaining ring. The first pivot further includes connection with the opposite ends of a semi-circular arm having a midsection that includes a thrust bearing pivot attachable to a support hanger. The hangar has a shaped receptacle so as to provide releasable attachment with a pin on the semi-circular arm of the holder and cantilevers the holder outwardly from a supporting surface. The retaining ring is a “flip-over” loop which permits assembly of a container into the holder as well as easy removal therefrom.

Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply with energy control includes a source of direct current (DC) voltage and current with a battery coupled to an inverter. The output from the inverter is applied to a computer or other loads. A charger is disposed between power line input and the battery as a component of the direct current source.

Abstract: A packaging filler product and machine for making the product wherein the product includes an air-filled pouch having sealed edges and spots connecting the opposing sheets of the pouch together. The machine includes a frictional belt system for gripping a bulk supply of pouched package material and that urges the bulk material past an inflation device for serially introducing air to the interior of each pouch of the package material followed by employing a heater that heat seals the opening into the interior of each pouch. A trim cutter eliminates unnecessary material and individual pouches are separated from the bulk supply by using perforations provided between adjacent pouches. A feed mechanism including the belt system is provided for moving the bulk supply of pouches from a supply spool past the heater and through the trim cutter. Tensioning and idle rollers guide the bulk supply of pouches through the machine in an in-line series.