Abstract: A combination safety and heat conservation panel is disclosed for use with coal or wood heaters or the like. Where the stove flue passes through a wall, the panel is placed between the wall and stove. The panel is hollow, permitting heat radiating from the stove to pass through the panel wall to the panel interior. From the panel interior, the hot air is directed by appropriate means, including fans, baffle and fins, out an end of the panel where it may more freely circulate within the room itself, or whereby, with appropriate connecting pipes, the heat may be directed to other rooms of the house.By thus absorbing and transferring heat which would otherwise tend to collect in hot spots between the heater and the wall, enhanced safety against fire and heat damage is provided. A further benefit derives from providing better circulation of heat in the room by removing the heat from the unneeded area proximate the heater and the wall and transferring it or allowing it to flow naturally to other parts of the room.

Abstract: A game apparatus including a game board and game pieces designed for two players is disclosed. The game board has a circular playing area comprising a plurality of zigzag game paths, each of which begins at the edge of the circle and terminates at the center. Individual game pieces are positioned around the circumference of the game board on the individual zigzag paths and also at the center of the circle on the game path terminus. The game pieces are moved, each on its own individual path, according to a set of rules governing each game piece. Rules are provided for "jumping" each other and "removing" opponent's pieces. The game paths sometimes intersect each other and sometimes lie alongside each other and the object of the game is achieved when the first game piece successfully traverses its pathway to the center. Further interest in the game is provided by the second set of game pieces located at the center circle and whose purpose is to "guard" the circle center.

Abstract: A watertight, buoyant fishing tackle box designed to be worn by the fisherman strapped to his torso is disclosed. Parallel rows of individual compartment trays containing the appropriate lures, tackle, flies etc. are inserted into a housing cavity from the top. The compartment trays, together with gasket means, form a watertight top for the housing, thereby enhancing the buoyancy of the fisherman should he slip or fall while in the water. In use, the fisherman draws the individual tray upward, out of the housing, where it swings forward resting on a flanged lip of the housing to provide ready access. The trays include a hinged or removable top to allow easy access to its contents.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed having particular utility in connection with packages overwrapped with heat shrinkable film and which include a tear-tab opening. The apparatus includes means to sever the film and tape together by the use of a cutting tool. The cutter is generally pen-shaped, the nib portion forming the cutting surface. Other parts of the apparatus include a tab roller which provides variable control capability to allow the tab to be positioned at a pre-selected place on the package. The tear tape tab produced by the apparatus and method of this invention eliminates the need for melt re-inforcing and is applicable to high speed operations of either the continuous or reciprocating kind.

Abstract: An infinitely variable speed transmission is disclosed in which, in a preferred embodiment, a drive shaft is connected to an adjustable drive spoke disposed within a rotatable toothed wheel. The drive force received by the wheel from the input drive shaft is imparted to either a sun gear or a ring gear or both. A second ring gear may be axially secured to the first ring gear. A second sun gear may be axially secured to the first ring gear. A planetary gear engages second sun and ring gears and transmits force received by it to an output shaft. When the drive spoke adjustment causes the second ring gear, through the first ring gear, to become the driving gear the slowest output speed results. Intermediate arc settings of the spoke at any point along about a 180.degree. range results in both ring and sun gear driving the planetary gear simultaneously, but at an intermediate speed between the fastest and slowest setting.

Abstract: A freely rotating rod or rods to be used in a high temperature rotary kiln, especially a cement kiln, to provide a combination of mixing and heat transfer is disclosed. The heat stable construction material and design of the rod permit heat in the kiln to be transferred more readily to the core of a feed material in a pyro-processing process, resulting in a more homogeneous end product.The rod has a unique and critical tapered structure of gradually enlarging transverse cross section. The rod, because of its tapered design, may be placed in the kiln oriented with the smaller cross section lying uphill to offset its tendency to travel downhill with the moving feed. The rod then remains generally stationary in its section of the kiln. Alternately, the rod may be sized and oriented so that it will travel through the kiln with the feed if such is desired. In the latter example, the degree of taper determines the speed of travel.

Abstract: A convertible carrier for skis in which skis are contained in a hand carrier portion which allows easy transportation of skis to the slope and, at the same time, is capable of being slidably attached and locked to a bracket portion which remains permanently fixed on the automobile. An auxiliary locking mechanism allows the carrier to be locked to a tree, etc., at the slope.The carrier housing is L-shaped with a handle attached to one leg of the L. Skis rest on their side on the other leg of the L. A locking mechanism is interconnected with the handle by a bar of the lock which fits into a groove of the handle shank. The shank extends through the housing and through an opening the bracket plate, thus preventing the carrier from being released from the bracket. To release the carrier from the bracket, a key is inserted in the lock and rotation of the key rotates the bar from the groove in the handle shank.

Abstract: A sanitary device, or pet valet, suitable for scavenging animal waste is disclosed. A box-like two-compartment container is utilized with a hand grip and finger trigger. The forward compartment is open on its bottom face and in use this compartment is placed over the refuse. A spring loaded face plate which divides the compartments is activated by the finger trigger. When released the plate pushes the debris rearwardly into the second compartment. The second rearward compartment acts as a holding area for the debris which may be emptied from this compartment by releasing a hinged bottom plate.