Abstract: There are disclosed means and method for improving the efficiency of combustion in an automatic gas-fired furnace through retardation, without restriction of the exhaust emission of the products of combustion, which are caused to dwell longer in the combustion chamber to elevate the temperature, not only through the impoundment of what would otherwise be waste heat, but by the conversion of CO gas and excess air to CO.sub.2 gas, thus, reducing the two former, increasing the latter, along with temperature. This reduces the condensate in the exhaust chimney. An enlarged chamber in the exhaust gas conduit is incorporated within the line of exhaust flow from furnace to chimney. A baffle plate, approximately equal in area to the cross-sectional area of the conduit, is immovably secured in the chamber normal to the line of exhaust flow. The chamber is completely closed except for the exhaust flow entry and exit ports.

Abstract: A pole assembly useful for hanging a lantern or other item by its handle comprises a base to provide an anchor for the pole assembly; a plurality of pole sections connectable end to end to form a pole; an arm associated with the uppermost of the pole sections and extending away from the pole; and a hook associated with the arm and structured so that the handle of the item must be sequentially moved in at least two different latitudinal positions in order to completely disengage the handle from the hook. The design of the pole assembly provides maximum compactness for storage and transportation.

Abstract: An apparatus useful for manually rotating a rotatable system, e.g., engine, located in a stationary housing having a hole therethrough, comprises a plate having at least one slot and being securable to the housing so that at least a portion of the slot extends into the space defined by the perimeter of the hole; and a bar having first and second ends, and being capable of being placed in the slot so that the first end contacts the system and the second end can be manually held. With the bar in this position, manually rotating the bar about the slot causes the system to rotate.An improved method for manually rotating a system is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus useful by at least one human being for holding tools and various other implements. The apparatus includes first and second holding units defining, respectively, a first space for holding tools and a second space for holding other implements; first and second supports associated with the first and second holding units, respectively; and a platform unit associated with both holding units, capable of being supported by both supports and including at least one substantially flat surface capable of supporting the weight of the human being.

Abstract: An improved stabilizer assembly for use with stepladders comprises a board member capable of being secured to the top platform of the stepladder; first and second hinges associated with the board member at or near opposing lateral ends of the board member; and first and second support legs associated with first and second hinges, respectively, and being capable of extending from the secured board member to improve the stability of the ladder.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for illuminating a plurality of stairs when in use involves a transformer to provide a reduced A. C. voltage; at least one light in proximity to the stairs to illuminate the stairs when at least a portion of the reduced A. C. voltage is supplied to the light and an electrical circuit including the light is formed; a rectifier to convert the reduced A. C. voltage to a D. C. voltage; a plurality of pressure sensitive switches associated with the rectifier and the treads of the stairs; physical pressure on the tread or treads acting to close at least one of the switches; and a relay in association with the pressure sensitive switches and light, and adapted to form the electrical circuit including the light in response to the closing of at least one of the pressure sensitive switches.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding an elongted shaft, e.g., a mill roll within a sleeve, e.g., mill chuck sleeve comprises first and second collar portions capable of being removably joined together and affixed to the shaft; a spacer adapted to be placed between the joined collar portions and the sleeve in abutting relation to the end of the sleeve; and a plurality of both first and second bolts adapted to pass through holes in the first and second collar portions, respectively, to contact the spacer, thereby maintaining the abutting relation between the spacer and at least a portion of the sleeve.

Abstract: The present apparatus acts to lock removable roof panels, commonly associated with automobiles and the like, in place as a protection for example, against the theft of such panels. The system involves one or more bars each having two ends and a lock device. One end of each bar is adapted to be fastened or secured to one of the roof panels. The other end of the bar is adapted to be temporarily secured to the fixed roof portion of the vehicle by the lock device. With the lock device in place, the roof panels are secured in place. These panels can be removed by opening the lock device.

Abstract: An apparatus useful for lifting a human being from a surface comprising a stretcher adapted to be placed between the human being and the surface; a first motive system associated with a first side end of the stretcher and capable of lifting or lowering this first side end, as desired; and a second motive system removably associated with a second side end of the stretcher and being capable of lifting or lowering this second side end, as desired, provided that the first and second motive systems are capable of independent operation.

Abstract: An animal feed composition comprises particles of base feed material, e.g., grains such as oats, and, deposited on at least a portion of these particles, deposit material comprising substantially whole plant matter, preferably having a different make-up than the base feed material. An improved method for preparing an animal feed is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved vehicle lock immobilizes the shaft of a single foot pedal assembly of the vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle lock comprises a base which contacts the floor of the vehicle and fits between the floor and the shaft of the pedal. Two wall members extend upwardly from one end of the base and together with the base form a cradle for the shaft. A lock mechanism, e.g., a pad-lock, passes through one or more holes in each of the walls to thereby lock the shaft in the cradled position and render the pedal assembly and vehicle inoperative.

Abstract: An apparatus to provide improved safety for use in a motor vehicle equipped with a transmission having a "park" setting, a door to allow the operator to enter and leave the vehicle, and a gear shift handle having a park position and being moveable by the operator to select the transmission setting desired. The present improvement involves a connecting spring rod, gear shift assembly and automatic transmission which is capable of causing the transmission and gear shift assembly to move to park upon opening of the door. This apparatus provides that both the transmission and gear shift assembly will be in park when the operator leaves the vehicle via the door.

Abstract: A holder for a hand-type calculator constructed and arranged selectively to afford a plurality of angles of elevation.