Abstract: An assembly and display apparatus for jig-saw puzzles comprises; a storage tray for storing unfitted puzzle pieces; an assembly tray located in spaced relation to the storage tray and having a surface on which the puzzle is assembled, the surface having a plurality of perforations in which stops can be inserted to prevent the assembled puzzle from moving along the surface; and a transparent display tray located in spaced relation to the assembly tray and being capable of co-operating with the stops in the perforations to hold the assembled puzzle in place. The storage tray, assembly tray and display tray are designed so as to be capable of being held together to form one unit.

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 and beneath 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 top of 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 composition for enhancing the clarity of liquid media, for example, in aquariums comprises a major amount by volume of vermiculite particles and a minor amount of filter medium particles. The vermiculite acts to improve the propagation of aerobic bacteria which, in turn, help to remove toxic waste products from the tank. A particularly preferred filter medium involves particles of molecular sieves. In addition, the composition preferably includes a minor amount of sodium chloride. The composition is used by combining it with conventional aquarium gravel.

Abstract: Starting motors operated on direct current have a brush armature combination to provide necessary rotation. Brush plate assemblies conventionally include a brush plate with a plurality of brush holders attached thereto and an elongated stud as an integral part of the plate, to convey D.C. power to the plate. During maintenance, the elongated stud may be damaged. Replacement studs may be removably secured to the brush plate, thereby salvaging the original assembly, except for the damaged stud. In addition, new brush plate assemblies can be made with removeable elongated stud members.

Abstract: An apparaus to improve the mobility of a visually impaired person comprises first and second exciter systems placed on either side of the person and acting to produce light beams which are received by corresponding first and second receivers, and first and second sound devices each with the corresponding associated receiver to produce a distinctive sound when the light beam is interrupted before getting to the receiver. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a cane held by the person so that as the cane is moved into the path of the light beam, the light beam is interrupted. The sounds, or lack thereof, which accompany the movement of the person and/or the cane provide an indication to the person whether the cane is being used properly and/or whether the person is walking in a straight line, e.g., between the light beams.

Abstract: An improved apparatus, particularly applicable for shampooing corners of wall-to-wall carpeting comprises an elongated, hand gripped shaft in two segments structured to allow the apparatus to be pointed into the corners of such carpeting, a container secured to the shaft to store shampoo for use in the apparatus; a rotatable brush secured to the shaft acting to contact and clean the carpeting; and a conduit providing shampoo from the container to the brush. A system which allows the operator to control when and how much shampoo is released from the container is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft device which is mounted on or in the instrument panel of said vehicle and which is connected into the brake fluid line that extends from the master cylinder to the brake wheel cylinders. By closing the valve while the vehicle brake pedal is depressed, fluid under pressure is trapped between the anti-theft device and the wheel brake cylinders, locking the wheels. The closed valve prevents reverse flow of the pressurized braking fluid until an authorized person in possession of the proper dial symbol to reference mark combination once again manually reorientates the set of dials that are attached to a plurality of cylinder valve port tubes and one spool that are rotated in proper sequence to bring all the tube ports in alignment with the casing ports.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring and controlling the liquid level in a storage tank which involves placing at least two magnetically operated switches, e.g., magnetic-reed switches, at different levels in the tank and causing a magnet-containing float to move in response to the liquid level to activate these switches. A relay operates upon activation of the higher of these switches to start electrical current flowing to operate a discharge pump, thereby controlling the liquid level in the tank. In a preferred embodiment, a third magnetically operated switch is employed so that when the magnet activates the third switch at least one indication, e.g., sound and/or light alarm, is given that the liquid level is at least at a predetermined level.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for filtering an air flow which is warmed or cooled and used for heating or cooling purposes, comprises a filter frame defining a filter area and a filter medium supply source located in proximity to the frame, wherein the frame and supply source co-operate so that the filter medium which is removed from the filter area is replaced by filter medium from the supply source.

Abstract: A sling is provided for lifting a filled trash bag out of a trash container without the bag being ruptured by the weight of the trash therein. The sling comprises two lengths of strong strap-like material which cross each other at their midpoints and are attached together. A reinforcing plate is attached over the intersecting portion of the staps. This plate is made of relatively rigid waterproof plastic. This portion of the sling is placed in the bottom of a trash container with the ends of the straps draped up and hooked over the upper open end of the container to hold the straps in place. The trash bag is placed in the container with the side walls of the bag extending up to the open end of the container. A cover is usually provided with these containers but it is omitted from the drawing.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder is provided which can be used to support a fishing rod for fishing from the shore of a lake or stream, by pushing the same into the ground sufficiently for it to remain upright. The basic holder comprises a round metal rod pointed at its lower end, and threaded for approximately a third of its length. At the upper end the rod is bent into an outwardly and downwardly curved portion forming a cradle to support the end of the handle of a fish pole. The rod is then bent to extend outwardly and terminates in another downwardly and upwardly curved portion forming a cradle in which the other end of the handle may rest. The lower portion of the rod is provided with means for supporting the same on a dock, on the gunwale or the transom of a boat, in the oarlock or in the ground adjacent the shore of a lake or stream.

Abstract: A tamper-proof lock housing is provided for enclosing the ignition lock of an automobile which is ordinarily mounted on the steering column of the automobile. The housing is in two halves; the bottom half fitting about the lower half of the steering column, and is secured thereto. The upper half fits down over the lower half and the ignition lock is securely joined thereto by connection breakers so that the two then box in the ignition key switch. The auto safe lock box protects the steering wheel lock and the ignition key.An auxilliary alarm system is provided consisting of a separate battery, additional horn, voltage regulator and a time delay switch. This could work solely off the auto safe lock box itself, or it could work from an alternate lock installed on the outside of the car.

Abstract: An adjustable buoyancy fishing bobber is provided having a body portion of cylindrical shape with accordian pleated sides running the full length of the body portion. At one end the cylindrical body portion is closed with an axially extending round post projecting therefrom with a small ball at the end of the post. Passing through the center of the ball is a transversely extending round hole, and a slit extends from the side of the post inwardly to the transverse hole. The other end of the body portion is provided with a short threaded axial extension of smaller diameter for application thereto of a plastic screw-on closure cap. The bobber body is made of a soft flexible plastic which may be compressed along the accordian pleats. The fish line runs from the hook through the hole in the ball at the end of the round post, up and over the top of the threaded extension at the other end of the body portion, which is then clamped in place by a second snap-cap attached to the lower screw-on portion.

Abstract: A relatively low, narrow, and long table, such as a coffee table, is provided, having a storage cabinet under each end of the table top for the storage of equipment, in this instance photographic equipment such as cameras, projectors, slide trays, motion picture film, etc., etc. This table is provided with a portion of the top at one end over one cabinet cut-out and hinged to the top so that it may be hinged to rest 180.degree. in plane with the top and on which when thus extended, is a film or slide projector. The other end of the table top is also provided with a cut-out portion which is hinged to the end of a telescopically mounted section, slidable out the end of the table so that the cut-out portion may hinge upwardly to a vertical plane and act as a screen to receive pictures as projected from the projector at the other end of the table.The table is on caster wheels so that it may be moved anywhere in a room for the convenience of all viewers.

Abstract: A portable paper hole punch and hole reinforcement tape applicator comprising a housing including operating mechanism for feeding a pressure sensitive tape over a sheet of paper. Punch means and a pressure pad are provided for punching a hole through the tape and paper and applying pressure to seal or bond the tape to the paper. Tape feed means are provided and include means for imparting a transverse curl to the tape so that the latter is stiffened lengthwise to prevent bunching or jamming during the hole punching operation.The surfaces of all parts of the device contacted by the adhesive side of the tape are coated with "Teflon" or other suitable material, so that the tape will not adhere thereto as it is moved thereover.

Abstract: A jewelry box is provided for all kinds of jewelry, costume or otherwise, precious jems, etc., whereby all kinds may be kept in one place, segregated, easy of access, and occupying little space. It is of upright rectangular form slightly tapered, with two sides hinged forming doors with hooks on the inside to hold bracelets or watches for example, also rings or earrings. A short distance upward from the bottom of the box is a shelf, and axially between the shelf and the top is a rotatable hollow tube with an inside diameter about 11/16 inch so that a dime may be placed through a slot in the top and fall down into the tube. On this center tube are short fingers projecting radially therefrom to hold chains, watches or the like. Between the shelf and the bottom of the box is a transparent removable box in which overflow articles may be kept.

Abstract: A shield, impervious to liquids, for use in positioning behind a plant while the plant is being sprayed with water for example, which shield is provided with a trough at its bottom edge to provide a retaining well, stiffen the shield, and provide weight for maintaining the same upright. The plant may thus be watered, the leaves sprayed or washed, without damage to surrounding windows or furniture, as the trough gathers the excess water which runs down the shield and into the trough.