Abstract: A rubber or plastic floor mat has a series of parallel upper ribs on its upper surface which define slots in which respective strips or carpeting or the like are removably held. The strips are retained along their lengths by retaining means which run continually or continuously along the slots. The strip retainers include hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO), and/or overhanging edges above the strip edges, preferably formed in one-piece fashion along the side of the upper ribs adjacent the slots. The overhangs may be interrupted, e.g., crenelated as seen from above, and may include bevels.

Abstract: A tape dispenser having a frame, a cutter blade and at least one pair of projections disposed on the opposed interior surfaces of the side walls is disclosed. The distance between the projections is less than the distance between the interior surfaces of the side walls and is also less than the width of the tape held in the dispenser. The tape dispenser may also include a pair of tabs either associated with the projections or positioned between the projections and the tape mount. The dispenser is adapted to hold a roll of adhesive tape therein and because of the decreased distance between the projections, the tape assumes a convex shape when viewed from the front end of the dispenser. The shape of the tape and position of the tabs and projections causes the tape to be biased into contact with the interior of the front end of the dispenser. This helps to keep the free end of the tape out of contact with the roll in the dispenser.

Abstract: A firelog grate for retaining fire starters is disclosed. The grate has a front member and a rear member connected together by a transverse bars to form a cradle for holding firelogs. Pairs of legs extend down from the cradle and firelog retaining projections extend upward from the upper surface of the cradle. The rear member of the grate has a plurality of projections that extend upwardly from the cradle and the bars are disposed at ninety degrees to the projections. The bars have a wider section connected to the rear member and a narrower section connected to the front member. The wider sections of the bars are adapted to receive a firelog thereon. When a paper-wrapped artificial firelog is placed on the grate, the wider sections of the bars push the wrapper into contact with the bottom surface of the firelog and the projections push the paper wrapper into contact with the rear surface of the firelog.

Abstract: A wheel assembly comprises a generally frustoconical wheel having an upper wall defining a recessed area and a lateral wall with a tapered outer surface; a generally frustoconical rim having a top wall defining a central hole and a side wall with an outer surface and a tapered inner surface complementary with the outer surface of the wheel; and a solid tire attached to the outer surface of the rim. The recessed area is partially covered by the top wall of the rim when the rim is installed on the wheel. To install, the rim is slid over the wheel, and the rim and tire are bolted to the wheel. To remove, the bolts are removed, a pry bar is inserted in the recessed area of the wheel, and the rim is pried away from the wheel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing melting of titanium for processing into ingots or end products. The apparatus provides a main hearth, a plurality of optional refining hearths, and a plurality of casting molds or direct molds whereby direct arc electrodes melt the titanium in the main hearth while plasma torches melt the titanium in the refining chambers and/or adjacent the molds. Each of the direct arc electrodes and plasma torches is extendable and retractable into the melting environment and moveable in a circular pivoting or side to side linear motion.

Abstract: An adjustable spacer tool for spacing balusters includes an extendable pantograpic assembly having a first and second end and including evenly-spaced parallel uprights and X-shaped sets of cross-bars pivotally connected to one another. Each X-shaped set is pivotally connected to a pair of uprights adjacent upper ends thereof and pivotally and slidably connected to the uprights adjacent lower ends thereof. An arm, finger and cam extend outwardly from each end of the assembly to provide spacing between each end of the assembly and a desired surface for various sets of same-width balusters. Each arm is pivotally connected to one end of the assembly and to one end of the finger. The other end of the finger is pivotally and slidably connected to a respective end of the assembly. Each cam is pivotally connected to the arm distal the assembly. Removable connections permit adjustment of the overall length of the tool and replacement of parts.

Abstract: A shock absorbing trailer hitch generally includes a socket adapted to lock onto a ball connected to the towing vehicle. The socket is connected to a lower support member which supports the bottom of a shock absorbing assembly. An inner tube extends up from the socket and lower tube through the shock absorbing assembly. The upper portion of the shock absorbing assembly is connected to an upper support member that is connected to the towed vehicle. A bearing is secured to the upper tube that slidably but non-rotatably receives the upper portion of the inner tube. The shock absorbing assembly includes rubber springs that absorb the forces experienced by the trailer hitch.

Abstract: An exhaust insulator adapted for use in a motor vehicle exhaust system includes a vibration dampening mechanism and a heat shield. The heat shield snaps into position around the vibration dampening mechanism. The insulator is used in conjunction with a hanger which connects the exhaust pipes to the vehicle chassis.

Abstract: A new sanitary toilet seat apparatus for permitting a user to raise and lower a toilet seat without having to touch the toilet seat directly. The inventive device includes a toilet seat member which is pivotally coupled to a toilet bowl apparatus. At least one counterweight member is coupled to or extends outwardly from the back end of the toilet seat. A lid or cover member of for said toilet seat counterbalances the seat and is provided with a handle for ease of operation well away from the normal contamination areas of the toilet seat.

Abstract: A landing gear assembly for a semitrailer includes a pair of legs that may be simultaneously raised or lowered by turning a single crank. Each of the legs is configured to be able to be mounted in either an inboard or outboard configuration. This is achieved by providing both sides of each leg with no protrusions that extend beyond the space provided in the mounting bracket and the mounting hole used to connect the landing gear to the semitrailer. The gear assembly of the landing gear includes a unique floor base that receives and supports the input shaft. A cover is used to support the input ends of the input shaft and the output shaft. The cover is connected to the input side of the upper tube of the leg and allows the gear assembly to be easily assembled within the perimeter of the upper leg.

Abstract: A coupler for a low pressure piping system has a hollow metal tube terminating in a pair of end portions defining open ends for slidably receiving and joining together sections of other metal tubes in a substantially air tight relationship. Slots are formed in at least one of the end portions to aid in the crimping of the hollow metal tube by an annular clamp. A radial flange is formed adjacent the end portion and receives an annular seal therein. A stop for limiting the insertion of a tube section into the end of the hollow metal tube is formed on the inside of the coupler adjacent the radial flange opposite the slots. The annular clamp encircles the slots and is tightened to clamp the end portions to form metal to metal contact between the metal tubes and to form a seal between the annular seal and both metal tubes.