Abstract: A trailer hitch guide includes a plurality of visual guides that are stored in an out-of-the way location and are deployed automatically as the element being carried on the trailer moves off of that trailer. The visual guides are located to provide an exact positional readout to the vehicle driver, and a template can be mounted within the vehicle to quantify the amount of misalignment between the vehicle and the trailer. Mispositioning of the vehicle in a single plane can be indicated and mispositioning of the vehicle plane with respect to the trailer plane can also be indicated.

Abstract: A combined book cover and book carrier includes straps that are movably mounted on a body to accommodate books of varying size and handles that include extension straps so the cover and carrier can be carried in the user's hand, on his wrist, over his shoulder or on his back.

Abstract: A combination hot water heater-refrigeration assembly includes a refrigeration assembly coupled to a hot water tank via a heat pipe. The heat pipe has the heat releasing end thereof near the bottom of the hot water tank.

Abstract: A magnetic thimble includes an outer body and a magnetic liner that covers essentially the entire area of the outer body. One embodiment of the thimble also includes an extender so that the thimble can be used in areas and locations that the user's finger cannot reach.

Abstract: A hand-holdable tube cutting device includes a tube clamping unit that opens and closes to hold a tube being cut in position. The clamping unit includes a driven bevel gear that moves in a race. The bevel gear is driven by a driver bevel gear that is connected to a motor. A sanding unit is mounted on the driven bevel gear and a cutting oil dispensing system is included. The entire device can be operated using one hand via a trigger mechanism whereby a plurality of functions can be effected.

Abstract: A measuring and guiding attachment for a chain saw includes a plurality of parts and is easily stored and deployed. The attachment has a swing arm assembly that is mounted on a front handle bar of the chain saw and a caliper plate attached to the distal end of that swing arm assembly. The swing arm assembly includes an end mortise and tenon joint and a telescoping joint, and the caliper plate is movably attached to the swing arm assembly so that the attachment has a plurality of degrees of freedom. A limit stop assembly is also included to permit further adjustment of the attachment.

Abstract: A building heating system includes a plurality of intake ducts located at various spaced apart locations in an attic as well as temperature sensors and a control circuit. The system has the intake duct located closest to the highest temperature air in the attic operated to draw air into the system.

Abstract: A shoe holding carousel is adjustable in several planes and includes a telescoping support which as a ball joint therein. Shoe holding compartments are movably mounted on the carousel and thus the carousel is adjustable in both a vertical plane and in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a firearm, generally of the automatic or semi-automatic type, having a reciprocating breech block normally biased into closed position by a primary recoil absorption system including a spring, the improvement comprising providing a secondary spring-biased recoil absorption system cooperating with the primary one during a portion of the retraction stroke of the block to slow down the movement of the latter before becoming inactive while the primary system slows the block to a stop and reverses its direction and then becoming active to once again cooperate with the primary system during a portion of the return stroke of the block to speed up its return to its original position.

Abstract: A portable field stove is adapted to assume a collapsed configuration for storage and a set-up configuration for supporting a utensil above a portable heat source. The stove includes self-locking features that wedge a bottom plate against a shoulder and against a front plate to lock the stove into the set-up configuration. The stove also includes cutouts, openings and holes which are arranged and configured to permit only the proper amount of air to flow into the stove and to direct that air so that it does not flow across the heat source. The cutouts, openings and holes are also arranged to establish an air flow pattern through the stove that efficiently uses the heat generated by the heat source. The stove can also be used in an inverted orientation.

Abstract: A disposable EOD dearmer (10) includes an propellant charge (36) permanen affixed to a tubular body (14) for propelling a dearmer slug (40) against a dud casing (12). The pressure versus time characteristic (60, 70) of the charge can be selected to provide a preselected velocity for the slug at impact with the casing, and the initial position (60', 70") of the slug can be selected to provide a preselected delay between ignition of the charge and impact between the slug and the casing.

Abstract: A knife is provided with a light in its handle portion, with the light being actuated by a compression or threaded movement of a cap attached to an end of the handle. In a separate embodiment, the light may be actuated by a threaded movement of the handle end itself, while a protective cap may be positioned over the handle end and its associated light lens.

Abstract: A fishing rod may include an integral flashlight having a magnifying lens and an on-off switch. A knife blade is embedded into a V-shaped notch in the rod handle to facilitate the cutting of fishing line. The end of the handle includes a storage compartment for hooks, sinkers, and the like, with access being provided through a removeable cap.