Abstract: A convertible cargo holding device positioned in the bed of a pick-up truck, the bed having a floor, a left side panel, a right side panel, and a front panel comprising in combination: a base gate; a secondary gate hinged upon the base gate; a removable rear base gate hinge attached to left side panel and rotatably attached to the base gate; a removable forward base gate hinge attached to the left side panel and rotatably attached to the base gate; a transverse base gate hinge attached to the right side panel and rotatably attached to the base gate, the transverse base gate hinge adapted to receive the removable forward base gate hinge; a removable support attached to the left side panel and to both the base gate and to the secondary gate. The elements of the cargo holding device can be rotated about its hinged elements to form a container, a low barrier and a high barrier for containing cargo within the bed.

Abstract: This invention is a dual foot pedal control for a sewing machine consisting of a foot activated tiltable pedal assembly mounted on a base member which is attached to a stabilizing mat. The stabilizing mat is positioned between the legs of a sewing machine table, on which a sewing machine is mounted. The tiltable pedal assembly is connected by rod to a sewing machine control arm which activates the sewing machine. In addition, the sewing machine is speed controlled by the counter-clockwise pressure on the pedal assembly which is transmitted by rod to the sewing machine control arm. The pedal assembly, when foot-tilted clockwise, activates an air control valve which directs compressed air to an air cylinder which is connected to and opens the presser foot of the sewing machine. When tilted counter-clockwise the air control valve dissipates air to the air cylinder allowing the presser foot to lower and clamp the material to be sewn.

Abstract: The blade sharpening device is an adjustable multi-angle edge sharpening unit comprised of a base connected to a rotatable sharpening stone table and a vertically adjustable blade support table. A hand movable sharpening stone is positioned on the sharpening stone table and the blade to be sharpened positioned on the blade support table, with the blade in grinding contact with the sharpening stone. An angle selection chart on the base allows vertical movement of the blade support table in conjunction with rotational adjustment of the sharpening stone table to accurately select a specific angle at which the blade edge is ground. A scissors adapter unit may be attached to the blade support table which permits the sharpening of scissors blades. The scissors blade is pressed against the scissors adapter, the blade being in grinding contact with the sharpening stone in much the same manner as knife blades are sharpened by the device.

Abstract: A ladder leveling device used in conjunction with a ladder on sloping ground or roof surfaces. This device may be adjusted to the slope of the ground or roof and is placed under one or both legs of a two-legged ladder. The device is comprised of a horizontal plate upon which the ladder leg rests, a vertical plate attached to the end portion of the horizontal plate, an adjustment plate with adjustment grooves therethrough which is adjustably bolted to the vertical plate. A swiveling anti-skid-plate is connected to the lower edge of the adjustment plate and adjusts itself to the slope of the roof or ground.

Abstract: This invention is a portable shooting table adapted to be transported as a backpack during a hunt and assembled n the field. It is comprised of an adjustable length frame with a backpack attached. Adjustable legs carried in the backpack are screwably attached to the frame. When it is being used as a shooting table, an adjustable gun rest attached to the frame supports a rifle. The frame has rigid transverse members to support the arms and firearm of the shooter while the firearm is being aimed. Shoulder straps attached to the frame enable the shooter to shoulder carry the shooting table in the manner of a knapsack.

Abstract: A tie down fitting adapted to fit within a stake hole in a side wall section of a pickup truck or other structure. The fitting includes a double wedge and heads dimensioned for insertion through the stake hole for engagement within the stake hole sides. A special threaded fastener lifts the double wedge separating the heads and forcing them against the stake hole sides. The fastener is designed to receive several threaded devices or various quick release pins for engagement by a cargo securing line or the like. A number of such fittings enable securement of cargo on the truck bed. When the threaded device or quick release pin is removed the fitting is recessed or hidden from view and does not interfere with other activities of the truck.

Abstract: A fishing rod stand adapted to be positioned adjacent to fishing water having a V-shaped configuration on one end attached to an upper rod section coupled to a movable connecting sleeve. A lower rod section member fits into the connecting sleeve and has a point on one section thereof for penetrating the ground. A bar member is attached to the lower end section adapted for foot pressure to press the fishing rod stand into the ground. Three embodiments of this invention are presented: (1) one with a foot pressing bar, (2) one with a novel latching member coupled to the V-shaped member to secure the fishing rod, and (3) the third with a stop plate member slidably positioned on the lower rod section to steady the fishing rod stand when it is pressed into the ground. Embodiment (3) may be combined with either embodiment (1) or (2).

Abstract: This invention is an automatic gunnery system, responsive to airborne acoustic shock waves produced by a projectile passing through a target area. Curved elongated acoustic energy conductors are located adjacent to one side of said target area with acoustic transducers attached to the end portions thereof. Said transducers produce an electrical signal when a shock wave from the projectile reaches them through said energy conductors. Electrical signal from the transducers is connected to electronic circuitry which determines the location of each "hit" on or near the target which is registered on display means.

Abstract: This invention involves a composite prefabricated deck panel and method of construction. The panel is comprised of a rectangular frame made of steel channel members, a number of structural steel members (I-beams) extending longitudinally through the frame and a reinforcing steel mesh welded to the structural steel members. A concrete topping slab is cast over the top flanges of the rectangular structural steel frame leaving a portion of the channel members and structural members extending outwardly. This construction develops a composite action between the structural steel members and concrete.Locking holes extend through the structural steel members, to accomodate a locking bar which attaches to a locking loop secured to supporting girders. Liquid grout is then pressure forced into locking holes which hardens to produce a rigid composite structure consisting of the panels and girders.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bridge deck comprised of longitudinally positioned timbers having metal plates inserted between the timbers. Transversely positioned rods apply compressive forces to the timbers and metal plates. Resulting friction causes bridge deck components to behave as a single unit. The metal plates are inserted between timbers of various sizes and lengths of the stressed deck bridge. Proper transverse stressing of component parts by use of high strength steel rods or tendons allows shear and flexural stresses, caused by applied loads, to be transferred between plates and timbers by friction alone without glue or metal fasteners. Deflections, caused by applied loads, are greatly reduced when properly designed plates are employed. Without plates, the use of stressed timber deck bridges, under today's highway loads, is limited to short spans with large timber dimensions.

Abstract: This invention is a baited animal trap, positioned above a water reservoir and comprising a rotatable walkway held in position by a magnetic release device. Bait positioned beyond the walkway attracts an animal to walk thereon. The magnetic release device releases when an animal proceeds on the walkway causing the walkway to rotate and plunge the animal into the water reservoir. A reset device attached to the walkway causes the walkway to re-rotate to re-engage the magnetic release device and thus automatically resets the trap for the trapping of another animal.