Abstract: A compliant system of workholders for use with woodworking, metalworking, or other machinery each of which pushes against a workpiece with substantially constant pressure while moving in and out to accommodate variation in the size of the workpiece. Preferably, the workholder uses a feather board mounted on one or more sliding guide rods. Rollers, a low friction shoe, or other elements may also be used to contact the workpiece. A pneumatic cylinder is the preferred mechanism for applying outward pressure to the feather board. The workholder will retract on activation of a momentary switch by the user and will remain retracted for an adjustable time period to allow positioning of the workpiece.

Abstract: A quick action, cam operated hand tool holder, such as a tap wrench. The cam is moveable between at least one released and one locked positions, preferably by a conventional T-handle. A third position may also be provided which may be either a second locked or a second released position. An adjustable nut, or similar, retains a collet within the wrench and adjusts the wrench to different sizes of tools (i.e. taps) and adjusts the gripping force applied when the cam is locked. The collet is preferably reversible, accommodating different tool sizes on each end, but may also be single ended.

Abstract: A resilient cover for a pinch clamp which fully encloses the clamp providing a smooth, snag free surface. The cover pads the clamp and softens the sharp edges of the clamp, providing an increased level of comfort for the patient using the clamp. The cover also provides an increased level of safety by reducing the likelihood of the clamp being inadvertently opened or closed. The cover closely surrounds the clamp, restricting outward movement of portions of the clamp such as the latch and tongue, reducing the chance of their being accidentally released. Internal nubs extend into the cavity holding the clamp and engage the face openings of the clamp. In addition to holding the cover in place, the nubs resist inward movement of the latch and tongue reducing the chance of the clamp being accidentally engaged. The cover is slit along one side so that it can be placed over the clamp with the clamp positioned on a tube. The slit passes through one or more of the nubs.

Abstract: A two-part chamber block for a handgun which does not interfere with the inspection, operation or field stripping of the weapon other than access to the chamber and barrel. In a first embodiment, two lengthwise segments can be offset, inserted into the barrel and then aligned and retained by a cable tie or similar to prevent their removal. In a second embodiment a cable tie, or similar, connects a chamber portion and a barrel end portion to effectively block the chamber and barrel. A third embodiment uses segments inserted from opposite ends of the barrel with opposing teeth which interlock to retained the segments. Optional locking collars, latches, and configurations increase the adaptability of the chamber block.

Abstract: An improved bridge for a guitar or other stringed instrument which offers individual height and length adjustment for each string. The bridge uses adjusters in which one part, the saddle, pivots or rocks, on a fulcrum relative to a supporting part, the anvil. The fulcrum may be incorporated into either part or may be a separate element. The fulcrum is generally perpendicular to the string and extends the full width of the adjuster. This configuration, combined with a close fit at the fulcrum results in a tight fit with minimal linear movement and no axial movement (about the vertical axis) between the parts of the adjuster. The combination of this with the ability to use relatively large elements results in an adjuster, and a bridge, with minimal dampening effect, or energy loss, on the string and improved transfer of sound energy to the sound board of the instrument.

Abstract: A compliant workholder for use with woodworking, metalworking, or other machinery which pushes against a workpiece with substantially constant pressure while moving in and out to accommodate variation in the size of the workpiece. Preferably, the workholder uses a feather board mounted on one or more sliding guide rods. Rollers, a low friction shoe, or other elements may also be used to contact the workpiece. A pneumatic cylinder is the preferred mechanism for applying outward pressure to the feather board. The workholder will retract on activation of a momentary switch by the user and will remain retracted for an adjustable time period to allow positioning of the workpiece.

Abstract: A self adjusting closure mechanism for a locking plier or similar device. Central to the invention is a set of one or more friction pawls which slide along a support rod, moved by a push link working against a spring. The push link is free to rotate between two positions relative to the rod as it slides. In the first position, and in between the positions, the push link bears against the center of the friction pawls and they remain free to slide along the rod. When the push link rotates to the second position, it presses on the edge of the pawls, causing them to tilt, coupling to the rod and preventing movement along the rod. In a typical locking plier, the support rod is mounted to the frame and the opposite end of the push link connects to the handle. As the handle closes, the push link rotates towards its second position and optionally slides along the support rod. When the friction pawls lock, the plier begins to grip and lock on to the work piece.

Abstract: A self adjusting closure mechanism for a locking plier or similar device. Central to the invention is a set of one or more friction pawls which slide along a support rod, moved by a push link working against a spring. The push link is free to rotate between two positions relative to the rod as it slides. In the first position, and in between the positions, the push link bears against the center of the friction pawls and they remain free to slide along the rod. When the push link rotates to the second position, it presses on the edge of the pawls, causing them to tilt, coupling to the rod and preventing movement along the rod. In a typical locking plier, the support rod is mounted to the frame and the opposite end of the push link connects to the handle. As the handle closes, the push link rotates towards its second position and optionally slides along the support rod. When the friction pawls lock, the plier begins to grip and lock on to the work piece.

Abstract: A supplemental seat for a baby stroller designed to be releasably attached to the frame and push handle of the stroller, providing additional seating for a second infant. A minimal configuration comprises a seat cushion and seat back attachable to the stroller by means of straps incorporating hook and loop fasteners. Preferably, arm rests are also provided which can also be attached to the stroller frame. Where needed, a removable footrest will be provided. Either or both of the seat cushion and the back rest may comprise two or more cushions joined by webbing or the like.

Abstract: A plunge cutting device for use with a portable drill, drill press, or other rotary drive source which is capable of cutting irregularly shaped openings or workpieces in a single operation. A drive chain, belt, or other means carries a plurality of cutting teeth along a path defined by a series of chain guides. A lower plate, adjacent the surface being cut serves as a finer resolution guide for the cutting teeth to define their cutting path. The configuration and orientation of the cutting teeth causes them to push inward against the edge of the plate so that they follow its shape closely. A preferred shield encloses the teeth, chain, and drive mechanism for safety and to serve as a vacuum shroud for dust collection. The shield may also act as a guide, holding the teeth in position prior to the start of the cutting operation.

Abstract: A holding device for temporarily attaching a facial tissue box or similar container to a supporting structure such as glove box door, sun visor, window, bed railing or headboard, or similar. The device is removably attachable to both the box and the supporting structure. Two laterally projecting arms grip the box while a clip attaches to the structure. The arms may comprise hooks, points or other features designed to enhance their grip on a paperboard, or similar, box. These features may optionally penetrate, crimp, or depress the side of the container. If desired, one or both of the arms may be adjustable to accommodate a range of box widths and/or depths.

Abstract: A modular fluid storage tank, intended for underground storage of water, utilizing alternating circular and octagonal ribs in the main body and curved, ribbed, end caps. Interconnection of the tanks uses rigid pipe or semi-flexible hose. The coupling between the pipe and the tank incorporates a fitting, integrally molded into the tank, which extends into the interior of the tank, and a flexible sleeve which fits over, and is clamped to, the fitting and the pipe. The coupling is protected from the environment and is accessible from within the tank after installation for inspection and repair without the need to excavate the tank. The tank preferably has approximately equal length and diameter for improved strength. It is relatively small and lightweight, suitable for transport to and installation at a remote location without heavy equipment.

Abstract: A bicycle bell with an inverted bell dome and a substantially enclosing cover. Preferably, the cover also functions to activate the bell. Alternatively, a lever actuator can be used, either in combination with the cap or as a separate element. The cover shields the bell dome from rain or other water and helps prevent the accumulation of water drops on the surface of the bell dome. The bell is adaptable to a variety of striking mechanisms but preferably uses one incorporating a gear train with a gear ration of at least 1:10 providing very rapid, long duration striking for relatively small movement by the user. The cap can be made of a transparent or semi-transparent material allowing the operation of the striking mechanism to be viewed.

Abstract: A synthetic erector lens mount for use in a rifle scope or similar optical instrument incorporating glides, or rails, which ride on the inner surface of the guide tube. Biasing fingers, or tabs, incorporate raised bulges, or angle radially outward from the body of the mount, or both, so that they push outward on the walls of the guide tube, pushing the mount against the glides. Preferably the mount incorporates a recess on the inner wall of the mount for capturing a nut or other fastener, a hole through the wall of the mount, and a flattened area of the outer surface of the mount, parallel to the recess and aligned with the hole, for removably attaching a guide sleeve which engages the slots in the guide tube and cam tube for adjustment of the erector lens.

Abstract: A long distance auxiliary drive tender for railroad locomotives which stores significant quantities of fuel and delivers the fuel to the locomotives while underway and which also includes traction motor drive axles powered by the locomotive generators. The traction motors are also capable of providing dynamic braking. Preferably, the auxiliary drive tender will also store and transfer lubrication oil, water, and sand for the locomotives. The auxiliary drive tender operates much like a B-unit in conventional MU operations except that it does not have its own power source.

Abstract: A map navigation and display system which emphasizes the use of physical layout and location to identify and select areas to zoom in on. Preferably used to assist users in locating stores and businesses, a central concept is the visual presentation of a shopping center showing the layout of the buildings and stores within the center. Each store is then linked to its own page with details about the business. Higher level maps may also show the layout and location of the shopping centers within a neighborhood or district and within a region. Optional density indicators at the regional level assist users in locating areas with a large number of stores. Optional text search capability supplements the visual methods.

Abstract: A holder for a water, beverage, or similar container which attaches the container to the user's belt. An upright portion of the holder is designed to be inserted behind the user's belt while a lateral projection supports and retains the container. Two openings in the lateral projection have different sizes: the first allows for easy insertion and removal of the neck, or top, of the container; and the second closely matches the size of the container neck and prevents it from being removed vertically. A reduced sized passage provides for movement of the container between the two openings and is sized to resist this movement, but not prevent it. Alternative embodiments of the holder incorporate devices to retain the holder on the user's belt, and or to retain the bottle within the holder.

Abstract: A compact multi-function installer's tool which combines a linear compression tool for type F fittings with at least one of a security wrench, a trap wrench, and a hex socket wrench. The wrenches are preferably aligned with the central axis of the compression tool and the compression tool handle can be extended substantially perpendicular to the tool so that it operates as a single sided T handle for the wrenches, increasing the amount of torque which can be applied. Ideally at least two of the wrenches are included in the tool. The seat for the compression tool is preferably combined with one of the wrenches, sharing the end of the tool and the clearance slot therein. In one embodiment, the body of the tool is generally cylindrical and the compression tool handle recesses at least slightly into the body, so that the body functions similarly to a conventional nut driver handle, for ease of use.

Abstract: A tool for reducing the diameter of the center conductor of a coaxial cable allowing it to mate with a smaller receptacle without the necessity of a reducer. The tool uses plural rollers within a housing to roll form the conductor as they rotate about it. Preferably the rollers are caged for alignment but bear on the inner surface of the housing. The housing thus resists the axial loads on the rollers and transmits the rotational drive force directly to the rollers allowing the roller cage to serve solely alignment purposes. The roller cage incorporates an extended nose designed to contact the dielectric portion of the cable, serving as a depth stop. An optional indicator sleeve is visible through openings in the housing and indicates the position of the roller cage within the housing. A small lead angle on the rollers causes them to self feed onto the conductor and to crawl rearward within the chamber which provide the indication of the length of conductor reduced.