Abstract: An instrument case and alarm is disclosed that provides a reliable alarm system that selectively uses audio, visual and radio alerts to attract attention to the case and instrument. In one preferred embodiment, the alarm emits a separate and distinct audible alarm if the instrument is removed from the case. The case comprises housing that protectively encloses the instrument. A door hinged mounts the housing to provide access therein. Several feet project from the housing to support the case. The alarm mounts inside the housing. A primary set switch penetrates the instrument case housing and the alarm frame. This primary switch is preferably key-operated. The switch sets the alarm. Preferably, my alarm has a selective down time. The alarm uses several triggers to sense detonation stimuli. The case trigger comprises two separately actuable sensor arrays. Preferably, at least one sensor on each array penetrates a case foot. Another trigger detects motions of the case. Another trigger detects case openings.

Abstract: A high power, contra-rotating, twin engine riding trowel for finishing concrete comprises twin, downwardly projecting rotors that counter-rotate simultaneously. An operator sits in a seat mounted to the frame and steers the rotors with a pair of primary control levers that tilt the rotors to generate steering forces. The engines counter-rotate while establishing generally coaxial, horizontal axes of rotation. Each engine drives a rotor through a driveshaft. Both driveshafts establish generally coaxial axes of rotation that are generally parallel to the axes of rotation of the engines. Each driveshaft extends to a gearbox to transfer power to the rotor. The gearboxes are interchangeable and mounted to tiltable, pivotable steering boxes secured to the frame. A first reversing linkage couples the lever means to the arm means. A second reversing linkage means is suitably coupled to one rotor gearbox to reverse tilt it for steering.

Abstract: Buoyant jewelry for retaining and protecting personal articles. Each jewelry/retainer comprises a brightly colored, buoyant body coupled to one or more fasteners for securing various articles such as sunglasses, keys, or personal care products which the swimmer or water sportsman desires to conveniently retain. The jewelry items comprise eyeglass retainers, bracelets, anklets, name badges, and necklaces. The body comprises a resilient core of low-density foam covered by a flexible, tubular sheath. The sheath brightly colors and reinforces the body. In one mode the fasteners comprise resilient tubes for axially gripping the ear pieces of conventional glasses. An alternative fastener comprises a flexible fabric channel for receiving fine wire or wrap-around ear pieces. Another embodiment comprises a cord looped through an item to be floated, and an optional cap is provided for slip-fitting over existing containers of personal care products.

Abstract: A modular block construction system comprises blocks and other accessory parts that dynamically fit together to form different items of varying forms and shapes. One or more blocks of various sizes have outer, peripheral edges that can be mated with one another, or snap fitted to accessories including walls and wedges. Each cubicle block comprises six intersecting panels that have peripheral edges that alternate with pairs of spaced apart nubs and sockets that enable the panels to be orthogonally assembled. Outwardly projecting panel sides of assembled blocks can be snap fitted to abutting sides of other blocks. Spider connectors captivated within the blocks transform each connecting surface between male, female, and flattened configurations. Radially spaced apart follower slots are defined in the sides. Movable spiders captivated within the blocks have arms slidably received by and constrained within the slots.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for chemically and/or thermally treating substances containing or generating toxic substances during treatment is disclosed. Multiple reactors treat the material while the toxic emission containment system separates and cleans the effluents to within acceptable emissions limits as specified by government. The preferred rotary kiln employs a multiple zone reactor system for processing and volumetrically reducing feedstocks. The kiln functions as a primary treatment chamber and contains a rotatable multipurpose admixture and a multiple zone burner system. Induced cyclonic action reduces particulate entrainment, minimizes stratification, and maximizes gas residence time. A direct fed, second stage vitrifying, refining and/or separating furnace yields stabilized products. The preferred process includes an air pollution control system enhanced by a toxic emission containment system which separates the inert effluents from the toxic emissions contained in the treatment process.

Abstract: Buoyant tether cords that remove ignition keys from personal watercraft to safely disable the motor in the event a rider falls off. When dropped in the water the cords float so that the ignition key is not lost. The cords float horizontally to maximize visibility. The cord has an elongated embodiment and a looped embodiment. Both have a brightly colored floating body that is attached to a stretchable, coil section. The coil enables the cord to elongate or contract. Both cords have one end to be coupled to the watercraft key, and an opposite end to be coupled to the rider. The floating body comprises an elongated, tubular foam core having an interior passageway. The core is preferably made from lightweight, flexible low-density closed cell foam. The core is preferably coaxially covered by a resilient, tubular knitted fabric sheath that strengthens and colors it. Each coil comprises plastic-coated string.

Abstract: A barrel porting system for firearms, preferably shotguns, comprises a pair of rows of spaced apart ventilating orifices. The inclined, oblong porting orifices have radiused ends. They extend through the barrel to vent exhaust gases exteriorly. The porting orifices are defined in the barrel with an EDM machine adjacent the muzzle for ventilating hot gases to effectuate muzzle control. Preferably the orifices are angularly oriented such that each orifice axis forms an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the barrel. Preferably the latter angle is between 40 and 50 degrees. The preferred system orients the orifices in a pair of rows that are radially spaced apart between 50 and 70 degrees. Angular placement of the orifices vents gases both upwardly and rearwardly, so that resultant vector forces generated by escaping gases are translated into downwardly and forwardly directed components. Resultant downward force minimizes muzzle jump.

Abstract: A human-powered, foot or hand operated paddle propulsion system for a variety of differently sized and configured watercraft. A rigid supporting subframe attaches the system to an end of the watercraft. A spaced-apart terminus is wedged towards a boat seat base. The terminus and subframe cooperatively secure the system within the boat. The subframe has a C-shaped bow plate coupling it to the boat end. The paddle assembly is removably quick-connected to the bow plate. Knobbed, slidably adjustable mounting bolts captivate the subframe upon the bow. The frame comprises a pair of adjustable, telescoping frame beams that enable it to retract or extend. The frame supports an adjustable actuating assembly including foot-operated pedals and optional hand bars for powering the boat. Cabling links the actuating assembly to the drive paddle assembly. Slidable captivation of the activating assembly upon the frame facilitates cable length and tension adjustments.