Abstract: A wrist-pin, in which the inner tubular area is traversed by intersecting plates that traverse at the rotating axis and extending along at least a portion of the length, and thereby, said inner tubular area is divided into longitudinal sections. Ideally, the connecting-rod is positioned and affixed to the wrist-pin so that the first of such plates form traversed alignment with length of the connecting-rod, for directly transmitting forces from the piston, through said first plate, to the connecting-rod, whereas such forces are no longer effectively exerted upon the upper circular asymmetry of the wrist-pin, to prevent flexing of the wrist-pin.

Abstract: A modular panel can used either as a pattern plate or a template to create a pattern plate in the fabrication of dovetail joints. This panel is a planar member having a generally rectangular shape, including a pair of sides, a left edge, and a right edge. The panel defines a first plurality of elongated openings positioned adjacent one of the sides of the panel, each of said openings extending between oppositely disposed first and second circular ends, said openings being used as a guide to cut the tails of a dovetail joint. The panel further defines a second plurality of openings positioned adjacent the other side of the panel. These openings are used as a guide to cut the pins of a dovetail joint. Additionally, the panel defines "half-openings" along its left and right edges. Thus, when two panels are placed side-by-side, the adjacent half-openings form the above described first and second elongated openings, thereby allowing a series of panels to be used to create dovetail joints of an indefinite length.

Abstract: A game die has a plurality of faces arrayed about a central vertical axis, each face displaying numerical or other indicia. These faces are tapered at an angle relative to said vertical axis, allowing the die to be thrown or spun and causing the die to roll about a central point once it ceases sliding across a surface. The die also defines an internal cavity for receiving a portion of a second die, thereby allowing stacking of the dice.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a portable garment dryer having a support member (10, 14, 60) with a centrally located opening (26) on a top surface thereof. A light but durable, air permeable garment bag (18) is secured about the opening (26) on a bottom surface of the support member (10, 14, 60). An elastic member (28) circumscribes the opening (26) on the other side of the support member (10, 14, 60) and snugly receives a barrel of a hair dryer (22) in an air tight relationship. A pair of adjustable straps (20) are secured to the sides of the support member (10, 14, 60) and supports the support member (10, 14, 60) so that the garment bag hangs freely beneath the support member (10, 14, 60). A damp garment can be hung in the interior of the bag (18) and the hair dryer unit turned on. In a preferred embodiment, foldable flaps (16, 17) extend from the support member (14) to enclose the garment bag (18) folded tightly against the bottom surface of the support member (14) when the garment dryer is not in use.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for manufacturing interconnected, easily separable, protective pouches, made from heat-sealable material, and adapted to enclose and protect objects. The pouches are made by feeding a continuous sheet of heat-sealable material through a folding unit, folding the material approximately in half, perforating and heat-sealing the sheet across the width of the sheet, moving the sheet downstream the length of the opening for the pouch, heat-sealing across the sheet, moving the sheet downstream the length of the edge allowances for the pouch, and repeating the steps until the desired number of pouches have been produced. The finished pouches are collected on rewind rolls.

Abstract: A tool used in the construction of frames includes multiple clamps that are used to secure frame members at precise angles and orientations for welding. The tool includes a vertical support post upon which is mounted a table. First and second clamps are pivotably mounted to the table and allow two frame members to be secured in contact with one another and parallel to the table at a precise angle. A column extends upwardly from the table. At the upper end of this column is a support arm which is held parallel to the table by the column. A third clamp is mounted on the distal end of this support arm. This third clamp can be used to position a vertical or diagonal member in contact with the frame members held by the first and second clamps for welding. Additionally, the tool includes first and second attachments which can be used to secure vertical or diagonal members to the frame.

Abstract: A folding furniture apparatus for selectively and alternatively moving a pivotally connected furniture component between a substantially horizontal usable position and a substantially vertical storage position includes a counterbalancing piston assembly and associated mounting hardware that can provide one of a selected value of torques, counterbalancing the weight of furniture component. At least one counterbalancing piston extends between an upper mounting bracket secured to a support assembly and a lower bracket secured to the furniture component, each of these brackets having a plurality of corresponding mounting points. A counterbalancing piston is pivotally secured to and extends from a selected mounting point on the lower bracket to an associated mounting point on the upper bracket.

Abstract: A pusher switch assembly for diverting pushers from a first path to a second path includes an electromagnet that when energized attracts a ferrous portion of selected pushers and disengages the selected pusher from the first path so as to divert it to the second path.

Abstract: An apparatus for the preparation of ground material used to make a beverage includes an electrostatic precipitator to prevent the separation of chaff fines from a main stream of the ground material. The apparatus includes a grinder and a chute leading from an exit opening in the grinder to a receptacle for receiving the ground material. The electrostatic dissipator is positioned near the exit opening for minimizing the electrostatic charge on chaff fines created by the grinder, thereby preventing the separation of chaff fines from the main stream of ground material.

Abstract: A riding attachment is adapted to be connected to a self-propelled lawn mower for carrying a standing rider/operator behind the mower during operation of the mower. This riding attachment includes a mounting assembly, a tow bar assembly, and a riding assembly. One end of the tow bar assembly is pivotably connected to the mounting assembly to allow for rotation of the tow bar assembly about a first axis parallel to a plane of the mower and transverse to the direction of movement of the mower. The riding assembly is pivotally connected to the second end of the tow bar to allow the riding assembly to pivot about a second axis parallel to the plane of said mower and in the direction of movement of said mower. The riding attachment further includes a pivot limiting element that limits the pivoting of the riding assembly out of the plane of the mower to a predetermined limit angle.