Abstract: A binocular kaleidoscope for producing multiple images is disclosed. The kaleidoscope provides a viewing channel having converging interior reflective surfaces with angled apertures converging toward the line of convergence of the reflective surfaces. Rotatable disks are mounted substantially normal to the angled apertures between the reflective surfaces and reflective sidewalls for completing the viewing channel. A housing and stand for the binocular kaleidoscope is disclosed as are methods for producing images by using the invention.

Abstract: Removable paddles are disclosed for use on a grain auger to assist material flow when changing direction of flow from parallel to the auger's longitudinal axis to a flow path at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the auger. The device provides a mounting attachment at the base of the paddle unit using bolts through the auger tubing. The base of the paddle unit extends nearly perpendicular to the paddle-shaped member oriented lengthwise with the auger's longitudinal axis. Auger rotation thereby positively ejects transported material on contact with each revolution of the auger. Each paddle exhibits an "L" shaped cross section and the area, shape and angular orientation of the paddle blade is determined by the material requirements upon the auger tubing. Methods of paddle unit manufacture are also disclosed.

Abstract: A security mailbox is provided having a housing with a lower storage compartment having a lockable door for the retraction of mail and an upper door for the introduction of mail. The upper portion of the mailbox is further provided with a sloping slanted top, a tray mounted in the interior for the placement of outgoing mail, a restricted throat with a curved lower portion leading into the storage area for the introduction of mail so that the mail is deposited into the storage department and can only be retrieved through the lower lockable door. A conventional manually rotatable flag is attached on the outside of the mailbox. A method of mounting multiple security mailboxes is also disclosed.

Abstract: A manbasket testing apparatus for use in the trial lift and proof testing of personnel work platforms known as manbaskets is disclosed. The testing device provides a manbasket supported by a floor attached sling and providing a removable test weight attached through and underneath the floor of the manbasket by the use of eyebolts attached to the test weight and extending through the floor with attachment rods slid transversely through the eyebolts. A method of testing using the manbasket testing apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A truck driver's recording system and apparatus for recording the duty status, expenses, and daily vehicle inspection report is disclosed. The apparatus provides a plurality of preprinted carbonless sheets arranged in sets for recording the applicable information. The sets are arranged and prescored for separation. An inner cover is provided to eliminate an impression from being transferred to subsequent sheets, and an outer cover is provided for protection of the recording apparatus. A stiffening board is provided to prevent damage to the apparatus. A method of providing advertising space upon a truck driver's recording system and apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: An intake and exhaust flow improvement device for internal combustion engines is disclosed. The invention provides an anti-reversion chamber having a gas-redirecting profile on the intake side as well as providing a gas-redirecting profile on the exhaust side. The device also provides for toroidal loops placed within the exhaust and intake manifolds to have a swirling flow-enhancing effect by which the intake charge is continued to be held ready for the next opening of the intake valve and whereby the exhaust gases are smoothly exited from the exhaust manifold by providing a loop pathway to continue the one-way energy of the exhaust gases.

Abstract: Improvements in log splitting devices including an improved log-lifting table having multiple attachment points and greater upward radial movement. A multiple-faceted splitting wedge is also disclosed having a cutting angle of less than 90 degrees and a splitting angle of greater than 90 degrees.

Abstract: A sporting apparatus support device for the handicapped having a front support plate and a back support plate which are adjustably attached to each other with belts so as to securely sandwich the wearer is disclosed. An across-the-shoulder strap extending from the front support plate to the back support plate is also provided and an outwardly and upwardly extending bar from the front support plate is provided for attaching a fishing rod holder, a gun rest, or a camera support. A pivotal bar rod lock and a line and hook vise is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wall-mounted ski storage unit is disclosed. The unit provides a vertical wall-mounted base plate with sets of opposed outwardly extending curved arcuate ski-contoured pieces mounted substantially normal to the base plate for holding one or more sets of skis. A ski pole holder attached to the base plate and integral to the base plate is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bent wire soapholder for storing bar soap to allow for draining is disclosed. The soap holder provides minimal contact area with the soap bar, allows mechanical drainage of contact area and provides minimal contiguous surface area below the soap bar supports. The device provides base and soap bar supporting rods which extend forwardly, inwardly and downwardly from rear side of holder to the front. Each supporting member provides a pre-determined length of support surface and a lower V shaped point of drainage. Numerous attachments and base structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fishing apparatus for assisting an angler in the placement of a lure or bait in a lake or stream is disclosed. The apparatus provides parallel buoyant hulls having vertical planes depending downward therefrom with adjustable hydrofoils attached to the planes. The device further provides a release mechanism and spring-biased visible trip flag. Methods of use of the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: An outdoor game and associated apparatus having a plurality of goals, playing balls with holes drilled therein, and tapered elongate shooting sticks used for projecting the balls toward the goals is disclosed. The goals are buckets or mesh baskets elevated above ground level by a ring having a standard projecting therefrom which is insertable into the ground. The playing balls are spherical wooden balls having holes drilled therein. One hole runs through the center of the ball and is open on either end, whereas the second hole is drilled substantially normal and off-center to the first hole. The elongate tapered shooting stick is provided with a grip end and a cylindrical tip end which can be inserted in the holes in the playing balls and is used by a player to project the balls toward the goals by use of an underhand throwing motion. A method of play is also disclosed.

Abstract: A removable trailer hitch assembly for connecting a gooseneck trailer to a pickup truck is disclosed. The hitch assembly provides a base frame having a ball hitch mounted thereon and adapted to be positioned in the floor of the pickup truck box so the frame straddles both wheel wells and positions the ball hitch over the rear axle of the pickup truck. Two pairs of pivotable elongate members telescopingly attach to the base frame to frictionally engage the lower surface of the upper horizontal side rail caps of the pickup box. Biasing between and toward each side pair of side rail engaging members is provided to secure the hitch assembly in the pickup bed by making a positive frictional engagement with the box side rails. Upon the connection of the trailer to the hitch assembly the weight of the trailer and the fore and aft pull of the trailer further secure the hitch assembly to the pickup box. The hitch assembly is attached to the pickup box without the necessity for drilling, bolting or welding.

Abstract: A composition and method for cleaning painted surfaces is disclosed. The invention provides a solution of a fixed oil such as linseed oil, an alcohol such as isopropyl alcohol, a drying agent and a carboxylic acid such as acetic acid. The method of applying the solution is to saturate a rubbing cloth with the solution, apply the saturated cloth to a weathered painted surface and remove the excess with a second absorbant cloth. The composition removes oxidation and renews the weathered painted surface. A pre-wash having the ingredients of the acid, the alcohol and water is also disclosed.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine shutdown device is disclosed. The device stops an engine running at high speed in a controlled fashion when a condition arises in a peripheral device or apparatus being driven or operated by the engine. The device provides a relay, a fuel shutoff control, an engine throttle control, and a timer. Upon the receipt of an external signal such as the de-energizing of a conventional "kill switch", the device immediately reduces engine speed to idle by the throttle control and delays the stopping of the engine by the timer until a pre-set time period has passed. Once the time period has elapsed so that the engine is in the proper state to be stopped, the fuel to the engine is cut off by the fuel shutoff control. The device is particularly adapted to the operation of an internal combustion engine used in a center pivot irrigation system.

Abstract: Reverse contour changes, e.g., changes from a convex peripheral portion to concave peripheral portion are scored in a glass sheet by moving the glass sheet along an X-Y axes while pivoting a scoring wheel housing about an axis transverse to the first and second axes so as to positively rotate the housing in response to contour changes.Further, a pattern cutter includes a sheet support which is mounted for movement along X and Y axes and about a pivoting Z axis relative to a stationary scoring wheel so as to positively control the scoring of the glass sheet during changes from convex portions to concave portions.