Abstract: An active cover plate is described for covering a power outlet, comprising a perimeter structure to cover a power outlet; a left conductor attached to the perimeter structure and defining a first conductive slot sized to receive a left electrical prong from an electrical appliance; a right conductor attached to the perimeter structure and defining a second conductive slot sized to receive a right electrical prong from an electrical appliance; a load attached to the perimeter structure, the load being electronically connected to the left conductor and the right conductor; when a left prong and a right prong of an electrical appliance are inserted through the left conductive slot and the right conductive slot to make contact with the left conductor and the right conductor, and thence are inserted into a power outlet, electrical power is extracted from the power outlet to energize the load.

Abstract: An adjustable roof rack configured to be anchored to an automobile, a main portion comprising a distal cross beam extending from the left side toward the right side and which defines a plurality of openings extending through the distal cross beam, each opening configured to receive a bar extending in a direction from the proximal end toward the distal end; a plurality of main floor bars, each main floor bar extending through one of the openings respectively in the distal cross beam, and being attached to the distal cross beam so as to be positionally adjustable in relation to the distal cross beam; a distal portion movably attached to the main portion, wherein, the distal portion is movable in relation to the main portion such that when the distal portion is moved, all of the distal floor bars move simultaneously within the openings in the distal cross beam.

Abstract: An active cover plate is described for covering a power outlet, comprising a perimeter structure to cover a power outlet; a left conductor attached to the perimeter structure and defining a first conductive slot sized to receive a left electrical prong from an electrical appliance; a right conductor attached to the perimeter structure and defining a second conductive slot sized to receive a right electrical prong from an electrical appliance; a load attached to the perimeter structure, the load being electronically connected to the left conductor and the right conductor; when a left prong and a right prong of an electrical appliance are inserted through the left conductive slot and the right conductive slot to make contact with the left conductor and the right conductor. and thence are inserted into a power outlet, electrical power is extracted from the power outlet to energize the load.

Abstract: A tool for retracting at least one piston into a mating cylinder bore of a caliper assembly provided with a set of brake pads to be serviced, the tool comprising: a first pressure plate; a second pressure plate; a coupler joining the first pressure plate with the second pressure plate, the coupler comprising: a bushing affixed to the first pressure plate along an axis perpendicular to the first pressure plate such that the bushing can rotate about, but cannot move along, the axis in relation to the first pressure plate, wherein the bushing defines a bore that is internally threaded; a stud affixed to the second pressure plate along the axis such that the stud cannot rotate about, nor move along, the axis in relation to the second pressure plate, the stud defining an external thread, wherein the stud is threadedly inserted into the bore of the bushing.

Abstract: An active coverplate comprising a face plate having a proximal surface and a distal surface. An electrical load is included. A flange extends distally away from the face plate, wherein the flange comprises a contact having a distalmost end. The flange further includes a housing defining a hollow interior and sized to receive the contact such that the distalmost end is exposed outside the housing for making electrical contact with a power supply of a receptacle body. The contact is free to slide distally and, alternatingly, proximally within the housing. There is an electrical connection between the contact and the electrical load.

Abstract: A tool for retracting at least one piston into a mating cylinder bore of a caliper assembly provided with a set of brake pads to be serviced, the tool comprising: a first pressure plate; a second pressure plate; a coupler joining the first pressure plate with the second pressure plate, the coupler comprising: a bushing affixed to the first pressure plate along an axis perpendicular to the first pressure plate such that the bushing can rotate about, but cannot move along, the axis in relation to the first pressure plate, wherein the bushing defines a bore that is internally threaded; a stud affixed to the second pressure plate along the axis such that the stud cannot rotate about, nor move along, the axis in relation to the second pressure plate, the stud defining an external thread, wherein the stud is threadedly inserted into the bore of the bushing.

Abstract: A coverplate for attachment to a standard electric power outlet, the coverplate comprising: a faceplate occupying a first plane and defining at least one opening sized to provide access to the standard electric power outlet; a support frame attached to the faceplate, the support frame comprising: a U-shaped element occupying a second plane; a first receptor flange and a second receptor flange, each extending from the U-shaped element, wherein the first receptor flange defines a first chamber containing a first conductor and the second receptor flange defines a second chamber containing a second conductor; and wherein the first conductor and the second conductor are spaced apart by a first distance which is equal to a standard distance on the standard electric power outlet separating two electric power elements.

Abstract: An air compressor comprising an air intake unit for importing air at atmospheric pressure. A cylinder means for compressing air; a storage tank; a first airline extending between the air intake unit and the cylinder means, the first airline being configured to convey air from the air intake unit into the cylinder means; a second airline extending between the cylinder means and the storage tank, the second airline being configured to convey compressed air from the cylinder means to the storage tank; a motor connected to the cylinder means, configured for driving the cylinder means; a valve inserted into the first airline, the valve being configured to be adjustable between a closed condition and an open condition.

Abstract: A bolt system for attaching workpieces together, in situations where access is denied at the distal surface of a distal workpiece.

Abstract: A folding knife comprising a handle which includes a left cover and a right cover that are separated from each other by a space and that are connected to each other by at least one pin; a blade configured to rotate around an axle extending between the left cover and the right cover, the blade defining a means for attachment spaced apart from the axle by an offset distance; a helical torsion spring surrounding the pin, the spring having a first end that is fixed to the handle and a second end that is free to move in relation to the handle; and a connecting element that connects the free end of the spring to the means for attachment on the blade.

Abstract: A bolt system for attaching workpieces together, in situations where access is denied at the distal surface of a distal workpiece.

Abstract: A tie-down strap is described, having a length of fabric having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein a loop is securely formed at the distal end. A first hook having a first eye, is provided, wherein the loop passes through the first eye. A second hook, having a different configuration from the first hook is provided, having a second eye wherein the loop passes through the second eye. The second hook is sized and configured to pass through the first eye of the first hook.

Abstract: A tie-down strap is described, comprising a length of fabric having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein a loop is securely formed at the distal end. A first hook having a first eye, is provided, wherein the loop passes through the first eye. A second hook, having a different configuration from the first hook is provided, having a second eye wherein the loop passes through the second eye. The second hook is sized and configured to pass through the first eye of the first hook.

Abstract: A wrench comprising a bar extending between a left end and a right end, wherein the bar defines a left detent adjacent the left end, a right detent adjacent the right end, and a center detent in the center of the bar; a left handle removably attached to the left end, the left handle defining a chamber suitable for storing at least one socket; a right handle removably attached to the right end, the right handle defining a chamber suitable for storing at least one elongate extender element; a stub element configured at a first end to be slidingly attached to the bar, and configured at a second end to receive a socket, the stub element including a mating detent configured to sequentially mate with each of the left detent, the right detent, and the center detent as the stub element is slid along the bar.