Abstract: The present invention is directed to an internal combustion engine-powered, blower/vacuum device. The device has an air chamber with an axial air inlet and a tangential air outlet. The engine rotatably drives the impeller, and is controlled by a throttle. A handle is located above the air chamber and the motor, and includes a first section having an axis generally parallel to the axis of the air outlet, and an adjoining section having an axis which extends at an angle of about 15.degree. to 60.degree. to the first section. When the first section of the handle is gripped by an operator the device will be in the vacuum position with the air outlet in a generally horizontal position. When the second section of the handle is gripped, the device will be in the blower position with the air outlet facing ahead of the operator at a downward angle. The impeller and housing of the device is designed to minimize debris hangup within the housing.

Abstract: A comminuting apparatus for garden waste consists of a cutter support plate rotating about a vertical axis in a cutter housing provided with a laterally directed outlet channel. The support plate includes cutting slots and slicing cutters thereabove. The support plate further includes at least one dependent discharge blade located on the underside thereof. At least one spiral deflecting vane is mounted on the cutter housing beneath the support plate. Upon rotation of the cutter support, the cutting slots and slicing cutters cooperate to direct comminuted material downwardly through the support plate, while the dependent discharge blade and the spiral deflecting vane cooperate to force comminuted material out through the laterally directed outlet channel.

Abstract: An automatic two-way centrifugal clutch having a pair of clutch members mounted for pivotal movement on a rotating drive member is disclosed. Each clutch member has a first state in which driven surfaces are in contact with a clutch drum interior friction drive surface; a second state in which the clutch members are out of contact with the drum frictional drive surface; and a third state in which clutch driving surfaces are in driving contact with the frictional drive surface. At least two spring members are connected between the clutch members, the springs urging, when the speed of rotation of the drive member is below a first selected speed, the clutch driven surfaces against the frictional drive surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting a rotatable component on a rotating shaft using a non-machined torque transmitting intermediate hub member is disclosed. The hub member makes torque transmitting contact with the drive shaft and transmits that torque to the rotatable component through frictional contact at a taper on the drive shaft and at a recessed shoulder of the hub as well as by an external key on the hub periphery and a matching cut-out formed in the rotatable member. There is also a keyway and key between the drive shaft and hub for accurate alignment in assembly and disassembly. A plurality of narrow longitudinally extending rib members are integral with and are supported on the other peripheral surface of the hub member whereby the rotatable member when it is seated against the shoulder on the hub member for the first time mechanically distorts the rib members from their original shape to provide a secure but releasable fit between the hub member and the rotatable component.

Abstract: The convertible beach attire of the invention is useful as swimming or sun-bathing attire. The invention comprises a pair of modesty panels of cloth or the like, and connector means attached to and/or forming part thereof and releasably connected to opposite sides of the panels to cause them to depend therefrom at the front and rear. The attire itself includes the bottom of a spring-type bikini, skimpy sunsuit or the like under the panels. The connector means may also include components which permit the panels to be affixed to the sides when not in use. The convertible beach attire is simple, attractive, inexpensive, highly functional and convenient.