Abstract: A friction thread locking device assembly consisting of several components, which are so constructed and assemble to resist the rotational effects of vibration forces. The resistance is achieved by the use and placement of opposing threads (right and left hand threads) with differing threads per inch and the containment of a compressed spring force and the use of the clearance between matching female and male threads. This bolt and nut assembly by unique construction, combines and improves the aspects of the standard bolt and nut with a spring lock washer. The outer nut and inner nut matching threads are axially aligned and the two are threaded together in opposite directions to compresses the captured spring(s) or lock washer(s). This preloaded, three part assembly with matching inner female threads on both the outer nut and inner nut are axially aligned with each other is then rotated onto the threaded rod with matching male threads.

Abstract: An external-combustion heat engine pump, one version consisting of four chambers, one liquid and one gas pumping chamber, a gas heating chamber and a gas cooling chamber. The two pumping chambers are connected by two tubes, one near the bottom of the chambers and one at the top of the chambers. The liquid pumping chamber, which contains a cycling container, is connected to a reservoir with tubing and a one way valve allowing liquid to enter. The gas pumping chamber is fitted with a bellows, which rises or falls as determined by the location of the cycling container. Gas enters the bellows through a one way valve connected to the bellows with tubing. The bellows is also connected to the heating chamber with tubing and with a one way gas valve which allows gas to enter this chamber.

Abstract: An endoscopic intracorporeal suture tying aid allows a suture to be looped around itself multiple times and cinched, enabling a throw of a surgeon's knot to be easily made. The tying aid includes a needle holder connected to a proximal end of a shaft for releasably holding a needle; a hook that slides longitudinally with respect to the beaks; and the shaft being axially rotatable with respect to the hook.

Abstract: An endoscopic intracorporeal suture tying aid allows a suture to be looped around itself multiple times and cinched, enabling a throw of a surgeon's knot to be easily made. The tying aid includes a needle holder connected to a proximal end of a shaft for releasably holding a needle; a hook that slides longitudinally with respect to the beaks; and the shaft being axially rotatable with respect to the hook.

Abstract: A pump mechanism adapted to float on a reservoir of liquid characterized by a floating enclosure provided with an internal chamber, an open cycling container, disposed within the chamber, an output pipe coupled to the cycling container and coupled to a swivel joint, which is connected to the lower wall of the enclose. A pressurized gas and/or steam source inlet tube, allows pressurized gas to enter the chamber. The interplay between the force of gravity and the force of buoyancy activated by the force of an expanding gas and/or steam are the factors which cycle this device in a pumping action. In operation the cycle begins with the chamber full of liquid and the cycling container resting on the bottom of the chamber. The pressurized gas forces liquid out of the chamber through the pipe located within the cycling container. This continues until the pressure has emptied the cycling container. The pressurized gas will now vent through this pipe.

Abstract: An irrigation and fertilization control/distribution system characterized by a distribution network and a control assembly coupling the distribution network to a pressurized water source. The control assembly includes an on/off valve mechanism operative to supply water to the distribution network when the ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined level, and a fertilizer metering mechanism operative to supply liquid fertilizer to the distribution network on the rising portion of a temperature cycle. The distribution network can include an inclined, hydroponic growth tube and a drip/mist tube.

Abstract: A pump mechanism adapted to float on a reservoir of water characterized by a floating enclosure provided with an internal chamber, a float disposed within the chamber of the enclosure, a first valve coupled to the float and adapted to open and close an orifice provided at the top of the enclosure, a refill valve associated with an orifice provided at the bottom of the enclosure, and an output tube opening on the chamber of the enclosure and provided with a check valve to prevent the back flow of water into the chamber. As the air within the chamber expands the water within the chamber is expelled through the output tube causing the enclosure to float higher on the reservoir and the float to float lower within the enclosure. When the water level within the enclosure drops to a predetermined level, valves open to recharge the mechanism with water and cool air.

Abstract: A solar powered liquid metering device is disclosed including a solar chamber sealed from atmospheric pressure and partialy filled with a liquid to be metered. Trapped within the device above the liquid is an expansible gas. Also included is an overflow chamber partially filled with the liquid and coupled to the solar chamber to allow fluid communication between the two bodies of liquid. An overflow pipe has an end located within the overflow chamber. When the gas expands due to solar heating liquid is forced from the solar chamber into the overflow chamber and then out the overflow pipe. Various mechanisms are described to keep the liquid level within the overflow chamber no lower than the lip of the overflow pipe.

Abstract: A tire inflation gauge consisting of a series of closely adjacent bars pivoted at one end on a horizontal axis and separate, independent springs supporting their opposite ends, onto which an automobile wheel may be driven in a direction parallel to the bars, the bars being depressed equally or unequally depending on the uniformity of weight supported respectively thereby, and a visual gauge for indicating the relative depression of the bars.