Abstract: A system for locking objects for a predetermined time on the basis of prepayment. A central processing unit (1) is connected to a plurality of object-locking devices (27) which may be locked after prepayment has been made into said unit. During count-down of the unit (1) to zero the object-locking devices can be unlocked for access, but only once. When the count-down continues below zero unlocking is prevented until additional payment has been made.The System is particularly appropriate as a parking system for bicycles, a system for locking washing machines in laundromats, and a system for lockers at bus and railroad stations and at airports.

Abstract: A lightweight battery grid having an array of grid wires arranged to define a plurality of parallelogram of substantially equal size; whereby a battery plate having substantially equal paste pellets may be formed.

Abstract: A pump jack for traveling up and down a pole. The pump jack includes a frame member supporting a lower shackle member which includes front and rear clamping bars which can apply a coupling force for gripping the pole. A pump arm is pivotally coupled to the frame member and further pivotally supports an upper shackle member having a front helical rod and a rear clamping bar for also applying a clamping force for gripping the pole. The two shackle members are suitably biased to alternately position one of the shackle members in gripping relationship with the pole. The pump arm is used to step upwardly the pump jack along the pole. A release mechanism is coupled to the lower shackle for disengaging it from the pole. An over the center spring loaded handle coupled to the helical rod is used to roll the pump jack down the pole. The handle prevents accidental downward rolling during the upward stepping of the pump jack along the pole.

Abstract: A brace for securing a pole to a support surface. The brace includes a frame member which is securely connected to the support surface. A yoke assembly is provided for retaining the pole. A swivel mechanism couples the yoke assembly and the frame member and permits modification of the relative vertical orientation of the pole with respect to the support surface. The swivel means permits relative rotation about two mutually perpendicular horizontal axes.

Abstract: A clamping device for securing a pole within a U-shaped yoke having a plate member with a hook at one end and a tooth at the other end for respectively engaging opposing slots at the distal ends of the yoke to transversely position the plate across the yoke. A bolt threadingly passes through a hole in the plate to extend in a forward direction on the plate. A bearing plate is rotatably mounted on the forward end of the bolt for abutting the pole and clamping it within the yoke.

Abstract: A window and door trim which can be used with siding placed against the walls of a house, and includes elongated L-shaped panels which fit around the casing. The shorter leg of the panels are disposable on the inside face of the casing with the longer legs of the panels being disposable on the front face of the casing and overlying the siding. In order to facilitate holding of the L-shaped panels, a facing strip can be attached to the inside face of the casing with the facing strip including a receiving slot for receiving and tightly holding the shorter leg of the panel. The distal edges of the longer leg of the panels can include a double folded over hem which provides a slight pressure against the siding. A method for applying the window and door trim is described.

Abstract: A pump jack upright pole formed of an elongated metal pole having a rubberized surface formed on only one side of the metal pole. The pump jack securely rides up and down the pole. The rubberized surface is longitudinally offset with respect to the pole so that it extends past one end of the pole while exposing the opposing end of the pole. A splint is arranged to be received within adjacent ends of poles being spliced together with the rubberized surface extending end overlying the exposed pole end of the next adjacent section. The rubberized sections are interfitted to provide a continuity so that the pump jacks can ride up and down the poles without interference.

Abstract: A bending attachment for installation in the jaws of a conventional portable bending brake for the additional bending of a previously partially bent sheet material workpiece. The bending attachment includes a horizontally oriented elongated base section which can be mounted in the jaws of the conventional portable bending brake. A workpiece holding sectional vertically upstands from the proximal edge of the base section and is in a substantially inverted U-shaped cross section.

Abstract: A racquet safety tether assembly including a wrist-encircling portion and racquet handle-connecting portion, the wrist-encircling portion comprising a flexible band member, fastening means associated with each end of the band member, cord-holding means disposed along the length of the band member intermediate the ends thereof, the cord-holding means maintaining one cord end in a fixed position with respect to the band member, the racquet handle-connecting portion comprising a single cord having structural integrity, one end of the cord being affixed to the cord-holding means of the wrist-encircling portion, and the opposite free end of the cord including fastening means capable of connection to the end of a racquet handle.