Abstract: A system for removing and replacing tires including a removing tool assembly, a lifting tool assembly and a wheel assembly is disclosed. The removing tool includes an elongated shaft having an arcuate tire hub rest mounted perpendicularly to the distal end of the shaft. The removing tool further includes a threadably adjustable extension for securing the device in the tire rim which is mounted in an anti-parallel direction to the tire hub rest. The lifting tool includes a lifting tool shaft with a lifting base that is used to bring the wheel upright. The lifting tool also includes an inserting portion that also helps to bring the wheel upright. The inserting portion is inserted into a lug nut opening and the lifting base presses against the wheel allow the user to pull towards themselves. The upright wheel is then mounted onto the vehicle with all necessary repairs completed.

Abstract: An integrated insulated housing system with handrails and a system of seals for a pull down stairway opening is provided. The integrated housing system reduces air convection, moisture loss and dirt infiltration. The insulation of the housing system reduces heat loss. Handrails as part of the system are deployed by the action of the pull down stairway. No manual intervention is required. As the stairway is pulled down for use, the integrated housing above moves away from the access opening. Simultaneously, the two integrated handrails move into a stable position on the upper floor and to either side of the stairway. As the stairway is returned up to its closed position, the connected insulated housing moves back into position sealing the access opening.

Abstract: An improved personal propulsion device that generally imparts thrust directly to the user. The device allows hands free control of thrust magnitude and direction so both hands can grasp and control bicycle handlebars and brakes, watercraft paddles, ski poles, etc. The device is adjustable vertically, on the users' back, higher to allow sitting in a canoe or wheelchair and lower for standing on skates, skis, kick scooters etc. A user on a bicycle may prefer to lean forward for comfort and aerodynamics, a device adjustment compensates and delivers level thrust. A user on a snowboard or skateboard stands oblique to the direction of travel, a device adjustment allows in line thrust. Both users' hands and arms are free to balance, protect others by pushing off or break a fall.

Abstract: A garage door opener is retrofitted with a device that causes a garage door to close after it has been open for a predetermined amount of time. In a garage door of the type having a light that is activated when the door is opened or closed, a photocell is mounted in close proximity to the light to detect the presence or absence of light. When light is detected, the photocell conducts and prevents a first automatic switch, such as a silicon-controlled rectifier, from conducting. When absence of light is detected, the first automatic switch closes and a capacitor discharges through the first automatic switch and throws a second automatic switch, such as a transistor, that is electrically connected in parallel to a manually-operated switch for opening and closing the garage door. When the second automatic switch conducts, it mimics closing of the manually-operated switch and thus effects closing of the garage door.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the disintegration of waste by subjecting the waste within a closed chamber to plumes of an electrically generated high temperature plasma. The chamber is lined with an array of nozzles to produce the plumes and the nozzles are supplied with a cooling gas at all times. The nozzles are energized to produce the plumes in a predetermined sequential manner so that the waste is destroyed in steps, or bites. The gas containing the products of disintegration is withdrawn and filtered. One embodiment comprises a portable device capable of disintegrating waste over a large area such as at a waste dump site.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for automatically irrigating and fertilizing a plurality of zones in a lawn and other botanical systems. A conventional underground sprinkler system may be employed having a source of liquefied fertilizer to be inserted into the main water supply or any of the zonal lines when water is being delivered to one of the zones. A clock is used to establish a maximum duration of fertilizer delivery. Normalizing timers are employed to restrict the flow of fertilizer as a fraction of the maximum duration depending on which zone is being irrigated.