Abstract: The combustion initiator of this invention preferably includes at least two separate combustible chemical constituents including a fuel cell and an ignition pellet. An igniter has a third combustible material thereon which can be manually caused to move and bring the combustible material into contact with the ignition pellet. The combustible material and ignition pellet are highly reactive with one another so that such contact therebetween causes the ignition pellet to commence combustion. The ignition pellet is adjacent the fuel cell and combusts with sufficient temperature to cause the fuel cell to commence combustion. The fuel cell and ignition pellet are preferably contained within an enclosure which protects the igniter from being manipulated unless the enclosure is first opened. The fuel cell material burns hot enough and long enough to cause combustion of surrounding fuels, such as wood.

Abstract: A swinging screen door and associated frame are provided for coupling to a doorway of a structure such as a house. Hinges are provided which pivotably connect the doors to the frame in a fashion allowing the doors to pivot inward through the doorway and outward away from the doorway. The hinge includes a knuckle joint between the frame and a bottom of each door. A knuckle and recess of the knuckle joint are provided with a complemental form to cause the knuckle joint to bias the door toward a closed position. A ramp and wing combination in the knuckle joint cause the door to be elevated when moved away from the closed position so that the door can more easily clear obstacles on the floor adjacent the doorway. A recoil joint axially aligned with the knuckle joint holds a top of the door relative to the frame.

Abstract: A system for draining and collecting used oil from an engine crank case which includes a drain valve threadably connected to the drain opening in the crank case, a receptacle for receiving the used oil and a valve actuator mounted on the receptacle. The drain valve is formed with an opening which exposes the underface of a spring biased valve member. The valve actuator is formed with a tubular member formed with contact members mounted on the distal end of the tubular member which is inserted into the drain valve opening and move the valve member to an open position so that the used oil drains through the tubular member and into the oil receptacle. The valve actuator is formed with a snap fitting coupler member which holds the oil receptacle to the drain valve while the oil is draining. The drain valve is opened and closed by a simple push or pull on the valve actuator without orientation, turning or threading of any parts.

Abstract: A finger operated drain valve for crankcases, radiators and bilge drains having a slide gate held in the closed position by a locking spring.

Abstract: A locking fluid valve assembly including a housing adapted for connection to a fluid reservoir such as an automobile crankcase, a valve piston member for sealing and unsealing a drain passage through the housing and a piston closure member which is held under tension against the outside wall of the housing when the valve is closed.

Abstract: A crankcase drain valve assembly for replacing the standard oil drain plug commonly used for draining used oil from the crankcases of most internal combustion engines. The assembly includes a valve housing for mounting in the drain opening of the crankcase formed with a central passage therethrough and a transversely extending valve opening intersecting the central passage. A valve member is pivotally attached to the valve body and is formed to move in and out of sealing engagement with the central passage. A lever attached to the valve member permits opening and closing of the valve member without any special tools. The valve member is held in the closed position by rotating a lever until a boss on the lever arm is received in a detent in the valve housing.