Abstract: A combination lock having a housing, a shackle, a dial, a pushbutton, and a lock assembly. The lock assembly is made of a group of rotating disks having windows that can be aligned to open the lock. When the dial is turned according to the combination of the lock, the windows become aligned so that the user can depress the pushbutton to release the shackle. The pushbutton travels in a direction that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the dial. When the shackle is locked again, the pushbutton returns to its original position. As the pushbutton travels back to its original position, portions of the lock assembly are turned so that the combination must be reentered in order to reopen the lock.

Abstract: A trailer hitch locking system is provided for securing a trailer while hitched to a vehicle or protecting the trailer from theft while unhitched. The locking system includes a hitch lock, a ball lock, and a receiver pin lock.

Abstract: A manual breast pump adapted for one-handed operation includes a pump body defining an inlet, an outlet and a vacuum port, a stationary handle connected to the pump body, and a movable handle connected to the manual breast pump and spaced from the stationary handle so that both handles can be grasped simultaneously between the palm and fingers of a hand. The movable handle is movable with respect to the stationary handle and is operably connected to a piston disposed within the pumping chamber so that movement of the movable handle with respect to the stationary handle results in movement of the piston within the pumping chamber to create a vacuum at the vacuum port. The invention provides a manual breast pump which can be easily and comfortably supported and operated using one hand.

Abstract: An eating utensil includes a body defining a handle portion shaped to facilitate grasping by a user. A pair of spaced-apart outer tines extend from the body. Each of the spaced-apart outer tines defines an outer tine length. The eating utensil further includes one shorter, intermediate tine disposed between the outer tines in plan view. The shorter, intermediate tine extends from the body to define an intermediate tine length that is less than the outer tine lengths.

Abstract: A one-piece nipple/collar includes a rigid collar having an exterior surface and an interior surface with a fastener thereon for detachably connecting the same with a nurser bottle or the like. A flexible nipple is molded over at least a portion of the exterior surface of the collar to form an integral, one-piece unit. The nipple extends along at least a portion of the exterior surface of the collar to a termination point that is spaced apart from the interior surface of the collar to avoid interference with the fastener.

Abstract: An improved single stage snowthrower includes a housing with an open front portion, the housing including two side walls, a rear wall therebetween and a discharge chute. The rear wall includes deflecting ledges that angle upwardly toward the discharge chute, inwardly toward the center of the housing and forwardly toward the open front. The deflecting ledges provide both an inward and an upward component to snow travelling in the housing. The snowthrower also includes an impeller having axial ends and a radial edge. The impeller is comprised of two molded identical body sections that are joined about a shaft. Each body section includes a central portion, two end portions and a pair of helical portions with one helical portion between each end portion and the central portion. A portion of the radial edge of the impeller includes a shovel-like projection that is oriented in a direction extending laterally away from the impeller in the direction of rotation of the impeller.

Abstract: A manual breast pump adapted for one-handed operation includes a pump body defining an inlet, an outlet and a vacuum port, a stationary handle connected to the pump body, and a movable handle connected to the manual breast pump and spaced from the stationary handle so that both handles can be grasped simultaneously between the palm and fingers of a hand. The movable handle is movable with respect to the stationary handle and is operably connected to a piston disposed within the pumping chamber so that movement of the movable handle with respect to the stationary handle results in movement of the piston within the pumping chamber to create a vacuum at the vacuum port. The invention provides a manual breast pump which can be easily and comfortably supported and operated using one hand.

Abstract: A vacuum switch includes a mechanism for opening and closing the contacts including a drive link, three toggle links and a drop link. The drive link is coupled to the movable contact of the vacuum bottle and to a mounting tower. The drive link is also coupled to two of the toggle links. The toggle links are coupled to the drop link, which is in turn coupled to a lever. A cam is coupled to the lever via a pin. The cam is also coupled to an over-center spring mechanism. A handle is used to rotate the pin to which the cam is coupled, which in turn rotates the cam. As the cam rotates, the spring mechanism prevents movement of the lever and various links until a predetermined amount of energy is stored in the spring. When this energy level is reached, the spring assembly pivots, thereby allowing the cam to pivot as well. The pivoting cam strikes the lever and causes it to move. The lever in turn imparts motion to the drive system via the drop link.

Abstract: A tube joint configuration and method of joining tubing wherein a curable adhesive is arranged on one portion and a resilient sealer is arranged on a second portion on the end portion of the male tube prior to its being telescoped with the female tube. The telescoped portion of the tubes is deformed so that a plurality of spaced grooves is formed containing areas for each of said adhesive and sealer to provide a first and second sealing area.

Abstract: A tube joint configuration and method of joining tubing wherein a curable adhesive is arranged on one portion and a resilient sealer is arranged on a second portion on the end portion of the male tube prior to its being telescoped with the female tube. The telescoped portion of the tubes is deformed so that a plurality of spaced grooves is formed containing areas for each of said adhesive and sealer to provide a first and second sealing area.

Abstract: A valve assembly providing a disconnectable coupling for a split system air conditioner including an indoor unit and an outdoor unit joined by connecting tubing to complete the sealed refrigerant system. The present valve is effective in providing a disconnect system between a unit and the connecting tubing. The valve is activated by an electric coil that is applied to the valve only during the disconnecting procedure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an air conditioning system for use in a mobile home. The system includes securing a mounting means to the support structure of the mobile home and an air conditioning unit that is adapted to be removably secured to the mounting means. When installed on the mounting means, the air conditioning unit is aligned to deliver conditioned air into the interior of the mobile home through its built-in air distribution system.