Abstract: A holding rack for mounting on truck tailgates is disclosed. The inventive holding rack is used with a truck bed to securely haul loads with a truck. The holding rack broadly includes a rack body for receiving the load, a hold-down mechanism that attaches to the rack body to engage the load, and a support frame. The support frame attaches to the tailgate and shiftably receives the holding rack and thereby permits placement of the rack in a stored position and in a load-supporting position where the load is secured while the tailgate is in its upright, latched position.

Abstract: The structure has a panel provided with a number of openings arranged in parallel rows and columns. Each opening may be opened and closed by a flap. A corner of each flap is removed so that a part of each opening remains open when the flap is closed. A completed crossword puzzle is held stationary beneath the upper panel. Each square of the puzzle displays either a letter or a blank. The square also displays in one of its corners an indication of what the remainder of the square displays whether a letter or a blank. Each square is visible through a respective opening when the flap which is closed by the opening is open and when the flap is closed the letter or blank within the square is hidden but the indication within the square is visible through the open part of the opening.

Abstract: A computer has a device driver and an operating system that call a consolidated buffer service routine to coordinate the transfer of data between a main memory and an external device. The consolidated buffer service routine includes a memory preparation service routine and a memory checking service routine. The memory preparation service routine coordinates data transfers between the external device and the memory with the operating system and a data cache, and with other data transfers. The memory preparation service routine ensures that the buffer remains assigned to the memory ranges until the memory checking service routine relinquishes the buffer. Before calling the memory preparation service routine, and I/O preparation table is set which defines the addresses and the type of addresses of the buffer, the size of the data to be transferred, the page size of the buffer, and flags defining data flow and type.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 for replacing a battery 12 in a battery powered detection device 14 is disclosed. The apparatus 10 includes a battery housing 18 attached to the detection device 14 for receiving a battery 12 therein and structure for inserting and removing the battery 12 in the battery housing 18. The inserting and removing structure includes an elongated rod 20 and a battery carriage 22 attached to one end of the rod 20 for carrying a battery 12. The battery housing 18 presents a side opening 32 for receiving the battery carriage 22 for permitting a battery 12 to be attached to or removed from the battery connector 16.

Abstract: A device for replacing a battery in a battery powered apparatus such as a smoke alarm is provided which permits the battery to be replaced from a location remote from the battery connector of the apparatus. The device hereof includes a guide track in the form of an elongated tube and means shiftable therealong for carrying a battery between the battery connector and the portion of the tube proximal to the user. A rod is provided for shifting a carriage preferably located within the tube. The carriage is preferably configured to present the battery to the battery connector with the terminals oriented to engage the battery connector and press the battery into position. On the retrieval stroke, the carriage is configured to pull the battery out of engagement with the battery connector and carry it to the end of the tube proximal to the user where the battery may be pushed through a port in the tube and readily replaced.

Abstract: A supplemental turn signal apparatus (10) is provided for use with a vehicle (82) having a conventional electrical turn signal system (12). Apparatus (10) includes activable connection structure (14), signal displays (16), (18), audible signal devices (20), (22) and dashboard flasher devices (24), (26). The signal displays (16), (18) are activated to indicate an immediate turn in the appropriate direction. When a turn is indicated as for example, at flasher (68) by depressing the turn signal lever downwardly, the signal display (16) may optionally be activated by depressing structure (38) so that signal display (16) receives a synchronous signal from flasher (68) via supplemental switch (56). Due to the closing of maintenance switch (48) by a coil (52), signal display (16) will remain activated as long as system switch (76) is maintained in a closed position, that is, normally until the left turn is completed.

Abstract: A vehicle heating system (10) utilizes transmission fluid from the vehicle transmission (12) as a source for heat exchange in heater core (26). Fan (28) blows the heated air to heater vents in the normal fashion. When the interior of the vehicle reaches a threshold temperature, thermostat (50) detects the threshold temperature and actuates solenoid (46) which in turn actuates valve (44) so that transmission fluid is diverted from transmission output route (24) to input conduit (30) for heating circulation through heater core (26). The fluid is circulated through output conduit (32), check valve (42), portions of transmission output route (24), and finally radiator (20) where the transmission fluid is cooled for another cycle. The transmission fluid is then returned to transmission (12) via transmission input route (22). In preferred forms, the system (10) provides valve (38), tee connector (34) and caps (36,40).

Abstract: An air temperature regulator is especially useful for cooling an airstream generated by an electric fan while permitting a portion of the airflow to flow substantially uninhibited to a user. The air temperature regulator utilizes at least one individual cell containing a phase-change material which has been chilled which is placed into a housing. The housing includes a mechanism for extracting the cell from its receiver so that the cell may be removed from the housing and refrozen. The extractors are mounted within a grille adjacent a track whereby extracted cells will prolapse to a collection bag at the bottom of the housing for refreezing and recycling.

Abstract: Apparatus for heating or cooling ambient air in the form of a temperature controlling propeller having a plurality of blades arranged around a rotatable hub, the blades carrying cells containing a heat retaining material. The cells are mounted in openings provided in the blades and retained therein. A thermometer may be mounted on the hub to monitor air temperature. The propeller is heated or chilled prior to mounting on a driven shaft. When the propeller is rotated by the shaft, it simultaneously circulates and heats or cools the surrounding air as desired.

Abstract: A unitary system for cleaning a vehicle radiator engine block and heater system in one quick operation without removal from the vehicle, or for cleaning and servicing the radiator after it has been removed from the vehicle, together with means for testing the radiator for leaks. The system includes a tank for receiving a radiator or heater core which has been removed from the vehicle for cleaning or repairing; a steam generator carried by the tank; a rack, also carried by the tank, and plumbing associated with said components whereby to deliver steam to the interior of a radiator within the tank and to direct steam and a cleaning solution, which has passed through the radiator, under pressure, upon the exterior of the radiator in the tank. The system also includes suitable fittings whereby a source of air under regulated pressure may be placed in communication with a radiator in the tank.