Abstract: A leveling device for heavy loads having a weldable base (10) and a cast iron cover (12) secured thereto with a wedge (32) disposed within the cover (12) and slidably supported on the base (10), a wedge follower (58) resting on the wedge (32) and extending through the cover (12), a spherical washer (106) seated at an upper end of the wedge follower (58), an adjusting screw (82) for adjusting the position of the wedge (32) within the cover (12), and a wedge position indicator (96) extending upwardly through the cover (12) to show the position of the wedge (32) therewithin.

Abstract: An inexpensive hand press for attaching fasteners to a fabric or web comprises a pair of A-shaped legs made of molded plastic and joined by a living hinge at their wider ends. The narrower ends are adapted to carry the fastener parts which are to be secured together by folding the legs toward each other on opposite sides of the fabric and then striking one of the ends with a hammer while supporting the corresponding end of the other leg on a suitable support.

Abstract: Apparatus for preventing exhaust gases emitted from an exhaust pipe outlet at a boat transom from soiling the boat surfaces. The apparatus includes a normally flaccid tube encircling the exhaust pipe outlet. The tube becomes rigid and extends rearwardly from the transom upon receiving exhaust gases from the exhaust pipe outlet. The tube, when rigid, discharges the exhaust gases far enough away from the transom to reduce contact of the gases with the boat surfaces. In one embodiment, the tube is clamped directly to the exhaust pipe outlet. In a second embodiment, the tube is clamped directly to the boat transom via a flange encircling the exhaust pipe outlet.

Abstract: A snap fastener having a stud with a pear-shaped head has a grommet assembly for removable mounting on the stud with the grommet assembly comprising a metal tooth cap and an annular plastic retainer with the fabric squeezed therebetween and prongs of the cap extending through the fabric and clinched over the retainer, and with the head of the stud disposed between the cap and retainer and with the fabric extending uninterruptedly over the head of the stud. Tooling is shown for quickly assembling the tooth cap and retainer to the fabric.

Abstract: A hand-held press is provided for installing fasteners in a sheet of fabric. The press has a frame with a pair of arms forming a C-shaped recess into which the fabric may be inserted. The frame has a handle extending outwardly from a press axis with a lever pivotally attached to the frame adjacent the handle enabling a user to squeeze the handle and lever together. A shaft is oriented along the press axis and slidably cooperates with the frame. An advance sear on the shaft is engaged by the lever to cause the shaft to incrementally advance when the lever is squeezed with the handle. A retract sear cooperates with the shaft and the frame to prevent the shaft from retracting. A pair of die elements attached to the frame and the shaft facilitate the installation of fasteners in a sheet of fabric.

Abstract: A leveling device for mounting and leveling heavy loads independent of the inclination of the floor upon which the device is supported utilizes a plurality of wedges disposed between a base member and a load supporting member in combination with mated spherical surfaces to provide two self-adjusting features which obviate concern for non-level mounting surfaces or misaligned loads.

Abstract: An emergency evacuation path marking system employing a series of devices, each device having the tactile characteristics of shape and surface contacts, in combination, to indicate direction and distance to the nearest evacuation exit; the shape providing direction information and the surface contacts providing distance information. The devices also being capable of luminescence to aid in visual as well as tactile reference.