Abstract: A trim lock and a centering assembly that provides a centering force between a first portion of a system and a second portion of the system. The centering assembly includes a centering stabilizer that provides a centering force along an axial direction thereof, a trim lock configured and arranged to change a location of one axial end of the centering stabilizer, with respect to the second portion of the system, between an original location and an adjusted location, and to lock the axial end of the centering stabilizer at the adjusted location, a connecting unit for operatively connecting the trim lock with the centering stabilizer, and a mounting member for movably mounting the centering stabilizer with respect to the second portion of the system, wherein the mounting member permits axial movement of the centering stabilizer with respect to said second portion of the system.

Abstract: A centering member including a first section configured and arranged to produce a pulling force along a longitudinal axis thereof and a second section configured and arranged to produce a pushing force along a longitudinal axis thereof, wherein the first section and the second section are configured and arranged such that the longitudinal axis of the first section is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the second section. There is a first mounting means attached to a first distal end of the centering stabilizer and a second mounting means attached to a second distal end of the centering stabilizer Preferably, the first section comprises a gas push-type spring and the second section comprises a gas traction spring.

Abstract: A centering member including a first section configured and arranged to produce a pulling force along a longitudinal axis thereof and a second section configured and arranged to produce a pushing force along a longitudinal axis thereof, wherein the first section and the second section are configured and arranged such that the longitudinal axis of the first section is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the second section. There is a first mounting means attached to a first distal end of the centering stabilizer and a second mounting means attached to a second distal end of the centering stabilizer Preferably, the first section comprises a gas push-type spring and the second section comprises a gas traction spring.

Abstract: A centering stabilizer including a first section that produces a pulling force along a longitudinal axis; a second section that produces a pushing force along a longitudinal axis; and connecting means that connects the first and second sections such that the longitudinal axis of the first section is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the second section. The stabilizer also includes first mounting means attached to the first section, wherein the first mounting means securely attaches the centering stabilizer to a first portion of a steering system of a vehicle, and second mounting means attached to the second section, wherein the second mounting means securely attaches the centering stabilizer to a second portion of the vehicle, wherein when the set of steerable wheels are displaced from a straight ahead driving position, a distance between the first portion of the vehicle steering system and the second portion of the vehicle changes.

Abstract: A centering stabilizer including a first section that produces a pulling force along a longitudinal axis; a second section that produces a pushing force along a longitudinal axis; and connecting means that connects the first and second sections such that the longitudinal axis of the first section is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the second section. The stabilizer also includes first mounting means attached to the first section, wherein the first mounting means securely attaches the centering stabilizer to a first portion of a steering system of a vehicle, and second mounting means attached to the second section, wherein the second mounting means securely attaches the centering stabilizer to a second portion of the vehicle, wherein when the set of steerable wheels are displaced from a straight ahead driving position, a distance between the first portion of the vehicle steering system and the second portion of the vehicle changes.

Abstract: A staircase including a bent pole stringer with first and second straight stair sections separated by a spiral stair section. There is preferably a first bend defined on the stringer between the first straight stair section and the spiral stair section, and a second bend defined on the stringer between the spiral stair section and the second straight stair section. There are also a plurality of first straight stair treads cantilevered from the first straight stair section of the stringer, a plurality of spiral stair treads cantilevered from the spiral stair section of the stringer, and a plurality of second straight stair treads cantilevered from the second straight stair section of the stringer.

Abstract: A fine solids recovery system including a high pressure pump and a pick-up wand that is intended to be inserted into a liquid containing fine solids therein. The system also includes a high pressure hose having one end that is in fluid communication with the high pressure pump and a second end that is in fluid communication with the pick-up wand. There is also an exhaust hose that is in fluid communication with the pick-up wand. In operation, the high pressure pump pumps liquid though the high pressure hose and into the pick-up wand to create a vacuum therein, thereby drawing up a slurry. In certain embodiments, the exhaust hose is connected to a recovery vessel, such as an oversized container, a sealed tank, or an open-top tank. The invention also relates to a method of using such a system, as well as to the details of a pick-up wand.

Abstract: A staircase including a bent pole stringer with first and second straight stair sections separated by a spiral stair section. There is preferably a first bend defined on the stringer between the first straight stair section and the spiral stair section, and a second bend defined on the stringer between the spiral stair section and the second straight stair section. There are also a plurality of first straight stair treads cantilevered from the first straight stair section of the stringer, a plurality of spiral stair treads cantilevered from the spiral stair section of the stringer, and a plurality of second straight stair treads cantilevered from the second straight stair section of the stringer.

Abstract: A support or hitch box supports a mounting bar in a selected vertical position. The mounting bar is received in a standard hitch receiver of any car, truck or other vehicle. A plow head is a light weight, strong, box like structure with oppositely directed mold boards so that the plow can operate in both forward and reverse directions. A linkage permits the mold board to be raised or lowered relative to the hitch box. The linkage includes upper and lower links to maintain the vertical orientation of the mold board. The plow head is mounted for pivoting in a horizontal plane. A pivot driver is user controlled to pivot the plow head and a lift driver is user operated to raise and lower the plow head. The plow head carries indicator lights. A spring, preloaded by the lift driver, applies a continuous down force to the plow head when it is the lower, plowing position.

Abstract: In an array of parallel cross bars, each cross bar has a crenellated edge with alternating recesses and projections. A first locking opening extends through the length of the each cross bar, at least partly within the projections. A number of bearing bars each include second locking openings spaced along the length of the bearing bar. The bearing bars are assembled with the cross bars with the bearing bars nested in the recesses in the cross bars. The first and second locking openings are in alignment. A locking member is received in the aligned locking openings to interlock the bearing bars and cross bars in a rigid, strong, durable and attractive grille structure.

Abstract: A cradle is shaped to accommodate the hull of a small boat such as dinghy, personal watercraft or other type of boat. A support is mounted to a deck such a boat, pier or dock deck. The cradle is pivotally mounted to the support and can be moved to a loading position in which the cradle is generally vertical, or inclined to horizontal, and an outer portion of the cradle is at the water adjacent to the deck. The small boat is moved upon the water against the cradle. A pair of lines extend from the support and are trained through an inner portion of the cradle. The free ends of the lines are attached to the boat, and the lines are drawn toward the support, for example with a hand wheel or hand winch. The boat is pulled toward the support while remaining in a generally horizontal orientation. The boat pivots the cradle from the loading position to a generally horizontal storage position on the deck where the boat and cradle are secured by the lines.

Abstract: In an array of parallel cross bars, each cross bar has a crenellated edge with alternating recesses and projections. A first locking opening extends through the length of the each cross bar, at least partly within the projections. A number of bearing bars each include second locking openings spaced along the length of the bearing bar. The bearing bars are assembled with the cross bars with the bearing bars nested in the recesses in the cross bars. The first and second locking openings are in alignment. A locking member is received in the aligned locking openings to interlock the bearing bars and cross bars in a rigid, strong, durable and attractive grille structure.

Abstract: A cradle is shaped to accommodate the hull of a small boat such as dinghy, personal watercraft or other type of boat. A support is mounted to a deck such a boat, pier or cock deck. The cradle is pivotally mounted to the support and can be moved to a loading position in which the cradle is generally vertical, or inclined to horizontal, and an outer portion of the cradle is at the water adjacent to the deck. The small boat is moved upon the water against the cradle. A pair of lines extend from the support and are trained through an inner portion of the cradle. The free ends of the lines are attached to the boat, and the lines are drawn toward the support, for example with a hand wheel or hand winch. The boat is pulled toward the support while remaining in a generally horizontal orientation. The boat pivots the cradle from the loading position to a generally horizontal storage position on the deck where the boat and cradle are secured by the lines.

Abstract: A structural glass panel railing includes glass panels supported on a floor by a base assembly including a railing support assembly. The railing support assembly includes a shoe fastened to the floor, a base member locked to the shoe by a cam lock lever and a channel member having a pocket receiving the panel. The base member may be attached directly to the floor. The channel member is received in a groove of the base member and is held by a wedge system. The wedge system can be formed by mating tapers on the channel member and the groove or by a wedge member inserted into the groove. A handrail assembly includes a handrail channel member receiving the top edge of the panel. The handrail channel member is received in a groove in a handrail.

Abstract: A rotatable shaft has a claw structure near its lower end. The claw structure includes a first blade that is fixed relative to the shaft and a second blade that is movable relative to the first blade. The first, fixed blade is provided by the pointed lower end of the shaft. A blade defining member includes the second, movable blade. A central body portion of the blade defining member is pivotally mounted relative to the shaft so that the second blade can move toward and away from the first blade. The blade defining member includes a handle portion. A spring urges the movable blade toward the first blade to a claw closed position.

Abstract: A tilt control assembly for controlling the tilt of a cutting tool head has a first eccentric support and a second support, with both of the first and second supports connected to the head along an axis of the head. To adjust the position of the head, the first eccentric support may be rotated.

Abstract: A tilt control assembly for controlling the tilt of a cutting tool head has a first eccentric support and a second support, with both of the first and second supports connected to the head along an axis of the head. To adjust the position of the head, the first eccentric support may be rotated.

Abstract: A dynamically adjustable motion stabilizer, including a motion stabilizer in combination with a centering adjustment mechanism for yieldingly urging a relatively movable load member toward a normal or centered position relative to another load member, includes a telescoping body that shortens (retracts) as the load members move toward one another and lengthens (extends) as the load members move apart. The centering adjustment mechanism includes a spring assembly, a locking mechanism structured to lock the spring assembly, a releasing mechanism structured to unlock the locking mechanism, and a control mechanism structured to control the releasing mechanism.