Abstract: Replacement of a damaged post for a parking meter can be accomplished by cutting the post off near the ground and affixing a replacement post to the stub of the original post with a retaining device which grips the two portions of the post from inside the post. The retaining device is only reachable through the post when the meter head is removed, thus preserving the integrity of the post from vandals.

Abstract: A storage module for household type batteries of the "AAA", "AA", "C", "D" and "9-Volt" type comprises a generally rectangular body having a front face defining vertical receptacles each for receiving one of the different types. Across the top is provided individual receptacles for the 9-Volt type. The "AAA" and "AA" volt type batteries are arranged in one vertical column and the "C" type and "D" type in two spaced vertical columns each extending to a lowermost wall so that a lowermost one of the batteries in each of these receptacles can be pulled from the receptacle with the remaining batteries sliding down to the lowermost wall.

Abstract: Mechanism for attaching a valve assembly to a pressurized container having a neck closed by a puncturable diaphragm and surrounded by a radially outwardly extending circumferential rim. The mechanism includes a body portion having a partial skirt with an inward arcuate lip to engage beneath one side of the circumferential rim of the container and a central upstanding boss which is internally threaded to receive the threaded stem of the valve assembly. A locking arm is pivotally received on the central boss and has a downwardly displaced inwardly extending lip to engage beneath the circumferential rim of the container. In the normal position of the locking arm, its lip is radially spaced less than 180.degree. from an opposite end of the arcuate lip of the body to define an entrance opening for receiving the rim of the container therethrough.

Abstract: A gas fueled lighter having a cylindrical body with a central bore forming a gas passage and a valve port. A check valve blocks flow from a reservoir to the passage, and contains a metering plug to pass gas to the passage. A valve plug threaded and sealed in the bore opens and closes the valve port. Such plug carries a turnknob head, contains a burner port from the gas passage, and carries a flame shield which supports a striker wheel. A flint is pressed against the wheel by a spring supported by a retainer plate on the valve plug. A cap threaded onto the body over the head has threads with the same lead as the valve plug threads so that if the cap is screwed onto the body when the valve is open, the cap will drivingly rotate the valve plug to closed position. A bottom flange on the cap and an O-ring in the body form a secondary seal to prevent fuel leakage and exclude dirt and moisture.

Abstract: A do-it-yourself kit for charging an automobile air conditioning system. A charging hose has a special delivery fitting to be connected first to the charging nipple on the suction side of the compressor of the operating system. Such fitting has a depressor to open the nipple valve and has a check valve to prevent escape of refrigerant by backflow through the hose. The fitting thus isolates the kit from refrigerant pressure. The charging hose also has an inlet fitting for attachment to the nipple of a pressurized refrigerant can, which has a depressor to open the nipple valve. Refrigerant then flows under can pressure to the system. Unused can refrigerant is saved by disconnecting the fittings in reverse order. Since the hose and kit are isolated from system pressure by the check valve, increased safety is obtained and the hose assembly can be made of low-cost materials which can be discarded after use.