Abstract: A drywall mud storage and distribution system which includes in a preferred embodiment, a mud container and pump mounted on a portable frame, a flexible mud conduit connecting the pump to a portable pressure tank for dispensing drywall mud to the pressure tank, and a second conduit leading from the pressure tank for dispensing the drywall mud through a pressure-sensitive valve, typically to a trigger-operated tape and mud dispensing device. An additional conduit fitted with a handle-operated valve leads from the pressure tank to supply drywall mud to a mud dispensing tray. The system is capable of automatically filling the pressure tank with drywall mud from the mud container by operation of the pump when a preselected pressure is reached in the pressure tank, and drywall mud of selected consistency is supplied in selected quantities on demand, to either the tape and mud dispensing device or the mud dispensing tray or both.

Abstract: A retrofitable attachment for easily and quickly converting most conventional wheelchairs into self-propelled, steerable wheelchairs. The invention includes a drive arrangement easily attachable to one of the rear wheels of the wheelchair, an elongated arm unit easily attachable adjacent one of the front casters of the wheelchair, and a connecting member extending between the arm and rear drive arrangement. The elongated arm unit has an outer drive arm portion and an inner steering arm portion, both of which are mounted for pivotal movement together about a first axis to activate the drive arrangement. Additionally, the occupant of the wheelchair can twist or rotate the inner steering arm position about a second axis to steer the front caster of the wheelchair. The steering arrangement further includes a unique gearing system that eliminates dead spots in the steering and allows for easy and uniform manipulation of the steering arm and front caster.

Abstract: A device for retaining a compression member in compression against a wall covering during installation where adhesive is used. The device can be used in interior or exterior applications with all types of wall coverings such as plasterboard or wallboard, vinyl-covered wallboard, layered or laminated wallboard, paneling, Sheetrock, veneers, or any type building product installed to wall framework or an existing wall surface. The device includes a base adapted to be securable to a fixed surface, an alignment means secured to the base for aligning the compression member against the wall covering, and a retaining means secured to the base for retaining the compression member in compression against the wall covering.

Abstract: An adjustable joint for a knee orthosis or brace. The joint preferably has a polycentric pivot with first and second members having mating, gear teeth and outwardly extending, elongated bars. As one member rotates about its axis, it causes the other member to rotate in an opposite direction about its axis with the bars travelling along respective first and second paths. In the disclosed embodiments, stop members are selectively positioned along the travel paths of the bars with a portion of one in the path of the upper bar which is attached to the thigh engaging component of the brace and a portion of the other in the path of the lower bar attached to the calf engaging component of the brace. The portions of each stop member are preferably eccentrically mounted for rotation about axes spaced from and parallel to the axes of the first and second members of the polycentric pivot.

Abstract: A hopper or container for containing drywall joint compound or "mud" used in the "taping and floating" of seams between drywall panels, which hopper includes a shaped metal tank which tapers to define a closed funnel at the bottom, and a pump support projecting from the tank near the bottom, with a pump access opening in the pump support to receive a filler pump for pumping the joint compound from the tank on demand. The hopper can be fitted with wheels to better facilitate mobility, and is provided with a hinged lid fitted with a gasket, for loading the joint compound into the tank and maintaining a tight seal between the closed lid and the top of the hopper.