Abstract: A variable speed transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft and a holding shaft. A planetary gearing assembly is connected to the output shaft and holding shaft inside a rotatable drum. The input shaft is in communication with the rotatable drum. A brake assembly is mounted adjacent the holding shaft and actuated to selectively vary the rotational speed of the output shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus, particularly adapted for use as a toy, advances itself in steps over a ferromagnetic surface utilizing a mechanically actuated structure on which relatively movable permanent magnets and magnet shields are mounted.

Abstract: A cooking pan supports a grill with means to control the elevation of the grill within the pan. While generally useful in cooking, the invention is especially suited to use in solar cookers.

Abstract: A portable solar cooker of the type having an insulated housing with an oven compartment enclosed therein and associated reflector elements is adapted for cooking with the housing and oven compartment in a tilted or level position. When employing only the tilting mode for tracking the sun, reflecting panels are removably attached to the top of the cooker housing. When there is a need to maintain the oven compartment level while tracking the sun during the cooking operation, the reflecting panels are removably mounted on a pivotal frame connected to a telescoping strip assembly which, in turn, is removably mounted on the topside of the cooker housing.

Abstract: A portable, solar cooker of the type having an insulated housing with an oven compartment and associated reflector elements is adapted for cooking with a portion of the housing removed and using a conventional source of heat such as canned heat, gas-fired lantern heat, and the like.

Abstract: An easily and quickly separable hinge mechanism comprises a pair of hinge plates having spaced notched portions and spaced tubular portions which interfit to form a pivotal connector, a pair of hinge pins slidably located within the tubular portions, and a lever operated pin actuating mechanism. Movement of the pin actuating mechanism in one direction effects a uniting of the hinge members and movement of the pin actuating mechanism in the opposite direction effects a disengagement of the hinge parts so that they may be separated.

Abstract: A portable solar cooker comprises an internally insulated metal housing having an oven compartment for slidably receiving a cooking tray. A plurality of adjustable sun reflectors arranged on the top of the housing direct the sun's radiation into a heat-generating area. The heat-generating area is insulated by the air space formed by two transparent windows. Beneath the inner window and directly above the oven roof are a plurality of heat generating strips formed from fibrous insulation material covered by thin sheets of black foil. A series of spacers maintain spacing between the strips. The solar panels comprising the windows, heat generators and an appropriate heated chamber form a part of the invention.

Abstract: A foldable, convertible structure is adapted to be removably mounted on the inside wall of a pickup truck, van, etc., and is unfoldable into a seat for sitting purposes and is further unfoldable into a bed for sleeping purposes. When folded, the structure resides in a plane parallel to the inside side wall of the vehicle to be used for hauling purposes. Such structure may be used singly or in pairs. An associated foldable table is removably mounted on the cab wall of the truck and can be unfolded for use with the seat structure.

Abstract: An amusement device employs a number of elements made from sheet material sensitive to moisture laden heat. The elements are shaped and mounted in a manner such that when placed in the path of moisture laden heat they tend to bend, curl, flap and the like and may be designed to simulate insect, e.g. butterfly, bird, and like motions for amusement purposes.