Abstract: Garden torches, hurricane lanterns and other oil lamps can be refueled through a flexible hose terminating in a tube or hollow needle insertable into the lamp's fuel reservoir through a wick slot. This method avoids skin contact with fuel and with soot deposited on the oil lamp reservoir.

Abstract: A sanitary single-use container for both food (e.g., an individual portion of bread) and drink (e.g., an individual portion of wine or grape juice) is designed to be placed over the mouth of a chalice, as may used in a communion service. The container is compatible with any chalice having a diameter and a wall thickness lying within conventional ranges of values. The container has a skirt portion that, in use, extends far enough down over a side wall of the chalice that someone drinking from the container does not touch the chalice with his or her lip. A sealed, but easily opened, food packet is attached to the skirt.

Abstract: Beverage containers can be sealed against various sorts of contamination by a sealing member having, on its underside, generally circular channels arranged to hold a drinking straw. When the liquid is to be dispensed, the flexible sealing member is pulled off the rim of the container, the straw is retrieved from the channels on the sealing member, a conventional pop-top is used to open the container, and the straw is inserted into the container so that the consumer can drink the liquid.

Abstract: Combustible vapors from flammable materials spilled near a gas water heater can enter the water heater's combustion chamber and cause a serious fire or explosion. This problem can be avoided by ensuring that all combustion air is supplied from at least some selected distance (preferably eighteen inches or more) above a floor on which the water heater is placed. One version of the invention provides a flanged tube that can be installed so that an upper, inlet, end of the tube is above the selected height and so that the lower, outlet, end of the tube is sealed over a pilot flame access doorway. Various materials, such as an aerosol sealant foam or a flexible tape, are used to seal all other air inlets to the water heater.

Abstract: A hand truck has a movable load platform that can be driven upwards and downwards by driving means associated with a readily detachable power unit. This allows an operator to place the hand truck on the ground adjacent a delivery truck, to raise the movable load platform so that it is level with the load bed of the delivery truck, to transfer a heavy package from the delivery truck to the hand truck, and then to lower the elevatable platform so that the loaded hand truck can be pushed across the ground. In addition, the detachable power unit provides a continuous track for urging the hand truck up or down stairs. The track preferably includes a plurality of step engaging members that are sized to firmly engage each tread of a set of stairs so the device is sure-footed.

Abstract: A system for determining the condition of a traffic controlling semaphore has an audio sensor mounted in the vicinity of an intersection so the sound level is monitored at all times. A computer is placed into the semaphore controller, and the computer receives the audio signal, a time signal, and a signal representing the status of the semaphore. When a sound is detected above a certain minimum level, which is above the usual traffic noise, a record is generated by the computer, and recorded in permanent form, perhaps printed on paper. The record includes the date, time, and status of the semaphore.

Abstract: Bidet fittings can be attached to an existing water closet to provide a combination water closet and bidet. A nozzle is placed at the front of the bowl of the water closet, and a delivery pipe extends around the bowl, under the rim. At the rear of the bowl, the delivery pipe wraps around the rim and emerges on the platform of the rear of the bowl. The delivery pipe is held in position under the rim by fasteners having an expandable anchor extending into holes in the rim of the water closet, with a strap extending around the delivery pipe. A tee fitting connects the delivery pipe to a water supply pipe; and, valves at each side of the platform allow control of water flow to the supply pipe by a person sitting on the seat of the water closet. Hot and cold water sources may be connected to the valves.

Abstract: A shopping cart has automatically applied brakes when the cart is at rest. The braking for the cart is by rotating the two casters to be non-parallel to each other so the cart will not roll. Any structure for rotating the casters may be used, but the preferred embodiment has an undulating upper bearing race so the weight of the cart urges the upper race down and causes the balls to seek high points on the upper race. The balls are caged, and the cage is fixed to the lower race, so the wheels of the casters are rotated when the balls enter the high areas. The upper bearing races are oriented to achieve the desired positioning of the caster wheels.

Abstract: Piston rings are tested for their effectiveness by removing the cylinder heads of an engine, and sealing one cylinder with a pressure cap. Fluid under pressure is admitted into the cylinder, and time required to dissipate the pressure is monitored. A long time to dissipate the pressure indicates good rings, and a short time indicates bad rings. The several cylinders are sealed an tested one at a time. The pressure cap has a tire valve therein so the conventional air hose can be used to pressurize the cylinder. Preferably, engine oil is placed into the cylinder before the pressure cap is put into place so it is the oil that must move past the piston rings. A hold-down for the pressure cap may be fixed to the engine block using a screw into one of the holes for the cylinder head screws.

Abstract: A spring-urged clamp is fixed to an apparatus having a rope-started internal combustion engine. The rope for starting the engine passes through the clamp. The clamp is spring-urged to a closed position, and the jaws of the clamp have teeth angled so that the rope will move easily for starting the engine; but, if the engine attempt to re-coil the rope, the jaws of the clamp will grip the rope and prevent return motion. The clamp has release handles so the rope can be released to be recoiled after the engine has started.