Abstract: A device for controlling valve travel of the flush valve of a toilet operated by a rigid linkage rod and for forcibly returning the valve to the closed position. The device may comprise a spring contained within a sleeve. The sleeve has end caps bearing openings for passing the rigid linkage rod entirely through the sleeve and spring. One end cap may be threaded to enable it to compress and immobilize the spring for selectively defeating operation.

Abstract: A tactile feedback device such as a bumper or prod located to give the operator of a wheeled vehicle tactile feedback when the leg of the operator is in operable position to depress the brake pedal. Preferably, the feedback device is locatably adjustably fixed to the body of the vehicle in a location causing contact when the leg of the operator is in an ergonomically comfortable and ordinary position for depressing the brake. Illustratively, the device may depend from the steering column of a passenger automobile. In an alternative embodiment, the feedback device is readily removable from the vehicle. In a further alternative embodiment, contact characteristics may be adjusted to be, at one end of a range of adjustment a soft contact, at the other end of a range of adjustment a solid, unyielding contact, or any intermediate between the two ends of the range of adjustment.

Abstract: A tactile feedback device such as a bumper or prod located to give the operator of a wheeled vehicle tactile feedback when the leg of the operator is in operable position to depress the brake pedal. Preferably, the feedback device is locatably adjustably fixed to the body of the vehicle in a location causing contact when the leg of the operator is in an ergonomically comfortable and ordinary position for depressing the brake. Illustratively, the device may depend from the steering column of a passenger automobile. In an alternative embodiment, the feedback device is readily removable from the vehicle. In a further alternative embodiment, contact characteristics may be adjusted to be, at one end of a range of adjustment a soft contact, at the other end of a range of adjustment a solid, unyielding contact, or any intermediate between the two ends of the range of adjustment.

Abstract: A self-centering twist drill bit 20 is formed with a "fishtail" cutting section 32 having major cutting lips 72 and 74 on a working end 26 thereof at a point angle of 190.degree.. Tip relief surfaces 76 and 78 trail cutting lips 72 and 74. A pilot tip 38 on the working end 26 extends axially from the "fishtail" cutting section 32 and is formed with a split point having leading cutting edges 40 and 42 and minor cutting lips 46 and 48. Outer surfaces 58 and 60 of pilot tip 38 are each formed with a radial relief and a back taper and joins with cutting section 32 along fillets 92 and 100 which are also radially relieved.

Abstract: A modified Phillips-type screwdriver bit is disclosed that is fully compatible with a standard Phillips-head fastener, and is designed to significantly increase the level of torque that can be applied to the fastener while at the same time substantially reducing the cam-out forces normally produced by a standard Phillips screwdriver bit. These results are accomplished by forming generated surfaces along the side walls of the bit wings so that when the bit is initially inserted into a standard Phillips-head fastener, lines of contact occur between the bit and recess adjacent and parallel to the roots of the bit wings. In this manner, the application of torque is confined to the sides of the bit wings even as applied torque levels increase.

Abstract: A self-centering twist drill bit 20 is formed with a "fishtail" cutting section 32 having major cutting lips 72 and 74 on a working end 26 thereof at a point angle of 190.degree.. Tip relief surfaces 76 and 78 trail cutting lips 72 and 74. A pilot tip 38 on the working end 26 extends axially from the "fishtail" cutting section 32 and is formed with a split point having leading cutting edges 40 and 42 and minor cutting lips 46 and 48. Outer surfaces 58 and 60 of pilot tip 38 are each formed with a radial relief and a back taper and joins with cutting section 32 along fillets 92 and 100 which are also radially relieved.

Abstract: An inertial bulk material dispensing device for transporting and propellantly dispensing bulk material including an endless belt movably supported along a conveyor path, an impeller wheel drivingly positioned to engage the endless belt and to drive the same at a high linear velocity along said path so that as bulk material, such as wheat, sand, salt or any other like bulk material is presented to said belt, it is rapidly transported by said belt along said path and propelled to a predisposed location.