Abstract: Remote diagnosis of an irrigation controller is made possible by encoding the settings of the controller into a numeric or alphanumeric code, displaying that code on the controller, transmitting the code to a remote interpretive computer, generating at that computer a chart derived from the code to show all of the settings of the controller, evaluating the significance of the settings to the functioning of the controller, and advising the operator of the controller on the basis of the chart.

Abstract: A cushioning device adapted to circumscribe the handle of a vice or the like to inhibit injury to the user's hand during tightening and losing thereof, wherein a pair of cups are provided in which an insert is provided which conforms to the shape of the handle and is formed of a sturdy yet pliable material that holds its shape, and a shell of soft deformable material, and further wherein the insert is nested in the shell, and two such cups are secured together to circumscribe the handle to provide cushioning in use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety tool having particular, although not exclusive, use in conjunction with machine tools in which a locking device is employed to lock and unlock a movable machine element and wherein a counterweight is employed in conjunction with a cap that fits over the locking device to overcome the inertial focus on the locking device which tends to urge the locking device toward a locked position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-purpose tool having particular, although not exclusive, use in conjunction with milling machines in which a drawbar is employed to engage and disengage a tool collet wherein the drawbar protrudes above the machine tool and is rotatable to release and secure the collet. The tool of the present invention combines a socket wrench for rotating the drawbar and a mallet for tapping the bar to free up the collet taper. The tool is dynamically balanced about the axis of the center of mass which is fitted to the protruding end of the drawbar. A handle is provided which is extendable to increase the torque or leverage available to the user and the handle itself is weighted to take advantage of centrifugal force to urge the handle towards its retracted position. A beveled pin or wedge device is also provided to inhibit the lowering of the drawbar with the tool still engaged with the protruding end.