Abstract: The conventional storage battery of a motor vehicle is housed in a thermally insulated chamber along with a secondary storage battery provided with a circuit including a heater and a thermostatically controlled switch set to bring the heater into service whenever the temperature in the chamber drops to a predetermined low. Both batteries are connected in parallel to the alternator of the vehicle.

Abstract: A portable putting course consists of a surface layer of a material suitable as a putting surface bonded to an underlying layer of flexible, resiliently compressible material. A flexible barrier partially surrounds and is detachably attached to one end of the course on which, in the disclosed embodiment, objectives are painted for golf balls putt from the other end of the course.

Abstract: A self-supporting plant container has at least one plant receptacle supported by and covering a lower receptacle which is a reservoir. An irrigating device effects communication between the receptacles and consists of a wick element extending into both receptacles and a perforated tube secured to the bottom of the upper receptacle and extending at least upwardly therein and therein confining the wick member. The wick member is self-supporting when dry and a snug fit in the tube at least when saturated.

Abstract: In exercising and in competition with another using like captive apparatus of a type having a shaft rotated by the user, performance is measured by utilizing the rotation of the shaft to effect the pumping of a predetermined volume of a fluid as one objective and, as other objectives, timing the interval required to attain that volume or to establish a time limit for operating the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in practicing the driving of golf balls has a stand provided with a laterally disposed arm provided with a rotor to which a golf ball is held captive by means of a depending arm connected to the ball by a cord. A meter records the number of revolutions of the rotor each time the tethered ball is driven enabling the relative distance the ball would have been driven, if free, to be evaluated. This result is attained by utilizing a meter having a push type actuator and by providing the depending arm with a horizontally supported member disposed towards the stand and having a path inclusive of the actuator which is thereby engaged by the member each time a struck ball orbits.

Abstract: A treadmill exerciser is used in conjunction with a record or tape deck player providing music selected to provide both a tempo automatically inviting the exerciser to maintain a particular pace and the means by which the interest of the exerciser is maintained throughout the exercise period. The treadmill supports the music source and is adjustable to enable the exerciser to use body and arm movements in following the music.