Abstract: An adapter apparatus mounted on a marking instrument to achieve movement in a straight line for marking through a pen/pencil member; highlighting with use of a highlighter pen member; magnifying fine print for ease of reading; and cutting a a support surface with movement in a straight line. The pen/pencil adapter assembly includes 1) a main support member connected to the marking instrument; 2) an alignment and ruler member connected to the main support member for measuring and and movement in a straight line; and 3) a support wheel assembly connected to the alignment and ruler member to achieve movement in a straight line on the support surface. Other embodiments include a magnifying adapter assembly having a magnifying member to magnify fine print; a pen/pencil adapter assembly having a projection support assembly; a highlighter adapter assembly for highlighting; and a cutter adapter assembly for cutting a surface in a straight line.

Abstract: An instrument and method for measuring the invert of a sewer pipe relative to a manhole employs a horizontal bar which spans the manhole and rests upon its rim. A sight rod is slideably mounted on a sleeve fixed to the bar. The sleeve has adjustments for mounting the bar in true vertical and plumb position with a spirit level. Removably connected to the lower end of the rod is an arm which extends laterally and below the rod at its distal end. The rod is lowered until the distal end of the arm contacts the invert of the pipe. The vertical distance between the bottom of the arm at contact with the invert and the intersection of the rod with the bottom of the horizontal bar yields the desired elevation. It may be read directly off the sight rod when the rod is specially marked with corrected graduations.

Abstract: An instrument set for plumbing or leveling and relative height setting of members such as posts or beams, each instrument including orthogonal sides and a feature projecting from the top of one side allowing each instrument to be set atop a respective post with the orthogonal sides against the post and a rabbeted feature on the bottom of one side allowing the instruments to be set atop a beam. Bubble levels on the sides of at least one of the instruments enable plumbing of a post or leveling of a beam, and open topped sight tubes attached to each instrument and interconnected with a water filled hose enable height setting with the same instruments.

Abstract: The invention provides a system, method, and computer program for automatically evaluating the linear displacement and inclination of the centerline of a piece of hardware to be machined on a computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine relative to an axis of rotation of the machine about which the hardware will be rotated. The invention also provides a compensation for correcting for any hardware axis misalignment.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the length of fiber optic cable being deployed om a winch to an underwater environment. The cable deployment measuring apparatus of the present invention comprises a constant current generator for generating a direct current, a resistor array having a plurality of series connected resistors and a plurality of trip wires with one of the trip wires being connected across each of the resistors. The trip wires which function as short circuits are also attached to the cable at predetermined locations along the length of the cable. When the fiber optic cable is being deployed, each trip wire will break when the location at which the trip wire is positioned is unwound from the winch for deployment in the underwater environment. This, in turn, will cause flow through the resistor array with a resulting voltage drop across the array.

Abstract: An orthopaedic gauge 1 for measuring a length dimension of an elongated orthopaedic device, such as a screw 50, 60, or 70 or a pin or other elongated orthopaedic device. The gauge 1 includes a base portion 10 having a fixed reference point thereon, such as a raised post 12, and a raised platform 20 extending from the base portion 10 and spaced from the reference point. The raised platform 20 includes a plurality of stops 22. One end of the orthopaedic device is positioned about the reference point and the device is swung through an arc about the reference point until the other end of the device abuts one of the plurality of stops on the raised platform. A suitable scale such as 38 or 39 is provided to correspond with the plurality of stops for determining a length dimension of the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for freeze drying of especially biologically or pharmaceutical material under sterile conditions, wherein the material to be dried is introduced into a container the sides of which consist at least partly of a hydrophobic, porous, micro-organism-impermeable, water vapor-permeable membrane, the container is tightly closed and the material is subsequently freeze dried in the closed container under the usual conditions. The present invention also provides a container for freeze drying materials under sterile conditions, wherein the sides of the container consist at least partly of a hydrophobic, porous, germ-impermeable, water vapor-permeable membrane.

Abstract: A paint baking oven utilizes air flow throughout the oven to ventilate solvents and/or resins which evaporate off during the paint baking process. Air is continuously introduced through air seals located along the paint baking oven at various points. This ventilation air is directed toward the center of the paint baking oven where it is exhausted at a rate proportional to the rate at which the ventilation air is introduced into the paint baking oven. Removing the solvent and/or resin laden air from the paint baking oven results in a more desirable final finish on the component being baked.

Abstract: Transformable shoe frames are described wherein the heel of the shoe can be extended downwardly in a high heel position or converted to a low heel position. The shoe frame is made in sections that are pivotally connected to each other and mechanisms have been provided to lock the sections together in varying positions, so that the angle between the toe portion and the remainder of the shoe can be adjusted to maximize the comfort of the wearer depending on whether the heel is in a high heel or a low heel position. Additional mechanisms are illustrated to change the contour of the arch when the heel height is changed. In a preferred embodiment the heel is stowable under the sole of the shoe and the sole will have a well defined flexible region in the distal metatarsal region of the shoe, either by having a hinged joint or built in flexibility.

Abstract: A base frame is arranged to securably mount one of a plurality of tail frames, as well as one of a plurality of corresponding head frames, to permit the snow shoes to accommodate various terrains and conditions of snow. In this manner, an individual snow shoe construction is adapted to accommodate various terrain and snow fall.

Abstract: A snow deflection system for a snowplow includes an arcuate foil and a preferred belt. Both the foil and the belt are attached to the moldboard of the plow so that the preferred belt keeps the plowed snow close enough to the moldboard to allow the arcuate foil to direct the flow of snow and air, which blows over the top of the moldboard, down and away from the plow vehicle.

Abstract: A new and improved combined snow pusher, ice chopper, and broom apparatus for clearing a surface includes a handle which is supported by a support and which projects upward from the top of the support at a first acute angle with respect to the support. Bristles are supported by the support, and the bristles project downward from the bottom of the support by a first distance. A panel element is supported by the support at the front of the support. The panel element is connected directly to the support, and the bottom end of the panel element projects downward past the bottom of the support by a second distance. The second distance is less than the first distance, whereby the portion of the panel element which extends below the support element protects the interface between the bristles and the support, whereby the panel element does not contact the surface to be cleared. The bottom end of the panel element includes a sharp lower edge.

Abstract: A compact record of plural pages of human-readable data from a manual concerning a piece of equipment comprises two opaque sheets in back-to-back relation to each other, each reproducing pages of such data in a reduced size that is readable by a human under normal room light if magnified about ten times, as by a pocket magnifier. The opaque sheets and a marker bearing indicia identifying the piece of equipment are laminated between two substantially transparent layers. The compact record is bound into a booklet, as by a ring, with at least one record of similar construction.

Abstract: A flashing advertising sign is provided for indoor use. The sign is of box-like transparent construction having parallel front and rear panels and elongated upper and lower panels having facing retaining channels which slidably secure a flat placard. Photovoltaic cells positioned in the upper panel supply energy to a rechargeable storage battery. A timing circuit periodically directs electrical current from the battery to light-emitting diodes which illuminate the placard.

Abstract: A rotatable picture frame apparatus which is made up of a plurality of picture frames, a turntable for supporting the picture frames, a casing for supporting the turntable and a base for supporting the casing. The apparatus contains a motor which is connected to the turntable by a rotating shaft and a switch for turning the motor on and off. The apparatus may contain its own electrical supply in the form of batteries contained in the casing or it may be adapted to be connected to an external power source.

Abstract: An element is disclosed for displaying one or more portions of characters or shapes, wherein the display element comprises partially transparent plastic in which fluorescent colorant is incorporated. Preferably the inside of one head end is provided with a profiled form.

Abstract: A picture frame having a substantially stiff, rectangular, planar transparent sheet with lip members disposed on two rear opposing sides to slideably receive therein the object to be displayed directly behind the transparent sheet and a sheet of magnetic material to be received within said lips directly behind the object to be displayed. The magnetic sheet, when placed against a metallic surface, holds the frame in place by its attraction to such metallic surface.

Abstract: A cartridge magazine for firearms comprises a key insertable through a slot in the end panel of the magazine for engaging the spring engaged elevator upon which the shells are supported. The slot includes a series of transverse or lateral branches spaced longitudinally on the panel for receiving the key and locking the elevator in position. The magazine thus may be loaded with cartridge shells in stages as defined by the lateral locking branches. After loading is completed, the key may be removed from the magazine and clip so that the latter may be inserted into the firearm with which it is used. In an alternatively preferred embodiment, optional marking means are positioned on top of the magazine for placing an identifying marking on each cartridge shell.

Abstract: A safety device for a firearm that prevents access to the trigger and, thus, unauthorized operation of the same. The device comprises a frame, a first element on the frame, a second element which is movable on the frame and means for securing the second element on the frame at a selected distance from the first element so as to capture therebetween and render inoperable the trigger. The securing means requires some degree of manual dexterity to operate so as to discourage a child from removing the device from the firearm.

Abstract: An improved alignment guide for use in the MK-19 grenade launcher of the type having a body member with a centrally located slot defined therein extending to a bowl formed in the body member, the guide being characterized by a lack of upper and lower edge rails and having a single body aperture formed therein between its central screw aperture and the bowl, the body member around the bowl being approximately 0.25 inch thick with a thickened arm provided at the end of the body member beyond the bowl, such thickened arm being approximately 0.5 inch thick, such alignment guide having the same interface dimensions as that of the prior art alignment guide to allow the alignment guide of this invention to be engaged into the receiver of an MK-19 grenade launcher.

Abstract: A linear fish catching device having an elongated barrel and a coaxially disposed internal elastic spring humanely allows hooked fish to remain in the water until harvesting. Preferably the elastic tube spring extends between a pair of spaced apart guiding elements coaxially centered within the device. The device is cocked by stretching the spring tube, that functions as a linear spring. The line from the open end of the barrel is secured when a captivated stop registers with a slot defined in the barrel end. When a fish strikes, line is dislodged from the slot, freeing the stop which is thereafter drawn into the tubular barrel by contraction of the elastic spring. Alternative couplings for centering spring movement are disclosed. Each coupling comprises a cylindrical body having a penetrable eyelet and a pair of aligned relief slots that provide clearance when line is tied to the eyelet.

Abstract: A remote-control fishing vessel has a trip-release pole to jerk line for engagement of a hook in a fish that nibbles bait, a motorized reel with optional spring tension, a broad transom and an optional water anchor constructed to resist reverse drag by a hooked fish, steering with dual water screws to obviate need for a rudder, a deep-ballast hull with water-resistant sections to provide unsinkable stability and an optional top float to restore upright position of the vessel in the event it were capsized.

Abstract: The flying action fishing lure includes a body which is oval or torpedo shaped and has a pair of wings engaged thereon to simulate the shape of an insect. The lure has an elevated line engaging eye mounted to the body as well as a fixed in position single or multiple pronged hook depending therefrom. The body of the lure is partially hollow, trapping a bubble of air therein which is dimensioned to provide a zero flotation coefficient. Action is produced by application of steady pressure to a line engaging the lure causing a sideway slip as well as rotational motion and in and out of water flying action to the lure.

Abstract: A bottom fishing weight is provided with an attaching eye for a fishing line at the leading end. The leading portion of the lower surface of the weight is upwardly inclined so as to create a lifting force when reeled in and the trailing portion of the lower surface is concavely cupped to also create a downward force which stabilizes the attitude of the weight. A vertical fin on the upper surface of the weight is included to improve directional stability.

Abstract: A leg snare device is described for catching animals by their front leg. The described device includes a steel cable snare attached to a torsion spring that is encased within a tapered plastic tubing. The snare is constructed in such manner that it reduces the likelihood of the animals escape while holding the animal by the front leg without causing serious injury to the animal.

Abstract: A self-contained entry device for use with a bottle for preferably trapping roaches and similar crawling insects. The entry device comprises a mesh material shaped to form a truncated cone having a narrow strip extending from the larger opening of the cone. The smaller opening of the cone, preferably having an oval cross section, is inserted firmly into the mouth of a bottle or other receptacle containing bait for the insects. The narrow strip, extending from the larger, non-inserted opening, functions as a ramp allowing insects to crawl into the entry device and subsequently gain entrance into the bottle. Once inside the bottle, insects cannot maneuver themselves back through the smaller opening due to its size, shape and position within the bottle.

Abstract: An extermination system provides for the introduction of insecticide within the wall cavities of a building to provide for effective extermination of insects nesting in and passing through the wall cavities. The system includes fittings which are installed through a panel or surface of the wall and which provide a passage to the wall cavity. The fitting passage is adapted to receive the outlet of an insecticide supply device, which can be an aerosol can, whereupon an insecticide can be injected directly into the wall space to exterminate insects within the wall space. Insecticide supply devices suitable for use with the invention are also disclosed. The invention provides an effective extermination system which will reduce the exposure of the occupants of the building to insecticide.

Abstract: A stand for plants such as potted plants which elevates the plant and pot from the floor. A base comprises frictional contact areas which contact a pot, or alternatively, a dish which may be used in conjunction with the base. The base allows the feet of differing and various configurations to be used in conjunction with the stand depending on the nature of the flooring surface. The stand may be used in conjunction with a dish having a wall and lugs which retain the stand within the dish. For added support, a second base may be used which is inserted into a void of a larger base.

Abstract: A stack type plant-pot is divided into radially extending pot portions by means of partitions. Each plant-pot includes radially extending pot portions of a similar shape. The pot portions are stacked crisscross with those of another plant-pot embodying the present invention, thus providing wider cultivation areas. The plant-pot of the present invention has a wider upper periphery and a narrower lower periphery and has stacking features, for example, an upper stepped portion and a lower extension. With this arrangement, the amount of yield and cultivation may be increased within a limited area.

Abstract: Disclosed is an open ocean farm structure for attachment of macroalgal plants. The farm structure is made up of linear elements connected with nodes to form a three dimensional truss. The linear elements are composed of tubes containing solid rods which are screw connected to the nodes. The ends of the tubes abut the nodes so that screwing the rods into the nodes puts the tubes in compression. The truss structure thus formed is strong and flexible. Because the truss structure is made of tubes having minimal cross-sectional area, the structure is relatively transparent to the forces of wave motion.

Abstract: A plant carrier for cultivating plants, seedlings, seeds, or the like, has at least one layer of plant-growing material, an upper layer of natural fiber, and a lower layer of natural fiber sandwiching the plant growth layer in between, and thread means for stitching and sewing the upper and lower natural fibers layers together is improved by natural fiber layer means combining the upper and lower fiber layers along at least portions of their edges to produce a hose-like cover that is filled with said plant layer of plant growing material.

Abstract: A parking prevention means comprises a housing (1) containing a power supply, a controller signal receiver unit, said signals controlling a motor coupled to a shaft (8) bearing a movable part (2) which the motor moves from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position and vice-versa. The movable part comprises one or more legs (3) which are substantially nondeformable and also includes means enabling the shaft to impart its rotational movement to the movable part, whereas rotation of the movable part caused by an external force does not result in associated rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: A window structure has a door which slides substantially parallel to a wall to open and close a window therein and hides parallel to and behind the wall when the window is opened. Guide pins protrude upward and downward from the door, and elongated slots are formed in guide plates attached to the wall so as to serve as passageways for the guide pins to travel therein and therealong as the door is slidably moved between open and closed positions. A biasing member such as a cantilevered plate spring is provided to keep the window closed with its biasing force once it is closed and to prevent it from closing when the door is in open position.

Abstract: A door closer is shown, which is installed between a door and a door frame, in a balanced door. The door closer is installed in a header of the door frame, and includes an operative connection to a hinge shaft upon which upper and lower door support arms pivot. The operative connection includes a first gear mounted on a check shaft which engages a second gear mounted on the hinge shaft. The second gear preferably has a larger effective diameter than the first gear whereby the limited rotation of the hinge shaft results in a greater rotation of the check shaft to fully utilize the closer functions.

Abstract: An electric motor driven vehicle window assembly wherein an electric motor is mounted in an aperture formed in a portion of a transparent window pane. The electric motor operates in conjunction with a simple transmission element such as a threaded rod or a toothed rack and when energized, causes the window to be raised or lowered. The invention provides a motor driven window which is more compact than conventional motor driven vehicle windows.

Abstract: A tension adjusting apparatus comprising a coupling device for movably coupling both ends of an elongated member disposed in the shape of a loop in a direction in which both ends approach and/or move apart from each other along the longitudinal direction of the elongated member, and an urging member retained by the coupling device and for urging the elongated member via the coupling device in a direction in which both ends of the elongated member approach to each other in order to apply tension to the elongated member. The smooth movement of the elongated member transmitting motive power and the tension of the elongated member at a predetermined value are thereby maintained without impeding the durability of the elongated member.

Abstract: A regulating mechanism is described for a motor vehicle window located between longitudinally spaced guides in a vehicle door. The mechanism comprises a cranking handle and Bowden cable for connection to one side of the window for raising and lowering the window 10 within the window guides, and another Bowden cable 22a,22b connected in use only to the window 10 and to the vehicle door 12 and serving to move the other side of the window 10 in synchronism with and in response to movement of the first side.

Abstract: A magnetic seal is disclosed for releasably sealing two doors arranged side by side on a thermally insulated cabinet such as a refrigerator or freezer. A retainer gasket is affixed to the inner edge of each door. One of the retainer gasket encloses a magnet and retains the magnet fixed in place relative to the door. Another retainer gasket is affixed to the other door and is formed of a base, a sleeve enclosing a second magnet, and two flexible webs connecting the sleeve to the base. The retainer gaskets and magnets are arranged so that the magnets impart an attractive force on each other and releasably seal the doors. When one of the doors is opened slightly, the magnets are arranged to repel each other and assist in easily opening at least one of the doors. Finally, a magnet having more than two magnetic poles may be used to assist in sealing and opening at least one of the doors.

Abstract: A conformable sanding assembly incorporating a flexible attachment for ready attachment to a hand or power sander. The sanding assembly is particularly useful for sanding contoured, and other non-planar surfaces and angles. The sanding assembly comprises a compressible sanding block said sanding block further comprising peripheral surfaces of an abrasive material and, said sanding block further comprising a flexible attachment. The flexible attachment is designed for ready attachment to, and ready removable detachment from, a hand or power sander.

Abstract: A hand held power tool has a working disc and a working sheet held on the working disc by a burdock connection. The working disc has a burdock surface. An intermediate pad is held on the burdock surface of the grinding disc. The intermediate pad has a first side provided with a velour coating and releasably connectable with the burdock surface of the grinding working disc and a second side releasably connectable with the working sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and method is disclosed for recovering a cleaning material (12) and a surface material (20A) with a vacuum source (25). The surface material (20A) is removed from a surface (20) by projecting the cleaning material (12) such as sand, water or the like from a nozzle (14) to impact upon the surface (20). The apparatus (10) comprises a housing (16) having a housing opening (18) for projecting the cleaning material (12) through the housing opening (18) onto the surface (20). A fluid seal means (30) provides a seal between the housing (16) and the surface (20). The vacuum source (25) is connected to the housing (16) for withdrawing the impacted cleaning material (12A) and the surface material (20A) removed from the surface (20).

Abstract: A dry storage unit for use in storing vehicles or other equipment for long periods of time, capable of being easily deployed and redeployed and enabling the vehicle or equipment to be readily placed into and taken out of storage. The storage unit includes a tubular member made of flexible material. The desired shape is imparted to the unit by semi-rigid support members which are kept in the proper orientation by a connection made up of two cylindrical sections placed one within the other.

Abstract: A composite roof covering securement element is comprised of an elongated rubber membrane onto which a plastic batten strip is adhesively bonded. The membrane and strip have a range of flexibility which permits the same to be rolled into a coil for manual prepositioning on a roof and then unrolled to lie flat upon the roof for attachment along the perimeter. When installed the composite element resists shear loads and securely retains the overlying roof covering in place.

Abstract: A work space management system for creating work areas including two horizontal elongate tracks attached to a permanent wall with a decorative wall tile disposed therebetween and an office partition panel attached to the tracks at variably selectable positions for defining and partitioning the work areas. Overhead modular storage units and work surfaces may attach alternatively to the panels and tracks at any point and may be removed and relocated as needed. The brackets attaching the modular furniture to the track include an anti-dislodgement tang preventing disconnection of the furniture units from the track by only vertical movement.

Abstract: A curved stairway preform designed to be finished in trim thereby simulating a completely wooden curved stairway.

Abstract: A penetration unit (10) for a concrete slab including a hollow housing (28) open at one end for receiving a service line or pipe (27), and provided at its other end with an enlarged opening surrounded by an annular flange (36) which enables connection of the housing (28) to formwork (37) defining the boundary the concrete slab. The housing (28) defines a hollow space (29) in which the service line or pipe terminates and may be connected to a further line or pipe such as an elbow (31). A puddle flange (32) may be located about the service line or pipe (27) and engage the housing (28). Intumescent material may be located in the hollow space surrounding the pipe or line (27).

Abstract: A framing system is disclosed which includes a frame member and a slide on cover. The frame member has an interior portion, an exterior portion, and at least one glazing pocket defined between the interior and exterior portions, the glazing pocket being configured to receive a lateral edge of a glazing panel therewithin. The cover is configured to engage the exterior portion of the frame member and has a gasket mounting means thereon configured to engage a glazing gasket for bearing against an exterior marginal edge of a glazing panel received within the glazing pocket. When a glazing gasket engages the gasket mounting means and bears against an exterior marginal edge of a glazing panel received within the glazing pocket, it exerts an outward force on the cover which biases the cover into snug engagement with the exterior portion of the frame member so as to secure the cover with respect to the frame member.

Abstract: A composite panel comprises first and second sheets 20, 22 of a natural fibre material such as corrugated cardboard, each sheet 20, 22 having been impregnated with a liquid composition comprising a thermosetting resin, an extending liquid for the thermosetting resin and a catalyst for the thermosetting resin, the thermosetting resin having been polymerized, a cellular core 10 of a natural fibre material such as kraft paper, the cellular core 10 having been impregnated with a liquid composition comprising a thermosetting resin, an extending liquid for the thermosetting resin and a catalyst for the thermosetting resin, the thermosetting resin having been polymerized, the cellular core 10 being sandwiched between and adhered to the first and second sheets 20, 22; and a filler composition located in all of the cells of the core 10, the filler composition comprising a mixture of an inorganic insulating material and a material which releases water at elevated temperatures, in granular form.

Abstract: An apparatus for joining precast concrete units. A precast concrete unit, such as a section of pipe, decking and pavement includes a plurality of spaced, longitudinally aligned tubular members. The ends of each concrete unit are flush and are bounded by rounded edges to prevent chipping. The ends of the tubular members are flush with the end of the concrete unit. When two of such units are to be joined together, a guide member is inserted in one end of each tubular member on one concrete unit while an internally threaded insert member is inserted into each end of the tubular member in a second concrete unit. The guide members and insert members have axial apertures with the aperture in the insert member being internally threaded. The two precast concrete units are brought together so that the guide member on one concrete unit enters into the ends of the tubular members containing the inserts in the second concrete unit.

Abstract: An injection plug device for injecting a concrete repairing agent into a concrete construction through an arcuate injection groove formed therein. The plug device includes a base member sealingly placed over an open end of the arcuate injection groove, a plurality of guide posts extending from the base member, an equal plurality of rod members extending through the guide posts, and engageable member selectively engageable with side walls of the arcuate injection groove by resilient deformation. The engageable members are provided at an inner end portion of the guide posts, or an external surface of the inner end portions of the guide posts. The engageable members have a width smaller than a width of the arcuate injection groove prior to their deformation and have another width larger than the width of the arcuate injection groove after their deformation to provide engagement with the side wall of the groove.