Abstract: This invention is directed to a door latch having an auxiliary bolt which activates the latch bolt, and the use of a latch to confine small children in the home. The auxiliary bolt has a hinged beveled end which pivots when the door is opened but is fixed when the door is closed to activate the latch. The latch is placed five feet above the floor to prevent a small child from opening the door. The latch has a guard plate below the door handle to prevent a small child from opening the latch with a stick. The latch can be mounted on any side of any door.

Abstract: A two-piece handle for use in positioning a vehicle lifting jack beneath a vehicle and for rotating a spindle of that jack, which handle comprises a jack handle rod, a jack handle rod extension, and a jack handle coupling for releasably interconnecting the jack handle rod and the jack handle rod extension in co-axial alignment. The jack handle coupling comprises a sleeve mounted over and fixedly secured to a knuckle joint of the jack handle rod and adapted to receive a knuckle joint of the jack handle rod extension. A spring wire engageable with the knuckle joint of the jack handle rod extension secures the two pieces of the rod in coupled engagement. Preferably, the knuckle joints of both sections of the jack handle are formed by bending the ends of the rods 180.degree. into a J-shaped configuration shaped to be permanently secured to the knuckle joint of one of the rods and to slidably receive the knuckle joint of the other rod.

Abstract: A portable tool having a frame, a power unit having a control that is operable to place the power unit in first and second different states, a control actuator that is operable to change the power unit from one of the first and second states into the other of the first and second states, and an arm connecting between at least one of the frame and power unit and the control actuator for supporting the control actuator in an operative position relative to the frame. At least a part of the arm has a plurality of degrees of freedom of movement relative to the frame to allow selective situation of the control actuator by a user.

Abstract: A manual release apparatus for disengaging a king pin on a truck trailer from a fifth wheel of a truck cab, including an elongated lever arm, a first end of which is pivotally attached to a side of the fifth wheel at a location spaced from the opening through which the release rod extends, a second end of which is spaced away from the fifth wheel extending horizontally from the first end, whereby the lever arm is attached to the release rod, such that a manual movement of the second end of the lever arm will cause the lever arm to be pivoted horizontally about the first end, thereby causing the release rod to be pulled outwardly to disengage the king pin from the fifth wheel. The elongated lever arm is provided with an adjustable extension arm so that the length of the lever arm can be adjusted to an extent desired to best facilitate manipulation thereof.

Abstract: An auxiliary shift lever assembly for use with a bicycle shift device includes a support for supporting the auxiliary shift lever on the bicycle, an auxiliary shift lever body pivotably coupled to the support, one or more lever engaging parts disposed on the auxiliary shift lever body for contacting corresponding shift levers of the shift device, and one or more operating parts disposed on the auxiliary shift lever body. The operating parts are typically disposed at one or more remote locations and are structured to be manipulated by a user for pivoting the auxiliary shift lever body. This, in turn, causes the lever engaging parts to rotate the corresponding shift levers of the shift device.

Abstract: A water craft or land vehicle is stabilized against rolling and pitching forces by a mass or masses rotating about a vertical axis. The mass or masses are distributed along the vertical axis so that the center of the overall mass lies on the roll and pitch axes so that resistance to roll and pitch is exerted without precession. The gyro is gimballed along two axes which coincide with the roll and pitch axes. A stop mechanism allows a free pitching and rolling through a small angle before gyro resistance is met. Hydrofoils may be extended and retracted under pitch and roll signals from the gyro for extra stability.

Abstract: A hand crank device and associated method for winding winches such as those used on flat bed tractor trailers. The hand crank device includes an elongated pin element that is sized to engage the drive shaft of a winch. The pin element is long enough to enter through one hole on the drive shaft, extend across the drive shaft and exit the drive shaft through a second hole on the opposite side. The pin element is affixed to the short arm section of an L-shaped bracket. A handle is affixed to the long arm section of the L-shaped bracket, thereby enabling a torque to be applied to the L-shaped bracket and the pin element affixed to the L-shaped bracket. The torque acting on the pin element is transferred to the drive shaft of the winch, thereby causing the drive shaft to turn and the winch to rewind.

Abstract: A lift device for lifting a manhole cover which includes a base and a pole configured to lift the manhole cover when one end of the pole is pressed downward. The length of the pole is adjustable in order to permit easy storage and transportation, and to increase the lift force. Retainers are configured to secure manhole covers to the lift device to permit the lifting of the manhole covers in a manner that their center of mass is kept near the end of the pole.

Abstract: A garden hose valve spindle extender comprised of an elongated rod. A knob is secured to a first end of the elongated rod. The device contains an attachment plate having a fitting extending outwardly therefrom. The attachment plate is securable to an existing water spigot. The device also contains a universal joint having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is secured to a second end of the elongated rod. The lower end is coupled to the fitting extending outwardly from the attachment plate.

Abstract: A control lever extension includes a base plate and a receiving element pivotably connected to the base plate. A first end of a secondary control lever is configured to detachably engage the receiving element. A first end of an extension arm is pivotably connected to the secondary control lever and a receiving member for cooperation with the tractor controls is pivotably connected to a second end of the extension arm.

Abstract: An ostomy pouch clamp for closing off the bottom end of the pouch having pivoted clamping elements, one element having a trough channel for receiving the other blade element therein. The improvement in this clamp results from (1) single or multiple knife like sealing ribs or lip edges on the blade member bottom for engaging the pouch walls against a flat bottom of the trough channel and (2) latch means located midway between the ends of the clamping elements for pressing the two elements together (as well as releasing them) and producing an audible snapping signal to alert the user that the latch means is in the proper location. The latch means is easy to locate by the user and distributes the force pressing the elements together more equally than prior art devices.

Abstract: A tool for manipulating a ratcheted strap-tightening mechanism such as those associated with cargo securing harnesses. The tool comprises a handle having at a first end a socket adapted to engage the lever of the ratcheting mechanism, and, at an opposite second end, a tongue adapted to unlock the ratcheting mechanism. The socket defines a tapering channel that can accommodate a variety of levers of different shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A chain binder extension handle comprises an engagement member that fits on a chain binder handle, a gripping member pivotally mounted on the engagement member for limited angular movement between an aligned position and a skewed position with respect to the engagement member, and a coil spring that urges the members toward their aligned positions and resiliently resists the bending force exerted on the handle as the chain binder snaps into or out of a locked position.

Abstract: An adjustment crank is mountable to the underside of a table top by a bracket in which it is both rotatable and translatable. The crank includes a tube which carries internal splines. An adjustment shaft extends into the tube and carries mating splines. The crank is translatable between an adjustment position wherein the two sets of splines engage and a stowage position wherein the splines are disengaged.

Abstract: There is a winch bar for winding a winch having a winding drum with an annular wall and a circular opening. A plurality of winch bar receiving apertures extend diametrically through the drum on opposite sides of the wall. The winch bar has an outer portion dimensioned to extend through the apertures. The winch bar also has an inner portion larger than the apertures and a first shoulder between the inner portion and the outer portion. The outer portion includes an outer tip which tapers outwardly. There is a first segment of reduced section adjacent the tip and dimensioned to receive the wall of the drum on the first side thereof. A second shoulder is located between the tip and the first segment. There is a second segment of reduced section adjacent the first shoulder and which is dimensioned to receive the wall of the drum on a second side thereof. The bar has a third segment having a larger section than the first and second segments and which is located therebetween.

Abstract: A removable handle for an operating lever of a load chain binder of the type having a toggle linkage wherein the handle is detachably connected to the operating lever for pivoting the toggle linkage in one direction over-center to tension the chain, and in the opposite direction over-center to release the chain. The handle is automatically released from the operating lever when pivoting the toggle linkage in the direction to release the tension from the load chain to prevent injury to the person operating the handle.

Abstract: A fluid pendulum arrangement is used for implementing fast initial erection of vertical gyros by maintaining the gyro wheel spin axis near vertical during the gyro "power-off" mode of operation. Fluid is contained in a lower fluid chamber section which is disposed below the rotational axes of the gyro inner and outer gimbals. The mass of the fluid in cooperation with the fluid chamber moment arm results in a gyro wheel pendulosity that is greater than the combined gyro component friction torques. Upon the "power-on" or gyro wheel spin up mode of operation, the fluid tends to migrate from the lower section of the chamber to an upper section thereof which is arranged relative to the gimbal rotational axes so that gyro wheel pendulosity is negligible. In one embodiment of the invention, the fluid chamber is an external "add-on" feature to the gyro wheel rotor and in another embodiment, the fluid chamber is integral with said rotor.

Abstract: An improved leverage bar for use on a load binder handle or in the opening of a ratcheting binder comprising a bar having a latch assembly on a first end for engaging the load binder. The latch assembly comprises a generally U-shaped wall member with a latch member and a fulcrum member interposed therebetween. A second end of the bar comprises a rod assembly for engaging the opening of a ratcheting binder. The rod assembly comprises a first cylindrical section secured to a second cylindrical section which is smaller in diameter to the first cylindrical section and an conical end cap member secured to the second cylindrical section. A method for operating a ratcheting binder and a load binder, all such as those installed on a flat-bed trailer.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a shower nozzle assembly having a slide bar for being vertically mounted on the wall in a bath, a shower nozzle slidably mounted on the slide bar and a clamp for releasably clamping the shower nozzle in a predetermined adjustment position along the length of the slide bar. The handle assembly includes an elongated handle positioned on the clamp. The handle assembly makes it easy for the shower nozzle to be adjusted by a person seated in a position where the clamp itself cannot be grasped by the person to loosen the shower nozzle and permit adjustment of the height of the shower nozzle.

Abstract: A remote actuator for an enclosed molded case circuit breaker or disconnect switch utilizes an actuator cable connection with the circuit breaker operating handle in a "pull-pull" arrangement. The cable is arranged in an endless loop between the actuator handle and the circuit breaker operating handle. Moving the actuator handle in a first direction pulls the circuit breaker operating handle to its ON position while moving the actuator handle in an opposite direction pulls the circuit breaker operating handle to its OFF positoin. A retractable handle extender on the actuator handle increases the torquing force applied to the actuator handle and the circuit breaker operating handle.

Abstract: A gyroscopically stabilized apparatus for aiming an instrument at a target object. An external yoke is attached to the ends of a hub assembly which supports the gyro and camera platforms for rotation about pan, tilt and roll axes. The yoke is associated with an externally located vibration damping system interposed between the yoke and the support arm attached to the helicopter or other transporting vehicle. This makes possible a greater degree of helicopter pitch and roll without having any support structure impact the gyro and camera. In one embodiment the platforms are associated with separately rotatable hemispheres joined to provide a spherical fairing. In another embodiment the hemispheres are attached together for common rotation about pan and tilt axes.

Abstract: A tiller handle extension for use as a furtherance of a marine type outboard motor tiller control handle by attaching it to a tiller control handle by using an adapter that is modified to fit a tiller control handle. The device is adapted to be used quickly and easily by use of any adapter modified for attaching to virtually all sizes of tiller handles. The device not only permits one to control the throttle on the tiller control handle, but is an extension of the kill button, which stops the motor. The kill button is usually located at the outer end of the motor's tiller control handle. By attaching the present invention to the tiller control handle, the kill button is extended, by use of an actuator within the present invention, to the end of the tiller handle extension. This permits an operator to stop the motor by pushing a button, which is part of an actuator located in the present invention, which in turn depresses the actual kill button on the end of the tiller control handle.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for the operation of a circuit breaker by movement of a toggle handle in a vertical plane and a switch handle movable in a horizontal plane, and comprising a housing, a shaft, a toggle handle and a gear plate mounted on the shaft, and a pivot plate. The pivot plate has slots arranged in an arcuate path, a butterfly cut-out section which receives and engages the switch handle of the circuit breaker, and an arcuate opening and pin arrangement for guiding the pivot plate in its pivotal movement. The gear plate has a flat portion and an arcuate portion with gear teeth. These gear teeth on the gear plate enter the slots in the pivot plate to rotate the pivot plate for operation of the switch handle. Rotation of the pivot plate is generated by movement of the toggle handle in a vertical plane.

Abstract: A handle, with a transverse hole through the upper end; a connector made of wire formed in a loop; a gripper consisting of a tubular element, with limited yieldability and having a transverse hole therethrough at one end; the elements of the connector are fitted in the holes in the handle and gripper.

Abstract: An improved and simpler control handle extension for attaching to the tiller control handle of marine-type outboard motors. The device, while constructed of only two basic structural members, is still adapted to be adjustable in effective operating length. The device can be quickly and easily attached to virtually all sizes of tiller handles without restricting access to the "kill-button" usually located at the outer end of the motor's tiller handle.

Abstract: A detachable golf putter extension structured to provide a substantially increased putter shaft length for a conventional golf club putter only during use, while being detachable to allow the putter and the device to be easily stored in conventional golf bags and the like. The putter extension includes an elongated rigid extension shaft having a male ferrule upwardly extending from its lower end and an exterior gripping surface extending over the extension shaft from its upper end toward, but not beyond, the male ferrule. The invention is particularly adapted to be retrofit onto existing golf putters by providing a rigid, tubular sleeve which is sized to be slid into, and then rigidly anchored within, the upper end of the golf putter shaft after a suitable hole has been formed into the upper end of the putter grip.

Abstract: A window crank handle extension adapter for a motor vehicle is provided and consists of a spacer member that will allow the crank handle to extend away from a speaker mounted within a door panel of the motor vehicle so that a person can turn the crank handle without hitting the cover of the speaker.

Abstract: A method of making and using a tool for use in locking and unlocking a load-enveloping chain binder, the tool being formed by cutting off the front end of a cylindrical pipe section at an acute angle to provide a leading edge on one side of the front end and an opposite trailing edge. One side of the pipe section is creased rearwardly of both the leading and trailing edges to form an axially sloping, internal, piloting and stop projection against which the handle of the chain binder is received, and while simultaneously squeezing the lateral sides of the pipe pipe section to provide a handle rearwardly of the internal projection.

Abstract: A packing hood handle adapter for providing an increased manual torque producing leverage to an elongated tool stem. The handle adapter includes an elongated body for providing the increased torque. The diameter or thickness of the elongated body is provided such that it can include an interior chamber defined by the body side wall which is large enough to receive the oppositely extending transverse handle or cross-member of the "T-shaped" handle. A longitudinal opening in the body side wall is in communication with the interior chamber and is wider and longer than the T-shaped handle to permit the cross-member to move into and out of the interior chamber. A transverse opening is provided to accomodate and seat the stem when the cross-member or oppositely extending transverse handle is in the interior chamber. The transverse opening is intermediate the ends of both the interior chamber and the longitudinal member, and in the case of the standard packing hook handle adapter, is at right angles thereto.

Abstract: An erector for holding a spin axis of a gyro rotor in the vertical direction used in a gyroscopic horizon or gyro vertical which comprises a gyro casing incorporating therein a gyro rotor rotating at high speed, a spin axis of the gyro rotor being held substantially in the vertical direction, first supporting member for rotatably supporting the gryo casing around a first horizontal axis which is perpendicular to the spin axis and second supporting member for rotatably supporting the first supporting member around a second horizontal axis which is perpendicular to both the spin axis and the first horizontal axis is disclosed, which includes a base plate, a motor mounted on the base plate, a rotation receptacle container having an annular shape cavity and rotated at low speed by the motor, and liquid charged into the annular shape cavity of the rotation receptacle container, the base plate being mounted on the gyro casing such that the rotation axis of the rotation receptacle container and the spin axis of the

Abstract: A control lever for an automobile which is used to replace original equipment levers without requiring the removal of the dashboard. A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a fork-shaped insert member slidable within a lever body, the insert having a pair of tines which are passed through a slot in the dashboard to engage a rotor plate behind the dashboard. By passing a screw through the lever body and threading it into the insert member from the front of the dashboard, the lever body and insert members are drawn together to clamp onto the rotor plate, securing the lever in place. Lateral movement of the lever within the slot will rotate the rotor plate, in order to select a desired function. Also disclosed is a method of replacing a climate control lever without removing the dashboard.

Abstract: The invention provides, for conventional electric trolling motors, a steering arm which allows positive and convenient steering from positions spaced a substantial distance from the motor, can be adjusted to allow steering by one who is standing in the boat being powered by the trolling motor, and is foldable to a stowed position while still mounted on the trolling motor.

Abstract: A wand for adjusting window blinds comprises at least two wand sections. The first wand section is an elongated rod having a hook at one end for attachment to a mechanism for adjusting a window blind. A connection means comprising four longitudinally extending lobes is arranged at the other end of the first wand section. A second wand section comprises also an elongated rod having four fingers at one end thereof designed such that the fingers interengage between the four lobes of the first wand section to releasably and non-pivotably interconnect the two wand sections. Small teeth located on the sides of the fingers engage in notches formed in the lobes to maintain the two wand sections in engagement. Additional wand sections, similar to the second wand section, can be added to the second wand section to further lengthen the blind adjusting wand.

Abstract: Door-swing restraint apparatus for a pair of latched doors closing an end opening of a cargo box comprises a chain or cable link connected between margins of the doors so that a person actuating a bar to release door latches will not be injured by freight items which bear against the door. One end of the link is fixed in the marginal edge of one door, the other end being fixed to a lever arm which can be selectably engaged with or disengaged from a lateral bracket on the latch bar of the other door, only when the arm is rotated out of its horizontal transport position into the vertical. Rotation of the bar due to torque exerted by a freight item pressing against the door is limited by a stop pin carried by the bar engaged in a slot in a door-mounted journal. The opening swing of the door is limited to a few centimeters as the link becomes taut and the lever arm remains horizontal, visually signalling the hazard.

Abstract: The invention relates to a directional gyro having two mutually perpendicularly arranged gimbals. The first or outer gimbal is fastened to a frame by means of a trunnion having a perpendicular axis. This axis is provided with an angle pickup to determine the course angle. The second or inner gimbal is provided with a gyro motor comprising a stator and a rotor, with the rotor axis being held in a horizontal orientation by means of a verticality device. According to the invention, the verticality device comprises an element which displaces the center of gravity of the inner gimbal and is attached, for example, to this inner gimbal, and an element which damps the rotary movement about one of the gimbal axis and which is formed, for example, of a ball bearing subject to a defined friction or of a slip brush.

Abstract: A handle extension provides a means by which a control on a power-operated device, such as a snow thrower, can be manipulated from a more convenient and safer location. A rod-like control extension handle is coupled to an existing control handle or lever by a unique connecting bracket which is so configured that when the present invention is installed by an unskilled person, the said connecting bracket in combination with the said rod-like control extension handle prevents binding of the present invention with the existing control handle thereby permitting more precise control of the power-operated device.

Abstract: A removable operating lever is provided for a ratchet buckle device for tightening and tensioning straps. The ratchet buckle has a bifurcated frame member with a pair of oppositely positioned parallel arms between which a reel member and ratchet wheels are rotatably mounted and employs a bifurcated handle member having a pair of oppositely positioned parallel arms rotatably mounted on the reel. The handle has a ratchet drive plate which engages the teeth of the ratchet wheels such that when the handle is actuated, the reel is rotatably driven. The buckle has a cross member on the handle member thereof which has mounting means thereon for mounting an elongated lever member which can be employed to actuate the handle member.

Abstract: A supplementary steering assembly designed to be used in combination with an outboard motor when the primary steering assembly such as a cable and steering wheel system or an outboard motor hydraulic-type steering system become incapacitated. A mounting link fixedly attachable to a tiller arm of the outboard motor is configured for movable attachment to a steering arm extending outwardly from the motor and inwardly in an accessible position to one positioned within the boat and having sufficient length to provide enough leverage to overcome the accompanying torque present during the operation of relatively high powered outboard motors.

Abstract: The invention concerns a vertical gyroscope rotary mechanical erector. According to the invention, the erector is characterized mainly by the fact that it features only one unstable pendulum (6) while providing the same quality on the vertical as the erectors fitted with at least two pendulums and offering as a further advantage, a greater simplicity and reliability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for righting and stabilizing a gyro vertical comprising: a disc arranged on the gyro housing and perpendicular to the gyro spin axis to be driven in the same sense as the gyro rotor, a cavity provided in the disc and a liquid drop movable in the cavity, the cavity being formed such that the liquid drop, with an inclination of the gyro spin axis with respect to the vertical, flows downhill into an edge portion of the cavity remote from the gyro spin axis, in which cavity it is taken along and lifted by the wall of the cavity in an angle range, thereby producing a righting torque.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for setting up a vertical gyroscopic device mounted on a moving craft, wherein the action of roll reset means is eliminated only with a delay time with respect to the rotation of the mass, this delay time being such that upon its expiration the kinetic moment of the mass in rotation is sufficient to ensure the stability thereof and the erector system is controlled in the sense of activation only with another time delay necessary to reduce the movement of precession of the device. The invention is applicable to the guiding or control of missiles or aircraft.

Abstract: An aid for turning a motor vehicle ignition switch (22) with flanges or mounts (24) comprises a handle (10) having a substantially straight portion (12) for engaging the flanges (24) and an angled portion (14) extending outwardly from the flanges (24). A knob (16) is attached to the end of the angled portion (14) of the lever arm for grasping and transmitting rotational forces to the ignition switch (22). Screws (26) are provided for connecting the handle (10) to the flanges (24).

Abstract: An attachment slidably engageable with the handle of a chain tightener for supplementing handle leverage. An end fitting on the attachment has an opening along one side through which the handle end may move during release of the tightener to permit separation in a harmless manner. A stop limits the extent of handle insertion into the fitting to contribute toward desired separation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for erecting and stabilizing of a gyro vertical, comprising a disc arranged on the gyro housing and perpendicular to the gyro axis, said disc being driven in the same sense as the gyro rotor but at a reduced rate as compared thereto, and having at least one guideway, in which a mass is movably guided, the guideway being arranged such that the disc with the mass is balanced with respect to the gyro axis, when the mass abuts the rear end, with respect to the rotary movement, of the guideway, and that the movement of the mass in the guideway causes an erecting torque, when the gyro spin axis deviates from the vertical direction observed.

Abstract: A gyrocompass with a tilt ring pivotable about a substantially horizontal axis has a U-frame swingable about that axis which forms part of a pendular system and carries a coupling lever engageable with projections on the lower end of the U-frame to immobilize the latter with respect to the tilt ring when the instrument is inactive, in order to hold a gyroscope axis perpendicular to the tilt-ring axis in a horizontal position. An antipendular system, comprising a liquid-filled U-tube swingable about the gyroscope axis, is overridden by the pendular system in the engaged position of the coupling lever but becomes effective upon disengagement thereof to let the gyroscope mechanism carry out necessary precession movements.

Abstract: Apparatus for actuating an electrical toggle switch including a rigid rod member, carriage means disposed along the length of the rod member supporting the rod member for movement with respect thereto, fastening means associated with the carriage means for securing the carriage means to a fixed surface adjacent to an electrical toggle switch, connecting means on the end of the rod member adjacent to the switch, the connecting means including a rod-engaging portion, a toggle-engaging portion and a pivotable section connecting the rod-engaging portion with the toggle-engaging portion, and an enlarged portion on the free end of the rod member remote from the toggle switch.

Abstract: Means for displacing elements, such as the rollers of printing machines, located between the upright frames of a pedestal machine. A rotatable drive shaft is supported in each of the frames parallel to the direction in which the displacement is to proceed, and is drive connected to the said elements. Adjusting shafts having hand wheels attached to their free ends and coupled to the drive shafts extend, when in working position, into the space between the upright frames. In rest position, they are displaceable out of said space, which is thereby cleared for access to the equipment.

Abstract: A detachable handle assembly is provided for a powered garden tool, such as a hedge trimmer. The handle assembly according to the present invention includes an elongated first member having a hand grip formed at one axial end. A clamp assembly is connected to the other axial end of the elongated member and detachably, clampingly receives the garden tool so that the garden tool can be moved by means of the elongated handle member. In addition, the clamp assembly is adjustably coupled to both the garden tool and the elongated handle member such that both the angle and pitch of the garden tool relative to the elongated handle member can be infinitely variably adjusted.

Abstract: A substitute toggle switch cover plate has an elongated opening within which is reciprocatively captured an actuating member having a recessed carrier portion at the inside adapted to loosely enclose the control lever of an electrical toggle switch, and a slide knob at the outside for moving the carrier member together with the toggle switch lever between "on" and "off" positions.

Abstract: A cable hauling apparatus comprising clamp jaws that are oppositely movable by means of a pivotable hand lever is provided with two hand grips associated with the hand lever. One of the two hand grips is located on one side of the apparatus and the other hand grip is located on the opposite side of the apparatus.