Abstract: A compound or multi-function tool facilitates manually moving of the brake rod of a motorized land vehicle, and provides a dimensional scale integrally therewith by which the distance of travel of the brake rod between its brake-off and brake-on positions is visually observed and measured.

Abstract: An opener for a videotape cassette case of the type having a body and a cover hinged to the body, the body and cover presenting two parallel spaced-apart flanges when the case is closed. The opener includes a rigid element, which may be a flat plate, having a shoulder portion wider than the spacing between the case flanges when the case is closed, the shoulder portion tapering toward a nose portion which is narrower than the spacing between the case flanges when the case is closed. A closed videotape cassette case is opened by inserting the nose portion of the opener into one end of the space between the flanges and moving the case with respect to the opener so as to bring the shoulder portion between the flanges to urge the flanges apart. Continued movement of the case with respect to the shoulder portion of the opener causes the flanges to progressively separate from each other so as to pry the cover from the body and thereby open the case.

Abstract: A scalpel blade extractor and disposal unit formed of semi-flexible plastic material. The unit has a substantially closed chamber within which a blade mounted on a handle is received. The chamber has a top and a bottom and an abutment shoulder is attached to the top and extends below the plane of the bottom for the purpose of retaining the blade in the chamber. A mechanism is provided for increasing the distance between the top and the bottom so that the blade on the handle passes under the abutment shoulder. The bottom has a groove and shoulders around the groove for prying the heel of the blade up such that it is stopped by the abutment shoulder when the handle is withdrawn leaving the blade behind in the chamber.

Abstract: A hole locator for use by installers of electrical fixtures is disclosed. The locator comprises a tapered shank of light conducting material having means at a first end to pierce a hole in a panel such as a ceiling. The tapered shank wedges in the pierced hole to hold the locator in place. A light source in the second end provides light through the length of the hole locator so the installer can easily find the locator from the opposite side of the panel. An eye or a hook in the first end provides means for pulling a wire or a pull string through the hole when the locator is withdrawn from the pierced hole.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing tool is formed as a paddle plate, including top and bottom planar surfaces coextensive relative to one another, with a handle mounted medially and longitudinally aligned relative to the plate to provide a grasping surface for an individual to direct the plate onto flames by smothering such flames preventing oxygen access to the flame area. A modification of the invention includes a central conduit directed through the plate, with a bottom surface of the plate including a matrix of valves directed therethrough, with the handle defining a pneumatic reservoir for directing an inert gas through the bottom surface upon impacting of flames in a fire extinguishing situation.

Abstract: An improved hand tool is presented that is useful to pull or push the base of the female member of a snap fastener provided on a heavy fabric-like covering. By pushing or pulling on the female snap member substantially along the plane of the fabric, the snap member can be positioned over a corresponding male snap member for secure fastening. The tool comprises a handle member, an arm, and a force member, which is further provided with tension and compression notches. The tool thus gives the operator a means to positively grasp the female snap member and efficiently apply tension to the fabric covering so as to stretch the covering into the proper shape without substantial damage to the fabric-like covering.

Abstract: A hand tool includes an electrically-conductive work engaging portion. The electrically-conductive work engaging portion is connected in series with a fuse which, in turn, is connected in series with the tool handle. Small electrical charges are allowed to flow through the tool and dissipated through a charge dissipation system. If a large charge passes through the tool, the fuse blows, thus preventing injury to the tool user.

Abstract: A tool for manually rotating the crankshaft of a racing engine. The tool consists of a plate mounted on the torsion damper covering the end of the crankshaft and having a hex head on the outside for engagement with a long handled wrench to provide the leverage to rotate the crankshaft.

Abstract: A relatively thin bend formed shim tool formed of sheet metal, or plastic, is provided to help a locksmith view and have access to lock release mechanism of a locked vehicle door from the outside when the vehicle door key is lost, or left inside the vehicle. The tool insert sheet portion is inserted downwardly between the outer surface of the door window glass and the outer window sill rubber seal to hold the rubber seal deflected back out of the way when two wedges are pushed down between the door window glass and the tool insert sheet at opposite ends thereof. The tool has a curved back bottom edge at the lower edge of the insert sheet portion that depends from a rounded top that spans a portion of the door outer sill rubber seal to an outer diverging outward sheet continuation to a further outwardly extended handle.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotating a bearing assembly secured in an aperture at one end of a male connection member is provided. This apparatus includes an L-shaped member one leg of which engages a first surface formed on a longitudinal portion of a shaft member of such bearing assembly and a second leg which during use will be aligned with a bore formed in such outer end of the shaft member. A nut-like member is secured to an outer surface of such second leg which can be engaged by a tool capable of applying a force thereto for rotating such bearing assembly. Such nut-like member has a cavity formed therein adjacent an outer surface thereof. Such apparaus further includes a device for securing such apparatus to such bearing assembly in a removable manner.

Abstract: A ski boot key for operating ski boot pivotal closure latches comprises a rigid elongate member having a first opening at one end for fitting over the end of a ski boot side closure latch and a second, larger opening at the opposite end for fitting over the end of a ski boot rear toggle latch. The appropriate end of the key is placed over a skit boot latch and leverage is applied by grasping the opposite end of the key and urging it in a direction to force the latch towards its closed position. The key can also be used in an opposite direction to release the latches.

Abstract: A system for latching a plurality of connector modules (22) or multimodule units (18,20) in an array (10) to a panel (14) includes opposing parallel bracket assemblies (30,34) mounted to the panel and each having a plurality of latch arms (44) extending outwardly in associated opposing pairs at each module site, each adapted to be deflectable outwardly from the array. Each latch arm (44) includes a latching projection (48) latchable behind a latching surface (62) of a module or unit upon module insertion into the array. Several latch arms (44) can be ganged by a common cap (36) to be deflectable and delatchable as a unit, corresponding to several modules ganged as a unit (18,20).

Abstract: A tool for enabling the formation of smooth caulked joints between perpendicular surfaces includes a flat rectangular element defining four straight exterior edges and defining four corners of predetermined configuration whereby smooth caulked joints can be quickly and easily formed by moving the tool along the length of the caulked joint while maintaining the tool in contact with the perpendicular surfaces.

Abstract: A tire changing assembly includes a foot pedal mechanism connected to a connection assembly that includes a coupling for a vehicle jacking device or to a lug nut device. The foot pedal assembly is operated by stepping onto a foot-engaging element and releasing that element after applying forcing that element down. An operator uses his or her weight to force the pedal down and a spring returns the pedal to a raised orientation. The pedal movement is translated into rotational movement or into reciprocating linear movement so a lug wrench or a jack device can be operated.

Abstract: A tool especially designed for a workman in a particular industry has an elongate handle with a retractable sliding knife blade at a first end. At a second end a pair of rotatable wheels are mounted. When constructed for screen installation, one of the wheels has a convex edge for forming the screen in the groove of the screen frame and the other wheel has a concave edge for firmly holding a locking spline and forcing it into the groove to lock the screen in place. Where constructed for the paperboard box fabricator, one of the wheels has piercing points for laying out a pattern (a pounce wheel) and the other wheel has a convex edge for pressing a folding groove into the paperboard. The tool makes it possible for the worker to perform three different tasks normally performed in sequence with a single, hand-held tool to speed up his work, the knife being for trimming off screen or paperboard as required.

Abstract: A tamping tool having a pushing member configured for insertion into a hopper throat of a chipper/shredder device. An operator engageable handle is formed to an end of the pushing member, and a stop is formed intermediate the length of the pushing member for engagement with a hopper of the chipper/shredder to limit the distance the member may be inserted into the hopper throat, the position of the stop being selected to prevent the engagement of the tool with the pulverizing elements of the chipper shredder. A hook is provided on the handle for convenient storage of the tool on the hopper.

Abstract: A pair of hand held tools with one having a handle (10), and shaft (12) to provide a means of control and safe working distance. The body of this tool features a flange lip groove (18) which keeps the tool on the area being worked, a leverage rack (22) that provides a guide for the leverage pick and a means of pulling the panel flange lip away from the panel frame. A second hand held tool, the leverage pick and featuring a handler (32) and shaft (36) with a flared, flattened, angled tooth (36) for prying.

Abstract: A spinner tool device for use with a cartridge reel having a reel hub with openings for engagement with a motor drive, comprising a spinner body having a front face sized to access said reel hub, at least one projection pin on said face for engagement with said reel hub, an annular rim on said body sized to align said pin with said hub to permit rotational engagement, and handle means for gripping said body and rotating said hub.

Abstract: A stapler comprising a drive member and a staple magazine member. The stapler also comprises a clip driver including upper and lower casings and a connecting band. The connecting band has a staple guide grooves so as to function as an anvil. The clip driver is pivotally connected to the stapler by means of pivot member.

Abstract: An improved tool for folding and unfolding spring-loaded missile wings is sclosed. The tool comprises an angled aluminum shaft with an unlocking stud sized to engage the wing deployment mechanism inside the wing. After a U-bracket has been attached to the wing's mounting bar, the tool is inserted into the U-bracket until the unlocking stud in positioned over the hole in the wing leading to the wing deployment mechanism. Pushing the unlocking stud through the hole forces the wing deployment mechanism to unlock, thus allowing the wing to be folded. The tool is also designed to assist in the wing spreading operation.

Abstract: The torque converter repair tool of this disclosure includes a small plate that can be mounted on the torque converter housing with the starter motor removed. A positioning hole in the plate engages over a locator stud, which is normally used to position the starter motor, and another hole slideably receives a hand screw that threads into a tapped hole in the housing to secure the tool temporarily in place. A shaft is rotatable in the plate, and, when in place, a pinion on the inboard portion of the shaft engages the ring gear of the torque converter. The outboard end of the shaft may be engaged by a socket wrench for hand rotation of the shaft and, with it, the flywheel.

Abstract: An unlatching device for disengaging door security latches, of the type with a swing arm and a stationary arm, from the exterior. The security latch opener comprises a thin piece of metal; two finger like prongs formed at one end of the piece of metal; a series of four bends creating an offset area approximately at the center of the piece of metal; said prongs having notches at an outer end for engaging said swing arm of said security latch.

Abstract: An extension device is provided for opening and closing an air vent lever and consists of upper and lower slots in an enlarged aperture within an enlarged head transversely placed on an elongated handle. The handle is grasped by a user of the device in which the slots can open and close the air vent lever. In a modification the handle can be angularly adjusted and locked in position so that the user can reach an out of the way air vent lever.

Abstract: A transmission operator lever mechanism is used to establish the desired operating condition in a transmission. An indicator mechanism with a pointer and indicia is provided to show the selected operating condition. The operator lever is connected with the indicator pointer through an adjustable mechanism comprising a clip and a cable. A tool engaging structure is formed on a portion of the lever mechanism. A tool is engageable in the clip and in the tool engaging structure to permit manipulation of the clip relative to the lever whereby the desired operating condition and the selected condition represented by the indicia and pointer will be in agreement.

Abstract: A tool and method of using the tool are provided for use in making brake backlash adjustments in heavy duty vehicles. The tool is specially designed to overcome a problem of locking collars for brake adjusting screws becoming stuck in retracted positions. The tool features an adjustable clamp, a pivot support, and a lever arm which cooperate to restore locking collars to their original positions.

Abstract: A tool is provided for removing plastic grommets embedded within concrete to be post-tensioned. The tool has a conical shaped head for insertion into the grommet sleeve. The tool includes a wide bore that extends through the entire tool which slips over a central protrusion of the post-tension concrete grommet. The bore is open along its entire length so that the head may be slipped over a cable used to post-tension the concrete. The conical section further includes 2 radially extending slots spaced 90.degree. apart which extend from the bore to the outer periphery of the conical section. These slots transmit the torque to the grommet through wings connected to the sleeve. A hole is provided within the tool for connection of a handle to the tool. The handle manually turns the tool about the axis of the bore, thereby delivering torque to the grommet and releasing it from its embedded position within the concrete.

Abstract: A device adapted to assist in the alignment of a railroad car drawheads for coupling, said device having connecting means by which the handle thereof may be rigidly connected to, and serve as an extension of, the drawhead for the purpose of increasing leverage when rotating said drawhead on its pivot.

Abstract: A device for removing a ring closed and locked by a fastener containing a protruding fastener lock, the device includes a fastener engagement member having a wall and a floor which define a recess adapted to receive the fastener therein. Attached to an outer surface of the fastener engagement member is a lever member adapted to exert force on the fastener when the lever member is moved, thereby breaking the ring locked to the fastener.

Abstract: A tool for use in stretching or elongating an axle ring so that it may be removed from an associated axle. A lever with an elongated nose impacts against a narrow band across the width of the axle ring and produces a peening or plastic flow action to elongate the ring. The tool includes means for locating itself on the axle to properly position the nose both axially and radially.

Abstract: A compact, pocket-sized dart repair tool having a planar, elongated handle with a pin-like protuberance, a flight lock-opening portion, and a flight lock-closing portion. The flight lock-opening portion has a wedge-like spade. The flight lock-closing portion has a conical socket or other apertures extending through the tool. The tool is useful, via the pin-like protuberance, to tighten or loosen the threaded connection between a shaft of the dart and the barrel of the dart. The tool is useful, via the flight lock-opening portion, to open a flight lock of a dart. The tool is useful, via the flight lock-closing portion, to close the flight lock.

Abstract: A device used to wind the recoil starter spring of a small engine and hold the spring in a wound position while the maintenance person installs a new starter system pull rope.

Abstract: This invention is related to a hand tool specifically designed for operation to mount or remove a bicycle crank to or from the bolted bottom bracket bearing axle of a bicycle frame, which includes a tool handle having a front wedge to serve as a driver, a screw bolt having one end fixedly connected with a socket and having the other end movably connected with a bolted sleeve by means of screw joint. Through the arrangement of the said component parts, the hand tool is very practical for dismounting the fastening elements of bicycle cranks.

Abstract: A tool for assisting a person to attach the fabric top of a utility or military vehicle, such as a JEEP, to the back of the vehicle body. The tool is an adjustable length flexible belt with a loop at its lower end. A rigid hook mmber is attached to the upper end of the belt. The hook member fits over the usual rear cross rod over which the fabric top passes from front-to-back and down to the back of the vehicle body. The combined length of the hook and belt is slightly less than the vertical distance of the rear cross rod on the vehicle down to the ground or other support surface on which the vehicle rests. A person using the tool pushes his foot down on the loop at the lower end of the belt, causing the belt to pull the cross rod down far enough to make it easy to attach snap fastener elements on the lower back end of the fabric top to complementary snap fastener elements on the back of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A shiftable, roller-type, high mechanical advantage carpet device (10) is provided to facilitate the rapid and firm attachment of carpeting (44) to upstanding tack stripping (52) typically provided adjacent a baseboard (50). The device (10) preferably includes an integral metallic frame (12) presenting an obliquely oriented central handle section (26) providing ample clearance for use of the device (10) adjacent a wall or baseboard (50). The device (10) further includes a pair of spaced, fore and aft wheel assemblies (14, 16) rotatably secured to the frame (12) and adapted to contact the upper surface of carpeting (44) above the tack stripping (52).

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling and disassembling threadably engageable members, which comprises: (a) wrenching means and (b) an integral securing means and torque limiter assembly; said assembly comprising, in combination, securing means operatively associated with a pinion block pivotally mounted on a solid base, said pinion block having a surface which bears against biasing means connected to force means, preferably a compression spring, which provides a predetermined amount of torquing when a first member is held in said securing means and a second member is turned relative thereto by said wrenching means, whereby the amount of torquing is limited by the pivotal movement of said pinion block.

Abstract: A tool to aid in the removal of an impeller from its respective shaft. The tool has two arms. One of the arms has gripping means in which the impeller vane is placed. The other arm has a hole through it so that the tool may be affixed to a rigid structure such as the pump impeller housing. The attachment of the tool of the present invention to a rigid structure allows the impeller to be fixed in position so that any rotary motion of the shaft does not cause the impeller to move.

Abstract: A tool for manually adjusting the viewing angle of said rear view mirror provided on the passenger side of vehicles. The tool is elongated for spanning the distance from a driver side of a vehicle, past the passenger side to an external rear-view mirror. The tool includes a tool end that conforms to the shape of the mirror housing enables a user to firmly enclose the housing and exert mechanical forces via the grip end to pivotally adjust the mirror to a desired viewing angle.

Abstract: A new method and an apparatus for manually rotating the adjusting screw mechanism or star wheel of a vehicle wheel brake is adapted to displace the pawl of the brake adjusting mechanism and disengage it from the star wheel, thereby allowing rotation of the star wheel while the pawl remains disengaged through the use of a single tool, leaving both hands of the mechanic free to manipulate the brake tool.

Abstract: A screen installer's tool for use when installing screening material in a frame. The tool is designed to be held in the hand with a knife blade at one end and a rotatable screen forming wheel at the other end. The body of the tool is made in two parts joined together by screws with an internal compartment which houses a supply of knife blades and also a slidable knife blade carrier. The carrier includes a finger-operable detent and pawl for permitting slidable movement of the carrier and knife blade in and out of the internal compartment so that when not in use the knife blade is locked in place within the tool body.

Abstract: A hinge pin is temporarily held on a first hinge member on the automobile body by means of a hinge pin support mechanism. A door to be attached to the automobile body is held in position, and a second hinge member on the door is brought into engagement with the first hinge member. The hinge pin is pressed into the second hinge member through the first hinge member to couple the door to the automobile door. The hinge pin support mechanism includes a hinge pin retaining member including a ring separably joined to a plurality of legs. When the hinge pin is pressed into the hinge members, the ring is sheared off from the legs and rides in a peripheral groove defined in the hinge pin. The ring then engages one of the hinge members to prevent the hinge pin from being removed from the hinge members. The door can automatically be attached to the automobile body by a door attaching mechanism and detached from the automobile body by a door detaching mechanism.

Abstract: A control wand for use in connection with a ceiling fan for grasping the pull chain and for movement of the motor directional control button thereon. The control wand includes an elongated rod-shaped body with an integral handle formed at one end. The end has a right angle bent portion with a hook-shaped element formed at an end region thereof. The spacing between the hook element and the right angle bent portion is sufficiently large to permit the pull chain to fit therein, but sufficiently small to prevent the passage of an enlarged end of the pull chain to pass therethrough when the wand engages the pull chain and is pulled in a downward direction. The right angle bent portion at the second end of the control wand presents flat upper and lower edges which provide engagement surfaces for moving the directional control button upwardly and downwardly.

Abstract: A bed sheet stuffing device has an elongated thin flat shaft member and a clamp element attached on a leading end portion of the shaft member adapting the device for use in stuffing a corner of a bed sheet under a waterbed mattress. The shaft member and clamp element are both composed of resiliently flexible material and configured to be flexible about axes extending across their respective widths. The clamp clement has an outwardly flared guide lip at its forward end which together with the forward edge of the shaft member defines a slot normally closed at its front and sides but adapted to be forceably opened for receiving therethrough an edge of the bed sheet corner. A cavity is defined between the clamp element and shaft member aft of the lip is open at its opposite sides and closed and pivots at its rear end. The cavity at its forward end communicates with the slot.

Abstract: A hand-held hammer formed of: a hammer head including a principal elongated body portion of square cross-sectional configuration and having at least one nail striking surface of square shape at one end of the body portion; and an elongated hammer handle affixed at its forward end in substantially perpendicular orientation to the body portion of the hammer head. The hammer head is turned by 45.degree. from the axis of the hammer handle whereby a pair of opposing edges of the head is in alignment with the axis of the handle and whereby the square nail striking surface of the head provides right and left side corners of striking surface area for setting nails and the square shape of the nail striking surface improves the hammer user's nail driving accuracy during the rearward to forward or upward to downward swing movement of the hammer.

Abstract: A lawn mower blade lock is provided which is especially useful for servicing a lawn mower by enabling both lifting one side of a lawn mower to expose the blade and simultaneously securing the blade of the mower against rotation during efforts to remove the blade. The lock includes a handle and a pair of blade constraining barriers which extend beneath the mower deck and resist rotation, combined with a locking mechanism which attaches to the mower deck. The locking mechanism preferably includes a threaded shank which clamps the mower deck between the barriers and an abutment on the shank for resisting rotation of the blade relative to the deck. In this manner, the lock is easy to attach and remove, and thus is also useful during storage of the mower to prevent inadvertent starting of the lawn mower by children. Moreover, the lawn mower blade lock is economical to construct and easy to attach.

Abstract: The Balloon Stretcher includes a molded base and a bottom bolt which adjusts to clamp the base to a countertop. Within the base and projecting from it is a stationary rod and an adjustable rod with a handle. This adjustable rod has a set screw which, when loosened allows the rod to be pulled out and away from the fixed rod and, when tightened, allows the adjustable rod to be held firmly in any one of various positions. By loosening the set screw the adjustable rod may be pushed back to its starting position, parallel to the stationary rod. The neck of a latex balloon in any size from five inches and larger is fitted over and up the ends of both rods. The rods are inside the balloon and the rod ends protrude into the body of the balloon. The set screw is then loosened and the adjustable rod is pulled out in a straight line away from the Balloon Stretcher base.

Abstract: An impact blade tool particularly suitable for tucking carpet and the like into tight corners and beneath baseboards, although the impact blade tool has other application. The impact blade tool includes a handle having substantial mass for driving a blade member including a shank or guide portion telescopically mounted on the handle. A spring resiliently biases the handle away from the blade member and a stop limits telescopic movement of the blade member shank portion away from the handle. The blade member and handle have mating impact driving surfaces such that the handle functions as an impact driver for driving the blade member for tucking carpet or other applications. In the most preferred embodiment, the stop also functions as a blade orienting means releasably retaining the blade in a plurality or oriented positions relative to the handle. The blade portion may be configured similar to a conventional carpet tucking tool or an arcuate carpet knife also used for carpet tucking.

Abstract: A disc brake tool as set forth for rotatably manipulating a piston associated with a conventional disc brake caliper assembly. A support platen has secured thereto, on a first surface, a torque transmitting projection formed in a hexagonal configuration where a second surface of the support platen includes a plurality of removably secured Allen wrench projections for cooperating with the aforenoted piston associated with a disc brake caliper.

Abstract: A wall track installation device for use in installing fabrics on a wall, with the fabric being suspended on the wall by sections of plastic wall track each having a base including first and second opposed edges, a first shoulder having a free end extending outwardly from the first edge, a second shoulder extending outwardly from the second edge and a panel hingedly coupled to the second shoulder and adapted to lock over the first shoulder to capture the fabric therebetween. The device includes an elongated frame having a third edge with a groove formed therein sized to receive the free end of the first shoulder therein. The third edge further includes a raised surface having a predetermined thickness which extends along the length of the groove.

Abstract: An IC-wafer handling tool comprising an aluminum handle, a detachable polyimid pointed end member and a detachable polyimid hook end member. The pointed end is used in cooperation with a vacuum pick to load wafers into susceptor pockets, and the hooked end is used in cooperation with a vacuum pick to unload wafers. During loading and unloading, the only contact with the front side of the wafer is at the edge of the wafer, which does not contain integrated circuit structure, thereby decreasing particulate contamination of the wafer and the associated IC structure on the wafer.

Abstract: A thimble screw alignment plate is disclosed herein that greatly facilitates the removal and reinstallation of the bottom nozzle of a fuel assembly. The screw alignment plate includes a plurality of bores registrable with the screw holes of a bottom nozzle, and a resilient sleeve mounted over each bore for receiving, retaining and aligning the threaded end of a screw with each such screw hole. The alignment plate is particularly adapted for use in an overall fuel assembly repair and reconstitution system, and greatly expedites the removal of bottom nozzles whose feet include flanges or gussets that obstruct access to one or more of the thimble screws that connect the bottom nozzle to the support skeleton of the fuel assembly.