Abstract: A turkey call includes a housing and a striking plate for producing artificial turkey sounds when the striking plate is contacted by and moved relative to a rigid striking member that is moved relative thereto. The striking plate is preferably formed of an aluminum and includes a glare resistant striking surface. The glare resistant striking surface may also include a plurality of concentric grooves formed therein to allow for a more consistent turkey sound to be produced, even during adverse weather conditions.

Abstract: Self adjusting pliers for grasping a workpiece include first and second plier members each including a handle portion, a jaw portion, and an intermediate portion therebetween. The self-adjusting pliers include a first pivot pin about which the first and second plier members pivot permitting the jaw portions to converge on a workpiece and grasp the workpiece in response to initial movement of the handle portions toward each other. The self adjusting pliers further include a second pivot pin about which the pliers pivot once pivoting has been terminated about the first pivot pin so as to permit a further grasping force to be applied to the workpiece in response to continued movement of the handle portions toward each other. The second pivot pin is closer to the jaw portions than the first pivot pin to allow for a greater mechanical advantage to be obtained. The self adjusting pliers also include a biasing spring for biasing the handle portions away from each other and the jaw portions away from each other.

Abstract: A uniquely configurated splint designed to effect intrinsic muscle stretching includes a splint base and a splint tower. The splint base is secured to the arm of the person using the same. A palmar arch support is securable to the palm of the user and an end portion of the splint. The end portion of the splint has an upwardly projecting tower to which a finger supporting structure is secured. In use, the proximal and interphalangeal joints of the fingers are maintained in flexion and a force is exerted toward metacarpal phalangeal joint extension. This serves to stretch the intrinsic muscles of the hand. In order to accomplish this without also translating the flexor digitorum profundus tendon anteriorly, a palmar arch support is provided. The tower preferably generally overlies the palmar arch support. An associated method is disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying a generally dorsally directed force to the palm of a person's hand includes an upper structural support which is structured to be secured in generally overlying relationship with respect to the dorsal region of the metacarpals. The upper support has a base structured to be in contact with the hand and support for straps. A palmar compression pad is structured to be in contact with the palm of the hand with the strap or straps being placed in tension to thereby resist undesired movement of the flexor tendon and thereby reduce median nerve compression in the carpal tunnel. In a preferred embodiment the upper support win have a base, a pair of apertured towers secured to the base through which a strap or straps may pass and a suitable structure for fastening the strap or straps to the upper support. The strap or straps will preferably be adjustably and removably securable to regions adjacent the ends of the palmar compression pad.

Abstract: A method of reducing the carbon content of a dry bi-modal fly ash includes subjecting the bi-modal fly ash to dry vibrating screen separation into a carbon rich component and a carbon depleted fly ash component with the carbon depleted fly ash component being created with a carbon content less than about 4 percent by weight and at least 50 weight percent of the fly ash component of the bi-modal fly ash. The dry vibrating screen separation is preferably a single step process with no prior substantial concentration of the carbon component of the bi-modal fly ash. It is preferred to employ bi-modal fly ash produced as a result of combustion of coal. A method of making a concrete mixture employing the carbon depleted component is also provided.

Abstract: A food package including a tray and a sleeve surrounding the tray where the tray includes a rigid cover member secured thereto. The rigid cover member includes a first top surface and a second top surface elevated above the first top surface. The sleeve includes a front panel having an opening formed therein. The front panel of the sleeve is disposed adjacent the first top surface of the rigid cover member and the second top surface is received in the opening formed in the front panel so as to effectively retain the tray within the sleeve.

Abstract: A shaft of a golf putter has a stroke grip between a support grip and a putterhead. The stroke grip has an engaging face that is supported by the fingers of a player and a pushing face to be grasped by the palm of the player. The putter is in suspension by the support grip being supported by the other fingers of the player. When the putter is locked in suspension, the engaging face of the stroke grip is supported by the fingers of the player and the pushing face is touched by the palm of the player.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission comprising:a first input for connection to a prime mover of the vehicle;an output for connection to ground-engaging wheels of the vehicle;multi-ratio transmission means operable to provide a driving connection, at a selected one of a number of gear ratios, between said first input and said output;a further input for connection to the prime mover of the vehicle;means operable to provide a driving connection between said further input and said output via at least part of said multi-ratio transmission means.

Abstract: A drive arrangement includes an endless flexible drive element which cooperates with a pulley of variable effective diameter having two sheave members and a drive ring between the sheave members and able to run eccentrically when the sheave members move apart. The drive arrangement also includes a stabilising member for cooperating with the drive ring so as to maintain the axis of rotation of the drive ring at least substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the sheave members.