Abstract: A lawn aerator is attached to the front of a self-propelled lawn mower.

Abstract: A base assembly for playing softball has a base, and a ground-engaging elongated plate on the bottom side of the base. The plate is elongated, stiff and has a length greater than the width of the base. A strap passes horizontally through the sides of the base and then through slots in the plate. The strap ends are folded back and fastened to the bottom side of the plate in a tight fitting arrangement. A pair of spikes are received through openings adjacent the ends of the plate to anchor the base to the ground.

Abstract: A computer program for correlating coatings' material usage and cost impact with coatings ranges evaluated against an industry Cpk standard. Optimum range values are selected from the process and/or coatings applicators' manufacturer guidelines.

Abstract: An illuminated sign display is mounted on a truck or trailer sidewall. The display includes a four sided frame with one of the frame sides being hinged so that it can be opened to receive an advertising sheet, between a front clear plastic sheet for protecting the advertising sheet, and a rear white translucent sheet. The display also includes a white metal back sheet adjacent the truck wall and an illumination device mounted between the white metal back sheet and the white translucent sheet in a chamber formed between the two.

Abstract: A gear reducer having a hollow shaft is telescopically mounted on the upper end of a vertical conveyor drive shaft. The gear reducer is removed for repair by raising the gear reducer housing to separate the hollow shaft from the drive shaft while the drive shaft remains on the drive frame.

Abstract: A generally spherical body having a plurality of flat, small reflective surface elements is supported for rotation about a horizontal axis within a housing having an opening. A light source and a mirror are disposed in the housing to reflect light rays from the light source onto the mirror then to the spherical body to cause the light rays passing through the opening in the housing onto an exterior wall to simulate descending snowflakes. The mirror is adjustable in order to change the path of the simulated snowflakes on the wall.

Abstract: An energy absorbing assembly for a vehicle seat belt anchor. Two energy-absorbing members are carried on a seat belt anchor mounting bolt that connects an adjusting rail to a body pillar. One energy-absorbing member, upon contact with an object that is suddenly moving toward the bolt is initially crushed until the object contacts the adjusting rail. A second shock-absorbing member is disposed between the adjusting rail and the body pillar to absorb a continued motion of the object toward the body pillar.

Abstract: A golf training apparatus comprising a base pad with indicia for locating a golfer's feet for different golf swings, and a pair of footpads, one of which rocks on a fulcrum and the other is disposed in a non-rocking position for teaching a golfer a proper weight shift during his swing.

Abstract: A submersible underwater housing for a waterproof camera is adapted to hold the camera in either a vertical or a horizontal viewing position. The housing has a rudder to guide the camera when the camera is disposed in a moving body of water.

Abstract: This invention is related to galvanizing roll assemblies provided with self-aligning hydrodynamically lubricated roller-bearings used in equipment submerged in molten metal.

Abstract: A saw guide for guiding hand-held power saws of the type having a moving blade and a parallel guide edge used for cutting sheet and stock material. The saw guide includes a fixed arm of L-shaped cross-section comprising respective horizontal and vertical legs. The horizontal leg rests on the upper surface of the material with the vertical leg extending downwardly to engage an edge of the material. The fixed leg is affixed to the material using a C-clamp which clamps the horizontal leg to the material. An elongate variable angle arm also of L-shaped cross-section comprising respective horizontal and vertical legs is pivotally connected to the fixed arm by an adjustable angle locking assembly. The horizontal leg of the variable angle leg rests on the surface of the material with the vertical leg extending upwardly to form an elongate, straight saw guide surface for guiding the power saw.

Abstract: A ball valve assembly having a single valve body having a female inlet opening which can be coupled to a selected one of a range of commercially available conduit sizes and materials. A series of adapter fittings are used, each corresponding to a different conduit size. The adapter ring is seated against the valve inlet opening. A compression ring mounted on the conduit is inserted in the valve opening to abut the adapter ring. A compression nut is mounted on the valve body to compress the compression ring to frictionally engage the conduit.

Abstract: A steady rest having cams for adjusting both vertical and the horizontal position of the centerline of a cylindrical workpiece.

Abstract: A golf putting and swing teaching aid assists in developing a golfer's “muscle memory”. An elongated mat having a putting surface has a pillow supported for movement along the length of the mat. A putter line is formed on the putting surface. A pair of elastic members support the pillow such that when the a putter strikes the pillow, a line on the pillow is aligned with the putter line on the mat to indicate whether the user has made a proper contact of his club and the pillow. He develops his muscle memory by repeatedly practicing and correcting striking the pillow. The pillow can be removed from the pad and replaced by a practice ball to determine his improvement. Another embodiment of the invention has a pillow that is impacted by a club other than a putter. The resistance of the pillow helps to develop the golfer's swing.

Abstract: Self-aligning bearings are used for supporting a roll in molten zinc or zinc/aluminum, to permit the roll's shaft to align with the bearing axis between the pair of holding arms supporting the roll, and a pump for delivering metal under pressure to the bearing surfaces interface force a hydrodynamic film to lubricate the bearing components.

Abstract: A pair of threadably engaged sleeves are supported around a shaft, and engage the outer races of a pair of shaft mounted tapered roller bearings to apply a tensile preload on the outer races.

Abstract: A method for controlling insects, such as ants, comprising orally administering to the insects an effective amount of a food energy inhibitor consisting essentially of cellulose spent grain in a particulate form, mixed with an attractant without the addition of an insecticide, pesticide or poison.

Abstract: A optical flow-meter device comprises an outer tubular body provided with an inlet pipe fitting and an outlet pipe fitting for a fluid, and a tubular element made of transparent plastic material, which sealingly extends inside the body between the inlet and the outlet pipe fittings. The outer tubular body has two facingly arranged side openings for the insertion of a light-emitting element, and a light-receiving element connected to an electronic flow control and digital reading unit. A light-shuttering member is axially slidable within the inner tubular element and is shaped to allow the fluid to flow and at the same time to partialize or gradually shutter the light beam between the emitter and the receiver, providing an electronic signal proportional to the fluid flow running along the inner tubular element. A biasing spring member acts on the light-shuttering member to balance the fluid thrust.

Abstract: A highchair back support that fills the space behind a small child and the chair back. The back support comprises a seatback cover dimensioned to be slid over the back of a highchair, and a support cushion that is connected to the seatback cover and rests on the seatpad.