Abstract: A horseshoe having adjustable flexibility 100 provides a body formed of left and right body portions 200, 300. In a preferred embodiment, forward ends of the body portions are connected by one of three or more alternative center pieces, each resulting in greater or lesser flexibility of the overall horseshoe. A rigid center piece 400 provides very little flexibility; a composite center piece 500 provides a greater degree of flexibility; and a flexible center piece 600 provides the greatest flexibility. The three may be easily interchanged. The horseshoe having adjustable flexibility 100 allows control over the degree to which a horse's hoof splays on impact, and other factors. A plurality of anti-splay flanges 700 allow control over the degree to which the hoof is allowed to splay or flex outwardly, by adjusting the rigidity of the connection to the horse's hoof. An elastic cross-member 800 may be attached between the rear end portions of the left and right body portions.

Abstract: A censoring assembly is adapted for use with a television tuner outputting a signal having a closed caption component signal. A closed caption decoding device produces a video signal having no closed caption component and converts the closed caption component into an uncensored text data signal. A censor device deletes words contained within the uncensored text data signal found in a list of offensive words, creating a censored text data signal, and may also turn off the audio signal for a timed period. The list of offensive words is generally pre-loaded with such words and phrases, but the censor device typically contains support for allowing the user to add objectionable words and for the down-loading of objectionable words from a remote location. A closed caption generator inputs the video signal having no closed caption component and the censored text data signal and generates a video signal having a censored closed caption component.

Abstract: A reinforced handrail provides two to four brackets attached to wallboard in a linear manner. Two brackets are end brackets, and there may be one or more center brackets. The wallboard is supported by vertically oriented 2.times.4 studs at spaced intervals, and is typically covered by tile, fiberglass or other protective surface. The wallboard and 2.times.4 studs may be strengthened by 2.times.6 reinforcements which are carried between adjacent 2.times.4 studs. Each bracket carries a short stand-off which is oriented perpendicularly to the wallboard. The stand-offs carried by end brackets in turn carry elbows. The stand-offs carried by center brackets carry rail supports. A handrail is carried by the elbows and rail supports. Where the handrail is formed from first and second segments, a stiffener insert may be used to increase the rigidity between the segments.

Abstract: The invention is a multi-focal-ratio reflector telescope which uses a primary mirror which can be rotated or flipped and is surfaced on at least two sides. The invention is useful to expand viewing options for astronomy and terrestrial observing. There are two major features of the invention which vary from the current art: A) Primary mirror blank/s are cut, finished and polished on at least two surfaces (or previously finished mirrors are laminated back-to-back or attached to a common structure to achieve this effect) to allow for multi-focal-ratio use; and B) mechanical and/or optical structures are provided to allow adjustment of the effective scope length for resultant primary mirrors which have more than one focal length. Telescopes equipped with the invention reduce the need for using a large variety of viewing accessories such as eyepieces and finder scopes. Magnification accessories such as eyepieces and Barlow lenses can also be increased in utility as a result of this invention.

Abstract: A toilet ventilation system moves air from within a toilet bowl and through a filter, or alternatively, out of the building by means of an exhaust pipe or duct. The ventilation system provides a toilet seat assembly having an air channel defined by the lower surface of the seat. An air channel cover is removably held in place on the lower surface of the toilet seat, covering the air channel. By removing the air channel cover the user may easily clean the air channel. A bowl-mounted base and enclosure is attached to the toilet bowl by means of the standard mounting bolts used to attach toilet seats. The toilet seat and lid are pivotally carried by the bowl-mounted base. A reservoir with a drain opening prevents the passage of liquid into a fan and filter housing. The fan and filter housing, carried by the bowl-mounted base, contains a fan powered by a direct current electrical system and an activated charcoal filter.

Abstract: A necktie storage case provides an envelope defining a channel sized to carry a folded necktie. A slide allows convenient manual loading and unloading of a folded necktie into the interior channel of the envelope. The slide provides an elongated body sized for travel within the interior channel of the envelope and through a slide slot defined in the envelope. The elongated body of the slide carries a necktie support panel having a size which prevents passage through the slide slot. The slide is movable between three positions, a transfer position, wherein the necktie may be manually attached or removed from the slide; a retracted position, wherein the necktie is fully retracted within the interior channel of the envelope and the elongated body of the slide is withdrawn from the interior channel; and a storage position, wherein the elongated body of the slide is folded against and attached to an outside portion of the envelope.

Abstract: A coil cap cover for a cylindrical coil of aluminum stock provides round portion 20 sized to fit either end of the cylindrical coil of aluminum and a substantially rectangular attached skirt portion 60 which covers an adjacent portion of the cylindrical sidewall of the coil. A welded region 70 connects a perimeter edge of the round fabric portion to an upper edge of the fabric skirt portion, creating a three-dimensional coil cap. An overlap weld 80 fastens the upper edges of the ends of the skirt portion together with a segment of the perimeter of the round fabric portion. A crimp weld 90 fastens a lower corner of each end of the skirt portion together.

Abstract: An infant observation mirror 10 is attachable to a rear-facing infant car seat 200. A fastening assembly 20 includes a C-clamp which attaches to the upper edge of the back of the car seat. Alternative versions of the fastening assembly include a modified alligator clamp and a resilient spring clamp. A first end of a curved arm assembly 50 extends from the fastening assembly over the car seat. A preferred curved arm assembly provides a resilient skeleton the shape of which may be adjusted and a soft protective covering. A mirror assembly 60 is supported by the second end of the curved arm assembly, and typically provides a light-weight mylar plastic mirror. An adjustment assembly 70 allows rotation of the mirror about a horizontal and a vertical axis. A lighting assembly 90 provides soft lighting to illuminate the child during night driving.

Abstract: Re-configurable modular food processing cells (10) consisting of rapidly re-configurable functional modules (50) are easily transported to any site for appropriate reconfiguration to process harvested crop material. Each cell (10) provides a shipping container-type enclosure (20), and is therefore highly transportable. Within each modular food processing cell are a plurality of functional modules (50), each module adapted for a specific food processing function, such as cleaning, grinding or filling or labeling containers. Transitional fixtures and fittings (80) allow the output of a first functional module to be input into a second functional module. A computer control system (30), carried by each cell (10), controls the operation of each module (50) by means of control circuitry (40) and video display instructions to the module operator personnel (16).

Abstract: A preferred version of the umbrella holder 10 provides a support rod 20 having two fastening blocks which slide within an axial channel inside the support rod to adjust the rod to attach to the inside of a golf bag 100. An adjustment support 40 is releasably attachable to the support rod, thereby allowing the golf bag to be used only with the support rod attached when use of the umbrella is not desired. An umbrella support 70 is pivotably adjustable with respect to the adjustment support, allowing the angle of the umbrella handle to be altered, as desired, and to compensate for the angle of the golf bag when supported by its legs or cart. A spring biases the teeth of the adjustment support away from the teeth of the umbrella support when a connecting bolt is loosened, thereby allowing convenient alteration of the angle of support.

Abstract: A laminated array of pressure swirl atomizers forms spray plate that produces a fine mist or spray of liquid. The atomizers may be arrayed in a custom manner that may be made application specific for greater efficiency. The spray plate is typically formed of a plurality of laminated plates. In a preferred embodiment, a plate adjacent to a fluid reservoir provides an array of aperture sets, each aperture set having two or three apertures that allow liquid to pass from the pressurized reservoir through the first layer. The second plate provides a corresponding array of swirlers, each swirler providing at least two swirl feed ports to tangentially project liquid into the swirl chambers contained in a third plate. A fourth plate provides a corresponding array of discharge apertures, which release the liquid in an atomized state.

Abstract: An apparatus for installation of a transmission fluid pan drain provides upper and lower deformation plates attachable to opposed sides of the transmission fluid pan by a threaded stud. The upper and lower deformation plates are sized and shaped so that when torque is applied to nuts carried on the threaded stud the plates are forced together, thereby deforming the transmission fluid pan, causing a depression or dimple in the fluid pan. After removing the deformation plates and stud, a hollow bolt is attachable in a fluid-tight manner to the transmission fluid pan in a manner wherein an upper end is carried above the pan and a lower threaded end is carried below the pan. An end cap is attachable to the threaded lower end of the hollow bolt, allowing transmission fluid to be drained by removing the end cap.

Abstract: A step-in snowboard binding 100 provides a base assembly 200 which is adjustably attached to the snowboard at an angle that is selected by the user. A front assembly 300 and a back assembly 400 are pivotally carried by the base assembly and are pivotally connected to each other. The front and back assemblies pivot between a closed and locked boot-restraining position, and an open step-in/out position. In a preferred embodiment, the front assembly carries an adjustable toe strap 350 and an adjustable foot strap 360. A fastening assembly 500 releasably locks the front and back assemblies together in the closed boot-restraining position. With both boots locked in the boot restraining position, the user is able to operate the snowboard. The fastening assembly is easily released, allowing the front and back assemblies to pivot to the step-in/out position. In this position, the user is able to step into or out of each binding.

Abstract: A ball bat typically used in playing the game of baseball or softball is constructed of an inner layer bounded by first and second outer layers. The inner layer typically contains four inner lamina bonded together, while the first and second outer layers typically contain a single outer lamina. The inner laminas from the medial portion of the barrel of the bat, as well as the handle portion. The outer laminas form lateral portions of the barrel of the bat, and are gently tapered toward the handle of the bat. The thickness and relative position of each lamina is related to the results of non-destructive testing of the wood forming that lamina.

Abstract: A ganged trolling device adapted to support a single lure provides a plate body 20 defines a forward hole 22, to which is attached a trolling line and defines a rearward hole to a which a fishing line supporting a single lure or hook is attached. A center bolt 32 and a stand-off 36 support left and right pivot arms 60, 61 between two arm stops 38, 40. A number of flashers 80 are supported by the pivot arms, thereby giving the impression of a small school of fish. A single lure or hook, trailing from the plate body, in a position somewhat behind the flashers, gives the impression of a weaker fish, unable to keep up.

Abstract: A pipeline trenching and laying device is disclosed, having a tractor supported portion, a ripper and a pipe feed chute. The tractor supported portion supports the pipe as it passes over the tractor. A plurality of rollers are spaced and elevated in a manner that carefully controls the curvature of the pipe. A ripper, towed behind the tractor by a rigid fixed connection, cuts a trench. A pipe feed chute is in turn towed by the ripper. The pipe feed chute provides forward and rearward portions separated by an articulating joint. A following roller, having a winch attached, allows pressure to be put on the pipe to cause it to curve in a manner calculated to pass over the tractor supported portion and through the pipe feed chute without bending excessively or kinking.

Abstract: A lumber stacking apparatus 10 is described having a sticker feed conveyor 150 for distributing stickers to a plurality of sticker stations 154 adjacent a rear of the apparatus 10. A sticker transfer conveyor 158 is provided with grippers 186 at each sticker station 154 for gripping a rear end of the stickers and lifting the gripped stickers from the sticker feed conveyor 150 and moving the stickers forward and depositing the stickers in slots 62 formed in arms 54. The arms 54 are moved forward and upward to pick up a layer of boards on an elevated surface and to transfer the layer and underlying stickers to a layer stacking station 38. An overhead layer formation assembly 100 has layer formation stops 118 that selectively project downward into the path of the boards to form a layer and are removed to release a layer. A stripping mechanism 122 is associated with the layer formation assembly to strip the stickers and layer from the arms.

Abstract: A drywall tape with an attached bead allows application of mud to adjacent drywall panels not oriented right angles. The bead is carried in a lengthwise orientation by the middle of the drywall tape on the side facing away from the drywall. The bead provides left and right rails that are typically 1/16 or 2/16 of an inch in height. The drywall tape is positioned in the corner between first and second drywall panels. The blade of the application tool is supported at one corner by a lip carried by one of the rails, and at the other corner by the surface of the first drywall panel. A guide tool is inserted into a groove between the rails of the bead at the upper end of the drywall tape, and is moved downwardly in tandem with an application tool. The application tool smooths mud about one side of the drywall tape carried on the first drywall panel. The guide tool carried by the groove prevents the application tool, or any mud pushed by the application tool, from contacting the second drywall panel.

Abstract: A fastening system 10 provides a fixed fastener 60 which may be removably interlocked with a strap fastener 20. The fixed fastener 60 is typically carried by a vertically oriented planar portion of a flatbed trailer, such as a section of the vehicle's frame. The fixed fastener 60 provides a base 61 and a hook 63, having ear and nose portions 67, 68. The strap fastener 20 is typically carried by the end of a strap 101 used to secure a load carried on the flatbed trailer. The strap fastener 20 defines a fastener opening 36 having left and right ear passages 38, 40, sized to allow passage of the fixed fastener 60 when the strap fastener is rotated so that the ear portion 68 of the fixed fastener 60 passes through one of the ear passages of the strap fastener. Such passage is almost impossible to result accidentally; therefore the fasteners will remain connected during use, and must be deliberately disconnected.

Abstract: A portable door lock and alarm is adapted to connected to the hinge carried between a door and a doorjamb. The portable door lock and alarm provides an enclosure housing a lock mechanism which includes a claw defining small and large hinge passages adapted to surround small or large door hinges. A bolt, extending from the claw and through the enclosure, is threaded onto a knob. After attachment of the claw to the hinge, rotation of the knob retracts the claw into the enclosure, increasing the pressure between the door and doorjamb and the enclosure. An attempt to open the door will increase the pressure on the enclosure; however, in a typical application, the door will crack, break or deform before the enclosure of the lock is crumpled. A circuit provides a switch that is closed if an attempt is made to open the door, thereby resulting in activation of an annunciator.