Abstract: The present invention provides an improved golf club having an adjustable length shaft retractable between fully extended and collapsed positions. In one embodied form, the inventive golf club comprises plural concentric telescopic interlocking tubular sections which produce a friction lock between the tubular sections in a fully extended position. When the inventive club is in a fully collapsed position, the proximate ends of the tubular sections are disposed in relation to one another in sufficient distance to permit grasp of a player's hand about one of the tubular sections, but without the occurrence of pinch between proximate ends of the tubular sections. In another embodiment of the invention, a durable lightweight golf bag is provided which provides a convenient means for carrying the inventive golf clubs and associated golfing equipment.

Abstract: An amphibious pedal powered sailboat apparatus is provided by the present invention. In one embodied form, the inventive boating apparatus comprises in combination a relatively lightweight boat hull having an upper deck portion, a bow portion, and a stern portion; a front pair of wheels mounted on the hull for steering and to provide mobility of the apparatus on land and a rear pair of wheels mounted on the hull to provide traction and mobility of the apparatus on land; a first pedalling stand fixedly mounted in the bow portion of the hull and a second pedalling stand fixedly mounted in the stern portion of the hull; the first and second pedalling stands each comprising a pair of foot pedals mounted for rotational movement about a horizontal axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the hull; and drive mechanism for coordinating operation of the pair of foot pedals on the first and second pedalling stands.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for correction of temporomandibular joint internal derangement with closed lock via small incision surgical technique. In one embodied form, the unique method comprises the steps of: (a) effecting visualization and orientation of the surgical site of a patient utilizing an arthroscopic device comprising a mechanism for prescribed calibration of the arthroscope depth; (b) effecting arthroscopic inspection of the surgical site, and in particular, the superior compartment of the temporomandibular joint; and (c) effecting lysis comprising resection and incision of adhesions disposed between disc and fossa of the temporomandibular joint region, concommittent with disc displacement. The inventive surgical technique includes an "arthroscopic sweep" of the superior compartment of the TMJ with lysis comprising resects of superior compartment adhesions. Subsequent to lysis, the superior compartment is thoroughly lavaged via irrigation and suction.

Abstract: An improved resilient end closure for a beverage container having a generally cylindrical side wall is provided by the present invention. The unique end closure comprises in one embodied form, a stabilizer disposed on a peripheral portion of the closure to limit axial movement of the beverage container when the container is oriented on a side wall; a groove disposed on the underside of the periphery of the end closure, the groove being configured to provide a snap fit with and detachably secure the closure to the top portion of the beverage container; and a through port disposed on the closure adjacent the circumferential edge of the closure sustantially opposite the peripheral portion of the closure having the stabilizer.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods and unique instrumentation for the detection and for the quantitation of chemical substances and has particular application for the detection and for the quantitation of immunological substances.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique ventilated fabric cover reinforced at selected portions for protecting finishes of stringed instruments. In a presently preferred embodiment, the inventive fabric cover is composed of interlaced, natural fibers woven or knitted in a prescribed ventilated pattern, and reinforced at selective portions which are more subject to wear as the instrument is played over time. The ventilated fabric is configured to protect and surround the outer rear peripheral portion of the stringed instrument, and may be custom sized for a wide variety of guitars, violins, violas, lutes, stringed basses, cellos, or the like. The unique cover further comprises elastic banding disposed in a central portion of the fabric to effect a tensioned form fit with the outer rear peripheral portion of the instrument to be protected.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved intraocular lens structure comprising a deformable optical zone portion with prescribed memory characteristics and methods and devices for implantation of such lens in the eye. The unique optical zone portion of the lens can be deformed by compressing, rolling, folding, stretching, or can be deformed by a combination of these techniques to temporarily reduce the optical zone portion to a diameter of about 80% or less of the cross-sectional diameter of the optical zone portion in an unstressed state. After insertion into the eye, the optical zone portion returns to its original configuration, full size and fixed focal length. The inventive methods and devices for implantation permit insertion of the improved lens through a relatively small incision made in the ocular tissue, thereby providing a safer, more convenient surgical procedure and more comfortable fit for the eye.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pedal powered amphibious sailboat apparatus. In one embodied form, the inventive boating apparatus comprises a relatively light-weight hull with peripheral air tanks along the interior walls of the hull, two pedalling stands which translate the rotational movement of the foot pedalling by one or two occupants to a gearing system by means of drive chains, which synchronously causes rotational movements of a screw propeller and a pair of wheels in the rear of the hull. Accordingly, the unique pedal powered sailboat apparatus of the present invention is capable of cruising water with pedal power of the occupants and capable of land transportation without use of a fossil fueled combustion engine or electricity.

Abstract: A unique support device is provided which is particularly useful for holding drafting templates and the like in a condition readily accessible to a working draftsman. The support device comprises an adjustable base member which is conveniently fastened to either vertical or horizontal framework of a standard overhead drafting/artist desk lamp, the base member being oriented with its center at the intersection of x, y and z orthoginal axes; and a post extending outwardly from the base member, the post being angled both with respect to the x axis and the z axis. Accordingly, the inventive support device enables the draftsman or artist to store templates, triangles and the like in a neat and orderly fashion and within easy reach thereby providing quick and accurate access of the work tool desired.

Abstract: The round sandwich holder is made of paperboard stock and has folded end sections which form open cup-like receptacles at either end of an elongated accordion-folding central body. The open cup-like ends are the handles to accommodate the insertion of a round sandwich, such as a hamburger. The bottom outside perimeter edge of the sandwich rests along the accordion-folding central body between the open cup-like ends. The accordion-folding central body is then adjusted to accommodate the diminishing bottom edge perimeter of the sandwich as the sandwich is consumed.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved packaging system for beverages, the system comprising a beverage container having an integral straw permitting automatic emergence of the straw when a pull tab is separated from the container. In one embodied form, the flexible, resilient straw is held internally within the container by a retaining collar member which is suitably secured to the underside of the pull tab to hold the straw in a deformed condition when the pull tab is not yet separated from the container. In a preferred embodied form, the straw comprises an upper corrugated portion to permit prescribed resiliency and adjustment of length when internally positioned within the container. Accordingly, the present invention provides a unique convenient packaging system for beverages which enhances safety and hygienic features of conventional pull tab beverage containers at a relatively modest production cost.

Abstract: A method for improving efficiency of an internal combustion irrigation engine is provided by the present invention. In one embodied form, the method comprises the steps of: channelling an inlet air stream to the engine through a single pass air cooler at a flow rate of between about 200 cubic feet per minute and about 5000 cubic feet per minute, the air cooler being a counter current flow packed cooling tower utilizing irrigation water as cooling means; directly contacting the inlet air stream with irrigation water in the air cooler to bring the temperature of the air stream within a range of between about 55.degree. F. and about 75.degree. F. and a relative humidity within a range of between about 90% and 100%; admixing the cooled and humidified inlet air stream with fuel; and directing the resultant gaseous mixture to a combustion chamber of the internal combustion irrigation engine.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved autoclavable system for packaging of intraocular lens structures. In one embodied form, the inventive system comprises an outer container having at least two optically clear windows arranged in parallel relationship, an inner holding fixture mounted within the outer container for receiving and supporting an intraocular lens structure in alignment with the windows and a liquid medium within the container which substantially duplicates optical transmission characteristics of fluid in the eye. The unique packaging system provides an autoclavable sterile environment for a wide variety of intraocular lens structures prior to implantation which permits visual inspection and measurement of important optical parameters of the lens structure without removal of the lens from the container.

Abstract: The present invention provides release agent compositions which are particularly useful for frozen food products and to methods for using such compositions in relatively low temperature environments. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the release agent compositions comprise one or more oils which remain liquid when held at a temperature of below about 0.degree. F. for at least 24 hours, and are characterized by having a relatively high degree of unsaturation, for instance above about 80 weight percent. Suitable oils for the first mentioned component of the inventive compositions include almond oil, apricot kernel oil, safflower seed oil, walnut oil, cherry kernel oil, grape seed oil and the like and mixtures thereof. The oil component is blended with lecithin in one embodied form, and with lecithin and white mineral oil of specified grade having a Saybolt viscosity at 100.degree. F. of at least about 250.

Abstract: An in-vitro diagnostic method is provided for detecting acetylsalicylic acid ingestion by a patient by utilizing radioimmunoassay procedure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an early warning sound alarm system for signalling unauthorized entry or attempted entry through a pet door when the pet door is covered and not in use. The alarm system in accordance with the invention, comprises in combination: a pet door including a frame defining a passageway therethrough, and a flap swingably mounted on the frame adjacent the upper edge of the passageway for swinging movement in either direction therethrough; a covering member removably secured to one side of the frame adjacent the flap for preventing entry through the passageway; and an electrically powered sound alarm, including a sound signal box, and a switch such as a leaf spring biased limit switch disposed between the flap and the surface of covering member adjacent the flap. The switch is suitably positioned to maintain the sound signal box in a deactivated state when the covering member is secured on the frame to prevent entry through the passageway.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a pedal powered exercycle mower apparatus is provided. In one embodied form, the apparatus comprises a mobile vehicle member having a main supporting frame and a centrally positioned cutting apparatus mounted on the frame at its lower portion for cutting ground cover and the like. The cutting mechanism is driven by a series of gears which translate force from the pedals into rotational movement of cutting blade about a vertical axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the main supporting frame. The apparatus further includes a plurality of sprocket wheels and a drive chain for apportioning power from the pedals to the cutting mechanism and to directional movement of the apparatus.

Abstract: An extractor for in situ removal of stump cutting teeth from a cutting wheel. The extractor includes a clamping device having a c-shaped frame with an elongated base member especially adapted to receive and then retain a downwardly stepped land disposed on a head portion of a cutting tooth. The clamping device is mounted on a slide hammer which when activated exerts a sharp pulling force on the head portion of the tooth to efficiently remove the tooth from the cutting wheel without distorting the original shape of the tooth.