Abstract: A stringed instrument keyboard consists of a plate secured above a fingerboard of an instrument with multiple keys uniquely arranged on that plate. Each key consists of a rectangular key top, a key shaft extending downward from the key top through an access hole in the plate toward the fingerboard, and a key tip attached to the opposite end of the key shaft suitable for depressing an instrument string against a particular fret on the fingerboard. Pressing the key top causes the associated key tip to apply pressure to the string beneath that key in an opportune position to hold the string against an adjacent fret. Thumb levers may be used to depress certain keys. The keyboard facilitates learning how to play a stringed instrument, by simplifying the manipulation required to hold strings in appropriate positions and minimizing the pain associated with holding strings with finger tips.

Abstract: The present invention provides a frame for attaching a license plate or novelty plate to a vehicle, with the capability of attaching an emblem to the frame in a desired location chosen by the user from multiple possible points of attachment. Multiple receptacles may be formed in the frame, each suitable for receiving and tightly holding an protuberance extending from an emblem, so that the emblem may be attached to the frame wherever there is a receptacle. Alternatively, a separate clip may be placed behind the frame, with prongs extending forward around the frame to attach to an emblem in any position on the frame where the clip is located. The position of the emblem on the frame may be shifted up and down or side to side. The emblem may also be removed and repositioned in a new position selected by the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a handle for attachment to luggage, vacuum cleaners, or another object to be moved. The handle includes a ball with a smooth surface surrounded by a hollow socket. A hole in the socket provides a passage way for a rod or other attachment mechanism to extend from the ball to the object to be moved. The socket freely moves in all directions with respect to the ball and the attachment mechanism, limited only by contact between the attachment mechanism and the edge of the hole in the socket which surrounds that attachment mechanism. Multiple ribs protrude from the interior of the hollow socket toward the ball, decreasing potential friction between the socket and the ball, thus facilitating free movement of the socket. In this manner, the socket automatically moves into a position which is ergonomically desirable for the user grasping the socket to move the object.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for removing heavy metals such as gold from sand. A mixture of sand and metals is placed in a hollow tube which has an open end, an opposite closed end at a relatively lower position, an exterior, and an interior formed into spiral grooves. The grooves are arranged in a helical fashion so that metal caught in the grooves is carried toward the open end of the tube as the tube is rotated. Water is supplied to the tube to mix with the sand and metal, so that rotation of the tube causes relatively heavy metal to be washed from the sand and water mixture into the grooves. The mechanism can be transported to a location where heavy metals naturally occur in sand or other materials.