Abstract: A truss for use in building construction having a center portion adapted to “go plastic” during a seismic event, and two outer portions at opposite ends, which remain inelastic during such event. The center portion features spaced opposed upper and lower C-channels connected to interposed spaced gussets, which gussets are connected by both vertical angle members and crossed bars. The crossed bars are also connected at their midpoints to a connection plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a more efficient method of delivering therapeutically effective amounts of ascorbic acid and acetone to the dermal layer of the skin via the topical application of 5,6-O-isopropylidene L-ascorbic acid. This invention further provides a stable, cosmetically acceptable vehicle in which the 5,6-O-isopropylidene L-ascorbic acid can be applied to the skin.

Abstract: A balustrade which features premade gallery, rake and starting newels and rail sections, and the process for installing the balustrade using the newel of this invention. The newel is a tubular member having an insert disposed at the lower end thereof, and optionally including a hex bolt which has intermediate machine screw threads, and distal lag screw threads, the machine screw threads thereof being in engagement with a coupler, disposed above a rigid plate, and the lag screw threads to be disposed within a support for the newel. The process includes the steps of mounting the new gallery, intermediate rake newel(s),—location dependent—mounting the starting newel, and attaching the rail section therebetween, and finishing off the upper portion of newels by attaching newel caps. The balustrade can utilize the newel of this invention at one or both of the gallery and starting newel locations, and at an intermediate rake location if employed.

Abstract: A device for winding a flattened firefighting hose which has a T-bar of a handle and an abutted and welded shaft normally disposed to the handle. The shaft on its second end is recessed into a junction box on the opposite end of the shaft from the handle and welded into position. The junction box has a pair of preferably recessed spaced prongs emanating from the opposite face of the junction box. These prongs are also spaced apart and are of equal length. Stainless steel construction is preferred. All members are perfectly formed of round tubing though square tubing may be utilized and in either case should be preferably about ¾″ in diameter.

Abstract: A nail clipper of this invention has a somewhat V-shaped handle portion formed of a first upper handle and a second lower handle each of which is pivotally mounted with respect to the other, and movable toward the other. A nail holder, having an arcuate slot for the receipt of an artificial nail, extends forwardly from the lower handle. A cutter assembly having a forwardly disposed arcuate blade edge, is slidably mounted and interconnected to the upper handle's movement whereby it is actuated forwardly over the nail holder to carry out a cutting motion against a nail disposed in the nail holder's slot, upon the application of force to the two handles and moved rearwardly by a release of the grip of the upper portion. The apparatus also includes an elevation setter which may be used for controlling the size of cut of a nail inserted into the nail holder slot. A sizing tool may be employed with the elevation setter to preset the length of the nail to be worn.

Abstract: An apparatus for the temporary stowage of cables and lines which emanate from a docked vessel for obtaining power, cable TV and telephone reception, which apparatus may be permanently or temporarily mounted to a substrate such as a marina's decking. The apparatus includes a base to which is attached at least one and preferably up to four spaced springs, each of which is also mounted to an upper plate, from which a preferably flexible shaft extends in an upwardly direction. Mounted on the shaft is at least one cable and line receiving means for retaining the cables and lines therein. Cables for TV, telephone, and lines for fresh water and perhaps fuel can be stowed on the apparatus pending and during connections to such utilities.

Abstract: A device to permit upgrading of a building's utilities, as well as the addition thereto, such as but not limited to phone, tv, and electrical supply, to be inserted into new or preexisting sheet rock, or above or below the sheet rock to blend into the crown molding or baseboard as may be present. The device has a base frame to be attached to the studs in a cutout in the sheet rock, and which is sized in elevation to receive standard electrical boxes, and sized in width to preferably fit between adjacent studs, such as but not limited to 16 and 24 inches on center. A cover member element, has one edge located spline or a pair of spaced splines, each of which present matingly engages a respective slot formed in and extending forwardly on the base frame. In those areas along the length of the base frame occupied by utility boxes with components disposed therein, such components are covered over by standard electrical box cover plates which are attached in conventional fashion.

Abstract: A system for the dissemination of pheromone bearing carrier substrates which includes an airplane/helicopter mountable carrier substrate dispenser, the actuation for release of the carrier substrates loaded into the dispenser being controlled from the cockpit of the plane/helicopter. Each carrier substrate has one A member card and at least one B member card released upon actuation of the dispenser, for disposition of the carrier substrates within treetops, where the pheromone will be released automatically from the substrate of the card to dissipate into the ambient air. The released pheromone acts to confuse male members of a particular pest insect, such that the males are impeded in their efforts to locate females of that specie who would also be disseminating pheromone, to thereby interfere with the mating cycle of such pest insects.

Abstract: A modular truck rack formed from a plurality of standardized preformed parts which are used along with several other parts that can be made in varying extensions, permits the interchange of the components in every rack, and the replacement of certain others to size up or size down the same rack to fit any size truck of the same type such as a pickup. An easily removable rear bar—no tools required—permits the truck bed of a pickup truck to carry tall upright items such as a refrigerator without the necessity of dismantling the rack other than the removal of the rear bar.

Abstract: A burial apparatus for underground crypts, preferably those that include space for two stacked caskets, which apparatus includes a ground auger, a turnbuckle connected thereto and a flanged inverted L-shaped member connected to the turnbuckle and engaged with the crypt to retain the crypt within the ground. The apparatus works particularly well with an empty crypt and with a dual crypt when opened to receive a second casket.

Abstract: A device for the dispensing of drip system tubing for commercial installers of such irrigation systems. The device has a lower base upon which is centrally disposed a spaced bearing housing with a bearing therein for rotation of an upper base. The upper base has a reel optionally removably mounted thereto, for receipt of a coil of drip system line. The device may include grab handles for carrying it from location to location. It may also include a handle for aiding in the rotation of the upper base relative to the lower base for the dispensing of the drip line tubing. An optional counter for measuring the amount of drip line dispensed may also be included.

Abstract: An improved watering system for a Christmas tree which is mounted for sale or displayed in a commercial stand which defines a water retaining basin, the system being remotely located relative to the tree, and which system employs a water resistant container disguised as a Christmas gift, with a vessel to be filled with water removably disposed inside of the container. The vessel and optionally the container each having a water level indicator.