Abstract: An anchor unit is described for releasably securing bases used in baseball, softball and the like at their appropriate position on a playing field. This unit is normally for permanent installation and yet permits periodic conditioning, e.g., dragging, of the surface of the field. The anchor is useful with any standard base, and that portion which engages the base retracts below the ground level when not in use. The anchor unit is comprised of an elongated hollow tubular body member having one of its ends closed by a cap. The cap is provided with a central aperture which receives a rod which extends into the body member and longitudinally along the longitudinal axis thereof, one end of the rod being in the interior of the body member while the other end of the rod extends outwardly of the body member adjacent the cap and forms a base strap engaging loop. A spacer disk is attached to the end of the rod interiorly of the body member.

Abstract: A thin substantially flat elongated metal spoon has an attached stabilizing buoyant body member covering a major portion of one surface of the spoon leaving an exposed bill of the spoon for deformation to modify, if desired, the characteristic movements of the lure during movement through the water. The exposed second surface of the spoon is highly reflective and is provided with hook-attaching means. The bill portion is provided with means for attaching the lure to a fishing line. The resultant lure is characterized by being laterally self-stabilized but unstable in a vertical and horizontal direction so as to provide for darting and dipping actions.

Abstract: A combined amusement and exercising device of the skipping or jumping type is described. A base unit is worn by the user at approximately the waist level. A large, rigid hoop is threadibly engaged with a portion of the base unit whereby the loop may be passed about the body of the user in a manner similar to skipping or jumping rope. Inertial momentum conveyed to the hoop during the skipping or jumping maintains motion of the hoop about the user's body. In some embodiments the hoop is separable from the base unit whereby the hoop may be employed for other exercising or amusement uses. The hoop is preferably circular; however, other shapes may be used.

Abstract: An improved metallic lamp socket enclosure of the cap-and-shell type for incandescent lamps is disclosed. According to the invention, the cap portion of the unit is provided with integral means for attaching a ground wire for safety purposes. The invention may be applied to units as they are manufactured or to previously manufactured units.A tool for forming the grounding means, and for effecting the attachment of a ground wire thereto, is also described.

Abstract: A device for intercepting droplets produced by ceiling-engaging sponges, rollers and the like is described. This portable drop cloth has a light weight framework which supports either a flat plastic sheet or a plastic bag, whichever is preferred for specific applications. The framework is attached to a collar-like member so that the unit may be positioned at a desired location along a handle of the ceiling-engaging element. In some embodiments the size of the frame, and its angular position with respect to the handle to which it is attached, may be adjusted.

Abstract: A teaching aid in the form of manipulative chromosomal models is described. Each chromosomal model contains at least two subunits, each subunit being provided with separable connectors at each end in the form of hook and loop type fasteners. A pair of chromosomal models of contrasting color permits the study of the behavior of the orientations and movements of chromosomal material during the cell reproduction processes of mitosis and meiosis. Simulated centromeres are provided for the further illustration of these biological processes.

Abstract: An intimate mixture of americium-241 and iodine-129 provides an energy spectrum that reliably simulates the spectrum of iodine-125 in a well-type detector. As such, it may be used as a long-lived standard to calibrate instruments such as well scintillation spectrometers in which measurements are to be made involving iodine-125.

Abstract: A shoe construction is described for improving the posture of the wearer, as well as reducing the wear on the rearward edge of the heel, without substantially changing the exterior appearance from conventional shoes. This is accomplished by hollowing out a portion of the top of the sole portion, particularly in the heel region, so that the sole of the wearer is inclined upwardly toward the toe portion of the sole at an angle of about 2.degree.-10.degree.. The shoe upper is substantially conventional; however, to comfortably accommodate the ankle of the wearer, due to the lowered heel, the rearward edge of the shoe upper is lowered an equivalent amount. The development is illustrated for shoes having a separate heel portion as well as for wedge-type shoes.

Abstract: An improved greenhouse which is of portable type, the greenhouse having the advantage of being very quickly and easily assembled or disassembled, the device consisting of opposite side panels and opposite end panels so to form upstanding walls, at least one end wall including a door, and the upper edges of the walls supporting a row of upwardly arched roof ribs that support a plastic canopy.

Abstract: An improvement has been made to a cryogenic liquid level detection system of the type wherein a small electrical current is passed through a filament of superconducting material to generate a voltage proportional to the length of the filament above the liquid level. This improvement involves automatically interrupting the current flow immediately upon the growth of the normal resistance state of the filament above the liquid down to the liquid surface. Normally current flow is then reinitiated after a preset time interval. In this manner there is a minimum energy input to the liquid from the current and thus evaporative losses of the liquid are minimized.