Abstract: An apparatus and method for on site pouring of pre-stressed concrete structures. A form, having elongated sides spanned by first and second bulkheads at each end, is assembled on a building site. The form defines the size and configuration of a structure, and has an upper edge determining the upper surface of the structure. A transportable cable pre-stressing frame is provided, having a first end and a second end with respective outrigger assemblies and at least one pre-stressed cable extending therebetween. Adjustable means are provided for positioning and maintaining the frame over and generally in longitudinal alignment with the form, the pre-stressed cable lying below the form's upper edge. Concrete is poured into the form, covering the cable. After curing is complete, the portions of the cable extending outside the concrete structure are cut, releasing the tension on the cable and transferring it to the concrete.

Abstract: A golf swing training device comprising an illuminator mounted on the shaft of a golf club and a detector assembly including a light sensor strategically located around the stomach region of the golfer. The illuminator provides a relatively narrow beam of light wave energy, preferably along an axis that is generally coincident with the longitudinal axis of the club. The illuminator may be pulse modulated, to provide a frequency encoded light output. The detector assembly detects the light output from the illuminator, and produces a buzzing sound or a vibrating sensation, to alert the golfer that the club is following a correct path and position through the golf swing. The detector assembly may include optical filtering and signal conditioning to reduce the effects of ambient light. With such sensory feedback, the golfer develops muscle training for a consistent and correct swing pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fragmenting and re-mixing agglomerated pieces of rubberized asphalt prior to applying same to a road surface. Agglomerated pieces and rubberized asphalt material are delivered to the upper portion of a housing. In a first embodiment, an auger and tine assembly having a common drive shaft, is mounted for rotation within the housing. The assembly includes first and second auger sections, mounted along the shaft in spaced relation and having converging, opposite handedness. A rotating tine section is positioned between the auger sections. A fixed tine section is mounted in the housing in interdigitized relation with the rotating tine section. In a second embodiment, the entire drive shaft includes a rotating tine section, and a corresponding interdigitized fixed tine section is provided within the housing. Passing through apertures defined by the fixed and rotating tine sections, agglomerated pieces are fragmented and re-mixed with the other material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for loading, securing, and unloading a vehicle, from a carrier bed. An aft axle restraint and ramp assembly is lowered to the ground, providing an inclined ramp for the vehicle to be driven onto the bed. The ramp is then raised into a vertical position and locked. The axle restraint, pivotally attached to the ramp, is raised and dropped over the rear axle of the vehicle. A fore vehicle hold down assembly comprises a pair of hooks pivotally connected to a lever arm. The hold down assembly is raised into a disengaged position, and the hooks are placed either over an accessory rack or the front bumper of the vehicle. Lowering the lever arm into an engaged position, pulls the frame forwardly and downwardly, securing the vehicle against fore and aft movement, and maintaining the forward components of the vehicle suspension in a compressed state.

Abstract: A fire-proof smoke canister is loaded with a fragrant burnable mixture, comprising wood chips, shavings, or sawdust, combined with one or more selected herb seasonings such as oregano, fennel, dill, sage, ginger, rosemary, thyme, or celery seed. The burnable mixture may itself be a combination of various woods, including vintage oak obtained from retired wine barrels. At least one aperture is provided in the wall of the canister, preferably in the removable cover portion. The loaded canister is placed on a charcoal, gas, or electric fired barbeque grill for heating. Once smoke exudes from the aperture, the meat is placed on the grill and a cover is lowered over the grill to confine the smoke. The aperture size is selected as to allow only slow, oxygen-starved combustion of the burnable mixture within the canister. The canister may be re-loaded repeatedly with new burnable mixture for successive barbeques.

Abstract: An articulated, adjustable, and lockable alignment arm, and associated extensions and accessories, which are user manipulable to model the size and shape of the fractured limb of a patient in the field. The alignment arm includes a first elongated arm segment, a second elongated arm segment, and connector means for interconnecting the first segment to the second segment through respective pivotal receivers having normal axes of rotation. The alignment arm is adjusted for proper orientation by setting it over the injury, and then locking the arm into a selected orientation which models the patient's limb around the area of the injury. Next, first and second arm extenders and protective end pads are used to expand the effective size of the alignment arm to form a custom splint structure. Lastly, the splint structure is secured to the patient's injured limb through the use of flexible cravats.

Abstract: A golf club kit having selectively interchangeable heads and shafts. The upper face of a club head is provided with hosel having a recessed sleeve with an open ends. A receiver, having a bore provided with spline grooves, is secured within the sleeve. A recessed screw port, axially aligned with the bore and the sleeve, is provided in the head's lower face. A club shaft includes a hosel connector on its lower end. The connector has a lower portion provided with external splines and an internally threaded bore, and an upper portion with a circumferential flange. The hosel connector of a selected shaft is inserted into the receiver of a selected club. A screw is passed upwardly through the screw port and is threadably installed within the bore of the hosel connector. The hosel connector flange is compressed securely against the upper end of the receiver.

Abstract: A foot support insole having four different versions, each providing differing degrees of arch support for use in any shoe or boot. The insole is biomechanically shaped to support the medial arch, the lateral arch, the metatarsal arch, and the heel. In each of these versions, the principal variable is the extent of support for the medial arch. Low, medium, high, and extreme foot support versions are disclosed. The insole design effectively distributes the weight-generated forces provided by the user into a neutral plantigrade position. Supporting the neutral position for the foot obtains optimum balance and weight distribution by dispersing the forces applied by the foot over the greatest area possible within the shoe. The insole allows the three foot arches to work together and function as a structural support tripod, alternatively absorbing compressive forces and recoiling into a stable support state.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the air discharged from an agricultural harvester. A separation housing has inlet and outlet ends. The inlet end includes an upper chute, a lower chute, and a separation wall therebetween. The lower chute extends from the inlet end to a clean air discharge intermediate the inlet and outlet ends. Air entering the lower chute is relatively clean, and is discharged to the atmosphere through the clean air discharge. Air entering the upper chute is relatively dirty, and is routed through the upper chute to a separation chamber having an upper input end, a lower output end, and a downwardly inclined passageway extending therebetween. Small particles and dust precipitate from the air and collect on the floor of the passageway. Harvester movement urges the particles and dust to exit from the output end dropping onto the ground, and clean air exits directly therefrom into the atmosphere.