Abstract: An improved mast assembly for use on a sailing vessel having both an upper boom and a lower boom that allows a user to control the upper section of the sail independently or in conjunction with the lower section of the sail. The mast of the assembly is positioned away from the sail thereby utilizing a wire leading edge resulting in decreased wind turbulence, increased efficiency of the sail and greater sailing control over the rig and the entire vessel.

Abstract: A protective garment to be worn over English-style, riding breeches has a front pocket specially sized to hold mane braiding or other horse grooming tools therein. The pocket is located high on the garment, such as right below the waistband thereof, and the opening is correspondingly located so that it can be readily accessed by the wearer of the garment even when he or she is mounted on horseback. The garment can also be readily put on over English-riding boots because it has a suitably long slit extending from the leg bottoms toward the waist of the garment. The resulting garment protects the riders underlying breeches from being dirtied by the organic materials typically found at equestrian facilities.

Abstract: Ruminant repellent compositions consisting essentially of active ingredients derived from, or equivalent to, chemicals found in plants in the Amaryllidaceae family. Particularly, ruminant repellent compositions consisting essentially of at least one of: Methods are also provided for protecting foliage from grazing by ruminants comprising applying a ruminant repellent composition of the present invention to the foliage, thereby imparting the taste and/or smell of certain plants in the Amaryllidaceae family to the vegetation, which is thus made unpalatable to browsing ruminants.

Abstract: A method and device for avoiding fraud on a Taximeter or Tachograph, by connecting an auxiliary generator between the censor and the Taximeter or Tachograph. The signal which is applied to the Taximeter or Tachograph is analyzed by sampling, in an anti-fraud action is triggered off if this analysis shows that this signal has undergone a regular amplitude modulation.

Abstract: An assembly for gliding on snow, the assembly comprising a snowboard and a binding system for the boots of the user. The snowboard is provided with a large central depression defining two longitudinal lateral spars placed directly on either side of the depression. Anchor points are formed in said two longitudinal lateral spars. Respective intermediate plates for the front foot and for the back foot are fixed in the anchor points. The intermediate plate is provided in its middle zone overlying the depression with means for anchoring and fixing to the corresponding boot.

Abstract: A handling system for agglomerable materials has a hopper with four sidewalls, each sidewall having a slope differing from each of the other sidewalls by at least 5.degree.. The slopes are selected and the sidewalls have a length selected so that the outlet has a cross-sectional area not less than 50% of the cross-sectional area of the inlet. The handling system is well-suited for dispensing synthetic gypsum in the manufacture of Portland cement or wallboard.

Abstract: This invention relates to a module, made in one and the same piece, intended for interconnecting two monopair lines, typically two telephone or computer-related lines. It brings together in one module an alignment of three functional zones: a first functional zone of connection of the two "large wires" by I.D.C. and pusher with screw, a second functional zone comprising a test and possibly protection chamber closed by a cut-off lid, and a third functional zone comprising two I.D.C.'s for connection of the "small wires" and a connection pusher.

Abstract: A mount for securing a punching bag or other exercise equipment to a support structure has a helical spring nested around a rotatable, slidable rod. The resulting structure relieves torsional stresses and absorbs longitudinal forces experienced by the punching bag or other exercise equipment during its use, thus prolonging the life of such bag or equipment. The nested or non-serial connection of elements in the mount shortens the operative length of the mount, which is advantageous when the vertical mounting location for the bag or equipment is limited, such as by the presence of a standard ceiling.

Abstract: A compact, gas pressure regulator makes use of a substantially disc-shaped member which is biased within the regulator by one or more spring members exerting forces on the disc-shaped member at multiple, discrete locations which are angularly separated from each other about the area of the first surface. Movement of the disc-shaped member toward or away from a high-pressure orifice maintains a regulated, lower pressure for delivery through an outlet in the regulator. A member for mounting a pressure gauge is secured to the housing of the pressure regulator without substantially increasing the overall length of the regulator.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for connecting a sheathed electric wire in an insulation-displacing contact with the aid of a pivoting connection pusher. When the rotary pusher is opened after the wire is connected, a "semi-hard" point is passed by reason of a cam which pushes an elastic switch element, then the pusher is maintained in its position of maximum opening by a hollow in the cam, while the line connection then remains cut off by the effect of this cam.

Abstract: A compact, gas pressure regulator makes use of a substantially disc-shaped member which is biased within the regulator by one or more spring members exerting forces on the disc-shaped member at multiple, discrete locations which are angularly separated from each other about the area of the first surface. Movement of the disc-shaped member toward or away from a high pressure orifice maintains a regulated, lower pressure for delivery through an outlet in the regulator. A member for mounting a pressure gauge is secured to the housing of the pressure regulator without substantially increasing the overall length of the regulator.