Abstract: A pair of snap fitted linear rigid strut members together defining a panel frame end is disclosed. A male member includes a matrix which defines at least one linear channel and a part of a linear shaft internal to the matrix. A female member also includes a matrix which defines part of a panel edge. A fabric panel cover surrounds at least a portion of the female member to conceal the joinder.

Abstract: A protective ear covering has a self-fastening strap to fasten to the goggle strap of ski goggles or to a fabric headband. The ear protector's outer edge includes wedge-shaped riser to accommodate an ear's outward projection, while the inside rim of the protector, circumscribed by a deformable gasket, rests flat against a wearer's head. There is preferably an inner liner for warmth and comfort, and vents for ventilation and sound penetration are provided.

Abstract: A resealable container with a tearable face is opened and resealed by a label. The container face preferably includes a U-shaped slit to form a tongue with part of the label. The label has a dry side and an adhesive side, the adhesive side attached to the container face with releasable adhesive. The adhesive side also has a dry noncoated section at one end to serve as a pull tab. When the dry pull tab is lifted, the label lifts and tears the container along the preformed slit, lifting the tongue to form an opening. The label is resealed by pressing the label back into position over the opening. For better alignment, the label may be partially coated with permanent adhesive. Tamper evidence tabs and slits are also provided.

Abstract: A process for froth flotation of coal using gaseous carbon dioxide includes a preconditioning treatment of the coal with gaseous carbon dioxide followed by froth flotation, preferably also using gaseous carbon dioxide. The pretreatment causes the coal to show improved results in that less reagent promoter and frother are required, and the flotation time is reduced. The process is particularly useful for producing "super" clean coal.

Abstract: A fishing lure and a method of improving a fishing lure of the plug type uses a keel to impart stability to the lure. The keel is attached to either the lure bottom or to a lip bottom. By providing critical angles of keel drop and approach angle to the lure's center line, the keel stabilizes the lure and controls the action of the lure as it is pulled through the water, thereby effectively broadening the usable lure speed range without necessitating additional weight to maintain the desired depth of lure passage through the water.

Abstract: A stable, non-frozen potato product is made from fresh, cooked potatoes with a solids content of from about 10% to about 40% by weight of mix and a high viscosity alginate salt in the range of about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of final product plus additives. The product can be shaped into, for example, french fries or hash browns and will get its shape and stability without prefrying or prefreezing.

Abstract: An athletic shoe for running is disclosed. The shoe has a tread design of triangular faced, slope-sided, prism-shaped, canted studs arranged in a pattern which limits and controls impact forces conducted to the foot. A set of triangular, prism-shaped stabilizer pins molded laterally into and across the outersole protects the metatarsal bones and helps to propel the foot into the next step. Tetrahedral lateral heel stabilizers control lateral roll of the ankle area and pyramidal buttress supports at the stabilizer end reduce impact shock to the metatarsal area. An interior sole further reduces impact forces and an interior lining directs perspiration away from the foot.

Abstract: A sighting device to be used on compound bows includes a mounting plate and a sight assembly. The mounting plate is fastened to a bow belly side with a portion extending beyond the bow front to receive the sight assembly. The sight assembly has a rod, a sleeve, and a wire rod sight with two peep holes. The sight is transversely mounted through the rod and sleeve, the rod journalled through the sleeve. The rod is rotatably retained in the mounting plate and as the rod rotates, the sight pivots to provide both gross and fine sight adjustment.

Abstract: Two embodiments for an illumination system for a keyboard. One embodiment includes a channel located longitudinally between a visual display screen and its lower keyboard. An illuminator is mounted longitudinally in the channel so that light emitted is directed only to the keyboard and the work surface, avoiding illuminating the screen. The other embodiment includes a free standing keyboard illuminator including a housing sized to span a keyboard. The housing includes two contiguous, longitudinal sections with the first front section including a light source with a diverter to shed light only on the keyboard. The second back section includes a counterbalancing weight in relationship with the first section.

Abstract: A training device for developing skills in the game of basketball utilizing a hoop rim mounted on an elevated backboard above a playing surface is disclosed. An angular rope support arm is attached at its proximal end by a bracket to a hoop rim so that the support arm's distal end terminates above and proximate a hoop. A rope of a predetermined length is slidably connected to the support arm with one end of the rope long enough to project downward from the proximal end of the support arm so that it may be grasped by a user. The other rope end projects downward from the distal end of the support arm and receives a basketball. Suspension of the ball proximate the hoop may be controlled by the user to permit players to increase their skills in jumping to grasp or move the ball.

Abstract: A telescoping device uses pins resting in grooves to serve as stop means for telescoping tubes. Each of a set of telescoping tubes has at least one groove running longitudinally along the outer tube circumference. A set of two right angled pins rests in a groove, the first pin extending outward through an aperture in the next largest tube's wall, the second pin extending inwardly through a groove aperture to serve as a stop for the next smallest tube. When the tubes are collapsed inwardly, the progress of each tube is stopped by the second pin in the next largest tube. When the tubes are extended outwardly, the progress of each tube is stopped by the abutting of the first and second pins' ends in a groove.

Abstract: A track drive converter for two or four wheel driven vehicles is disclosed. The converter has three interworking elements: a track, a wheel disc and a roller assembly. Each set of tires on a vehicle's side is overfitted with one track. Each wheel is fitted with two discs and each tire is provided with a roller assembly. The track is composed of padded links and connectors. The links are made of three parallel rods joined at their ends by an omega-shaped bracket. Also attached to the brackets are the connectors which are a series of three end-to-end, movably connected, bars. Each bar may move independently of its mates, allowing a set of links to compress along one edge and remain apart on their opposite edges. This compression provides the curvature in the track needed for turning. The track drive is provided by teeth on the link sets meshing with indents on the wheel disc. The track is tensioned by rollers positioned at each tire.

Abstract: An inflatable insulated barrel cooler comprising a cylindrical, open topped, closed bottom, container constructed of sheet plastic or vinyl reinforced fabric. The cooler is somewhat rigid when inflated and in use yet is easily stored when collapsed. Insulation is provided by the trapped air of inflation. The cooler accommodates both 1/2 and 1/4 barrel sizes by incorporating a sleeve insert.

Abstract: A sectionalized, integrated, aquarium is disclosed. A parallelpipedal housing is formed by two interlocking U-shaped members. The area thus formed is divided into two compartments--an aquarium compartment and a mechanical filtering chamber. The filtering chamber contains filters and a reservoir. The aquarium compartment contains a bottom filter. The sections are divided by a vertical wall which has internal plumbing members and serves as a conduit as well as a divider. Water enters the aquarium section from the reservoir through the vertical panel and piping. Water is released from the aquarium compartment to the mechanical filtering chamber by waterfall action through slots in the upper part of the vertical panel. Water is continually in circulation between the sections, being continuously aerated and filtered.