Abstract: A decking system utilizing non-skid plastic covers applied to specially sawn wooden deck members is disclosed. The wooden deck members include a plurality of channels or "kerfs" which are sawn or notched into one side of each deck member. The covers have leg members which are specifically designed to match or mate with the kerfs of the deck members. The kerfs of the deck members and the leg members of the plastic covers have dimensions which allow for the expansion and contraction of the deck members, as well as the cross-sectional expansion and contraction of the covers, during periods of extreme atmospheric conditions.

Abstract: A combination tool for use by painters is disclosed. The tool consists of a putty knife, a retractable dusting brush, a hammer, a lever tool and a nail extractor which are ergonomically positioned and designed into one compact device.

Abstract: An apparatus for interconnecting form structures, such as formboards and the like, is disclosed which allows for the permanent or removable attachment of a connecting device to the ends of adjacent form structures and which provides for the quick and easy assembly and disassembly of the forms. The connecting device employs opposing connector plates which can be permanently or removably mounted to abutting ends of successive form structures and has a latching device which allows the connector plates to be quickly and easily latched and unlatched for efficient assembly and disassembly of the forming structures.

Abstract: A multi-ported axle hub and wheel assembly for directing and channeling liquids or dry chemicals under pressure from a single source to a plurality of outlet ports or spray nozzles rotating about the axis of the invention is disclosed. The apparatus can be used to direct and channel liquid or dry chemicals under pressure to, and to provide a source of rotation for, recreational devices such as water toys and for other non-recreational devices where liquid propulsion, liquid mixing or rotational spraying is desired.

Abstract: A hollow, centrifugally cast, utility pole having tapered external linear dimensions is disclosed. The pole is formed utilizing conventional centrifugal casting methods wherein a tapered mold is used to impart a tapered shape to the pole. The use of the tapered mold during the casting operation also provides for a gradually increasing pole wall thickness along the entire length of the pole from the top of the pole to its butt. The pole can also be cast to provide for a press-fit, slip joint at the butt of the pole which allows the pole to be interconnected with other similarly cast poles for extended height.

Abstract: A water play version of the game of hopscotch is disclosed. A grid of multiple game blocks is provided with each block having one or more small showerhead-type spray nozzles connected by conduit to a water supply. Each spray nozzle is controlled by a pressure-sensitive valve by which water sprays through the nozzle whenever a participant steps or hops onto that particular block. The blocks may be arranged in different patterns to play other games and the spray nozzles may be controlled remotely to allow for surprise or random spraying during gameplay.

Abstract: A reusable, "tear-through" display banner is disclosed. The banner consists of fabric or a flexible sheet of material having multiple portions capable of being assembled into a unitary banner by the use of a releasable fastening means along the portion edges.

Abstract: A dart game toy suitable for simulating the popular game of football includes a dartboard and a number of targets to be used by team players wherein such targets are sized and placed to correlate and simulate the skill required to achieve a desired and displayed result in accordance with the probability of achieving such a similar result in actual football play.

Abstract: A discharge stream conditioner and method for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of devices which discharge pressurized liquids is disclosed. An elongated rod having a plurality of outwardly radiating, spiraling, fingers or spokes is placed within the discharge conduit or flow path of a pressurized liquid to be discharged. The purpose of the discharge stream conditioner and method is to effectuate a partial separation of the propellant gas which has dissolved into the liquid agent to be discharged thereby providing for a more even flow and more efficient discharge of the liquid agent from its pressurized container.

Abstract: An acoustical instrument designed to promote and enhance the production of musical overtones is disclosed. The instrument is capable of reinforcing, and thereby enhancing, the resonance of naturally produced musical overtones and can be adjusted to fine tune the overtone frequency of the instrument to ambient atmospheric conditions. Adjustment baffles within the tone box of the instrument enable the user to change or adjust the wavelength of the music produced by the instrument to more closely coincide with the overtone transmission capability of the ambient environment. Strings of specific length, diameter and placement are used to achieve optimal production, enhancement and transmission of overtones with the device.

Abstract: A lightweight, durable, safety accented, collection container is disclosed wherein access to deposited items is restricted and controlled. The primary purpose of the collection container is to prevent and discourage access to potentially harmful items and to allow the user to have access to the collected items only while under the supervision of a responsible adult. The device has an alternating slide system and a trap system which does not allow retrieval of deposited items until a locking mechanism can be engaged and opened by someone with a key or with knowledge of how the locking mechanism operates.

Abstract: A compact, self-contained, automatic flow control and venting apparatus for the automatic interruption of liquid flowing into a liquid storage receptacle during the refilling process is disclosed wherein a dual-chambered, offset valve mechanism is controlled by the movement of a float assembly. A bi-directional lever member linked to the float assembly is used to control the movement of the valve mechanism between its open and closed positions. The apparatus also provides for the automatic release of air or vapor from within the receptacle during the refilling process and for the automatic checking of liquid backflow through the valve mechanism.

Abstract: A process for treating various species of wood or other similar combustible material by vacuum/pressure penetration and impregnation of the combustible material with a flammable substance in order to produce a fire starting or combustion catalyst material with bum characteristics substantially similar to naturally occurring resin enriched woods. The wood or other combustible to be treated is placed within the cylinder of a modified vacuum/pressure autoclave whereupon the air within the cylinder is substantially removed and the cylinder is then filled with a hot flammable liquid such as a liquid paraffin. The autoclave is then caused to be pressurized and the appropriate pressure is maintained within the autoclave cylinder for a sufficient time to insure the desired penetration and impregnation of the wood or other combustible with the flammable liquid.

Abstract: A baseball/softball practice and teaching aid apparatus which functions as a batting tee and swing corrector or as a pitching target is disclosed. A slightly modified home plate is provided with a centrally mounted and vertically adjustable post which can be rotated about its vertical axis. A vertically adjustable ball support post is attached to the centrally mounted post by an adjustable horizontal cross bar member and can be extended and retracted in a lateral direction from the centrally mounted post and can be moved in an arcuate path around the home plate and the post vertical axis. The forward corners of the plate have been removed in order that the ball support arm can be rotated into a position which allows for practice balls to be placed directly over the corners of the plate. An optional line-of-sight band is positioned between the centrally mounted post and the ball support arm to give batters swing sight guidance.

Abstract: A stack separator and restacker comprises a conveyor, a splitting bar, a multiplicity of lifting bars and hydraulic controls to operate them. The stack separator and restacker splits a stack or package of rigid elongated members, such as lumber, into smaller stacks or packages by first using the splitting bar to raise one end of the top portion of the stack. The lifting bars then raise the entire top portion of the stack. Once the top portion is completely raised, the bottom portion, now of standardized dimensions, is moved along the conveyor. The top portion is then lowered and is either resplit, restacked onto another stack or package, or is moved along the conveyor for further processing.

Abstract: A wet/dry explosive assembly for use with small diameter bore holes is disclosed. The device utilizes a small diameter watertight inner containment vessel to house a predetermined amount of blasting agent, such as ammonium nitrate with fuel oil (AN/FO). A rigid stiffener material surrounds the inner containment vessel and extends the length of an outer containment vessel. The outer containment vessel is of sufficient length and diameter to accommodate the inner containment vessel, the stiffener material and the blast detonation components necessary for proper detonation. The device is designed to accommodate bore holes of one inch (1") to three inches and one half (3.5") in diameter and up to one hundred feet (100') in length.

Abstract: A semi-automatic, hand-operated, pallet building machine is disclosed wherein a gantry assembly is movably mounted to a pallet bed assembly. The gantry assembly is provided with an operator handle, a pair of roller assemblies, and a hinged, spring-retracted nailer carriage which contains a plurality of impact dischargable nail guns. The bed assembly is provided with adjustable slots and jigs for receiving, supporting and aligning the stringer boards and deckboards of a pallet. In operation, pallet stringer boards and top side deckboards are placed and properly positioned on the pallet bed assembly utilizing the adjustable slots and jigs.

Abstract: A counterbalanced, one-piece, non-slip, lever action handle for retrofit adaption to existing door knobs is disclosed wherein a conforming, contoured lever handle is provided with self-tapping anchor screws for permanent attachment of the lever handle to a target door knob. Once attached, the lever handle becomes an extension of the existing door knob thereby facilitating greater access to individuals with disabilities.