Abstract: A U-nut type fastener installation tool, for installing individual U-nut fasteners from a vertically stacked, nested, or collated strip or array of such fasteners disposed within a magazine portion of the tool, comprises a base portion and the magazine portion which is pivotally mounted upon the base portion. The magazine portion also serves as an operator handle. A biasing spring within the magazine biases the collated strip of fasteners toward a dispensing position. When a fastener is to be dispensed and mounted upon an edge portion of a support plate or panel, the magazine-handle is tilted from its normal position by means of which movement a lowermost one of the fasteners is separated from the collated strip of fasteners remaining within the tool magazine.

Abstract: The invention relates to electronic technique, particularly to technology of fabricating and checking semiconductor integrated circuits and semiconductor structures. The method of manufacturing and checking electronic components consists in that a plurality of dice are disposed in a press-form, orienting to the dice bonding pads and base elements of the press-form, all non-protected surfaces of the dice except the bonding pads are insulated. Specificity of the method consists in that disposing in the press-form dice are fixed one to another forming a group carrier, providing a disposal of the dice facial (main) surfaces on common plane with one of the group carrier's surfaces, at that all the conductors, necessary for burn-in and checking, and also external connector are deposited on this plane simultaneously. Variants of the method consist in that a group metal frame is disposed simultaneously with the dice.

Abstract: In a method of producing a printed board assembly from a printed board, components are furnace soldered to the printed board. A string of heat curing, electrically conductive material, elastic after curing, is deposited around the site where the components to be shielded, are to be furnace soldered. That string is cured into a shielding gasket in the furnace soldering step, i.e. in the same production step as the components are furnace soldered to the printed board. The shielding gasket is adapted to cooperate with a shielding housing to shield the components.

Abstract: A through hole 5 formed in a substrate and having an electrode film on an inner surface thereof is cut and divided into two through holes or blind holes each of substantially semicircular arc shape through dicing processing using a rotating blade, and one of the-divided through holes 5 of substantially semicircular arc shape is used as an external connection terminal 3 of substantially semicircular concave arc shape thereby to form a surface mounted electronic parts having a plurality of the external connection terminals 3. The height H of the substantially semicircular arc formed at an inner surface of each of the external connection terminals is set to be equal to or smaller than a value obtained by subtracting twice a thickness t of the electrode film from a radius R of a curvature of the arc.

Abstract: An interconnect for testing semiconductor components includes a thinned substrate, and first contacts on the substrate for electrically engaging second contacts on the components. The interconnect can be configured for use with a testing apparatus for testing discrete components such as dice or chip scale packages, or alternately for use with a testing apparatus for testing wafer sized components, such as wafers, panels and boards. The thinned substrate has a thickness that is substantially less than a thickness of the components being tested. The thinned substrate can flex upon application of a biasing force by the testing apparatus, permitting the first contacts to move in the z-direction to accommodate variations in the planarity of the second contacts. For fabricating the interconnect, the first contacts are formed on the substrate, and then covered with a protective mask.

Abstract: A method for making a connector includes selectively removing material from metal stock to form a monolithic body comprising a bus portion and a plurality of spaced apart stubs extending outwardly therefrom, and engaging a lower open end of each metal post and a respective stub of the monolithic body together. The starting stock need not be the full height of the posts and bus portion. Accordingly, the advantages of using extruded material versus cast material may be obtained without shortcomings in terms of excess material waste and associated expense. Each stub may be frustoconically-shaped with a desired taper angle. In one embodiment, each metal post may have a bore extending therethrough defining the lower open end and also defining an open upper end for receiving at least one electrical conductor. The metal post may also have at least one threaded passageway therein and extending transversely into the bore, such as to receive a fastener for securing the electrical conductor in the bore.

Abstract: A method of retrofitting a power generation system having a coal-fired steam boiler, a steam turbine system, and a condenser comprising installing a hydrogen-fired combustion system therein having the step of replacing the coal-fired steam boiler with a hydrogen-fired combustion system such that a steam flow generated by the hydrogen-fired combustion system is directed to the steam turbine system. Another method of retrofitting a power generation system has the steps of installing a hydrogen-fired combustion system to receive the steam flow, a hydrogen stream, and an oxygen stream, and to produce a super-heated steam flow therefrom; and installing a new steam turbine system capable of receiving and expanding said super-heated steam flow and directing said expanded super-heated steam flow to at least a portion of said original steam turbine system.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing and testing a standardized fuel injector configuration accommodates multiple fuel injector customers. Initially, a fuel injector is molded, the fuel injector having an inlet end and an outlet end. Passage of fuel through the fuel injector is controlled between the inlet end and the outlet end. The electrical terminal geometry to be molded with the electrically operated fuel injector is selected, and electrical current flow for the fuel injector is generated through the electrical terminals. The selected electrical terminal geometry is accessible for connection to any of a plurality of different connectors, which are independently molded. Test processes are conducted on the fuel injector and, subsequently, an independently molded post electrical plug is installed, encompassing the electrical terminals.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for vehicles comprises firstly a heat-exchanger assembly consisting of flat liquid-conveying tubes and surface-enlarging means, secondly an inlet tank, and thirdly an outlet tank. The inlet tank and the outlet tank have a connection plate with a number of connection holes for the tubes. At each hole, the plate has a projecting connecting sleeve element. Each tube has at its ends a widened main portion which is accommodated on said connecting sleeve element. A rounded transitional area is formed between the connection plate and each connecting sleeve element, and the main portion is inserted in the conecting sleeve element and is applied with its outside against the inside of the connecting sleeve element. Each tube has at its ends an end portion which is widened in relation to the main portion, merges with the main portion and is applied against the transitional area.

Abstract: A method of gear design perfects design of gear teeth geometry (30) instead of limiting gear-tooth design to present cutter geometry and manufacturing methods. A pair of varied-diameter cutters (22, 29), such as hypoid cutters, have a geometric form that generates variable diameter toothed elements. Structures of hypoid or other varied-diameter cutters are achieved with a cutting tool (9) having a design cross-sectional shape of an idealized space between gear teeth on both of a pair of cutters. The cutter tool is rotated and reciprocated in shaping or machining relationship to other cutter blanks (18) or workpiece (10) in design rotation on cutter axes of a cutting-machine spindle (5). The cutter axes have variable heights above the cutter tool. Simultaneously with shaping or machine cutting either cutter blank, the angle of reciprocation and linear positioning of the cutter tool and height of center of the cutter axes are varied designedly.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a turnbuckle mechanism in which a central link is provided with internal right and left hand compatible threads and which receives, at its opposite ends, one of a pair of longitudinally split, externally threaded shafts which are threaded in opposite directions. The split shaft members are manufactured from oppositely threaded cylindrical shafts which are machined along their threaded sections to split each cylindrical shaft into two symmetrical, longitudinally split shaft members, which are then paired with oppositely threaded split shaft members and secured together with the central link, preferably with a separation band of plastic or corrosion resistant metal between their opposing flat surfaces. The shaft members are also provided with distal clamps such as hooks, loops or full threads for attachment of cables, rods or similar members.

Abstract: A seating product comprising a plurality of sinuous spring assemblies secured at opposite ends to a frame. Each of the sinuous spring assemblies comprises length of webbing having a pair of opposed end portions which are secured to the frame and a sinuous spring. The length of webbing is intertwined with the sinuous spring. The sinuous spring is secured at opposite ends to the length of webbing. Padding and an upholstered covering complete the seating product.

Abstract: A method for using a support backer board system and siding. The support backer board system comprises at least a first layer. The first layer is made from a material selected from the group consisting of alkenyl aromatic polymers, polyolefins, polyethylene terephthalate, polyesters, and combinations thereof. The board system is thermoformed into a desired shape with the desired shape being generally contour to the selected siding. The siding is attached to the board system so as to provide support thereto. In one process, the siding may be vinyl.

Abstract: A plain bearing overlay (3) of which exhibits properties which are markedly improved with regard to wear resistance in comparison with overlays applied by electroplating and conventional electron beam vapor deposition methods. The surface of the overlay (3) comprises round raised portions (4) and depressed portions (6), wherein, in relation to the horizontal section plane (7), the raised portions (4) cover a proportion of the surface area amounting to 30% to 50%, based on the entire surface area of the plain bearing, the section plane (7) being at a height at which the total proportion of the surface area consisting of the raised portions (4), and obtained in vertical section, is equal to the total corresponding proportion consisting of the depressed portions (6). The round raised portions exhibit a diameter D of 3 to 8 &mgr;m, in plan view, wherein, in the case of raised portions (4) and depressed portions (6) which in plan view are not circular, this value relates to the maximum diameter.

Abstract: My improved hand-held razor ensures smoother hair removal on any human body part and even on furry domestic animals. The angled or precut blade or blades in the razor head result in angled orientations instead of straight across the longitudinal length of the razor head. The angle of the blade(s) provides a slicing motion which is less likely to tear hair roots and make infection of pores more probable.

Abstract: To automatically retract the blade after cutting, a flat serpentine spring is integrally formed with a thumb piece which is slidably received in a slot formed along the upper edge of a housing/handle. The housing has a finger rest projection on the lower edge to facilitate cutting while the blade is projected with the thumb. The two halves of the housing snap together using a block-like projection formed on one half, and a pair of tabs formed on the other. The tabs, which are resilient, slide along the sides of the projection until recesses on each of the side of the projection are reached. Inwardly extending ridges on the ends of the tabs enter the recesses to provide a click lock. An aperture between the tabs allows pressure to be applied to the top of the projection to separate the two halves for blade reset/re-adjustment. The blade carrier, which is adapted to support two different types of blades, is slidably mounted in the housing so that it and the thumb piece are free of detents or click-locks.

Abstract: An ergonomically-designed, operator manipulated scraper means for contacting a cooking surface for the purpose of dislodging and/or removing unwanted material therefrom. A griddle scraper has a platform member, the downwardly distending forward portion of which comprises a cleaning means terminating in a blade edge, and the rear portion of which extends in an upwardly direction. A support member connects at its lower end to said platform and extends upwardly, having a rearwardly inclined end portion. A “handshake grip” handle positioned above said platform interconnects the support member to said upwardly extending rear portion of said platform. A knob handle is mounted on the support member upper end.

Abstract: A hand-held power working machine in which the clipper blades thereof can be easily dismounted for the exchange or grinding thereof in a way that minimizes the possibility of damage to the power transmission device or the clipper blades in the course of such dismounting. Also, conventional integrated type clipper blades can be mounted thereon. The power working machine includes a working portion provided with a pair of clipper blades and a power transmission device for transmitting a reciprocating driving power to the working portion, wherein the power transmission device includes a pair of intermediate reciprocating driving plates which are couplingly interposed between a pair of reciprocating movement-guiding arms, to be driven by a driving rotor, and the pair of clipper blades.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a cutterhead for a portable handheld brushcutter for cutting grass, weeds and the like. The cutterhead includes a housing which holds a spool for the cutting filament. Two spool chambers are formed on the periphery of the spool by a radial partition wall. A cutting filament is wound in each of the spool chambers and each of the cutting filaments is assigned an exit opening in the housing which extends into free space. The partition wall lies at the same axial elevation with the exit openings. The partition wall is provided with at least one lead-in channel through which the filament is guided into the interior of the spool when inserted. A reliable introduction of the filament is provided by a simple configuration of the cutterhead and makes a reliable wind-up and pay-out of the filament possible. This is achieved by providing a lead-in channel for each spool chamber with the entrance of the lead-in channel being defined by an insert funnel.

Abstract: A knurled handle grip hunting knife for field use with a hinged foldable blade holder to which may be attached replaceable blades by an attachment lever which attaches to a hooked replaceable blade allowing the hunter to easily replace blades in the field and conveniently store the knife when not in use and retrieve for use when needed.

Abstract: The invention is a razor having multiple suction cups integrated within the handle of the razor, or attached to the razor handle using an elastic sleeve having integrated multiple suction cups, providing a means of attachment of the razor to a flat surface, bath or shower, allowing convenient access and assisting in proper drying of the razor for prolonging the use of the razor.

Abstract: The accuracy of the axial degree of a lens in an eyeglass production is improved. In an eyeglass frame measuring apparatus, first and second frame data on the eyeglass frame consisting of first and second frames are entered. The entered first frame data are inverted to obtain a third frame data. On the basis of the third frame data and the entered second frame data, an amount of deviation of the second frame data with respect to the third frame data in a rotation direction is obtained. An eyeglass lens is processed on the basis of the rotation deviation amount and the third frame data.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for configuring the angular alignment of a device or apparatus, such as a table saw blade. Specifically, the present invention includes a housing unit containing a light source for generating an optic marker, preferably a planar beam, a mechanism by which the housing unit is attached to the apparatus to be aligned, and a scaled protractor for calculating the angular relationship in degrees.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to measuring devices, namely calipers. The invention is a measuring device for measuring the height or depth of a conductive element comprising a stabilizing body comprising a beam; at least one leg extending from said beam; a contact affixed to at least one leg, an electrical energy source connected in series with said contact; an indicator connected in series with said electrical energy source and said contact; a caliper comprising a measuring scale; a probe, said probe connected in series with said contact, said electrical energy source, said indicator; and means for affixing the caliper to the beam.

Abstract: A device and method for planarizing a film layer device on a silicon wafer. The device has a circular track whose surface faces the track center, a carrier capable of moving along the track and carrying wafers around with their front surfaces facing the center, and a set of heating elements for heating the film layers on the wafers to make them fluid. Utilizing the centrifugal force on the film layer generated by the circular movement and the fluidity of the film layer provided by heating, planarization of the film layer is achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for clamping and heating a wafer without using moving parts and without exposing the wafer to external stress is provided. A high backside wafer pressure which provides efficient heat transfer from a heated substrate support to the wafer is offset by a high frontside wafer pressure higher than or lower than the backside wafer pressure. The high frontside pressure reduces wafer stress by providing a uniform frontside/backside pressure and presses the wafer against the heated substrate support. A continuous gas purge for providing a viscous flow across the wafer to carry away desorbed contaminants, and frontside heating elements for improving desorption are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vacuum processing apparatus having vacuum processing chambers the insides of which must be dry cleaned, and to a method of operating such an apparatus. When the vacuum processing chambers are dry-cleaned, dummy substrates are transferred into the vacuum processing chamber by substrates conveyor means from dummy substrate storage means which is disposed in the air atmosphere together with storage means for storing substrates to be processed, and the inside of the vacuum processing chamber is dry-cleaned by generating a plasma. The dummy substrate is returned to the dummy substrate storage means after dry cleaning is completed. Accordingly, any specific mechanism for only the cleaning purpose is not necessary and the construction of the apparatus can be made simple.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of drying a fiber web and an arrangement in a fiber web drying apparatus, the fiber web being dried between two tight bands that move in parallel in the same direction and turn around turning rolls. The first band is heated and the second band is cooled. The fiber web is guided through a drying zone, defined by the bands, with at least one felt or wire, so that the fiber web comes into contact with the surface of the first, heated band and the felt or wire is between the fiber web and the second, cooled band. The position of the edge of the band is measured by means of a sliding block which is brought into contact with the edge of the band, the material of the sliding block being substantially harder than that of the band.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing byproduct induced defects in a processing tool is provided. A purge gas is introduced into a vessel of the processing tool. The vessel is heated to a temperature above a vaporization temperature of the byproduct. The temperature is maintained for a predetermined period of time. The vessel is purged to remove at least a portion of the byproduct.

Abstract: The portable sports equipment drying container comprised: a box shaped body; a cover for the body; the body having opposed side walls and opposed end walls; an input fan mounted in one of the walls; an output fan mounted in a another one of the walls; a heating pad in the box shaped body; perforated or porous insulating structure between the heating pad and clothing or equipment placed in the box shaped body; and electrical circuitry for energizing the fans and the heating pad for drying moist or wet clothing or equipment placed in said container and for circulating air through the container.

Abstract: A footwear pad comprises a resilient layer of a plastic foam material, a protective layer of a wear-resistant cloth and adhered to the upper surface of the resilient layer, and a magnetic layer made of a magnetic rubber sheet and provided with magnetism which is distributed uniformly and unidirectionally so as to stimulate effectively the blood circulation in the feet of a user of the footwear pad.

Abstract: A retention and release mechanism and ski boot for mitigating injury to a skier when the rearward loads, potentially injurious to the user, are imparted to the boot. The mechanism includes a first linkage arm, a latch, and a second linkage arm. The latch is connected to a first end of the first linkage arm, and is configured for direct or indirect pivotal connection to a first portion of the boot (e.g., an upper portion), which is pivotally connected to a second portion of the boot (e.g., a lower portion). The second linkage arm is pivotally connected to a second end of the first linkage arm at a pivot point, and is configured for pivotal connection to the second portion of the boot.

Abstract: The present invention is useful for dredging underneath a floating vessel, where a conventional dredge cannot reach the location of the material to be dredged. A neutral buoyancy pipe is attached to the end of the suction pipe and acts as an extension of the suction pipe. The vertical position of the neutral buoyancy pipe is controlled by adjusting the buoyancy of the neutral buoyancy pipe. The horizontal position of the neutral buoyancy pipe is controlled both by the anchoring system which sweeps the dredge back and forth and by a position adjusting system at the forward end of the neutral buoyancy pipe.

Abstract: An improved level indicating system is provided for use with excavating equipment based upon a family of laser light receivers. In a first embodiment, a laser receiver with a single “long” photocell is mounted directly on the dipperstick of an excavator in a position that is designed to intercept pulses of laser light being emitted by a rotating laser light transmitter, and an angle-sensing sensor is also mounted to the dipperstick. In a second embodiment, a laser receiver with two parallel “long” photocells is mounted directly on the dipperstick, in which the pair of photocells are of sufficient precision to determine the angle of the dipperstick. In a third embodiment, a laser receiver with two parallel photocells is mounted directly on the dipperstick on a “servo mast” that can be re-positioned along the length of the dipperstick. The movable photocells thus can be shorter in length than the “long” photocells used in the second embodiment.

Abstract: An electric steam pressing iron having a hot part composed of a sole plate (1) and an evaporation chamber (2), the hot part of the iron being divided into two thermal zones, a first zone corresponding substantially to the evaporation chamber (2) being provided with a first heating element (3), a second zone corresponding substantially to a portion of the sole plate (1) disposed under the evaporation chamber (2) being provided with a second heating element (4), the first heating means (3) being associated with a regulation device disposed in the first zone, the first heating element being provided to partially assure the heating of the second zone, characterized in that the second heating element (4) is associated with the regulation device (5) of the first zone.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an ironing system including an ironing board and an iron operated on a top surface of the ironing board in the process of ironing a fabric on the ironing board. Included in the system is a device for keeping the electric cord of the electric iron a distance above the ironing board so that the electric cord cannot interfere with a fabric that already has been ironed. The device also keeps the electric cord of the iron from being singed or burned by the hot sole of the iron. The device includes a tensioned coil spring through which the electric cord passes to the iron as it is kept in an elevated position. The coils of the tension coil spring are close and adjacent to each when the coil spring is in a rest position. A slight extension of the tension coil spring will induce a retracting force in the spring so that the electric cord will be withdrawn into the tension spring coil and away from the iron.

Abstract: A domed stitchable display article having a substrate base formed from a laminated plastic and fabric. Printing images are applied to the upper surface and are encapsulated by a dome formed from a poly,urethane rubber. A barrier is applied to the upper surface to alter the surface tension of the upper surface and limit outward flow of polyurethane during the fabrication portion. The substrate base forms stitchable flange portions.

Abstract: By providing any desired stationery product with a movable plate or arm member which cooperates with the surface or body of the stationery product, a unique indicia retaining and displaying system is realized. Preferably, the plate or arm member is movably mounted to the stationery product for ease of insertion of an indicia bearing member and secure retention thereof when the plate or arm member is returned to its original position. In addition, the plate or arm member preferably comprises a transparent zone, in order to enable the indicia bearing member to be easily viewed.

Abstract: A device for moving elements in a fluid medium is disclosed. The device comprises a container filled with fluid and elements such as a plurality of small pellets which are dispersed in the fluid. The container is rotatably mounted within a chassis and a drive unit is used to rotate the container. One or more vanes are attached to an inner surface of the container to transport the elements within the containers. For example, if the elements simulate snowflakes which descend through the fluid towards the bottom portion of the container, the vanes trap or catch the snowflakes near the bottom of the container and move the snowflakes towards the top of the container. This creates a continuous, natural simulated snowfall with a natural appearance.

Abstract: A lighted real estate sign having at least one translucent face with indicia to convey marketing information pertaining to a parcel of real estate. An internal light illuminates the translucent face and clearly displays the indicia at night. The sign is powered by a battery, and controlled by a control circuit in response to inputs from a solar panel used to recharge the battery, a photocell used to detect appropriate light conditions to illuminate the internal light, and a timer to turn off the light. The real estate sign is attached to a mounting bracket, which, in turn, is anchored to the parcel of real estate. The sign is locked to the mounting bracket to prevent theft and to rigidly maintain the sign and position.

Abstract: An apparatus for display of information in a work environment is disclosed. The apparatus includes a display board having a substantially rigid core and defining a first side having a first surface and a second side opposite of the first side having a second surface, the first surface having a first surface treatment and the second surface having a second surface treatment. The first surface treatment includes a reusable adhesive and a clear film cover over the reusable adhesive, a portion of the first surface treatment is the reusable adhesive, and the clear film cover includes a first sheet and a second sheet. An apparatus for display of information in a work environment is also disclosed. The apparatus includes a display board having a substantially rigid core and defining a first side having a first surface and a second side opposite of the first side having a second surface, the first surface having a first surface treatment and the second surface having a second surface treatment.

Abstract: An extruded plastic label holder for placement on the flat front surface of a product display shelf. The label holder includes a clear front panel joined along its bottom edge with a second panel. The second panel is adhesively mounted on the shelf front surface, either directly or by means of a third panel flexibly joined with the second panel along upper edges of both. A short, rigid fulcrum rib is formed integrally with one of the second or (if employed) third panels, slightly above the bottom edge of the second panel and extending generally at right angles thereto. When the bottom edge of the label holder is pressed, the second panel flexes about the fulcrum rib, opening a gap at the upper portion of the label holder for placement or removal of paper labels. The use of a third panel helps to isolate the forces applied in flexing the second panel from the adhesive attachment, enabling less aggressive adhesives to be effectively utilized.

Abstract: The present invention, a hermetically sealed picture frame, comprises a frame, a lens and a seal wherein the seal is an elastomeric seal, preferrably an elastomeric o-ring seal. The frame comprises a lens locking groove, a seal groove and mounting framework. The lens snaps into the lens locking groove, compressing the seal in the seal groove between the lens and the frame, providing a hermetic seal for a picture contained between the lens and the frame. The mounting framework is slideable over a mounting base that can be attached to a surface.

Abstract: A pad conditioner coupling (58) holds an end effector (57) for abrading a polishing media surface. Pad conditioning planarizes the polishing media surface, removes particulates, and roughens the polishing media surface to promote the transport of polishing slurry. Pad conditioner coupling (58) comprises shoulder screws (50), polymer bearings (51), a static plate (52), a wave spring (54), and a floating plate (55). Wave spring (54) is placed between static plate (52) and floating plate (55). The shoulder screws (50) connect through the static plate (52) and fasten to the floating plate (55) to hold the wave spring (54) in a preloaded condition. The polymer bearings (51) prevent the shoulder screws (50) from contacting the static plate (52). Wave spring (54) allows the floating plate (55) to move in a non-parallel position to the static plate (52) for angular compensation in the pad conditioning process.

Abstract: A pistol comprises a housing and a slide which slides on this housing and contains the barrel and the breech, in which case the breech has a mainspring and a firing bolt, and a trigger acts via a trigger rod on the trigger device.

Abstract: A pistol includes a frame; a slide reciprocating on the frame between a forward position and a pulled-back position; a firing pin mounted in the slide for motions relative to the slide; a firing pin catch affixed to the firing pin; a firing pin spring mounted in the slide and urging the firing pin forwardly; a trigger supported in the frame; a trigger rail coupled to the trigger for executing a triggering motion when the trigger is pulled; and a sear for connecting the trigger rail with the firing pin catch such that during forward motion of the slide the sear arrests and holds the firing pin catch thus arming the firing pin spring and that upon pulling the trigger, the sear is moved away from the firing pin catch by the trigger rail for allowing the firing pin to accelerate forwardly. A manually operable disassembly member which has an open and a closed position, is movable into a pulled-out state for allowing the slide to be taken off the frame.

Abstract: A fishing rod anchor made of a single section of pipe for holding an unattended fishing pole at an angle relative to the ground. The pipe is hollow with one end cut so as to form a tapered point that can be inserted into the ground. The opposite end of the pipe is open to receive the handle of the rod and may optionally be provided with one or more cut out portions for allowing the user to set the hook without removing the rod from the anchor or to allow the anchor to accommodate rods with casting type reels.

Abstract: An off-axis adapter for a parallel, offset fishing rod coupling is provided. The adapter includes a ferrule having two ends. The ends of the ferrule are each attached to a support and each support has a rod mount and a ferrule connection. The rod mounts each attach to a primary rod at mounting points, and the ferrule connections attach to the ferrule proximate to each respective end of the ferrule. The ferrule receives and maintains a secondary rod in a substantially parallel configuration in relation to the primary rod. Because the adapter is attached from the length or side of the host or primary rod, the installation of the adapter does not require matching dimensions of a host rod and a bushing. The adapter is installed onto a side portion of a fishing rod that has already been built and does not require removal of fishing rod components.

Abstract: A protective covering for a fishing reel and attached rod segment which consists of a cylindrical sleeve made of single-layer waterproof fabric to which drawstrings, provided with a spring-actuated locking devices, are attached on both ends. The device is slid up over the base of the rod, up over the reel, at which point the drawstrings are pulled tight to completed enclose the reel. The cover can also be used in pouch form to protect various and sundry items by pulling both drawstrings tightly closed with such drawstrings being used as handles.

Abstract: A fishing float self-propelling for a wide range of a fishing place and adapted to suspend a terminal tackle to a predetermined water depth at a desired position, in which a float main body for engaging a line and a terminal tackle comprises a propelling device, a switch for the propelling device, a switch operation bar for turning the switch to OFF by the tension upon pulling back the line, and a line lock mechanism that stops the line in communication with the terminal tackle when the switch operation bar is at a switch ON position while releases the line from engagement when the switch operation bar is at the switch OFF position, the propelling device being preferably disposed in the hollow portion of the float main body.