Abstract: A method of operating at least one of a fan and a vent in a ceiling of a recreational vehicle using an extension arm, the extension arm including an elongated shaft with an operable end, comprising grabbing the extension arm with one's hand; engaging one of a turn switch, a turn crank, and a knob of one of the fan and vent in the ceiling of the recreational vehicle with the operable end; and at least one of operating the fan and vent by rotating one of the turn switch, the turn crank, and the knob with the operable end by rotating the extension arm with one's hand.

Abstract: Described here are devices, systems and methods for closing the left atrial appendage. Some of the methods described here utilize one or more guide members having alignment members to aid in positioning of a closure device. In general, these methods include advancing a first guide having a first alignment member into the left atrial appendage, advancing a second guide, having a second alignment member, into the pericardial space, aligning the first and second alignment members, advancing a left atrial appendage closure device into the pericardial space and adjacent to the left atrial appendage, and closing the left atrial appendage with the closure device. In these variations, the closure device typically has an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, and a closure element at least partially housed within the elongate body. The closure element comprises a loop defining a continuous aperture.

Abstract: The apparatus is a mechanism for acquiring, holding, and enabling the movement of a cassette-shaped article, such as a reagent or sample cassette, which may be part of an automated diagnostic analyzer, such that the apparatus can tolerate a significant degree of cassette misplacement and/or misalignment during the acquisition maneuver. The mechanism furthermore enables simultaneous two-dimensional movement of the acquiring gripper jaws such that the inter-jaw distance decreases at the same time as movement in an upward vertical direction is provided while the jaw movement is adequately smooth so as not to disturb the physical state of the sample.

Abstract: A mount extending the reach of a shallow water anchoring system, which includes a block mounting device with two open-ended and spaced-apart longitudinally-extending bores each having at least two smaller threaded bores with interior ends that are in communication with the longitudinal bores. Preferably, the smaller threaded bores are spaced apart and aligned in a row, and also have perpendicular orientation to the longitudinal bore. The extendable anchoring pole of a shallow water anchoring system is secured within one of the longitudinal bores via fasteners, while an independent rod longer than the anchoring pole is secured via fasteners within the other longitudinal bore, wherein the independent rod can be vertically deployed into a sea bottom adjacent to a boat at water depths exceeding the anchoring system's intended reach. A small stabilizer block with similar bores spaced apart from the mount further stabilizes the pole and independent rod during anchoring use.

Abstract: A selectively bendable remote access gripping tool, includes a jaw portion having a pair of jaws or nets movable relative to each other between clamped and opened positions thereof, a handle portion spaced apart from the jaw portion by a bendable central portion that has a hollow, corrugated member that is bendable, and a cord extending through the hollow bendable member that connects the jaw portion and the handle portion.

Abstract: A floating retrieval device that can be either manually launched or automatically launched via a compression spring.

Abstract: A carabiner comprising a body having an opening, a closure movably coupled to the body, the closure being movable to an open position, and to a closed position in which the opening is closed by the closure such that the body and the closure define a closed shape, and an actuator, coupled to the closure and operatively connected to the body, the actuator being configured to cause the closure to move to the closed position in response to loading of the carabiner, and to cause the closure to move from the closed position to the open position in response to unloading of the carabiner.

Abstract: A hand-held remote access device, such as a netting tool, includes a jaw portion having a pair of nets movable relative to each other between fully clamped and fully opened positions thereof, a handle portion spaced apart from the jaw portion by a bendable central portion that has a hollow, corrugated member having alternating ridges and grooves that is bendable so as to attain a predetermined shape.

Abstract: A static and length adjustable device for aiding a user in removing dissimilar items from a bed of a truck without any modification to the device to remove the dissimilar items. The device includes a pole, a head, length-adjusting apparatus, and attaching apparatus. The pole has a length. The head extends from the pole, and together therewith, are for aiding the user in removing the dissimilar items from the bed of the truck without any modification to the device to remove the dissimilar items. The length-adjusting apparatus is operatively connected to, and selectively adjusts the length of, the pole, and is for facilitating aiding the user in removing the dissimilar items from the bed of the truck without any modification to the device to remove the dissimilar items. The attaching apparatus replaceably attaches the head to the pole.

Abstract: A hand-held firewood handling device (100) for grasping, lifting, and placing pieces of wood in and around a bonfire. The device is made of a rod (20) inserted into a tube (10), the rod formed with a handle (28) at one end and with a rotating prong (26) on the other end. The tube features a pair of spaced-apart stationary prongs (12) welded to its distal end, the stationary prongs positioned on the tube so that when the rod is rotated inside the tube, the rotating prong (26) is offset in the space between the stationary prongs (12). In use, the handle is rotated to move the rotating prong away from the stationary prongs and positioned over a log. Rotating the handle in an opposite direction until the prongs are securely around the log, the log is repositioned as desired and released by rotating the handle to open the prongs.

Abstract: A reaching apparatus is provided for allowing a user to utilize gross motor skills to actuate the reaching apparatus. The reaching apparatus includes a fixed and a sliding handle on a shaft. An internal pulley system is connected between the first and second handles such that sliding of the second handle activates the pulley system to move the claw of the reaching apparatus between an open and closed configuration. The claw may be locked in an open and/or closed configuration by rotation of the handle on the shaft. The pulley system can be set to specific resistance to activate the claw upon different gross motor levels.

Abstract: A hand-held remote access device, such as a gripping tool, includes a jaw portion having a pair of jaws movable relative to each other between fully clamped and fully opened positions thereof, a handle portion spaced apart from the jaw portion by a bendable central portion that has a hollow, corrugated member having alternating ridges and grooves that is bendable so as to attain a predetermined shape.

Abstract: An elongated body to engage the underside of and upwardly and outwardly angled fishing rod and including opposited extremities formed, respectively with a cradle and a fork projecting laterally in one direction for respective engagement with a reel and the body of the rod. A handle angles downwardly and outwardly from the opposite side.

Abstract: A recovery stabilizing pole includes a tube having a passageway formed therethrough, and a handle pivotally joined to the tube. A fixed claw member and a hinged claw member are joined to a distal end of the tube, the hinged claw member being capable of pivoting with respect to the fixed claw member. One end of a cable is joined to the handle and the other is joined to the hinged jaw member. Increased tension in the cable causes pivoting of the hinged jaw member with respect to the fixed jaw member. Embodiments include an adjustment means at the distal end of the tube for angling the claw members with respect to the tube and different tensioning means for the cable.

Abstract: A reaching apparatus is provided for allowing a user to utilize gross motor skills to actuate the reaching apparatus. The reaching apparatus includes a fixed and a sliding handle on a shaft. An internal pulley system is connected between the first and second handles such that sliding of the second handle activates the pulley system to move the claw of the reaching apparatus between an open and closed configuration. The claw may be locked in an open and/or closed configuration by rotation of the handle on the shaft. The pulley system can be set to specific resistance to activate the claw upon different gross motor levels.

Abstract: A tool for installing decorative lights may include a hook-placement head configured for attachment to a pole, and a string-placement head configured for attachment to the pole. The tool may be employed to decorate a structure with a string of decorative lights by placing an adhesive-backed hook onto a pole-mounted hook-placement head, raising the hook-placement head to position the hook at a desired location on the structure, placing a portion of the string onto a pole-mounted string-placement head; and raising the string-placement head to the positioned hook to engage the string with the hook.

Abstract: A device for collecting objects is provided which includes a frame formed with a peripheral groove that surrounds an orifice. Also included is a retainer member that is dimensioned to be received into the peripheral groove of the frame. A bag having an opening which is surrounded by a rim portion is held with its rim in the peripheral groove of the frame, This is accomplished by a fixed engagement between the frame and the retainer member. With this engagement, objects can be introduced into the bag, through the orifice of the frame, for collection.

Abstract: A reaching device that in one embodiment comprises an elongated member, a jaw, and an actuator for opening and closing the jaw. The jaw includes a pair of holding members, one of which has a tapered lateral side edge. In one embodiment, the reaching device may allow a rural mail carrier to remain seated in the driver's side of a conventional (North American) vehicle, reach through the passenger's window, and perform the following tasks: open a mail box, retrieve mail from the mail box, place mail into the mail box, close the mail box, and raise or lower the indicator flag on the side of the mail box.

Abstract: A sprinkler transferring apparatus is provided for a flexible sprinkler drop on an irrigation supply line. The sprinkler transferring apparatus includes a lifting tool and a sprinkler component support body. The lifting tool has an elongate body with a first contact portion and a handle spaced from the first contact portion. The sprinkler component support body has a second contact portion configured to mate with the first contact portion.

Abstract: A tool with two interconnected appendages extending in two different directions from an end of an interchangeable extension pole. The first appendage may be oriented along a plane substantially parallel to the pole axis. The second appendage may be oriented along a plane substantially normal to the axis. An open-ended slot may be provided in each appendage for grabbing cords and other items. At least one of the open-ended slots may graduate from a larger width at an open end of the slot to a reduced width toward a closed end of the slot. Pull-chains to be operated can be inserted and locked into the smaller portion of the slot. Stop surfaces may be provided that limit insertion of an appendage to a specific distance, for example to operate a louver of a window shutter. Internal Acme threads may be provided in the tool to attach it to existing poles.

Abstract: An elongated body to engage the underside of and upwardly and outwardly angled fishing rod and including opposited extremities formed, respectively with a cradle and a fork projecting laterally in one direction for respective engagement with a reel and the body of the rod. A handle angles downwardly and outwardly from the opposite side.

Abstract: A content extraction device useful for removing or extracting the remaining contents of a partially empty container such as a bottle, or tube so that the remaining contents are not wasted. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the content extraction device is comprised of an elongated body portion and a plurality of head portions of varying shape and size that may be removably attached to one or both ends of the elongated body portion and used to remove the remaining contents of a package, such as a tube, bottle or the like.

Abstract: A hand-held remote access device, such as a gripping tool, includes a jaw portion having a pair of jaws movable relative to each other between fully clamped and fully opened positions thereof, a handle portion spaced apart from the jaw portion by a bendable central portion that has a hollow, corrugated member having alternating ridges and grooves that is bendable so as to attain a predetermined shape.

Abstract: A rope handling device for handling a length of rope comprises a receiving part and a manipulating member, in which the manipulating member has an elongate portion, the elongate portion having opposite ends, and at least one of these ends an engagement portion. The receiving part has a rope mounting portion, attachable to a part of a rope to be manipulated, and a receptacle for engaging with the engagement portion. The receiving part when engaged with the engagement portion at one of the ends of the elongate portion permits a user of the device to hold the manipulating member at an opposite end of the elongate member in order to handle a rope attached to the rope mounting portion. The rope handling apparatus further comprises a rope guide for self-aligning the manipulating member with a rope prior to engagement of the engagement portion with the receptacle.

Abstract: A multi-purpose tongs having a body in which an operation rod is inserted into a hollow hole thereof and a handle fitted to one side of the body while being penetrably formed, at one side thereof, with a slot, includes a vertical flange provided at one side end of the operation rod so as to radially extend, a fixed lever which is penetrably formed, at a central region thereof, with a through hole, the fixed lever being integrally constituted, at one side thereof, with the handle while protruding outward at the other side thereof, and an operation lever which is hinged-fixed, at an intermediate portion thereof, to the fixed lever, the operation lever including an upper operation lever provided, at one side thereof, outward of the handle and a lower operation lever provided, at the other side thereof.

Abstract: A cable placement and retrieval device includes a main shaft forming a hook opening defined by a generally inverted U-shaped bend terminating at a spherical bead, a rigid push rod radiating up and away from the main shaft in the opposite direction of the hook opening and terminating in a second spherical bead and a hollow proximal portion meant to receive extension arms and other complementary attachments.

Abstract: A tool for grasping and holding an article, such as a pine cone. The tool includes an elongated handle which may be telescopically adjustable so as to allow for a plurality of selectively-desired, longitudinal setting positions thereof. A flexibly-resilient, tension-biased grasping mechanism is mounted to a lower end of the handle. The grasping mechanism includes a pair of curvilinear arms for flexibly accommodating and securely grasping a pine cone.

Abstract: A drop ceiling tile installation tool is provided for facilitating installation of ceiling tiles into a drop ceiling. The tool includes a pole and a connector coupled to a first end of the pole. A plurality of support arms is coupled to and extends outwardly from the connector. The support arms include a pair of upper support arms and a pair of lower support arms. A pair of hooks is coupled to and extends from distal ends the lower support arms relative to the connector whereby the hooks are configured for receiving and supporting an edge of a ceiling tile. A pair of tile support panels is coupled to distal ends of the upper support arms relative to the connector whereby the tile support panels are configured for supporting a bottom surface of a ceiling tile when the edge of the ceiling tile is received by the pair of hooks.

Abstract: An apparatus for coupling and decoupling clips is described. Specifically, the apparatus allows for installation of clips to building structures of varying elevations. The apparatus may comprise a telescoping pole, a lower pivot joint, an upper pivot joint, and at least one reversible clip. The reversible clip may be removed from the upper pivot joint by applying a substantially vertical force in a downward direction to the telescoping pole. Lights may be attached to the reversible clip. The lower pivot joint and upper pivot joint allow for the reversible clip to be coupled to building structures at various angles.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some implementations a pool chlorine tablet holder includes moveable arms that are adjustable at both ends for symmetrically holding a chlorine tablet.

Abstract: A safety assembly that provides a lifeline for utility poles and other tall structures is provided. The safety assembly includes a tubular member and a positioning member. The tubular member has first and second openings to a passage. The passage is configured to receive a rope. The positioning member has a first end and a second end. The first end of the positioning member is configured to be received in at least one of the first and second openings of the tubular member. The second end of the positioning member is configured to be coupled to a reaching member. With the use of the positioning member and the reaching member, the tubular member is positioned to engage the tall structure and the rope passing through the internal passage is used as a lifeline.

Abstract: A tool for installing decorative lights may include a hook-placement head configured for attachment to a pole, and a string-placement head configured for attachment to the pole. The tool may be employed to decorate a structure with a string of decorative lights by placing an adhesive-backed hook onto a pole-mounted hook-placement head, raising the hook-placement head to position the hook at a desired location on the structure, placing a portion of the string onto a pole-mounted string-placement head; and raising the string-placement head to the positioned hook to engage the string with the hook.

Abstract: A detector extender support system for facilitating ease of accessing battery operated detectors, such as smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, without the use of a ladder or other elevation device. Detector extender support system may generally comprise an extender handle comprising a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end of the extender handle may comprise a round, disk-shaped detector support comprising a substantially planar surface to which the base of a battery operated detector may be fastened to via a set of screws. A hook may be securely attached to a top portion of the distal end of the extender handle so that the detector extender support system may be hung from a nail, screw, or other wall fastener. The proximal end of the extender handle may comprise a curvy, ergonomic profile facilitating ease of use. The detector extender support system enables a user to remotely access the detector mechanism for manipulation and service.

Abstract: A device for securely attaching a tool attachment to an elongated handle of a broom or rake. The device typically comprises a core element with a first lower end designed to fasten the device to an elongated handle, and a second upper end designed to securely hold a tool attachment in place. The second upper end further comprises a sidewall, an enclosed top, an inner surface, and a tool receiving groove. The device also comprises a securing member that acts as a spacer and presses the tool attachment against the second upper end when the device is fastened to an elongated handle. Preferably, the core element also comprises gripping grooves along its exterior. Furthermore, the tool attachments are preferably common and inexpensive, such as nails and hooks.

Abstract: An article of manufacture, a fishing lure retrieving device is disclosed. Versions of the invention utilize a body with a cavity and handle, a sleeve movably connected to the body, a cutter and closing line. Optional telescoping handle(s), magnet(s), closing fastener(s), sleeve end cap(s) and/or body end cap(s) may also be used with versions of the invention.

Abstract: A handle assembly for adjusting a window treatment is disclosed. A wand is included and is configured and arranged to adjust a window treatment. The handle includes a grip on the wand, and has at least one engagement surface thereon. Further, the handle includes a cleat having at least one reciprocal mating surface configured and arranged to selectively interlock with the at least one engagement surface of the grip.

Abstract: An implement (10) for moving a box (48) within a pickup box (42) is disclosed. The implement (10) includes an elongated body (12) having a hooking section (22). A head (28) is associated with an end of this hooking section (22). The head (28) may be disposed within a groove (46) associated with the bed (43) of the pickup box (42), and may be slid along this groove (46) until positioned under the box (48). The implement (10) can then be rotated to engage the head (28) with the underside of the box (48). A user may then pull on the implement (10) to in turn pull the box (48) along the bed (43) of the pickup box (42). The hooking section (22) of the implement may also be disposed behind a box (48) to pull the box (48) to a desired position.

Abstract: A broken compact fluorescent lamp collection and storage system utilizes a reuseable glass fragment, debris, and mercury residue collector having a handle and a frame within which a disposable roller element with an adhesive surface is mounted. Glass fragments, debris and mercury residue are collected on the adhesive surface on the roller element, which is removed from the frame after use. A fresh, replacement roller element is then inserted into the frame. The system also includes an airtight enclosure into which the dirty removeable roller element is placed for ultimate transport and disposal.

Abstract: An extension pole system for receiving a plurality of tools is provided. The system includes an extension pole having a first end and a second end, and a mounting bracket coupled to the first end of the extension pole. A clamping member is releasably couplable to the mounting bracket to secure a tool between at least the clamping member and the mounting bracket. A trigger actuator is rotatably coupled to the mounting bracket and is operable to actuate the trigger of the tool secured between the clamping member and the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket and the clamping member are adjustable for receiving a plurality of different tools.

Abstract: A device for removing and installing ceiling panels and that includes a base member having opposed ends and a support piece on the base member for supporting the base member in an overhead position. A pair of elongated support arms are mounted at a location intermediate the opposed ends of each elongated support arm to respective opposed ends of the base member. A pair of fasteners, one for each elongated support arm, secures the lower side of each elongated support arm to the upper side of the base member at the respective opposed ends of the base member. Nails or the like are mounted to the respective pair of elongated support arms engageable with a ceiling panel to assist in the removal thereof. A pair of retention hooks is mounted from one of the base member at opposed ends thereof and respective elongated support arms and engageable with a ceiling panel to assist in the installation thereof.

Abstract: A high ceiling sign hanging arrangement for enabling the attachment and removal of a suspended sign from an extended height, comprising: an elongated upper rail having an upper channel therein for receipt of a ceiling attachment member, the upper rail having an upper rail support cleat, for receipt of a sign bearing anchor rail; an elongated anchor rail for bearing a sign therefrom, the anchor rail comprising an anchor cleat on an upper edge thereon; and a lift means comprising a main flange for mating with the anchor rail and subsequent dis-engagement from the anchor rail upon deposit of the anchor rail on the upper rail support cleat of the upper rail.

Abstract: A hooking device attaches an equipment like a fall limiter to an anchorage structural element by means of a stick. The device comprises an elongated member to which the equipment is attachable. A hooking head slides along the elongated member. The hooking head has a hook forming an opening in which the anchorage structural element is engageable. An actuating mechanism operates a locking element of the opening in response to a sliding of the hooking head with respect to the elongated member. A stick detachable fastening element is used to slide the hooking head with respect to the elongated member in response to a movement of the stick when the anchorage structural element is engaged in the opening.

Abstract: The present invention directed to an apparatus for holding at least one plant, and preferably multiple pots having plants, typically 5 to 8 inches in diameter, which may need to be transported such as at a nursery, or loaded onto a semitrailer for transport. The apparatus allows a user to easily pick up and hold the pots with little strain on the hands and wrists, and without needing to bend over to pick them up off the ground.

Abstract: An extendable tool having an internal drive assembly is disclosed. The extendable components of the internal drive assembly are two, or more, telescoping drive shafts each having an alignment structure. The alignment structure ensures that the drive shafts generally maintain their circumferential alignment relative to each other, i.e. the shafts rotate together and maintain their orientation, while allowing the drive shafts to slide axially relative to each other. In one embodiment the drive shafts have a non-circular cross-section, and more preferably, a square cross-section. Each inner drive shaft has a cross-sectional area that is slightly smaller than the next larger outer drive shaft. Thus, the drive shafts may slide axially relative to each other. However, when the drive shafts are rotated, the non-circular shape causes the inner drive shaft and the larger outer drive shaft to engage each other and rotate together.

Abstract: An installation tool may include an extension member, a body portion disposed on the extension member, and a plurality of fingers flexibly protruding from the body portion. The plurality of fingers are adapted to releasably engage a cover assembly. The plurality of fingers and the body portion cooperate to retain the cover assembly in a first direction and allow disengagement of the cover assembly in a second direction.

Abstract: A puck retriever has a hollow interior of diameter larger than that of a puck for use in the game of hockey. A ring of rubber or similar resiliently deformable material is located adjacent to the lower end of the tube. The ring has an inner edge which defines a circular inlet of diameter smaller than that of a puck. The ring flexes upward when pressed downward against a puck which is resting on a flat surface with resulting bending upward of the edge and enlargement of the inlet sufficient to allow the puck to pass through the inlet. The ring is of sufficient strength to resist flexing downward under the weight of any pucks within the tube such that the ring prevents pucks within the tube from exiting through the inlet. The ring may be continuous and unbroken throughout its circumference or it may be cut into a number of flaps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for handling a length of rope using a hand-held device, when the length of rope is at a distance from the user of the apparatus. A rope handling device comprises a receiving means and a manipulating member, in which the manipulating member has an elongate portion, the elongate portion having opposite ends, and at least one of said ends an engagement portion; the receiving means has a rope mounting portion, attachable to a part of a rope to be manipulated, and a receptacle for engaging with the engagement portion; wherein the receiving means when engaged with the engagement portion at one of said ends of the elongate portion permits a user of the device to hold the manipulating member at an opposite end of the elongate member in order to handle a rope attached to the rope mounting portion.