Abstract: A fish roping device, having a relatively U-shaped spring member with two arms, a rigid handle connected to the base section of the U-shaped spring member, a first arcuate member having a first end and a second end, the first arcuate member being pivotably connected near its second end to one arm of the spring member, a second arcuate member having a first end and a second end, the second arcuate member being pivotably connected near its second end to another arm of the spring member, a hinge for connecting together the second ends of the first and second arcuate members so that the arcuate members pivot relative to one another, the first and second arcuate members being movable between an open position in which the arms of the U-shaped member are pushed apart from a rest position, and a closed position which is entered when an impact is imparted on the hinge so that the arms of the U-shaped spring member return to the rest position, a rope having one end releasably connected to the first end of the first arc

Abstract: A tool for more effectively gripping and handling fish which includes a generally cylindrical tubular housing defining a handle having a hand grip thereon with a pair of pivotal gripping jaws actuated by a slidable sleeve that is spring biased away from the handgrip by two light coil springs to enable the sleeve to be retracted by the use of one finger or thumb of the hand which is used to grip the handgrip in order to open the jaws. The jaws, when open, are placed over the bottom lip of the fish and the sleeve is released with the light spring causing the jaws to grip the lip of the fish in order to lift the fish. The jaws include a pin and cam slot connection between the sleeve and jaws with the weight of the fish causing the jaws to more tightly grip the lip of the fish.

Abstract: Recombinant fowlpox virus (FPV) capable of expressing immunogenic proteins of fowl pathogens are described. The FPV express DNA of the pathogen under the direction of FPV promoters. The recombinant FPV provide live vaccines for poultry and other animals.

Abstract: A fish roping device, having a relatively U-shaped spring member with two arms, a rigid handle connected to the base section of the U-shaped spring member, a first arcuate member having a first end and a second end, the first arcuate member being pivotably connected near its second end to one arm of the spring member, a second arcuate member having a first end and a second end, the second arcuate member being pivotably connected near its second end to another arm of the spring member, a hinge for connecting together the second ends of the first and second arcuate members so that the arcuate members pivot relative to one another, the first and second arcuate members being movable between an open position in which the arms of the U-shaped member are pushed apart from a rest position, and a closed position which is entered when an impact is imparted on the hinge so that the arms of the U-shaped spring member return to the rest position, a rope having one end releasably connected to the first end of the first arc

Abstract: A clamping device suitable for clamping objects such as large fish which includes clamps disposed in scissor-like fashion pivoting about a common point and biasing means such as a rubber band which biases the clamps in a normally closed position. A locking assembly is provided to releasably lock the clamps in an open position and which is released by contacting the clamps against the object to be clamped.

Abstract: An improved arrow tip with locking barb is shown. The tip is drilled by two spaced holes, and a spring wire is folded into four segments. A long segment is the wire barb, the next is a rotational portion for positioning in one of the holes and the last two segments position a lock tab in the second hole to assure positive barb locking.

Abstract: Gaff hook device having a tubular body of a plurality of telescoping sections. At the butt end of the body there is a hand grip and at the tip end there is a hook fastened to the body so as to be nonrotatable. A removable protective cover over the pointed end of the hook is tethered to a keeper sleeve which slides over the shaft of the hook.

Abstract: An ice fishing apparatus and method for retrieving fish through an ice hole during ice fishing provides a support member that is mounted to a base member that is supported by the upper surface of an ice layer. The support member is extended and retracted through the ice hole and is operative to support a fish during such motion. An extension and retrieval mechanism, such as a slide rod interconnecting the base and support member, operates to extend and retract the support member whereby a fish caught on a fishing line may be maneuvered to the ice hole, and onto the support member and supported during upward movement through the ice hole. The support member may be pivoted out of alignment with the ice hole so as not to obstruct the lower opening thereto, and biased against the ice layer lower surface in a ready position. An adjustable limit stop accommodates ice layers of varied thicknesses. The base member is preferably a circular collar, and the support member a pan element with drain holes.

Abstract: A fish retrieving tool is presented comprising a main frame having a hollow handle, a shaft and a lower stationary jaw; an upper, pivotably attached jaw; a spring for biasing said jaws in a normally open position and a mechanism for closing the jaws when necessary. The upper jaw is biased open by a pair of flat springs. The jaws are closed by operating a lever in the hollow handle which in turn applies a compression force to the upper jaw which over comes the normally open bias of the jaws.

Abstract: A self-activated gaff which responds to contact of a trigger bar with an object to cause a pair of tongs to close and embrace the object and to lock around the object until released. The gaff uses a piston-like member and a pair of constant force means to couple the piston-like member to the tongs.

Abstract: The symmetrically operating jaws of the fish gaff are movable between an open and cocked position and a closed fish engaging position. The jaws are normally urged to the closed position to thereby clampingly engage opposite sides of a fish positioned therebetween. A coil spring trigger is connected at opposite ends to medial portions of the jaws and extends in a straight line path across the space between the jaws when in the open and cocked position to maintain the jaws in the open position. The medial portion of the coil spring trigger is engageable by a fish in position between the open jaws so that the coil spring trigger is moved out of the straight line path and releases the jaws so that they are immediately free to clamp the fish therebetween.

Abstract: A combination fishing device consisting of an ice skimmer and gaff respectively mounted on extensibly connected handles, and a spring latch carried by one of the handles, when the handles are extended, engages an annular groove in the other handle and automatically releasably latches said handles in extended position.

Abstract: A fish retrieving apparatus includes a shaft with a dart removably affixed thereto and thrust generating devices are attached to the shaft. Guides permit the apparatus to slide down a fishing line where a trigger mechanism fires the dart impaling the fish.

Abstract: A fish gaff comprises a gaff hook releasably attached to a handle by either spring tension or compression. Depending upon the weight of the gaffed fish, the hook may be partially released from the handle to permit its relative rotation. This construction permits a user to maintain control of a fish without the gaff being twisted, bent or jerked out of the user's hands. In a first embodiment, spring tension is utilized to pull the hook into engagement with a locking slot formed in an interior portion of the handle. In a second embodiment, spring compression is utilized to maintain the hook in a locked position relative to the handle.

Abstract: A sling attachment assembly for a diving spear of the type having an elongate shaft with a front end and a rear end and a sling for thrusting said shaft attached to said rear end of said shaft and being constructed of resilient tubing having an elongate central cavity and a first end and a second end, comprising threaded bore means in a terminal end portion of said rear end of said elongate shaft; a wire member having a first leg portion, a second leg portion, and a bend portion connecting said leg portions, each said leg portion engaging a surface portion of said threaded bore means, said bend portion being positioned rearwardly of said threaded bore portion; sealing matrix means positioned in said threaded bore means in sealing engagement with said leg portions of said wire member positioned in said threaded bore means, whereby said wire member is fixedly held in said threaded bore means and whereby said sealing matrix means, said wire member leg portions and bend portion, and said terminal end of said shaf

Abstract: A gaff hook includes a rod member with a pointed hook part and a shank part terminating in a top end. A first collar is fixed coaxially to the shank part near the top end, and a second collar has an axial bore which recieves a top end portion of the shank part to allow rotational movement of the second collar relative to the shank part. The first and the second collars have engaging surfaces facing one another which surfaces are urged into frictional engagement by a bias mechanism to prevent free rotation of the second collar about the shank part. A gaff handle with a bottom opening for accommodating the top end portion of the shank part is fixed to the second collar.

Abstract: The gaff has a pistol grip handle with finger indentations therein, and an enlarged butt and head, enabling the user to maintain his arm in line with the shank of the gaff and thus experience less fatigue while having a better grip on the gaff and better control of it in landing the fish.

Abstract: This fish securing device has a relatively small diameter cylindrical axial assembly to which are hinged a number of fish securing arms. A spring loading mechanism contained within the axial assembly urges the hinged arms towards a closed fish securing position by means of an actuating linkage arm associated with each securing arm. A cocking and trip mechanism is actuatable upon tugging on a fish lure connected to one end of the axial assembly for releasing the securing arms from an open cocked position towards their closed position to secure a fish tugging on the lure. The device features an improved, compact, streamlined configuration whereby the spring loading mechanism is contained within the central tubular assembly and wherein the cocking and trippng mechanism and securing arm actuating linkages are disposed in a relatively protected position between the securing arms and the central axial assembly to minimize the possibility of damage or of entanglement with underwater growth, rocks or debris.

Abstract: A gaff for game fish has a flared crook for engaging the body of a fish at the tail. An end portion of the crook is attached to a pole and includes a ratchet assembly. An L-shaped arm is pivotally attached to the ratchet assembly and is rotatable in one direction in the plane of the crook. A contact arm of the L-shaped arm closes the open end of the crook while a capture arm extends in the direction of the pole. When the contact arm contacts the body of the fish and the fish is pulled into the crook, the capture arm rotates to captivate the fish in the crook. The ratchet includes a release lever to release the fish without damage thereto.

Abstract: A safety landing hook for landing fish is disclosed, the hook has an elongate member having a handle at one end and a comparatively large hook at the opposite end. A hinge permits the hook to swing from an extended position towards the handle and to a retracted position where the point of the hook contacts the handle. A lock normally locks the hinge with the hook at its extended position but can release the hinge to permit the hook to swing to its retracted position, and a holding arrangement holds the point of the hook in its retracted position when the landing hook is not being used.

Abstract: A fishing device, used by fishermen for gaffing a fish, which has two hooks at one end of a shaft at an angle to positively engage and retrieve fish; and a handle at the other end of the shaft with a strap to wrap around wrist to secure gaff to fisherman to avoid loss of gaff by pull of fish or slipping of gaff from hand.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catching hook having a straight portion (1) which in one end is provided with a hook (2) and another straight portion (3) which in the end opposite to the hook is provided with a handle (4). The portions are displaceable relative to one another between a catching position when they are extended at a maximum to a transportation position when they are pushed together. The hook (2) is rotatably connected to the end of the first straight portion (1), a locking device (6) being arranged in that end to prevent the rotation of the hook when used in its catching position, and after release permit rotation to a weighing position. The handle (4) is rotatably connected to a supporting device in the form of a sleeve (7) which is slidingly arranged on the corresponding straight portion, the handle being pivotably connected to the sleeve and after release from the end of the straight portion rotatable to a weighing position.

Abstract: A hand-held device for personal protection. The device is provided with a hook at the end of a rod. When it is desired to strike at an attacker, the hook is thrust from within the housing of the device. The device can be provided with compression bias which requires a user to apply pressure to a knob to actuate the device or with a tension bias which permits the device to be actuated upon the release of a trigger-type arrangement.

Abstract: A foldable gaff hook which has a handle at one end of a shaft and a foldable curved hook member at the opposite end of the shaft. The hook is pivotally carried by a cam member which cooperates with a spring-loaded cam follower whereby the hook may be held in a fully open position exposing the point of the hook or in a fully closed position wherein the point of the hook is recessed in the shaft.

Abstract: A novel structure for a fish landing net, or basket, is provided wherein the net is defined by top and bottom C-shaped supports secured in spaced relationship by a plurality of longitudinal ribs. Corresponding ends of the C-shaped supports are secured together by parallel, spaced slider bars which define a slot opening into the interior of the fish landing net. The slider bars are adapted to receive a snap ring which is connectable around the two bars and is slidable thereon, to close the slot and to secure a fishing line within the net. The snap ring is secured to a lowering line by means of which the net may be lowered along the fishing line to encompass a fish hooked on the fishing line. A weight is provided on the snap ring so that when the landing net surrounds the fish, the weight will carry the snap ring downwardly along the slide bars past a shoulder formed in at least one of the bars, which prevents the ring from sliding back up the slide bars.

Abstract: A hook, for use by fishermen for gaffing a fish, is carried by a member which is releasably anchored to a pole, and may be manipulated by the fisherman positively to engage in the fish; and then the member, carrying the hook which has been caught in the fish, may be disengaged from the pole by the fisherman by manipulating means to release the anchorage, while a rope or cable, attached to the same member, which rope, in the meantime, has not required the use of either of the hands of the fisherman may now be used for pulling in the hooked fish.

Abstract: An apertured platen is formed on the end of a handle and a gaff hook component is slidably mounted along the handle and can be pulled into engagement with the apertured platen by means of a trigger at the other end of the handle. A spring normally holds the gaff hook component in the open position so that the platen can be engaged within the mouth of the fish or upon the underside of the nose if the mouth is closed, with the hook engaging the soft underside of the lower jaw. The hook is pulled through the soft lower jaw and latched into the closed position by a spring loaded latch in the handle.

Abstract: A combination gaff and boat hook includes a rigid longitudinal handle element and a gaff element affixed thereon. A rigid enclosure conforming generally to the shape of the gaff element is adapted to sheath the gaff element and be affixed to the handle element. The enclosure, when in position sheathing the gaff serves as a boat hook.

Abstract: A boat hook is provided with a series of attachments engagable with a coupling device on the prod end. The coupling preferably includes a threaded section, and is set back from the point of the prod for the dual purpose of protecting the threads, and for utilizing the point as the means of assuring positive coaxial alignment of the coupling. The attachments provide a variety of areas of utility, and the preferred form of the invention has a telescoping handle capable of being locked in a plurality of degrees of extension appropriate to the particular attachments that may be coupled to the basic device. The original utility of the boat hook is not impaired by the provision for the attachments. One of the attachments is a hoop with a provision for temporarily retaining a loop in a mooring line.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus includes two clamping members pivotally connected at a common point. A leaf spring, connected to a point on each member, tends to force the members together. The leaf spring is connected to one end of a rod, the other end of which is remote from the clamping members. The members are extended beyond the common point toward the remote end of the rod. An actuating device operable from the remote end of the rod, is connected to the extended ends of the clamping members. When the clamping members are opened, they are held in the open position until a selective operation of the actuating device initiates the closing of the clamping members. After the initiating movement, the clamping members are biased closed by the action of the leaf springs.

Abstract: A flying gaff, useful in gaffing large fish such as sharks, comprising a hook containing an elongated shaft and a wing member mounted on said shaft such that the wing member is capable of rotational movement around the shaft with little axial movement, said wing member having an aperture at its lower extremity through which a rope may be readily attached and detached. The gaff also includes a handle to detachably receive the lower extremity of the shaft such that the shaft may be readily urged into and detached from the handle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for extracting a fish which has been hooked for use in combination with line fishing means, comprising an L-shaped rod with differing arm lengths, the shorter of which acts as a pivot for a pair of bushings, each of which is connected to one of a pair of branches operating in the manner of scissors, forming respective hooks counterweighted at their top ends. A tube is slidably engaged around the longer arm of the rod, said tube incorporating anchor-points at the lower end for flexible components connected at the other end to the branch counterweights, the arrangement being such that, on pulling the tube sliding on the longer arm of the L-shaped rod, the hooks are closed together to grasp the body of the fish to secure it.

Abstract: A cheliform fish grip having an over-all specific gravity of less than that of water is obtained by constructing the parts of a plastic having a specific gravity greater than 1., and constructing the handle with an air compartment of sufficient size to reduce the over-all specific gravity to less than 1. The jaws of the fish grip are pivotally mounted on a body, an actuator is slidably mounted in the body and spring biased levers are pivotally connected to the actuator and to a central portion of each jaw.