Abstract: A tennis training device for aiding in tennis-swing training and warm-up exercises includes a tennis racket or like-shaped frame having handle and head portions spaced apart along a central axis, a central opening disposed between the frame portions, an axial shaft the opposite ends of which are removably mounted to the head and handle of the frame, and at least one weight member removably, slidably, securedly, mounted to the shaft at a preselected location in the central opening whereby to enable the player to adjust the center of gravity and weight balance of the frame. In a preferred embodiment, two temporary lockable interdigitating members and a locking member that engages the shaft to position the weight member at the preselected location define the weight member.

Abstract: A system is provided for cutting and finishing muntins. The system comprises a device for cutting muntins, a device for pinning muntins, and at least one device for punching muntins. The device for cutting muntins comprises a pair of cutting blades that are independently rotatable, translatable and positionable, and indexable, and further comprises means for precisely measuring muntins fed into the apparatus. The device for pinning muntins comprises means for stabilizing a muntin during punching; a guide, which is preferably magnetic; a pin or a blade, which is preferably made of metal; means for punching the pin or blade into a muntin; and means for precisely measuring the location at which a pin or blade is to be punched into a muntin. The at least one device for punching muntins comprises means for stabilizing a muntin strip; means for cutting the muntin strip; and means for translating the means for cutting. Power for the at least one punching apparatus is preferably pneumatic.

Abstract: A tool for installation of building siding includes an elongate base portion, an arm portion extending at a right angle thereto, and terminates in a flange portion extending at a right angle from the arm. A clip member is carried on the upper surface of the base, and extends toward the arm portion to define a gap therebetween. For use, one or more of the tools are placed on the bottom edge of the piece of siding so that the siding is releasably captured in the gap. The piece of siding can then be placed at an appropriate position on a wall above a previously-installed piece of siding, so that the flange rests on the upper edge of the previously installed piece. The installer may rest the piece of new siding, with the tool(s) in place, on the previously installed piece of siding, enabling the installer to temporarily nail the new piece in place. The tool(s) can then be removed from the new piece by twisting and pulling down on the handle portion.

Abstract: Video images and/or audio clips are rapidly and efficiently assembled into a finished program master recording for playback, including subsequent duplication. The images and audio portions may be collected locally or from remote sites in a variety of still video, motion, or multimedia formats. To reduce bandwidth or storage requirements, proprietary or commercially available compression/decompression data algorithms preferably are utilized during transmission and accumulation. Once a complete program is available the images and/or audio portions may be replayed automatically in a predetermined sequence, thereby allowing the program master video tape or disc to be recorded and distributed in a timely manner. As an alternative, the program presentation may be played back directly to a plurality of video recorders to effect duplication.

Abstract: A geodesic dome is created by the steps of: (a) generating a mathematical model of a geodesic dome, (b) fabricating components with which to form a geodesic dome according to the model; and (c) fastening the components to each other according to the model. In the model, M base triangles are generated in a closed three-dimensional shape. M is at, least four, with eight being preferred and the preferred closed three-dimensional shape being a regular octahedron. The closed three-dimensional shape has a center point from which each vertex of each of the base triangles is equidistant, this distance being a geodesic radius. Each leg of each base triangle is then subdivided into N segments of equal length, N being at least two, with eight being preferred, thus defining N+1 segment endpoints or intersections along each leg. A line is then generated between each intersection and two corresponding intersections, thus defining N2 smaller triangles per base triangle.

Abstract: A vehicle or other type mirror having a convex reflective surface is surrounded by an opaque or non-reflective band. The opaque band extends from the reflective surface to a mounting flange. The mounting flange is adapted to seat on a mounting frame. A gasket secures the mounting frame and the mounting flange together. The mirror is mounted to a vehicle by suitable mounting members. The mirror permits the entire reflective surface to be available for viewing without interference from the gasket or mounting frame.

Abstract: A support device for storing a golf bag and shoes. The support device includes an upper bracket body, a middle bracket body, and a lower bracket body. The upper bracket body includes a rest plate on which a top portion of a golf bag may rest. The middle bracket body includes an elongated stem which mounts against a vertical support. The lower bracket body has a disc plate upon which the bottom of a golf bag may be seated, the disc plate having a bottom surface. In addition, the support device may include a shoe support disposed across the elongated stem or integrated into the lower bracket body or a shoe compartment provided below.

Abstract: A method of coating a wooden substrate or surface comprising the steps of depositing a layer of ultraviolet light curable polymer in an uncured form to at least one surface of a wooden substrate; and curing said polymer with an amount of UV energy sufficient to polymerize said polymer. The method optionally comprising the further steps of: scuffing the surface of the cured polymer; depositing a second layer of ultraviolet light curable polymer in an uncured form to the scuffed surface; and curing the second layer of ultraviolet light curable polymer with an amount of UV energy sufficient to polymerize said second layer. The method also contemplates a further step comprising scuffing the surface of the cured polymer; and depositing a top coat thereon.

Abstract: A radio controlled aerial disc capable of flight in any direction when airborne. The invention provides upper and lower body portions which form a disc shaped housing when connected. Within the housing there is a servo motor and drive assembly coupled to a quadripartite blade to provide lift and motion to the aerial disc. A servo control mechanism and a rear prop assembly are also components of the invention for controlling the movement of the aerial disc. A receiver mounted on the aerial disc provides a method of receiving signals from a remote transmitter to control the movement of the aerial disc.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described which provide secure interactive communication of text and image information between a central server computer and one or more client computers located at remote sites for the purpose of storing and retrieving files describing unique products, services or individuals. Textual information and image data from one or more of the remote sites are stored separately at the location of the central server, with the image data being in a compressed form, and with the textual information being included in a relational database with identifiers associated with any related image data. Means are provided at the central computer for management of all textual information and image data received to ensure that all information may be independently retrieved. Requests are entered from remote terminals specifying particular subject matter, and the system is capable of responding to multiple simultaneously requests.

Abstract: A muntin strip miter cutting apparatus for cutting muntin strips into muntin sections and assembly of muntin sections into muntin lattices. The apparatus has at least one muntin cutting blade which cuts muntin strips to produce mitered muntin sections. A piercing system pierces the muntin sections to provide apertures to assist with final assembly. The muntin sections are assembled with keepers at an assembly station to produce muntin lattices which are inserted between two or more panes of glass.

Abstract: The valve of the present invention includes a housing and a valve body. The valve body includes a key piece selected so that the valve may function as a normally-on valve or a normally-off valve depending upon the key piece selected. The valve of the present invention additionally includes a first ring and a second ring wherein each ring ensures proper supply of pressurized high flow rate media through the valve.

Abstract: A locking device for use with a conventional liftgate support to retain a hatchback-type door of a vehicle in an open position. The locking device of the present invention is for use with a liftgate support to retain a hatchback-type door in an open position even in cold weather or after the liftgate support has worn out. The locking device is defined by a pair of opposed interdigitating body portions which encircle the rod. A threaded member locks the two portions together and secures the device to the rod.

Abstract: A firearm safety storage box which is substantially child and theft resistant without using hinges and mechanical locks. The box has an access panel which is not permanently sealed to any other portion of the box and which is only disclosed to the user of the box. The box also has a bullet-proof panel to protect against the accidental firing of the firearm during mishandling of the box. The box may be used to safely store valuable items other than firearms.

Abstract: An improved avian tower comprises a base to which is attached a substantially cylindrical center column which surrounds a central post, formed from a plurality of interdigitating column portions wherein each column portion includes a body, a first shoulder and a second shoulder whereby the first shoulder and second shoulder of adjoining column portions cooperate to allow configurable construction of the center column. A plurality of perches are attached to at least one of the plurality of column portions.

Abstract: A combined furrowing and tamping garden tool includes an elongated handle having a ground engaging member disposed at one end thereof. The ground engaging member has a furrow forming member and a soil replacing and tamping element formed therewith as a unitary member. The furrow forming member depends from a first edge of the ground engaging member and the replacing and tamping portion is in diametric opposition to the furrow forming member such that the handle can be rotated 180.degree. in either direction for the desired function.

Abstract: A device for storing empty soda pop cans or the like includes an elongated assembly defined by a plurality of interlocking and interconnectable sections which may be suspended from a stairway banister or the like. A flap or cover closes off each end of the device to prevent unwanted ejection of any containers stored therewithin. The container may include a locking member for interconnecting the device to a similar type of device in a depending manner therefrom.