Abstract: A practice golf swing device which permits the swinger of a golf club to hit a variable height replica golf ball that is fixedly attached to a universally pivoting arm (swivel arm) that moves in direct proportion to the swing path and speed of the golf club. The motion thus initiated in the swivel arm may be measured at the base of the arm (knuckle ball) using an optical/digital sensing output as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,288,993 and 5,703,356 with this measurement being computed so as to numerically or graphically depict the movement. This graphical depiction may be viewed as a pictorial view of a golf ball in flight along the path that would be expected had the ball been struck by a golf ball with the same force and direction that is imparted to the replica golf ball, which is attached to the pivot arm of the device. The apparatus has a self-zeroing capability that provides an identical “at rest” position prior to impact.

Abstract: A free piston engine with a linear power generation system with a variable stroke piston and improved construction and control is provided. The free piston engine includes a single double-ended piston located within a cylinder having opposed combustion chambers positioned at opposite ends of the cylinder. The piston is reciprocated within the cylinder between the opposed combustion chambers. The piston stroke is variably adjustable via the combustion cycles of the free piston engine and the linear power generation system such that the top dead centers of each side of the piston are definable. The piston stroke can then be adjusted to meet the optimum working conditions for a respective application.

Abstract: An apparatus for developing and practicing golf skills that is readily portable and which can be used in a relatively restricted or confined areas is provided. The apparatus includes a shot indicator mounted on a vertical shaft which is caused to rise on the vertical shaft during use as indicator of the effectiveness of the shot in terms of distance of flight which would have been attained by a golf ball if driven by a blow of equal force and direction. The shot indicator is caused to rise on the vertical shaft by a user hitting a target which is laterally spaced from the vertical shaft. A target support is rotatably attached to the vertical shaft at one end and supports the target at an opposite end. Rotation of the target support releases a compression spring which acts on the shot indicator causing it to rise on the vertical shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus and automated control of the apparatus for use in coiled pipe operations is provided. The apparatus includes a mobile rig or trailer that carries a tower having attached thereto a reel of coiled tubing and a standard coiled tubing injector. The tower is positionable to support the reel of coiled tubing and the injector at a desired elevation above a wellhead. The reel of coiled tubing is supported upon a movable reel cart which is actively positioned by an automated control system to position the reel of coiled tube and ultimately the coiled tubing as it drawn from and drawn upon the reel during operation. The control system monitors the position of the coiled tube as it is passed through the injector and positions the reel cart to minimize the number of bends the coiled tubing is subjected to during one complete iteration of running in and withdrawal.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a grill to a vehicle bumper is provided. The apparatus for mounting a grill to a vehicle bumper includes a support platform, a support arm attached to the support platform at an end thereof, a pivot mount assembly for attaching an end of the support arm to a vehicle bumper, and a retaining mount assembly. A grill is fixedly mounted to the support platform by securing the grill to grill mounting flanges, which are attached to the support platform. The support arm is pivotal about the pivot mount assembly allowing the grill to be rotated about the vehicle for positioning of the grill for use. In addition, the grill support platform can be pivotal about the support arm allowing greater versatility in positioning the grill for use. The retaining mount assembly is attached to the vehicle bumper at a spaced distance from the pivot mount assembly and functions to retain the support arm in a non-use position against or parallel to the vehicle bumper.

Abstract: An apparatus removing material accumulated on the exterior surfaces of adjacent heat exchanger plates arranged side-by-side in a spaced relationship in a bulk material heat exchanger and a bulk material heat exchanger incorporating the apparatus is provided. In one aspect, the apparatus develops vibratory shock waves through each coil to dislodge material that has accumulated on the surfaces of the heat exchanger plates. In another aspect, the apparatus translates each heat exchanger plate in a sequential back-and-forth motion to create a shearing effect in material that has accumulated between the adjacent surfaces of heat exchanger plates. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a driven cam and a cam follower, where the cam or cam follower includes a profile to achieve the desired motion of each heat exchanger plate.

Abstract: A rotary fluid agitator is provided. The rotary fluid agitator essentially comprises a fluid conduit that is positioned vertically within a storage tank holding a quantity of fluid, such as a drilling fluid. At least one nozzle is attached to the fluid conduit for jetting a stream of fluid into to the fluid contained within the tank. A drive means is connected to the fluid conduit and rotates the conduit to sweep the nozzle through a 360-degree arcuate path at a predetermined rotational frequency. A fluid pump is attached in fluid communication with the interior volume of the tank and pumps a quantity of drilling fluid through a fluid circulation line and through the fluid conduit to be jetted out of the nozzle. As the nozzle is swept through the arcuate path a conically shaped fluid flow path is created in the fluid contained within the tank causing the jetted fluid to tangentially act upon the fluid thereby keeping all solid particulates mixed with the fluid in suspension.

Abstract: A book holder for supporting and protecting an article of reading material is provided. The book holder includes a spine, a pair of cover panels, each of the cover panels is hingidly to the spine permitting the pair of cover panels to be rotated into an open position and to be rotated into a closed position. The book holder is adapted to receive and support an article of reading material in an open position when the book holder is open and for enclosing and protecting the reading material when the book holder is closed. A page holder assembly is provided to hold the reading material open and for marking a page. The page holder assembly can also include a line marker for marking a line of text in the reading material. In additional embodiments, an illumination means for illuminating the reading material and a magnify sheet for magnify the reading material may be provided.

Abstract: A clamp for securing a section of rope or the like is provided. The clamp includes a link having two side members connected at a first end by a cross member and attached at an opposite end at an apex. A ring is slidably attached to the link and a finger extends from the ring. In use a loop is formed into a section of rope which is passed between the ring and the cross member and is double backed over the ring so that the finger is positioned within the loop. The rope is then pulled removing the slack in the loop thereby pulling the ring towards the cross member and compressing the loop between the ring and the cross member. As a higher degree of strain is applied to the rope the compression force applied to loop by the by the ring and the arcuate cross member is also increased. This action assures the clamp will continuously clamp the rope in a secure manner. Multiple clamps can be used concurrently to secure a rope or the like at many different points along the length of the rope.

Abstract: A cord organizer and method of using the same is provided. The cord organizer is used for storing, handling and transporting cords or the like, such as electrical extension cords. The cord organizer includes a base for coiling a cord around by forming successive loops of the cord about the base. A flexible strap is provide for securing the coiled cord onto the cord organizer and to secure the individual loops of the coil to prevent the loops from becoming entangled during transportation or storage. In alternate embodiments, the base of the organizer is telescopic to be adjustable in length, cord end clips are provided to restrain free movement of the cord ends, means to positively lock the base is provided and a latch to releasably secure the strap within the slot is provided. An extension cord can also be provided having an integrally molded cord adaptor for attachment to a cord end clip. In addition, a method of using the cord organizer is also provided.

Abstract: A firearm barrel lock for preventing the accidental or unauthorized discharge of a firearm is provided. The barrel lock includes a dummy cartridge that is adapted to be received by a cartridge chamber of a firearm, a shaft that is insertable down the bore of the firearm and includes a first end that is engagable the dummy cartridge, and a lock that is releasable secured to a second end of the shaft which extends beyond the end of the barrel which precludes the removal of the shaft from the barrel.

Abstract: A flat heat exchanger plate typically used in a bulk material heat exchanger is provided. The flat heat exchanger plate is designed to operate under a negative internal pressure to eliminate depressions or dimples that are typically formed into the sides of these types of heat exchanger coils during the manufacture process. With the removal of the depressions or dimples the tendency for bulk material to accumulate to the exterior surface of the plate is reduced, thereby increasing the service period of the plate.

Abstract: A load binder for use in connection with a typical tie strap for securing a load for transport is provided. The load binder includes elements that are conformable to the shape of a particular load and which prevent the tie down from twisting upon itself. The load binder essentially comprises a body having and a handle pivotally attached to the body, a link pivotally attached to the handle, a first tie down engaging element attached to the link by a ball joint and a second tie down engaging element attached to the threaded shaft by a ball joint. The freely movable ball joints coupling the tie engaging elements to the binder allow the binder to conform to the shape of the load and also prevent the tie down from twisting upon itself. Additionally, a safety latch is incorporated into the binder which positively locks the handle in position relative to the body.