Abstract: An exercise machine which simulates snow skiing so as to especially develop the muscles of a person particular to snow skiing. A tubular support frame pivotally supports a pair of elongate foot support arms the front end of which are pivotally connected to the frame for multiple axes rotation. The rear end of the foot support arms each have a foot pedal which support the user in an elevated position. A pair of generally vertical pivot arms are pivotally connected at an upper end of each to the support frame with the lower end of each connected to a respective foot support arm. The pivot arms are interconnected by a tie bar for coordinated movement thereof. The movement of the foot support arms is simultaneously about multiple axes comprising lateral horizontal and upward vertical components wherein the foot support arms trace a conical path and the foot pedals trace generally upwardly directed arcuate paths with the foot support arms tilting inwardly to simulate edging of skis.

Abstract: A method of introducing treatment agents comprising medicine or nutrients into a tree, involving the boring of holes above ground into the trunk of the tree. Homogeneous plugs of solidified polyethylene glycol (PEG) with such treatment agents mixed therein are molded and inserted into the holes in the tree trunk and sealed with wax. The dissemination time of the treatment agent into the tree trunk is controlled by selection of the PEG's used, with higher molecular weights PEG's taking longer to dissolve and disseminate the treatment agent into the transpirational flow of the tree being treated than the lower molecular weight PEG's. The method leaves no foreign material such as plastic casings or cartridges within the tree trunk after treatment.

Abstract: Devices for manually removing and disposing of blood sampling needles after use, with a minimum of manipulation and without manual contact with any contaminated part. The manual needle removal devices disclosed are incorporated into the lids of needle disposal containers. After insertion of the used needle assembly into the device, only rotary motion is needed to unscrew it to allow it to fall into the container.

Abstract: A compact electronic keyboard having full-size keys arranged in the standard QWERTY or DVORAK pattern but with a reduced width of the keyboard due to the elimination of the standard modifier keys normally positioned at opposite sides of the alphanumeric keys. The function of such modifier keys are incorporated into some of the alphanumeric keys, or modifiable character keys, the function of which is controlled by means of separate portions of a split, thumb-operable spacebar below the lower row of alphanumeric keys. Such portions are the space key and the special key. The space key incorporates the standard shift function and can control the function of the modifiable character keys by simultaneous pressing of the space key and the desired modifiable character key. The special key can control the function of the modifiable character keys in a similar manner, but which can remain activated for a preset period of time such that simultaneous pressing of a modifiable character key is not necessary.

Abstract: A single bolt coupling for the attachment to the end portion of a pipe having a circumferential groove or shoulder in such end portion includes a coupling which receives the end portion of the pipe therein and a circumferential open ended resilient ring associated with the coupling body which expands to allow passage of the groove into or out of the coupling and contracts to hold the groove in the coupling. The coupling is provided with a screw vise mechanism to expand the ring so that a pipe end can easily be inserted into the coupling. After insertion, the ring is allowed to contract to hold the pipe in the coupling. The coupling with its ring can also couple plain ended pipes, the ring contracting tightly around the pipe to hold it in place by friction between the pipe and ring.