Abstract: An antenna system with at least one tunable dipole element with a length adjustable conductive member disposed therein that enables the antenna to be used over a wide range of frequencies. The element is made of two longitudinally aligned, hollow support arms made of non-conductive material. Disposed longitudinally inside each element is a length adjustable conductive member electrically connected at one end. In the preferred embodiment, each conductive member is stored on a spool that is selectively rotated to precisely extend the conductive member into the support arm. The support arms, which may be fixed or adjustable in length, are affixed at one end to a rigid housing. During use, the conductive members are adjusted in length to tune the element to a desired frequency.

Abstract: A hobbyist's tool comprised of a grid-like base member containing a plurality of uniformly shaped and uniformly spaced apart peg openings into which adjustable, flexible arms may be attached. Formed on the lower end of each flexible arm is an elastic bushing designed to fit snugly into one of the peg openings on the base member. Attached to the opposite, upper ends of the flexible arms are clamp, vise, or other retaining members which temporarily hold parts needed to be glued, painted, or otherwise held suspended. The flexible arms are made of a plurality of ball-and-socket joints that enable the part holders to be posed in various orientations and elevations. The flexible arms may be selectively removed and replaced in any of the peg openings on the primary base member to hold different parts. An optional secondary base member is also provided that may be perpendicularly aligned and selectively attached to different locations on the primary base member.

Abstract: A fly line exchange apparatus and method including a temporary reel that houses a relatively short pull line that temporarily attaches to the end of the existing fly line. During use, the end of the pull line is connected via a quick connector to the end of the fly line. When the main fishing reel on the fishing pole is rotated, the fly line and pull line are pulled together through the eyelets on the fishing rod. When the end of the pull line is pulled through the eyelet closest to the reel, the old fly line is detached from the quick connector. The old spool in the reel is then replaced with a new spool having the desired fly line. The end of the new fly line is attached to the quick connector on the end of the pull line and the temporary reel is rotated to pull the pull line and new fishing line through the last eyelet on the fishing rod. The pull line is then detached from the new fishing line so that the new fishing line may be used.

Abstract: An improved modified ventilation tube system designed to improve patient comfort and prevent accidental “pop off” incidents that often occur with standard endotracheal and ventilation tubes. The system includes a modified endotracheal tube that includes a cylindrical-shaped end adapter, an L-shaped elbow connector with a rotating leg member and a fixed leg member, and a modified ventilation tube. The rotating leg member is perpendicularly aligned on one end of the fixed leg member and slidingly receives the end adapter on the modified endotracheal tube. Disposed around the rotating leg member is a first rotating collar that securely fixes the end adapter to the rotating leg member. The fixed leg member includes a long leg section that slidingly connects to a rotating coupler attached to the modified ventilation tube. A second rotating collar is disposed around the rotating coupler to selectively attach the fixed leg member to the rotating coupler.

Abstract: A portable aircraft cushion that may be selectively used by passengers seated in standard aircraft seats to provide greater back, head, and neck support so that the passengers may sleep easier. In the preferred embodiment, the cushion comprises a lower body support section made of a plurality of transversely aligned, interconnected air chambers which are filled with air using a supplied pump or the aircraft air ventilation system. When inflated, the top air chambers in the body support section are positioned approximately level with the top edge of the seat when fully reclined. Located above the body support section is an inflatable head and neck support section that extends above the top edge of the seat when inflated to support the user's head and neck. In the preferred embodiment, the head and neck section comprises two lateral support chambers separated by non-inflating webbing material.

Abstract: A “zero stop” rifle scope adjustment mechanism that allows a user to establish the “zero point” at any point in the scope range, and still maintain ¼ minute clicks and with unlimited rotations of the adjustment knob. The mechanism includes a T-shaped adjustment bolt that is vertically aligned inside an adjustment body fixed in position on the turret of the rifle scope. The adjustment body includes a small threaded central bore to which the adjustment bolt is attached. The adjustment body also includes an upward cavity with splines formed on the inside surface. When assembled, the threaded upper section of the adjacent bolt extends above the top surface of the adjustment body. Disposed longitudinally and locked in position over the threaded upper section of the adjustment bolt and around the adjustment body is an index dial.

Abstract: A trailer hitch alignment apparatus designed to be used with an existing trailer hitch that includes a hollow frame tube mounted transversely on the rear of a towing vehicle. The apparatus includes a first leg member that slides into an end opening on the transversely aligned frame tube attached to the frame on the towing vehicle. Attached to the distal end of the first leg member is a joint bracket with a ratchet mechanism disposed therein. Pivotally attached to the distal end of the joint bracket is a second leg member. The ratchet mechanism is coupled to the second leg member enabling the user to forcibly pivot the second leg member around the first leg member. Attached inside the rear surface of the first leg member is a cable assembly containing a cable wound onto a spool. Attached to the spool is a locking, tightening mechanism that allows the cable to be forcibly wound and unwound from the spool. Extending from the distal end of the second leg member is a telescopic extension arm.

Abstract: A quick release harness system for wind or kite surfers or the like that enables users to manually release themselves from the harness line during a “blow over” event and which can easily reconnect to the harness line when desired. The system includes a quick release, biased lever mounted to a main bracket. The main bracket is attached to a waist support member worn around the waist of the user. Located below the lever and attached to the main bracket is a biased pivoting hook member with a forward extended arcuate section designed to engage a ring or similar structure attached to the distal end of a harness line. Also attached to the main bracket is a biased pivotal latch that selectively moves between engaged and disengaged positions with the hook member. Movement of the latch is manually controlled by pressing downward on the lever which enables the latch to rotate inward and move to a non-blocking position so that the hook member is able to move upward and disengage from the harness line.

Abstract: A paint tray that can be used in the vertical as well as horizontal position to hold paint for use with a roller. Formed longitudinally inside the tray is an inclined bottom surface designed to return excess paint to the basin when the paint tray is disposed horizontally. Formed on the inclined surfaces is a plurality of parallel raised contact surfaces that provides a directional contact surface used to remove excess paint from the roller and return the excess paint to the basin. The length of the inclined surface is sufficient to create freeboard for use in the vertical position without risk of spillage. The paint tray is equipped with a pair of legs attached to its distal end that allows the paint tray to rest vertically on the rung(s) of a ladder or step(s) of a stepladder, or horizontally on the ladder shelf as traditional paint trays. Aligned longitudinally on the distal end of the paint tray is a rigid handle for easy transport of the paint tray in the vertical position.

Abstract: A multimedia disk security system which uses a removable center plug that fits into the central hole formed on the disk body. Attached or formed inside the center plug is a EAS tag, the presence or absence of which is detectable to a standard electronic article surveillance detector. In one embodiment, an optional main label may be attached over the entire disk body to hide the EAS tag.

Abstract: An aluminum boat hull is disclosed having an integrally molded bumper formed on the sidewalls that is securely attached and protected. The bumper is made of a first and second layer of foam covered with an outer protective layer. Formed on the outside surface of the hull sidewalls are a plurality of chambers formed between upper and lower longitudinal frame members and a plurality of intermediate frame members attached between the longitudinal frame members. Perpendicularly aligned and attached to the outside edge of each intermediate frame member is an anchor plate. Also formed on the inside surfaces of the upper and lower longitudinal frame members are upper and lower stiffeners. During manufacturing, closed-cell first foam is poured into the chambers to cover. An optional layer of fiberglass is placed over the outer surface of the first foam layer and allowed to cure. A closed-cell, second foam layer is then created over the fiberglass layer. A hardening layer is then painted over the second foam layer.

Abstract: A sandbagging manufacturing apparatus designed to be used with standard sanding trucks normally used with a broadcast spreader. The truck includes a large hopper with a hydraulically controlled conveyor belt located longitudinally inside the large hopper that delivers sand to a rear opening. Located below the rear opening is rigid framework used to hold the broadcast spreader. The apparatus includes a small hopper selectively attached to the framework below the hopper's rear opening. The small hopper is designed to slide into brackets formed on the framework so that the small hopper and broadcast spreader may be easily exchanged. A vertically aligned chute is attached to the small hopper through which sand falls to fill sandbags. The apparatus also includes a control box designed to control the operation of the conveyor belt.