Abstract: A portable combination timer/calculator for basketball players and coaches that is used for indicating the elapse of selected time periods and recording the number of attempted baskets, made baskets, and shot percentages. The device includes a belt worn around a player's waist that contains a “made” basket button, and a “missed” basket button, mounted on opposite ends of the belt. Mounted centrally on the belt is an outer housing with a main on/off button, a timer, a calculator, a plurality of programmed timer buttons, and a speaker. Also mounted on the surface of the outer housing is a game select button that enables the device to be used to play various basketball related games or to be used as a recording device for “made” or “missed” baskets. The player presses the “made” or “missed” basket buttons when a shot is made or missed. Also, when the selected time period has elapsed, an audio signal is broadcast through the speaker.

Abstract: A kit and method for treating migraine headaches comprising the preparing of an oral composition containing at least two bags of black pekoe tea brewed in approximately three ounces of boiling water for ten to thirty seconds. After brewing, the bags of tea are removed and two 325 mg aspirin tablets, one to two teaspoonfuls or tablets of apple cider vinegar, and one to three teaspoonfuls of honey are mixed into the brewed tea. The entire hot and concentrated composition is then cooled over ice so that a person suffering from a migraine headache may quickly drink it.

Abstract: A chinrest pad system designed to hold a standard chinrest used with a string instrument that minimizes dampening of vibration and prevents damage caused by the metal components touching the edges of the instrument. The system includes pads located under the support surface of the chinrest member and on top of the lower lip plate used on the lower clamping member. The pads are specifically designed to partially engage the instrument's upper and lower edges and match the curvature of instrument surface immediately adjacent to the edge. Each pad also includes a rear extending lip that bends slightly around the upper or lower edge and extends rearward to prevent the metal rods used with the turnbuckles from contacting the rear surface. During assembly, the pads are positioned over the upper and lower edges so that the compression forces exerted by the support surface and the lower lip plate are centrally located over the sidewall transverse axis, thereby minimizing dampening of vibration.

Abstract: A combination electric field sensor and a flashlight with at least one main LED disclosed that uses a voltage multiple circuit that enables the use of a single AA or AAA battery. The voltage multiple circuit raises the battery voltage from 1.5 volts to approximately 5 volts required to sufficiently energize the main LED. The device includes a voltage detector circuit with a sensor probe which detects the presence of an electric field when the device is placed adjacent thereto and a second LED. The second LED is connected to the voltage detector circuit and designed to flash when placed against an electric field.

Abstract: An in-bed toe tent frame designed to keep bedding off the toes of a person lying on his or her back on a standard bed. The frame includes a flat lower support frame which extends transversely across the bed between the mattress and box spring. The opposite ends of the lower support frame extend upward over the opposite sides of the mattress and selectively connect to two hub assemblies. The two hub assemblies hold an upper support frame in a transversely aligned, elevated position over the mattress. Bedding placed over the upper support frame is then elevated over the user's feet when sleeping. The hub assemblies allow the upper support frame to be adjusted to different heights to produce different tent sizes. The hubs also allow the upper support frame to be rotated toward the foot of the bed for compact storage.

Abstract: A survival suit including two inner bladders filled with air exhaled from the user to provide warmth and floatation. The first inner bladder is located against the user's back that covers the entire dorsal region. Located behind the first inner bladder is a second inner bladder that acts as an insulation layer when submerged under water. Both the first and second inner bladders are filled with fibrous filler material to provide insulation and allow exhaled air to flow freely therein. An air conduit extends from the user's mouth to the second inner bladder. Formed between the first and second inner bladders is an air passageway that delivers air from the second inner bladder into the first inner bladder. Air outlet ports located on the first inner bladder allows exhaled air to escape into the body cavity and that completely surround the user. The exhaled air in the body cavity eventually escapes through the face opening.

Abstract: A truck bed extender that enables a user to load and unload heavy loads from a truck bed. The apparatus includes a lower frame longitudinally aligned and securely mounted inside the truck bed. Disposed inside the lower frame is a sliding intermediate frame with at least one length adjustable leg attached at its distal end that supports the distal end of the intermediate frame in an extended position. During assembly, the proximal end of the intermediate frame slides into, and extends from, the lower frame. Disposed longitudinally over the lower frame and the intermediate frame is a moveable upper frame with a support panel attached thereto. When the intermediate frame is fully extended from the truck bed, the upper frame may move longitudinally rearward from the truck bed and onto the intermediate frame so that cargo may be loaded or unloaded onto the support panel.

Abstract: An apparatus used in a motor vehicle that provides load prioritization, load shedding, start sequencing and support of ultra or super capacitors when coupled to the motor vehicle's electrical power source and distribution network. The apparatus includes circuit Breakers, Solid State Relays, Controller Area Network (CAN) physical, transport and logical interface which enables the apparatus to connect or interface with power sources and to the vehicle's multiplex bus. The apparatus also includes decision, threshold detection and operational awareness logical software functions that enable it to prioritize power between the vehicles electrical components and interrogative/processing software functions that enable the apparatus to diagnosis abnormalities and communication status information to the vehicle operator.

Abstract: A telescoping topstay for a rigger that includes a length adjustable tubular member with a diagonally aligned tubular housing attached at its distal end. Attached to one end of the tubular housing is a pin connector that attaches by a bolt to the top end of the oarlock pin. Attached to the proximal end of the tubular member is a transversely aligned pivot connector that connects to a base bracket attached to the sides of the boat hull. The pin connector is able to selectively rotate and lock in a desired position on the tubular housing. The pivot connector is able to axially rotate over the proximal end of the tubular member. During use, the orientations of the pin and the pivot connectors are selectively adjusted so that they match the respective mating surfaces on the oarlock pin and boat hulls.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant pest trap that has an outer housing that simulates a rock typically found in a garden or landscape area around a residence or building. The outer housing includes a substantially flat bottom member and a pivotally attached upper dome-shaped lid member. When the lid member is closed over the bottom member, a large cavity is formed inside the trap. Formed on the bottom member are two, inward extending tunnel cavities that form two partially concealed tunnels that extend under the trap when the trap is placed on the ground. Formed on the perimeter edge of the outer housing is an outer pest opening. From on the bottom member directly over the tunnel cavity is an inner pest opening that allows a rodent to enter the large cavity after traveling through the tunnel. Formed inside the outer housing is a holding tray designed to hold a rodenocide or a mechanical trap capable of killing the rodent. An optional bait paper tray is also formed in the bottom member to hold bait paper.

Abstract: A practice putting kit and training method for practicing the aiming a golf ball, aiming the putter, and keep returning the putter to a square position to the golf ball. The kit includes a laser golf ball that produces a planar, laser beam of light. Printed on the outer surface of the golf ball is a centrally aligned reference line aligned with the laser. The laser is connected to a control switch, an optional timer, and a battery that enables the golfer to selectively control its activation. The golfer practices aiming the reference line at the target line and then uses the laser to verify if aiming was correct. The kit also includes a stand that holds the golf ball in an elevated position behind the golfer. During use, a standard putter and golf ball is placed in front of the golfer and the stand and laser golf ball are positioned behind the golf ball and aimed at the golf ball so that the laser beam illuminates the top of the golf ball and the target line.

Abstract: An improved spring-activated mole trap that includes various safety features that make the mole trap safe to use by non-professionals. The mole trap includes a foot bar that enables the individual to activate the trap using his or her foot, a limiting u-shaped member that prevents the trigger arm from snapping rearward and injuring the trapper's fingers if the trap is accidentally activated while being set. The improved trap also includes a pair of handles that extend upward from the tunnel when the trap is vertically aligned in the tunnel. Using the handles, the user is able to more easily position the trap inside the tunnel. The trap further includes a wider, re-aligned trigger located closer to the soil to prevent a mole from burrowing under the trigger plate and thereby avoiding activating the trap.

Abstract: An improved strap tensioner that allows a user to manually shorten the strap by applying greater tension on the strap and easily lengthening the strap after being tightened. The tensioner includes a tension lever, an intermediate member, and a brake lever all pivotally mounted on a rigid base. The tension lever and brake member are longitudinally aligned on opposite sides of the rigid base. Formed on the tension lever is a transversely aligned clamping flange that extends under the strap when longitudinally extended through the rigid base. Formed on the intermediate member and disposed above the clamping flange is a first cam surface that forms a slot for the strap to extend through. The brake lever includes a second cam surface that is spaced above the front flange member to form a second slot. During operation, the brake lever is rotated to press the second cam surface against the front flange member to temporarily hold the strap inside the rigid base.

Abstract: A drywall mud applicator, designed to quickly and easily apply a first layer of mud or mastic material to a joint in preparation for applying drywall tape thereto. The applicator includes a main housing comprising two side plates pivotally connected to an intermediate member. During use, the side plates are centrally aligned over a joint located between adjacent drywall panels so that each side plate is positioned against the adjoining drywall surface. The intermediate member is longitudinally aligned over the longitudinal axis of the joint. Attached to each side plate is a guide member that slides laterally over the side plate's front surface to control the width of the mud applied to the joint. A guide plate locking mechanism is provided for selectively locking the guide members in a desired position on the two side plates. A bellows is connected to the intermediate member and is used to evenly distribute mud to port openings formed on the two side plates.