Abstract: Fish lures and compositions and processes for making fish lures are described. The fish lures are soft and biodegradable, and they release fish attractant efficiently. Compositions for making the fishing lures comprise at least one water-soluble long-chain polyhydroxy polymer and, optionally, a water-soluble polymeric gum and/or a hydrogen-bonding accelerator. The lures may be cured after molding by subjecting the lure to freezing temperatures for various intervals of time.

Abstract: Lubricious medical devices such as catheters and stents which minimize friction and retain lubricity and dimensional properties for a long period of time. The devices are made by coextrusion wherein the inner layer is a hydrophobic polymer and the outer layer is a blend of a hydrophilic polymer and hydrophobic polymer. Devices made by extrusion of a blend of hydrophobic polymer with a blend of hydrophobic/hydrophilic polymer are described also.

Abstract: A hand gripping apparatus useful for securely holding and moving objects that are difficult or unhandy to grasp, hold and move by hand. The apparatus has two hinged or pivotally moveable jaws with handles which when squeezed together by hand securely grasp a belt between the jaws. One end of the belt is connected to the apparatus, the other end is wrapped around the object and extending the belt through the jaws where it is held when the handles are pressed together.

Abstract: A lifting mechanism having special utility for snowmobiles that become stuck in the snow. The lifting mechanism enables a single person to lift the snowmobile up and to the side whereby the snowmobile track gains traction on new snow. It comprises a base plate, a vertical support of a plurality of sections, and a ratchet assembly which includes a cable for attachment to the snowmobile. The base plate is designed to facilitate side movement of the support after the snowmobile has been lifted.

Abstract: Active ingredient containing liquid formulations wherein the active ingredient is made water and oil resistant after application thereof to a substrate by the addition to the formulation of a fluorinated acrylic copolymer. The substrate can be either an animate or inanimate object. Active ingredients include repellents, attractants, pesticides, growth regulators, sunscreen agents, or medicines. The liquid formulations can be aqueous or organic solvent based or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: An automatic arrow positioning device for attachment to an archery bow. The device includes a V-shaped bale which is mounted rotatably within a generally semi-circular shaped housing. The housing is attached to a bracket which, in turn, is attached to the bow at, for example, the riser of the bow. One arm of the bale is attached to one end of an actuator. The other end of the actuator is attached to the inner end of a cable which extends to and is connected to the timing cables of the bow. Drawing of the bowstring causes the timing cables and actuator to pull the bale into correct position for the arrow to be shot.

Abstract: A tire cutting apparatus for severing the tread portion from the sidewall portion of a tire. The severed tread is cut transversely so that it can be extended and placed flat down and used to form a wall, fence or the like. The apparatus includes cutting wheels and roller receivers which are in vertical alignment therewith. Between the cutting wheels is a driver roller which causes the tire carcass to rotate around the roller receivers. A cutter blade is provided to transversely cut the tread portion. The cut is made at the juncture of the tread portion and the upper sidewall portion.

Abstract: A solid pesticide composition such as a bait or granule which is made water resistant by coating the solid pesticide with a hydrophobic fatty acid poly ester of sucrose, sorbitol, sorbinose, glycerol and/or raffinose. The coated solid pesticide composition retains its palatability to the target pest.

Abstract: A valve apparatus for use with a holding tank of a recreational vehicle which has a manually operated valve actuator. The apparatus includes a pivotable actuating lever which is connected to a clevis having mounted therein a clevis pin that is slidably received in a guide channel. The clevis pin is joined by a connecting rod to a laterally, slidable gate valve so that the valve moves in response to lateral movement of the activating lever.

Abstract: A solid pest control system which includes a polymeric matrix, a liquid plasticizer, a pest control active ingredient and triphenyl phosphate as a carrier for the active ingredient. The system releases the active ingredient efficiently and uniformly. The pest control system is less irritating to the animal's skin as compared to prior art systems. The system is useful for making animal collars, ear tags, pest strips, and the like. The irritation of pest control active ingredient to warm blooded animals, including humans, is reduced by incorporating into the active ingredient formulation an effective amount of triphenyl phosphate. The formulation can be a solid or liquid.