Abstract: A wall panel supporting unit and system of constructing a wall utilizing a series of the wall panel supporting units in place of a traditional stud wall. The individual wall panel supporting units are of unitary construction and are generally rectangular. The units are corrugated and the resulting ridges function in the same manner as individual studs in a traditional wall, by creating a space within the wall for insulation, electrical wiring and similar uses. The individual units are fastened together, and attached to parallel tracks along the ceiling and floor to ensure a straight wall when panel sheathing such as drywall is applied. The individual units generally conform to each other when stacked together and offer a significant reduction in required shipping space.

Abstract: A support and testing apparatus is designed for use with a vehicle mountable snow plow assembly. Typical snow plow assemblies include a snow plow frame designed to attach to a vehicle, at least one hydraulic actuator for positioning the blade, and a lighting system with some type of interconnection device. The support and testing apparatus includes a frame designed to support a snow plow assembly. The frame includes a coupler for mechanically engaging the snow plow frame so that the snow plow assembly is supported on and retained by the frame. The support and testing apparatus also includes multiple wheels which are attached to the frame. At least one of these wheels is a caster which is pivotally mounted to the frame so that the wheel can pivot 360 degrees relative to the frame. The support and testing apparatus also includes an actuator system which is capable of actuating the hydraulic actuator on the snow plow assembly.

Abstract: A block for landscaping purposes. The landscaping block has one generally planar surface and another corresponding generally parallel planar surface, which further defines a protrusion and a cavity conformed to receive another protrusion of the same dimension in a male/female relationship with the planar surfaces of the block in close proximity and parallel to each other. Two or more of the landscaping blocks may best be joined together by inserting the protrusion of one block into the conformed cavity of the next block. A series of blocks may be joined together either in an extended line, or in a shape which reaches closure, with all of the blocks interlocked.

Abstract: An insulated concrete block and wall assembly. The primary element is an insulated block which consists of two rectangular concrete facings and a rigid solid insulating core. The concrete facings are attached by adhesive to the insulating core. The insulating core has apertures within it to allow vertical reinforcing rod support in a constructed wall. The invention additionally provides an indentation along the top of each insulating core to provide for horizontal re-rod support within the wall itself. The invention provides optimal decrease in thermal conductivity coupled with simplicity of design and transport.

Abstract: An exercise device for use in exercising and strengthening abdominal and lower back muscles. The device is easily utilized, may be readily disassembled, and is easily portable. The device utilizes individual upright resilient bars of varying degrees of resistance which may be interchangeably affixed to a seat portion of the device. The upper portion of the resilient bar feature, which may be bowed in one direction, has an attached padded upper body support on one side and a harness element on the other. The user may sit on the seat element and exert backward pressure against the upper back support to exercise lumber (extensor) paraspinal muscles of the lower back, or the user may sit on the seat element gripping a handlebar assembly affixed to the upper end of the resilient bar and bend forwardly exerting pressure away from the bar to exercise the abdominal muscles. A padded lower back support is provided to assist in properly positioning the user on the device.

Abstract: In an in-ground vapor monitoring device for use with a conventional, hollow stemmed drill rig including a novel swivel assembly which attaches to a drill rod and which has a central passage formed therethrough. A fluid outlet port and an outlet channel joining the outlet port and central passage are formed in the swivel assembly. The device further includes an auger having an inlet port formed on its operational end which is connected by an inlet channel to a central passage. A vapor filter is disposed in the inlet channel. By applying an external vacuum source, vapor from a borehole is drawn off through the inlet port and filtered by the vapor filter. A gas chromatograph or other vapor analyzer is connected to the outlet port to analyze the drawn off vapors. The novel features of the auger portion of the device may be provided in the form of an auger plug engageable with a conventional auger.

Abstract: A device and method for adapting an arrow bolt fletching tool for use in fletching crossbow arrow bolts. The invention is designed to facilitate fletching crossbow arrow bolts, which are shot without nocks, utilizing a commercially available fletching tool which is designed and produced for use in fletching arrows having nocks which remain with the arrow and are shot with it. The invention provides for an end cap, containing a specially shaped indentation, to be placed in the end of the crossbow arrow bolt. A special fletching nock, with an end configured to fit within the indentation of the end cap, is inserted within the end cap for purposes of fletching the arrow only and is then removed. The fletching nock has a forked, or u-shaped, end, which engages the fletching tool in the same manner as a standard arrow nock.

Abstract: A self-contained refrigeration system utilizes a solenoid valve to meter refrigerant to a thermal process, the thermal process to be maintained at a predetermined temperature. When cooling of the thermal process is not required, refrigerant is recycled without coming into thermal contact with the thermal process by way of a hot gas bypass valve.

Abstract: A device and method for folding a hackle feather for fly tying purposes. The invention is designed to facilitate folding of the barbs of a feather in a uniform direction from the quill so that the feather may be used for fabricating artificial flies for fishing. The invention provides for a pair of flexible resilient members with pliant corresponding concave faces. One member is slightly larger than the other. The resilient members are held together at their base and the concavity of each member forces them together at their extended ends. The smaller of the two resilient members has a tapered edge which forms a notch between the outward end portions of the members. The feather to be folded is maneuvered into the notch, and inserted between the pliant faces of the two members. The concave faces then are pressed together, folding the feather.

Abstract: The invention consists of a pair of rectangular concrete facing connected to each other by two or more connecting cross members or webs. Each of the concrete facing members has parallel protrusions which are undercut next to the member and which are connected to the cross members by conforming each end of the connecting cross member to conform to the exterior shape of the corresponding protrusion. The invention permits easier stowage and shipment of the masonry blocks and permits on-site assembly, as well as decreasing thermal conductivity by utilization of non-masonry cross members. The cross members may be configured, or perforated, to allow utility or other service lines to be run horizontally through the walls constructed utilizing the invention.

Abstract: A tool for lifting the fork rod of a diesel engine for ready replacement of a fork blade. The lifting tool includes a base having an upper arcuate edge for engagement with a maintenance manhole of the diesel engine. A fulcrum plate projects from the base and has a bore formed therethrough. A two-shafted lifting arm has a complementary bore for pivotal movement with respect to the base by insertion of a fulcrum shaft through the aligned bores. A handle is insertable into one of the shafts, and a fork into the other. The fork includes a fork head having a pair of spaced apart tongs including means for engagement with the fork rod. By depressing the handle, the fork arm may be pivoted into a raised position, thus lifting the fork rod when it is engaged with the tongs. Means are also provided for fixing the fork head into the raised position.

Abstract: An exercise device for use in exercising and strengthening abdominal and lower back muscles. The device is easily utilized, may be readily disassembled, and is easily portable. The device utilizes individual upright resilient bars of varying degrees of resistance which may be interchangeably affixed to a seat portion of the device. The upper portion of the resilient bar feature, which may be bowed in one direction, has an attached padded upper body support on one side and a harness element on the other. The user may sit on the seat element and exert backward pressure against the upper back support to exercise lumber (extensor) paraspinal muscles of the lower back, or the user may sit on the seat element with a harness around the user's chest and affixed to the upper end of the resilient bar and bend forwardly exerting pressure away from the bar to exercise the abdominal muscles. A padded lower back support is provided to assist in properly positioning the user on the device.

Abstract: An athletic training device to keep an athlete's arms or legs in a releasably fixed position adjacent to the athlete's torso. The device is primarily for boxing, but has application in any sport where a "ready" position requires arms or legs to be held in a certain position in close proximity to the torso, prior to extending them in competition. The device consists of patches on the arms and on the torso which releasably engage each other utilizing material such as a velcro-type hook and loop assembly. The patches may be held on the torso and arms by separate vests or sleeves, or may be attached to one unitary garment such as a shirt. The position in which the arms or other extremities are held against the torso may be adjusted by placement of the removably engagable patches. The removably engagable feature allows the device to be worn in practice competition, because it holds the arms in appropriate "ready" position but, upon release, allows a full range of motion without incumbrance.

Abstract: An automatic boat to trailer latching device. The invention is designed primarily to facilitate one person boat to trailer recovery operations, particularly in less than ideal conditions, such as choppy water surface, cross winds, and after dark or predawn recoveries. The invention allows operation of the boat to trailer latching mechanism without requiring constant vertical alignment of the boat and trailer, without requiring longitudinal alignment of the boat and trailer during the approach and permits one person to complete the operation either in the boat, or behind the boat, in daylight, or darkness, in positions where the actual latch mechanism cannot be visually observed. The invention is a boat to host trailer latch assembly generally comprised of an elongated vertically extended latch bar adapted to be secured to the prow of a boat and a latch structure adapted to mounted on the forward end of a boat trailer.

Abstract: A wheelchair basically designed for mobility impaired children ages 2-6. The wheelchair is especially designed to facilitate the child's access to all objects and activities that would normally be available to a non-disabled child. The chair includes a power base, including large front drive wheels and small rear casters, and a seat that is positioned directly over the drive wheels and that is readily detachable from the base. All components of the wheelchair are positioned inboard of the side edges of the seat and inboard of the front edge of the seat so as to maximize access to areas alongside of and in front of the wheelchair.

Abstract: A device for modifying the sound of a drum or other percussion instrument comprises a sheet-like body of a soft, flexible polymer such as a gelled plastisol. The device includes a planar bottom surface which establishes a vacuum seal to a vibratable surface of the instrument.

Abstract: A paving block for covering the ground, floor and like surfaces. The paving block is generally planar with a vertical dimension. The upper and lower planar surfaces and the vertical sides define a pentagon. the pentagon has three longer sides and two shorter sides. Two of the longer sides are equal. The third longer side is at least as long as the two equal longer sides. The two equal longer sides are joined at one end at a 90.degree. internal angle. Each is joined at its opposite end to one of the shorter sides at a 90.degree. internal angle and each shorter side is then joined at a 135.degree. internal angle to the third longer side. The third longer side opposes the right angle between the two equal longer sides and is bisected by a line bisecting the 90.degree. angle between the two equal longer sides.