Abstract: A price-marking stamp device adapted to be mounted to the molding positioned along the edge of a shelf having items stored thereon, whereby the consumer can individually mark the price of a selected item therefrom. The device comprises a main support body having a locking member to retain the device within the channel of the molding, and a movable ink-pad holder interconnected to the main support body by a ball-joint member, the ink-pad holder being arranged to removably receive various price-indicating ink pads, and the pad holder and ink pad being covered by a slidable housing which is spring-biased to normally receive and cover the ink pad, the ink pad having numerical indicator members disposed on the face thereof so as to be pressed against the selected item to be price-tagged, at which time the slidable housing is forceably retracted to expose the ink pad.

Abstract: An improved sewing thimble having an elongated, tubular body consisting of a pliable material, such as rubber, wherein a plurality of vent holes are disposed about the annular body portion, the inner bore thereof being designed to conform to the average finger, including those having extended fingernails. The forward head portion of the thimble is enlarged with a thickened area of a hard rubber or plastic to allow for forceful engagement with a needle to be threaded. Alternative arrangements include a protective shield embedded within the head portion and a threading-and-cutting device mounted to the thimble at the tip of the enlarged head thereof.

Abstract: A non-snagging fishing sinker comprising a flexible plastic bag having at least three sides defined thereby, wherein one side is open to allow various weight-providing materials to be placed therein, preferably wet sand. Disposed along and adjacent to the open side are a plurality of holes to receive a wrapping wire which is provided with an eye hook to be attached to a conventional fishing line. There is also formed adjacent and below the holes a weakened area, whereby the lower portion of the bag can be easily separated from the fishing line when the sinker is snagged; that is, the bag is allowed to tear along the weakened area.

Abstract: The apparatus has a flat, flexible concave/convex tape retractably coiled into a spool having a housing which is mounted on a suitable gimble. The gimble is fixedly mounted on the towing vehicle so that the spool axis is horizontal. A suitable eyelet is provided on the end of the tape so that the eyelet is substantially above the ball hitch when the tape is fully retracted. On the towed vehicle, a vertical rod is disposed aligned above the ball socket and the rod is adapted to receive the eyelet. The gimble allows the spool to rotate about a vertical axis and also allows the spool housing to pivot about another horizontal axis spaced above the spool's axis. A micro-switch is provided which responds to tape tension when tape is withdrawn from housing, and a potentiometer is provided which relays responses to horizontal rotation of the housing.

Abstract: A timing device in combination with a thermostatic control whereby heating units of the type used for heating structures such as buildings can be automatically turned off during predetermined periods, as when such buildings are unoccupied, the device comprising a clock-like motor coupled to a plurality of cam discs adjustable about the output shaft of the clock mechanism, the cams including cam heads to operate control switches engaging therewith.

Abstract: A visual locating device for use as an aid in finding lost persons, wherein the device comprises a high-pressure cylinder having a lighter-than-air gas stored therein, and a valve means to control the flow of gas therefrom and into an inflatable balloon. Attached to the balloon is a second valve means wherein a portion of the gas cylinder is operably engaged therein to allow gas to flow into the balloon for inflation -- and, conversely, preventing gas once contained therein from flowing out of the balloon when released. A rotatable cylindrical reel is operably attached and supported by the gas cylinder, the reel forming a spool having a tether line disposed thereon and attached to the balloon, thus allowing the balloon to ascend to the predetermined length of the line, the balloon having a prominent color so as to be easily located. A radar reflective means is also secured to the tether line.

Abstract: An underwater timer and release device comprising a cylindrical housing sealed at its opposite ends and adapted to receive a slidable spring-loaded piston therein. The piston includes a metering orifice to provide a regulated flow of fluid from a secondary chamber to a primary chamber, thereby actuating a releasing means when the piston shaft is disengaged from a locking means and is allowed to operate. Releasably secured to the housing is a float marker, which rises to the surface of the water, having an interconnecting cord attached to the submerged housing. A one-way check valve is also disposed within the piston, whereby the fluid can be transferred back into the secondary chamber for reloading the release means.