Abstract: A device for controlling a bowling ball having a thumb hole therein, in which a sleeve-like member for slipping on the bowler's thumb and into the hole of the ball, has one or more friction pads on the outside of the member adjacent the back of the thumb when disposed in the member for transmitting a control force between the thumb and the bowling ball. The sleeve-like member is held on the thumb preferably by a strap attached to the member and extending around the wrist of the bowler, and a cylindrical sleeve is disposed in and secured in the thumb hole of the bowling ball. The sleeve-like member may have a plurality of removable and replaceable friction pads, and the sleeve may have a friction pad along the internal surface thereof for engagement by the friction pads on the sleeve-like member.

Abstract: A multiple instrument holder for marching, in which a support section for holding a plurality of percussion instruments is supported in forwardly spaced relation to the body of the marcher by a means projecting forwardly from the marcher's body and engaging the instrument support section. Harness around the shoulders of the marcher is used for supporting the outer end of the projecting means and the instrument support section in various vertical positions. The instrument support section is preferably bar-like and arcuate in shape, and contains a plurality of means for holding instruments in various positions and arrangements thereon.

Abstract: A machine for fabricating heating structures having heating wires with an external layer of thermoplastic material arranged with sections in a predetermined pattern, and carrier strands of thermoplastic material fused to and interconnecting the wire sections. The machine includes a wire support means having laterally spaced pegs or the like on which the wire is retained in a predetermined configuration on a substantially common plane. A heating unit or units simultaneously heat the carrier strands and wire sections together. The heating elements and wire configuration are moved relative to one another to join progressively the strands to the transversely arranged heating wire sections. The element used in the heating unit includes a guide trough for the carrier strands and simultaneously heats facing surfaces of the strands and heating wire so that the two can be pressed together while fused to form the bond.

Abstract: A rotating message device having upper and lower plates, a plurality of side panels forming a body with a hollow interior and a drive motor disposed in the hollow interior and connected to a supporting structure by arms extending upwardly through the top plate. At least some of the panels are partially transparent and a light means is disposed in the hollow interior to light up the transparent panels. The panels are replaceably held in vertical position along the sides by posts interconnecting the upper and lower plates and by flexible strips placed in front of the posts, thus permitting the panels to be inserted and removed whenever messages or signs are to be changed.

Abstract: A pillow block and bearing assembly having a housing with a lubricating chamber with a bearing disposed therein and with axially aligned holes on opposite sides for receiving a shaft. The bearing is disposed in the chamber and includes inner and outer races and rolling elements therebetween, and an adapter for securing the bearing to the shaft engages the inner race for forming a press fit between the adapter, inner race and the shaft. A threaded means including a plurality of jack screws for moving the inner race axially on the tapered surface of the adapter adjusts the clearance between the inner and outer races and the rolling elements, and a hydraulic system is included in the adapter which communicates with the tapered surface and the inner surface of the inner race for releasing the adapter from the inner race and shaft when the threaded means has been loosened to permit axial movement between the inner race and the adapter.