Abstract: The jig fish lure has a jig head, a neck extending from the jig head, and a fishhook having a portion of the shank embedded in the jig head and neck. The jig head has an upper portion and a lower portion. A recess having orthogonal walls extending horizontally and vertically is defined in the lower portion, defining a ledge. A notch is defined in the upper portion extending into and bifurcating the ledge, the notch defining a passage. A bore is defined through the upper portion extending from the crown of the jig head to the top of the notch. The eye of the fishhook extends from the lower portion of the jig head beneath the ledge. A fishing line can be threaded through the bore and the notch, looped through the eye, and secured by a knot, which lies protected within the notch.

Abstract: A viewfinder for aiding an artist in the creation of a work of art is provided. The viewfinder includes a frame that carries a first door. The first door is configured for moving with respect to the frame. A second door is provided and is also carried by the frame. The second door is configured for being moved with respect to the frame. At least one of the first door, second door and frame define a subject area for use in the creation of a work of art. Other exemplary embodiments exist that include a light filter, reducing lens and/or a grid.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage material having improved hydrogen absorbtion and desorption kinetics is provided by adding graphite to a complex hydride such as a metal-doped alanate, i.e., NaAlH4. The incorporation of graphite into the complex hydride significantly enhances the rate of hydrogen absorbtion and desorption and lowers the desorption temperature needed to release stored hydrogen.

Abstract: A wall mounted kaleidoscope is suitable for mounting within an opening passing through a wall, ceiling or other building structure to provide a visually attractive kaleidoscope display to a viewer within the building interior. A kaleidoscope housing extends through the wall opening and is mountable to the wall. A kaleidoscope mirror structure is mounted within the housing and includes three generally triangular mirrors arranged in the shape of a triangulated pyramid, with its base facing the viewer. A rotatable drum associated with the mirror holds loose articles for generating a kaleidoscope display; the drum may be rotated by an electric motor or manually. The light source may consist of artificial illumination and/or a light-transmitting cover which protects the structure from the elements.

Abstract: A portable, hand held, multi-sensor radiation detector is disclosed. The detection apparatus has a plurality of spaced sensor locations which are contained within a flexible housing. The detection apparatus, when suspended from an elevation, will readily assume a substantially straight, vertical orientation and may be used to monitor radiation levels from shipping containers. The flexible detection array can also assume a variety of other orientations to facilitate any unique container shapes or to conform to various physical requirements with respect to deployment of the detection array. The output of each sensor within the array is processed by at least one CPU which provides information in a usable form to a user interface. The user interface is used to provide the power requirements and operating instructions to the operational components within the detection array.

Abstract: A gas sampling apparatus and process is provided in which a standard crimping tool is modified by an attached collar. The collar permits operation of the crimping tool while also facilitating the introduction of a supply of gas to be introduced into a storage vial. The introduced gas supply is used to purge ambient air from a collection chamber and an interior of the sample vial. Upon completion of the purging operation, the vial is sealed using the crimping tool.

Abstract: An advertising frame for use with a vehicle so as to render the advertising frame mobile is provided. The advertising frame includes a vehicle engagement that is configured for engaging a vehicle. A signage member is included and is configured for carrying advertising signage. The signage member is pivotable with respect to the vehicle engagement member so as to be configured for providing access to the rear of a vehicle. A tailgate, hatch, trunk, spare tire or other component or portion of the rear of the vehicle may be accessed by pivoting the signage member out of the way.

Abstract: A truck assembly for use on a skateboard is provided. The truck assembly includes a housing that is configured for attachment to a board of the skateboard. The housing has a longitudinal axis. A resilient member may be retained by the housing. A mounting member may engage the resilient member and may be disposed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the housing. An axle may be present and may be retained by the mounting member. The axle may be configured for receiving at least one wheel of the skateboard. A resilient member for use with a truck assembly is also provided. The resilient member may include a body portion that has a cavity from one end to an opposite end. The cavity may be configured for receiving a mounting member of a truck assembly, and may be configured to resist torsional forces applied by the mounting member.

Abstract: A reusable tie down is provided having a threaded portion for insertion in soil along with an arcuate head defining an aperture for securing a rope or line to the tie down. The tie down is constructed of a high impact, high tensile strength polycarbonate which may be deformed under a heavy load and then returned to a normal shape by the application of heat.

Abstract: A heat transfer apparatus, such as a condenser, is provided. The apparatus includes a first component with a first heat transfer element that has first component inlet and outlet ports through which a first fluid may pass. A second component is also included and likewise has a second heat transfer element with second component inlet and outlet ports to pass a second fluid. The first component has a body that can receive a third fluid for heat transfer with the first heat transfer element. The first and second components are releasably attachable with one another so that when attached both the first and second heat transfer elements effect heat transfer with the third fluid. Attachment and removal of the first and second components allows for the heat transfer rate of the apparatus to be varied. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A pick for a compact disc controller is provided in which a tip of the pick defines a plurality of flexible outer wall segments. An internal plunger is used to expand the wall segments in a radial direction, thereby retaining a CD onto the outer perimeter of the pick. Upon release of the plunger, the pick returns to its original dimensions and thereby releases the CD.

Abstract: The present invention is a safety syringe for use with a plurality of interchangeable needles. The plurality of needles may be inserted by the user into the safety syringe for use. In operations, the user selects the desired needle, e.g., a needle having a particular gauge or size or of a particular type. The user inserts the needle (14) into a safety syringe (10) comprising a barrel (6), a needle assembly area (18) located within or attached to the barrel and a plunger (66). The needle couples to the syringe by a number of means. For instance, a locking mechanism (20, 22) may be used by which a needle hub located within the needle assembly has an area adapted to mate with a corresponding area on the needle. Or, the needle may be formed as part of a separate needle assembly, whereby the user will place the entire needle assembly onto the end of the syringe barrel.