Abstract: A sporting apparatus, one aspect of which is a tackle box having a tackle box body and a cover with multiple mounting members on the tackle box for mounting a reel supporting rod having a reel at its upper end. A transport cart upon which the tackle box can be supported includes wheels and a handle for allowing the tackle box to be pulled by a person while supported within the cart. Another aspect concerns a resilient seat assembly that is removably mounted on the tackle box. The tackle box or a tray contained therein or other components are provided with mounting structure for holding these items on a supporting article such as a pail. The reel can be repositioned for being supported by a plurality of legs or a tripod for holding the reel in vertical alignment with a fishing hole in the ice surface, with the reel then mounted on the lower end of a tube that can be raised or lowered vertically to move it to a selected position within the water or above the ice surface and then clamped in place.

Abstract: A portable and collapsible sports dryer for drying wearing apparel has at least one rigid air supply tube with an open end for being placed within a clothing article for supporting it above the dryer. An electric blower communicates with the tube for circulating air to dry the clothing article, and a removable drip shield is provided between the open end of the tube and the electric blower for deflecting moisture that drips from the clothing article away from the electric blower. A carrying case containing the air blower serves as a supporting base for the dryer when the dryer is placed on the floor or on a table. The air supply tube is adapted to be stored in a storage plenum within the case and is removed and then connected during use to the blower. The tube is positioned while in operation to extend upwardly from the case for forcing a current of air through an article of wearing apparel supported upon an upper free end of the rigid air supply tube.

Abstract: A rotary apparatus for applying heat to develop an image on photosensitive copy paper or to desensitize the photosensitive paper against further exposure to light includes an elongated supporting framework including a base having a roll support stand at each end with spaced apart bearings for supporting a drive roll that is provided with a high friction, e.g. a rubber coated, surface. A drive motor is connected to the drive roll for rotating the drive roll, a hot shoe is supported on the framework adjacent to the roll, and a slip sheet is mounted between the hot shoe and the drive roll to provide a low friction surface for allowing the photosensitive sheet to slide easily through the apparatus as it is carried forward by frictionally contact with the drive roll. The hot shoe and slip sheet are both held in a fixed position. The bearings for the drive roll are able to be moved radially with respect to the axis of the drive roll and then secured, i.e. locked in a selected position with respect to the hot shoe.

Abstract: In the present method of drying iron ore pellets, e.g., magnetite pellets, moisture-containing iron ore pellets are formed into a bed comprising a multiplicity of the pellets. A current of drying gas is forced upwardly through the bed of pellets to at least partially dry some of the pellets. Radiant heat reflectors above the bed reflect heat back onto the pellets with air jets simultaneously directing air downwardly onto the top surface of the bed. Air is forced between the reflectors are placed and onto the bed to, especially below the firebrick wall between the end of the updraft drying zone and the downdraft drying zone. Water is applied to the hot pellets to produce steam as well as water vapor which is added to a current of air to produce a stream of hot, humid air that is passed through the bed to improve pellet characteristics and recover waste heat.

Abstract: A fishing reel holder that is suited for fishing generally and is particularly well suited for ice fishing includes a planar supporting base and a reel-supporting arm. The reel-supporting arm includes an attached end and a free end. At least one receptacle is provided on the base for holding the attached end of the reel-supporting arm. An arm holder extends upwardly from the base for contacting an intermediate portion of the arm to support the arm at an oblique angle with respect to the base. A reel for holding fishing line is rotatably supported on the free end of the arm. By raising or lowering of the arm holder, the angle between the reel-supporting arm and the base can be changed. In one form, the reel is operatively associated with a mechanical or electrical alarm. A removable seat cushion is attached to the top of the base when the base is supported on an object such as a pail. Within the base below the cushion is a tackle box for holding fishing lures and other articles.

Abstract: In the present method of drying iron ore pellets, e.g., magnetite pellets, moisture-containing iron ore pellets are formed into a bed comprising a multiplicity of the pellets. A current of drying gas is forced upwardly through the bed of pellets to at least partially dry some of the pellets. A plurality of pipes, each having an opening such as an elongated slot provides counter-current jets of a drying gas above the bed. The drying gas jets are directed downwardly so as to impinge on the upper surface of the bed through which the current of drying gas rises. The bed of pellets is thus dried with the current of drying gas flowing through the bed from below as well as the jets of drying gas impinging onto the upper surface of the bed. In a preferred form of the invention, in a second stage downwardly directed jets of drying gas are used together with a downward current of drying gas to further dry the pellets before they are fired.

Abstract: Integrated bed covers for the mattress of a bed include an upper bed covering of one or more layer, for convenience referred to generically as a `cover`, e.g., a comforter or blanket, together with a mattress pocket adapted to fit around and enclose a lower portion of the mattress wherein the cover is expandably connected to the mattress pocket, that is to say, so that the bed cover (e.g., comforter or blanket) can be easily separated or expanded upwardly from the pocket and yet remained connected to it. I have found it possible to accomplish this objective by connecting to the pocket a base sheet or supporting sheet that extends laterally as well as beyond the end of the bed from the pocket and then securing the edges of this supporting sheet to the edges of the covering.

Abstract: A combination cellular telephone and radio receiver/tape player/recorder for vehicles includes a cellular telephone circuit and an AM/FM radio receiver including an antenna and loudspeaker. The cellular telephone is wired to the radio receiver for receiving and sending cellular telephone transmissions through the radio antenna and playing telephone messages through the loudspeaker. A dialing keypad is mounted on an armrest beside the driver's seat. The keypad includes a cover and a motor operatively associated with the cover for retracting and replacing the cover so as to enclose the keypad. The tape player/recorder is used to record telephone messages being received or sent by the cellular telephone. An alphanumeric display provided as a component of the basic radio receiver/tape player/recorder is connected to display telephone numbers being called out or called in. A cellular telephone handset with the same telephone number allows passengers in other parts of the vehicle to talk on the telephone.

Abstract: A trash bag holder and expanding form is made from a sheet of stiff material that has at least three panels to hold a bag in an erect condition and to expand the opening of the bag into a shape that will allow the user to fill the bag with leaves or trash without having to hold the bag. The panels are separated by parallel, vertically disposed score lines that act as fold lines or hinges between the panels of the holder. The holder can be formed from high density corrugated polyurethylene (HDPE) board, recycled plastic corrugated board that may have a lap joint sealed by a sonic weld. The panels are proportioned so that the sheet material can be folded flat with the panels lying against one another. When the invention is folded into its operational configuration, the score lines act as corners such that the form is tubular or U-shaped with open ends and braces may hold panels in extended opposing relationship.

Abstract: A practice backdrop for hockey and other sports includes a flexible backdrop sheet, e.g. vinyl plastic impregnated cloth. Connectors support the backdrop sheet from its upper edge. An impact-dampening weight is connected to the backdrop sheet near its lower edge to help the backdrop sheet absorb the impact of a hockey puck or ball which strikes it. A removable and replaceable target sheet that has a frontal area which is smaller than the backdrop and can be formed from cloth is overlaid against the front surface of the backdrop to serve as an object for a player to shoot at and to help cushion the impact of shots fired at the backdrop. Lifting cords elevate and simultaneously fold both the backdrop and target into contiguous horizontally extending accordion folds in which horizontal folds of the target are lapped between horizontal folds of the backdrop material.

Abstract: A linear pneumatic actuator stopping and positioning apparatus has a pneumatic actuator connected to a worktable for moving the worktable along a rectilinear path as well as a selector shaft that is mounted for rotational indexing movement at one side of the actuator and is operatively associated with one or more extendible stop arms for selecting a stop arm located at a selected stop point so as to contact the worktable and stop the movement of the worktable at the stop point selected. The shaft can be mounted to allow it to be shifted along its own central axis for moving one or more sleeve members that are connected to the shaft a short distance for extending a stop arm to an operating position. In one form, a stop arm actuator and locking bar is positioned to be engaged by the sleeve and to press the stop arm to its extended position.

Abstract: A clasp for a biomedical electrode includes opposed cooperating jaw members. The jaw members can be end portions of a U-shaped leaf spring. A lever is pivotally mounted for engagement with the jaws for forcing the jaws together to grip an electrode placed between them. An opening is provided within the clasp for receiving the stud of a different style electrode and an electrical contact is provided for establishing an electrical connection with the stud. Longitudinally distributed lug secure upper and lower portions of the clasp together. A telescoping connector at the free end of a lead wire removably secures the lead wire to the clasp and is rotated after insertion to lock the lead wire in place. An electrically conductive, optionally non-metallic, x-ray transparent plastic contact is described for establishing an electrical connection between a biomedical electrode and the lead wire.

Abstract: A water ski training apparatus is provided which includes a training apparatus body that is adapted to be connected to a water ski tow rope. The training apparatus body supports the user's feet directly or the water skis which in turn support the feet. The apparatus body is disengagable from the skis once the skier rises to a standing position in the water. In one form, the ski training apparatus body has left and right openings for left and right skis. The openings are larger than the skis so that the skis are able to slide easily within the openings and ultimately slide off the front end of each ski once the skier becomes at least partially elevated out of the water to a standing position. A tow rope clamp is supported on the training apparatus body for connecting the body to the tow rope so that the user can hold the end of the tow rope with his hands while the training apparatus body is secured to another portion of the rope by the clamp.

Abstract: A trash bag holder and expanding form is made from a sheet of stiff material that has at least three panels to hold a bag in an erect condition and to expand the opening of the bag into a shape that will allow the user to fill the bag with leaves or trash without having to hold the bag. The panels are separated by parallel, vertically disposed score lines that act as fold lines or hinges between the panels of the holder. The panels are stiff in character, because the invention is intended to hold the bag upright. The holder is formed from high density corrugated polyurethylene (HDPE) board, recycled plastic corrugated board or corrugated boxboard. The panels are proportioned so that the sheet material can be folded flat with the panels lying against one another. When the invention is folded into its operational configuration, the score lines act as corners such that the form takes a tubular shape with open ends.

Abstract: A removable anterior sweatband assembly suited for use in a baseball-style cap or hat that has a circular headband includes a perspiration-absorbent pad suspended from a support member between the cap headband and the forehead so as to prevent the forehead from contacting the headband of the cap. The pad includes an absorbent material for holding perspiration to help prevent the perspiration from the forehead of the person wearing the cap from contacting the cap. In one form, a four-layer structure or assembly is provided including a stiff supporting sheet and depending therefrom a laminate of three layers including the perspiration-absorbing layer, e.g., a super-absorbent cloth layer, a backing layer and a porous perspiration transferring layer between the absorbent layer and the forehead and in contact with the absorbent layer.

Abstract: Methods are provided for treating schizophrenia, Tourette's Syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, substance abuse or substance addiction including drug or alcohol addiction, manic-depression syndrome, anexoria or bulimia comprising administering an amount of cotinine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which amount is effective to reduce or alleviate at least one of the symptoms of schizophrenia, Tourette's Syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, substance abuse or substance addiction including drug or alcohol addiction, manic-depression syndrome, anexoria or bulimia in a human or other mammal.

Abstract: The invention provides a new method of recycling recyclable waste products suited for household use wherein the container is a plastic injection-molded container having a monolithic body formed from plastic resin and includes a pair of integral compartments. Fibrous waste is placed in one compartment and nonfibrous waste comprising rigid and semirigid container, e.g., glass jars, metal beverage and food cans, plastic bottles and glass bottles are placed in the other compartment so as to presort the recyclable articles. The container is then taken to a collection point where the presorted products can be picked up by a recycling collection contractor and maintained separate from one another during transport to a recycling center.

Abstract: A folding ladder includes a vertical supporting strap formed from fabric material. The supporting strap has top and bottom ends. The top end of the strap has means, e.g., a fastener, rope or opening, for securing it to a fixed object for holding the ladder upright. At least one loop formed from strap material is provided below the top of the strap and is held in place by the supporting strap. The strap loop depends from the supporting strap and has two upper portions that are connected to each other at the top of the loop. The connected upper portions of the loop lie in lapped face-to-face relationship. Each such loop includes a downwardly depending, generally U-shaped intermediate bend between the connected portions. The U-shaped bend defines a step or hand grip with an opening above it to facilitate the entry of a hand or foot. In a preferred form of the invention, the strap material of each loop is provided with one or more half-twists.

Abstract: A portable and collapsible deck suited for use at the entrance of a house trailer or mobile home includes a floor formed from wood or metal. The floor has opposed longitudinally extending side edges and opposed laterally extending front and rear edges. The deck also includes at least one movable wall with an edge at the level of the floor that is connected to one of the side edges of the floor. Each wall is movable between a horizontal deployed position extending laterally from the floor and a collapsed, i.e., withdrawn position when the deck is being transported. The deck includes ground-engaging wheels mounted for rotation for supporting the floor. A coupling at the front of the deck facilitates connecting the deck to a towing vehicle such as a truck for moving the deck from one location to another. When the deck is set up for use, a plurality of spaced apart foundation columns are located beneath the deck and extend upwardly from the ground to support the deck in a fixed position.

Abstract: A perforated medical adhesive tape has a tape backing layer formed from flexible sheet material, e.g., plastic film, and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer for bonding the adhesive tape to the skin of a patient. The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is flexible, deformable, elastic and has a permanently tacky surface. The backing layer has a planar outer surface with a multiplicity of upwardly extending protrusions, i.e., minute mounds which are upward deflections in the tape with corresponding upwardly extending, downwardly opening concavities or indentations in its lower surface below each of the protrusions. Each of the protrusions has a pierced opening located at its approximate center. The openings are elevated above the planar surface of the tape, and each opening extends through both the tape backing and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer to facilitate the diffusion of air and moisture vapor through the tape. The tape is pierced with a multiplicity of heated needles, each having a tapered point.