Abstract: An improved sinker and hook locking apparatus for locking a sinker and hook together is disclosed. The hook has an eyelet for connecting the hook to a fishing line. The locking apparatus comprises an elongated sinker body with a longitudinal bore for slidably receiving the fishing line therethrough. A spring having a coiled portion adapted to be received in the sinker body, and an opposite J-shaped connector is adapted for engagement with the hook eyelet. The coiled portion being of a size and shape such that when received within the sinker body, a frictional fit is achieved therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus for tracking reporting and recording equipment inventory on a locomotive equipped with a mobile communications package (MCP) operatively connected to on-board intelligent devices and operative to transmit and receive information to and from at least one remote base communications unit, the intelligent devices operatively connected in a local communication network, the apparatus including a processing device operative to broadcast a Query for Health Report to on-board intelligent devices and receive Health Reports Messages from on-board intelligent devices, wherein the Query for Health Report is a request for equipment identification information and the Health Report Messages are the requested equipment identification information. A database in information transmission connection with the processing device is operative to receive and store equipment identification information.

Abstract: A golf club such as a mallet-style putter has a series of stepped concentric circular cavities formed in the top surface thereof at a generally transversely centered position offset rearwardly from the face of the club to afford improved alignment and optionally convert the putter for use as a training aid by supporting a carried ball on the cavities such that the carried ball will rock or be dislodged if the putting stroke accelerates or decelerates too quickly.

Abstract: A method for reattaching to a first abutment tooth a detached crown of a dental bridge having at least one other crown fixed onto a second abutment tooth includes the steps of forming a vent hole through the detached crown, inserting the open tip of a syringe needle into the vent hole, preliminarily securing and sealing the needle in the vent hole and thereafter applying a flowable dental adhesive material such as an acrylic resin to securely reinforce the connection between the needle and crown and seal any gap therebetween. The void under the detached crown is then washed by ejecting fluids through the needle with a syringe barrel. A flowable dental cement is then ejected through the needle to fill the void between the crown and abutment tooth. Upon curing of the cement, the acrylic resin is dislodged from the surface of the crown enabling withdrawal of the needle from the vent hole which is then plugged.

Abstract: A tool for providing a multidimensional indication of the pain being experienced by a person includes multiple sets of selection indicators and sliding scales, each being indicative of variations of a respective dimension of pain selected from the group consisting of nature, intensity, location, duration, continuity and pain relief. The selection indicators are mounted on the tool in association with pain descriptors, i.e. words, with the selection indicators being adjustable between first and second states indicating whether the associated descriptor describes their pain. Likewise, the slidable scale indicators are adjustable along each of the pain scales to indicate the relative degree of the respective dimension of pain that most closely represents the pain they are experiencing. Finally, the tool displays illustrations of a human body in association with a grid for identifying the location of pain being experienced by the user.

Abstract: A wall mounted trap for flies and other flying insects includes an open topped cover shell concealing within a light source and a replaceable cartridge of trapping material. The light source is spaced substantially outwardly from the wall surface on which the trap is mounted and is situated adjacent the upper edge of the cover shell for radiating substantial light onto the wall surface directly above the trap. Likewise, a portion of the interior surface of the trap is of a shape and position relative to the light source for concentrating light from the source onto a wall surface immediately adjacent and above the trap. The replaceable cartridge includes a strip of trapping material arranged in a dispensing roll and adapted to be advanced therefrom to a take-up roller for presenting an upwardly facing exposed length of trapping material therebetween. The trapping material is housed within an open topped container for thorough collection of insects and sanitary handling of the used cartridges.

Abstract: A portable pneumatic vacuum source includes a source of pressurized fluid and a vacuum pump in fluid connection with the pressurized fluid source, the vacuum pump operative to generate a vacuum in response to pressurized fluid flow therethrough. A nozzle is included in vacuum connection with the vacuum pump. A pressure regulator and filter combination is interposed between and in fluid connection with the pressurized fluid source and vacuum pump for adjusting pressure of the pressurized fluid entering the vacuum pump and for filtering particulates and liquids from the pressurized fluid. A relief valve is also interposed between and in fluid connection with the pressurized fluid source and vacuum pump for limiting pressure of the pressurized fluid. Finally, a check valve is positioned intermediate and in fluid connection with the vacuum pump and nozzle for preventing loss of vacuum upon cessation of pressurized fluid flow through the vacuum pump.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a multi-level, earth sheltered structure having a foundation for supporting the structure and corresponding to the exterior shape of the structure. The teachings and techniques of the present invention are applicable to both commercial and residential structures. Two truss design embodiments are disclosed both producing a slanted outer wall which reduces some of the forces acting on the structure. Use of both earth covered and exposed roofs are accommodated. A thermal envelope may be utilized further maximizing thermal efficiency. Interior walls may be constructed in the conventional manner, the layout being dictated by personal preference or commercial requirements.

Abstract: A wildfowl decoy is adapted for spontaneous and continuous movement in response to the wind and other external stimuli, thereby providing a realistic simulation of a wildfowl for hunting and the like. The apparatus is adapted to be utilized with a three-dimensional decoy body. The head is shaped to simulate that of a wildfowl. It has a flexible neck for connecting the head to the front portion of a body and is responsive to the impact of wind on the head and neck. The neck maybe constructed utilizing a spring or the like and may be covered with material to simulate a wild fowl neck. The neck and the head are adapted for continuous, spontaneous, three-dimensional movement in response to the wind.

Abstract: A reinforced assembly for a door opening includes an elongated reinforcement strip having an L-shaped transverse cross-section of one short leg and one long leg, the long leg for mounting on a door jamb face and the short leg for mounting on a door jamb edge. The short leg has a transverse extent such that upon the reinforcement strip being mounted on a door opening, the transverse extent of the short leg of the reinforcement strip is no greater than the offset distance between the forward edge of the adjacent door casing panel and the door jamb face to which the long leg is mounted. For securing the strip to the door jamb and for receiving the latch of a door, a plurality of spaced openings are formed in the long leg of the reinforcement strip, at least one of the openings being generally rectangular to receive the tongue of a door latch mechanism. The elongated reinforcement strip is adapted to be mounted on a door opening free of modifications to the door jamb, door casing panel and door opening.

Abstract: A slingshot device for accurate shooting of a projectile having an elongated stationary support channel having forward and rearward portions. A movable carriage is slidably engaged by the stationary support channel and movable between an extended, forward cocked position and a retracted rearward holding position. A locking device is mounted on the forward portion of the elongated stationary support channel to releasably lock the carriage in the extended, forward cocked position. An elongated elastic band has opposite ends mounted in vertically spaced relation on the carriage. A pouch for releasably retaining the projectile is positioned at a midpoint of the elastic band device. A trigger is mounted on the stationary support channel and movable between an engagement position in releasable engagement with the pouch of the elastic band device, and a release position.

Abstract: A dryer apparatus and method for drying yard waste or other particulate matter is disclosed. The dryer has a generally vertical housing defining an internal drying chamber. An input device may be positioned adjacent the housing top for transferring the particulate matter into the dryer. A discharge apparatus is positioned adjacent the housing bottom for discharging dried material out of the dryer. A plurality of generally horizontal transfer devices are vertically spaced apart within the internal drying chamber, defining a plurality of drying zones associated therewith. The transfer devices are adapted to transfer the particulate matter from one drying zone to a next lower drying zone. Additionally, when filling and transferring material from one zone to another, they provide a support on which the particulate matter may.

Abstract: An adjustable picture frame includes a generally polygonal frame having a plurality of elongated side sectional pieces, each side sectional piece including a first end face having a longitudinally projecting dowel and a second end face having a dowel receiving socket. The frame also includes a plurality of right angled corner sectional pieces for completing the frame, each corner sectional piece including a first elongated arm section having a first section end face with a longitudinally projecting dowel and a second elongated arm section including a second section end face opposite and perpendicular to the first section end face and including a dowel-receiving socket. The first and second arm sections are connected to each other to form a generally L-shaped right angle corner sectional piece. The corner sectional pieces are adapted to contact adjacent side sectional pieces with the dowel on one sectional piece fitting into the dowel-receiving socket of another thereby completing the polygonal frame.

Abstract: An automated truss inspection system for inspecting metal plate connected trusses includes a base structure having a truss feed end and a truss exit end, a truss presence detector and a bar code scanner. A truss structure sensor array and at least one metal sensor array are situated intermediate the truss feed end and truss exit end for detection of truss structure and absence thereof and detection of the presence/absence of metal, respectively. Finally, a rotary pulse generator is included for determining truss speed and distance traveled. All of the scanning and measuring devices are operatively connected to an analyzing and comparing device such as a computer which analyzes data received from those devices and constructs an X-Y coordinate outline image of the truss under inspection, the image then being compared to the ideal model of the truss under inspection to determine acceptability of the truss.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a toolless quick change blade holder for receiving and supporting a blade in a skinning machine for trimming a layer of unwanted material from a meat product. The disclosed blade holder is equally well adapted for both automatic and manual machines. The blade holder comprises a lower base plate and an upper clamping plate adapted to be removably secured to the lower base plate. The blade is positioned between the forward portions of the lower and upper plates. A fulcrum device is included for removably securing the upper plate to the lower plate and for limiting upward movement of the central portion of the clamping plate relative to the base plate. A device for releasably separating the rearward portions of the upper and lower plates activates the fulcrum device causing pressure to be applied on the forward portions of the plates urging them together thereby creating a clamping action on the blade, retaining it in position.

Abstract: A cooler door display rack includes an elongated support shelf of a shape for supporting a plurality of beverage containers generally in a row, the shelf having front and back edges. An advertisement display device is operatively associated with the support shelf for removably and replaceably receiving and supporting advertising indicia in upright relation adjacent the front edge of the support shelf. The advertisement display device is of a size and shape such that advertising indicia supported therein substantially span the length of the shelf. A retention device operatively associated with the support shelf retains beverage containers on the support shelf and obstructs sliding movement of beverage containers off of the shelf.

Abstract: A disposable wild game feeder for containing and making available feed for the feeding of wild game including birds, squirrels or the like. The feeder has a generally cylindrical, semi-rigid bag having top and bottom ends. The bag is self-standing when placed on the bottom end. It has a device for dispensing feed from the bag and a device for releasably closing the dispensing device so as to retain the feed in the bag during storage. It also has removable device on the bag for supporting wild game adjacent the feeder during feeding therefrom.