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 collapsible hat support device adapted to support a hat having a crown and brim on a support surface. The support device comprises a base adapted for stable support on a substantially flat support surface and a continuous, elongated hat support arm pivotally connected to the base. The support arm is movable between a lowered storage position adjacent the base and a raised hat support position. The support arm is adapted to be received within and engage the interior portion of the hat crown for support of the hat with the brim in spaced relation from the support surface. A means for releasably securing the hat support arm in at least the raised hat support position is included. This securement means may be flexible wire connectors used to connect the arm to the base. At least one hook support member is operatively connected to the base for supporting the base from a nail, door top or other horizontal surface and against an upright surface.

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: An improved method of gathering and analyzing auditory brainstem response (ABR) data to objectively determine the hearing capacity of an individual. The steps include generating and transmitting a plurality of hearing stimuli to the test individual and receiving the ABR signal data therefrom. The ABR signal data consists of a series of ABR waveforms, each of the waveforms being associated with a respective one of the stimuli. A concurrent replication of the ABR waveforms may be formed to indicate reliability of the data by maintaining two buffers, each of the buffers comprising ABR signal data from alternating ABR waveforms. The received ABR waveforms are analyzed to determine the hearing capacity of the individual. The analysis of the received ABR waveform may be accomplished using a computer routine incorporating new algorithms for the estimation of noise present in the ABR signal.

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: An interseeder apparatus and method for dry broadcast distribution of seeds in conjunction with a center-pivot irrigation system. The interseeder apparatus comprises a storage container for storing a quantity of dry seed to be interseeded. The storage container is adapted to be mounted on a center-pivot irrigation system. A seed conveying device is employed for conveying the seed in a dry condition from the storage container outwardly from the storage container. A plurality of dispensing stations are positioned along the main water pipe.

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: A paint roller edge guard apparatus facilitating the painting of a wall surface adjacent a non-painted surface from the application of paint to the non-painted surface from the roller sock. The apparatus comprises a handle and an edge guard having four edges and front and back faces. The edge guard is pivotally and rotatable supported on the handle. The roller is rotatably supported on the handle such that the roller may be rotated between a painting position, wherein the roller sock longitudinal axis is perpendicular to and adjacent the edge guard front face, and a filling position wherein the roller sock longitudinal axis is parallel to the edge guard front face. The roller sock may be placed in contact with the painted wall by application of pressure to the handle deflecting the edge guard rearward allowing the roller sock to contact the painted wall surface.

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: An unloading shoe subassembly for use in combination with a hand truck includes a pair of sideframe members and a handle extending between and connecting the sideframe members. A pair of wheeled track assemblies are adapted to be mounted on the frame such that each sideframe member is adjacent one of the wheeled track assemblies and the wheeled track assemblies are generally parallel with one another and generally perpendicular to the load-carrying platform. Each of the wheeled track assemblies includes upper, middle and lower wheel tracks mounted on a support plate in generally coplanar relation with each other. Wheels are slidably mounted within each of the wheel tracks. A shoe assembly including an unloading shoe and at least one shoe support strut is provided, the unloading shoe mounted on the lower end of the strut.

Abstract: A dual purpose massage and foot and body maintenance device for imparting a massaging action to the body and for removing dry skin and calluses from the feet and body. The tool has top and bottom surfaces and a peripheral wall extending circumferentially therearound. The peripheral wall is inclined downwardly and outwardly from the top surface and provides a gripping surface for holding the tool. The top surface being adapted for the massaging function and the bottom surface adapted for the foot and body maintenance function. The top surface has a plurality of generally hemispherically shaped protrusions adapted to contact and massage the body. The bottom surface performs the foot and body maintenance function. A plurality of depressions and riser portions or grooves is formed in the bottom surface of the tool. These grooves may be used to remove dry skin and calluses from the feet and body by rubbing the bottom of the tool against the dry skin and calluses.

Abstract: A laterally moveable bar rake is provided for cleaning a bar rack installed across a water stream of a water treatment facility, storm water station or the like. The device includes a traveling framework for back and forth movement across the top of the bar rack, a telescoping arm with a rake head mounted on the lower end of the telescoping arm and a tilt mechanism for tilting the telescoping arm between raking and extension position so that the arm can be extended to the bottom of the bar rack or beyond, tilted toward the bar rack and withdrawn along the bar rack to rake debris onto a discharge hopper or conveyor.

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 protective cover for an elongated inflatable boat includes a flexible enclosure having a bottom wall of a size and shape to span the floor and underside of the inflatable main chamber of the boat. A top wall extends upwardly and interiorly from the bottom wall to define a peripheral pocket adapted to receive and be substantially filled by the boat main chamber. The top wall has a large elongated opening positioned for registration with the open topped passenger compartment of the boat to enable passenger ingress and egress from the boat. A towing system is secured to the top wall adjacent the front of the protective cover for attaching a tow rope to the covered boat such that towing forces are distributed by the flexible enclosure across a substantial surface area to minimize stress on the boat.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning a door includes a door plate and a jamb plate hingedly connected to the door plate. A backing plate is spaced from and adjustably connected to the jamb plate, the backing plate including an adjustable spacing device for adjusting the distance between a door frame member and the door jamb to which the alignment apparatus is mounted. The jamb plate and backing plate are adapted to be mounted on a door jamb such that the door jamb is positioned between the jamb plate and backing plate. An adjustable fastening device extends from the jamb plate through the door jamb and backing plate into an adjacent door frame member for securing the alignment apparatus on a door frame member. Adjustment of the distance between the door frame member and door jamb is effected by adjustment of the adjustable spacing device.