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: An inflatable portable refuge structure includes at least one refuge chamber having a floor, ceiling and a peripheral sidewall and an inner resealable entrance in the peripheral sidewall of the refuge chamber. An airlock chamber having a floor, ceiling and peripheral sidewall is connected to the refuge chamber adjacent the inner resealable entrance such that exiting from the refuge chamber through the inner resealable opening proceeds into the airlock chamber. The airlock chamber further includes an outer resealable entrance in the peripheral sidewall thereof. The refuge chamber and airlock chamber each further include at least one one-way pressure valve, the pressure valves operative to release air from within the chambers in response to increased air pressure within the chambers. An external pressurized air supply source spaced from the refuge structure and connected thereto by an air supply hose supplies uncontaminated air to the refuge chamber thereby inflating the refuge structure.

Abstract: An improved weighted jig is disclosed having a fishhook with an elongated shank having first and second ends; a U-shaped hook secured to the first shank end. A shoulder is attached to the shank second end and extends generally perpendicularly from the shank. The shoulder is formed by a member having two ends and connected at one of the ends to the shank second end and folded back on itself. An eyelet for connection of a fishing line, is formed at the point of folding of the member back upon itself. A locking device is secured to the shoulder, the locking device being movable between a locking position and a release position.

Abstract: A baby swing seat having a generally horizontal seating member with top and bottom surfaces, a generally upright back support and two arm rest support members. The detachable leg extension is adapted to be placed adjacent the seating member top surface and adapted to extend generally horizontally and forwardly of the seating member, thereby supporting the legs of a baby seated in the swing seat. The seat may also be configured with a cross-member extending between the support arms to provide additional positioning support. Additionally, the rearward end of the seat may be of increased thickness to provide additional support.

Abstract: An improved weighted jigging system for use with a malleable lure body and a fishhook has a sinker body with front and rear portions and a bore for slidably receiving a fishing line. A hook locking device is adapted to be received and releasably secured within the bore, which locking device comprises a fishhook connection member for releasably engaging the fishhook eyelet such that the fishhook is releasably retained to the sinker body. The fishing line is adapted to be fastened to the fishhook eyelet such that upon engagement of the fishhook eyelet by the fishhook connection member of the fishhook locking device, a substantially unitary fishhook sinker apparatus is formed.

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: A shuttle launch system for a model rocket which includes a model rocket engine having a propellant charge for propelling the model rocket in a first direction and an ejection charge for ejecting matter in a second direction generally opposite the first direction consists of a booster rocket having a longitudinally extended tube with a peripheral sidewall, an inner chamber and top and bottom ends and an engine-receiving chamber adjacent the bottom end of the tube. A shuttle glider support structure is mounted on the booster rocket for releasably supporting a shuttle glider thereon. A fluid passage extends between the inner chamber of the booster rocket and the shuttle glider support structure such that a portion of gas within the inner chamber is redirected from the inner chamber through the fluid passage and out of the shuttle glider support structure.

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: A drop sprinkler assembly for connection to an irrigation conduit of a center pivot irrigation system adjacent a tower support of the system includes a fluid conduit having first and second ends, the first end for fluid communication with an irrigation conduit of a center pivot irrigation system. The assembly also includes a valve having an inlet, two outlets and a switching mechanism for controlling fluid flow through the valve, specifically for allowing fluid flow between the inlet and a selected one of the outlets. The second end of the fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the inlet of the valve. Also included are first and second sprinkler conduits each having an upper and a lower end, the upper end of each sprinkler conduit in fluid communication with one of the outlets of the valve.

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.

Abstract: A bent blade holder for receiving, bending and supporting a flexible blade in an automatic skinning machine for trimming a non-linear layer of unwanted material from a meat product. The bent blade holder has a base plate having a base curved surface of a size and shape for removably receiving the flexible blade, a clamping plate adapted to be removably secured to the base plate and having a clamping curved surface substantially conforming to the base curved surface and means for removably securing the clamping plate to the base plate. The blade is removably secured between the base plate and the clamping plate and bent to conform to the base and clamping curved surfaces. A meat product is transported to the blade and maintained in trimming engagement therewith such that a portion of material conforming to the curve of the blade is trimmed from the meat product.

Abstract: A process for tenderizing, flavoring, cholesterol or sodium extracting or fat binding of meat through perfusion includes the steps of inducing the brain death of a meat-providing animal and leaving the meat-providing animal substantially intact. The circulatory system is accessed and a perfusion fluid generally free of melted fats is injected into the arterial side of the circulatory system of the animal under moderate pressure. Blood and fluid are removed from the circulatory system through a separate vein such as the jugular, thus cleansing the circulatory system of the animal, which acts to flavor or tenderize the meat therein. The perfusion fluid is heated to at least 80.degree. F. (26.7.degree. C.) before infusion. The final result is meat that is unchanged in appearance, but improved in taste, texture and tenderness.

Abstract: A compartmentalized transport container includes a generally rectangular transport box and lid, the box having two side walls, front and rear walls and a base wall, each of the walls connected along edges thereof such that an open-topped box is formed having outer and inner surfaces. A plurality of generally upright box ribs are formed on at least two of the side walls and front and rear walls on the inner surface of the box, the box ribs extending generally perpendicular to the base wall of the box. For insertion into the transport box, at least one generally rectangular storage compartment is provided having two side walls, front and rear walls and a base wall, the side walls, front and rear walls and base wall connected along edges thereof such that the generally rectangular storage compartment is formed having outer and inner surfaces and being of a size and shape to fit within the transport box.

Abstract: A lens box for safe storage and transportation of optical lens blanks having vertically spaced apart top and bottom panels; two side walls, opposite closure panels and a plurality of gussets therebetween, all connected to the top and bottom panels and defining an enclosure space therebetween. The gussets are inclined upwardly and inwardly from the bottom panel, tangentially contacting the lens blank restricting the vertical and horizontal movement of the lens blank.The invention also includes a method of packaging an optical lens blank for secure and safe storage, including, providing a lens box having at least inclined side gussets; inserting the lens blank in the box causing the lens blank side wall to contact and frictionally engage the gussets thereby restricting vertical and horizontal movement of the lens blank in the box; and closing the box.