Abstract: The present invention includes an improved antenna mounting apparatus for mounting a conventional antenna to a mounting structure. The antenna mounting apparatus including a pair of vertically spaced apart arms having aligned holes therethrough and a base connected to and extending between the arms. A mounting device for mounting the bracket to the mounting structure is provided with two O-ring shaped insulating members each adapted to be received in a respective one of the aligned holes in the arms; antenna connection device adapted to engage the antenna and secure the antenna to one of the spaced apart arms. A cable connection device is provided for connecting an electrical cable to the apparatus. Interconnection device are adapted to engage the antenna connection device and the cable connection device such that the antenna connection device, the interconnection device and the cable connection device all form a single structural unit extended through the aligned holes of the mounting bracket arms.

Abstract: An irrigation system tower support wheel for use in combination with an irrigation system having one or more tower supports, irrigation means and drive means, the support wheel including a generally cylindrical wheel rim having outer and inner surfaces, first and second edges and a center longitudinal axis, the wheel rim having a generally flat cross-section. The wheel rim further includes first and second inwardly extending peripheral side flanges connected to the first and second edges respectively such that additional rigidity may be imparted to the cylindrical wheel rim. Support struts extend inward towards the center longitudinal axis of the wheel rim, the support struts mounted on the inner surface of the wheel rim. The outer surface of the wheel rim includes a plurality of lugs for improving traction of the wheel. Each of the lugs consists of a longitudinally extended channel having a V-shaped cross-section.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a tire support and safety cage for mounting on a vehicle lift gate or the like. The invention has a base frame for mounting the tire support and safety cage to a lift gate, inner and outer pairs of support members, each support member having top and bottom end portions, the bottom end portions being pivotally mounted to the base frame such that the support members are pivotally movable between raised working positions and lowered storage positions. A securement bar is connected to and extended between the top end portions of one of the pairs of support members. A closure frame is pivotally connected to the top end portions of the other of the pairs of support members for movement between a generally horizontal lowered locking position and a generally vertical raised open position. A means is included for releasably securing the closure frame, in the lowered locking position, relative to the securement bar and the one pair of support members.

Abstract: A braking system for an in-line roller skate includes a generally U-shaped brake bracket and a brake pad mounted thereon. The brake bracket is pivotably mounted on the wheel bracket of the in-line roller skate such that the bracket pivots about a generally transverse horizontal pivot axis. A brake actuator including a handle and lever is provided. A cable extends between and is connected to the brake actuator and the brake pad, the cable operative to pivot the brake bracket upon engagement of the brake actuator, thus causing the brake pad to frictionally engage a wheel of the skate. Finally, a spring extends between and is connected to the brake bracket and the shoe of the in-line skate, the spring operative to bias the brake bracket away from the wheel of the skate thereby stopping frictional engagement between the brake pad and the wheel.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable seat apparatus and method for a conventional wheelchair having a pair of horizontally spaced seat support bars running front to back of the wheelchair and which are supported in position by a pair of cross-bars. The adjustable seat has a substantially flat seat and a plurality of belt means adapted to support the seat and running along the underside thereof. A locking means is associated with each of the belt means for releasably locking the belt means at a desired length corresponding to a distance below the support bars at which the seat will be positioned. A plurality of hook means is adapted to be slidably received on the belt means and adapted to releasably engage the seat support bars and support the seat in the desired vertical position.

Abstract: A sinker for attachment to a fishing line includes a generally spherical, generally rigid solid body having a radius and first and second generally V-shaped radial slots in the solid body, each of the slots having opposite end portions. The radial slots are arranged generally opposite one another on the body and each radial slot further includes a base having a transfer extent sufficient to accept at least two runs of fishing line side-by-side. A bore hole having opposite ends extends through the body and connects the first and second radial slots. Finally, the ends of the bore hole and the end portions of the radial slots are contoured such that fishing line running through the bore hole and radial slots will not become frayed or kinked resulting in a loss of line tensile strength.

Abstract: A comic book protection apparatus includes a document cover having generally flexible, generally rectangular front and rear panels each having at least one longitudinal edge, the edges positioned in vertical spaced relation. A spine extends between and is connected to one of the longitudinal edges of each of the front and rear panels. The spine is connected to the front and rear panels at generally right angles thereby forming a comic book receiving channel. The cover is constructed of a generally translucent material and is of a size and shape to substantially cover and protect a comic book between the front and rear panels. Finally, the document cover may be inserted into a generally rectangular cover-receiving envelope having front and rear envelope panels, the panels being connected to each other on at least two sides. The envelope is of a size and shape to receive and enclose the document cover between the front and rear envelope panels and is constructed of a generally translucent material.

Abstract: An automatic feed mechanism upper conveyor for an automatic trimmer wherein a layer of material may be removed from a meat product. The automatic feed mechanism upper conveyor comprises: a conveyor frame, means for mounting the conveyor frame, first and second drive shafts mounted at each end of the frame and connected in tandem by a drive chain. A plurality of friction engagement wheels is mounted in spaced relation on each of the first and second drive shafts. The friction engagement wheels in cooperation with the feed means is operative to advance the meat product into trimming engagement with the trimming means and is operative to trim a layer of material from the meat product without pivoting the meat piece.

Abstract: A folding, collapsible playroom adapted for compact storage which is designed to encourage active and creative play by children as opposed to passive activities such as watching television.The playroom has first and second frames having transversely spaced apart top and bottom walls and opposite side walls all having front and rear surfaces, thereby defining inner and outer frame faces respectively. The frames are pivotally connected such that they may be pivoted from an open, upstanding position to an abutting, closed storage position. Play accessories are included which may be pivotally mounted on one of the frame inner faces and adapted to be moved from a secured stored position to a deployed, play position protruding substantially forwardly from the frame, upon movement of the frames from the closed storage position to the open, upstanding position.

Abstract: The present invention is a graphite lubrication apparatus for lubricating the support rollers of a drying kiln, dryer or the like by dispensing graphite powder across the surface of the rollers. It has a graphite storage means for storing the graphite powder to be used for lubrication; a dispensing pipe adjacent the graphite storage means and having a top and bottom and a plurality of receiving holes in the top thereof the receiving holes permitting communication of the graphite from the storage means into the dispensing pipe. The dispensing pipe also having a plurality of discharge holes positioned adjacent the roller. The discharge holes permit the discharge of graphite onto the roller. A discharge means discharges graphite from the dispensing pipe onto the roller.

Abstract: The present invention includes an improvement to a conventional explosion-proof electric brake motor having a motor housing, an electrical conduit attached thereto, a brake housing secured to the motor housing and having an electrical attached to the brake housing, a flange secured to the motor housing and adapted to secure the motor to a drive mounting for driving a shaft. The improvement comprises a first housing waterproof means inserted between the motor housing and the brake housing. A first conduit waterproofing means is adapted to seal the brake electrical conduit to the brake housing. A second conduit waterproofing means is adapted to seal the motor electrical conduit to the motor housing. A flange waterproofing means is adapted to seal the flange to the motor housing. Thus, the conventional electric brake motor and the waterproofing means form a submersible, explosion-proof brake motor.

Abstract: An automated ultrasonic guidance apparatus is adapted to be mounted on a vehicle having a guidance steering system for steering the vehicle on a desired track between adjacent crop rows or sides of a furrow. The apparatus includes first and second sensors for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic ranging signals. The sensors are mountable on a vehicle for directing the ranging signals downwardly and outwardly in opposite directions toward adjacent crop rows or sides of a furrow such that the ranging signals strike the rows or furrow and are reflected back into the respective sensor. Variable ranging outputs from the sensors are operatively associated with the guidance steering system to cause it to steer the vehicle toward the desired track.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming decorative hair bows includes the steps of providing an apparatus including a longitudinally extended hair bow frame having top and bottom surfaces and a barrette clip mounted on the bottom surface of the frame, the frame including a plurality of openings extending between the top and bottom surfaces. The method further includes providing an elongated strip of decorative material and extending a portion of the strip of decorative material through one of the openings in the frame such that a loop of decorative material is formed extending out of an opening above the top surface of the frame. This step is then repeated using different openings and different portions of the strip of decorative material until a plurality of upwardly extending loops of the decorative material are formed extending from a plurality of openings on the frame of the apparatus thus forming a decorative hair bow.

Abstract: The inclined automatic trimmer apparatus of the present invention includes a base frame and trimming blade mounted on the base frame for trimming unwanted material from the meat product. A feed conveyor is situated forwardly of the trimming blade for transporting the meat product to the trimming blade. A feed roller is mounted on the base frame adjacent the trimming blade to receive the meat product transported by the feed conveyor and to advance the meat product into trimming engagement with the trimming blade. A press roller is mounted on the base frame for rotating the meat in trimming engagement with the trimming blade. The feed roller trimming blade and press roller all form a "V" shaped trough for receiving the meat product.

Abstract: An add-on compartment for a trash receptacle includes a open topped material receiving compartment having spaced apart front and back panels protruding transversely outwardly from one side of the compartment for receiving a trash receptacle between them. The panels extend outwardly sufficiently to overlie the walls of the trash receptacles so that the combination compartment and receptacle give the appearance of a unitary structure. A trash bag retaining lip is formed on the upper edge of the compartment and a depending skirt may be provided to cover at least the front wall and outer most side wall of the compartment to provide a smooth continuous appearance with the front panel and a trash receptacle to be received between the panels.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an animal actuated drinking apparatus allowing animals to obtain liquid therefrom. The invention is directed to an apparatus, a kit, and a method of providing for an animal actuated drinking apparatus. The animal actuated drinking apparatus of the present invention includes a tubular body having a fluid passageway therethrough; an annular valve seat positioned within the fluid passageway, and an O-ring of resilient material seating against the annular valve seat. A valve actuator stem is adapted to seat against O-ring and in sealing engagement therewith. An elongated, generally cylindrical, elastomeric compression biasing sleeve of resilient material being in pressure contact with the valve actuator and maintaining the actuator in a neutral position. Displacement of the actuator stem from the neutral position causes fluid to flow through the apparatus. The replacement kits may be fitted with one or two piece actuators.

Abstract: A baggage protection device wherein the device consists of a base carriage onto which is mounted a turntable with a securing device. Also mounted on the base carriage is a roll of stretch-wrap plastic film, along with feeder posts and a vertical frame. An alternative embodiment of the baggage protection device consists of a base carriage unit having a rear section and a front section which may be extended outwards from the rear section to accommodate larger baggage to be wrapped thereon. A turntable is mounted on the front section of the base carriage unit, the turntable having a pair of hydraulic rams which act to urge together a pair of grip tongs movably mounted on the upper surface of the turntable. Mounted atop the rear section is a roll of stretch-wrap plastic film. As the plastic film is drawn from the roll, it passes around an idler roller and around a tensioning roller, the tensioning roller and idler roller being in contact with one another.

Abstract: A variable lighting apparatus for visually simulating and translating the frequencies present in an input signal to a light, the characteristics of which may be varied in accordance to the properties of the input sound. The lighting apparatus may be fitted with a plurality of filter channels for filtering the input signal into preselected bands. Each channel may then drive an independent light, each of which may be differently colored and will respond individually to the frequency components of the input signal determined by the filtering channel to which it is attached. The frequency response band and sampling characteristics of each filter may be adjusted to provide for a variable visual effect.