Abstract: A periodontal probe and recording apparatus for measuring the depth of a pocket formed by the gum (gingival tissue) surrounding a tooth. The periodontal probe and recording apparatus are comprised of a probe tip with a simplified spring tension device electrically connected via a transducer to the recording apparatus. The probe tip reciprocates via a movable arm in a short, easy to clean, sleeve fixed to a probe handle, wherein the probe tip acts against a constant spring tension. With the probe tip resting on the bottom of the pocket, the periodontal probe handle is pressed toward the pocket until the sleeve touches the margin of the gum forming the pocket. The exposed length of the probe tip represents the depth of the pocket. There is a locking mechanism for locking the tip at the measured depth for visual measurement.

Abstract: A mechanical connector for structural members including a threaded rod with double ends and a pair of similar nuts and cam sockets to tighten the connector. A pair of aligned bore holes and circular holes in the structural members receive the threaded rod and nuts and cam sockets to secure the structural members.

Abstract: A barrier device for shielding a user from windblown sand and dirt which is normally carried as a backpack and when unpacked and placed in an operative position acts as a protector for the user.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning shellfish such as scallops to separate the edible muscle tissue from the waste soft mass of viscera and organs. The apparatus has a plurality of reciprocating plates alternating with stationary working plates, where the forward action of the reciprocating plates moves the scallops from one stationary plate to the next. The surfaces of each of the plates, reciprocating and stationary, are covered with a gritty or abrasive material which the waste material clings to, separating itself from the edible muscle tissue. The cleaning occurs both during the forward and the reverse movement of the reciprocating plates.

Abstract: A central lighting system for commercial buildings employing core daylighting with tracking heliostats, light beam processing, heat extraction and utilization, distribution through light pipes, fiberoptics, prisms, and mirrors. The system incorporates a central artificial light source, also with heat extraction and utilization for domestic hot water, air conditioning, or refrigeration as desired. The system includes microprocessor control and monitoring of all functions, light amplification through high frequency beam splitting, and light storage, in the form of super-insulated extreme heat.

Abstract: A fish bait composition for luring fish which can also be used as a hand soap to remove human scent. The fish bait composition is manufactured in a way to entrap the luring qualities within the composition, thereby reducing any odoriferous aromas. As such, the composition is comprised of a soap carrier blended with an essence from the group including poultry fat, fish solubles, fish oils, fish meat and poultry liver. One or more of the essences may be included in the final composition and percentage of any one essence may be from 0-10%. To give the bait composition a more solid base and attract fish like catfish, a vegetable meal and a fish meal is added. The combined percentage of vegetable meal and fish meal is about 40%.The essences entrapped in the fish bait composition are slowly released from the soap carrier either as particles or as aromas trapped in soap bubbles.

Abstract: An improved security bar system for louvered windows is disclosed. The window unit has louvered blades which pivot on horizontal stub shafts.The security bars are mounted on the stub shafts where the louver blades hide them from view and provide an esthetically pleasing window unit. Each security bar has a hardened steel rod with holes bored in each end for receiving the stub shafts and a hardened steel sleeve which freely rotates on the steel rod and covers the rod and stub shafts. The steel rod freely rotates on the stub shafts which are themselves freely rotatable. Therefore, any attempts to cut the security bar will cause the steel sleeve to rotate. Should the steel sleeve be held stationary and cut, the covered steel rod will rotate due to the action of the saw blade.

Abstract: A weed cutting and extracting tool having upper and lower portions, the lower portion having a weed cutting and pulling device attached thereto and a foot rest for applying pressure to said weed cutter, the upper portion of said tool being crank shaped so as to rotate said tool when in use.

Abstract: A roll tissue dispenser having resilient members for supporting a roll of tissue by its center tube thus making a simple, easy loading and unloading device of this type.

Abstract: A belt clasp for holding a loose belt end in place including a first leg and a second leg, where spring pressure holds the belt end in place.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating heat from in situ in ground burning of coal. The method described involves lowering a boiler connected to a water line and a steam line into burning coal region and heating the boiler to produce steam from water. The steam is useable to drive steam turbine/generator equipment or as a heat source. The apparatus for generating steam includes a boiler with a number of heat circulating tubes to quickly heat the water. The boiler is fed by a small diameter water line. Steam from the boiler is removed through a larger diameter line.

Abstract: A vehicle safety restraint device is disclosed which comprises an airbag and projectable lap plate attached to rotatably mounted transverse tubes containing compressed gas or chemical inflator cartridges, all of which are housed within a container capable of being used as a visor when in an inoperative condition. An electrical impulse from an impact sensing or emergency hand switch releases the unit to rotate into a vertical position, simultaneously inflating the airbag through telescoping tubes within the bag and projecting the lap plate into the occupant's lap.

Abstract: Packaging of certain products like cheese is usually done in a vacuum without the presence of heat. Heretofore, a first vacuum was necessary to knit the curds together and to compact the cheese. A second vacuum was then employed to remove air which returned to the package. The present method eliminates the need for the second vacuum. A heat sealable package, containing cheese, and having a tortuous vent passage is subjected to a vacuum. As a full vacuum is achieved, air within the chamber and the package is exhausted. When the chamber is returned to atmospheric pressure, the tortuous seal collapses to form a temporary seal. At the same time, the plastic bag collapses around the cheese which causes the curds to knit together, and compact the cheese. While still in the sealed condition, a permanent heat seal is made across the tortuous vent passage.

Abstract: A fishing device having a ground inserted post for supporting a fishing rod holder is disclosed where the fishing rod holder is made of an integrally molded plastic and includes in combination a bait box and cutting board where the cutting board forms the bottom of the bait box. There are triangular supports to brace the bait box and cutting board and a slot for a bait knife.

Abstract: A pistol holster bracket for supporting a pistol in its holster on the side of a bed is disclosed. The holster bracket has a member which slides between the mattress and a box spring and an upstanding vertical member with an angled element for receiving the belt loop of a holster. The angled element has an angle of sufficient decree to tilt the holster to a position where the pistol is easily accessible by a person lying in bed.

Abstract: An ice cube tray having a removable cover for sealing the tray when filled with water. The cover has a fill spout and a cover for the fill spout that cooperate with similar trays for stacking purposes.

Abstract: A portable weighing scale device is disclosed for determining the axle load weight of a vehicle such as a semi-truck, trailer and the like. The weighing scale device includes a platform with tire guide rails and inflatable air bags. An air pressure gauge is connected to the air bags to measure the vehicle axle weight.

Abstract: A health and exercise device comprising a rockable structure with vertical and horizontal body supporting portions connected by an arcuate portion, the user sitting on the horizontal portion and rocking backward into a shoulder stand position when exercising.