Abstract: A combination C-shaped or U-shaped metal and composite construction stud for commercial and residential types of buildings. The stud may be made of various gauge galvanized structural or non-structural steel and has an insert made of softer material located at strategically placed points on the stud. Such softer materials may include wood, composite materials, plastic or fiberglass combinations. Pointed fastening devices such as nails and/or screws may then be used to fasten other structural components to the stud such as wall panels and other commonly used materials. Nails may be used at the blocking points of the stud and screws where there is no blocking.

Abstract: An athletic shoe having a resilient return portion comprising a plurality of elastic strips running at an angle across the shoe from one side of the sole to the opposite side of the shoe. Such strips would be supported at a distance above the bottom surface of the shoe by a gap or well located in the shoe and running from the bottom surface of the shoe to the upper surface where the bottom of the foot rests. There may be provided a series of apertures extending through the thickness of the bottom of the shoe in order to relieve air pressure that may build up between the sole and the return portion.

Abstract: An input and output display calculator for tracking medical devices used during surgery. Input buttons corresponding to the numbers and packages of needles and sponges allow the user to input this information into the calculator. Output provide for an up to date readout of the total number of such sponges/needles used during the procedure as well as a total of those that have not yet been accounted for. Input buttons on the display face of the calculator provide a means for the nurse or other personnel to input the number of needles/sponges used in increments corresponding to the number of such needles and sponges found in a typical package of such items. Subtraction buttons allow for such numbers to be removed from the display in the event of errors. A timer means records the time that such numbers are added and subtracted and a printer allows for a printed record of such to be made.

Abstract: A machining process is shown and described. The process entails removing the water pump from the front of the block and replacing it with a block-off unit. The cylinder head is removed and replaced by left and right torque plates that are attached to each side of the block. The torque plates provide fluid connection of the smaller coolant passages on each side of the block with one another. The boring process is performed on the engine block when such engine block has been heated to a temperature at or near its operating temperature via the fluid passages. A boring machine may enter the cylinder bores thorough larger openings in each torque plate. The main bearing support (caps) can also be align bored during this process.

Abstract: A tatting shuttle having upper and lower flanges that extend from the upper and lower surfaces of the shuttle. The flanges impart gripping ability to the user as the fingers are placed inside the area bordered by the flanges. The shuttle comprises a pair of ovoid halves-an upper and a lower half that are connected to one another by a central portion. The central portion is used for holding a length of thread. Each of the halves presents a surface to the user that the fingers and thumb will grip. The flanges extend from the edge of each surface. Those on the upper half extend upwardly and those on the lower half downwardly.

Abstract: The invention is a system for controlling the operation of a dome in connection with a telescope in order to maintain the slot of the dome in alignment with the telescope at all times so that stars may be viewed continuously. The system eliminates of minimizes the need for the user having to manually control the operation, usually rotation, of the dome. Preferably four infrared sensors and transmitters are mounted along the circumference of the telescope in order to send signals to a controller when the edge of the dome is detected which occurs when the signal is reflected back to the sensor. Each of the sensors should be 90.degree. in relation to each other. Each of the sensors is in connection with a controller. The controller is in connection with the movement system of the dome and sends signals to the movement system that rotate the dome until the sensors determine that the dome slot is aligned with the telescope.

Abstract: A tool for removing seals from wheel hubs is shown and described. The tool comprises a handle or lever portion having an upstanding hook portion and a cross member in connection with the hook portion. The hook portion is perpendicular to the plane of the cross member and the bottom of the hook portion is about flush with the front edge of the cross member. The front of the tool is placed in the bore of the wheel hub and flush against the seal. The tapered ends of the cross member will be aligned against the seal and will hold the hook portion in place when the lever is pivoted.

Abstract: A volley ball support system for playing a game of volley ball in a pool is described. A floatation buoy supports one end of the volleyball net and freely floats in the pool without being anchored to the floor of the pool. The buoy includes a guide in order to attach a line strung to both sides of the pool in order to keep the buoy from moving and a freely held weight that keeps the buoy righted should contestants come in contact with the buoy. The game may use flexible nets that can be adjusted in width simply by rotating the upright supports in order to pick up excess slack or to add slack to the nets.

Abstract: An improved cutting board having a fan, or other means for directing air, in connection with the board. The fan may be mounted in a housing that pivots upward so that the housing and the fan are at an angle of, approximately, 115 degrees to the cutting surface of the board. The edges of the board may be raised in order to keep onions or other materials from falling off of the board.

Abstract: A dry wall paper finishing tape or strip having a base layer of drywall paper and an adhesive layer on the inner surface of such tape. Such adhesive surface may be overlaid with release paper that can be removed when the paper is ready for application to a drywall surface. A pair of raised plastic beads border the centerline of the paper strip on the inner surface and allow for a thinner section at the midline of the tape. Each bead is somewhat thicker near the middle and hence tapered near each edge. The base layer is also tapered so that the edges are of thinner cross section than the middle portion of the tape.

Abstract: A filleting and skinning knife comprising a handle adapted to be positioned in the hand of a user. The handle has a generally longitudinal axis, and includes a front section and a rear section. An offset member is connected to the handle, and extends downwardly and below the front section of the handle. The offset member has a generally longitudinal axis which has an angular relationship to the longitudinal axis of the handle. The forward portion of the blade has the cutting edge and extends forwardly from the offset member. The blade member has a generally longitudinal axis and the forward part of this blade tapers at an angle to the rear of the blade. The rear of the blade is generally within the plane formed by the offset portion and the handle. The handle of the knife may include an electrical motor and drive linkage mechanism. The filleting knife provides a knife that is easier, safer and produces a thicker fillet.

Abstract: A lightweight, multi-unit lantern stand and system is described. The system uses hollow body tubular portions that are connected to one another through a system of threaded collars, compression nuts and compression rings. The finished structure will support a lantern at a distance above the ground. The insertion stake at the bottom of the assembly has a reinforced top and bottom section to facilitate hammering into the ground.

Abstract: A modified truck piece for attachment to a board surface such as a skate board. The truck has two pair of extended ridges each pair having an upper and a lower ridge and each pair running the length of the truck. Skidding pads are attached to the ridges and offer a protective surface covering for the ridges and thus allow the skateboard to be tilted (rolled) to one side or the other with safety. A channel in the bottom of each truck half allows an in line set of wheels to be attached to the underside of the truck piece. The pads may be replaced or reversed as needed.

Abstract: An attachment device for grocery carts consisting of a pair of large plates attached to one another with one plate on each side of the front wall of the shopping cart basket. The large plates are about the same size as the front wall of the cart and act as a support surface for advertising indicia. A smaller plate is hinged to the top of the large plates and has an index for locating items in the store. The smaller piece may comprise a pair of plates of transparent material.

Abstract: There is disclosed a safety strip for horses and other animals to prevent casting. The strip may be attached to the walls of corrals and other structures that are used to contain horses and other animals. The strip may comprise a series of raised conical projections which provide a frictional surface for a horse to use as leverage to enable the horse to raise itself to an upright position within the confines of a narrow corral. The strips may be made in sizes that allow them to be used in a variety of differently sized and shaped walls. Apertures in the strips provide a method for mounting them to the wall by the use of nails for example.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner assembly for usage inn wet and dry environments. The interior main canister of the vacuum includes a chamber assembly having a capstan, interface plate and hourglass member for extending the vacuum effect downward from a vacuum motor placed atop a chamber that lies above the main chamber and above the canister assembly. The interior of the chamber is connected to a sweeper portion through the use of an inlet tube. The capstan and hourglass member each have small apertures in them. A Y-shaped inlet tube may be optionally used to connect the interior of the main chamber to the sweeper so that incoming fluid may be directed around the capstan for full "washing" effect.

Abstract: A mail box signaling indicating apparatus made of flexible material to indicate when mail has arrived. The attachment end of the apparatus is doubled back upon itself in order to form a portion that may be clipped around a portion of the wall or other part of the mail box. The other end has a flag shaped indicia and is placed between the door flange and the outer wall of the mail box at the ready position. The indicating end of the device is urged upward by the resiliency of the material when the mail box door is opened and thus indicating that the mail man has been by.

Abstract: A license plate holding apparatus for securing a license plate on an automobile. The apparatus comprises a holder which is attached to the bumper. The holder has openings at each end, (left and right) where a screw may be secured. Tabs slide along a track in connection with each aperture. The tabs have a smaller opening than the aperture which enable the screw to be secured to the tab. The tabs are spring biased toward the openings so that each tab is in the left and right openings when in the normal position. The tabs are connected by a wire to a central pull ring located in the middle of the holder. The pull ring may be pulled out in order to pull the tabs along the track and away from the openings. This allows the screw to be detached from the openings in order to remove the license plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brush capable of brushing off sand and dirt from humans or animals and remain in a good, clean condition. The novelty resides in the use of an adjustable handle and cover that can vary the length of the bristles that are exposed. This in turn cause the bristles to change in flexibility so that the brush can be put to various uses that require differing degrees of stiffness of the brush.

Abstract: The invention is a carrying pouch that is shaped and sized to function as a protective pouch, specifically for newspapers, magazines, and other similar articles. The pouch is open at both ends and may be of cardboard, paper, leather or synthetic materials such as Naugahyde, polyvinyl chloride or other plastics. Optional versions include: the use of a spine made of a synthetic sheet with scoring to facilitate the folding of the pouch; interior rollers to facilitate the removal of the newspaper and padded walls for comfort. A securing strap of leather, rubber, elastic or synthetic material may be attached to the cutside of the pouch for additional securing. Advertising indicia, appropriate for the channels of trade that the pouch may be used in, may be displayed on the sides of the pouch.