Abstract: The invention is a resilient article for preventing the nesting of birds. The article comprises a resilient base member and two sections of wire mesh that are joined to each end of the base. The wire sections may interlock with one another along a line running above the centerline of the base member. The base of the article may be bent or other wise deformed around other structures in order to set up the bird repeller. The base member may be imprinted with the indicia of a bird, such as an owl, in order to further deter the roosting of birds.

Abstract: The invention is a system for attaching a protective netting over windows. A main netting portion is made of nylon mesh and reinforced along its edges with nylon portions in the form of straps. Screws or other means of secure attachment are used to secure the bottom edge of the main portion to the area below the window. The screws are placed through in the strap that reinforces the bottom edge. A pair of upper straps secure the upper portion of the netting to the area above the window. Each strap is in connection with a clip that is secured to an eyelet on the wall of the building. Other means for connection of the upper straps are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is a novel seat belt releasing system for vehicles. The system comprises a series of vertically oriented seat belt straps suspended downward from the ceiling of a vehicle in connection with lateral members (such as netting). There are two straps per passenger including the driver. The seat belt releasing system comprises an inertial device which sends an electric signal upon receiving an inertial event. The signal charges a solenoid which releases a pair of sister hooks which in turn allow the main releasing member or coiled spring to be released upon this event thereby pulling on the cables. The cables in connection with the belts pull the belts and netting downward thereby preventing forward movement of the passengers as the netting is secured in front of each passenger. Resilient members are stretched alongside the straps when the seat belts are in the stored, at rest, position, in order to keep the length of the belts minimal.

Abstract: The invention is a fluorescent volleyball game for playing volleyball after dark. The important features of the playing field are illuminated by using a fluorescent volleyball, fluorescent out of bounds markers, fluorescent net and support stand and a set of blacklights arranged around the field to illuminate the fluorescent colors to the diminished visibility of the non-essential features. Players may, optionally, wear fluorescent clothing.

Abstract: A skier's drag chute and system for deploying the chute. The apparatus comprises a chute portion that has leg straps in connection with the user's legs and wrist straps for attachment to the user's wrists. A shoulder attachment may be secured around the neck or shoulder of the user in order to secure the top edge of the chute to the user and prevent air from forming under the chute. The chute portion has curvilinear edges along the top and bottom edges of the chute. The chute remains in resting position on the back of the skier until the skier decides on slowing down. The skier extends his arms allowing the chute to deploy and thus slow the speed of the skier.

Abstract: The invention is an improved pool cue with a spring loaded tip is mounted in a hollowed out portion at the front of the cue or stick and is freely movable forward and backward within the confines of the hollowed out portion. A spring biases the tip to the back of the hollowed out portion and allows for the tip to be compressed at the moment of striking the ball. The area where the spring is mounted is encased in silicone for further compressibility.

Abstract: A two-part traction device for applying caudal pressure against the forehead of the user comprising a first part back support and a second part, or traction unit. The user lies with his neck extended over the padded back support which supports the thorax of the patient in a face up position. The second part, or traction unit, comprises a spring loaded tube which is used to apply the compressive force against the user's forehead in this position. The traction unit has a bowl shaped forehead engaging member with a padded material portion for engagement with the forehead. The force applied to the user may be varied by rotation of the spring loaded tube by various degrees thus elongating the spring tube and increasing the pressure transmitted through to the headpiece.

Abstract: The invention is a dual tank dispensing system that provides for directional control of the fluid being dispensed. Flow may be diverted through various pathways in order to provide different flow modes including: normal delivery, backwashing, rinsing, and isolation of one of the tanks. A unique dual diverter valve unit provides for alternate flow arrangements through passages in a body that connect the two tanks to the source of water. Each valve is in connection with four passages and through rotation of these valves various pathways are created that lead the flow to be diverted through one or both tanks and through an outlet passage leading to the destination or through one of two passages that allow for either rinse or backwash. A detector may be used in connection with the control unit to determine that the filters are clogged and signals the system to being a backwashing operation.

Abstract: The invention is a bandana with a flexible bill made of an inner layer of relatively rigid material. The bill has a series of stitching lines running parallel across the width of the bill which may be folded into varying positions for the user's convenience. The stitching lines offer convenient folding lines for this purpose. An optional pocket may be constructed at the rear of the bandana for secreting items, etc.

Abstract: The invention is an improved ear plug composition wherein the improvement comprises the use of cotton fibers as an additional ingredient in a natural ear plug composition comprising: wax, a starch based acid ester of dicarboxylic acid, lanolin, grapefruit seed extract as well as other vitamins, etc. The use of cotton fibers in an earplug composition adds strength to the composition and tends to maintain the ear plug in one homogeneous mass.

Abstract: A novel plenum chamber and system for the mixing and subsequent distribution of two different fluids. In the preferred example the fluid is air and the chamber mixes fresh and recycled air proportionately and subsequently distributes the air stream through buildings, etc. The plenum chamber is in connection with an fresh air inlet duct and a recirculated air inlet duct at opposite ends, and an outlet duct along a third side. Louver panels divide the chamber into passages that are connected to one of the two intake ducts, the passages alternate being in connection with one or the other of the intake ducts so as to create a stratified mixture of air layers, alternating fresh layer, recirculated layer, etc. chambers. The outlet section is in connection with a distribution fan for dispersal to the rest of the building.

Abstract: A concealed cabinet structure having a door hinge that is concealed. The cabinet may be mounted into a wall in the area between studs. The hinge structure relies on an extended frame that provides a structure extending forward from the wall that the cabinet is mounted into. The side edges of the cabinet are of rounded construction and tapering to an edge. The hinge is mounted by plates to both the extended frame and the frame of the door. The door mounts with the tapered edge flush against the wall, thus preventing the viewing of the hinge from any angle that one could take. The door may have a slotted portion in order to place a mirror, picture or other decorative object on the face of the cabinet to deceive an intruder about the purpose of the cabinet.

Abstract: The invention is an improved electrical outlet of the kind normally found in household walls. These outlets usually have two slotted, prong holes, and a circular grounding hole. The improvement lies is providing the outlet with the ability to be set into one of three possible modes-normal, inoperable and "switched." In the normal mode the outlet functions in the normal way. In the inoperable mode the outlet provides no power at all. In the switched mode, the outlet may be operable or inoperable depending on the condition of an external switch located somewhere else in the home or building. The mode may be set by inserting a specially shaped key designed to fit into the prong holes of the outlet to thereby turn a special pivoting assembly located between the contact points and the back wall of the outlet assembly. The pivoting assembly may be pivoted in the manner of a lever resting in a fulcrum in one of three directions depending on which portion of the special key is depressed.

Abstract: The invention is a protective member for the cassette receiving chamber of VCRs and audio cassette recorders. The device is insertable into the VCR and may be locked into place by means of a frictional member that engages with the flange located around the cassette access door of the VCR etc. The device prevents the insertion of foreign objects into the cassette receiving chamber of the VCR, etc.

Abstract: A vending machine for controlling the use of a suntanning booth. The user inputs a card with a magnetic strip, bar code or the means for identifying the individual user into the machine to order a suntanning session. The program determines whether that user has used the tanning booth within a recent time period, if the user has, the booth is inoperable for that user. If the user has not used the booth recently, the machine is enabled and then coins or other money is then deposited to pay for the time period of suntanning. The system provides safeguards to limit the use of the tanning booth by identifying individual users and limiting the number of sessions each may have in a single time period.

Abstract: The invention is a dish transport apparatus with dual positionable handles. The invention comprises at least one movable handle having a pair of handle arms in pivotal connection with pivot pins located on the sides of a base member. The handles are connected to the base by means of slots in each arm thus allowing the gripping portion of the handle to be placed at a lowered, "loading" position in channels located at the front and/or the rear of each base member. From this position, the dish may be placed on the base. The handle is then pivoted upward and locked into a second upward position for transport. The handles may be pivoted against a spring biasing member to lock them into place in the loading position.

Abstract: Basketball shooting teaching apparatus that has up to four upright members in connection with a support ring that is positioned closely against the rim of the basketball hoop by resilient attaching members. The support ring and attached uprights may be rotated around the hoop to provide a target area between the uprights for the shooter to aim at. The apparatus may also include a shooting lane delineated by streamers hung from two of the upright members to a point near where the shooter is standing. A ball return may also be used in connection with the device which comprises a pair of rigid members projecting downward from the basket for return of the ball in a direction toward a designated part of the basketball court.

Abstract: The invention is windshield sunshade storing device for confining a windshield sunshade alongside the interior sunvisor of an automobile. The storing device is an S shaped clip with a pair of surfaces that attach to a sun visor and another pair of surfaces that secure the folded up sunshade. Two or more clips may be used to confine the sunshade and hold it in place.

Abstract: The invention is a pie crust lifting tool and corresponding rolling board for lifting pie crusts from a rolling board and placing them in a pie plate in anticipation of baking. The lifting tool has a handle at one end and a circular shaped portion known as the lifting ring at the other end. The rolling board is used in conjunction with the tool and has a specially shaped groove in the upper surface in order to accommodate the tool when the crust is being rolled. The groove is circular in shape and has a straight channel connecting the circular shape with one edge of the board. The tool rests in the board until one is ready to use the board. Pie crust or other dough is rolled on the board and then lifted off of the board by use of the lifting tool. The dough is then transported to a pie plate or pie dish or other baking utensil.