Abstract: A football for recreational use includes an inner core portion consisting of an air bladder or foam material, which is at least partially surrounded by an internal web of raised threads. This inner core portion and surrounding web are then covered by a thin medial layer of deformable gel material, which is then covered by an external layer/outside covering of soft, pliable material. The web of internal threads surrounding the inner core, combined with the medial gel layer, enable the user's fingers and thumb to achieve a superior grip on the football, through the external layer, medial gel layer, and onto the threads, with minimal gripping force.

Abstract: A small panel member of flexible, magnetized sheet material with a front surface at least partially covered with highly reflective material, and a back surface including an adhesive strip. The apparatus may be stored in a vehicle until needed, and placed on the front, rear or sides of a vehicle by applying the magnetized panel to a metallic surface. Alternatively, the adhesive strip may be used to affix the panel to a non-magnetic surface on the vehicle. A short length of cable is connected to the panel and terminates in an anchor, so that when the panel is affixed to the outside of the vehicle, the cable can be passed through the jamb gap between the trunk lid and body, or door and door jamb, with the block locked inside the trunk or passenger compartment, effectively locking the panel to the vehicle to prevent displacement or theft.

Abstract: A gravity flow sludge load-out metering gate comprising a frame having longitudinal and horizontal frame rails and a transverse rail member which defines a gate front portion and a smaller gate rear portion. A sludge inlet funnel is positioned above the front portion for insertion into the interior of a hopper discharge outlet. In the preferred embodiment, the sludge inlet funnel is substantially square and has four triangular, tapering interior sides, which, when viewed from above define an asymmetrical four-pointed star, the interior configuration of which further defines an asymmetrical diamond-shaped sludge discharge orifice. Interior to the metering gate frame is a metering gate blade, slidingly positioned between a plurality of support rollers and a bulb seal, the gate operatively connected to electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic power.

Abstract: A tool that enables the forming of a hole in irrigation pipe, and the placement of an emitter device into that formed hole, includes a pair of elongate plier half-members connected at a pivoting joint. A first jaw includes an inwardly-directed hole punch member, while the second opposed jaw includes an inwardly-directed concavity to engage a piece of irrigation hose, such that closure of the jaws causes the hole punch to pierce a hole in the irrigation pipe. The jaw ends each include semi-cylindrical cavities sized to hold the cylindrical body of an emitter, to facilitate forcible insertion of the spike of the emitter into the hole previously formed in the irrigation pipe.

Abstract: A cable braid splice for creating a mechanical and electrical junction between two pieces of metal braid covering a single cable is disclosed, including a coiled ribbon spring having a first and second ends, coils at each end wound inwardly towards one another, a joining segment of ribbon interposed between the coils, and a thin pliable “C” clip for placement partially around a cable bundle and underneath overlapping cable braids.

Abstract: A grooming brush adapted to dispense medicinal or pesticidal powder into the hair or fur of an animal through the action of brushing alone, having a handle and a head, the head having a top, a bottom, and four sides, the fourth of which is integral with the handle. The head is divided into a first and second chamber for storing and dispensing powder, the chambers defined by two partitioning walls. The bottom of the head has a plurality of bristles, an elongate opening which runs the length of the head, and a rotatable cylinder set into the elongate opening, the cylinder having a plurality of shallow depressions and a cog wheel with an circumferential border at approximately the tip of the bristles. When in use, the cog wheel engages the hair of the animal and the cylinder rotates alternatingly within the powder reservoirs and without, thus alternately collecting powder from the reservoirs and depositing it onto the animal.

Abstract: An improved paddle floatation apparatus comprising a unitary inflatable sleeve that fits over a kayak or other shallow draft watercraft paddle blade. When installed on a paddle blade, the entire paddle may be configured as an outrigger to assist the user in righting the kayak and reentering the cockpit from the water. The shape of the float when inflated is substantially triangular when viewed on end and includes numerous stabilizing surfaces that engage the water to resist unintentional movement in every direction.