Abstract: A fishhook remover includes a tubular housing for retaining a cylindrical plunger biased toward the bottom of the fishhook remover by a compression spring bearing against the plunger in a handle end, capped by a knob. A T-shaped handled mounted on the plunger allows the fisherman to reciprocate the plunger within the tubular housing. A grabber hook extending from the working end of the plunger is used to grab the embedded fishhook by the shank. Pulling the handle toward the knob at the top of the device causes the fishhook to become aligned with fishhook aligning means consisting of a downwardly extending flange portion of the tubular housing and into a V-shaped notch in the flange portion. Further, a pair of opposed slots in the lower portion of the tubular housing allow the curved shank portion of the hook to slide through the slots as the fishhook is drawn into the lower portion of the housing and thereby the fishhook is withdrawn from the fish along the same path it took when it entered the fish.

Abstract: A vector network analyzer utilizes a single voltage controlled oscillator to produce a sweep frequency over time, which is supplied to a device under test. The return signal from the device under test is delayed and mixed with the original signal to produce an intermediate frequency signal that is digitized and the data manipulated by a computer to measure the reflection coefficient or transmission coefficient of the device under test.

Abstract: A portable modular sports equipment rack includes elongated telescoping tubular mounting members for accommodating a number of different types of hooks specifically adapted to receive different types of softball or baseball equipment, including at least fielding gloves, batting helmets and bats. Tubular spacer elements maintain a desired space between different pieces of equipment. A plurality of aligned apertures in a line along the tubular mounting members allow the length of the rack to be adjusted easily and is locked into the desired length by a snap button fastener engaged in two aligned apertures in the telescoping members. Aligned apertures through both side walls of the tubular members along a diameter of a cross section of the tubes adjacent to their ends allow the rack to be conveniently suspended from a chain link fence by a clevis pin through the apertures.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument cleaning apparatus includes a syringe coupled to a flushing chamber by a form-fitting stopper. A distal, or instrument receiving end of the flushing chamber is inserted into a supply of cleaning fluid and the plunger of the syringe is drawn out to its fully retracted length, thereby filling the syringe and the flushing chamber with cleaning fluid. Then the distal end of an endoscopic instrument is inserted about through an aperture in a stopper having the shape of a conical frustum and is inserted into the flushing chamber to a depth of about 4 inches (10 cm) and the plunger of the syringe is thrust forward to inject pressurized cleaning solution through the endoscopic instrument. In another embodiment, the syringe receiving stopper is recessed within a proximal end of the flush chamber by about 3/8 inches (0.95-1.

Abstract: A cap rack for storage or display of caps having a bill or visor, such as baseball caps, tennis visors or golf hats, comprises a longitudinal member having a vertical axis and including a plurality of slots formed into the member at a specified angle to the horizontal. A cap can be retained in each slot by the bill of the cap. A hook at the top of the cap rack allows the rack to be suspended from any convenient place. The hook is fixed to the cap rack by a blind swivel connection, allowing the cap rack to be rotated to gain easy access to any single cap.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasing superatmospheric pressure in an engine cooling system when the engine is turned off and maintaining the cooling system at atmospheric pressure whenever the engine is not running is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a radiator cap having an over pressure valve for releasing excess pressure during engine operation and a suction return valve, or coolant recovery valve, for allowing coolant in a coolant recovery tank to be returned to the radiator and cooling system by a vacuum condition within the cooling system. The apparatus further comprises a push rod that penetrates the top of the radiator cap and reciprocates within a vertical sleeve seated in the center of the top of the radiator cap to open the suction return valve when the engine is not running, that is, the push rod is in the down position, and moves into an up position to allow the suction return valve to close, when the engine is running.

Abstract: An intravenous piggyback tubing flush apparatus includes a flush chamber attached to an intravenous (IV) set on the vertical tube and located lower than an IV medication bag for following administration of medication with a flush solution of normal saline from the flush chamber, which flushes the medication from the IV tubing and from a venous access device that is inserted into the patient, thereby preventing clotting of the venous access device. The flush solution automatically follows administration of the medication. An air vent on the flush chamber and a separate air vent on the medication bag facilitate the flow of medication and flush solution through the IV tubing and the venous access device. The flush chamber is located lower than the medication bag.

Abstract: Three preferred embodiments of a baseball cap holder are disclosed. Each embodiment includes a chamfered button ring for retaining a cap by the button typically found at the top of the crown of the cap. All three embodiments in a preferred method of manufacturing are die cut and crease scored from a single sheet of material, such as polypropene plastic. The first embodiment mounts and displays a single baseball cap and comprises a vertical base mounted on a wall, a horizontal cap shape holder and a parallel and spaced chamfered button ring for slidably receiving the cap button. The second embodiment is a cap holder strip, which utilizes a plurality of similar button rings aligned along an elongated axis. The third embodiment comprises a circular pattern having a base for vertical mounting on a wall or the like, a horizontal cap supporting member and above and parallel to the cap supporting member, a button ring.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for creating a controlled environment about a portion of a submerged pile to be treated comprises a jacket fitted about the pile and sealed at both the top and bottom ends relative to the pile to provide a sealed encapsulated space. The jacket includes at least two sections having arcuate cross sections that are fastened together to provide a substantially cylindrical jacket. Compressed air is forced downward into the encapsulated space through one or more upper valves and encapsulated water is forced out through one or more lower valves. Further air flow dries the encapsulated space. Desired coatings, for example, rust inhibitors, epoxies, are introduced into the encapsulated space through the lower valve and the displaced air, excess coatings and chemical by-products are vented and recovered for disposal through the upper valve. The temperature inside the encapsulated space is also controlled.

Abstract: A quick-release connector for connecting a handle to a mop head or the like comprises a first section for attachment to the handle and a second section for attachment to the mop head. The first section has a plurality of receptacles which mate with a similar plurality of bayonet projections in the second section. At least one of the bayonet projections is resiliently flexible and flexes outward when the first and second sections are pushed together so as to mate with and be securely gripped by an indentation in the first section providing a positive interlock between the sections. Another of the bayonet projections is a rigid, longer bayonet which acts as a guide when the two sections are connected together. The first section also has a polygon-shaped, shallow recess which mates with a similar polygon-shaped protrusion in the second section when the two sections are pushed together to provide resistance to torsional stress.

Abstract: A radiator cap loosening and removal tool includes a generally U-shaped handle pivotally attached to a base, which is in turn fastened to the depending skirt portion of a radiator cap by self-tapping sheet metal screws. An alternative embodiment comprises a U-shaped handle whose legs embrace the skirt of the radiator cap and are pivotally fastened thereto by screws or rivets. Another alternative embodiment comprise a crossbar fastened to the skirt of a radiator cap by threaded fasteners, which serve as pivots for a U-shaped handle.

Abstract: A radiator cap loosening and removal tool includes a generally U-shaped bail or handle pivotally attached to a base, which is in turn fastened to a radiator cap by self tapping sheet metal screws. An alterative embodiment comprises a U-shaped bail or handle whose legs embrace the radiator cap and are pivotally fastened thereto by screws or rivets.

Abstract: A catheter intended to be temporarily implanted in the epidural spaces of a person for relief of pain includes four circumferential ring electrodes connected to terminals by fine wires embedded in the side wall of the catheter for attachment to a conventional pulse generator and a hollow elongated body with an injection portal at the proximal end and an aperture at the distal end for continuously administering a pain-relieving agent in a liquid form. The agent may be a narcotic or anesthesia. Methods for treating pain using the catheter include electrical stimulation, the use of narcotics, or anesthesia, which can be administered in any order, or simultaneously as empirically determined to provide the best pain relief for each patient.

Abstract: A remote controlled quick release animal leash includes a solenoid attached to the leash or tether along with a battery pack that powers the solenoid to uncouple a coupling mechanism when a radio signal is transmitted from a remote transmitter to a radio receiver located on the tether. Further, the coupling mechanism can be uncoupled by a cable release having a finger loop near the hand grip of the leash, or by pushing a button on the control box, which is near the hand grip. In an alternative embodiment, a manually operated cable runs from the hand grip to the uncoupling mechanism, which, when actuated, detaches the leash from the animal collar, and hence from the animal.

Abstract: A remotely installed, operated and removed manipulator for steam generator includes a mast, an articulating arm attached to the mast, capable of operating in the bottom or top head of a once through steam generator or the head of a recirculating steam generator. Each embodiment can be remotely installed and removed. The manipulator provides precise access to tubes and can sustain substantial loads, so the apparatus can perform much of the tube work that must be performed inside a steam generator.

Abstract: Track electrodes inserted into the slots of a slatwall display panel are connected to a reduction transformer output, conducting electricity to a two-contact lamp mounting bracket that supports an electric lamp. Position of the light is adjustable in three planes. Any desired number of lighting fixtures may be used with a slatwall.

Abstract: A size-adjustable construction element involves use of channel spacers to maintain spaced parallel relationship and positive physical contact between adjacent panel members. A preferred embodiment of the invention comprises multilayered mirror insulation having an adjustment section to permit use of a standard size component to fit nonstandard dimensions and further includes channel spacers that effectively reduce convection between adjacent layers, provide positive structural support, provide a bearing surface for ease of adjustment and maintain the parallel space relationship between adjacent sheets.

Abstract: A floating seal for a rotating pipe joint joins two generally parallel and axially aligned pipes and provides a substantially fluid tight seal between them, while permitting relative rotation of the two pipes as well as limited relative lateral movement of the two pipes. The joint also accommodates dimensional changes, particularly in length, such as those generated by temperature change. A preferred embodiment includes a floating seal assembly having a plurality of spaced parallel circumferential grooves about the inner wall of the aperture which retain mating compression rings which are inwardly biased against the inlet pipe.