Abstract: A broad faced, low angle, funnel shaped net leads to a flexible discharge tube of approximately one-quarter larger diameter than the balls play. An upper perimetric frame holds open the net while a base frame is joined to the outlet end of the discharge tube to tension the net and the discharge tube. Connecting arms establish a predetermined spacing between the upper and base frames and support the upper frame in its open position. Hinged portions of the upper frame allow it to be folded into a compact, "X" shaped storage configuration.

Abstract: A conveyor section has a belt supported above a slide channel in which the pulling chain moves. A laterally extending plastic stabilizer is connected to the chain and is received in a slot at the sides of the channel. The channel is constructed with steel sides and overhead lip and with a plastic bottom wall, such that the chain and stabilizer operate with dissimilar materials in contact at substantially all times.

Abstract: A processing system manages investments, wherein certain types of investments are represented in two redundant media, the first media being an investment that produces revenue and the second media being a negotiable draft similar to a traveler's check, drawn against an issuer other than the investor. The processing system supervises the issuance of drafts in response to the addition of a first media investment to an investment account, permits issued drafts to be transferred between account holders and to non-holders, and supervises buy and sell orders relating to each account to ensure that an appropriate balance of values is maintained between the first and second media investments in each account such that each outstanding draft is supported by a first media investment.

Abstract: The lid of a barbecue grill is supported in selected open angles by a positioner arm having notches with acutely angled bumper walls for being struck by the lid when it is raised to push away the arm. The arm has a lower end that bears directly on the barbecue base or is retained by a pivoted clip, with bearing contact through the clip to avoid weighting the pivot point.

Abstract: A first temperature sensor is carried by the drill pipe on a radially extensible arm for positioning the sensor at or near the face of the well bore for measuring the true temperature of the face. A second temperature sensor at an intermediate position on the arm measures the temperature of the drilling fluid near the location of the first sensor. The first sensor takes a plurality of readings over a predetermined period of time to detect changes in surface temperature. Both sensors transmit their measurements to a microprocessor, which employs the laws of multidimensional and transient heat transfer by conduction to calculate the true formation temperature.

Abstract: A main frame carries top and bottom shoring plates, with the top plates supported on pivoted brackets so that they can be tilted for leveling purposes. These brackets also can move transversely on vertically adjustable carrier bars to match the spacing between plates to the trench width. The shoring plates overlap each other when in raised position and are supported by cables connected to the bottom plates, which support the carrier bars. When the bottom plates are lowered, the top plates also can drop until the carrier bars strike a stop. Then the bottom plates continue to be lowered until striking a further stop. The main frame is supported on driven, independently steered wheels that can be shifted between various lateral spacings to keep weight away from the sides of a trench.

Abstract: A seal for closing the gap between adjacent panels is formed from plastic sheet material having lateral attachment areas bearing adhesive bands on the opposite edges of one face. The seal area between the attachment areas constitutes a barrier web and folds between the attachment areas, defining a triple air column insulator.

Abstract: An acoustical impedance inducing device is created for axial insertion into the longitudinal air column of a wind musical instrument. The device includes a first annular band of first predetermined thickness and a second annular band of approximately twice the thickness of the first band. A first web interconnects the first and second bands and maintains the bands at a predetermined axial spacing. The web is formed of strips diagonally disposed between the first and second bands and defining a triangle shaped aperture between adjacent bands, with the base of the triangle being colinear with an edge of one of the first and second bands. A third annular band, twice the thickness of the second, may be separated from the second band by a second web; or the device may be placed in a tubular portion of the instrument at a location where an end of the tubular portion is spaced from the second band by the axial width of the web.

Abstract: Dietary fiber based tablets with Lactobacillus acidophilus and/or Bifidobacterium bifidus, Leuconostoc citrovorum and Propionibacterium shermanii, are prepared. To enhance the viability of L. acidophilus in the tablets, a combination of amino acid L-cystine, vitamin-C and vitamin-E are included. To protect and enhance the beneficial bacterial population in the human stomach and intestinal tract, calcium and magnesium salts have been incorporated along with the dietary fiber in the formula. Lecithin has been used as a lubricant. The minor amount of lactose sugar has been incorporated into the formula using preparations of acid whey, whey protein concentrate, and pure lactose. The proposed formula when tableted gave maximum protection to the L. acidophilus population, in comparison to the free flowing powder form. Vitamin A and D are included in the formula as nutritional supplements. Autolyzed yeast extract and enzyme digested casein have been incorporated as stimulants to the beneficial bacteria.

Abstract: Lactobacillus acidophilus or bifidus does not grow and survive in yogurt for a long period of time. A differential inoculation procedure has been developed where by Lactobacillus acidophilus is first inoculated into heat treated milk or milk - sugar - fiber base and incubated until its population builds up sufficiently. Later, the regular yogurt cultures Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus are inoculated into the acidophilus growing yogurt mix. This procedure enables us to make yogurt with significantly high concentration of L. acidophilus bacteria in yogurt. Also dietetic fiber was introduced into the fruit base and then mixed with yogurt. Dietetic fiber we have employed not only benefits the health of the consumers, but also enhances the population of L. acidophilus. The fiber also thickens the yogurt due to its exceptional hydration properties. Vitamins and minerals are also included into the yogurt both to enhance the population of acidophilus and to supplement the yogurt.

Abstract: A shrimp peeler and deveiner provides a hooked handle that fits over the hand of the user and further provides an upwardly angled, pointed cylindrical probe that is inserted into the shrimp to perform the peeling and deveining process. The probe is attached to the handle near the bottom of a grip portion that crosses the user's palm and is kept in ready, grippable position by the hooked part of the handle, allowing the user to open his hand for manual shell peeling without having to set down the tool.

Abstract: A first temperature sensor is carried by the drill pipe on a radially extensible arm for positioning the sensor at or near the face of the well bore for measuring the true temperature of the face. A second temperature sensor at an intermediate position on the arm measures the temperature of the drilling fluid near the location of the first sensor. The first sensor takes a plurality of readings over a predetermined period of time to detect changes in surface temperature. Both sensors transmit their measurements to a microprocessor, which employs the laws of multidimensional and transient heat transfer by conduction to calculate the true formation temperature.

Abstract: A punch tool provides two generally longitudinal handles joined by a transverse pivot pin that is carried in a resilient bushing. One of the handles defines a straight bore that houses a sliding punch die and further defines a support for a mating, stationary die. The second handle is joined to the sliding die such that relative movement between the handles causes the sliding die to move within the bore, toward or away from the stationary die. Flexibility of the bushing permits the pivot pin to shift its axis longitudinally of the tool while permitting straight movement of the sliding die.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus provides a longitudinally oriented frame having a front end and a rear end, a seat carried on said frame in a forward facing position such that it is capable of carrying a user in a forward facing position with respect to the frame, a foot rest carried by the frame forward of the seat and adapted to receive, in use, the user's feet with legs in a generally forwardly extended position, a pair of hand engagable push/pull handles having one handle located on each of the right and left sides of said seat, each handle being carried by the frame for longitudinal movement approximately between at least the longitudinal positions of the seat and foot rest and for lateral movement approximately between at least a juxtaposed central position and a separated position, a variable resistance device employing a flywheel with centrifugal clutches for variably opposing forces applied longitudinally to the handles, and a diverting mechanism for laterally and yieldably redirecting a portion of forces appl

Abstract: A prefinished window unit is provided of the type having a sash member with central glazing area, wherein one side of the sash member is designated as the exterior face and the opposite side is designated as the interior face, the central glazing area is bounded by in inner perimetric face, and the sash member is bounded by an outer perimetric face. Each rail of the sash member is formed as a completely prefinished, molded component, requiring no further processing except assembly. The sash members each are integral components having a cellulosic core; an outer coating of synthetic plastic material substantially covering the core from external exposure; and a metal cladding substantially entirely covering the exterior face of the sash member to protect the synthetic coating from ultraviolet degradation. The sash member include slots that receive the glazing strip and weather strip, the slots being defined at least partially by a channel-shaped contour of the metal cladding.

Abstract: A plug safe provides a vessel that, in use, simultaneously contains a plurality of electrical plugs, wherein the vessel includes an open face for entrance and exit of the plugs. A closure selectively opens and closes the open face of the vessel. A plurality of apertures permit electrical cords attached to contained plugs to pass to the exterior of the vessel. A lock associated with the vessel and closure selectively secures the closure in position closing the open face of the vessel. The vessel includes a plug self-retaining means for, in use, resisting any spring forces tending to cause initially loaded plugs and cords to exit the apertures while subsequent plugs and cords are being loaded into further apertures.