Abstract: An apparatus used to officiate sporting events in which the positioning of the ball on the field by the officials is critical to the play. The apparatus employs a laser beam which is directed by the official parallel to the field of play at a height below the width of the ball. In use, a first official directs the laser beam across the field to a second official who uses the laser beam illumination to properly “spot” the ball. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus is mounted onto the shoe of the official; in another, the apparatus is placed on an edge marker.

Abstract: A cooling system which utilizes a movable frame positioned within a duct. The moveable frame has an evaporative pad and where a nozzle is positioned to spray water onto the evaporative pad such that the weight of the water causes the frame to move to a lower position, thereby shutting-off the water flowing to the nozzle. As the water in the evaporative pad evaporates, the frame shifts to an upper position where the water is again sent through the nozzle to the evaporative pad, and the cycle repeats itself.

Abstract: A tool for cleaning fingers which includes, in the preferred embodiment, two interlocking tubes. Each tube is configured to accept a finger from the user. Within the first tube is a longitudinal brush used to clean the sides of the inserted finger as the tube is rotated around the finger. At an end of the tube is another brush which cleans the finger nail area while the tube is rotated. The second tube includes a soft brush is used to softly clean or buff the finger. Holes in the tube permit soap to enter and be used for the cleaning process. In one embodiment, soap is dispensed from a cavity in the tubes. In other embodiments of the invention, the bristles on the brushes are coated with an anti-bacterial agent.

Abstract: A hinge assembly which creates a zero backlash situation. The base member has multiple seats, each having two contact ridges. The contact ridges are formed by an intersection of two planes (ideally substantially ninety degrees). A ball interconnect is engaged by the contact ridges of the seat on one side and a similar arrangement of contact seats on the other side (the hinge member). The diameter of the ball interconnect is larger than the distances between the contact ridges. By sandwiching the ball interconnect between the contact ridges of the base member and the contact ridges of the hinge member, a zero backlash is created in which firm and positive contact is maintained between the elements of the hinge.

Abstract: An applicator for clay or wax which is brought to a liquid state using a heating vessel. The heating vessel uses boiling water to properly heat a pressure vessel in which the solid clay or wax has been placed. The insides of the pressure vessel is pressurized so that the liquidified material is passed through a heated hose to be applied by the operator using a nozzle at the end of the hose.

Abstract: A curved optical eye shield removably attached to a single set of arms that connect to an elastomerically operated tensioning system that is formed by two pulleys separated by a rotating armature held in place by a mounting mechanism. The eye shield rotates from a normal viewing position to an out of viewing position above the forehead. The elastomerically operated tensioning system uses a to apply clockwise tension to keep the eye shield held firmly in the viewing position, and when the eye shield is manually lifted toward the out of viewing position above the forehead, tension is applied to the reverse direction to keep the eye shield held firmly in the out of view position.

Abstract: A truck bed cover which utilizes two legs which are swivelly mounted to the bed of the truck. In an open position, the cover is raised and extends over the rear tail-gate of the bed; in a closed position, the cover encloses the bed and is secured to the bed using a locking mechanism located at the front of the bed.

Abstract: A refuse bag holder having a central pole is adapted to be inserted into the ground. Connectable to the central pole is a loop. In the preferred embodiment the loop is made of three generally linear rigid members which are flexibly connected to each other such that, when the the rigid members are connected to the central pole, the formed loop extends at an upward angle from the pole. The loop, and in some embodiments, a handle on the central pole, form the basis for securing the refuse bag so that it is kept open for easy use.

Abstract: A wager sensor which is employed on the bottom of a gaming table. The sensor identifies when a wager has been placed on the top surface above the sensor and communicates a signal of this occurrence to a controlling computer which monitors the flow of the game. Ideally a number of tables are equipped with the sensors and a single controlling computer is then able to monitor the operation of the entire assembly.

Abstract: A curved optical eye shield removably attached to a single set of arms that connect to an elastomerically operated tensioning system that is an integral part of ahead mount system. The eye shield rotates from a normal viewing position to an out of viewing position above the forehead. The rotation of the eye shield is initiated manually, but, the elastomerically operated tensioning system contemplates the rotation unassisted after the eye shield passes midway in its travel. The elastomerically operated tensioning system uses an H shaped tensor to apply clockwise tension to keep the eye shield held firmly in the viewing position, and when the eye if shield is manually lifted toward the out of viewing position above the forehead, tension is applied to the reverse or counter clockwise direction to keep the eye shield held firmly in the out of view position.

Abstract: An evaporative cooler in which a series of evaporative pads are positioned in a spaced apart relationship. Water from a reservoir is deposited onto the pads to moisten them. As the water on the pads evaporates, the surrounding air is cooled; thereby becoming denser and settling through the outlet at the bottom of the housing and into the area to be cooled. The falling cool air draws in warm air at the top of the housing, which in turn is then cooled by the pads to continue the cycle.

Abstract: A picture frame in which the visual impact differs depending on the angle the view has with the frame. The frame is structured to lie in a primary plane and outside of the primary plane. The secondary portion, lying outside of the primary plane, is optionally curved to give an even different impression to the viewer. In one embodiment of the invention, the frame lies in two intersecting planes; in another, three planes; in yet another, four planes. Throughout the differing embodiments, a single envelope is formed which holds the picture within the different sections.

Abstract: An endoscope and tool therefore which provides a shroud for the protection of the viewing end of an endoscope. The shroud is curved and extends forward of and around the viewing end of an endoscope. This configuration vastly reducing tissue traumatization as tissue is "guided" about the smooth curved outer edges of the shroud. Therefore, the surgeon may use the shroud to separate tissue to improve the view through the endoscope without fear of injuring the patient. Further, even though the shroud extends around the viewing end of the endoscope, viewing remains unobscured as there is a cut-away section in the shroud through which the endoscope receives its image. Additionally, the shroud is capable of being equipped with surgical tools to assist in slicing, cauterizing, and biopsy removal, thereby permitting the surgeon to perform more activities and reducing the need for an assisting surgeon.