Abstract: An athletic garment with protective guard members on the inner thighs. The garment preferably will be compression shorts or pants. The guard members are supported in pockets formed on the inside of each thigh portion of the shorts. The guard member preferably is adapted to both deflect impacts and to absorb shock from impacts, particularly from balls in sports such as baseball. The guard member preferably is formed of an inner flexible, hard plastic deflective layer and an outer flexible, shock absorbing foam layer. Thus, the garment of this invention is particularly suited for use by a baseball catcher and the other infielders, but will be useful to athletes in any sport. This protective garment will reduce the discomfort and injury caused by the impact of a ball or other equipment or objects employed in virtually any sports activity.

Abstract: A fish cleaning device that first kills the fish instantly and humanely and then stabilizes the fish for cleaning. The piercing member used to kill the fish is vertically and horizontally movable. In addition, the piercing member is pivotally and rotatably mounted. In this way the fish can be rotated for skinning and held firmly for gutting by the same piercing member. The device is equipped with a mounting assembly by which it can be firmly and removably mounted to the trunk of a tree, to the ground, or to a worktable or other surface.

Abstract: A fan coil unit comprising an air conditioning coil using a main cooling coil surrounding by a heat pipe. The cooling coil is face-split to form a first portion for conditioning inside air, as needed, and second portion for continuously conditioning outside air. The air conditioning coil is positioned between an pre-cooler or evaporator coil and a re-heater or condenser coil. The pre-cooler and re-heater are comprised of a plurality of passive heat pipes, at least one circuit for each of the first and second portions of the face-split cooling coil. Each of the circuits is a continuous length of pipe folded into a C-shape having a crossover end and a hair pin end. In this way, vapor can rise in the upper portion of the pre-cooler side, through the upper crossover pipe, to the re-heater side.

Abstract: A lubrication system designed particularly for small universal joints is provided. It includes a central distribution insert with a system of vertical and transverse passage which enable all four bearing cups and bearings to be sequentially lubricated from a single source. When all four are completely lubricated, lubricant appears at the top of the central distribution insert to assure that all cups have been fully lubricated. Preferably, when the lubricant reaches the distribution insert after the last trunnion, it is directed to a fitting in the distribution insert which is connected via a hose or the like to a container for collecting any excess lubricant. As a result, the uncontrolled discharge of the lubricant into the environment is avoided. The passages in the insert are positioned such that the insert can be made from one two-part mold without any mold inserts being required.

Abstract: A wall panel assembly with a sealed joint. The sealed joint is virtually airtight even in an enclosure having an ambient air pressure substantially greater than the air pressure outside the enclosure, such as an air handling cabinet. Each joint is comprised of two abutting looped joint edges in combination with a Y-shaped seal. The looped joint edge provides added structural rigidity to the panels, and the enlarged looped ends on the joint edges enclose and protect the seal therebetween from exposure to the elements. The seal itself not only withstands positive internal air pressure but is actually improved thereby. Abutting joint edges of adjacent wall panels create a narrow channel for receiving the longitudinal flange portion of the seal, and a broader V-shaped channel to receive the enlarged body portion of the seal. In this way, the body portion of the seal is seated in a channel so that internal pressure exerted against the seal will cause the seal to appressingly engage the channel.

Abstract: A device and a method for cooking bacon and other strips of food which lose liquids during the cooking process. The device has a generally rectangular base and cover. The base has an arcuate cooking surface which is gently arched. The base also has a trough surrounding the bottom of the arcuate cooking surface along three sides for collecting the cooking liquids. The cover has an arcuate portion which conforms to the arcuate surface of the base. A skirt with recessed corners extends from the arcuate portion of the cover along three sides and cooperates with the trough in the base. Cooking liquids may be poured from the trough through pour spouts formed in the corners of the base in cooperation with the recessed corners in the cover. The device is held together by a fastening device which locks the cover to the base. A pair of handles formed along two sides of the base provide ease in handling the device and in pouring cooking liquids from the base.

Abstract: A stand for supporting a floral device such as a bouquet holder or a foam block. The stand is integrally formed of transparent plastic and has a front panel and parallel back panel spaced a distance behind the front panel, all supported at a slight angle on a flat base. Openings are provided in the front panel for receiving the stem of a bouquet holder, and the free end of the bouquet holder slides down into a vertical groove on back panel. Foam blocks may be used by arranging a number of removable pegs on the front panel. Thus, this versatile and attractive stand can be used to prepare, store, transport and display a floral arrangement.

Abstract: A replacement split boot assembly for a constant velocity joint on a vehicle is provided with slip-fit, non-threaded fasteners. The split boot body has pairs of opposing tabs across a longitudinal slit. Each of the tabs has a hole. The slip-fit, non-threaded fasteners have a head on one end and a radial projection spaced a distance from the head on the shaft. The fasteners are adapted to be urged through the opposing tab holes on the split boot body until the pair of tabs is located between the head of the fastener and the radial projection on the shaft. A retainer is used to lock the tabs between the head of the fastener and the retainer by urging the retainer over the radial projection of the fastener.

Abstract: An explosive primer designed for use with a fuse cord and an initiating device. The primer consists of a container, which holds the explosive, and a cap received on the open end of the container. The container has two lateral opposing cord tunnels which run the length of the container. The cord tunnels protect the fuse cord on the inside of the primer. The cap has two apertures which align with cord tunnels in the container. The cap has capwell for receiving the detonator. The capwell is pierceable so that a detonator can be inserted through the capwell and embedded directly in the explosive composition inside the container. In addition, the primer contains grooves in the bottom of the container and in the cap. The grooves communicate with the apertures and the recess in the cap and the cord tunnels to create a continuous conduit so that a fuse cord can be threaded therethrough to secure the cord to the primer and selectively position the primer in a borehole at the blast site.

Abstract: A self cleaning ball bearing swivel connector. The first swivel member is equipped with a seal engaging surface defined by a frusto-conical shoulder and a cylindrical neck. The end of the tubular body which contains the bearing assembly is adjacent to but spaced a distance from the shoulder and together with the shoulder and the neck defines a seal receiving space. A flanged seal is supported in the seal receiving space and the flange is adapted to serve as a one-way flap type valve, permitting debris inside the seal receiving space to be extruded by centrifugal force as the swivel connector rotates, yet preventing the entry of debris or surrounding liquids. The angled surface provided by the frusto-conical shoulder decreases the resistance to the centrifugal force propelling the debris out of the seal receiving space and, thus, facilitates the extrusion of debris.

Abstract: A universal automotive air conditioning compressor assembly with interchangeable mounting rings and suction and discharge manifolds. The compressor includes a universal casing body which will substitute for a large variety of original equipment compressors. The casing has grooves which removably receive interchangeable mounting rings. Various configurations of mounting rings are provided to match original equipment specifications for a wide variety of vehicle makes. The assembly also may include suction and discharge manifolds which are also interchangeable and which adapt the universal compressor unit to the particular suction and discharge hoses, eg., V-style or pad-style, in the original air conditioning system. Thus, by selecting the appropriate mounting rings and manifold style, a universal compressor is adapted for installation in a specific make and model of automotive air conditioning system.

Abstract: A tapered roller thrust bearing assembly with an internal seal and slotted closure cup. The seal is affixed to the inner surface of the closure cup and is totally enclosed thereby. A flexible flange portion on the seal prevents entry of debris into the bearing assembly, yet permits grease to exit the assembly. Because it is totally contained within the closure cup, the seal is protected from injury and wear. Moreover, production of the bearing assembly is simplified. The closure cup has a side wall with a number of slots which extend from the open end of the closure cup to an intermediate point of the side wall. The slots increase the area for the escape of grease during lubrication of the bearing assembly. The slots also allow for improved consistency in crimping or bending of the side wall of the closure cup during assembly.

Abstract: A rocker pin attached to a removable support member for a clutch assembly which includes a clutch arm. The plate is removably attached behind the point in the clutch housing where the rocker pin is positioned. A conventional clutch housing can be modified in accordance with the present invention by cutting a window in that portion of the wall of the clutch housing which supports the rocker pin and attaching a support member over the window. Clutch housings and vehicles may be manufactured originally in accordance with the invention by providing a clutch housing wherein the rocker pin is supported by a removable member which mounts to the clutch housing.

Abstract: A detonator assembly wherein the electrical leads are attached to an electrical connector which maintains the ends of the leads in non-conductive, waterproof condition and which permits the leads to be spliced to another pair of electric leads without any splicing tools. The length of the electrical leads is selected to permit the assembly to be inserted in a booster charge so that the electrical connector is contained entirely within the throughbore in the booster charge. Packaging for such detonator assemblies includes at least one tray integrally formed of fire retardant material. The detonator assemblies fit snugly in parallel elongate recesses in the top of the tray so that when the tray is tipped or inverted the detonators will remain in position. The detonator assemblies are arranged in alternating fashion so that the detonator ends of adjacent assemblies are at opposite sides of the tray.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a contoured window accessory for vehicles. The accessory is suited particularly for use in the rear view window space of a pickup truck or van. The accessory comprises a first panel integrally formed of a transparent material. The first panel preferably is wedge-shaped so that it protrudes from the vehicle. This gives the vehicle a sleek and stylish exterior appearance and at the same time creates additional usable space inside the vehicle. The window may further include a second panel also adapted for installation in the window space interior to the first panel. The second panel has apertures designed to support objects, such as the speaker components of a stereo system installed in the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for treating a nutritional disorder in a subject. The subject's nutritional status first is assessed by measuring a selected intracellular metabolic process. Upon determination that the metabolic process is not functioning normally, a set of intracellular or "primary" nutrients are identified for the metabolic process. The level of each primary nutrient is compThis invention was made with government support. The government has certain rights in this invention.

Abstract: Combined fish farm and hydroponic network. The fish farm and hydroponic network are interdependent and operate on a constant body of water which is continuously circulated from the fish tank to the hydroponic network and back to the fish tank. The fish produce nitrogenous wastes which provide a constant source of nutrients for the plants. By removing the nitrogenous wastes, the plants serve as a filter to recycle the water for the fish. The fish tank also is equipped with a submerged biofilter with vertical channels and underlying air lines. Air bubbles rising through the channels produce a rolling current in the tank which agitates and aerates the tank water and at the same time provides oxygen to the organisms on the biofilter. The fish tank is enclosed in an insulated fish house to provide a self-heating fish farm which produces fresh fish year round. Likewise, the hydroponic network is enclosed in a greenhouse and provides a year round supply of organically grown fruits and vegetables.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and controlling the level of a fluid in a vessel, particularly applicable to controlling the pump operation at an oil well. The system includes a fluid level sensing unit having a plurality of sensors positioned at selected levels in the well casing outside the tubing string. The sensors operate independently to detect the presence of fluid and emit electrical signals which are received by a data conversion and sending unit immediately above the fluid level sensing unit in the well casing. The data conversion and sending unit converts the signals into discreet digital data bits which can be transmitted sequentially in one conductive wire to a data management and pump control unit at a convenient location nearby, usually at the well site. Thus, there is no need for a wire extending from each sensor. The data bits received by the data management and pump control unit are converted to a visual display in a light emitting diode panel.