Abstract: A coupling system that uses a standard receiver box found on most new vehicles to attach a coupler with a universal joint allows full movement between the vehicle and the trailer, including vertical, lateral and rotational motion. The device also incorporated lubrication fittings so that it can be lubricated in the field. The rear of the universal joint has a spindle that extends rearward. The spindle fits through a sleeve that is used to attach the unit to the trailer. The spindle is rotatable secured in the sleeve with a nut and a pin, to provide the 360 degrees of rotation. A limiter plate can be installed to limit the rotation of the trailer in use. The sleeve has two flat side plates that are bolted to the trailer tongue. The unit provides a strong, compact functional hitch system.

Abstract: A reusable pallet wrap for securing lading on pallets. The invention consists of an adjustable flexible wrap made from one rectangular shaped cloth (synthetic blend preferred) and has hook and loop fasteners sewn on the ends. The ends run from top to bottom of the wrap. Squares of hook and loop fastener are secured to the bottom of the wrap that line up with each corner of the pallet. Sewn into these squares are straps that are passed under the pallet to connect the wrap to the pallet. Once this is done, the load is secured to the pallet. Two straps with hook and loop fastener ends are also sewn directly to the wrap that give an added stability to load as well as to secure the wrap. Finally, a top cover can be added if load requires protection from the elements.

Abstract: An anchor for small watercraft. It is extremely lightweight, and can be stored in a very small space. The anchor consists of a pear-shaped fabric ballast container. This container is made up of a number of matching side panels and a circular bottom disc. A set of four metal or composition flukes attached to the ballast container near the bottom and at the widest part of the container. Each fluke is about 9-11? long, ¾? wide, ½? thick, with an angled tip at one or both ends. The flukes are thus deployed by weighting the bag with material like gravel or sand, which forces the flukes to protrude sharp angle from the ballast bag. When filled with material, the anchor approximates the function of traditional fluke or bell anchors. The anchor can be turned inside out for self-storage, requiring no additional storage container.

Abstract: A software/website system that allows a user to resolve software-related problems on a PC remotely via a web site. The system then uses a software package that automatically erases the contents of the computer's hard drive and then automatically reinstalls the Operating System and all requested applications in a fully unattended way. During the process, all programs needed for a complete and functional PC are automatically installed. As part of the process, the program updates and installs program patches. It then prompts a message to the user that it has finished. The result is a computer that performs at optimal speed and efficiency and with little to no effort on the user's part.

Abstract: A device that allows an operator to move steering gear at the same speed as the control device. The invention uses two electric motors with forward and reverse capabilities that are linked to function synchronously by a chain or belt that is carried by sprockets or pulleys on each of the drive motors. A second sprocket or pulley is attached to the facing of one of the drive motor sprockets (pulley). This sprocket (pulley) is linked by a chain or belt to a cable drive system by another sprocket (pulley) that is attached to a cable drive shaft. Activating the drive motors causes a cable be pulled or pushed. The cable, which is attached to the item to be moved, in turn drives this item as desired. These items can include an outboard motor, an out drive for an inboard motor, wheels, valves, etc.

Abstract: A rasp that has a mounting plate with a number of debris vent ports formed in it. The debris vent ports are formed to allow dust and debris to escape, thereby eliminating a hydroplaning effect on the abrasive surfaces while using the rasp, as well as making the tool lighter. A number of sharp pointed screws are screwed into the plate so that the points extend below the base of the plate. The screw tips become the abrasive rasping surface. The screws can be turned in or out to raise or lower the tips, to change the amount of rasping action from fine to aggressive. The screws can also be easily removed when they become worn so that the abrasive surface is always uniform and fresh. Finally, unlike the other tools, the screws can be removed to clean the base of the plate thoroughly to remove dried or caked mud.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a novel amphibious surface vehicle (10) having a hull like chassis (11) with a plurality of rotary engagement devices (14) adapted for travel over various surface terrains and fluidic substances (17). Each engagement device includes rotors (16) having a multi-lobular periphery that provides improved tractive and propulsive attributes. The rotors are coupled through a driven eccentric hub (30) and phased by a non-circular internal gear pair (27, 37) so as to provide synchronized linear motion upon a weight bearing surface (15). The rotors with an overlapping contact ratio which produces increased traction and bearing area translating to improved overall performance upon a planar surfaces (15). This overlapping action becomes more paddle like when surface penetration occurs or by adjusting lever (19) aggressively changing the phasing incidence of the rotors (16), which is conducive to fluidic propulsion on water or other low shear strength substances (17).

Abstract: A device for limiting loads on towers that limits loads only in the longitudinal direction and does not affect the manner in which vertical and transverse loads are resisted by the structure. The device incorporates a shield to prevent ice buildup that could affect its operation. It also has optional antifriction bearings to provide a consistent release force independent of the amount of ice that may accumulate on the wires. The device is of simple construction. The device includes an optional energy absorber, such as that used in U.S. Pat. No. 3,211,260 that can provide a resisting force that is within the longitudinal strength of the tower. The device includes both a mechanical fuse and an energy absorbing mechanism that is used to arrest the wire movement. The energy absorber can extend as much as 50 ft to safely absorb the energy released by broken wires with heavy ice coatings.

Abstract: An improved oar that has an oarlock assembly, which holds the main oar shaft and parallel link in line with each other while allowing them to pivot fore and aft and up and down; an oar shaft; a parallel link; and a knuckle. The knuckle positions the handle via a sleeve, and the parallel link that is positioned by a pivot on the end of an arm. Additionally, there is a universal joint between the oar shaft and the handle, in line with the parallel link pivot, that allows the blade to be feathered while keeping the handle perpendicular to the rowing shell at every point in the stroke.

Abstract: A guide shoe that utilizes an eccentric nose attached to a cylindrical body that has spiraled, ridged blades extending outward from the body. An orientation system is attached between the body and a hollow shaft. The orientation system is designed to allow free rotation of the body and nose about the shaft during the insertion of the tubing into the hole. It does this by providing clearance between a pawl and notches on the cylindrical body. Indexing of the eccentric nose is provided by a slight retraction of the tubing string in the well hole. Friction between the well hole and ridged blade causes the cylindrical body to rotate about the shaft and lock into an oriented position. The guide shoe is attached to the tubing string by a threaded female connection mating to the matching male connection on the tubing string.

Abstract: A repair kit for fishing rods that has a replacement tip and a coupler to repair the shafts of the broken rods. The kit can be carried in the field as part of regular tackle box. The replacement tip is a formed body that has a threaded end. The ferrule is formed as part of the body so that is not susceptible to breakage. The ferrule can be also lined with a ceramic eyelet that reduces friction on the line passing through it as well as adding strength. The coupler is a two ended-part that has two formed tapered threads or two formed metal inserts inside the coupler. The coupler is twisted onto the end of the broken rod until it is secure. The other end of the broken rod is then twisted into the open end of the coupler. Once the second end of the rod is secure, the rod is again ready to use.

Abstract: An apparatus that enables the fishing pots to be lifted with ease. The system includes a hook embedded in the gear rope near the first pot. The string of pots is set normally, with the end of the rope marked with a buoy. To retrieve the pots, the buoy is pulled up onto the boat and the rope is tied off. An anchor-pulling ring with a buoy attached is placed around the line. The boat is driven in the opposite direction as the current or tide. This causes the pot rope to be pulled up, with the pots. The rope passes through the anchor-pulling ring until the hook passes through the ring. The line can be slacked off and the hook will catch the ring and hold the pots while the remainder of the rope is retrieved. Once the boat reaches the buoy, the pots can easily be pulled up.

Abstract: A hand held device that is connected to a precision instrument's handle or eye piece to bridge the connection between the operator and the instrument. With the device connected, the invention allows the instrument's operator to finely control the instrument's movement. Allowing the adjustment of the instrument's shot by pulling on the device instead of the instrument's handle or eyepiece. Elastic resilient tape is used to smoothly guide the fine movements of an instrument and reduce unwanted vibrations caused by an operator's hands. Using the device by operators of precision instruments is a simple task. The device's small, light weight, and easy to operate design can be made in different sizes to accommodate the various sizes of precision instruments, like cameras, telescopes, and transits. Moreover, the device can be sold individually for a low price.

Abstract: A watch design that has a movable of fixed case that keeps the face of the watch visible regardless of the position of the wrist. In this way, a user can quickly see the watch face in the proper orientation so that the time can be quickly and correctly determined. The watch face is offset from the watchcase to provide space for the user's wrist when the face is turned in a viewing position. In this way, a viewer can see the watch face without discomfort caused by the watch face rubbing against the user's wrist. The watch has a display that can be angled for viewing by either forming an angled housing or by using a prism to project the display.

Abstract: A tool that enables workers to pull up trusses from a stored position to their upright position and then automatically space them correctly. It has a rectangular body that has markings on it for proper spacing and a pair of clamp members attached. One of the clamp members is fixed at the end of the body. The second clamp is adjustable as desired to achieve the correct truss spacing. The clamps can have spring clips on them to ensure a tight hold on the truss. At the rear of the body is an extension handle. This handle is pulled out of the rear of the device to the desired length. The extension handle is used provide workers enough space to be able to easily lever up a truss.

Abstract: A base shoe that uses a simple internal clamp system that makes initial installation and removal a very simple process. This system eliminates the need for grout and costly wedge systems. Stainless setscrews are mounted in one of the vertical legs of the base shoe and spaced at some interval. The stainless setscrews exert force on a stainless steel and neoprene compression plate, which exerts force on the glass panel. The opposite side of the glass panel then seats against a neoprene compression pad/setting block. This system allows for very easy glass installation, makes minor glass adjustments very simple, and allows for glass removal with a turn or two of the setscrews. Another important feature of this design is that the end users can insert temporary panels, such as wood, that can be installed as a temporary railing while the jobsite is waiting for the glass panels.

Abstract: The instant invention uses spring-loaded clips that mount to the back of a frame. The picture is then hung on a wall by slipping these clips over hooks or nails secured to a wall. The hooks are secured in the spring-loaded clips and cannot be removed without a special tool. The clips are made in several sizes to support small, medium, large and very large frames. The clips are made from punched metal that is folded into the clip form. A small spring is secured to the clip to ensure smooth action of the clips in use and to provide a tight, secure fit when the picture is hung.

Abstract: A spacer that attaches to wire grids used in laying concrete block or similar type block. A number of spacers are used to lay out a pattern in the block. The spacers have fingers that extend upward from the spacers. These fingers are used to align the blocks, above and below, to assure that each course remains level, plumb and square, with the courses of block remaining in proper alignment throughout the construction.

Abstract: A lenticular display in association with a consumer article such as a beverage container positioned with respect to the container so that a series of images are presented to the user as the article is used in its normal manner such as when the user is engaged in drinking. The images may be accompanied by a synchronized audio message. In other embodiments, the image may be illuminated and may impart motion.