Abstract: Optical viewing glasses incorporate a visor positioned at the brow line or a wearer above the normal viewing field from which a pair of prisms depend without additional supporting structure thereby allowing the wearer to have a redirected field of vision while retaining peripheral viewing fields.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting livestock such as hogs, sheep, cows, and poultry within an enclosure and guiding the livestock to an exit opening therein is disclosed. The present invention includes an elongated, foldable livestock barrier constructed of a durable plastic material which may be attached to a perimeter wall of a livestock enclosure adjacent an exit opening therein and gradually unfolded and extended to a remote position along an opposite wall of the enclosure to separate the livestock into groups to be sorted. Thereafter, the flexible barrier is gradually refolded to shorten its effective length and moved along the perimeter wall toward the exit opening of the enclosure to gradually reduce the confined area wherein the animals to be sorted are contained. Using this technique the animals are guided out of the exit opening to an alternate floor within the livestock facility without injury to either the animal or the worker.

Abstract: A protective covering for a fishing reel and attached rod segment which consists of a cylindrical sleeve made of single-layer waterproof fabric to which drawstrings, provided with a spring-actuated locking devices, are attached on both ends. The device is slid up over the base of the rod, up over the reel, at which point the drawstrings are pulled tight to completed enclose the reel. The cover can also be used in pouch form to protect various and sundry items by pulling both drawstrings tightly closed with such drawstrings being used as handles.

Abstract: A retractable truck light assembly for trucks that provides increased lighting and visibility when a truck is towing a trailer. The truck light assembly includes a retractable light housing that is affixed to the truck bed side wall. The housing further includes a pivotal mount whereby the truck light housing swivels outward from the truck body to an extended position and swivels inward to the truck body to a retracted position. The truck light assembly also includes an adjustable rod attachable to the truck bed side wall. The adjustable rod includes a concave receptor shaped and positioned to receive the truck light housing in its retracted position such that the truck light housing does not substantially protrude beyond the aerodynamic plane of the truck bed side wall. In the preferred embodiment, the truck light system includes a pair of truck light assemblies for positioning on the driver and passenger sides of the truck, respectively.

Abstract: This invention is a handle for liquid food cartons. It can be used without regard to the carton opening by separating the top portion thereof or has a spout with a screw cap. The carton handle includes a bail that slides down over the carton and is then tightened down with the flip of a toggle by the thumb of the user. There is a safety stop that prevents the toggle from inadvertently being released. When it is desired to have the bail released or loosened around the carton, the toggle is flipped toward the carton and the bail simply slidingly removed therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention is a universal screen guard clip for projection type television sets. These clips are extruded and can be inserted between the projection screen and the front frame in various manners, depending on the configuration of the particular television on which the screen guard is being placed. The screen guard clip of the present invention is arcuate shaped in cross-section and is curved back on itself along one edge. A longitudinal locking tab is also provided to make the screen guard clip even more universal.

Abstract: A method of constructing an interwoven basket using a collapsible basket form apparatus is disclosed. The present invention permits the construction of an interwoven basket including a solid bottom surface and upwardly converging woven side walls that define a top opening which is relatively smaller than the largest diameter of the basket. The present collapsible basket form apparatus permits construction of a basket from which a unitary basket form of the same shape could not otherwise be removed upon completion of the basket. The present basket form apparatus is adaptable to construction of baskets of many different sizes and shapes by the use of interchangeable rib components which function to define the basket contours.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting and photographing unregulated light flash events such as lighting strikes during both daylight and night time conditions is disclosed by detecting the initiation of the lightning stepped leader event of the immediate lightning flash for photographic and detecting activities. The present device utilizes a photodiode sensor in conjunction with a photoresistor to control feedback gain of a transimpedance amplifier to detect an unregulated, omni-directional flash of light and produces an output signal that is input to an analog comparator circuit where a predetermined threshold level is set to prevent false triggering of the isolation relay(s) and/or camera shutter. The output from the comparator circuit is input to a timer circuit to produce a signal of sufficient duration to trigger the isolation relay(s) and/or camera shutter.

Abstract: An automatic cover system for open top containers includes a pair of tubular base frames fixedly connected to the truck frame having a main arm pivotally connected thereto. The main arm includes an extension extending into the base frame. A lower hydraulic actuator is disposed in the interior of the base unit and pivotally connected to the extension. The main arm is pivotal between a forward stop position and a rearward stop position. During movement between the stop positions, a relatively constant lever arm is established minimizing load fluctuations at the pivot connection. The upper end of the main arm is pivotally connected to the lower end of an extension arm. The extension arm includes an extension projecting below the main arm. An upper hydraulic actuator is mounted below the main arm and connected to the extension.

Abstract: An implement deck slidingly mounted on a wheeled axle so that the deck can be moved laterally from side-to-side to extend out beyond the track of the wheels. A T-shaped handle is rotatively mounted on the implement deck and is connected through a rocker arm and linkage to the wheeled axle. When the T-handle is rotated in one direction, the deck will slide to one end of the axle and when the handle is rotated in the opposite direction, the deck will slide to the opposite end of the axle. When the deck is disposed in the center of the axle, a locking pin can be inserted to prevent any relative movement between the wheeled axle and the deck.

Abstract: A synchronizer is provided to establish a mechanical switching interface between an electronic digital color camera and a fundus camera for appropriately coordinating the complete opening of the color camera shutter with the energization of fundus camera flash unit, and for fully disconnecting the flash unit at the completion of an image capture sequence thereby enabling resetting of the flash unit.

Abstract: A secondary loop refrigeration system includes plural refrigeration zones serially connected in a secondary cooling loop using a liquid refrigerant in increasing order of operating temperatures, the secondary cooling loop being in heat exchange relationship with a primary cooling loop using direct expansion refrigerants. The primary cooling loop may be selectively isolated allowing the latent heat of the units in the zones to increase the circulating temperature of the secondary refrigerant sufficient to defrost the cooling coils.

Abstract: A downdraft fan system attachable to a riding lawnmower and other lawn/farm equipment includes a rotary fan within a supporting frame that is attachable to a roll-bar component of the lawnmower so as to be positioned in a horizontal plane directly above the operator of the lawnmower. The downdraft fan system provides a constant flow of ambient air downwardly over the operator of the machine to provide protection from heat exposure, dust, and biting insects while operating the lawnmower. In one embodiment, the downdraft fan system is attachable to a pre-existing roll-bar component of the lawnmower by the use of mounting flanges and suitable attaching hardware. In alternative embodiments, the downdraft fan system is mounted in a modified supporting frame that is attachable to the frame of riding lawnmowers lacking a roll-bar component or to the roof structure of a forklift and other similar equipment.

Abstract: A bottled water contained system for admixture of frozen juice and powdered drink concentrates is disclosed. This invention provides a plurality of plastic containers including bottled water from an identifiable commercial source of a volume which is less than the total volume of the container. The admixture of the concentrate in frozen, liquid, or powdered form provides a reconstituted fruit drink of a volume which fills the container to capacity. In one embodiment a bottled water container generally in the form of a pitcher is provided with a mouth opening which is dimensioned to receive a standard-sized can of frozen juice concentrate. In an alternative embodiment the bottled water container is provided with a cup-shaped insert which resides in the mouth opening of the container to give the appearance of a full container. The insert has a volume equal to the volume of a standard-sized can of frozen juice concentrate which is added to the container after the insert is removed.

Abstract: An improved stair tread for use in both residential and commercial construction directly beneath carpet and padding material is disclosed. The improved stair tread is fabricated from an engineered wood product such as Oriented Strand Board made of wood strips in a four layer process. Each surface layer is oriented perpendicular to the core layers and bonded with phenolic resin or other similar binding agents under intense heat and pressure to achieve the strength and performance criteria required for stair treads. The improved stair tread is machined from one inch thick structural panels using standard woodworking tools and has excellent workability. The finished stair tread is provided with a rounded, forward edge and a riser groove extending along its entire length. The improved stair tread provides a cost effective alternative to traditional solid wood stair treads.

Abstract: Hodapen pulp is a thermoplastic molding composition comprising whole or particulated rice hull pretreated with Sodium Peroxide; a resin binder as a solvent; scrap plastic; and rice hull ash as filler. The composition possesses the molding stability for a deferred use and readiness for immediate extrusion. The pulp is a new product with enhanced strength and improved water, fire, fungal, and termite resistance with superior advantage over similar products. The composition incorporates plastic waste and rice hull as its major components which by themselves contribute to environmental pollution and are treated as a disposable waste.