Abstract: A sighting device for use with a firearm or bow comprises a fiber optic member having a sight end visible by a user for aiming the firearm or bow at a target. A non-electrical, light-emitting material is disposed over a length of the fiber optic element in order to illuminate the fiber optic element in low light or no ambient light conditions. The non-electrical, light-emitting material may be incorporated into the sighting device in order to provide sufficient surface contact with the fiber optic member to provide adequate illumination as well as illumination of the sighting device itself.

Abstract: A filter plate for a filter press assembly is disclosed which is structured with replaceable wear elements to increase the resistance of the filter plate to degradation caused by processing of abrasive filtrates. While the wear elements may eventually degrade due to contact with abrasive filtrates, the wear elements are easily replaceable, thereby prolonging the life of the filter plate and reducing operating costs. The replaceable wear elements may be used to retrofit existing filter plates.

Abstract: A pitot tube inlet for the pitot tube of a centrifugal pump is configured to improve pump efficiencies when processing fluids that have a solids content the type or character of which causes the solids to accumulate along the inner peripheral surface of the rotor of the pump. The pitot tube inlet is configured to contact and remove the accumulated solids from the rotor to lessen the drag on the rotor, to lessen degradation of the pitot tube and to improve pump efficiencies.

Abstract: A bedside lower extremity lifting apparatus is comprised of a support frame coupled to a platform. The support platform can be selectively raised and lowered by an actuator assembly coupled between the support frame and the platform. The lifting apparatus is configured to be positioned adjacent a conventional patient support structure such as a mattress-type bed or patient table and can be properly used and operated in conjunction with the bed with or without modification thereto. When the platform is in its lowered position, the platform and support frame have a relatively low profile so as to allow a user to comfortably sit on the edge of the bed. A user control is provided to allow the user to selectively raise and lower the platform as desired. By sitting on the edge of the bed and raising the platform to a sufficiently elevated position, the user is able to raise his or her legs to a height that allows the user to more comfortably maneuver their legs onto the bed.

Abstract: An arrow rest comprises an arrow rest support arm pivotally mounted to the riser of a bow. The support arm is coupled to a cable guide of the bow through linkage that causes the support arm to rise relative to the riser of the bow as the cable is drawn to launch an arrow. As the cable is released to launch an arrow, the arrow rest drops to allow the fletching to pass the arrow rest without contact. In addition, as the arrow rest moves from a first resting position to a second pre-launch position and back again, a clamping mechanism grasps the shaft of the arrow when the support arm is in the resting position. As the support arm moves to the pre-launch position, the clamping mechanism releases the shaft of the arrow so that the arrow can be freely launched from the support arm without interference from the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: A touchpad formed from the combination of a flexible and non-conductive material used for a touch-sensitive surface, and a PC board on which is mounted the touchpad circuitry, wherein touchpad sensing electrodes are disposed on the touch-sensitive surface by creating electrical traces formed from conductive ink, the touch-sensitive surface being capable of conforming to various arcuate surfaces, and being capable of sensing through a protective housing such that the touch-sensitive surface is protected, and does not come in direct contact with the pointing object.

Abstract: A system of interconnectable construction elements created from molded plastic, and which include planar and cylindrical strut members of varying lengths and thicknesses which can be coupled together and to various construction elements of varying geometries, wherein the construction elements are capable of movement such as pivoting relative to an attached construction element, wherein cylindrical struts include regularly spaced ball structures and regularly spaced gaps therebetween, and wherein the planar and cylindrical struts include a variety of attaching means disposed on the ends thereof that are capable of coupling with complementary structures to thereby form a variety of models, shapes, patterns or designs.

Abstract: A pressure and temperature core sampler comprises a tool for recovering cores specifically enabling the evaluation of methane hydrate resources. Because methane hydrate tends to decompose under conditions of pressure decrease and/or temperature increase as the samples are retrieved to the surface, a coring tool in accordance with the present invention provides a self-contained system for retrieving core samples at or near in situ pressure while cooling the core sample. The coring tool is preferably a wire line retrievable device that provides for nearly continuous coring during the drilling operation.

Abstract: A system for entering characters from a large character set into a small and portable information appliance such as a mobile telephone, wherein the information appliance includes a touchpad having a touch-sensitive surface, wherein the touchpad is used to enter alphanumerical data into the information appliance, wherein the characters can come from small or large character sets, and wherein characters are entered by providing a plurality of character groups, each group having a head character assigned to a specific region, and selecting a head character enables the user to cycle forwards or backwards through each of the characters within the selected character group, and selecting the desired character by raising a finger from off the touchpad surface when the desired character is found.

Abstract: A die cutting block for forming die cuts from paper and other materials includes a base portion having a recess formed therein having a desired shape formed therein, an insert portion having an outer contour which substantially matches the contour of the recess and a blade interposed between and tightly held between the base portion and the insert portion. The blade extends above the base portion and insert portion to provide an exposed edge for cutting paper and the like into a desired shape.

Abstract: An ice fishing net comprises an elongate handle having a gripping portion for grasping by a user and a net rim assembly attached to the handle. The net rim assembly includes first and second semicircular rim members with the first rim member fixedly mounted relative to the handle and the second rim member rotatably mounted relative to the first rim member and rotatable from a first position to a second position to form a substantially circular rim. A trigger assembly selectively allows the second rim member to rotate from a first position to a second position. Netting material is secured to the first and second rim members to form a net for receiving a fish therein when the second rim member is its second position. A biasing device forces the second rim member from the first position to the second position when released by the trigger assembly.

Abstract: A packing system for a gate valve is disclosed which includes a sealing member structured to be positioned between a compression member and packing material housed in a cavity formed in the upper edge of a valve housing to provide even and consistent pressure of the packing material against the gate of the valve, thereby preventing leakage from about the gate of the valve. The packing may also include a gasket between the compression member and sealing member to provide additional sealing assurance.