Abstract: Apparatus for controlling light and heat transference to and from a greenhouse comprising a plurality of light-weight, rigid, insulative, slats operable to be selectively opened or closed in venetian blind style to selectively lighten or darken any or all portions of a greenhouse. The slats include both bulk and reflective insulation for low thermal conductivity and low emissivity of thermal radiation to retain heat within the greenhouse particularly during cooler periods of the year. The slats are arranged in pitched roof manner and are operable to drain condensed moisture, when closed.

Abstract: Process for the prevention of chalkbrood disease amongst leafcutter bees (Megachile species) including the step of dusting the entrance of nesting holes with sodium sulfathiazole whereby incoming bees must come in contact with the powder upon entering the hole. Where old, previously used, beeboards are used as nesting holes, the process includes cleaning debris from the nesting holes and scouring the board with a dilute solution of calcium hypochlorite before applying the sodium sulfathiazole.

Abstract: Apparatus for playing a game including a rectangular game board having 40 hexagonally recessed playing spaces in contiguous and aligned relationship representing 5 files and 8 ranks. Two sets of playing pieces, each set having 9 hexagonal playing pieces adapted to fit in the recessed playing spaces are provided. Each playing piece of each set is marked so as to indicate particular sides of the piece which are invulnerable to attack from an aligned playing piece of the opposing set. In playing a game, a piece may move in any aligned direction any number of spaces but may not "jump" another playing piece. A playing piece may also be rotated in position, constituting a move. A piece having a vulnerable side exposed to an aligned opposing piece is captured and removed from the game and the capturing piece takes its position. The game is won by placing a specified piece in a checkmate position.

Abstract: Apparatus for the precision cutting of lumber from logs by an attached chain saw, the apparatus comprising a frame, a rectilinear guide member mounted upon the frame, and a carriage mounted for longitudinal movement along the guide member. The carriage carries a chain saw adjustment control assembly which may be laterally set to precision cut slabs of a predetermined thickness from a log; which may be vertically set for cutting through logs of varying thickness; and which may be angulary set for greater cutting efficiency of the log. Log jacks and log dogs attached to the frame to prevent movement of the log relative to the frame may also be provided. The carriage may further be provided with a winch for pulling the cutting bar of the chain saw through the log.

Abstract: An improved agricultural spray plane of the biplane type, the improvement including a pair of spray booms mounted on each of the lower wings and defining the trailing edge of each of the wings for substantially the entire length of the wings. A spoiler is mounted on the upper surface of each of the lower wings forward of the spray booms to compensate for the elimination of ailerons found on conventional biplanes. Each of the upper wings include an aileron and apparatus for simultaneously controlling ailerons and spoilers is also provided.

Abstract: A flat bed truck wherein the bed includes a raised sill having a plurality of threaded apertures about the periphery and a cargo-personnel carrier having a peripheral shoulder mateable with the sill and held to the bed by quick-release bolts. The carrier preferably includes a forward wall having a forwardly protruding ellipsoidal shape to lower wind resistance and therefore stress on the bolts. The sill of the bed is also provided with a plurality of rectangular apertures adapted to receive stake members of a conventional livestock stake rack. The shoulder of the carrier may be provided with an interior vertically depending flange adapted to abut the interior vertical ledge of the bed sill to prevent lateral movement and to protect cargo from moisture.

Abstract: A bullrope including a main body portion, with handle, a loop member with eye, and a tail portion. The rope is placed about the girth of a bull with the tail portion engaging the eye of the loop and the remainder of the tail portion wrapped once or twice about the bull rider's hand for cinching the rope. A pair of temporarily engaging fastening members are provided on the tail portion to form a safety loop which may be readily grasped by the rodeo clown to free the rider's hand from the handle should the rider's hand accidently become entangled in the handle and tail portion of the bullrope.

Abstract: An optical generator of an electrostatic field at light frequencies tuneable over the entire band of visible light frequencies including a pair of spaced electrodes in a gas filled tube having at least one absolute condenser plate adjacent one electrode, a dielectric-filled container enclosing the tube, and a resonant circuit operable to generate electric light of a selected frequency.

Abstract: A tire stud remover having a handle and a tubular portion, adapted to receive the shaft of a tire stud, outwardly extending from the handle. The exterior surface of the tubular portion includes one or more substantially funnel-shaped protuberances extending backwardly from the outer most tip of the tubular portion, each of the protuberances having its conical portion faced outwardly for improved insertion into the tread of a tire. The tire stud remover may include a plurality of tubular portions which are removeably attached to the handle to accommodate tire studs of varying size. A closeable compartment for storage of the tubular portions may be included.

Abstract: Apparatus for holding and closing tubes of the type used for toothpaste and toiletries in general is disclosed. The apparatus includes a primary tube guide and a secondary guide, a tapered plug axially centered with the guide and a support for holding the guide in a fixed spaced relationship to the plug. The guide and the plug may be attached in vertical spaced relationship to a wall. In operation, a tube of toothpaste, with cap removed, is dropped into the primary guide in an inverted position. The secondary guide directs the opening of the tube onto the plug independently of size of tube, thereby sealing the contents of the tube.

Abstract: Freeze protected hot water solar heating apparatus for providing room heating and domestic hot water service comprising a solar heat collector, a water storage tank, a freeze protector, a fuel burning boiler, a heat exchanger, in-line sensors, and pumps for circulating the water. The freeze protector is in heat transference contact with the flue of the boiler. The freeze protector, controlled by a temperature sensor, prevents freezing of the water in the solar collector and additionally utilizes waste heat from the flue of the boiler to heat water anytime the boiler is in operation. The boiler is activated, upon the water in the water tank falling below a predetermined temperature. A thermostat controlled fan forces air over the heat exchanger to provide room heating. Check valves are provided for preventing back flow of water from the solar collector. The apparatus may also contain a heat pump having its heat transference coils adjacent to the heat exchanger for full utilization of forced air from the fan.

Abstract: Apparatus for stripping worn-out tires into useful fencing material. The apparatus includes a housing upon which is mounted a vertically and rotatably mounted cutting disc; a tire feeding cylinder operable to force a tire section into the cutting disc for cutting a continuous longitudinal strip of tire of selected width; a guide for controlling strip width; a cutter control for moving the cutting disc relative to the feed cylinder; and a drive unit operable to rotate the cutting disc and tire feeding cylinder. The apparatus may also include a tire support for holding the tire in a horizontal plane while removing a tire bead.

Abstract: Apparatus for holding a wet clay sculpture during the drying process which includes a base portion having post receiving apertures equidistantly spaced about its periphery; at least three vertically extending posts rotatably seated in the apertures, the posts having vertically spaced horizontal openings; and a plurality of horizontally extending support members slidingly engaging the openings for contacting and holding the sculpture in place. Pivotal sculpture contact members attachable to the support members may also be provided.

Abstract: A cape having a back panel and two front panels. The cape is provided with interior zippers and handle members. The cape, when reversed and folded, may be zipped together to form a utility bag for carrying sporting equipment. The cape may be provided with pockets and a hood as well as an insulative liner.

Abstract: A nursing bottle holder comprising a shoulder strap having a Velcro pad disposed on the front vertical surface thereof and a bottle strap having a complimentary Velcro pad disposed on the outer surface thereof, the Velcro pads being temporarily engageable to hold the nursing bottle in a selected vertically planar position. The shoulder strap and bottle strap may also each be provided with Velcro strips on opposing ends and surfaces thereof, respectively for adjusting the shoulder strap about the body and the bottle strap about bottles of varying diameters.

Abstract: Ski/Pole lock and carrying apparatus, foldable, and adapted to be carried in a pocket. The apparatus includes a pair of ski-clamping members connected together by a hinge; a pair of pole clamping members; a second pair of hinges connecting each of the pole clamping members to a ski-clamping member at an end opposite to and transverse to the first hinge; and a locking means for holding the members in a releasably closed position.

Abstract: Log clamping apparatus adapted for insertion between existing log conveyors and including a frame, a pair of jaws hingably engaging the frame, a pair of jacks hingably engaging the jaws and operable to open and close the jaws, and control apparatus for selectively activating the jacks. The jaws are laterally offset, hingably engaging the frame and one another, and are provided with an arcuate portion for clamping the log to prevent lateral movement and a lower, substantially planar portion operable to lift a log during the cutting process to prevent binding of the cutting saw in its contact with the log.

Abstract: Improved chimney flue cleaning apparatus including a chimney cap operable to support a pair of horizontally disposed pulleys; a horizontally disposed drum rotatably mounted in the flue adjacent its lowermost end; a handle for rotating the drum; and an endless cable, with attached brush, threaded about the pulleys and drum. The drum is provided with a single groove helically wound about its exterior surface in threadlike manner. The cable may be wrapped one or more turns about the drum to prevent slippage of the cable. A cable adjustment is provided for controlling cable tension. The brush may be provided with arms having cable engaging apertures for proper centering and stability of the brush as it moves in a vertical upward and downward direction, dependent upon the direction in which the drum is rotated.