Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for insertion of a sphenoidal wire electrode. The apparatus includes a needle (22) carrying a wire (24) having a turned-back distal portion (34) beside the needle and terminating forwardly along the slant-tip (28). The method includes positioning the wire in the needle with such turned-back distal portion as described, inserting the needle and wire, engaging the tissue with the turned-back portion to resist unintended relocation during needle withdrawal and the subsequent test period, and unfolding the turned-back portion of the wire to straighten it by initial pulling of the wire after the test period.

Abstract: An improved adjustable control device for multi-lever hydraulic controls on earth-moving equipment, which conveniently and easily positions the control levers to accommodate different operators. The device includes a pair of spaced supports, a pair of axially aligned end members each movably mounted on one of the supports, a main shaft extending between the end members used for pivot mounting of the levers, and a device to adjust the end members on the supports. Parts are positioned and arranged such that end member adjustment moves the main shaft vertically, which in turn moves the range of control lever motion force or aft as desired.

Abstract: A device for removal of a log from a log-splitter blade including a stripper member removably engaged to the log-splitter anvil member. The stripper member has distal and proximal ends and a front surface beveled upwardly from a lower edge at the distal end toward the proximal end such that the power of the log-splitter acts, through the beveled surface of the stripper member, on the free end of a log stuck on the blade to remove it from the blade. A preferred embodiment includes a notched front surface to help keep the free end engaged with the stripper member during removal of a log.

Abstract: A drain-cleaning implement of the type with a rotatable snake extendable for drain insertion. The device includes a mechanism for imparting vibratory motion to the snake at a frequency greater than the rate of rotation such that the snake will more readily pass traps and other obstacles in the drain. The vibration is preferably axial with respect to the snake length. The vibration preferably is actuated during use by applying axial pressure on the snake.

Abstract: An improved crank handle apparatus including a rod with radial protrusions near its distal end and a rotatable handle having a passageway receiving the rod, the passageway including a proximal portion with keyways therealong for protrusion passage during assembly, a middle retaining portion ending the keyways, and a distal portion of larger cross-section to accommodate the protrusions in any rotational position.

Abstract: Improved backhoe bucket transport apparatus including an engagement member secured to a loader bucket and having an open hook for engaging and suspending the backhoe bucket by its pivot pin. Normal rolling motion of the loader bucket causes it to receive the backhoe where it may be securely held during transport. Unloading is carried out by reversing the steps.

Abstract: An improved combine conveyor of the type having a conveyor surface, elongated carriers across the surface, and endless chains to move the carriers along the conveyor. The carriers are resiliently deformable slats adjustably secured to the chains by self-adjusting, preferably double-pivoting, attachment devices. The slats are preferably flat, of spring steel, angled with respect to the surface, and in a trailing position with respect to their attachment to the chains.

Abstract: Improved automatic surface-treating apparatus of the type supported by and traversing a horizontal surface unattended. The apparatus includes mobility members for movement in a principal direction and side-step members having rotational axes a given distance above the surface. Each side-step member has a first sector with a far periphery spaced from its axis by more than the given distance, and a second sector with a near periphery spaced from its axis by less than the given distance. This arrangement allows a single rotation of the side-step members to accurately lift and move the apparatus laterally through a predetermined distance, to a new surface-treatment path.

Abstract: Improved means for removably attaching digging teeth to the cutting edge member of an earth-moving bucket. The attachment means includes a pair of clamping means which both apply sandwiching pressure on both the upper and lower surfaces of the edge member to hold the tooth in place against both front and side impacts.

Abstract: An adjustable two-pedal swing control apparatus for tractor backhoe booms and the like. The apparatus has a pivot shaft member pivotably mounted with respect to a tractor upright, a shaft-engaging structure on the pedal engaged with an end portion of the pivot shaft, such end portion and shaft-engaging structure being dimensioned and arranged to allow a degree of rotation of the pedal with respect to the pivot shaft, a pair of aligned projecting members from the pivot shaft and shaft-engaging structure, and a threaded adjustment therebetween to set the position of the rotational range of the pedal.

Abstract: A multi-arm tractor hitch with an improved adjustable arm having a pair of threaded end members with slots therealong, a middle member engaged with the end members in turnbuckle fashion, a locking member movably, preferably pivotably, attached to the middle member and having tabs positioned to engage the slots of both ends members when the locking member is in a lock position, to firmly lock them and the middle against relative rotation without any connection beyond the middle member.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the framing of target portions of garments in hoops for attachment to embroidery machines or the like. The apparatus includes a workboard adjustably mounted to a base and movable between garment-mounting and hooping positions, a garment-supporting form secured to the workboard, and members for removably attaching one of the hoops.

Abstract: An applicator for particulate compositions having a horizontally oriented apertured dispensing container, wheels on either side, and an improved upright handle apparatus. The handle apparatus includes a yoke with a cross member, a mounting bracket affixed to the cross member, a pivotably attached slide mount which is preferably a support tube, a slidably mounted elongated handle, and lock members on the mount and handle for selectively securing the handle member in the slide mount in either an upright use position or a horizontal carrying/storage position. The lock members are preferably spring-loaded button members with buttons receivable in a lateral opening in the support tube. A socket in the bracket base provides rigid connection of the handle member to the cross member.

Abstract: A powered drain-cleaning implement of the type with a rotatable snake extendable for drain insertion. The device has a housing with a rear portion over the motor and a front portion terminating in a collar, a snake container rotatably supported in the front portion and having a forward tubular portion extending through the collar and ending in a distal opening where the snake is adjustably secured, a ring gear on the back of the container, and a pinion gear on the motor engaging the ring gear for high-torque rotation of the snake. The housing preferably substantially covers the motor, gears and container. Its rear portion preferably has a handle and associated trigger for easy holding and operation.

Abstract: A tractor power take-off shaft shield assembly having fixed side plates projecting from a tractor wall on either side of the shaft(s), a top plate hinged to the wall and sized to pivot between the side plates, and a slot in one and preferably both side plates each receiving a slot follower pivotably attached to the top plate, which is set in normal, lowered or raised position by positioning the slot follower(s). Preferred embodiments include each slot having an upper slot section angled downwardly somewhat from horizontal to support the slot follower when the tractor is not in use and cause it to automatically return the top plate to its normal position during tractor use. Some preferred embodiments include sidewalls on the top plate adjacent to the side plates.

Abstract: A board game simulating golf. The game has an annular golf course playing surface which maps fairway surface and a contiguous array of hazards with a grid of radial distance lines and annular direction lines on it. Highly preferred embodiments provide infinite variation in golf hole characteristics by virtue of a rotational partial overlay having its own map portions combinable with varying exposed map portions of the base board. Preferred embodiments also include a top member providing a movable tee and a shot distance gauge. Two sets of random determiners simulate golf shots.

Abstract: An insect repellent camouflage composition for application to the skin including N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide and camouflage pigment to provide both camouflage and insect repellence by a single application without interference with either function. Some embodiments include a skin-compatible vehicle miscible with the pigment and toluamide, preferably including water, skin oil(s), and emulsifier(s).

Abstract: A heating pad of the type having a particulate chemical mixture, which is exothermically reactive in the presence of air, and a pair of opposed panels forming an envelope containing the mixture and admitting air to support the reaction. Differing perforation sets in the opposed panels allows the pad to generate two levels of heat and allows opposed body-contact surfaces of the pad to apply two different heat conditions to the human body.