Abstract: An improved hand-held sign for sending visual messages aimed at specific persons. The apparatus has a substantially vertical planar member for posting of messages, such as by message cards, a pistol-grip member with a handle portion and a substantially horizontal extension portion, the horizontal portion attached at its distal end to the back of the planar member. A plurality of message cards are preferably kept against the planar member.

Abstract: A condom-holder device including an unextended condom with a gathered annular wall portion, a condom mount for holding the unextended condom, and a device to secure the condom mount to the human body such that the condom may be reached and applied to the male organ with one hand without substantial interruption of activity.

Abstract: A catalytic converter including within the housing a pellet enclosure which is of resilient screen, the enclosure compressing the body of pellets such that the pellets are held firmly in place under tension. The screen enclosure is compressed by the housing to increase tension on the body of pellets. In preferred embodiments the screen enclosure and body of pellets are tubular, with one edge compressed inwardly by a tubular housing. The screen enclosure and body of pellets are preferably tapered.

Abstract: An electrical brain-contact device and device for connecting a plurality of lead wires with individual conductors. The lead wires extend to a terminal mount and to an array of terminals; a conductor support holds an array of the individual conductors; and a connector block with a first space and an array of second spaces serves to join the conductors to the terminals, preferably by a biasing means. The first space receives the terminal mount and the array of second spaces receives the conductor array. The block may be single or have a plurality of sub-blocks attached end-to-end allowing the block to be sized to accept any number of terminals and conductors. Each block or sub-block is preferably a non-conductive one-piece member.

Abstract: Improved fishing lure apparatus of the type having a spoon with gap extending to its mounting hole for easy attachment. The clevis has differing first and second leg portions and the apparatus includes blocking means on the clevis to prevent inadvertent disconnection of the spoon from the clevis.

Abstract: Improved fishing lure apparatus having a keel formed of a wire doubled back on itself, from the keel distal end, as first and second wire portions which are together at the keel proximal end, the first wire portion extending from the keel proximal end to form a line-attachment loop and terminating in a first end segment returning from the line-attachment loop and wound around the first and second wire portions at the keel proximal end. The second wire portion may extend from the keel proximal end along the principal axis of the lure to form a spindle to which a spinner spoon is rotatably secured. In certain preferred embodiments, the engagement of the spoon with a clevis or other attachment loop on the spindle is center-balanced for improved controlled spinning.

Abstract: An improved trim-tab control for boats has for each trim tab a yoke movably secured to a frame, a mechanical link between the yoke and the trim tab such that yoke and trim tab move in unison, a lever pivotable mounted with respect to the yoke and having first and second engagement surfaces, and a pair of switches on the yoke positioned for selective engagement with the lever surfaces to actuate a hydraulic device for moving the trim tab in opposite directions. Tab adjustment is carried out by continuing movement of the lever with respect to the yoke, while the yoke moves in response to such adjustment. A scale is secured adjacent to the lever such that the lever position provides visual indication of the trim-tab position.

Abstract: An improved radiation-emitting device of the type for containing gas and an electron flow therein between electrodes. Inner and outer tubular members form an elongated annular envelope volume. The inner tube is radiation-transmissive and the outer tube is preferably radiation-reflective, preferably having metallic inner coating. Fluid passing through the inner tube is irradiated.

Abstract: A brain-contact device (19,12,13) having a multi-electrode tissue-engagement member (14,16), lead wires (32) extending to a terminal mount (36) with an array of lead-wire terminals (38) on it, and a connector (46,46a) including a base (48,48a) with a matching array of take-up terminals (70,70a), a movable yoke (50,50a) forming with the base a terminal-mount space (62,62a), and a device (52,52a) to hold the yoke and base together with the arrays in contact.

Abstract: An improved vertical service door for a tractor engine housing of the vertically-hinged horizontally swingable type. The vertical service door has a lower panel hinged to the lower edge of an upper panel, and means to support the lower panel in a horizontal position when the door is open so that it may serve as a tool tray during engine service. Some preferred embodiments include an inwardly-turned edge forming a vertical retaining edge for the tray and a rod/J-slot linkage between the upper and lower panels to support the lower panel in its horizontal position.

Abstract: An improved compact pilot-assisted pressure relief valve is disclosed. The invention includes a vent piston or the like hydraulically dividing the valve body bore into a hydraulic fluid chamber and a spring chamber which is vented to atmosphere, such that backpressure is eliminated entirely for both faster reaction to pressure impulses and improved accuracy in pre-load setting of the valve assembly.

Abstract: An improved radiation-emitting device of the type for containing gas and an electron flow therein between electrodes. First and second separate elongated principal members form an elongated envelope volume having constant cross-sections along its length. The members are arranged and configured so that the envelope volume is less than that of a cylinder of similar cross-dimension. The inner surface of the second principal member has projecting structures which extend to distal ends adjacent to the first principal member.

Abstract: An orthodontic elastic band having an orally-acceptable elastomeric material which is natural, natural-synthetic or synthetic rubber or theromplastic polymeric material, and a flavoring substance uniforming dispersed therein. Preferred embodiments have 0.1-10 parts by weight, and most preferably 1-5 parts, of the flavoring substance per 100 parts elastomeric material. Preferred flavoring substances are flavoring oils, and the preferred elastomeric materials are the rubbers, most preferably natural rubber. Also disclosed is an orthodontic treatment method including releasing a flavoring substance from an intraoral elastic band by contact thereof with the oral environment to encourage frequent elastic band replacement.

Abstract: An improved simplified compacting apparatus for mounting on the tool-support boom of a backhoe or other tractor. The apparatus includes a lower member with a convex cylindrical compacting surface which extends through an arc of less than about 180 degrees, preferably less than about 90 degrees, and terminates in front and rear edges. At least one and preferably two upright members are secured to the lower member, preferably to a top concave surface thereof, and pivot mounts are on the upright member to allow pivoting attachment to a tool-support boom. The apparatus is easy to operate and easily reaches edges not reached by many prior devices.

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 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: 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: 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.