Abstract: Disclosed is an archery bowstring release that increases the power and length of the draw by having the pincer of the release being recessed a few inches behind the trigger of the release in relation to the bowstring. The present release achieves this result by having a long trigger column rigidly joined to a short pincer column at an acute angle of 20 degrees. A standard type wrist strap is preferably always used in the operation of this release.

Abstract: An orthopedic shoulder weight halter and corresponding weight(s) are described which allow one or more weights to be attached to shoulder straps by fastening material strips. Fourteen points of adjustment in the halter allow for a universe of different torso sizes. The harness possesses two shoulder straps, two front support straps, a waist strap, a chest strap, an upper back/chest strap, four double-D rings and two quick release buckles. The harness and the weight(s) can be easily put on or taken off of the wearer.

Abstract: A pleasant smelling, non-toxic dry composition comprised of sodium bicarbonate embedded in a rubber matrix for removing adhesives from smooth surfaces is described. The composition is prepared by mixing 2 volumes of packed sodium bicarbonate with one volume of rubber cement and allowing the mixture to dry. The dry composition is dispensed from a tube type dispenser. The adhesive is removed by rubbing the dry composition against the adhesive until the smooth surface is clean.

Abstract: A swimming pool float net is described which hangs onto the side or fence of a swimming pool. The float net can be multiplied in size with additional units. The float net can be folded when temporarily not in use or completely disassembled into a compact form when not be used for long periods of time.

Abstract: An inexpensive, prefabricated portable tornado shelter is disclosed. The shelter is assembled from four equilateral triangular sides, a base frame, and a floor, to form a square pyramid-shaped enclosure with latched doors and PLEXIGLAS windows. The shelter allows constant air pressure equalization between its interior and exterior. The shelter is held firmly to the ground with four auger bolts.

Abstract: A device for removing and inserting drill bit retaining clips. The device having a casing rigidly connected to a base plate, the casing containing a piston, one end of the piston contacting a spring against the base plate, the other end of the piston having a nib, the piston also includes a handle, wherein the piston may be pressed toward the base plate allowing the nip to grip a retaining clip against the casing, so that the retaining clip can be removed or inserted while being held.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for near net-shape fabrication of friction disk ring structures in which trapeziform paneled strips of friction paper or cloth are folded to make uniform 2-ply disks.

Abstract: Aspartic acid precursors such as mono and diammonium maleate, maleamic acid, ammonium maleamate, ammonium malate and mixtures of these and other precursors are copolycondensed thermally with a variety of mono, di and multifunctional monomers containing amino, hydroxyl and carboxyl functional groups. The resulting condensation copolymers and terpolymers contain succinimide units derived from aspartic acid precursors, condensed with other functional group monomers usually though amide and ester linkages. Hydrolysis of the polysuccinimide copolymers and terpolymers with alkali, alkaline earth and ammonium hydroxide produces aspartic acid copolymer and terpolymer salts.

Abstract: Memory enhancing thermal proteins were synthesized from heating aspartic acid, glutamic acid, proline and tryptophan above 100.degree. C. Two hydrophobic and one non-hydrophobic polymer were injected intracerebroventricularly into the brains of mice after the mice had undergone partial training in footshock avoidance conducted in a T-maze. When retention of footshock avoidance was tested one week later, the hydrophobic polymers enhanced retention while the non-hydrophobic polymer did not.

Abstract: Thermally polymerized copolyamino acids are used to make a biologically compatible self-sealing skin.

Abstract: Glucose, and separately a 1:1 mixture of glucose and fructose, were thermally polymerized in the presence of glutamic acid to yield artificial carbohydrates with chemical linkages different from starch, cellulose, or chitin.

Abstract: Thermally polymerized copolyamino acids are used to microencapsulate a chemotherapeutic compound for more efficient drug delivery.

Abstract: A portable ski boot fitting stand used to temporarily secure a pair of alpine ski boots, or the like, to assist the process of boot fitting by allowing the user to apply similar skiing forces to the boots in the forward and lateral direction. Another feature elevates the toes to assist fitting of boots having foam injected liners.

Abstract: A rural mailbox with a front inward swinging double door for mail delivery, a back door for mail retrieval, and a forward-and-backward sliding drawer for insertion and pickup of outgoing mail.

Abstract: A talking crystal ball toy which is activated by a double pass of the operator's hands over a photosensor to give a randomly selected verbal response to a question asked by the operator.

Abstract: A table tennis robot with right and left servers, oscillatory motion, top spin and bottom spin, right and left side spin, combination of spins, or no-spin modes, variable ball speeds, and continuous recycling of balls, to provide a human player with challenging practice serves.A ball catching net is located at one end of the tennis table. Balls caught by the net fall into a pan located below the table and are then fed upward by suction of a fan into a chamber. The chamber distributes balls one at a time into a vertical tube. At its bottom, the tube has right and left branches. A ball deflecting vane is adjustable to selectively direct a ball into either the right or left branch. The branches lead, respectively, to a right server and a left server. Each server has a rotating ball drive wheel. The output port of the right server has adjustable guide rails to impart high top spin to a ball. The output port of the left server has adjustable guide plates to impart various types of spin to a ball.

Abstract: A combination bird feeder and shelter lined with one way mirrored film. Two totally enclosed seed bins angle downward to the feeder/shelter floor where birds may perch or platform feed. The feeder is either removably mounted on a window surface with suction cups and keyhole slots in the rear of the feeder or a bracket is provided to mount the feeder from underneath. A removable top with seed fill ports for routine filling is employed allowing access to the interior of the seed bins for periodic cleaning.