Abstract: The fore-end (12) of a crossbow stock is provided with a detachable prod (10) slidably engageable with and disengageable from the fore-end. A releasable lock in the form of a toggle linkage is provided for detachably securing the prod to the fore-end. Hook ends (50) on linkage arms (44) carried by the prod are engageable with pin connectors (52) on the fore-end. The toggle linkage includes an operating handle in the form of a stirrup (36) which projects forwardly of the prod when the linkage is in its locking position securing the prod to the stock.

Abstract: A compact disc player is modified to convert it into a program repeater that plays preselected messages on a repetitive basis. Unused or used information channels in the CD player are employed. A sequence controller which is added to the conventional circuitry controls the operation of the conventional controller. When power is supplied to the CD player, a power monitor activates the sequence controller and the sequence controller then sends control signals to the controller, instructing it to activate the CD player and to place the CD player in its PLAY, AUTO REPEAT, or other preselected modes. The sequence controller also looks for a proprietary code placed on an unused information channel, and sends a deactivation signal to the sequence controller if the code is not found. An internal or external timer may be employed to provide power to the CD player at predetermined times so that the CD player operates as a program repeater entirely without human intervention.

Abstract: An apparatus and a member therefor are disclosed for a sump assembly installed in a liquid storage tank having an exterior portion and a tank wall with an aperture extending through a portion of the tank wall, a generally cylindrical sump collar attached within said aperture having an open outer extremity and having an inner extremity closed by a base member attached to that inner extremity, a generally cylindrical sump housing fitting into the sump collar, and means for sealingly attaching the sump housing to the sump collar, so that the sump housing and the sump collar form a liquid containment chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a watercraft in spaced apart relation to a mooring facility, including but not limited to docks. The apparatus controls horizontal movement of the watercraft, but allows free vertical movement with the rise and fall of the water supporting the watercraft. The apparatus comprises a longitudinal beam that is attached to the dock in a generally vertical orientation and a channel member that is slidably carried by the beam. A first arm and a second arm are longitudinally joined by a flexible connector and the free end of the first arm is attached to the channel member. The apparatus further comprises a guide comprising a fender and a longitudinal element that extends therefrom. The free end of the longitudinal element is attached to the free end of the second arm and a clamp is adjustably attached to the element. The clamp has structure thereon for attaching the clamp to a water craft.

Abstract: An adjustable firearm brace for supporting the first end of a firearm. The brace includes a base that has an attaching means for attaching the base to a generally vertical support, an arm having a first end that is pivotally connected to the base for generally horizontal rotation of the second end of the arm about the base, and structure for supporting the muzzle end of a firearm being attached to the second end of the arm.

Abstract: An apparatus to which bicycles may be attached for indoor training and conditioning of cyclists. The exercise apparatus includes a pair of turntables rotatably mounted to a frame and a mounting device slidably connected to the frame. The mounting device is designed to receive a bicycle thereon so that each of the tires of the bicycle engage a turntable. A rider by steering the front wheel will cause the bicycle to move inwardly or outwardly on the turntable increasing or decreasing the moment arm of the force applied by the bicycle tire on the adjacent turntable as the bicycle is pedaled.

Abstract: A portable shelter having a frame whose members freely move between a maximum and a minimum dimension to enable selectively applying various sized shelter skins to the frame and to tauntly stretch the shelter skin thereon. The skin also comprises slidable tensioning means that stretch the skin over a portion of the frame. The upper portion of the shelter is partially supported by a lifting force applied thereto.

Abstract: A material classification device for separation of solid materials, having a relatively high specific gravity, from a stream of fluid and solid material. The device is particularly suited for the extraction of gold from alluvial material. The device generally comprises an open conduit that has a first opening and a second opening therethrough. A container is attached to the bottom of the conduit so that the openings are in fluid flow communication with the container. A portion of the flow of fluid and materials passes through the first opening and is captured in the container. A tube passes into the container with an aperture therein so that a fluid may be passed into the container to agitate the material collected therein freeing the lighter material so that it can exit the container out the second opening.

Abstract: A foot splint comprising a frame member fastened to the foot of a patient the frame member having a calf portion, a resilient heel portion spaced apart from the patient's heel, and an arch portion to which a ball extension member is slideably and lockably secured.

Abstract: A roller with a replaceable sleeve used primarily in the can industry to apply a surface coating to the cans and also used in industries that utilize rollers for graphics, conveying, laminating or spreading a coating on another surface. The roller includes a core that has at least one male dovetail projection formed thereon and a sleeve with at least one female dovetail formed on the interior surface thereof. The female dovetail is sized to receive the male dovetail therein when the sleeve is slidably received on the core.

Abstract: Fluid pressure is exerted upon fulcrum or inner end points of the arms of bows (including crossbows, archery bows, and compound bows). The fluid pressure expands fluid cylinders which pull the inner ends of, or push the middle of, the bent arms of the bow. The resulting increase in tension in the arms of the bow produces greater distance traveled, velocity, and therefore accuracy of the missile, when the string is released.

Abstract: A hook holder of the type primarily intended for removably retaining a fishing hook including a receiving surface with at least one opening for a hook, a retaining sheet adjacent to the hook receiving surface, and a fastener securing the retaining sheet to the receiving surface, so that a hook is held in the opening by pressure from the retaining sheet when the retaining sheet is deformed by introduction of the hook between the retaining sheet and the receiving surface.

Abstract: A method for controlling weeds and undergrowth and for treating plants in agricultural settings is disclosed. The method is characterized by first applying a spray of hot water to the plant, and then applying a foam blanket to the sprayed plants, whereby heat from the hot water spray is held against the plants.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling weeds and undergrowth by the application of hot water thereto. The apparatus is particularly characterized by its construction including an endless, ground-engaging belt, or apron, disposed immediately aft of the hot water spray. Thus, when hot water is sprayed on the weeds and undergrowth, the sprayed vegetation is not only compressed by the apron, but also heat from the water is retained therein, insulated from ambient conditions by the apron.

Abstract: An improved product filling machine adapted to dispense product into containers that are advanced by standard conveyor systems. The component parts of the product filling machine are modular, permitting rapid repair, cleaning and flexibility in adapting the machine to various product packaging apparatuses. The product filling machine has clean-in-place capability and structure for flushing the machine with sterile air after cleaning and maintaining pressurized sterile air within portions of the product filling machine during the filling operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for capping containers, primarily used with capping machines, that increases the engagement time that a driven roller maintains with a cylindrical side of the container cap so that the roller subtends a predetermined arc about the cylindrical axis of the container. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for resiliently urging the rotatably driven roller into the path of the container and then into engagement with the cap as the container advances on a predetermined path.