Abstract: A swing moves with a front-to-back pendular motion. The swing contains an elevated support having two hooks spaced apart perpendicularly to the direction of motion of the swing. A horizontally-mounted subplatform with two sides is suspended from the hooks. A chair is suspended from the subplatform on each side by a front suspension member running from the front side corner of the subplatform to the front side of the chair and by a rear suspension member running from the rear side corner of the subplatform to the rear side of the chair.

Abstract: An apparatus reminds a saddled and bridled horse to maintain tension on a calf rope during a rodeo calf roping event. The apparatus contains: (a) a ratcheting rope pulley with a release; (b) a means for attaching the pulley to a saddle; (c) a rope passing through the pulley with the first end of the rope exiting the pulley in the freely rotating direction and the second end of the rope exiting the pulley in the non-rotating direction; (d) an elastic cord having a first end attached to the second end of the rope; (e) a means for attaching the second end of the cord to a calf rope; and (f) a means for attaching the cord-calf rope attachment to a bit of a bridle.

Abstract: A ratcheting system is used to wind a helical torsion spring around a torsion bar in a counterbalancing mechanism for an overhead door having multiple panel sections. The ratcheting system contains: (1) a cylindrical sleeve encompassing the torsion bar, the sleeve having longitudinal channels and being secured to the torsion bar at the winding end of the torsion spring; (2) a winding cone adapted to fit over the cylindrical sleeve and having a cone-shaped section connected to the winding end of the torsion spring, a plurality of radial openings for receiving winding bars, a first threaded radial opening containing a set screw, and a second threaded radial opening containing a pull pin, the pull pin having a spring-biased beveled projection that extends inwardly from the winding cone to contact the longitudinal channels of the cylindrical sleeve.

Abstract: A disc for a rotating disc seed meter improves singulation by reducing blanks and by reducing multiples. The disc contains a circular array of openings against which the seeds are held on one side by means of a pressure differential as they are carried from a seed chamber to a seed discharge. The disc also contains a plurality of tabs on the seed-holding face of the disc. Each tab is positioned radially adjacent the trailing edge of its associated opening.

Abstract: The flow of radon from the ground into a building is suppressed by placing a plastic film on or under the lowest floor of the building. The plastic film is made of a material having an oxygen diffusivity of less than about 10 cubic centimeters per day.

Abstract: A bumper cover is fastened onto an automobile having a polymeric bumper. The bumper cover has a generally navicular concave shell made of thin wall steel having a chrome plated outer surface, the bumper cover having a shape that conforms to the exterior of the polymeric bumper so that it mates with and overlaps the polymeric bumper.

Abstract: A leaf receptacle lid attaches to a hand-held portable lawn blower/vacuum having an inlet for drawing air and leaves into the blower/vacuum and having a hose outlet for discharging the air and leaves. The lid contains a vertical chute and an overhanging horizontal lip. The chute is adapted to hold a flexible leaf receptacle and the overhanging lip is adapted to rest upon a support. The lid also contains a hinged door having an opening connected to the frame. The lid further contains a porous conduit having an inlet adapted to removably connect to the hose outlet of the blower/vacuum and having an outlet that communicates with the opening in the door.

Abstract: A ball pitching machine of the windmill type simulates the pitching motion of a human pitcher. The machine includes: (a) a rotating plate which rotates vertically 360° at a constant speed about an axis; (b) a pitching arm having a ball holder at a distal end and being pivotably connected to the rotating plate at a proximate end, the pitching arm adapted to rotate vertically about an arc of between about 100 and 300° at a high speed and to rotate about the remaining arc at the speed of the rotating plate; and (c) a flip lever pivotably connected to the pitching arm.

Abstract: A container having an enclosure and a lid is used for storing viscous fluids. The enclosure has a first flat face and a second flat face. The enclosure is stable when resting on either the first or second face. The enclosure has an interior wall along the second face that slopes downwardly from the first face to a third face to define a lowermost region at the intersection of the second face and the third face when the container rests on its second face. The enclosure also has an open neck at the intersection of the second face and the third face that extends parallel to the second face and upon which the lid is secured. When the container rests on the second face, the contents of the container drain into the neck. When the container rests on the first face, the contents of the container drain away from the neck.

Abstract: A seed planter is pulled behind a tractor and deposits seeds into an underlying trench in soil.

Abstract: A single-action revolver can be fired rapidly by relatively unskilled shooters and by shooters with limited manual dexterity. The revolver contains a hammer-cocking assembly having a reciprocating cylinder-actuating rod with a proximate end that passes rearwardly through the respective longitudinal bores of the frame and cylinder to contact the hammer and with a distal end that extends forwardly along the barrel. A shooter can easily fire the revolver rapidly by first moving the cylinder-actuating rod with one hand to cock the hammer and rotate the cylinder, and by then pulling the trigger with another hand to release the hammer and fire the revolver.

Abstract: A battery cable disconnector enables a battery to be disconnected and reconnected quickly and easily without tools. The disconnector includes a female lug connector and a male lug connector adapted to be detachably connected together, each of the connectors having a two-faced contact section with one face for engagement with a face of the other connector when connected. The female contact section has an upper contact face and a lower non-contact face, the contact section having a centrally located circular opening with slots extending radially from the opening at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions and with grooves extending radially from the opening at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions on the lower non-contact face.

Abstract: A diet supplement improves the growth and health of humans and other animals. The supplement contains: (1) germs having a selenium level of at least about 0.2 ppm that are derived from a cereal grain grown in selenium-rich soil; and (2) plant materials having a selenium level of at least about 0.2 ppm that are from a legume grown in selenium-rich soil.

Abstract: The combination of a chromium ion and a carboxylic acid ion selected from the group consisting of a formate ion, a malate ion, and a fumarate ion is an effective feed supplement for ruminant animals and improves their weight gain, feed efficiency, body composition, and milk production.