Abstract: A musical drum that includes a drumhead on each end that is secured to the shell by its own counterhoop. Formed as an integral part and around the perimeter section of each of the counterhoops is a series of slotted openings defined on each side by T-shaped arm members projecting radially from the hoop. A series of cord strands are threaded through each of these openings and drawn vertically across the shell in parallel relation to one another until the drum shell is encircled. By squeezing or depressing one or more of these strands together while striking the drumhead, the drummer is able to manipulate the tones and pitches of the drum sound to enable the drum to sound as if it is "speaking.

Abstract: A liquid container having a vessel integrally formed and recessed within the container for holding cigars of various sizes, and a sealable opening in the container's bottom.The vessel extends vertically into the chamber from the opening in the bottom of the bottle and includes tapered sidewalls. The diameter at the top end of the vessel is smaller than the vessel's diameter at the bottom at the point of the opening to enable the cigar to be easily extracted from the vessel and, if desired, an unfinished cigar to be reinserted into the vessel. The vessel can be closed and sealed at the bottom to keep the cigar fresh and humidified. A device is inserted into the vessel behind the cigar for use in holding the cigar securely in place when the vessel is closed. To provide humidification, a device comprised of a porous material containing water can be inserted into the vessel along with the cigar.

Abstract: An oral hygiene device for use by infants, toddlers and small children as an effective tool for soothing and strengthening the gums and, when the new teeth begin to grow in, as an implement employed to keep the teeth clean and maintain both the gums and the teeth in a healthy condition, comprising a handle member, which is symmetrically oriented about a longitudinal axis, a head member, a nodule support surface and a plurality of nodules of varying heights and thicknesses supported by and extending from the nodule support surface, and a flange member mounted at the interface of the handle member and the head member. The head member and the nodule support surface are oriented longitudinally in a direction generally in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the handle member.

Abstract: A gate valve having a valve housing with an upper housing member, and a lower housing member, which contains a flow passageway. A valve closure device with a valve stem is moveable transversely of the flow passageway between the upper housing member, to cause the passageway to open, and the lower housing member, to cause the passageway to close. An axially moveable sleeve covered cable, which is connected to the valve closure device at the valve stem, is provided to impart movement to the valve closure device. A clamp assembly which includes identical cooperating members adapted to align in opposing relationship to engage and secure the upper housing and the cable and cable sleeve between them enables the cable to be operated from a remote and convenient location outside the recreational vehicle at any desired angle of bend to engage the valve closure device to cause it to move easily and effectively back and forth within the valve housing.

Abstract: A musical drum comprising a substantially cylindrical drum shell having a cylindrical shell wall and at least one end over which a drumhead is attached and a means having a first and second end disposed substantially and continuously around the periphery of the shell in contact relation with the shell for mounting the drum to a support device. The means for mounting the drum to a support device comprises a flexible band connected at each end to a bracket assembly for receiving a drum support means which generally comprises a rod that is inserted into the opening in the bracket assembly. The flexible band is disposed within a circumscribed recess or slot formed within the shell wall.

Abstract: A head for a drum or similar musical instrument including a synthetic plastic sheet material laminated to a synthetic fabric material having a plurality of layers of randomly orientated individual fibers. An epoxy resin is applied to the synthetic fabric material for coating and sealing the surface, impregnating the layers of fibers and encapsulating each of the individual fibers to preclude delamination of the fibers when the head is subjected to the constant pounding of a drumstick or sweeping motion of a drum brush upon its striking surface.

Abstract: A system and method to monitor the specific location of a person, pet or item of personal property by employing elements that enable the user to pinpoint both the distance and the direction of the person or object being monitored relative to the position of the monitoring or transmission unit (the "source"), comprising a tracking transceiver unit, which tracks and monitors the person or object, and the target transceiver unit, which is worn or affixed to the person or object being monitored. The tracking transceiver unit broadcasts a signal to a target transceiver unit, which, upon receiving the signal, will then broadcast a response signal back to the tracking transceiver unit.

Abstract: A structural building panel and building system for constructing preformed or modular housing and other structures comprising a sandwich construction of an outer skin including a pair of parallel spaced opposed panels with an attached inner core comprising a third panel in combination with a plurality of fourth panels secured and arranged in spaced side by side relation transversely on either side of the third panel. A tongue like projection co-extensive with one side edge of the third panel defines a male end and a grooved section co-extensive with the opposite side edge of the third panel defines a female end. The male and female ends are adapted to interlock with respective female and male ends, which are bonded together, on adjacent like panels that are formed in a modular fashion to erect a wall, floor or roof component of the structure. Elongated channels are provided along the top and bottom portions of each individual panel to accommodate interlocking support members.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching and securing a drain hose to the adapter used with a recreational vehicle ("RV") waste drain assembly or, at the opposite end of the hose, to a sewer fitting used in conjunction with a septic tank or some other type of in or above ground sewer system for receiving drained waste matter. The apparatus comprises a retaining ring, which may include an annular flange formed along one edge, slidably mountable inside the opening at one end of a RV drain hose, for retaining the shape and requisite diameter dimension of the end section of the hose to facilitate its engagement with the adapter or the sewer fitting when those connections are made. The ring is removed before the adapter or the sewer fitting engages the hose opening to enable the hose to contract and form a tight seal with those components.

Abstract: A musical drum which has a drum shell constructed of wood, fiber composite structures using wood, paper, (Fiberglass) glass fibers and products made therefrom, and other fibers, plastics and the like, and other materials. At least one end of the shell which is to receive a drumhead has mounted and secured thereon a molded bearing edge fashioned from a resinous or some other suitable material, which preferable is substantially in the shape of an inverted "V," although several alternative shapes are disclosed. The molded bearing edge provides a considerable increase in the strength of the drum, provides desirable sound characteristics, and provides a flat, level and uniform plane with a consistent, structural integrity over which the drumhead is mounted and tensioned.

Abstract: A drumhead and a method for construction of a drumhead that can easily be installed and removed from most kinds of instrument shells, particularly congas, and also can be employed with the shell without the usual requirement of a standard rim mounted counter-hoop. The drumhead comprises a multi-laminate drumming surface, an oblique oriented multi-laminate circumferential sidewall integrally formed with and disposed around the periphery of the drumming surface and a reinforced counter-hoop supporting shoulder component abutting the lower section of the sidewall. The annular shoulder, which is formed from a hardened liquid resin material, is reinforced with a ring or hoop-like metal shank, which is introduced into the liquid resin before the liquid cures.

Abstract: A convertible drumhead easily mounted and tensioned on a conga shell, adaptable for use with any conventional drum shell and usable independently as a single headed hand held drum that is uniform in construction and comprises a drumming surface, a circumferential side wall integrally formed with and disposed around the periphery of the drumming surface and an annular shoulder, which includes a seat portion along its top surface. The sidewall and the annular shoulder can be fashioned as a one-piece unit or as separate pieces where the shoulder is fixed in abutting relationship against the side wall. The invention is used in combination with a ring or a modified version of a standard rim mounted counter-hoop, which abuts against the side wall and is supported tightly upon the seat of the annular shoulder. The shoulder, when employed as a separate component, securely anchors itself to the side wall and, thus, will integrate with it to ensure the integrity of the drumhead.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a device that is clamped to the pool table slate through the opening in either of the table's side pockets. The invention also incorporates a threaded shaft which passes through a threaded element to which the principal portion of the device is attached. The lower end of the threaded shaft is fitted with a pilot pin. The pilot pin engages a pivot point formed within the upper surface of a device that is clamped to the pool table edge at the site of the opening of the side pocket. The other end of the threaded shaft is fitted with a handle for rotating the shaft. Depending on which direction the shaft is rotated, the slate can either be raised or lowered.

Abstract: A protective guard for demountable attachment to the side of a vehicle comprising a single panel unit fabricated of a light weight material, such as cellular polystyrene, formed generally in the shape of an elongated triangle having one internal wall section and two approximately equal converging sidewalls. The interior wall is generally flat along the longitudinal edge portions and includes a channel formed down the center from one end of the panel to the other. The end portions of the panel are slightly tapered from a pre-determined point near each end of the panel where the two side walls converge. Imbedded in the interior wall of the panel are a plurality of encapsulated magnets that are used to attach and secure the panel to the vehicle's surface. Each capsule, which is generally conical in shape, includes an annular flange disposed about the wider, open end of the capsule. The opposite, narrower end of the capsule is permanently sealed and supports therein a generally thin disc shaped magnet.

Abstract: A generally arcuate shaped device having a unitary construction, including an arcuate main section, which contains a hook element at the distal end and a generally straight proximal end section with an aperture formed therein. The device, which is placed over roller tube in a circumferential fashion and wraps around the tube to a distance of approximately 50% of the tube's circumference in the limited area at each end of the tube where it connects, engages a groove having a distinct downward facing orientation at a point approximately 180.degree. from the place where the proximal end of the device would naturally come to rest.

Abstract: A board game that educates and informs the players specifically about the various techniques and skills involved with certain games of chance and generally, about the gambling businesses currently operating in cities like Las Vegas, Nev. The game board is provided with two principal areas, including an outer board section and an inner board section. The outer section consists of a plurality of consecutive spaces situated around the periphery of the board forming a path of travel for each player's movable piece. Most of these spaces represent a particular casino currently operating in Las Vegas, Nev. A few of these spaces are designated with indicia that directs a player to act according to the instructions or graphical depictions thereon. The inner board section comprises a simulated roulette wheel with a spinner situated in the center. Around the spinner are formed a plurality of individual numbers in a circular arrangement and a series of example poker hands surrounding the numbers.

Abstract: A dishwasher bag for use in combination with an automatic dishwashing machine to ensure a thorough cleansing of small objects and articles of a fragile or delicate nature. The bag is principally comprised of an open mesh material with a large opening at the top to accommodate the convenient insertion and removal of the objects to be cleansed. The opening usually spans the approximate length of the bag and is designed to be placed and cleaned inside. The opening is reinforced usually with a rigid frame and includes a cover element with a plurality of openings to allow water to penetrate from the top. The cover is connected to the bag by one or more hinges affixed to one side of the rigid frame and includes a clasp or similar type of device to secure the cover when closed.

Abstract: The method of the present invention begins with the unloading of the garments delivered by the customer. After unloading, the garments are sorted and counted and then placed on moveable racks for transportation to a separate storage area nearby. Selected garments are then moved from the storage area to a temporary receiving area near zones known as painting cells, where the garments are taken and hung from hooks attached to a variable speed electronically operated overhead track conveyor. The conveyor moves the garments along an oval shaped track pattern at a constant speed as paint is applied by workers stationed at various locations along the conveyor route. Various paint application methods are utilized during this stage of the operation, including the use of spray bottles and airbrushes.

Abstract: A device for use in the process of embroidering fabric which has a generally rectangular appearance and is comprised principally of two elements, a bottom or base section and a corresponding and coincidentally alignable top section. Applied to the mating surfaces of each section are means to magnetically affix and secure the two sections together to ensure that the material held tightly in between provides a taut and flat surface suitable for embroidering. The device of the present invention also allows for the proper adjustment of the portions of the fabric overhanging the borders of the frame and is instrumental in avoiding the potential for distortion and the indelible marks that would otherwise appear on the fabric as a result of the embroidery operation.