Abstract: A system for training and coaching field and court sports, and more particularly, for baseball and soccer for children. Included as elements are a magnetic game board, a multiplicity of miniature figurines, as well as nameholders for each player. Flash cards and answer key elements are used to challenge the young player's growing knowledge of the sport. A beginning child must identify the various parts of the field and place the figurines in the proper playing positions. He or she when shown a flash card having few words thereon, must explain the meaning of the card. A coach or parent with little experience can read an answer key to determine correctness of a response. The principle of the system, essentially no different for baseball or soccer, may be readily structured for other field and court sports. A method of playing a tabletop baseball board game based on this system of training/coaching is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of controlling a two-hand held controller with an analog pressure sensor(s) for controlling video game machines and imagery thereof, and other electronically generated imagery. The method for communicating an on/off simple-switch output signal to hardware or to software, which is expecting to receive such a simple binary signal as is typically generated by some type of on/off switch or switching device. In this invention the on/off signal is generated by circuitry which has as its input an analog sensor having pressure-sensitive variable-conductance material. Such an analog input sensor may be operated by depressing a button/trigger/4-way rocker or the like. The on/off signal, or information packet containing such a signal, is communicated at a variable rate in time. The communication rate being determined by the level of pressure applied to the input device.

Abstract: A service vehicle ladder lock for fastening a step or extension ladder to a conventional ladder rack running either along a side of the roof of the vehicle or across the top thereof. This ladder lock forms a rectangular framework for placement about the ladder and the ladder rack in close proximity to inhibit movement in any direction upon rapid starting or stopping. In the preferred configuration the ladder lock comprises three portions of narrow bent flat metal stock fastened together wherein the first and second portions are attached by a hinge to allow opening and closing; and the second and third portions are attached to each other. The free end of the first portion has a strike plate thereon for receiving the latch of a tension latch/lock assembly integrally mated to the free end of the third portion. This ladder lock optionally includes means for adjusting the frame width and/or height to insure a close fit around the ladder and the ladder frame to insure safety and security thereof.

Abstract: A multipurpose snow tool for backcountry travel being a modified ice ax having a toothed pick at one end, an adze at the other and a shank therebetween having holes therein large enough to reduce weight without compromising structural integrity. The shank having shock absorbing upper spacers thereabout for insertion into the upper portion of a shaft of varying length depending upon user's physique. Lower spacers surround a combined reversible integrated spike saw held within said shaft, said spacers enclosing a pair of locking buttons supported by leaf springs to secure the spike saw in the lower shaft and to permit easy withdrawal therefrom and reversal for saw use. Furthermore, the invention includes a shovel blade having a sleeve like projection sized to snugly fit around the lower portion of said shaft which is always ready for use when attached while said spike is exposed. Thus, by depressing both buttons simultaneously, the spike saw is removed and reversed.

Abstract: A baseball pitching target having a base with a pair of vertical channels integrated thereon for insertion therein of a foldable simulated batter figure. To maintain the batter figure in an upright position there is behind the figure, also integral with the base, a vertical hollow main frame for receiving therein a tube adjustable in height with a back support/hook assembly at its upper end for attachment to the extended batter figure. This main frame also has an upper shoulder having a pivot thereon for insertion of a hole thereabout at one end of a swingable spring-loaded arm further having a glove target at its other end. Thus, all the player sees is the batter figure without distracting elements, adjustable in height to define a strike zone, and a glove target attached to an arm swingable when hit and automatically returnable to its original position.

Abstract: A fastening and supporting device adapted to being clamped to a vertically placed hanger, usually a threaded rod, comprising: a main clamp body portion for securing the fastening and support device to the vertically placed hanger; a pair of locking hooks portion facing in opposed directions juxtapositioned for longitudinally gripping the hanger by first positioning said body portion horizontally to engage the hanger and next rotating thereto in a longitudinal aspect to the hanger for supporting said body portion and said hooks against the hanger; and a mounting angle portion for attachment to a strut means for supporting a conduit. The main clamp body, locking hooks and mounting angle portions are integrally cast from the group consisting of iron, aluminum, fiberglass reinforced polycarbonate, and fiber composites. A second embodiment includes two mounting angles at right angles. A method for attachment of the clamp anywhere between the endpoints of the hanger.

Abstract: An arcuate molded flexible plastic pipe saddle for supporting an insulated pipe secured to a surface having a pair of flexible hinge-like joints molded integrally therewith for accommodating insulated pipes of varying overall diameters, and having stiffening ribs molded similarly for strengthening the saddle under load, and means molded integrally with the saddle at the external central underside thereof for attachment of the saddle to a support means. Typical support means may be a U-shaped pipe-supporting member, such as a clevis hanger, for use with a clip-in fixture or a support channel for use with a drop-in twist-and-lock fixture for holding the saddle and adjustable means for securing said U-shaped pipe-supporting member to an overhead surface. The support channel may be used for overhead or underfoot surfaces. For vertical surfaces, a hanging J-shaped wall support member in conjunction with the clip-in version is indicated. Methods of installation are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods by which low melting point solder for reflow connection of components is formed on select fine and coarse pitch contacts of a printed circuit board simultaneously. A template with openings to select fine pitch circuit board contacts is placed in contact with fine pitch contacts. The fine and coarse pitch contacts of the board are exposed through holes in a stencil characterized in its ability to withstand solder reflow temperatures, not be wettable by solder, and have a coefficient of thermal expansion relatively matching the printed circuit board. Low temperature solder paste is screen deposited into the stencil openings. The solder paste retained by the template and stencil pattern is shaped during reflow to selectively form on the underlying contacts of the printed circuit board. Thereafter the board is subjected to previously practiced depositions of flux in preparation for fine and coarse pitch component placement and ensuing solder reflow.

Abstract: A bowling ball carrier, carrying two or three bags loaded with a plurality of bowling balls and allowing a user to easily receive or remove bowling balls into or from the bags, is disclosed. The bowling ball carrier has two parallel telescopic columns and a wheeled bag integrated with the lower ends of the telescopic columns. An upper bag holder frame, used for removably holding one or two bags in addition to the wheeled bag on the carrier, is attached to the carrier. The holder frame selectively engages with a locking beam of the two telescopic columns at its upper part. The wheeled bag may lie on its side. In such a case, the bag has a front opening capable of allowing a user to receive or remove bowling balls into or from the bag at the front of the bag. Alternatively, the wheeled bag may stand on its bottom. In such a case, the bag has a top opening capable of allowing a user to receive or remove bowling balls into or from the bag at the top of the bag.

Abstract: A bottom case for bowling bags is disclosed. One or two partition walls are integrally formed in the bottom case, thus forming one, two or three cells in said case. The cells are for separately receiving the bowling balls in the case. A dish-shaped shell is integrally and interiorly formed on the bottom wall at a position inside each of the cells and stably seats a bowling ball in each cell. Two corner supports are integrally formed along the rear corners of the rear cell, thus supporting a bowling ball seated in the rear cell. The bottom case is integrated with a cloth or synthetic leather bag body. A bowling shoes bag is separately provided on the top of the bag body. The bottom case is also integrated with an auxiliary bag at the sidewall, thus receiving bowling accessories, such as towels, protectors and packed bowling powder. The bottom case of this invention thus allows a bowling bag to receive and carry one, two or three bowling balls along with such bowling accessories at the same time.

Abstract: A freely rotational ball actuated manual body massager designed to fit comfortably in the user's hand. The pressure of a specially designed density ball which spins three-dimensionally creates a motion resembling the action of the balls of the fingers of a massage therapist's hand. The body of the device can be made by plastic injection of an aesthetically appealing durable material. The ball is designed to rotate freely inside its housing and held there by a removable retainer resembling the action of a ball of a computer mouse or the dispenser head of a roll-on anti-perspirant. Several different retainers of Teflon.RTM. may be used to insure intimate contact between ball and retainer providing minimal friction and maximal free rotation with ease, efficiency and economy of manufacture.

Abstract: A method by which low melting point solder for reflow connection of components is formed on select fine and coarse pitch contacts of a printed circuit board simultaneously. A template with openings to select fine pitch circuit board contacts is placed in contact with fine pitch contacts. The fine and coarse pitch contacts of the board are exposed through holes in a stencil characterized in its ability to withstand solder reflow temperatures, not be wettable by solder, and have a coefficient of thermal expansion relatively matching the printed circuit board. Low temperature solder paste is screen deposited into the stencil openings. The stencil is removed and a mesh is fixedly positioned on the board, the solder paste retained by the stencil pattern is reflowed to selectively form on the underlying contacts of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A crib-like twin-size bed for disabled children with special needs having unusually high end and side panels, the one, or both, side panels being a combination fold-down plus slide-down side panel hinged together for permitting servicing of the bedding and the child by folding down the top panel while allowing convenient egress and ingress of the child into and out-of a wheelchair as necessary by sliding down the bottom panel.

Abstract: An in-line accessory faucet having a separable plastic air gap module for use with an activated carbon purification unit bypassing thereby dishwasher waste water conduits. An improved air gap module prevents contaminated effluent dishwasher water from backing up into the dishwasher while providing a source of purified water to pass therethrough to an accessory faucet. A molded plastic outer body defines a contaminated water inlet conduit adjoining a contaminated water outlet conduit in which a removable splash plate is positioned on top of the outer body having a slotted air gap cover defining an air gap chamber coupling said waste water inlet to said waste water outlet placed overall, wherein the improvement comprises a third conduit disposed within the outer body for allowing passage of purified water without contamination therethrough from a water purification system. Said third conduit is molded as an integral portion of the outer body adjacent to a wall separating the inlet and outlet conduits.

Abstract: A product and method for increasing the yield of quality fruits and vegetables by gathering fallen produce above the ground in a simply constructed enclosure thereby reducing the incidence of spoilage. A plurality of arms having holes therein and hooks, a stake and a step as parts thereof, said stakes being forced into the earth surrounding the plant by stepping on said step. A net is hooked onto the arms in an imaginary frustoconical shape so that fallen fruit can be held in place where fallen and can be urged to the stem of the plant where a shield encircling the plant surrounds the stem for collecting the fallen produce. Tying means threaded into the holes of the arms encircles the net to provide support therefor and to ensure that all fallen fruit is gathered on the shield for subsequent collection. A method for the assembly of the fruit and vegetable saver is presented.

Abstract: A molded plastic take-off collar for joining main and branch ducts in forced air heating, cooling, exhaust and ventilation systems having a tubular member with a first end perpendicular flange, and a second end having gripping beads and a stopping edge for attachment to a branch duct. Molded strengthening ribs are formed at the external intersection of the tube and flange; while truncated rims are formed extending from the inner walls of the tube to positively seat a damper flap wherein opposite sides have two protruding threaded pivot pins, which flap can be flexed for insertion of the pins into two opposite openings in the wall of the tube. The damper flap is a unitary structure with the molded pins and molded strengthening beads therefor. A handle and wing nut are provided for positioning the flap. A flexible double-sided adhesive covered ring facilitates joining of the take-off collar to the main duct.

Abstract: A bowling ball carrier, carrying a plurality of bowling balls at the same time and allowing a user to receive or take bowling balls into or out of bowling ball bags and being selectively used as a travelling carrier, is disclosed. The bowling ball carrier has a telescopic handle frame and an integrated bag provided on the lower end of the handle frame by attaching the bottom part of the integrated bag to the lower end of the handle frame. A support block is placed in the bottom part of the bag. Both side walls of the support block are rounded inwardly at the same radius of gyration as a bowling ball thus forming bow side surfaces. An upper bag holder frame is attached to the handle frame at a position above the integrated bag and is supported by the support block.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to a portable laundry detergent dispensing system. This unit is divided into three holding containers, one for liquid detergent, one for powdered detergent and one for liquid fabric softener. The center back compartment is a storage compartment for a measuring cup, a mixing rod and other laundry accessories. The storage compartment also includes a coin-holder for nickles, dimes and quarters in the rear wall. The powder dispenser is a cylindrical dump cup having an opening therein which allows a fixed amount of the the solid detergent to flow into a measuring cup. Liquid detergents and softeners are dispensed with a fixed volume hand pump assembly connected to retractable hose assemblies.

Abstract: A device for preventing reverse rotation of a rotor in spinning reels is disclosed. In the device, an operational control shaft is fitted over a connection shaft and biased by a plate spring generating an elastic force. The operational control shaft has two connecting arms extending in different directions. The connecting arms are movably coupled to longitudinal holes of a reverse rotation prevention claw pivoted to a reel body, thereby coupling the operational control shaft to the claw at two coupling points. The turning force of the operational control shaft is thus precisely transmitted to the claw, thereby precisely performing the reverse rotation prevention operation. In this device both the connection shaft and the operational control shaft can smoothly rotate as they are supported by the plate spring.

Abstract: A portable foldable relaxing chair orthopedically designed to reduce stress in either the supine or prone position capable of allowing one to assume an orthopedic posture of weightlessness at about 127.degree. in the supine position and significantly reducing stress to the lower back at approximately 185.degree. in the prone position while supporting the sides of the face and neck with a head piece made of two foam supports. A head and foot rest is provided which are attached through pivots capable of lengthening and shortening to suit the user's height and of angular positioning for proper support and comfort. The chair comprises a back and seat panel of any suitable fabric which is replaceable inserted into side frames attached by hinges. Arm rests are attached by fixed pivots to the back frames which pivots support front legs hinged to rear legs which are in turn attached by seat adjusting guide assembly angles along the outer seat frames.