Abstract: A slip on recoil pad having a sleeve portion and a cushion portion. The sleeve and cushion portions can be formed integral with one another or be separate components attached together. The sleeve component may be comprised of a neoprene or polypropylene rubber for providing enhanced cushioning, warmth, and durability, and may also include a rifle sling attachment stud, grommet. The rifle sling attachment stud preferably includes a reinforcing liner or strip to prevent the reinforcing stud from pulling through the sleeve portion of the recoil pad. In addition, a protective layer is provided to overlie the rivet, or grommet portion attached to the eyelet of the rifle sling attachment stud to prevent marring or scratching of the rifle stock when it is installed and attached thereto.

Abstract: A firearm rest comprising a base and a rifle seat component. The rifle seat component is attached to the base by a cooperating pin connection or formed integral therewith. The base includes at least one channel capable of receiving a tie down member such as a rope or other article for secure attachment to a vertical support surface. The base also includes a platform having a plurality of pin receiving bores. The seat component includes a channel which includes an optional cushion for receiving a rifle. The seat includes upwardly projecting walls and a pin extending substantially perpendicular from the walls. The pin or pins are configured to be received within the bores of the base.

Abstract: A timing buoy comprising a flotation buoy having an outer shell. A switch in communication with the outer shell and activatable in response to forcible contacts to the shell. A timing device responsive to the switch to start and stop a timing sequence in response to a forcible contact to the shell of the buoy. An embodiment of the invention may also include a transmitter and receiver to start and stop a remote timing device in response to contacts on the shell of the buoy which actuate the switch. The invention may also include a method for timing a watercraft event by positioning the inventive apparatus in the path of the watercraft and enabling the watercraft to strike the buoy to start and stop the timing sequence of the timing device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transplanting seedling from a first ray to a second tray. The apparatus includes a frame, a moveable gantry connected to the frame, and a conveyor system. In the preferred embodiment, a first conveyor is used to shuttle seedlings into the operative reaches of the apparatus and a second conveyor shuttles the transplanted seedlings out of the operative reaches of the apparatus. The gantry includes a gripper assembly comprised of a plurality of grippers slidably mounted to a track. A positioning mechanism is employed to move the gantry and associated gripper assembly. The grippers includes an upright support and a pair of pivotally connected spaced apart gripper fingers. The gripper fingers are separated by a plunger mechanism preferably having a beveled surface for ease of insertion between the gripper fingers.

Abstract: A motor driven grinding apparatus, and a system incorporating the inventive grinder, for reducing the size of waste material. The apparatus includes a housing having an interior, an exterior, an inlet for introducing material into the interior, and an exit for expelling material from the interior. The housing also includes a front wall, a back wall, a pair of spaced apart side walls, and a bottom grate. The apparatus also includes a substantially cylindrical, balanced, drum having a shaft, and a plurality of cutting blocks rotatably mounted thereto. The drum is rotated by a drive motor engageable with the shaft. An airfoil is attached to the front wall for establishing a static air curtain within the interior of the housing enabling air to be drawn into the housing through the inlet and expelled from the exit when the drum rotates. The drum and cutting block configuration are particularly useful for grinding, and sheafing, cellulose, plastics, glass, and other solid waste materials.

Abstract: An adjustable suspension system including a substantially cylindrical post having an externally threaded surface. The threads cooperate with a thread pattern associated with an adjustment collar. A spring is interpositioned between the adjustment collar and the axle of the vehicle such that when the adjustment collar or post is turned about the cooperating thread pattern therebetween the spring has a tendency to compress or decompress depending upon the direction of rotation of the collar, and therefore raise or lower the body of a vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to stadium seating and stadiums incorporating the seating. The invention includes a unitary seat component having a platform seat portion and a back portion formed integrally with one another. The invention also includes a side support which is configured with a arcuate flange receiving channel enabling the seat component of the invention to be installed to the side component. In this fashion, spaced apart side components are useful for attaching a plurality of seats such that a seat is positioned between a pair of side supports and a side support positioned between adjacent seats is shared as a common armrest for each adjacent seat. A channel and track structure is provided to anchor the sides to the stadium or platform floor in the desired fashion.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and apparatus for preventing and/or removing the condensation from the inside of the windshield, side windows, and rear windows of an automobile, truck, boat, aircraft, tractor, train, military vehicle, or similar vehicle cabin to provide clear visibility for the occupants. In addition to condensation removal, the system provides added benefits of enhanced cooling effects and comfort for the occupants by lowering the cabin humidity, and the operation and efficiency of the air-conditioning system is also improved due to the reduction in the humidity. A desiccant wheel system is used to perform the dehumidification. Automatic and manual controls prevent condensation from forming and may also be set to maintain a lower humidity level for the occupant comfort and cooling efficiency. The desiccant wheel is regenerated by hot air from a heat exchanger or other heat source using excess engine heat.

Abstract: A method of forming a battery terminal of the type having an electrically conductive screw encased within a conductive material casting such as lead. The preferred method uses a pair of die halves axially aligned with one another. A casting of a battery terminal having upper and lower terminal portions is provided, along with an electrically conductive post or screw. The casting and screw are placed between the die halves. The die halves are compressively forced against one another. A forging cone causes the casting to be forced into the thread spaces of the screw or against the surface of the post and changes the exterior angle of the casting.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pressurized, disposable packaging system to dispense sterile fluids used in surgical procedures. The system consists of an inside, sealed bladder bag which contains the sterile fluid, and an outer bag which encloses, encapsulates and stabilizes the inner bag. The outer and inner bag share a common side seam. The outer pressure bag becomes air tight and sealed when connected to an external pressure device. The external pressure device causes pressure to be applied to an air space between the outer and the inner bag, thereby causing a force against the inner bag to expel the material through at least one exit port communicating the exterior of the outer bag to the interior of the inner bag. The outer bag also includes a pressure port for introducing pressurized gas or other fluid into the air space to force the sterile fluid within the inner bag out through the exit port.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a laser assisted telescopic targeting system, apparatus and method of range finding and aiming a projectile firing weapon. The invention includes a laser light generating source capable of producing a spot of laser light on a target. The invention also includes a shooting scope to view the target. The shooting scope preferably has indicia or a shutter for measuring the approximate size of the laser dot projected on the target. Based upon the size of the spot and the growth rate of the laser targeting source the user can determine, with a substantial degree of accuracy, the relative distance from the target. The method includes steps associated with using the inventive apparatus and system and aiming a projectile firing weapon depending upon the information obtained.

Abstract: A trimming apparatus comprising a platform, a plurality of wheels and a plurality of cutters. The platform has a kickback capability and is biased into an operable position, but capable of kicking back when the apparatus contacts rigid obstacles during the trimming operation. The cutting elements include a plurality of flexible blades having a cutting radius larger than the guide disks which are provided to contact obstacle and help the invention be steered around such obstacles. Optional bumpers are provided to further enable the device to "ride over" obstacles and uneven ground terrain. An independent power source such as an electrical or combustible engine having a drive shaft connected to a drive pulley which in turn is interconnected with the cutting elements by a cutter pulley and idler pulley arrangement so as to maintain a desired tension on the drive belt during operation of the device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for magnetically filtering metallic particulates from lubricating fluids or oils used in motorized vehicles. The invention includes a magnet and an optional sleeve. The sleeve holds the magnet and is configured for overlying the canister of a canister type oil filter. The sleeve is preferably made from a high temperature resistant material to withstand the heat associated with the operating temperature of the oil within filter. The invention is also directed to a magnetically assisted oil filter having a magnet incorporated into the canister.

Abstract: The invention is a small, maneuverable, self-propelled tracked vehicle equipped with a boom having a tool attached to an extendable section of the boom. The vehicle is small and light enough to enter and be used in places, such as residential yards, in which traditional vehicles with buckets and digging tools, because of their size and weight, cannot be used. A three-stage gear pump powers the tracks and the boom on the bucket or digger. The vehicle has four outriggers to stabilize the vehicle during use, the outriggers arranged substantially perpendicular to each other and at angles of approximately forty-five degrees from the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for teaching addition and subtraction. The apparatus includes a game board, a plurality of movable dowels having predetermined lengths with spaced apart indicia marked thereon, and a number generator such as a pair of dice. The game board has a pair of spaced apart dowel receiving rows corresponding to "in play" and "out of play" positions. The rows may also include a plurality of pegs for supporting the dowels in a vertical position. In addition, optional segmented slots enable the player to lay the dowels vertically end to end on the game board without having them roll off of the board if the game is played on a surface which is not level. The separation distance between adjacent slot segments slots and the indicia associated with the dowels assist the player with the addition and subtraction computations. The game board also includes a plurality of dice receiving spaces and aligned with the slot segments.

Abstract: A disposable shaver having a shaving head and handle equipped with blister bubbles positioned along the handle of the shaver. The blister bubbles are depressible from convex to concave and are provided to count the number of times the shaver is used. The method comprises the use of the inventive shaver to compute the useful life of a particular brand of disposable shaver.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for positioning planks or other articles which are to be set on a framework. The invention includes a platform having feet to stabilize the platform with respect to the framework. A connecting rod, a guide brace and a platen are all pivotally attached to the platform. The connecting rod has a proximal and distal end. The distal end of the connecting rod is attached to an end of the guide brace as well as the platen. The opposite end of the guide brace is pivotally attached to the platform. The proximal end of the connecting rod is pivotally attached to a handle assembly which in turn is pivotally connected to the platform. A rotational torque applied to the handle is transmitted by the handle assembly to the connecting rod which in turn causes the platen to apply a force to the plank or other article to be bent.

Abstract: A protective body pad comprising a thermoformable base component and a shock dispersing prominence component. In the preferred embodiment thereof, the prominence is integral with said base component. A plurality of swivel components having flexible strapping attached thereto enables the user to fasten the invention to various points on the body. The strapping is preferably a neoprene material with hook and loop material for the fastening.

Abstract: The invention is a line releasing fishing float and kit. The invention includes a line ring, attached to or for attachment to the body of an at least hemispherical fishing float, and a line catch disk. The line ring and line catch disk, and optionally, a float and an amount of adhesive, comprise the components of the inventive line releasing fishing float kit.