Abstract: This invention is comprised of an auger with fixed or replaceable tips designed to cut openings through sheet plastic or fiberglass ground coverings and drill, in a continuous operation, an appropriate diameter hole for planting seedlings or seeds as may be desired. This invention is comprised of a shaft with spiral auger and a cutting tip with a cylindrical cutting edge and a recessed drilling point as an assembly which is removably attached to the shaft with flights on it. The device can be driven by a conventional electric drill with a one-half inch chuck.

Abstract: The invention consists of an apparatus and method for creating high resolution, high contrast images to enhance the functional vision of visually impaired individuals. The apparatus includes an image scanning device, a digital image enhancement device and a high resolution monitor. Video images are enhanced in real time by converting an analog input signal to a digital output. The digital output is processed in a contrast selection device, stored in high speed memory, reformed into an output image and displayed on the high resolution monitor using high scan rates. The enhancement of images containing text substantially eliminates "grey" transitions between the text and the background to improve resolution. By increasing the contrast between the text and the background as well as user selectable enlargement and character spacing by magnifying or scaling of the digital video data, the functional vision of visually impaired individuals is improved.

Abstract: A portable book holder which is comprised of two interlocking portions which fold into a flat configuration for easy storage and carrying. The portable book holder may include supports to keep the reading material from sliding off the holder. The portable book holder maintains the book or other reading material at a convenient angle tipped up from the horizontal for easy reading and permits the open pages to lay at a wide angle to permit ready visual excess to both left and right hand pages.

Abstract: An improved turret type winder incorporates articulated constant contact lay-on rolls mounted concentrically with chucks at the ends of the arms of the turret winder. The articulated constant contact lay-on rolls are continuously repositioned radially during winding and are able to either maintain constant pressure or to reduce lay-on roll pressure as the film bundle diameter increases. Web tension variations during transfer operations are minimized by maintaining an essentially constant wrap angle on the lay-on roll between the web and the lay-on roll. An improved web feed-in mechanism is incorporated to reduce web tension variations due to drag forces. An improved method for winding film bundles is also provided whereby the nip pressure is varied during winding and then maintained at an about constant value during turret rotation.

Abstract: A Sandless Beach Towel or Blanket which is composed of an upper and lower layer joined at eight points equally spaced over their surfaces. The upper layer is made of an open weave material preferably of cotton and the lower layer is made of a tightly woven material preferably cotton. Sand which is brought on to the top surface of the blanket passes through the openings in the open weave material in the upper layer and accumulates between the upper and lower layers to prevent the sand from coming into contact with the person sitting or laying on the blanket. The blanket can be shaken as a unit and the sand that has accumulated between the upper and lower layers readily dislodges and falls out from between the layers. Cleaning can also be accomplished by separating the layers and brushing or shaking off the sand where it has accumulated. In an alternative embodiment the upper and lower layers are attached to each other along their perimeter.

Abstract: This invention is comprised of an improved pool cue bridge made of transparent plastic rectangular in shape and having up to sixteen positions to support a cue stick. Support positions are disposed on three sides of the perimeter of the bridge and in addition the bridge contains internal openings preferably in the shape of a cross and a heart which provides up to nine additional support positions.

Abstract: This invention is comprised of a golf club molded in a single piece including grip, shaft and head, preferably in the form of a putter or a wedge or in an alternative embodiment a golf club employing a flexible plastic shaft with a conventional grip and club head. These clubs are molded out of rubber or a flexible plastic material with appropriate physical properties to approximate the appearance and feel of a conventional golf club. However, the characteristics of rubber or rubber like material permit the club to be bent, twisted or deformed by violent contact with the ground or other objects. The material of construction permits a club after such distortion to be returned to its initial shape. These characteristics are designed primarily to permit a frustrated golfer to vent his feelings of frustration or dissatisfaction in a way that is non-destructive of his equipment.

Abstract: This invention, a variable displacement sliding vane pump/hydraulic motor, incorporates an eccentric chamber in which a rotor with a plurality of axially and radially moveable sliding vanes rotates. Axial positioning of the sliding vanes is accomplished by positioning a sliding wall; the swept volume and therefore the capacity of this invention is also directly related to the positioning of the sliding wall. This sliding wall can be positioned by external means including conventional manual and automatic devices. Various embodiments permit pumping capacity variability from essentially zero flow to full flow without the use of bypasses.

Abstract: A novel hanger binder for binding and storing perforated edge paper in conventional suspension filing systems. The hanger binders which are used in pairs have two side members with hooks to engage conventional suspension filing apparatus. Perforated edge paper is bound between the side members on a binding post and thereby supported without continuous support along the length of the paper.Two types of hanger binders are included. One made of wire with a rigid binding post. The other has a flexible binding post and greater variability of spacing to bind and store larger numbers of sheets.