Abstract: A seed planter of the type having a metering unit with a seed chute that drops seeds into a seed tube for planting as manufactured by John Deere is provided with a deflector in the metering unit. The deflector directs the path of the seeds as they fall away from the seed disk so as to free fall along a vertical centerline between the leading and trailing walls of the seed tube and between the opposing sides thereof.

Abstract: A control for stopping the rotation of the output shafts of a plurality of multiplexed motors configured in columns and rows with the first connector of each motor in a given column connected in parallel and with the second connector of each motor of a given row of motors connected in parallel. Each motors includes a switch positioned to be actuated when the output shaft of the motor is in its home orientation. One contact of the switch is connected to a first contact of the motor and therefor receives power when the switch for the column is energized. The second connector of each switch in a given row are connected in parallel to a detector for detecting a change in electric potential. The detector will detect a change in potential when the rotating shaft of an energized motor rotates its output shaft to its home position thereby closing its associated switch.

Abstract: A tool has a tapered forward cutting end behind which is a cylindrical shank. A rearwardly facing annular flange separates the forward cutting end from the shank. The shank is received in a tool holder having a planar forward surface, and fitted around the shank of the tool and resting on the forward surface of the tool holder is an annular wear ring. The wear ring has a small outer diameter portion that is less than the outer diameter of the radial flange and less than the diameter of the forward end of the tool holder, thereby allowing a gap between those parts to receive an extraction tool. The wear ring also has a large outer diameter portion at least equal to the diameter of the forward surface of the tool holder.

Abstract: A kit for modifying an in line skate to role in one direction only consists of locking plate having a rectangular central hole an a shoulder along one edge, a tubular sleeve having a rectangular head sized to non-rotatably fit within the central hole of the plate, and a wheel with a built in one way clutch with a central opening sized to receive the tubular sleeve.

Abstract: A device for exercising the plantar fascia has a first member positionable under the ball of a foot, and a second member positionable under the toes of the foot. A third member having an eye attaches to the ankle. A first line extends from the first member and a second line extends from the second member and through the eye at the ankle. By pulling on the first and second lines, the plantar fascia is stretched.

Abstract: A vending machine cabinet is retained in a closed position by a hook that is engaged by a vertically moveable latch bar that can be latched closed without requiring a solenoid. The latch bar is moved by means of a cam attached to one of the hooks. Prior to engaging the hook, an angled surface of the cam engages a surface defined by the opening in the latch bar. As the door is closed, the cam rotates through an angle thereby lifting the latch bar until the upwardly extending finger of the hook can move through the opening of the latch bar. When the door is fully closed, the surface of the cam is moved from beneath the edge of the opening in the latch bar thereby allowing the latch bar to drop behind the hook, latching the door closed.

Abstract: A fuel level sensor has a rotor with two magnets mounted for rotation therewith, the magnets spaced from one another and with like poles directed toward one another. A Hall effect sensor on the housing is positioned between the two magnets such that increasing the volume of fluid in the tank moves one magnet toward the sensor and decreasing the volume in the tank moves the other magnet toward the sensor. A metal sleeve around the magnets protects the parts from interference from magnetic material in the fuel. A static discharge path is provided from a metal rod connecting a float, a plate contracting the rod, and a pivot pin retaining the rotor to the housing, and a ground connector in contact with the pivot pin.

Abstract: A rotatable tool has a cylindrical shank and a compressible sleeve fitted thereon to retain the shank in the bore of a tool holder. A wear ring is positioned behind the forward cutting end of the tool and against the forward surface of the tool holder. The compressible sleeve is locked to the wear ring to prevent rotation of the wear ring with the tool. Also, the outer diameter of the wear ring is greater than the width of the forward surface of the tool holder forming an overhang, and a second tool can then be used to engage the overhang to remove the tool from the tool holder.

Abstract: A drill bit consists of a bit body having a forward end and a slot in the forward end to hold a hardened cutting blade. The bit body has a table near the center of the blade to reduce the speed at which the drill bores into hard material. The blade has a central slot extending into the forward end thereof such that the slot defines inner side walls and a bridge extending between the inner side walls. The bridge has sloping sides the define a central cutting edge so as to cut particles of hard material accumulating in the slot. The inner side walls intersect the leading faces of the blade and form cutting edges which further cut particles loosened at the center of the cut. Also, relief flats relieve the concentration of forces at the ends of the primary cutting edges of the blade.

Abstract: A gutter system has the portions thereof formed to permit the ends of sections thereof to be nested one within another for forming the elements of the gutter. A contour suitable for such nesting has a vertical fascia panel, a generally vertical outer panel, and a generally horizontal floor panel joining lower edges of fascia panel and the outer panel. An arcuate portion joins the lower end of the fascia panel to the floor panel. A lip is provided along the upper edge of the outer panel with the lip of a first length of gutter fitting around the lip of a second length and the arcuate portion between the fascia panel and the floor of the first length fitted around the arcuate portion joining the fascia panel and floor of the second length to provide nesting. Fold over tabs may be provided along the upper edge of the fascia panel and the lip to lock the ends of the two lengths together, or lock the end of a length of gutter to a corner unit, a down spout drop unit, or an end cap unit.

Abstract: A cover is retained over the central portions of the wheel of a vehicle retained by a plurality of lug nuts by a retainer that attaches to two adjacent lug nuts. The retainer has first and second opposing retainer members with each retainer member having a pair of arcuate portions for fitting under the corners between flats of two adjacent lug nuts and against the tapered lower portion of the two lug nuts.

Abstract: To illuminate the ground across which one walks with a walking member, such as a cane or a walker, a light is provided in a handle attachable to the walking member. The handle includes a light producing means, a battery, and a switch for turning on and off the light.

Abstract: A variable position sensor has a stationary portion and a moveable portion. A plurality of plates are positioned on one of the members with the surfaces of the plates forming segments of a larger surface. A single plate is mounted on the other of the two members. One pole of an electric potential is applied to a first of the plurality of plates on the one member and the second pole of the electric potential is applied to the single plate on the other member. Similarly a pole of an electric potential is separately applied to each of the other of the parallel plates and to the one plate. When the one plate is positioned adjacent one of the plurality of plates a capacitance is formed between the adjacent plates, and by detecting the capacitance the position of the one plate can be determined.

Abstract: A surveyor's tool to facilitate the measurement of the elevation of an invert within a manhole includes a rod with a dimensioning along its length. The tool further includes a slide moveable with respect to said rod. The slide includes a pair of opposing arms, the arms extending from opposite sides of the slide and extending perpendicular to the length of the rode. The slide further includes an inclinometer for measuring the angle of incline of the rod. Using the length of the rod extending into the manhole and the angle of the rod as determined by the inclinometer the depth of the invert can be calculated.

Abstract: A tool assembly includes an axially symmetric tool having a tapered forward end, a radial flange, and a cylindrical shank. A retainer is fitted around the cylindrical shank, a washer is fitted around the retainer, and an O-ring is fitted over the retainer behind the washer to retain the washer thereon. When the rotatable shank is fitted into a cylindrical mounting bore of a tool holder, the O-ring prevents the washer from rotating with the tool.

Abstract: An insert for a cutting tool has a conical cutting tip, and axially behind the cutting tip is a mid-section. Behind the mid-section is a cylindrical base. Where the insert is for use on a tool of a milling machine, the base has a diameter of at least 0.800 inch so as to be considerably larger than the standard base of inserts currently in use on such machines. The enlarged base protects the tool body to which the insert is attached from washaway. The invention is useable in other industries employing rotary cutting tools. In other industries, the insert is made with an enlarged diameter base so as to protect the tool body behind the insert from erosion or washaway. Indentations in the outer circumference of the base improve the rotation of the tool and provide channels through which loosened particles of hard material are directed, thereby further reducing erosion of the tool body.

Abstract: A print pad for printing on hard surfaces is made by first forming a mold having a textured surface, then forming the print pad in the mold. The textured surface of the mold is made by first manufacturing a sheet of plastic the surface of which has the desired texture, then using a thermoforming process to shape the plastic into the mold.