Abstract: A gymnastic mat having a substantially vertical slot along one edge thereof and at least one engaging edge defined in the slot for removably mounting the gymnastic mat about the non-horizontal support members of various types of athletic and gymnastic equipment; and a method for using such a mat. The mat may have a substantially rigid upper surface to permit the gymnast to regain her footing or balance thereon. Additional gymnastic mats are attachable to the first gymnastic mat to modify the shape and size of the protected area.

Abstract: A method of treating bacterial infection is disclosed. The method comprises the step of applying to a plant having a bacterial infection a composition comprising a xylene source and a wood rosin source, wherein xylene and wood rosin from the xylene source and wood rosin source are present in amounts effective to treat bacterial infection in the plant.

Abstract: An inexpensive, uncomplicated ball throwing apparatus to huff balls for hitting and fielding which includes a frame having a front end and a back end supported by a base. The frame has a firing bar hingeably attached to the frame. A pitching armature having a cup end, a hinged mid-point and an elastic band end is coaxially connected to the firing bar at the pivot hinge. A latching mechanism automatically releases the pitching armature at a firing point and includes a latch that attaches the pitching armature to the firing bar. An elastic firing band connects the elastic band end of the pitching armature and the back end of the frame. A latch release cord connects the latch to the front end of the frame and disengages the latching mechanism to release the pitching armature when the firing bar is pulled to a firing point thereby causing the elastic firing band to force the pitching bar to pivot about the pivot hinge.

Abstract: An extendible and tiltable shim is provided having a hingeably connected leg that is extendable. The leg can extend to adjust the height and the angle of the shim. The shim is mounted to a structure member and abuts to a frame member. The structure member can comprise a rough opening in a wall. The frame member can comprise a door jamb or a window jamb. The method of the invention includes an initial step of attaching the bottom plate of the shim to a structure, extending the leg to contact the frame member, and adjusting the extension of the leg to center and plumb the frame member. The shim accurately and reliably adjusts a door jamb or window jamb within a rough opening in a wall for proper alignment. The shim tilts at an angle and offsets to accommodate crooked and misaligned wall structure. The shim can easily retrofit to a standard door jamb or a window frame for the purpose of aiding in the square alignment of the door jamb or window jamb within a rough opening in wall structure.

Abstract: A multiple implement equipment boom which allows a plurality of working implements of different configurations to be used with a single vehicle is disclosed. The multiple implement equipment boom has a boom body with at least one telescoping shaft with a hollow outer beam and an inner beam slidably fit within the outer beam, and a connecting link with a receiving box that slidably fits over one end of the inner beam and a locking mechanism to secure the receiving box to the inner beam. The working implements can be exchanged by hand without tools and without removing the boom from the vehicle.

Abstract: A new method and apparatus for monitoring propulsion water flow in a water jet propulsion system that distinguishes propulsion system impairment from other potential causes of marine engine over-revving, allowing the accurate assessment of propulsion system function from a remote location, such as the vessel's instrument panel. This monitoring also prevents engine power loss, damage or failure and provides for the accurate assessment of propulsion system function from a remote location minimizing dangers arising from unmanned vessel operation and direct inspection of equipment. This marine propulsion system monitoring method and device, and a water craft pumping system monitoring method and device can both be monitored with the same display equipment, saving on the space and expense of two displays, one for each monitored system.

Abstract: A music stand comprising a folding base having a clamp, a two-part vertical post, a music desk support attached to the two-part vertical post by a clamp, and a music desk attached to the music desk support.

Abstract: A muzzle loading firearm includes a receiver, a flash plate adjacent the rear end of the barrel, a downward extending then forward extending exhaust channel and a nipple across the exhaust passageway from the flash plate. The nipple has an ignition passageway which terminates in an output port which is not coaxially aligned with the rear port of the flash passage of the flash plate to prevent backflash from returning through the nipple. The nipple has a forward face which defines a concave arcuate surface in the exhaust channel for further directing the backflash away from the ignition passageway and into the exhaust channel. An exhaust tube, extending forwardly from the receiver for venting the exhaust gases in a safe direction. The exhaust channel and exhaust tube are formed of a material having a high convection coefficient for quickly cooling the exhaust gases.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for a high speed non-bruising dry bin loader for apples and other produce. A transfer belt receives fruit from an transfer source and transfers fruit to a distribution belt once the transfer belt has accumulated a predetermined, staged pattern of fruit. While fruit is transferred from the transfer belt, the distribution belt reciprocates into a bin, which is held in a sideways loading position. As the distribution belt retracts out of the bin, it discharges its load of fruit. The bin is lowered in pre-determined increments between discharge cycles of the distribution belt, so that the fruit is deposited into the bin one layer at a time.

Abstract: A sportsman's flotation device is disclosed, having a hull including a bow, stern and a full keel, a seat disposed within the keel and an opening defined in the device for receiving the sportsman's legs therethrough for propelling and directing the device. The device may include a buoyancy activated barrier for opening an closing an exit, interchangeable stern adapters for modifying the shape or configuration of the device and detachable wheel and handles for transporting the device. Also included are a plurality of attachment points on the hull for receiving a variety of attachments associated with hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation, including a car top carrier.

Abstract: An apparatus to heat or toast tortillas, and uses adjustable food support arrays and heating element arrays, forming a single food enclosure or a plurality of food enclosures, to change the proximity of the heating elements to the food items being heated so that the device can be used for heating or toasting a variety of food items in addition to tortillas.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for loading a bin with articles such as fruit. The apparatus has a filling conveyor pivotable between a position within the bin to be filled and the top of the bin. The discharge end of the filling conveyor is maintained at an offset distance from the contents of the bin. The filling conveyor carries a plurality of resilient flaps pivotally mounted at one end thereof to the filling conveyor for movement therewith. The flaps successively carry rows of the articles along an upper run from a take-up end to a discharge end, at which end the articles are dropped off of the flap. A second flap, moving along a lower run in a direction opposite to the upper run, gently catches the dropped articles, and deposits the articles in the bin. Subsequent flaps moving along the lower run then sweep the deposited articles away from the drop location and toward to other end of the bin, allowing the articles to pile up at that end.

Abstract: An apparatus for pulverizing hard surfaces, the apparatus having multiple sets of elongated, curvilinear shearing blades. The shearing blades are helically mounted about a rotational shaft, adjacent sets of shearing blades mounted at an inverse pitch angle. The mounting orientation allows layers of the substance to be pulverized to be sheared off a compacted surface, then rotated about the rotational shaft, while also being move back and forth along the longitudinal axis of the rotational shaft, leading to more complete pulverization. The shearing blades are mounted intermediate their edges to the rotational shaft by support members, and at a rake angle relative to the surface for ensuring efficient operation. The total arc length of the blades is at least 360.degree.and the trailing edges of the blades are turned outward to prevent bucking. The arrangement of the blades also causes the apparatus to pull itself into the surface to be pulverized to ease operation. The blades are removably mounted.

Abstract: A building comprising prefabricated exterior walls, prefabricated interior walls, prefabricated roofpanels and roof panel supports, and designed for assembly and disassembly using only hand tools. The panels are anchored to a concrete slab or foundation.

Abstract: A method for animal training. More specifically, this invention provides a method for rapidly and effectively training horses and other animals by facilitating the delivery of a primary reinforcement reward substance to the animal simultaneously with, or immediately following the exhibition of desired behavior by the animal.

Abstract: A shaft clutch mechanism, and method and apparatus for its production are disclosed. The shaft clutch mechanism has an upper body folded into a polygonal cross section with a plurality of fingers, each finger attached to and extending from a flat section of the upper body. The shaft clutch mechanism is pressed on to one end of an inner nested element of a telescoping body and is placed inside an outer element where the fingers are slightly deformed, providing slight friction sufficient to hold the inner element in place, but still allowing it to slide relative to the outer element. The method and apparatus for producing the shaft clutch mechanism use a two stage press and a bending device to take a continuous strip of material to form blanks which then are bent to form the shaft clutch mechanism that is pressed on to the inner element of the telescoping body.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for packing multiple vehicles in a stacked configuration into a transport container using a frame structure such that a first vehicle is located above the floor of the container and inclined relative to that floor. The frame structure includes a lower vehicle support member mounted transversely across and above the base on a pair of first vertical support members, an upper vehicle support member mounted transversely across and above the base on a second pair of vertical support members such that the upper vehicle support member is spaced horizontally from and vertically above the lower vehicle support member and also including at least a first and a second attachment member each having brackets thereon for attaching to the first vehicle body, the vehicle support members supporting the respective attachment members substantially parallel thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of plum tree Prunus salicina which was found as a chance seedling. It is characterized by a productive tree of medium vigor which may require some cross pollination. The fruit is semi-freestone, large, conical in shape and has an attractive burgundy colored skin with a slightly aromatic bloom. The underlying flesh is crisp and yellow in color. Eating quality is superb, with a sweet, slightly aromatic flavor and a noticeable absence of acid.