Abstract: Protection of the pole of a vertically slideable bird feeder and the prevention of loss of bird feed if the filled or partially filled feeder is removed from the pole is accomplished by a specially designed protective sheath located within the feed tube housing of the feeder and around the pole. The upper end of the sheath is held in place within a channel formed in the feed filling funnel. The lower end of the sheath is held in place within a second channel formed in the bird feed tray on which the feed tube housing rests. Upstanding walls within the filling funnel are configured to ensure that feed is poured into the feed tube housing with minimal loss of feed at the pole. The feed filling funnel, feed tube housing, protective sheath, and bird feed tray, are all vertically moveable as a single unit along the pole, without causing damage to or undue feed residue buildup on the pole, while maintaining the integrity of the feed in the feed tube housing.

Abstract: An air actuated ball game which utilizes a table-like member having an exterior frame supporting a circular top surface. The top surface has a plurality of holes therethrough and is divided into equal segments each having a different color. Air from a fan or similar air generating means is compelled through the holes for moving sets of balls, each set of balls having a different color, around the top surface of the table-like member. Each of the sets of balls has a color which matches one of the segments. As balls move around the top surface, players must retrieve certain balls which drop into openings in each segment and bounce the balls into a cup located at the center of the top surface. Various rules of play are anticipated based on these basic game components.

Abstract: A protective covering is readily installed on and removeable from standard privacy curtains. The covering is made of a disposable sheet material having two sections interconnected by a crease. The two sections are positioned over the side surfaces of the curtain, the edge of the curtain being located within the crease. Attachment of the curtain is accomplished by snap connectors which extend through the upper mesh section of the privacy curtain and adhesive components which adhere to the side surfaces of the curtain.

Abstract: A cleaning implement is specifically designed to be held with one hand during cleaning operations. The implement has an upper control section and a lower cleaning section which are detachable from each other. The lower section is primarily a cleaning element in the form of a sponge member or similar compressible pad or component. A cleaning control arm and a moisture squeeze arm extend from the upper control section. When the implement is to be used in its cleaning mode, the control arm is held in one hand by the user to clean soiled surfaces. Moisture accumulating in the cleaning element is squeezed out simply by rotating the squeeze arm away from the control arm, such that the cleaning element is squeezed or compressed between base plates supporting each of the arms. For continued use in the cleaning mode, the squeeze arm is simply released and allowed to return to its position adjacent to the control arm.

Abstract: A portable stepball game apparatus has a collapsible stairway with a plurality of steps. Each step has a vertical riser portion, a horizontal tread portion, and a nosing on the forward or player-facing edges of the tread portions which protrudes over the riser portions. The game's pivotable stairway configuration is readily housed for storage in a carrying case specifically adapted to be easily portable. It is designed such that one person can lift the carrying case with one hand and easily move it from location to location.

Abstract: A camera integrated firearm system replaces the original recoil spring and guide assembly of a firearm with a casing which includes a camera, a camera actuating module which turns the camera on when the orientation of the handgun barrel is changed, a gunshot impact sensing and signal transmitting module, an image memory module, and output data ports. The casing is also equipped with a unique power-data port integrated into the lens unit of the camera. When the weapon is drawn, the camera is turned on to record events, including the discharge of the weapon. The camera, utilizing ambient light plus the light generated by muzzle flash, i.e. the jet of fire exiting the barrel at the instant the bullet exits the weapon, takes and saves, in memory, a closely spaced sequential stream of digital photographs or, alternatively, video recordings. Using the data outputs, the images can then be downloaded for viewing.

Abstract: A connector for providing an electrical connection between two insulated covered electrical wires consists of a cylindrical member made of electricity conductive metal. The cylindrical member is made from a flexible plate appropriately rolled and configured to include two cylindrical elements interconnected by an intermediate section. The cylindrical elements each have a plurality of sharp blade elements which form jagged serrated edges around the perimeter of one end of each element. Insulated electrical wires are pushed through the cylindrical elements and their serrated edges and then pulled back. This causes the blade elements to pierce the insulation around the electrical wires, thus forming a secure electrical connection between the wires and the cylindrical member.

Abstract: A bird feed tray has an integral, unitary body. The tray is separated into a plurality of segments by partitions and circumscribed by an outer wall or rim. Each segment has dual surfaces which are sloped both downward toward the outer rim and inward to form a drain trough. The troughs terminate at the outer rim. A number of drain holes are provided adjacent to the outer rim. Water which collects on the surface of the tray funnels down into the troughs, where it is discharged through the drain holes.

Abstract: The kinetic energy utilization transmission system is installed on a vehicle having a prime mover, a chassis with four wheel suspension system, a gear differential and opposing pinion input shafts, lateral wheel drive axles, drive wheels, and braking mechanism. The system includes a torque modulator configured for engagement and disengagement with an overdrive gear transmission operably connected to a flywheel or flywheel system. Upon application of the braking mechanism, the vehicle decelerates, the resultant vehicle generated kinetic energy being transmitted to the flywheel via the modulator and overdrive transmission, which multiplies the rotation, i.e. input RPM's, received from the modulator. In so doing, the overdrive transmission maximizes available braking effect.

Abstract: A tool layout caddy has an upstanding vertical post with a handle at one end and a base member at the other end. A receptacle for the placement and storage of tools, chalk, and other necessary items for the layout operation is secured to the vertical post. A sheath member is provided for the placement and storage of a measuring square. The base member of the caddy houses the chalk line, a chalk line reservoir for replenishing the chalk line, and a chalk line retracting mechanism. A stop marker ensures that the end section of the chalk line always remains external to the base member and, during use, a hook at the end of the chalk line may be secured to the receptacle for ease of access during layout operations.

Abstract: A manual hand tool has an elongated handle pivotably connected to a cleaning head. The cleaning head pivots substantially ninety degrees in relation to the handle. A first cleaning member component, e.g. a pushbroom, extends from the front section of the cleaning head and a second cleaning component, e.g. a straightbroom, extends from the rear section of the cleaning head, at about a ninety degree angle to the first cleaning component. The cleaning head is pivotable ninety degrees from a first position allowing for the use of the first cleaning member component on soiled surfaces, to a second position, allowing for the use of the second cleaning member component on soiled surfaces. Locking systems are provided to secure the handle and cleaning head in position.