Abstract: The present invention provides an improved bowling ball and an insert for a bowling ball for use in a finger hole of a bowling ball. According to the present invention, a fingertip positioner in a finger hole of a bowling ball positions the pad of the finger against the interior wall of the finger hole closest to the thumb hole in the bowling ball.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cover for an ostomy bag which is opaque to camouflage waste in the ostomy bag. The cover is also moisture resistant to prevent the deterioration of the cover when exposed to moisture as well as to prevent the cover from separating from an ostomy bag when exposed to moisture. The cover may also include decorative patterns.

Abstract: A football game piece (10) in the form of a triangular shaped, relatively flat playing piece having equal length side edges (12, 14) and a longer side edge (16), and with the corners formed by the side edges being relatively rounded (18) and squared-off (17) for safety purposes. In addition, the squared-off corner (17) prevents the game piece (10) from sliding when the game piece (10) is in an upright position on the squared-off corner (17). The game piece (10) is formed by a core section (20) made of lightweight foam material, and first and second woven fabric veneers (24, 26) having relatively slick outer surfaces, to allow game piece (10) to slide across a table, game board or other non-porous surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating a ceramic body to provide a wettable surface on the ceramic body. According to the present invention, a ceramic body is immersed in an alkaline hydroxide solution. The ceramic body is connected to form the anode and a suitable metal is connected to form the cathode of an electrolytic cell. A difference in electrical potential is imposed across the electrolytic cell which is sufficient to remove portions of the ceramic body to provide a pitted surface on the ceramic body which is wettable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor (10) and method for detecting the presence of water or glycol in an oil system. The water/glycol sensor includes a water/glycol concentrator (12) which concentrates the water and glycol in a concentrating zone (84). A water/glycol detection probe (14) is located in the concentration zone (84) such that minute quantities of water or glycol in the system may be detected.

Abstract: A security lock (10) including an arm (14) and a mounting member (12) is provided for use with a dead bolt lock assembly having a lock actuator on a first side (34) of a door (32) and a turn piece (36) on a second side (38) of the door (32). When the security lock (10) is in an engaged position (42), abutting surfaces (22a, 22b) of the arm (14) are positioned immediately adjacent the turn piece (36) to abut and restrict rotation of the turn piece (36).

Abstract: The present invention provides a recreational vehicle carrier (10) for use on a truck (14) for loading, transporting, and unloading two recreational vehicles (12). The carrier (10) includes a frame (22), a loading ramp (26), a bed ramp (24), and an elevated cage (20). The loading ramp (26), the bed ramp (24), and the elevated cage (20), are positioned in a top loading position for loading a recreational vehicle onto the elevated cage (20). Then, the elevated cage (20) and the bed ramp (24) are positioned in a carry position and a second recreational vehicle (12) is loaded onto the bed ramp (24). The loading ramp (26) is then slidable into a stowed position underneath the bed ramp (24) for transport.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method for growing a plant sprayed with hard water while inhibiting the formation of crystalline mineral deposits on the plant. According to the present invention, an effective amount of 1-hydroxyethane 1, 1-diphosphonic acid (HEDPA) is admixed with water and sprayed on the plant resulting in the formation of an amorphous powder on the plant. According to another aspect of the present invention, the method further includes providing mechanical agitation to prevent a buildup of amorphous powder on the plant.

Abstract: A dynamic artwork having a pendulum support and a plurality of pendulums positioned side-by-side on the pendulum support wherein each pendulum comprises a plurality of spaced apart end members and an interconnecting central structure which includes a hub. The hubs mount on the pendulum support such that the pendulums have pivotal movement about a horizontal axis. The end members of each pendulum have sufficient mass to provide inertia power for a plurality of swings of each pendulum in response to a starting force applied to the pendulum. Each pendulum swings back and forth about its horizontal axes, within a vertical plane, adjacent each other pendulum until the motion is damped out.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and mixture for cooling fruit on the tree or vine while inhibiting the formation of scales or deposits on the fruit. The method and mixture provide admixing an effective amount of 1-hydroxyethane 1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDPA) with cooling water before the cooling water is sprayed onto the fruit with cooling water.

Abstract: A safety line anchor (20) is installed on a peaked roof (12) to provide safety line connection points (36) for a worker (10) working on or near the roof. When installed, a first leg (24) and a second leg (26) of the safety line anchor (20) extend down either side of the peaked roof (12). The anchor (20) is installed by use of attachment means located on the legs (24, 26) of the anchor (20).

Abstract: The present invention provides a shelf divider system (10) for organizing merchandise on a shelf (16). The system (10) comprises a shelf divider (12) and an edge member (14). In use, the shelf divider (12) may be snap-fit to the edge member (14) by connecting a hook (84) on the shelf divider to a bead (20) on the edge member.

Abstract: An inexpensive rodent trap (10) is provided which may be set and emptied without a user contacting the trap (10) near a striker portion (36) of the trap (10). The trap (10) is effective for trapping a rodent (8) without bait since the trap (10) is configured such that the rodent (8) will enter the trap (10) as the rodent (8) moves along a floor (26) near a wall (14).

Abstract: A disinfecting system (10) for an applanating surface (12) of an applanation tonometer (16) includes an absorbent, deformable wick (18), a vial (40), and a holder (20). In use, the wick (18) is saturated with a disinfecting solution, then the applanating surface (12) of the tonometer (16) is brought into contact with the saturated wick (18) for approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

Abstract: Dredging apparatus (10) is provided with a flow conduit (18), a first pump (28), a second pump (30), and two valves (34, 44). The flow conduit (18) comprises a first leg (20) extending downwardly to a lower portion (22) and a second leg (24) extending upwardly from the lower portion (22). A fluidizing nozzle (32) is carried by the first leg (20). An intake aperture (26) is provided on the lower portion (22) and is directed downwardly. The dredging apparatus (10) may be used to dredge up material when the material is in a water suspension (48), and to probe through material by scattering material. The valves (34, 44) are operated to switch the apparatus between various modes of operation and to increase the effectiveness of the apparatus.

Abstract: A self-anchoring, artificial reef, and a self-anchoring beach stabilizer locatable to the bottom of a body of water, is provided from an assemblage (22, 22A, 22B) of used vehicle tires. Each vehicle tire (10) has sidewalls (16) and an interconnecting tread (12). At least some of the vehicle tires are radially severed completely through the sidewalls (16) and tread (12) to form opposite out ends (24), and partially severed substantially through the sidewalls (16) while maintaining an uncut tread portion (26). A plurality of cut tires (32) may be positioned together to form an assemblage (22, 22A, 22B). In the assemblage (22, 22A, 22B), the cut ends (24) of each severed tire (32) are oriented apart from each other. The configuration of the structure provides safe havens (14) for aquatic life when employed as a reef, and provides erosion stabilization characteristics when employed as a beach stabilizer.