Abstract: A laser controlled automatic grade control system for finishing plastic concrete mounts the finishing tool behind the support towers to resist furrowing. The system functions with a variety of elongated, multi-section concrete finishing tools such as triangular truss screeds or the like, all of which can be quick connected or disconnected from the tower system. Skis that support the device facilitate sliding, winch-driven movement over and through plastic concrete. Spaced apart, vertically upwardly extending towers support the device along the length of the finishing tool. The towers are cylinder-adjustable in length. Cylinder extension and retraction are governed by a sensor-controlled system that is laser operated. The sensors respond to a preestablished laser beacon to control finishing tool elevation as the device traverses the pour in response to its winches.

Abstract: A multiple player word forming game is disclosed. The game uses a board, a cup and a plurality of cards. The cards are randomly transferred to and from the players. The players use the cards to form words. In the best mode, a game board defines a flat surface bounded by a peripheral wall upon which the cup freely travels about. A player begins a turn by spinning the cup, which eventually lands upon a card transfer space. The card transfer space dictates whether the player either draws or passes cards. The player transfers cards either from the deck or to a discard pile or to or from another player during a turn. Then the player attempts to spell a word by selecting cards in his hand and laying them face-up in front of him. Opponents may challenge the player's word. Any player who transfers all of his cards during a set becomes empty-handed and may not challenge words.

Abstract: A triple roller tube concrete finisher that uses rotating tubes to strike-off, screed and finish concrete. The machine rides upon concrete forms and comprises a box-like, generally parallelepiped, frame supported by a plurality of rotary rollers. The frame houses an engine, cleaning system and a hydraulic system. The engine powers the hydraulic system that rotates the rollers. Two of the rollers provide locomotion to the machine while simultaneously screeding and finishing concrete the machine moves over. Preferably, these drive rollers are bidirectional to facilitate forward and rearward movement of the finishing machine. One of the rollers functions like a strike-off to prevent ride up. This roller rotates counter to the drive rollers to grade and displace excess unlevel concrete away from the leading edge of the machine. Preferably, the vertical height of the strike-off roller and its axis of rotation may be adjusted to vary the resulting depth of the concrete passing thereunder.

Abstract: An anti-theft locking system surrounds and immobilizes vehicle steering wheels to immunize vehicles against theft and vandalism. The locking system preferably comprises a rigid, circular pan that surmounts the steering wheel and overlies the steering column. In this manner the vehicle air-bag compartment is protected. The pan has a rigid, peripheral rim that coaxially surrounds and ensconces the steering wheel ring. The steering wheel is thus rendered inaccessible to hack saws or cutting tools that are normally used by thieves to remove conventional steering wheel locks. An elongated locking assembly mounted on top of the pan is activated by a removable, elongated, rod that penetrates the locking assembly to fasten the pan on the steering wheel. The locking assembly is protected on top by a substantially tubular, protective shroud, and the lock bottom is protected by a compartment welded to the pan.

Abstract: A quick cleaning gutter system that attaches to the fascia of a building to collect and channel water from the roof to the building base. A shelf prevents damage to the gutter system. The gutter comprises several independently rotatable channels that are supported by several fixtures. The channels form a downwardly sloping liquid flow path. Rotatable connectors seal the junctures between the channels. The channels periodically intersect downspouts that redirect the water downwardly into drains. The downspouts may also be attached to the channels by connectors to facilitate channel rotation. The downspouts may be fixed or rotatable. The fixtures comprise a bracket assembly that captivates a rotatable inner collar. Preferably, a tongue and groove captivates the collar within the bracket assembly while permitting collar rotation. The collars revolve to rotate the channels. Spaced apart actuating cables extend from selected fixtures.

Abstract: A concrete finishing tool that quickly changes in length to selectively bypass columns, curbs and other obstacles during concrete finishing includes a unique foldable bypass system at an extremity that can be folded between extended and retracted positions. When actively deployed the bypass is aligned for finishing concrete. In the retracted position it assumes a clearance orientation out of contact with the concrete. The bypass comprises a finishing wing for contacting concrete, a linkage system and a vibrator. The wing may comprise a forward strike-off and a trailing float. The linkage system comprises a pair of abutting links interconnected at an axially offset intermediate pivot point. One of the links is pivotally attached to the tool and the other link is pivotally attached to the wing. When the linkage system folds the links are moved between length additive and length subtractive orientations.

Abstract: An articulated trailer utilizing two pivot points and an angular transfer system to control the radial movement of the front axle during turning is disclosed. The articulated trailer comprises an elongated carriage having two spaced-part, wheeled axles. The rear axle rigidly attaches to the carriage while the front axle is pivotally mounted. The carriage front end comprises two spaced-apart pivot points, a hollow jack column assembly and a tongue assembly. A structural assembly supports the jack column assembly and the tongue assembly. A draw bar extends from the tongue assembly to the draft vehicle. Tie-rods attach the ends of the upper tongue assembly to a pair of plates. The plates are interconnected by a shaft. A responder plate is coupled to an electric motor. The electric motor selectively rotates to effect the radial movement of the tongue assembly to transfer angular movement to the jack column assembly.

Abstract: A hearing aid designed to be affixed to a pair of eyeglasses used by the wearer or suspended from an ear mold that is lodged in the ear of the wearer is disclosed. The hearing aid is cosmetically disguised and may be worn by either males or females. The hearing aid comprises a hemispherically shaped ornamental outer shell that covers all of the components and circuitry of a conventional hearing aid. The hearing aid components are housed inside a casing. Preferably, the hearing aid uses a rotatable clasp to mount to the wearer's eyeglass frames or earlobe. In an alternative embodiment, the hearing aid does not mount to the wearer's eyeglasses. In a first preferred embodiment, a clasp secures the hearing aid to the wearer's eyeglasses. In a second preferred embodiment, a clip mounts the hearing aid to the wearer's eyeglass frames. In a third preferred embodiment, a cable tie mounts the hearing aid to the eyeglass frames through width adjustment slots in a projecting tab.

Abstract: A variable dimension hanging file frame system is equipped with adjustable corners permitting installation in either letter-sized or legal sized drawers. The system comprises two side rails, two cross member rods and two hoops joined by adjustable corners. The side rails slidably receive the corners and are longitudinally adjustable to alter the file containment area formed by the frame interior. The corners comprise a generally rectangular body and a slider that are slidably coupled together to vary the width of the frame interior. The slider receives the side rail and the body receives the rods and hoops. The body comprises a slot and a first pair of minor bosses that are horizontal and parallel to one another. The minor bosses receive the rod end portions and may alternatively receive barbed hoop ends. Preferably, a third minor boss is defined vertically to receive the hoop ends. The slot has a generally rectangular cross section and receives the slider.

Abstract: A limit line linear fish catching device having an elongated barrel and a coaxially disposed internal elastic spring humanely allows hooked fish to remain in the water until harvested. Preferably the elastic tube spring extends between a pair of spaced apart guiding elements coaxially centered within the device. A limit line interconnects both ends of the tube spring and limits the elongation of the spring. The limit line extends from the support through the device to the fishing line and interconnects the components of the device. The device is cocked by stretching the spring tube. The tube functions as a linear spring. The limit line from the bottom end of the barrel is secured by captivating a stop in a slot defined in the barrel end. When a fish strikes, the stop is dislodged from the slot, freeing the line. This action activates the spring which contracts and hooks the fish.

Abstract: An active fishing lure that impales a fish in response to an initial fish strike. The disclosed tackle comprises an elongated, durable stainless steel or resilient plastic casing that may be externally disguised as bait. The casing houses a trigger, a compression spring and a torsion spring. The casing also partially houses the secondary hook when it is cocked. The secondary hook rotates between a cocked position and a triggered position. The primary hook is attached to the trigger. The trigger temporarily secures the secondary hook in the cocked position with a projecting tang. The secondary hook is released by a fish strike upon the primary hook. When the trailing primary hook is attacked by a fish the trigger is displaced linearly within the casing to unleash the active or secondary hook. The torsion spring forcefully rotates the secondary hook toward a triggered position where it impales the fish. In this position, the disclosed device prevents the escape of the fish.