Abstract: A self-cleaning rake. In a preferred embodiment, a rake assembly couples to a conventional broom, mop, or other conventional yard implement handle. The rake handle attaches to a receiver in the header of the rake assembly. An operator uses a sliding, hand operated actuator that is coupled to a spreader by a link. In the preferred embodiment, the actuator exteriorly captivates a portion of the rake handle. In an alternative embodiment, my self-cleaning rake uses an interior actuator that is housed inside the rake handle. The rake handle also houses a substantial portion of the link. A hand grip protrudes from the side of the rake handle to facilitate operator manipulation of the actuator. The operator moves the actuator longitudinally along the rake handle. The longitudinal movement of the actuator forces the spreader to slide longitudinally along the rake tines to remove debris from the tines. The tines pivot inside a flange to move radially as the spreader moves longitudinally.

Abstract: A hand-operated, reciprocating slide hammer device for splitting wood or other workpieces. The splitter comprises an outer, elongated sleeve that internally receives a rigid, elongated tool control shaft. The sleeve is equipped with handles for gripping by a user so it may be first manually lifted upwardly and then forcibly drawn downwardly. An internal weight coaxially disposed at the sleeve top periodically slams the shaft when the sleeve is hammered downwardly. Alternate cutting tools including wedges, a root cutter, and an asphalt hammer, are disclosed. The selected tool is removably coupled to the shaft through a quick release collar system. The selected tool is manually placed in engagement with the workpiece, and thereafter pounded into the target as the sleeve vigorously hammers the shaft downwardly. Smooth, jam-free operation is insured by critical alignment guides disposed within an annulus between the shaft and the sleeve, and a venting orifice that facilitates periodic oiling.

Abstract: A mold and injection molding process for the production of a fishing lure having multiple, integral bristles extending vertically from the lure. The mold defines an internal cavity in communication with an injection port and a ventilation port. The internal cavity defines a fishing lure having a desired shape. The cavity contains a pair of porous halves that facilitate the formation of integral bristles. Molten material is injected into the cavity through the injection port while air escapes through the ventilation port. The molten material penetrates the porous insert to form the bristles. The bristles are concurrently and integrally molded with the rest of the lure. After curing, the fishing lure is removed from the mold.

Abstract: A reusable casket assembly comprising a two part burial system comprising an ornate, reusable outer shell that is mated to an inner capsule. The decorative shell esthetically and operationally covers the inner capsule in which the body is interred. The inner capsule functions without the outer shell. A preexisting ornate casket is converted into an ornate outer shell by simply removing the interior padding and bottom of the preexisting casket. Pins installed in the outer shell selectively lock the inner capsule therein. The inner capsule is preferably molded of durable plastic. Esthetic ornamentation is added to the exterior of the capsule to provide a suitable appearance. The inner capsule has indents molded into its side walls that selectively receive suitable pins installed in the outer shell. While the outer shell is combined with the capsule, the casket assembly functions and appears as a unitary casket. Alternatively, the inner capsule may be used alone.

Abstract: A self-propelled, dual motor, variable width riding trowel for finishing a concrete surface. The riding trowel comprises a frame mounting a seat for an operator and controls accessible by the operator for steering and controlling the trowel. Adjustable subframe blocks mount a pair of motors, each driving a bladed rotor for frictionally contacting the concrete surface and supporting the frame. Displaceable gearboxes, pivotally mounted to the subframe, transfer rotation from each motor to its rotor. The motors are interlinked by an extensible driveshaft extending between the gearboxes that synchronizes the rotors. Lever arms disposed beneath the frame tilt the gearboxes and rotors in response to the controls for steering the trowel. An extensible guard cage, mounted to the frame, prevents inadvertent contact between the rotors and foreign objects. The trowel may be expanded to receive finishing pans on the blades of the rotors. Expansion of the trowel requires displacement of several components.

Abstract: A guard clearance system for motorized riding trowels adapted to allow finishing of a slab surface immediately adjacent an obstacle. The system comprises a movable arc of trowel guard cage displaceably coupled to an end of the trowel guard cage and spaced apart buffer wheels mounted to the cage. The arc is displaceable between a deployed position generally aligned with a lower ring of the cage and a retracted position. When retracted an unguarded segment of the trowel rotor sweep is established, allowing the finishing blades to be deployed immediately adjacent a wall or other obstacle. A displaceable coupling for moving the arc between the deployed position and the retracted position extends from the cage to the arc. In a mechanical embodiment the displaceable coupling is a pair of slidably adjustable brackets extending from the arc to the cage. The displaceable coupling may comprise electromechanical elements for displacing the arc between deployed and retracted positions.

Abstract: A high velocity, weather resistant cooling fan for moving large volumes of air long distances can be disposed in either oscillating or non oscillating modes, either inside or outside. A rigid, generally tubular housing has a suitable guard defined on each end. A propeller mounted within the housing, coaxially disposed adjacent an intake venturi, is directly driven by an electric motor. The fan venturi inlet is formed by a flare defined in its housing at the intake end. A transition zone is defined within the tubular housing where the diameter of the flared end gradually reduces and smoothly merges with the uniform diameter of the housing. The propeller is mounted within the transition zone to stabilize air before discharge. A generally U-shaped yoke, rolled from welded, nested channels, pivotally mounts the fan. A stabilizer tube is preferred for sturdily mounting the yoke to a suitable post.

Abstract: A poultry feed restraint is disclosed and is adapted to control the eating habits of a selected bird. The restraint comprises an elongated, resilient body that penetrates the beak of the bird. The restraint is inserted through the bird's nostrils or nares to a midpoint. Then the restraint is rotated from the insertion position to a deployed position. A pair of opposing ramps rest upon the exterior of the beak to secure the restraint. A groove defined between the ramps facilitates the rotary movement of the restraint. The restraint prevents the bird from inserting its head into a feeder equipped with a guard or grill. The restraint may be used as part of a system to effectively control the consumption of feed by selected birds. In the system, a feeder with a grill disposed over its top is used. The grill has a predetermined access gap between its bars so that the unselected birds may eat freely from it.

Abstract: A concrete placing, screeding and finishing tool that bypasses columns, curbs and other obstacles during concrete finishing. An elongated finishing body comprises retractable bypass wings. The body comprises a front strike-off, a trailing float and a primary eccentrically weighted shaft extending through the body for vibrating it when vigorously rotated, The bypass is coupled to an outer end of the body and may be deployed either in an active position, aligned with the body for finishing concrete, or in a displaced clearance orientation out of contact with the concrete, The bypass comprises a finishing wing, a linkage system and a vibration mechanism, The wing comprises a forward strike-off, a trailing float and a reinforcing tread plate extending from the strike-off to the bull float, The linkage system comprises a bracket secured to an end of the body and a pair of locking, slidable struts extending from the bracket to the wing.

Abstract: A power conserving electronic parking meter system for receiving at least one type of payment element.

Abstract: A key chain alarm and light is disclosed that overcomes the problems associated with prior art personal alarms. The invention combines the functionality of a key chain, flashlight and an alarm into a unitary assembly. The invention is physically diminutive in size and ergonomically shaped to facilitate its handling. However, it produces an audible alarm significantly louder than other prior art devices. The invention utilizes a unique speaker assembly to produce an extremely loud alarm signal. A piezoelectric transducer provides the vibratory medium. The vibrations produced by the transducer are acoustically focused and harmoniously amplified by an acoustic chamber before passing into a reverberation chamber. The reverberation chamber also increases the amplitude of the sound waves before selectively releasing them to produce the alarm signal. This signal immediately draws attention to the user in emergency situations. The alarm is easily activated by simply moving a switch to activate the alarm.

Abstract: A solid state sensing and control device for monitoring either D.C. or A.C. currents of one or more phases that is ideal for protecting motors and other A.C. loads. The programmable monitoring device can detect an overload or an emergency and virtually instantaneously interrupt motor current to prevent burnout and reduce the danger of fire. High current conductors leading to the motor (or other load) are mechanically routed through current sensing coils. An LCD visible through the cabinet top displays menu information and data. Programming and command control are initiated by pressing one or more of a plurality of light buttons disposed beneath the cabinet that comprise OPIC transmitter-receiver pairs. An instrumentation amplifier is associated with each sensing coil, and the circuitry preferably outputs two amplified analog signals from each coil, the amplitude of the first being proportionately higher than the second.

Abstract: A quick connect rake system preferably comprising two rakes or similar yard tools pivoted together by a quick-connect tube system. The tube attaches to the handle of one rake and pivotally couples the handle of a second rake. The tube has a follower slot extending along one of its sides and a hole on the opposite side. The follower slot has an admission orifice at one end to receive the head of a conventional screw to attach the tube to the rake. The remainder of the slot captivates the head of a screw attached to a second rake. The captivation of the screw head pivotally couples the two rakes. The hole in the tube facilitates the permanent attachment of the tube to the rake.