Abstract: The present invention relates to a nesting pad for poultry confinement structures in egg laying operations. The nesting pad is wire mesh with a plurality of longitudinal wires connected by a plurality of horizontal wires. The longitudinal wires have molded thereupon a pliable material such as a rubber composition. The pliable material forms ridges upon an upper surface of the longitudinal wire members. The horizontal cross members are molded with a sheath of said pliable material. The molded pad is acceptable to egg laying hens. The nesting pads are easy to clean and provide a poor habitat for poultry pests. Pliable ridges support freshly laid eggs and the pads can be shaped to fit existing confinement structures.

Abstract: An improved liftable cover for a vehicle such as a light truck. A pair of center pivoted cross members mounted to the lateral sides of the vehicle to support and lift said cover. The improvement is two pairs of slidable hinges each having a block pivotally connected to ends of the cross members. This block is permitted limited horizontal movement along a cylinder rod mounted to the lateral sides of the vehicle. The cross members are U-shaped with an open end that overlies the block providing a low profile cover in the lowered position.

Abstract: A stack flow rate measurement system and method utilizes the measured temperatures and pressures of the flue gases in a stack and the measured power supplied to a fan to calculate and display flue gas flow rate without direct measurement of gas velocities in the stack.

Abstract: A reinforced panel including a fiberglass reinforced plastic sheet and a framework having a plurality of interconnected beam members partially immersed within the plastic sheet. A plurality of woven straps soaked in plastic are pressed in perpendicular abutment with selected beam members with the ends of such straps being immersed within the plastic sheet. The plastic material, when completely solidified, bonds with the frame and the straps, thereby securing the frame to the sheet as a common structural unit. An alternative embodiment excludes the use of the straps and employs a cover bonded to the plastic sheet and the frame by plastics similar to that forming the plastic sheet.

Abstract: A slalom water-ski training device comprising a main channel member having a vertical upright member that is rigidly mounted substantially perpendicular thereto at one end thereof. At least two auxiliary support braces are connected at one end to the vertical upright member and connected at their opposite end to the main channel member. At least one stabilizing member is rigidly connected to and in substantial coplanar relation with the main channel member a proximate predetermined distance from the vertical upright member. A ski rope is detachably and reattachably connected to the vertical upright member at a free end distal the main channel member. A ski board is slidably and swivelly mounted to the main channel member. A resilient sliding resistance means is attached to the main channel member distal the vertical upright member and the ski board for the purpose of applying a substantially elastic resistance to the sliding longitudinal displacement of the ski board.

Abstract: A method for ventilating an animal enclosure using a plurality of closable ventilation openings. Sensors measure ambient outside temperature and ambient atmospheric pressure. A controller correlates said measurements for temperature, and pressure to determine a differential pressure between the interior of said enclosure and atmospheric pressure. Air is then transported by said fans to draw said air in a predetermined volume to achieve said determined differential pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting and prolonging the functional life-span of artificial fishing lures comprising a tubular body having a cylindrical portion integrally connected to a conically tapered portion which tapers radially inwardly to define an orifice. A bayonet styled slot is defined in the wall of said cylindrical portion and extends a predetermined distance from said open end toward said orifice. The bayonet slot is comprised of a longitudinal portion, an annular portion and a notch. The longitudinal portion may instead be a helical portion helically oriented along the wall of said cylindrical portion. A fishing line is threaded through the orifice in the conically tapered portion, then through a weight, then tied to an eyelet on a hook which is attached to a lure. The combination of weight, hook and lure is then concomitantly urged into said tubular body such that the weight frictionally engages the internal surface of the conically tapered portion.

Abstract: Wallpaper dispenser for automatically hydrating a film of glue pre-applied to one side of a roll of wallpaper. The dispenser includes a reservoir having a roll of wallpaper rotatably supported thereover and a roller for guiding the wallpaper within a quantity of water contained within the reservoir. A ramp is provided for cutting the wallpaper and includes a cutting ridge along which a cutting member is drawn to cut the wallpaper perpendicular to the length thereof. A tape measure and means for securing the tape measure adjacent the ridge are provided to indicate the point, forwardly of the ridge, adjacent which the forward margin of the wallpaper should be positioned. A slidable member is provided to automatically align the pattern on one strip of wallpaper with the same pattern on a previously cut strip when the strips are positioned in laterally adjacent relation and with the top margins thereof in alignment.

Abstract: A cervical collar for immobilizing the head and neck of a patient to a backboard. A base attached to posterior portion of said collar rests within a recess defined by a frame mounted upon said backboard. A sliding member secures said base within said recess of said frame and is locked into place by a pin and groove latch.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in a loading dock area to prevent any wheeled apparatus from accidentally falling off the loading dock. The leveler includes a ramp for supporting a load between a truck and a platform and also used to actuate a barrier, the barrier is operatively connected to the ramp through a plurality of links. The invention operates through the position of the ramp in relation to the platform top surface. When the dock leveler is in the stored position the ramp is at a 90.degree. angle to the dock leveler top surface. In this position the linkage has rotated the stop such that it protrudes above the surface of the deck. Thus forming the barrier so that no wheeled vehicles could accidentally roll off the end of the dock. When the dock leveler is below a level position, the linkage no longer acts to supports the barrier, so that the barrier falls back to the surface of the dock leveler, no longer forming a barrier.

Abstract: A continuous chain saw lubricating system employed in a tree delimbing and topping machine having a plurality of lubricant conduits connected to a piston cylinder which is divided into co-functioning and alternating receiving and discharge chambers by a piston. The designation of the chambers is dependent upon the direction of axial movement of the piston. The discharge chamber is defined by a pressure increase and the receiving chamber is defined by a pressure decrease. The pressure variations are such as to allow lubricant to be either drawn into the receiving chamber or discharged from the discharge chamber through a series of check valves connected to the piston cylinder. The piston is reciprocated by the tree delimbing and topping machine causing lubricant to be continuously supplied to the reciprocating chain saw during its cutting and retraction strokes.

Abstract: An automated periodontal probe uses a logic device to control the drive motor of a distendable probe rod. The movement of the probe rod is measurable and the force applied to the rod is quantifiable, therefore the device affords exacting repeatability of test procedures on periodontal tissues and permits an accurate survey of the gum pockets which survey may be displayed or recorded. Further the device can be calibrated to cause minimum discomfort to the patient.