Abstract: A pair of fastening hook-and-loop patches, consisting of a flexible and decorative hook patch and a flexible and decorative loop patch is permanently attached to a mated pair of complementary items by embroidery which provides enhanced attachment and resistance to curling and inadvertent disassociation with the article of clothing. The mated pairs of complementary items may include articles of clothing or other articles of manufacture. The decorative embroidered applique patches on a single pair of complementary items are unique and aid in mating assorted individual complementary items based on the shape and color of the fastening patch embroidered to the complementary item. The decorative nature of the patches is useful in attracting a child's attention to the fastening device, which results in the child's interest in participation in mating items, such as socks, which may be separated from their complementary mates.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for defining a landscape boundary. The invention comprises a longitudinal log having spaced apart ends, one of which is pronged and the other is flanged. The pronged and flanged ends are configured so as to engage one another by virtue of a pivot pin or locking pin arrangement. In this fashion, several logs can be fastened together and arranged in a variety of curved paths if necessary so as to define a landscape boundary. The invention also includes a lighting element to provide illumination to the landscape where the invention is used. The method of the present invention is directed to the steps of constructing a landscape boundary incorporating the apparatus of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for positioning planks or other articles which are to be set on a framework. The invention includes a platform having feet to stabilize the platform with respect to the framework. A connecting rod, a guide brace and a platen are all pivotally attached to the platform. The connecting rod has a proximal and distal end. The distal end of the connecting rod is attached to an end of the guide brace as well as the platen. The opposite end of the guide brace is pivotally attached to the platform. The proximal end of the connecting rod is pivotally attached to a handle assembly which in turn is pivotally connected to the platform. A rotational torque applied to the handle is transmitted by the handle assembly to the connecting rod which in turn causes the platen to apply a force to the plank or other article to be bent.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for mounting and supporting objects on shopping carts, comprising a mounting member and a U-shaped clamp configured to receive the handle of a shopping cart and capable of adjustable attachment to the mounting member. The mounting member has spaced apart ends extending from a central portion having spaced apart bores. The U-shaped clamp has outturned ends with slots positioned to align with the bores of the central portion of the mounting member for adjustable attachment thereto. The bracket assembly may include a support member configured to operably engage an inner surface of the mounting member and attached to the mounting member at the central portion and one of the spaced apart ends of the mounting member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for teaching azimuths. The present invention discloses a game or simulation using azimuths to locate targets placed on the game board of a player's opponent. The player alternate turns in an attempt to hit the targets on the opposing player's board. The first player to hit all of the targets on the opposing player's board wins the game. The apparatus therefore includes at least one game board having a plurality of spaces, reference points from which azimuths can be selected, and a mechanism for determining which of the spaces is hit by the intersection of two azimuths from the preselected reference points. The method incorporates the use of the present inventive apparatus for play. Alternative game boards, azimuth mechanisms, and rules are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enclosing and heating a fluid flow control device. The apparatus includes a cover assembly and a heater element. The heater preferably has an elongated body for placement on or adjacent to the ground on which the fluid flow device extends. The method is directed to the use of the apparatus and positioning the heater in order to establish a substantially uniform thermal gradient within the cover in the range of less than two degrees per vertical inch of elevation.

Abstract: A firearm rest comprising a base and a rifle seat component. The rifle seat component is attached to the base by a cooperating pin connection or formed integral therewith. The base includes at least one channel capable of receiving a tie down member such as a rope or other article for secure attachment to a vertical support surface. The base also includes a platform having a plurality of pin receiving bores. The seat component includes a channel which includes an optional cushion for receiving a rifle. The seat includes upwardly projecting walls and a pin extending substantially perpendicular from the walls. The pin or pins are configured to be received within the bores of the base.

Abstract: A track section for pivotally interconnecting sections of toy vehicle track comprising at least two pivotally attached segments, each segment having a top surface, a bottom surface, and spaced apart ends. The track section further comprises cooperating rails that form a substantially continuous path for guiding the movement of a toy vehicle when one segment is positioned at an angle relative to another of the at least two segments. The rails partially define a pair of spaced apart parallel channels along with a median on the top surfaces of the segments. The track section includes a coupling device comprising a prong protruding from one end of one of the segments along a central longitudinal axis, and a socket formed in one end of the other segment along a central longitudinal. The other ends of the segments include a connecting device comprising a cooperating flange and recess for pivotally connecting the segments wherein the flange of each segment is received within the recess of the other segment.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for processing gas discharge tubing. The apparatus includes a manifold pumping station, a fill and evacuation station and a data acquisition station. The data acquisition station enables the processor of the tubing to input, record and archive manufacturing data such as the identity of the electrode manufacturer, the tube length and diameter, the date of processing the serial number of the tube, the fill gas, the temperature of the glass during processing, the vacuum pressure inside the tube, the current used to bombard the tube, and other variables.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to stadium seating and stadiums incorporating the seating. The invention includes a unitary seat component having a platform seat portion and a back portion formed integrally with one another. The invention also includes a side support which is configured with a arcuate flange receiving channel enabling the seat component of the invention to be installed to the side component. In this fashion, spaced apart side components are useful for attaching a plurality of seats such that a seat is positioned between a pair of side supports and a side support positioned between adjacent seats is shared as a common armrest for each adjacent seat. A channel and track structure is provided to anchor the sides to the stadium or platform floor in the desired fashion.

Abstract: A method of forming a battery terminal of the type having an electrically conductive screw encased within a conductive material casting such as lead. The preferred method uses a pair of die halves axially aligned with one another. A casting of a battery terminal having upper and lower terminal portions is provided, along with an electrically conductive post or screw. The casting and screw are placed between the die halves. The die halves are compressively forced against one another. A forging cone causes the casting to be forced into the thread spaces of the screw or against the surface of the post and changes the exterior angle of the casting.

Abstract: A trimming apparatus comprising a platform, a plurality of wheels and a plurality of cutters. The platform has a kickback capability and is biased into an operable position, but capable of kicking back when the apparatus contacts rigid obstacles during the trimming operation. The cutting elements include a plurality of flexible blades having a cutting radius larger than the guide disks which are provided to contact obstacle and help the invention be steered around such obstacles. Optional bumpers are provided to further enable the device to "ride over" obstacles and uneven ground terrain. An independent power source such as an electrical or combustible engine having a drive shaft connected to a drive pulley which in turn is interconnected with the cutting elements by a cutter pulley and idler pulley arrangement so as to maintain a desired tension on the drive belt during operation of the device.