Abstract: A trolling outrigger apparatus for trolling a fishing lure from a moving watercraft at a predetermined distance from the watercraft and at a specified depth using a sealed floating hull with a counter-steering rudder, a multiple line release clasps and a variable depth measuring device. The trolling outrigger method provides the benefits of covering a large area while fishing as well as the benefits of fishing at specified and consistent depths within the water.

Abstract: A concrete mixer including a mixing shell and a void located therein for receiving material to form concrete. The concrete mixing mechanism having a first blade mechanism spatially orientated to have a pitch capable of moving at least a portion of the material in a first predetermined direction and a second blade mechanism spatially orientated to have a pitch capable of moving at least a portion of the material in a second predetermined direction.

Abstract: A sensing device and a method for sensing the presence and absence of an object in a machine using the sensing device. The sensing device generally including a sensing mechanism, a resistive element, and a control mechanism communicatively coupled to the sensing mechanism and resistive element. The sensing mechanism being coupled to the resistive element. The method comprising actuating the sensing mechanism so that it senses the location of the object. Recording the voltage across the resistive element in the control mechanism when the sensing mechanism senses the location of the object. Reactuating the sensing mechanism at least one more time to sense the location of the object. Measuring a subsequent voltage across the resistive element when the sensing mechanism is reactuated and comparing the subsequent voltage with the recorded voltage across the resistive element when the resistive element sensed the location of the object.

Abstract: A convertible wagon adaptable for a multitude of functions, and containing several compartments with hinged doors for storing equipment being transported to a site, and at the same time being capable of carrying a passenger or article resting on its topside. The compartments may be insulated for carrying hot or cold food items. The wagon may also be arranged for transporting a child-bearing car seat.

Abstract: A chimney moisture seal for use in combination with a chimney bounded by at least one wall of a building. The building having at least one roof having a predetermined level. The chimney having at least one end portion extending through the roof. The chimney including a veneer wall and a flue including a plurality of flue tiles coupled at a plurality of flue joints, an air space having a predetermined dimension located between said veneer wall and said flue, and a chimney cap mechanism located on said exterior end of said chimney and coupled to at least a portion of said flue and said veneer wall. The improvement being a moisture barrier structure mounted in the air space. The moisture barrier structure is positioned below the predetermined level of said roof. A method for preventing deterioration of an exterior veneer wall of a chimney structure. The method comprising mounting a moisture sealing mechanism and sealing a predetermined portion of said air space between said veneer wall and said flue.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved loose tenon joint with multiple arculate mortise surfaces and similarly configured loose tenon member for woodworking applications. A jig is provided arranged to be secured to a workpiece where the jig axially guides a drill bit for boring a series of adjoining holes forming a mortise. The first jig embodiment manipulates a slidable guide bar maintaining longitudinally spaced drill guide holes and two index holes. A hand held drill is used to bore a series of holes (fixtured by the drill guide holes) into the workpiece. A second series of holes are bored (completing the mortise) after the drill guide is translated and secured to the second index hole. A second embodiment is provided including a stationary jig body arranged to be secured to a workpiece. An elongated opening in the jig body supports a drill guide with longitudinally spaced drill guide holes. A hand held drill is used to bore a series of holes (fixtured by the drill guide holes) into the workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning work pieces is disclosed, having a tub structure wherein cleaning liquid is introduced and a predetermined number of play balls are placed. A motor is coupled to the supporting frame. The motor generates the power to a brush mechanism which comprises an arm and a pair of brushes, with the arm's first end coupled to the first brush and the second end coupled to the second brush. The link between the motor and the brush mechanism is provided by a drive shaft structure. The drive shaft structure is substantially vertical, meeting the arm of the brush mechanism at a right angle. When the motor is functioning, the brush mechanism is activated and the brushes will clean the work pieces for a predetermined time. Once cleaning is complete, the supporting frame is rolled to one side of the tub structure and the work pieces may be removed.

Abstract: A retaining mechanism or lanyard for retaining a connecting member proximate to a point of connection. A flexible elongated member has an eyelet or loop on a first end, a connector having a connecting pin on the opposite end and a receptacle in between. The connecting member is placed between the connector and receptacle after which the connector is snap fit into the receptacle. The lanyard has unitary construction from a plastic material and requires no additional components during fabrication.

Abstract: A secondary footrest assembly is supplied for use by a passenger for use on a motorcycle to permit the passenger to vary his or her foot position. A preferred embodiment of the footrest assembly utilizes an elongated arm member arranged for support at its lower end, to a cantilever support member conventionally used to provide support to a foldable pedal-type footrest or to a conventional foldable peg-like footrest. The cantilever support member and the support at the lower end of the elongated arm member are each preferably configured in registering cross-section to prevent or resist torque exerted on the arm when foot pressure is applied to an alternate footrest extending from and supported by the distal end of the lever arm.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing the mechanical durability of a test surface finish of an object, such as a cooking vessel. The apparatus consists principally of a sliding support fixture operated by a gearmotor with an eccentric drive providing alternative forward and rearward movement to the fixture, scrapers for contacting the surface finish in a predetermined path, and individually operated coil springs for applying constant pressure to the scrapers during the test scraping cycle. A cam and lever combination is also supplied to raise the scrapers above the surface finish as they are returned to initial start position during cyclical test operation.

Abstract: A self locking suture lock having first and second stitch lock openings designed to receive suture thread in only one direction, thereby locking the thread against withdrawal after the stitch to complete and lock it without the need for a surgical knot. A tongue in the first and second openings will allow passage through each opening from one side to the other side but will not allow passage in the opposite direction. The suture needle insertion side of each opening may be distinctively colored so that a surgeon will know which side of the suture lock will accept the suture thread. A notch may also be formed in each opening to further prevent the removal of the surgical thread. The suture lock is fabricated from an absorbable material that will dissolve at the surgical site over a period of time.

Abstract: A self locking suture lock having first and second stitch lock openings designed to receive suture thread in only one direction, thereby locking the thread against withdrawal after the stitch to complete and lock it without the need for a surgical knot. A tongue in the first and second openings will allow passage through each opening from one side to the other side but will not allow passage in the opposite direction. The suture needle insertion side of each opening may be distinctively colored so that a surgeon will know which side of the suture lock will accept the suture thread. A notch may also be formed in each opening to further prevent the removal of the surgical thread. The suture lock is fabricated from an absorbable material that will dissolve at the surgical site over a period of time.