Abstract: A vent plug for a milking liner has an inlet that faces the outer surface of the liner. The position of the vent inlet reduces the likelihood that it will become clogged with debris from the floor of the milking parlor. In one embodiment, the vent plug has a plurality of redundant inlets that allow the vent plug to function if one of the inlets becomes clogged. In another embodiment, the inlet is angled at a nonparallel angle with respect to the vent passage.

Abstract: A vent plug for a milking liner has a shielded inlet that reduces the likelihood that it will become clogged with debris from the floor of the milking parlor. In one embodiment, the vent plug has a plurality of redundant inlets that allow the vent plug to function if one of the inlets becomes clogged. In another embodiment, the inner flange of the body of the vent plug is at least twice the thickness of the body tube to help secure the vent plug in the milking liner.

Abstract: A locking device for a disc retaining hub includes a base and a head that lock together over the hub to lock a disc on the hub until a portion of the locking device is destroyed. The head or the base of the locking device includes locking fingers that allow the head and base to lock together in a one-way snap fit connection. The locking mechanism may also cooperate with the disc retaining hub to lock itself to the hub. The locking mechanism prevents the disc from being removed from the hub until the locking mechanism is destroyed by the user.

Abstract: A saddle for a backing assembly in a rolling mill has non-cylindrical bearing surfaces that accommodate wear by allowing the saddles to self-align. The non-cylindrical bearing surfaces help prevent the needle bearings from being pinched and driven into the gear rings. The non-cylindrical bearing surfaces are provided in different locations such as intermediate the eccentric and eccentric ring or intermediate the eccentric ring and the saddle ring.

Abstract: A bug killing device includes a body that defines a combustion chamber with a candle disposed in the combustion chamber. The burning candle produces heated gases that include carbon dioxide. A first bait receptacle is disposed above the combustion chamber with bait being disposed in the first bait receptacle such that the heat from the burning candle warms the bait receptacle to evaporate bait into an electrified grid.

Abstract: A fishing lure resists flipping over while in fast rough water being fished at different speeds so the person fishing the lure can control the action of the lure to simulate natural bait when fishing at different depths, including close to the bottom. One embodiment provides a spoon-shaped body having a hook extending from the rear of the body. A shank assembly is slidably disposed through the body. Another embodiment provides a spoon-shaped body having a hook extending from the rear of the body. A shank assembly is slidably disposed through the body with spinning blades attached to the upper and lower ends of the shank assembly.

Abstract: A tool for positioning a plurality of templates with respect to a curved rail includes a flexible spine that carries a plurality of templates. Each of the templates defines an opening adapted to guide a cutting tool to form a picket hole in the rail. The templates are evenly spaced along the longitudinal direction of the flexible spine so that the picket holes are evenly spaced when cut. A clamp may be associated with each template to hold the tool with respect to the rail.

Abstract: A lane marker mask includes a visible surface configured to match the road surface where the mask will be used. The visible surface may be created by photographing the road surface immediately adjacent the eventual location of the mask and printing the photograph onto the visible surface of the masking material. An adhesive is disposed on the bottom of the masking material and a protective top coating is disposed over the printed image to protect the image during use. In another embodiment of the invention, a series of road surface images are provided in a printed or electronic catalog. The user selects the image to be used on the visible surface of the mask by comparing the target road surface to the images presented in the catalog. Masks made in accordance with this invention are less distracting to motorists because they blend into the surrounding road surfaces.

Abstract: A remote tiller control system includes a drive unit mounted to the tiller. The drive unit is adapted to move the tiller back and forth when selectively powered. A handheld remote control transmitter unit is provided to remotely control the drive unit and thus the position of the tiller. The drive unit includes a motor-drive gear that engages a curved rack. The motor is fixed to the tiller while the rack is fixed to a control arm. The end of the control arm is tied off to the boat to create the leverage needed to counteract the steering force on the tiller. Rotation of the gear against the rack creates a moment which drives the tiller.

Abstract: An indicator device for alerting the driver of a pickup truck to the orientation of the tailgate includes a housing assembly and an indicator assembly carried by and extending from the housing assembly. The housing assembly is attached to the tailgate of the pickup truck in a position that causes at least a portion of the indicator assembly to extend from the side of the truck so that the driver can see the extending portion in the side view mirror of the truck. Viewing the position of the indicator assembly allows the driver of the truck to ascertain the position of the tailgate.