Abstract: An improved ball valve for use between dual fuel tanks having a non-circular outlet aperture leading to the fuel line and engine that can allow fuel to pass therethrough even when the ball contained within the valve rests in the opening of the outlet aperture.

Abstract: A reversible line blade for a rotating trimmer includes a loading section configured to be securable for rotation with a head of the rotating trimmer, a living hinge extending from the loading section, and a transition section extending from the living hinge and having a first cross-sectional shape with matching leading edge and trailing edge geometries. A cutting segment extends from the transition section and has a second cross-sectional shape that is different from the first cross-sectional shape. With matching lead edge and trailing edge geometries, the same line blade is functional for both clockwise trimmers and counter-clockwise trimmers.

Abstract: A golf putting aide locatable between a golf ball and a golf hole for use by a golfer putting the ball toward the hole to train the golfer to putt. The aide includes a frame supported by a support, the frame having a gap located at a lower portion of the frame and oriented so that during use of the aide when the ball is putted through the frame toward the hole the ball will pass through or below the slot on its path to the hole.

Abstract: A sports aide for training a player to throw or kick a ball, comprising a spinning ring positionable proximal to the player and sized for passage of a ball therethrough, wherein during use of the aide the player will throw or kick the ball and attempt to have the thrown or kicked ball pass through the spinning ring.

Abstract: A basketball shooting aide locatable between a player shooting a basketball and a basketball goal to help the player to recognize an opportune moment to take a shot, to develop quickness in taking the shot at the moment, and to develop shooting accuracy. The aide includes a frame supported by a support, the frame having a gap located at an upper portion of the frame and oriented so that during use of the aide when the basketball is shot through the frame toward the goal the basketball will pass through the slot on its path to the goal.

Abstract: A tool having a flexible shaft, a first end and, a second end and capable of being bent about its axis. The tool transfers rotary motion from a device to tool. The shaft, manufactured from a rigid material, has at least one flexible segment, each flexible segment have at least one sinuous slot ascending in a helical path. With multiple segments, the helical path of the slots can be opposite or the same. With one or more segments having multiple slots, the slots can be parallel or have opposite ascensions, thereby crossing one another. The helical paths can vary within each segment or from segment to segment.

Abstract: An improved flexible component used for dynamic stabilization of spinal segments for the treatment of vertebrae deformities and injuries and for the replacement of a complete or segment of the body of a vertebra in the spine is described. The flexible component is comprised of a solid, suitable implant material with a longitudinal bore the entire length and an appropriately formed slot which extends spirally around the shaft either continuously or segmentally. The flexible component may be encapsulated, fully or partially, in a suitable implant grade elastomeric resilient material. When used for a dynamic stabilization device, the component is attached to the vertebral bodies by pedicle screws know to those in the art. When used as a vertebral replacement device, attached to the component's opposite ends are members for attachment to the adjacent vertebra that allow for height and angular adjustment.

Abstract: A flexible fastening device having multiple segments, one or more of which are flexible and one or more segments that also include threads. The flexibility is created through the use of at least one helical slot formed generally in the center segment of the element. Additional flexible segments also have at least one helical slot in either the same helical rotation and pattern or in an opposite rotation and/or different pattern. An elastomeric material can fill the hollow body, extend into the slots and/or encompass the exterior. The flexible fastening device can have a hollow body, including leading and trailing edge, or can have a partially hollow body.

Abstract: A glider assembly for a handheld trimmer includes a glider shaft coupleable at one end with a rotating head of the handheld trimmer, and a glider plate connected to an opposite end of the glider shaft. The glider plate is part-spherical or saucer shaped and includes a concave side and a convex side. A bearing acts between the glider plate and the glider shaft. The assembly enables an operator to rest the weight of the trimmer on the ground during use while controlling a cutting height.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing a flexible circuit board having gold selectively plated on only desired elements of the conductive circuits. These desired elements typically are attachment sites, such as wire bond pads or ball grid array pads, for semiconductor chips. This method eliminates the requirement to buss all circuits to a common plating contact by using a background seed metal for plating continuity. This method also provides a means to alleviate the requirement for precise registration or alignment when multiple photoresist layers are employed in order to selectively plate only a portion of the metallic elements present on the flexible circuit board. The defect of resist lifting followed by nickel/gold underplating is eliminated by conditioning the intermediate photoresist to survive the nickel/gold plating bath.

Abstract: A push-pull control cable assembly having a casing of a predetermined length with a core slidably received therein. A push-through-to-lock anchor fitting is provided at each end of the casing. A fixedly positioned terminal end fitting is secured to the core through an end rod. The fixedly positioned terminal end fitting employs a receiver with a blind bore. A slot in the receiver transversely intersects the blind bore, and a locking tab is received in the slot to be selectively slidable between first and second positions. The locking tab has an aperture. The aperture permits a connecting spur to be inserted therein and withdrawn therefrom when the locking tab is in its first position. The aperture engages the connecting spur to preclude withdrawal thereof when the locking tab is in its second position. A selectively positionable terminal end fitting is secured to the core through another end rod. The selectively positionable terminal end fitting has a housing.

Abstract: A push-pull control cable assembly having a casing of a predetermined length with a core slidably received therein. A push-through-to-lock anchor fitting is provided at each end of the casing. A fixedly positioned terminal end fitting is secured to the core through an end rod. The fixedly positioned terminal end fitting employs a receiver with a blind bore. A slot in the receiver transversely intersects the blind bore, and a locking tab is received in the slot to be selectively slidable between first and second positions. The locking tab has an aperture. The aperture permits a connecting spur to be inserted therein and withdrawn therefrom when the locking tab is in its first position. The aperture engages the connecting spur to preclude withdrawal thereof when the locking tab is in its second position. A selectively positionable terminal end fitting is secured to the core through another end rod. The selectively positionable terminal end fitting has a housing.

Abstract: A connector assembly includes a connector having an inner member with first and second open ends and a bore extending therebetween. The inner member is formed of a material which is impervious to a particular fluid to flow through the connector assembly. An outer member encapsulates the inner member and is formed of a material dissimilar from the material of the inner member, which material resists abrasions and other deleterious elements to which the connector is exposed. Flexible retaining latches are formed integrally on the outer member of the connector and snap over an annular projection formed on a tubular conduit upon insertion of the conduit through the first open end and into the bore of the inner member. An elastomeric seal disposed in the bore of the inner member provides a fluid tight seal between the conduit and inner member. Another elastomeric seal is located within the bore of the inner member adjacent the second open end, and provides a fluid tight seal with a tubular member inserted therein.

Abstract: A clip for retaining a conduit trapped in an end of a connector has a pair of resilient legs extending from an arcuate-shaped end member which occupies a relatively small amount of space around the periphery of the connector when the clip is connected thereto. Each of the legs includes an end finger which forms an acute angle with an outside edge of the leg and which locks around the outside of the connector housing when the clip is inserted in one of a pair of opposed slots or apertures formed in the housing. A guide tab extends from the end member and slides into a channel formed in the connector housing to insure that the clip faces the correct direction when inserted into the connector. The legs have chamfered inner front surfaces which slidably engage a front end of the conduit to allow the conduit to deflect the legs apart and slidably move between the legs. A flat back surface of the clip legs cooperates with an enlarged annular collar of the conduit to retain the conduit within the connector.