Abstract: The fishing device has a large buoyant base and an openable compartment which is mounted on top of the base to ride above the water line to help protect an electrical signalling mechanism within the compartment. A cover assembly is removably mounted over the compartment, and can be moved manually to an opened position to permit access to the signalling mechanism. A large handle on the cover permits either the cover to be opened, or enables the entire device to be removed quickly and efficiently from the water to retrieve a fish. The handle can also be used to attach the device to other similar devices. The signalling mechanism emits a light signal, which is visible at night for night fishing.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a spinner fishing lure of novel design, construction and function, which eliminates the conventional wire harness commonly used in the prior art. The inventive lure is completely snagless and weedless, and it is capable of being retrieved at any desired depth. Upon retrieval, the lure moves from side-to-side and zig-zags in imitation of the movements of a swimming bait fish, and it also pulsates and vibrates vigorously to additionally attract any fish in the vicinity. Additional features and advantages of the inventive lure are set out in the detailed description.

Abstract: The automatic soldering method and related device of this invention can perform both spot soldering and continuous soldering at any soldering position through the application of heat to both the soldering spot and the string solder, using as a heating means, a light beam such as a laser beam. This thus avoids the use of a soldering iron as a heating means and further, the soldering spot is not damaged since heat can be applied to the spot and string solder by a "non-contact" means.

Abstract: A modified hemostat adapted to be used as a multipurpose fishing tool has a clamping section, a fulcrum and handles. The clamping section has a first short space proximate to the tips and a longer space proximate to flat-shaped sections adjacent the fulcrum. The spaces are on the inner surface of the clamping section and are formed by cavities in the jaws. The jaws should be designed to be in substantial contact when the hemostat is in the closed position. The unit can also have crimpers, cutters and vices on its inner surfaces.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for the trapping of animals in a humane manner whereby the animal is not injured during the trapping process, nor is it subject to injury following trapping. The trap comprises an elongate chamber having a top, bottom and two sides, and end covers which are in the form of slidable doors. The floor of the chamber includes a pair of hinged panels which are in a slightly raised position when the trap is set. A link system projects upwardly through an opening in the top of the chamber and is attachable to the trap's triggering mechanism. The trap is generally set by lockingly engaging the end covers in a raised position and engaging the link system with the trigger mechanism. When an animal enters the trap and steps upon the raised floor panels, the triggering mechanism is actuated which unlocks the end panels from their raised position and permits them to drop to a closed position, thereby safely entrapping the animal within the chamber.

Abstract: A fishing rod hanger is disclosed wherein a plurality of cooperating brackets support a fishing rod. Each of the brackets comprises a cylindrical channel surface adapted to receive a portion of the rod. The cylindrical channels include a channel passageway which is obstructed with a latch element whereby the rod is securely supported in the brackets.

Abstract: An underwater spear assembly, including a shaft and a detachable sharpened tip, and an extension tip which is slidably attachable to the sharpened tip, a flexible cable attached between the extension tip and a releasable clamp slidably mounted on the shaft and which cable can be readily detached from the clamp to remove the spear tip assembly from a fish by pulling the free end of the cable through a hole in a fish made by the spear assembly. The clamp includes a 45.degree. angled inclined portion which provides a bending of the cable and the required tension on the cable to inhibit the tip from falling off the spear during firing thereof from a spear gun. The clamp includes a compression spring between the inclined portion and the sleeve so that the cable stop may be released upon movement of the inclined portion away from a passageway through a lateral flange of the sleeve.

Abstract: A bird decoy including a body and a flapping mechanism mounted therein is disclosed. The flapping mechanism moves a pair of wings, which oscillate with respect to the body. The flapping mechanism includes a battery-operated motor, which creats a rotary motion, which rotary motion is transformed into reciprocal motion and which is in turn transformed into pivotal or oscillatory motion about a pair of pivot points. A method of the invention shows how a bird decoy body can be modified to include the flapping mechanism.

Abstract: Improvements in the use of solar cell panels with respect to certain fishing equipment; providing solar cell panel power for aerators used in water containing live bait held in bait buckets or containers; a solar cell panel or panels mounted on, in or in conjunction with top closure members of live bait containers for fishing wherein the position of the top can be adjusted from horizontal to receive maximum solar energy by tilting the top closure and properly positioning the live bait container with respect to the position of the sun; live fishing bait containers utilizing an aerator therein for the water receiving the live bait inside the container wherein the aerator is alternately driveable by a solar cell panel incorporated into the top closure member of the bait container or a separate battery, said battery being rechargeable and also rechargeable from energy provided by the solar cell panel array.

Abstract: An improved system for baiting fishhooks attached to a fishing line is disclosed. The system comprises a line storage unit and a baiting unit. A fishing line is drawn out of the storage unit and through a bait hopper which contains a series of bearings and deflectors. The hopper is filled with a mixture of liquid and baits, and as the fishing line with attached hooks is drawn through the mixture, each fishhook snags a bait before exiting the hopper. The hopper may include a rotating bearing for varying the path of the fishing line and hooks through the liquid/bait mixture, thus increasing the likelihood that each hook will be baited. The motion of the fishing line as it is drawn through the mixture creates a circulation, which tends to prevent accumulation of the baits at the bottom of the hopper that could interfere with the baiting process.

Abstract: An otter board comprising a front board member and rear board member. The rear board member is connected to the front board member through variable connecting mechanism, so that the relative positions of both the front and rear board members may be freely adjusted.

Abstract: An apparatus having a curved member in a substantially closed configuration so as to define an ovate shaped confinement area wherein the curved member is formed from a material having a first hardness. A cross piece is connected to the curved member within the confinement area. A snap release mechanism disposed upon the curved member is movable between a first position for opening the configuration and a second position for closing the configuration. The curved member has a line engaging surface facing the confinement area having a material deposit thereon. The material deposit has a second hardness relatively greater than the first hardness.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the flow of solder and heat in metallic members. The apparatus includes a housing for receiving a portion of the metallic member in which the flow of solder and heat is to be controlled. A second portion of the metallic member in which the flow of heat and solder is desired is allowed to project from the housing. An inlet for a cooling medium is provided in the housing. According to the method of the invention, a cooling medium is directed into the housing, whereby molten solder and/or heat which is applied to the unenclosed portion of the metallic member is allowed to flow across the unenclosed portion but is terminated substantially at the point where the metallic member is enclosed by the housing.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for making a fast thermal response mold is disclosed. The apparatus has a plurality of rows with each row having a plurality of cavities. Each cavity in each particular row is interconnected by bores to allow a thermal medium to pass therebetween in a serpentine manner. Each cavity has a sleeve fixed therein and adapted to fit a mold. The sleeve eliminates the need for O-ring sealing means utilized in prior fast thermal response molds.

Abstract: A gas or liquid distribution system in a building for pest control in the building has a plurality of flexible tubes in the walls of the building. Each tube has a plurality of openings unevenly spaced along the side thereof along one end portion of the tube. Each tube passes through a predetermined zone in the building and has a portion without any openings extending back to a control distribution box attached to the side of the building. A panel inside the control distribution box has a plurality of openings passing therethrough and has the open end of each flexible tube attached through an opening in the panel using a special pipe end connector for connecting the tube to the panel. The pipe end connectors are color coded to indicate the amount of pesticide liquid needed to be distributed to the building zone for the particular tube. In addition, the panel has a coding system to indicate which pipe inlet is for which building zone.

Abstract: A heating device for electric mosquito killing apparatus is constructed by fixing a heating assembly comprising upper and lowed insulating members and a heating element arranged to be fed with electric current on the under face of a heat receiving plate having a plane for loading a mosquito killing mat thereon for evaporation by electric heating, each central part of the constituent members being provided with a hole for insertion of a sucking wick of a size allowing formation of a gap for evaporation of liquid mosquitocide around the wick.

Abstract: A novel spinner blade for use in spinner bait, buzz bait and crank bait lures. The blade comprises upstream and downstream ends connected by an intermediate spiral body section. Swivels connect the blade to the fishing line and hook so that the blade rotates in a straight-line action during line retrieval without the need of a fixed wire or shaft. Various lures are disclosed which utilize the novel blade design so as to present fish-attracting stimuli during lure retrieval.

Abstract: A waterfowl decoy comprising a solid molded body having a layer of burlap-like material adhesively secured to its outer surface. The fabric covering is coated with the adhesive. A shaped head is affixed to the body, and the coated fabric layer is painted to resemble a selected waterfowl species. A keel including means for securing and retaining an anchor line is provided on the bottom of the body. The keel includes a recess particularly adapted for retaining a deployed anchor line.

Abstract: A barrier against vermin crawling along an elongated structure. The barrier comprises an outer shell having a generally continuous side wall and an end wall which together define a cavity. A mounting means connects the outer shell to the elongated structure, and a pesticide is disposed inside the cavity for providing a vermin-deterring environment therein.

Abstract: A fish lure, simulating an earthworm or other annelid, includes a clitellum disposed intermediate its ends and eccentrically weighted relative to its central longitudinal axis such that the underside of the lure is weightedly-biased to face downward whenever the lure is in a body of water causing it, when falling to assume a U-shaped, life-like position. A paddle at the tail end of the lure causes the lure to move with a life-like wriggle as it drops through water. A lip proximate the head end of the lure likewise imparts a wriggling motion to the falling lure. The lip may be replaced with a medusa-like collar that opens and closes as the lure is drawn through water by a fishing line that is alternately pulled and relaxed.