Abstract: A livestock oiling and scratching device facilitates dispensing of oil and insecticide onto livestock as the livestock rubs against the device. The device includes a base and a pole coupled to the base. A reservoir for holding a fluid is coupled to the pole proximate an upper end of the pole. A cable is coupled to and extends between the pole and the base. A top section of the cable is in fluid communication with the reservoir wherein the cable is impregnated by the fluid. The cable extends through each of a plurality of tubes and discs. Each of the discs is positioned between an associated adjacent pair of the tubes. A circumferential edge of each disc is positioned in outwardly spaced relationship to the associated adjacent pair of the tubes.

Abstract: A caddy assembly for carrying a fishing rod includes a tripod that may be positioned on a support surface. A head is movably coupled to the tripod. The head is positionable at a selected angle with respect to the tripod. A handle is coupled to the head. The handle may be gripped. A carrier is coupled to the head. The carrier may carry a fishing rod.

Abstract: Provided is a reflective article including a first reflecting material and a second retro reflecting material; where sunlight that is photosynthetically active is at least partially reflected by the article and sunlight that is not photosynthetically active is at least partially retro reflected by the article. Also provided is a method for growing a plant, where the method includes placing the reflective article under, around, or in the proximity of the plant.

Abstract: A sprag clutch assembly for an aircraft drive wheel drive system capable of moving an aircraft autonomously on the ground in both forward and reverse directions is provided. The clutch is mounted within an aircraft drive wheel to be operatively engaged to control drive means braking torque when the aircraft is driven in a forward or reverse direction. The clutch assembly includes a plurality of pivoted sprag elements activatable to transmit torque and configured so that ratcheting occurs only when the aircraft drive wheel is driven in a forward direction and a braking torque is applied when the aircraft drive wheel is driven in reverse when the relative speed of the drive system is slower than the drive wheel speed, thereby permitting the drive system drive motor to function as a brake when the clutch assembly is engaged and the aircraft is reversing.

Abstract: A pet carrying system for carrying a pet by a wearer and securing the pet in a vehicle, including a pet harness and a carrier harness. The pet harness includes a pet harness panel and a pet strap coupled configured to selectively secure the pet harness panel to the pet. A pet harness attachment member is coupled to the pet harness panel. The carrier harness includes a carrier harness panel and a carrier harness attachment member coupled to the carrier harness panel and selectively engageable with the pet harness attachment member. A posterior support is coupled to the carrier harness panel and is configured to support a posterior portion of a pet. An anterior support is coupled to the carrier harness panel and is engageable with the posterior support. A carrier strap is coupled to the harness panel and wearable by the user or connectable to the vehicle.

Abstract: A vibration isolator includes an upper housing and a lower housing; an upper reservoir housing defining a upper fluid chamber; a lower reservoir housing defining a lower fluid chamber; a piston spindle resiliently coupled to the upper housing with an upper elastomer member, the piston spindle being resiliently coupled to the lower housing with a lower elastomer member; an elongated portion having a tuning passage; and a tuning fluid disposed there within. The vibration isolator cancels vibratory forces at an isolation frequency. The vibration isolator is utilized in a pylon system for mounting a transmission in an aircraft. The vibration isolator is located between a pylon structure and a roof structure. The isolator includes a spherical bearing assembly that is located near a waterline location of a rotational axis of a drive shaft.

Abstract: A fishing mechanism for selectively attaching a fishing device to a line is provided. In one example, the fishing mechanism comprises an elongated outer insert mechanism having a line path channel formed therein, the line path channel extending from one end of the elongated outer insert mechanism to its other end, and wherein the elongated outer insert mechanism further comprises an elongated opening that extends from said one to said other end, the elongated opening being configured such that the line may be placed through the elongated opening and into the line path channel without having to guide an end of the line through the line path channel from said one end to said other end.

Abstract: A bird feeder is provided having a seed reservoir with a side wall that has at least one seed access opening and an adjustable feed port assembly. The feed port assembly includes a base mounted to the side wall in a fixed relationship thereto and having a central opening in communication with the seed in the reservoir. Fitted to the base is a rotatable insert having a perch coupled thereto in fixed relationship so that the perch and insert rotate as a unit. The insert is rotatable between two positions, an upright position in which the perch is below the base central opening enabling birds to feed while standing on the perch, and an upside down position in which the perch is above the base central opening, requiring birds to hang upside down from the perch to feed.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a manhole cover, comprising: an upper transparent disc; a lower transparent disc coupled to the upper disc; and means for emitting electromagnetic radiation at a predetermined wavelength that is narrower than full spectrum, the means for emitting electromagnetic radiation operably coupled to the lower disc, wherein: the upper disc has a diameter larger than the lower disc, and the predetermined wavelength is configured to inhibit vermin from inhabiting the volume irradiated by the means for emitting electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating infestation in a wooden body is provided. The apparatus comprises at least one transducer configured to deliver High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) signals to at least one region of the wooden body. The method comprises scanning at least one part of the wooden body to identify at least one region of the wooden body infested with one or more pests. The method further comprises delivering HIFU signals to the at least one region of the wooden body infested with the one or more pests.

Abstract: A system that includes a ground unit that includes: a takeoff and landing platform; a landing and takeoff assisting module; and a housing. The takeoff and landing platform is arranged to hold and support an aerial unit during a first part of a landing process of the aerial unit and a first part of takeoff process of the aerial unit. The aerial unit is coupled to the ground unit via a connecting element. The effective length of the connecting element increases during the takeoff process and decreases during the landing process. The landing and takeoff assisting module is coupled to the takeoff and landing platform and is arranged to (a) lower the takeoff and landing platform into the housing during a second part of the landing process and (b) elevate the takeoff and landing platform during a second part of the takeoff process.

Abstract: A fishing rod foundation and methods for constructing and adjusting a fishing rig. The fishing rod foundation may include a cylindrical element inserted in a tubular, the tubular having at least three portions. The first portion and second portions may be configured to receive a rod blank. The third portion may be configured to provide a stop for fishing rod parts to be added to the fishing rod foundation exterior. The third portion may include a threaded section that engages a locking nut for locking and unlocking the position of the cylindrical element relative to the tubular. The method may include construction of a fishing rod by adding a rod blank and other parts to the fishing rod foundation. Another method may include adjusting the fishing rig using the locking/unlocking feature of the fishing rod foundation.

Abstract: A movable seat assembly for a vehicle comprises a predetermined path having an operational location at a first end and an ingress/egress location at a second end, and a seat that travels along the predetermined path between the operational location and the ingress/egress location, wherein the seat has an operational orientation at the operational location and an ingress/egress seat orientation at the ingress/egress location; the ingress/egress seat orientation being substantially angled relative to the operational seat orientation. Another moveable seat assembly for a vehicle comprises a predetermined path having an operational location at a first end, an ingress/egress location at a second end, and a standby location along the path there between; and a seat that travels along the predetermined path between the operational location, the standby location, and the ingress/egress location; wherein the position of the seat is adjustable at the operational location.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an fishing lure (10) having a mechanically-actuated tone generation device (15, 25) which produces one or more lower frequency tones alone. Additionally, the tone generation device (15, 25) may also generate a higher frequency tone through mechanical actuation (15, 50) and/or may be combined with a separate mechanically-actuated higher frequency tone generation device (1185).

Abstract: A vertical gardening system includes at least one sheet of geosynthetic material hung generally vertically, and forming vertical channels extending top to bottom of the sheet on a rear side and including a plurality of small upwardly-open individual pockets on a front side and growing medium on both sides of the at least one sheet and located in both the channels and the pockets. A related method includes providing a portable stand and supporting on the stand a sheet with vertical channels and pockets as defined above, growing plants in the pockets with their roots extending into the channels, and moving the stand to promote plant growth, including one of moving the stand to orient the plants toward sunlight during daylight, or moving the stand between a first location of optimal sunlight and a second location of optimal protection against freezing.

Abstract: An air-to-surface surveillance and/or weapons system includes a base aircraft and an unmanned slave aircraft that can be uncoupled from a base aircraft and coupled back to it again. The base aircraft and slave aircraft are equipped with coupling equipment designed to work together. The base aircraft is equipped with surveillance and monitoring equipment. The slave aircraft is equipped with monitoring equipment and/or weapons. The slave aircraft can be connected to a control station via a data link for data exchange and can be controlled from this control station.

Abstract: An anchor for use with a buoyant decoy used in hunting has a hollow anchor housing configured for detachable engagement with the buoyant decoy, the hollow housing having an anchor head portion, a ballasted and ballastible anchor shaft portion and a hook portion unitary connected to the anchor shaft portion. A reel assembly with a spool of an anchor line is positioned in the anchor housing. The spool is rotated by a detachable crank handle to rewind the anchor line into the housing. A spring-operated release plunger is positioned within a bore formed in the head portion. When the plunger is depressed, the anchor line can be extended and/or retrieved. A hook on a free end of the anchor line allows detachable securing of the anchor housing to the keel of the decoy.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to fishing lures, and more specifically, to a contracting fishing lure that provides life-like movement to mimic live bait. The fishing lure is configured so that when the fishing lure is retrieved (e.g., reeled in) or jigged by an angler, or the fishing line is pulled or twitched, the fishing lure transitions from a first non-contracted position to a second contracted position. The purpose of the invention is to provide a fishing lure that will successfully attract fish by displaying a unique action in the water.

Abstract: A pest control dispersal spray system for a building preferably includes a reservoir having a cavity housing a pest control agent. The reservoir has a discharge mechanism selectively expelling the existing pest control agent outwardly and away from the reservoir while the reservoir remains at a stationary position. A discharge nozzle may be attached to the reservoir and may be in fluid communication with the cavity. A plurality of interconnected tubes may be located exterior of the reservoir and may be in fluid communication with the discharge nozzle. In this manner, activation of the discharge mechanism causes the existing pest control agent to flow through the cavity, egress the reservoir via the discharge nozzle, and thereafter travel along the interconnected tubes such that the existing pest control agent is dispersed outwardly from the interconnected tubes while the reservoir remains stationary.

Abstract: A vibration attenuator for an aircraft has at least one weight mounted in a rotating system of a rotor hub of the aircraft, each weight being rotatable about an axis of rotation of the hub relative to the hub and to each other weight. Drive means are provided for rotating each weight about the axis of rotation at a selected speed for creating oscillatory shear forces that oppose and attenuate rotor-induced vibrations having a selected frequency. A vertically oriented vibration attenuator is configured to oppose and attenuate vertical rotor induced oscillatory forces that would otherwise travel vertical down the rotor mast and into the airframe.