Abstract: The present invention discloses a device that can be affixed to a conventional fishing rod having a reel, a bail, a fishing line, and a lure, said device being capable of engaging the fishing line when the bail is released, maintaining engagement of the line while the rod is flexed and released, and releasing the line instantly when the line becomes slack, so that the lure is cast forward by the straightening of the rod and then allowed to travel on a trajectory that is unrestrained by the line.

Abstract: The invention relates to pesticidal compositions based on phosphorous acid, monoesters and salts thereof for new methods of use to control arthropod pests on plants or habitats thereof with a compound of a formula (I) ##STR1## wherein: R is an OH or an alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms;M is a hydrogen atom (when R is a hydroxyl radical) or an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or aluminum cation; andn is an integer from 1 to 3.

Abstract: Fishing apparatus, including a relatively short tubular cylinder around which fishing line is wound, the cylinder having a diametric crossbar adapted to be held by one of the hands of the user. The cylinder may have a raised rib or flange around each of its ends to assist in retaining the line thereon. At one side of the cylinder, an inwardly flared recess is provided adjacent the end of the crossbar, whereby the crossbar may be grasped by the fingers of one hand while the thumb of that hand is disposed in the flared recess in a position to be useful in controlling the line. Mirror image flared recesses may be provided, one at each end of the crossbar, in positions whereby one may be used when the drum is held in one hand and the other may be used when the drum is held in the opposite hand. The apparatus is, therefore, adapted for use by either righthanded or lefthanded persons. Casting of the line is accomplished by swinging the free end of the line in a circle and then releasing it at a rapid velocity.

Abstract: A switching transistor inverter circuit for driving high power AC loads such as arc discharge lamps from a DC electrical energy source. Each switching transistor is included in a switching amplifier whose response time is short as compared with the response characteristic of the load and the AC cycle period. A single driver circuit is coupled to the respective switching amplifiers by photocouple isolation means through an electrooptically coupled light emitter-sensor pair. A clock pulse generator provides the necessary signal to the driver circuit which includes a phase splitter driver. A two-stage amplifier receives the signal from the sensor transistor of the photocouple and amplifies it to drive the switching transistor which is, in the preferred embodiment, a power darlington device of the monolithic type.

Abstract: A bridge type switching transistor inverter circuit for driving high power AC loads such as arc discharge lamps from a DC electrical energy source. Four switching transistors are arranged in bridge configuration that the load may be connected alternately in the inverter circuit between diagonal pairs of switching transistors. Each switching transistor is included in a switching amplifier whose response time is short as compared with the response characteristic of the load and the AC cycle period. A single driver circuit is coupled to the respective switching amplifiers by photocouple isolation means through an electro-optically coupled light emitter-sensor pair. A clock pulse generator provides the necessary signal to the driver circuit which includes a phase splitter driver. A two-stage amplifier receives the signal from the sensor transistor of the photocouple and amplifies it to drive the switching transistor which is, in the preferred embodiment, a power darlington device of the monolithic type.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for starting a linear metal halide arc discharge lamp while in a transistor switching bridge inverter circuit. A pulse generator is electrically connected to a trigger electrode which is mounted in close proximity to the lamp for supplying pulsed high voltage. The trigger electrode is capacitively coupled to the lamp for supplying pulsed high voltage for starting the lamp. A first logic gate is connected in circuit between a pulse width modulator and a phase splitter driver and is responsive to lamp current to lock the driver in a constant mode until the lamp starts. A second logic gate is connected to the pulse generator and is responsive to lamp current to inhibit the generator when the lamp is on. The pulse width modulator produces, when enabled, a variable pulse train having a fast rise and fall time. This variable pulse train is delivered to the phase splitter driver within which is developed the signal for driving the inverter.