Abstract: Ball bats comprising a stem and a handle surrounding the stem. An elastomeric decoupler system installed in the handle sharply reduces the transmission of shocks and vibrations from the stem to the handle, mitigating stinging and other unpleasant sensations experienced by the batter when a ball is struck. Unpleasant sensations can be further reduced by installing a DTMS damping device in the knob of the bat and by installing an elastomeric grip on the handle of the bat; and the unpleasant sound made when a bat strikes the ground or the like can be materially reduced by a device attached to the stem of the bat intermediate the ends of the handle. The present inventions are particularly adaptable to hollow, metal bats; and provision is made for venting the knob of the bat when it is welded in place so hot gases will not be forced into, and reduce the integrity of, the weld. Appropriate ones of the devices described above may also advantageously be employed in wood, composite, and other bats.

Abstract: A tool for removing a cap from a pest control device includes a hub and at least four fingers depending from the hub in circumferentially spaced relationship with each other to cooperatively define a socket for receiving the cap within the tool. The fingers are resiliently moveable transversely outward relative to the hub upon receiving the cap into the socket whereby the fingers are biased transversely inward against a sidewall of the cap when the cap is received in the socket. A plurality of stops extends from fewer than all of the fingers laterally inward of the socket. The stops are adapted for contacting a top of the cap upon receipt of the cap within the socket such that the fingers and stops cooperate to orient the tool on the cap.

Abstract: Improved compound bows which are smaller, more compact, lighter, and more easily handled and serviced than compound bows of conventional construction but are nevertheless capable of propelling an arrow at an equal or higher velocity and with comparable or greater accuracy than a conventional bow. The improved bows are quieter than those of conventional construction and less apt to snag on brush or other obstacles. They have a rigid riser with ends to which string cams are rotatably mounted and cam-associated power units mounted to and towards the ends of the riser. Each power unit has a component which is elastically deformed to store potential energy as the bow is drawn and a power cable connecting the power storing component to the associated string cam. A bow string extends between and is connected at its opposite ends to the string cams.

Abstract: A synergistic insecticide composition comprises: a) an ethoxylated surfactant of the formula: R—O—(CH2—CH2O)x—H wherein R is a linear alkyl group of from approximately 0 to 15 carbon atoms and X has an average value from about 1 to 3; and b) an insecticide selected from the group consisting of nicotinoids, chlorfenapyr, pyrethrum and piperonyl butoxide. Such compositions are effective against a wide range of insects.

Abstract: Accessories for firearms. They are designed to reduce the recoil felt by the shooter when a firearm is discharged. The accessories meet this goal by modifying the decay pattern of vibrations set up in the stock when the firearm is discharged. Kick may be further reduced by elastic compression and also by pneumatic compression of air in sealed pockets formed in and by accessory components.

Abstract: Accessories for firearms. They are designed to reduce the recoil felt by the shooter when a firearm is discharged. The accessories meet this goal by modifying the decay pattern of vibrations set up in the stock when the firearm is discharged. Kick may be further reduced by elastic compression and also by pneumatic compression of air in sealed pockets formed in and by accessory components.

Abstract: An optical termination pedestal defines an interior cavity for interconnecting an optical fiber of a distribution cable and an optical fiber of a drop cable. The pedestal includes a base, a housing positioned over the base, and a plate secured to the housing or the base. The plate separates the interior cavity into a first compartment and a second compartment and has at least one cable port for routing the distribution cable into the first compartment. At least one connector port may be provided on the plate for receiving a connectorized optical fiber of the distribution cable from the first compartment and a pre-connectorized drop cable from the second compartment. The plate is provided with an O-ring to seal the first compartment relative to the second compartment. As a result, a sealed splice closure is created within the interior cavity without the need for a separate enclosure.

Abstract: Accessories for firearms. They are designed to reduce the recoil felt by the shooter when a firearm is discharged. The accessories meet this goal by modifying the decay pattern of vibrations set up in the stock when the firearm is discharged. Kick may be further reduced by elastic compression and also by pneumatic compression of air in sealed pockets formed in and by accessory components.

Abstract: Accessories for firearms. They are designed to reduce the recoil felt by the shooter when a firearm is discharged. The accessories meet this goal by modifying the decay pattern of vibrations set up in the stock when the firearm is discharged. Kick may be further reduced by elastic compression and also by pneumatic compression of air in sealed pockets formed in and by accessory components.