Abstract: A residual lap clearing apparatus for clearing a residual lap from a lap bobbin. The residual lap clearing apparatus comprises a rotary brush roller for stripping the residual lap off the lap bobbin, a support roller for supporting a lap package for residual lap clearing operation, a brake mechanism for braking the lap package during the residual lap clearing operation, and a comb roller for removing bunches of fibers caught in the bristles of the rotary brush roller off the rotary brush roller. The rotary brush roller surely finds the free end of the residual lap and clears the residual lap perfectly from the lap bobbin.

Abstract: An assembly of a plurality of resonators is formed in which the resonators are held edge to edge and fixed relative to each other. The assembly is held together by two rigid strips mounted on opposing surfaces near the central regions of the resonators. The assembly is disposed in a longitudinal pipe which contains an abrasive material. The pipe is rotated about its axis causing the assembly to nonrandomly tumble in the abrasive so that the projecting ends of the resonators have material removed. Thus, resonators having rounded or contoured ends are produced.

Abstract: A shorted component 10 is provided on a module 18 whereby the shorted component 10 is trimmed to either a capacitor 22 or an inductor 30. In the same step, the capacitor or inductor is further trimmed to a predetermined value of reactance.

Abstract: In the formation of finished slide surfaces for slide rails on a track for an electromagnetically levitated vehicle, the track is constructed as a girder-like beam with the slide rails located on cantilevered parts of the upper surface of the beam. The beam can be formed of prestressed concrete. Initially the slide rails are provided with a height oversize. The height oversize part of the slide rails is removed and the slide surface of the rails are finished to the desired degree. The height oversize part is removed by cutting and grinding devices mounted on a machine frame movable over the upper surface of the track. The machine frame is adjustable in the vertical direction from a datum plane formed by the lower surfaces of support stators secured to the undersides of the cantilevered parts of the track. The machine frame rides on the upper surface of the beam and is in contact with the lower surfaces of the support stators.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a vehicle seat, in which two different upper dies are provided above a base table and two different lower dies are movably provided on the base table. At the central part of the base table, there are a pressing means and a rotary means which cause the pressing of one of the two upper dies against one of the two lower dies. Using this apparatus, two different covering members and cushion members are bonded together in good sequence without need for replacement of the dies so as to produce a number of different seats or seat elements.

Abstract: A pulley comprising a circumferential groove which has a non-flat groove surface for increased friction against a belt to be received and a manufacturing method therefor. According to the method a pulley material is forged into a basic pulley configuration which is the shape of the material ready for forming the circumferential groove. The basic configuration comprises a plurality of axial grooves which extend in a generally axial direction over a surface of the pulley in which the circumferential groove is to be formed. The the circumferential groove is rolling-formed in the pulley material. Thus, a non-flat groove surface for a higher friction is provided. Alternatively, the higher friction groove surface may be formed by roughening a sand blasting, shot blasting or chemical surface treatment.

Abstract: A clinching tool including a punch and a die assembly. The die assembly includes a collet, an anvil pin, and a backing plate. The collet is formed of a relatively thin flat plate and includes a clinching section adjacent one end of the plate and a mounting section adjacent the other end of the plate. A split extends from the clinching end of the plate centrally toward the mounting end of the plate and arcuate cutouts are provided along the opposite side edges of the split to define a die opening intermediate the ends of the split. The working face of the backing plate is positioned against the face of the collet plate remote from the punch and the anvil pin is positioned in the die opening with one end thereof bearing against the working face of the backing plate and the other end thereof inset with respect to the face of the collet plate near the punch.

Abstract: A modular process is provided for dismantling light automobile vehicles with a view to recovering their detached parts and recycling in an organized network. In each module the sum of the times of testing, conveyance, dismantling, recovery, sorting, packing and storing of the parts, pressing and evacuation of the carcasses, with respect to the number of vehicles treated, whatever their original state, remains constant over a determined period. A line is provided for conveying the light automobile vehicles and in this line stations for dismantling by batch of parts and not by unitary parts follow one another. Further logistics are provided for ensuring supply of each station depending on the demand of the operator independently of the operator of the preceding station.

Abstract: A method for producing the latch bearing in a latch needle for textile machines of the type in which a latch is pivotably mounted in a longitudinal slot between two cheeks of a needle shank by a hinge pin passing through mutually aligned transversely extending bores in at least one of the cheeks and a bearing portion of the latch between the cheeks. In accordance with the method a cylindrical wire is provided with transversely extending notches at intervals corresponding to the length of a hinge pin. The notched wire is converted by hot or cold treatment into a bittle, hard state. Individual hinge pins are broken off from the wire at the notches, and are subsequently inserted into the bores in the cheeks and the bearing portion of the latch to be securely fixed there.

Abstract: Hoist assist mechanism which assists in the manual movement of a coil insertion tool assembly to and from an operational position. The hoist assist mechanism has a rotatable base, to which is attached an upwardly extending post. At the upper portion of the post is a sheave, Also, attached to the base, adjacent the post, is a support arm which supports a coil insertion tool assembly. The support arm is pivotally attached to the rotatable base. A cable is attached to the arm. The cable extends over the sheave and is also attached to a spring which assists in pivotal movement of the arm. The spring is adjacent the post or enclosed by the post. Preferably, plurality of posts and arms are pivotally attached to the base. Each pivotal arm supports a coil insertion tool assembly. Thus, coil insertion tool assemblies for different stator cores can be easily and readily moved into and out of operational position as desired.

Abstract: A positive bearing housing seal is provided in which the stationary seal member, and possibly a reducer having the same peripheral shape of the stationary seal member, is employed for installing and aligning the stationary seal member and the rotary seal member with respect to the shaft. A flat surface of the stationary seal member is moved against a flat surface of the rotary seal member until the flat surface of the stationary seal member engages a machine wall or, if a reducer is used, a flat surface of the reducer. The shaft is then rotated to establish squareness. The stationary seal member is then removed from the shaft, reversed in the axial direction, and reinstalled such that a flexible extension thereof, including a peripheral bead, is inserted into engagement with the inner surface of an annular opening in the machine wall or an annular opening in the reducer.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing surgical sutures that have an elastomeric and porous structure. The elastomeric and porous structure is formed from a mixture including a polymer material and an elutable solvent therefor, which mixture is extruded into an aqueous liquid and pulled therethrough.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously forming pointed terminals from a length of wire. The length of wire is moved to a position where a portion of the wire is positioned between a pair of opposed swedges. The pair of swedges is closed to engage and deform the portion of wire. The wire is then moved to position the deformed portion of wire at a wire severing location and another portion of the wire is positioned between the pair of opposed swedges. The wire is twisted relative to the deformed portion to separate the portion of the wire ahead of the deformed portion to form a terminal. The pair of swedges are closed simultaneously with the twisting to deform the next portion of wire and these steps are repeated.

Abstract: A tool changer has a rotatably supported driving shaft, a cylindrical double-walled support member composed of an inner cylindrical wall and an outer cylindrical wall, disposed coaxially with the driving shaft, and engaged therewith through helical splines, a cylindrical guide member having a cylindrical portion interposed between the inner cylindrical wall and outer cylindrical wall, a plurality of claw members fixed to the outer cylindrical wall for retaining tools, and a servomotor for rotating the driving shaft clockwise and counterclockwise. In an outer periphery of the cylindrical portion of the guide member are formed a plurality of axially extending straight grooves, each having an inclined side surface at respective tip ends, which extends in one direction, and an engaging member biassed by a spring member projects into one of the straight grooves so as to be engaged therewith.

Abstract: An electronic parts automatic mounting apparatus is disclosed in which a plurality of suction nozzles are provided on the peripheral edge of an intermittently rotating turntable. Electronic parts are delivered to the turntable from a part supply portion, with the parts suctioned and held by the suction nozzles. The electronic parts are then transferred, positioned and mounted on a print substrate placed on an X-Y table. The apparatus is provided with part adjustment means for subjecting the electronic parts suctioned and held by the suction nozzle to various stepwise adjustments at a plurality of working stations provided during the part transfer. The part adjusting means comprise a plurality of positioning working units for positioning electronic parts arranged in correspondence to one part positioning station of the working units, each of the positioning working units being selectively actuated according to the size and shape of the electronic parts.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a cleaning process control is disclosed. The apparatus includes a printed wire circuit board that is made on a Pyrex glass or other transparent substrate. Components are attached to the printed wire circuit board and then the circuit card assembly which is formed is cleaned using a selected cleaning process. The circuit card assembly can then be inspected to determine the effectiveness of a particular cleaning process by flipping over the transparent circuit card, peering through the substrate to inspect for corrosion and solder balls. The circuit card assembly can then be cleaned more extensively and used again to check a different cleaning process.

Abstract: A razor handle extension which is adapted to be detachably connected to the handle of a disposable razor to effectively increase the length of the handle and thereby permit a female user to more easily and safely shave her legs from an erect position. The razor handle extension has a gripping area at one end thereof. The opposite end includes a hollow receptacle for receiving and retaining the razor handle. A locking ring fits over the receptacle end of the razor handle extension for holding the razor handle therewithin.

Abstract: The sheathing-removing tool for removing insulation from a single or multiconductor cable comprises two jaws, which are hingedly connected with each other at common pivot axles foldable to form a hollow body for receiving the cable and which have cutting edges adjacent one end of the jaws for making a circular cut and a longitudinal incision. A section knife for removal of insulation from the individual conductors is located in the vicinity of the cutting edges for the circular cut on the long edges of the opposing jaws which press on each other when the jaws are closed. A slitting knife for making a longitudinal incision is located at the other end of the jaws opposite the cutting edges.

Abstract: A modular hand tool system in which a tool piece is detachably secured to a handle has an elongated planar handle having a centrally located rectangularly-shaped cutout extending inwardly from one end. The tool piece, which may take a variety of forms, has a shank portion of substantially the same shape and size as the cutout and is received therein with a tight sliding fit. The tool piece is detachably secured in the cutout by a screw mechanism including an elongated rod supported within and anchored at one end to the handle at a point displaced from the tool piece and which at its other end threadably engages a threaded opening formed in the shank portion of the tool piece.

Abstract: A hand operated tool for extracting a finger grip insert glued in a bowling ball including a shaft, a T-shaped handle grip, and a tubular extractor affixed to the shaft and having a knife dull edge free end adapted to cut the insert away from the bowling ball as the tool is turned and pushed inwardly and a beveled inner surface adjacent the free end which applies a funneling force to the insert as the extractor is rotated thereabout whereby cutting of the insert is inhibited.

Abstract: A hitch viewing mirror assembly detachably mounts directly to the tow vehicle, either a special tail-gate clamping means for a pick-up truck or a magnetic mount for a passenger car, thus the tow view operator may view the two vehicle hitch member and the trailer hitch member while operating the tow vehicle during the coupling process thereby providing a particularly effective method of aligning the position of the hitch members.

Abstract: A unit comprising a base on which is mounted an atlas of maps each with an arrow thereon indicating the relation of the map area to north, and on which base is also mounted a compass having in a container a liquid on which floats a magnet bearing disk on the surface of which disk is a visible pointer pointing in the direction of the magnet's north pole and the earth's magnetic pole. A ball of non-permanent magnetic material centered on a cover of the container cooperates with the magnet in maintaining the floating disk centered in the container and spaced below the ball. In use, the unit is turnable by the traveler until the arrow on the map points in the same direction as the pointer on the disk, thereby apprising the traveler as to his position relative to his surroundings.

Abstract: Disclosed is a measuring device for determining both absolute and comparative depths of the countersunk portions of countersunk holes drilled in a workpiece, the measuring device being capable of centering itself within a hole being measured so that repetitive measurements can be made early and accurately; further the measuring device is capable of measuring the depth of a countersunk hole through a template.

Abstract: A single tier dryer section apparatus is disclosed for drying a web extending through a paper machine. The apparatus includes a first dryer and a dryer felt extending around the first dryer such that the web is disposed between the felt and the first dryer for drying the web. A vacuum transfer roll is disposed downstream relative to the first dryer such that the web and felt extend contiguously from the first dryer to and around the transfer roll so that the felt is disposed between the web and the roll during transit of the web and felt around the roll. A second dryer is disposed downstream relative to the transfer roll such that the web and the felt extend contiguously from the transfer roll to and around the second dryer so that the web is disposed between the felt and the second dryer during transit of the web and the felt around the second dryer.

Abstract: A single-wire drying group in a paper machine is disclosed including a plurality of drying cylinders whose axes are situated in a substantially common plane, a drying wire carrying a web between successive drying cylinders, one or more deflection rolls, each situated between a pair of successive drying cylinders and wherein the web-carrying drying wire has an incoming run from a drying cylinder to a deflection roll whereupon the drying wire runs over a deflection sector of the deflection roll and then to a subsequent drying cylinder. A blow box has a wall which defines a gap space with the incoming run of the web-carrying wire and a gas flow is directed through the gap space to induce an under pressure on the incoming run to fix the web on the drying wire.

Abstract: A compact web dryer oven (A) is disclosed which is heat efficient, may be open for convenient cleaning, and raises automatically under the effects of an explosion to relieve pressure and reduce damage to the oven interior. The oven includes a lower housing (B) and an upper housing (C) which are essentially identical. Each housing includes an air distribution system having a short path and recycle time which includes a hot air discharge blower (H), an air reducing plenum (I), and a redirecting chamber (J) which directs the air in a vertical direction. An elongated air diffuser manifold (K) extends the length of the housing and includes a radial arrangement of pipes (71) and radial air openings (72) which distribute the air (45) in equal parts across the width of web (W). Lower and upper hot air registers (E,F) receive the proportioned air flow. The air registers include spaced tubular members (22) transverse to the air diffuser manifold having an air divider nozzle (G) positioned between each member.

Abstract: A midsole (10 and 22) for an activewear shoe (12) comprises a removable insert (10) and a peripheral member (22). The peripheral member (22) is joined to the perimeter of an upper surface (18) of an outsole (14) to form a receptable (28). A reinforcing layer (31) substantially less thick than the peripheral member (22) is joined to the outsole upper surface (18) within the receptable (28). A plurality of independent cushioning elements (34) depend from a base member (32) of insert (10), and are sized in order to conform to the lift of peripheral member (22). The cushionability and resiliency of insert (10) may be selected according to the wearer's weight and cushionability preference.

Abstract: A differentially responsive sole for shoes is disclosed which includes a conventional outer sole, an inner sole and an inner liner, the inner sole having a plurality of empty chambers located to support biomechanical weight bearing pressure prints for which a norm has been established. Measurements are made of the individual user at the points and the chambers filled with an elastomer of certain durometer and compressive strength to compensate for the weight load at each weight bearing pressure point.

Abstract: A rear-entry ski boot whose rear piece (3) is provided with a flexibly connected guide device (15) constituting a tightening and closing system (8) which is always well positioned for gripping by the skier.

Abstract: An alpine ski boot includes a rigid shell base for receiving the foot of the skier, the base having a heel region and a instep region. An upper is journalled on the base for pivotal movement about a journal axis, the upper having a shoulder thereon cooperable with adjustment apparatus for controlling the advance angle of the upper on the base. The adjustment apparatus includes a first stopping element positioned on the base and cooperable with the shoulder for defining the minimum initial advance angle of the upper. The adjustment apparatus also includes an adjustment for adjusting the position of the stopping element on the base to thereby adjust the initial minimum advance angle of the upper.

Abstract: A cutting edge member for fitting onto an excavation apparatus wherein the cutting edge member is of softer material than iron for digging around pipelines.

Abstract: A snow plow having a curved blade with a bottom scraping edge and rearwardly extending horizontally positioned mounting means. Two wheels each having a hub are each attached to a frame member with an outer cylindrical member having the bottom thereof connected to the associated wheel hub by a horizontally disposed strut and having the top thereof connected to the horizontally disposed strut by an angularly disposed strut. An inner cylindrical member is fixedly mounted to each of the mounting means for each wheel, the inner cylindrical members being adapted to fit inside of an associated one of the outer cylindrical members to mount the two wheels to the snow plow blade, and means providing vertical adjustment of the curved blade with respect to the wheel hub and the ground upon which the wheel rests.

Abstract: An organizer and reminder device generally presented in a calendar format for the reminder of the user to take certain pills, medicines, etc. on indicated days of the month by providing a plurality of containers secured on a mounting panel through windows representative of days of the month and formed in a plurality of stacked sheets wherein each sheet is representative of a different month of the calendar year and an exposed one of the stacked sheets is representative of a current month. One or more pills, medicines, etc. to be taken on a given day of the month are located in an appropriately positioned container.

Abstract: A photograph frame which can be utilized to hang on the wall or to rest on a flat surface either horizontally or vertically by means of a rear panel with a support flap which can be slid under a channel to present a planar panel or withdrawn from the channel to provide a support.

Abstract: A sign box for an illuminated sign, having side walls, namely top and bottom walls and end walls, and having a front face frame movably attached to one of the side walls, the four side walls each defining a generally-planar wall panel with front and rear edges and a forwardly-directed hinge formation, offset from the plane of the planar wall panel, and a junction wall formation formed between the hinge formation and the planar wall, and extending forwardly, and having a rear junction formation formed along the rear edge of the wall panel, one of the front and rear junction members being interengageable with the other of the front and rear junction formations on another wall panel, so that two wall panels may be joined together forming the side walls of the sign box.

Abstract: A tripod-type support is disclosed to releasably support a resiliently deformable highway sign in a stressed condition. Two front tripod legs carry medial brackets to support lower peripheral portions of a sign and the rearward leg in its upper part pivotally supports an upper arm that adjustably fastens the uppermost portion of a sign and moves to a position to stress and positionally maintain a supported sign. The support is adapted to positionally maintain both standard three and four foot square highway signs. Auxiliary apparatus releasably positions flags at an eight foot elevation above ground level.

Abstract: A technique by which business or calling cards of standard dimensions can be retained and displayed in conventional file or address card systems of the type which utilize a file card that has an available and usable surface area which, in at least one dimension, is smaller than that of the business card. The business card has a contact adhesive back surface normally covered by a release sheet which is adapted to be removed when the card is to be mounted on a file card. The card itself is score-cut about its edge portion to provide a rectangular lift-out panel whch carries all of the printed information, which lift-out panel is smaller than the original business card and is proportioned to properly fit the available usable surface area of the file card upon which the panel is thereafter adhesively affixed.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a particular separate identifying tab which is designed to slide or stay put on the edge of a compatible file folder for the purpose of maximizing the visibility of all tabs in a file drawer. Stability of the tab on the folder edge is obtained by means of a tab made of hard laminated cardboard (or any other material with the same properties of friction and lightweight); a fork base whose sides are proximate enough to maintain a grip by friction on the folder edge; and a thin, sturdy, and pliable pressure-sensitive low-tack adhesive flap extending from the fork base, which flap, when applied to the surface of the folder, reinforces the stability of the tab on the edge of the folder. Mobility of the tab on the folder edge is obtained by peeling the flap from the surface of the folder and applying moderate pressure against the side of the tab in the direction desired.

Abstract: Longitudinal magazine for individual weapons such as, submachine gun, rifle, machine-gun and similar, of a type that can be mounted on the upper part of the weapon and in the axis of the frame, characterized in that this magazine mainly consists in a first part (3) formed by a tube forming the magazine as such and in which the cartridges (5) are being stored with their longitudinal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the magazine (2); a second part (4) consisting in a transfer element (34) showing on both sides an oblong port respectively (32-46), mutually related with two skews (41-42) stretching over an angle of 90 degrees, one of these ports (32) constituting the connection between aforementioned parts (3) and (4) while the second port (46) constitutes the connection between aforementioned part (3) and the weapon (1) with which the magazine (2) cooperates; and in means (54) allowing for the transport of the cartridges (5) inside the magazine (2).

Abstract: An increased capacity magazine for a firearm, such as a pump shotgun, wherein the shotgun has mounted under the barrel thereof a cylindrical housing, the housing having assembled therein a rotating mechanism including plurality of shell retaining tubes in contiguous lengthwise relation, assembled about, and fixed to, a pivot shaft. The housing includes a center tubular housing and forward and rear housings attached to the ends of the center housing. The rear housing has an opening in alignment with the loading port of the shotgun. The forward housing includes a rotation spring member which, upon emptying of the shells from a shell tube, automatically enables rotation of the tubes within the housing for positioning the next tube in alignment with the loading port. Each tube has a spring member therein for urging against a follower, which in turn urges shells within the tube toward the rear housing.

Abstract: An apparatus including a rigid base having a first portion, typically the top, that is configured to receive and support an auxiliary sighting aid for a firearm (e.g., a rifle, shotgun or pistol). A typical configuration may be a standard dovetail shape that is sized to receive scope rings of the Weaver type. The firearm must have an accessible aperture, but it need not be integral with the firearm's original structure; an adaptor can be attached to the firearm's original structure so as to create a structural extension which contains the necessary aperture. The rigid base also has an exterior that fosters the correct orientation of the auxiliary sighting aid with respect to the firearm's longitudinal bore. A post having a generally smooth exterior is carried by the base and extends outwardly therefrom for a distance which is sufficient so that the distal end of the post may be inserted into the aperture on the firearm.

Abstract: A game or fish stop comprises a block of rubber-like material having a passage therethrough frictionally gripping an arrow shaft adjacent the point end. One embodiment includes a forward frustoconical face and a second embodiment includes a forward planar face. The passage includes an enlarged forward end at least as large as the arrow shaft and a substantially smaller rearward end.

Abstract: A fishing pole with indicator means particularly useful in fishing through the ice. The pole is preferably constructed primarily of wood and includes a nose piece on the end of which is a rod above which is mounted an elongated, flexible member attached to the nose piece and extending at an angle vertically above the rod. Extending through the nose piece is an adjustable member forming an electrial contact which the flexible member engages when a pull is exerted on its end by the fish line. The adjustable contact member determines the sensitivity of the indicator means which includes a buzzer and an LED light operatively connected to the adjustable contact member and elongated flexible member. A reel mounted on top of the handle includes a groove formed between two flanges. A plurality of radially extending slots are cut into the flanges and a rubber band is inserted in two of the adjacent slots for regulating the amount of fish line that can be let out of the reel.

Abstract: An improved spinning reel having a support fixed to the rear body for mounting on a fishing rod. The support allows the reel to be mounted on a rod in the same position as prior art reels are mounted, and without interfering with the gripping of the rod.

Abstract: A contoured reel seat segment for a spinning type fishing rod which is formed to comfortably fit against the fisherman's hand grip thumb and finger positions where they grasp the reel seat segment forward of the spinning reel's main attachment stem. Force resistant inclined surfaces are formed on the reel crank side of the reel seat segment and on the bottom of the reel seat segment to advantageously increase the surface contact from the user's thumb and fingers to the reel seat segment of the spinning rod handle. The force resistant inclined surfaces can be concave surfaces, can be formed on a portion of the reel seat segment which protrudes laterally and outwardly towards the reel's crank, and can also be in the form of angularly disposed concave indents for the user's thumb and large finger. The force resistant inclined surfaces provide mechanical advantage for the user's thumb and fingers to resist and engage upward and downward rod forces which exert on a spinning rod reel seat in the act of fishing.

Abstract: A trolling line retainer and release device for use with downriggers or outriggers comprising a conical magnet molded into a hinged cap and a mating threaded conical magnetically permeable closure containing components used to attach the invention to a downrigger or outrigger cable. The latching cap securing the line at one end of the cap that is pinned at the diametrically opposite end to provide a moment to delatch the magnet upon a fish striking the lure or bait. The magnetic biased line retainer consist of two elastomer pads shaped to provide a serpentine path to secure the line. The retention force of the line being adjustable by varying the gap between the magnet and the magnetically permeable closure. The cable attachment mechanism is spring biased to provide a shear force between a piston and the cylindrical housing. The position of the piston can be changed by a simple rotation of a lever, located at the rear of the housing, to unlock the cable and permit free sliding movement of the device.

Abstract: A fish hook having the general shape of the letter "C" with an eye at one end and a barbed point at the other end, and spring biased fastening device of fine wire rigidly attached to the eye of the fish hook and having a hook member which engages the shank of the fish hook near the eye to clamp a plastic worm to the fish hook.

Abstract: A structure, such as a fish hook, configured for attachment to a strand without a knot. The structure includes a first end forming a hook, a second end forming an eyelet, and an intermediate portion including an open loop. Alternatively, the structure may comprise a first end forming a hook, a second end forming an eyelet, and a middle shank portion with a closed loop adjacent the eylet. By looping the strand and passing it into association with the eyelet and loop or intermediate loops, a method of tying a strand to a device without knots (i.e., in a knotless manner) is practiced.

Abstract: A floating fish basket for use by divers and spear fishermen has a frame removably secured to a flotation ring. A coaxial wire mesh bag is suspended from the frame within the flotation ring for containing fish and other sea animals. The frame and mesh bag have aligned openings which may be selectively closed by a pivotal door mounted by a hinge on the frame. A chain extends between the bottom of the bag and the door and is operative upon opening the door to partially axially collapse the mesh bag to enable an individual to have access to bottom portions of the bag. The chain may be adjusted in length to shorten the axial extent of the bag for use in shallow water. A socket on the frame is provided for mounting a staff of a diving flag. The flotation ring may be captured between upper and lower frame members secured by threaded fasteners or alternatively secured by frictional engagement within a frame recess or held in place by VELCRO fastening straps.

Abstract: A marine animal trap comprising entrance gate means including a plurality of plastic fingers having a relative buoyancy and arrangement to be maintained closed and to reclose by buoyancy action after an animal enters the trap by buoyant action. In preferred forms some fingers have a slight positive buoyancy and some have a slight negative buoyancy in water. A mounting frame suitably includes journal rods mounting said plurality of fingers for pivotal movement in a generally vertical manner, and stop means whereby when the trap is in water the nominal state of rest of at least some of the fingers is with the finger partially spanning the gate entrance and with such fingers in such position being restrained from outward pivotal movement, the fingers being nonetheless free to pivotally move inwardly so as to not impede animal ingress through the gate. The form, arrangement and placement of the fingers in the trap can vary.