Abstract: A new and distinct variety of cherry tree, Prunus avium, which has the following unique combination of features that are desirable in a new variety:1. Early maturity of fruit.2. Fruit with good flavor and eating quality.3. Heavy and regular production of medium size fruit.4. Vigorous, upright growth.5. Fruit with an attractive red skin color.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of peach tree which is somewhat remotely similar to the "Champagne" peach tree (U.S. Pat. No. P.P. 4,865) of which it is a sport, but from which it is distinguished by producing fruit which are mature for harvesting and shipment approximately eight (8) days to two weeks after the fruit produced by the "Champagne" peach tree and wherein the fruit has more flavor and a white flesh coloration.

Abstract: A bicycle tool kit which provides either a number of open end or box style wrenches in a plate-like web attached to an end of an elongated handle. Attached to the top of the handle is a chain link remover for repairing broken links of bicycle chains. The threaded shaft of the chain link remover is adapted for removably retaining a separate deep socket and two allen wrenches, one of which has a screw driver tip. A wrench is also provided for adjusting the tension of the spokes of the bicycle wheels. The bicycle tool kit is structured to be lightweight, compact, and highly portable, and yet still offer most of the tools necessary for making adjustments and repairs to a bicycle should a problem develop while riding.

Abstract: A universal starter motor assembly, which may be affixed to many different makes and models of internal combustion engines. A starter motor and solenoid assembly of the gear reduction type has a face plate which covers the armature gear, supports the idler gear and the outer bearing of the clutch assembly extends through the face plate. Many different styles of mounting adapters can be easily attached to the face plate and are shaped and configured to permit the starter motor assembly to be affixed to a particular style of internal combustion engine. The pinion gear of the starter motor is removable and replaceable from the exterior of the universal starter motor.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for processing batter materials, such as food batter, including sausage batter for wieners and the like, without incorporating the use of any casing for the batter. The apparatus forms a blank having a proteinaceous skin made by congealing surface batter materials with a treatment fluid. Each thus formed blank is ejected onto a conveyor that includes a device for completing the formation of congealed skin on the blank The thus shaped items can then be packaged and cooked within the package in order to provide an aseptic product. If desired, the items can be cooked and then packaged in order to provide a product having an acceptable shelf-life.

Abstract: A sterilizable, lightweight reflective surgical drape which is effective in reducing the rate of heat loss in human patients and may be used to provide a sterile surgical environment and an effective barrier to bacterial migration throughout a surgical procedure. The drape has non-conductive metallized plastic sheeting and at least one of a layer of thermoplastic material and a layer of flexible non-woven sterilizable material.In a preferred embodiment, the drape of the present invention has a non-conductive first layer of aluminum and a second layer of a thermoplastic material. An optional third layer of a thermoplastic material is attached to the non-conductive first layer of aluminum.In another preferred embodiment, the drape of the present invention has a non-conductive first layer of aluminum and a second layer of flexible non-woven sterilizable material. An optional third layer of flexible non-woven sterilizable material is attached to the non-conductive first layer of aluminum.

Abstract: An electronic reostat circuit having a pulse width modulated output for controlling energization of resistive device .[.such as a vehicle dashboard illumination lamp.].. .[.A.]. .Iadd.According to one aspect of the invention a .Iaddend.comparator circuit compares a reference signal adjusted by a user with an alternating signal, preferably a saw tooth waveform, and generates a pulse width modulated output whose duty cycle varies directly with the size of the reference signal. .Iadd.According to another aspect of the invention, .[.The.]. .Iadd.the .Iaddend.reference signal is generated by a tapped resistor array wherein contacts on the array are coupled to ground by a rotary switch contact which can be adjusted by the user. By raising and lowering the reference signal, the duty cycle can be changed from a minimum to maximum and thereby produce a minimum and maximum lamp illumination signal.

Abstract: A spark plug for internal combustion engines provided with a noble metal tip on the pointed top of a spark plug center electrode. The noble metal tip is welded to the center electrode top end by heating and pressing the portion to be welded. After the welding, the center electrode is shaped to provide the pointed top. The noble metal tip is a platinum alloy consisting of platinum of 85 through 70 in weight percentage and iridium of 15 through 30 in weight percentage.

Abstract: In a semiconductor memory device comprising memory cells in which first and second potentials correspond to the logic values "0" and "1", the first potential is closer to the second potential than the potential of unselected word lines, by 0.3 V or more. The pull-up transistor is of the N-type, and the pull-down transistor is of the P-type.

Abstract: A knee-pad or an elbow-pad has a body made of a layer of lining, a layer of buffer and a surface cloth by means of thermal pressing process. The body has an intermediate, an upper and a lower portion. The intermediate portion additionally has a bowl-shaped plate on an upper surface. The upper and the lower portion respectively have plural lateral ribs on the surface, and each of the ribs has elastic means consisting of an elastic tube and soft metal wires extending in the tube, and grooves are formed between every two ribs so that the body may be easily bent or straightened according to movement of the knee of a user.

Abstract: A garment, such as a surgical gown, having a liquid impervious sleeve and a liquid retentive/impervious cuff is provided. The sleeve may be formed from a fibrous web secured to a liquid impervious film. The cuff may be formed from a liquid retentive layer and a liquid impervious layer. The cuff may be made elastic by securing an elastic layer between the liquid retentive layer and the liquid impervious layer. In another embodiment, the cuff may include inner and outer liquid retentive layers, wherein the liquid impervious layer and the elastic layer are captured therebetween.

Abstract: A head bandanna is provided for protecting and covering the head area, which is used in sporting, recreational and work activities and includes a head covering made of fabric having a front and a rear portion, wherein the front portion has a front curved edge substantially in the shape of a semicircle. There is also a curved headband made of absorbent material and having the shape of a longitudinal strip and being integrally connected to the front curved edge of the front portion of the head covering at a 90.degree. angle facing downwardly relative to the headband. Velcro closure tabs are connected to opposite ends of the headband for fitting the head bandanna on the wearer's head in a conforming and secure fit.

Abstract: A foldable toilet seat cover includes two sections pivotally coupled together. A lower section has a lower portion for pivotally coupling to a toilet seat. The lower portion of the upper section includes a notch for engaging with a handle. The handle includes a cavity for engaging with the hand of a user and includes two side portions each having a slot for engaging with fastening members so as to allow the handle to be rotated about the fastening members. The lower section includes a rear peripheral flange for engaging with and for retaining newspaper and books.

Abstract: A hands-off toilet seat lifting apparatus comprised of a mounting bracket adapted for removable securement around a base of an existing toilet. The mounting bracket has a securement block secured to an outer surface thereof. The device contains a first foot pedal having a rod extending outwardly therefrom. The rod has an end portion pivotally coupled to an intermediate portion of an arm. A stop mechanism is coupled around the pivotally coupled rod and arm. The arm has a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally coupled to an outer surface of the securement block of the mounting bracket. The second end of the arm has an adjustable shaft extending upwardly therefrom. The adjustable shaft has an end portion secured to a toilet cover. The first foot pedal has a spring secured to a bottom surface thereof. The first end of the arm has a spring secured to a bottom surface thereof.

Abstract: A refill apparatus for a dual flush apparatus comprises a refill tube connected to a refill valve responsive to a drop in water level in a tank to initiate a refill flow of water for refilling the tank and for refilling a trap via an overflow tube, the refill tube having an inlet end connected to the valve and an outlet end positioned for directing water to the overflow tube for refilling the trap, and a diverting member for diverting the refill flow from the refill tube to the tank during a portion of the refill following a long flush.

Abstract: A cover for a water pool comprised of flexible waterproof material having a drainage opening positioned therein and a sleeve defining a passageway secured on the cover and in alignment with and intersecting the drainage opening allowing a filter to be slidably positionable therein for filtering of rain water and melting snow to remove particulate matter, the filter repositionable or removable for cleaning without the need for removing the cover for the water pool.

Abstract: A bed includes a bed body, ascending and descending means, and an auxiliary leg member. The bed body has a floor frame, and a main leg member fixed to the floor frame. The ascending and descending means has an ascending and descending link, and an extensible and retractable actuator for operating the ascending and descending link. The ascending and descending link holds the bed body with one of the opposite ends, and it holds the auxiliary leg member with the other one of the opposite ends. For instance, the ascending and descending link constitutes a parallel link, the floor frame constitutes one of the parallel elements of the parallel link, and the auxiliary leg member constitutes the other one of the parallel elements of the parallel link, thereby enabling the whole bed body including a mattress to ascend and descend.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a medical mattress comprising a flexible tubular envelope (1) open at two ends, divided into a central section (3a, 3b) open at both ends and flanked, on either side, by an area forming a border (4a, 4b; 5a, 5b) open at both ends, with two sets of foam elements (8) being insertable in the border sections (4a, 4b; 5a, 5b) and two small water mattresses (7a, 7b) being insertable in the central section (3a, 3b). The elements (7a, 7b, 8) are arranged substantially symmetrical to the transversal center line (T) of the envelope, while the edges (15) facing the water mattresses (7a, 7b) have a concavity forming a central basin (16). An opening (17) formed in the upper wall (1a) of the envelope (1), in the central portion of said basin (16), is connected to one at least flexible tube for discharging body waste and soiled fluids. A device (14) is provided for supplying water to one and/or the other of the two water mattresses (7a, 7b) at a regulated temperature and rate/pressure.

Abstract: A pressure-relieving therapeutic mattress system that uniquely combines three releasably connected main air cushions that are separately controlled for supporting corresponding portions of a patient at minimal patient interface pressures, together with a sculpted foam sub-mattress supported on a versatile, lightweight frame having a specially-adapted hard pan surface and an efficient, lightweight, variable-speed air supply system.

Abstract: A cover for a waterbed mattress includes a top layer suitably sized to cover the waterbed mattress and an inner backing layer of substantially the same overall outline as the top portion disposed so that the top layer lies over the backing layer. A bottom is spaced away from the top layer and the inner backing layer so as to provide a cavity for a water mattress, with the bottom disposed below the cavity and the inner backing layer being disposed above the cavity. The top layer is divided into at least three sections, each section extending substantially across the top layer. The first section is fixedly secured to the inner backing layer by stitches disposed in a first stitching pattern while the other two sections are fixedly secured to the inner backing layer by stitches disposed in a second stitching pattern. It is preferred that one of the stitching patterns be a continuous wave stitching pattern and that the other be a tack and jump stitching pattern.

Abstract: A foot stop for a user resting on a mattress, the foot stop adapted to be removably attachable to said mattress, comprising a unitary, generally rigid structural member incorporating opposing U shaped sections at each end that have inner dimensions essentially equal to the thickness of the mattress, with the upper arms of the U shaped sections adapted to overlie and contact the top portion of the mattress, the lower arms of the U shaped sections adapted to underlie and contact at least a portion of the bottom of the mattress, the upper arms of the U shaped sections that are adapted to overlie the top portion of the mattress having an offset foot rest area generally overlying a central area of the mattress, and adapted to provide a support for the soles of the feet of a user.

Abstract: A blade sharpener for a pocket knife is in the form of an appendage which can be removably secured to the knife handle and which carries a superabrasive layer sharpening surface, such as an electroplated diamond grit. The appendage may take the form of a pair of tweezers, such as those commonly found on Swiss army type knives, with the superabrasive layer being attached to its inside surfaces.

Abstract: A bayonet system includes a bayonet and a scabbard in which the bayonet is received for storage. The bayonet is formed with an integral blade-and-tang unit. A plastic handle is molded over the tang, with a portion of the tang protruding from a butt end of the handle. A latch plate is attached to the butt end of the handle assembly by a radial rivet to the protruding portion of the tang. The latch plate includes a pair of retainer arms fixed to the latch plate with pins that can be driven out to effect removal of the release arms. The scabbard has a housing with an integral load assembly at its upper end, integral recessed tie-down loops adjacent to its lower end, and an integral hand guard extending from one side at a position intermediate the upper end and the lower end.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for space dyeing yarn includes a series of dye stations each of which has a dye applicator roll and a rotatable pattern roll having deflecting rods which may deflect yarn into engagement with the periphery of the respective dye applicator roll. Each pattern roll is rotatably driven by a servo motor and selectively rotated to position the deflecting rods for permitting dyeing to occur at the respective station and to rotate the roll and thus the rods to angular dispositions where the yarn is not deflected. A programmable controller controls the respective motors to the selected angular positions at precise times to start and stop the application of dye to the yarn. An encoder associated with the yarn feed system feeds timing signals related to yarn movement to the controller so that rotation of each pattern roll is in timed relationship with the movement of the yarn.

Abstract: A personal cleansing implement comprises a substantially rectangular hydrophobic batt. The batt is a piece of knitted tubing made from extruded linear low density polyethylene monofilaments knitted into a tube on a knitting machine having a setting ranging from 32 to 64 needles per machine diameter. The monofilaments have substantially circular cross-sections in the range of 0.003 inches to 0.015 inches diameter. The piece of knitted tubing also has a longitudinal axis with about 6 to about 9 stitches per inch, as typically measured along its longitudinal axis. Furthermore, the piece of knitted tubing is inverted upon itself at least once along its longitudinal axis to form a plurality of concentric layers of tubing, which are then substantially flattened to form the batt. Each of the layers has a similar length and substantially overlaps the other layers. The batt has a top surface, a bottom surface, and two open ends.

Abstract: A paint roller assembly includes a wire frame having a spindle on which a wire cage is rotatably mounted with end mounted bearing members. An outermost bearing member includes an annular wall provided with a flexible arm having a stop at its distal end. The stop normally abuts an end of a tubular paint roller to lock same against lengthwise movement. A paint barrier on the bearing member defines an area for momentary reception of the arm and stop during roller removal and installation procedures.

Abstract: A dust collector, with a funnel assembly mounted on a flexible arm and provided with a vacuum assist, provides a sutiable apparatus to remove residue caused by a machining practice applied to a work piece.

Abstract: Device for cleaning the wall (1, 23) of a silo, comprising a compressed-air gun (12) suspended from two cables (14, 15) which are connected to two separate winches (16, 17), bearing on two pulleys (9, 10) fastened to a frame (6) which is arranged inside the silo and which is fixed to a rotary plate (4) which can move on a circular track (5) above an opening (2) in the silo.

Abstract: A releasable caster for use with a moveable structure having a bottom wall wherein the caster has a swivel connected yoke and stem with the yoke supporting a plastic wheel. The stem includes a manually operable spring biased rod that has an indentation between its ends and co-acts with a ball detent. A shell with a flange at its outer end is adapted to be received in an opening in the wall. The shell has an abutment, prefereably in the form of a groove with the upper edge forming an abutment which copperatively locks the ball detent or releases the ball when the rod is moved longitudinally or rotationally.

Abstract: A handle for a tool such as a lobby dustpan is provided. The handle is preferably mounted on a vertical shaft of the tool. The handle may be placed in either a locked position or an unlocked position. In the locked position the handle is rigidly connected to the shaft. In the unlocked position the handle moves freely with respect to the shaft.

Abstract: A pivot assembly for mounting a pivot arm on a housing includes in a first embodiment thereof a pair of spaced mounting walls which extend inwardly in the housing adjacent opposite side extremities of a pivot opening therein and a pivot shaft on the pivot arm. The mounting walls have open notches therein which open outwardly through the pivot opening for receiving the pivot shaft therein, and the mounting walls and the pivot arm have retaining members thereon which cooperate to retain the pivot shaft in the notches. In a second embodiment the pivot assembly includes a concave mounting seat, a pivot arm having a pivot shaft which is received in mating engagement in the mounting seat and a retaining member having a convex retaining face thereon which is received in mating engagement with a corresponding concave pivot face on the pivot member for retaining the pivot shaft in the mounting seat.

Abstract: An apparatus for gripping a smooth, fiberglass rod, the apparatus comprising a housing, a jaw cluster within the housing, and a force tube for positioning the jaw cluster within the housing. The rod-gripping apparatus includes a first aperture and a second aperture which facilitate passage of a rod through the apparatus. The force tube is mechanically interfitted with the jaw cluster. The jaw cluster comprises a plurality of elongated jaw members which are generally wedge-shaped and complementary to an inner tapered wall of the housing. The jaw cluster, which surrounds the rod, is set to or released from the rod, as desired, in response to a repositioning of the force tube relative to the housing.

Abstract: A fabric expander apparatus for tubular fabrics includes at least two first internal wheel and belt assembly groups kept in position inside and on the sides of the fabric tube by second external corresponding wheel and belt assembly groups. Each first internal wheel and belt assembly group includes a plate which has a wheel conducted by counter-wheels of the second external group and driven wheels. All these wheels from the first internal wheel and belt assembly group have a part of the perimeter exposed outside the plate and in a direction of the second external group, to receive a conveyor belt, which moves in a desired direction to transport the fabric tube. Motor wheels of the second external group are pressed against the conveyor belt and against the wheels of the first internal wheel and belt assembly group to compress the fabric and to contribute to transport it in the desired direction.

Abstract: A pair of crystallographically matched piezoelectric substrates are sealed together to provide a package for a SAW device. A sealant material including a glass frit is deposited on a selected portion of a first one of the pair of substrates. The substrate having the sealant material is then heated to a temperature which is substantially below the glazing temperature of the sealant material to dry the sealant material. The substrate having the dried sealant material is heated a second time at a temperature just above the softening temperature of the glass frit to glaze the glass frit component with other components of the sealant material being driven from the glass frit during the heating cycles. The substrate having the glazed frit and the other remaining substrate are then mated together in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: In the present invention, wire producing data is recorded on a production label 60 using a bar code. Prior to operating an apparatus, an operator inputs bar codes on a plurality of production labels 60 to a control section 51 by a bar code reader 41. In the control section 51, wire producing data corresponding to the bar codes are read out of a memory 72, and the wire producing data are stored in an FIFO table 521. If the operation is started, the wire producing data stored in the FIFO table 521 are read out in the order stored, and the driving of a processor 11 is controlled in accordance with the contents of the wire producing data. Accordingly, the processor 11 can be continuously operated by first inputting the plurality of bar codes, thereby to make it possible to produce measured and processed electric wires efficiently.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which has utility for assembling a flexible tubular segment telescopically upon an end portion of a length of tubing when the tubing has an outer diameter which is substantially the same or greater than the inner diameter of the tubular segment. The apparatus has the capacity to controllably stretch the flexible tubular segment sufficiently to facilitate passage therethrough of an end portion of a length of the tubing. The end portion of the length of tubing is then positioned inside the stretched flexible tubular segment such that the stretched tubular segment is located a pre-selected distance from the free end of the end portion of the length of tubing. The tubular segment is then allowed to contract around the the end portion. The assembled tubular segment and end portion of the length of tubing are then ejected from the apparatus while maintaining the pre-selected distance of the tubular segment from the free end of the end portion of the length of tubing.

Abstract: A hand tool for aligning misaligned adjacent ductwork sections having return flange terminations is provided with a sheet metal base area having integrally formed side flanges and an integral V-shaped notch element which functions to align the ductwork sections for subsequent installation of a flanged cleat interconnection when the hand tool is advanced manually to its final position.

Abstract: A hollow chair may hold an amount of weight due to a flowable material contained therein and may be joined to one or more chairs.

Abstract: An inner diameter block for blocking the inner diameter of windings of an electric motor includes a plurality of first segments and a plurality of second segments arranged in an alternating manner. The segments are movable radially outwardly to block the inner diameter of the windings. One of the segments is generally pie shaped, having an arcuate outer surface and ears extending circumferentially to define part of the outer surface. These first segments define gaps which receive second segments. The first and second segments have sloping inner surfaces which define a core in which an expanding cone is received. The cone, when moved axially in the core, urges the second segments radially outwardly. The second segments then force the first segments radially outwardly. The interaction of the second segments with the ears of the first segments provide a substantially continuous, gap-free outer surface to the inner diameter block at all stages of expansion.

Abstract: The invention is to an extractor for removing pins from storage tubes having a plurality of electronic semiconductor devices therein. A movable arm has an extractor pin on one end and is pivotally mounted to a frame on the other end. A head assembly for receiving a storage tube with a pin therein is moved under the extractor pin, actuating a solenoid for causing the movable arm to move the extractor pin toward and forcing the pin to be ejected from the storage tube so that the semiconductor devices can exit the storage tube.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing an electrical connection, and connection thus obtained between a strip of a plastic material (1) having a conductive coating on a single face (5) and a second conductor (15) positioned on the non-conductive side (3) of said strip consisting of forming into a loop the lug (7), formed by the end portion of said strip, by thermoforming between two parallel cylinders of which at least one is heated, driven in rotation to come to press the non-conductive face of the lug (7) against a non-conductive portion of the strip.

Abstract: A sub-miniature aerosolizer comprises a substantially elongated sleeve member, a substantially elongated insert and a substantially elongated body member. The sleeve member includes a threaded inner surface which is adapted to receive the insert which is a correspondingly threaded member. The threaded insert provides a substantially helical channel. The body member includes a cavity on its first end which terminates by an end wall at its second end. The end wall includes an orifice extending therethrough. The body member is connected with the sleeve member to provide the sub-miniature aerosolizer of the present invention. The sub-miniature aerosolizer is sized to accommodate insertion into the trachea of a subject for use of the device. For operation of the device, the sub-miniature aerosolizer is connected by a suitable tube with a liquid pressure driver apparatus. The liquid pressure driver apparatus is adapted to pass liquid material therefrom which is sprayed from the sub-miniature aerosolizer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wheel rim comprising the steps of: (i) pressing or rolling flat steel section into an annulus; (ii) welding the ends of the section together; (iii) heating to about 700.degree. C. one end of the annulus to an axially extending depth of about 7.5 cm; (iv) pressing said one end partially or fully to shape; (v) heating to about 700.degree. C. the other end of the annulus to an axially extending depth of about 7.5 cm; (vi) pressing said other end partially or fully to shape.

Abstract: The instant invention contemplates a process for manufacturing jewelry including the steps of: (a) creating a photographic negative from a computer-generated image; (b) masking the negative over a photopolymerizable resin backed by a rigid substrate; (c) irradiating the unmasked resin with ultraviolet radiation; (d) removing the unpolymerized resin from the photopolymer, using a washing agent such as water, resulting in a positive three-dimensional likeness of the object to be cast; (e) placing the resulting etched resin plate into a container and pouring tooling resin into the container thereby creating a plug bearing the negative impression of the jewelry item to be created; (f) inserting the tooling resin plug into a jewelry item mold having an empty sleeve which receives the plug resulting in a completed jewelry mold; (g) filling the completed mold with plastic resulting in a plastic model of the jewelry item to be created; (h) using the plastic model in a "lost wax" casting process to create an individua

Abstract: A powered lawn and garden tool for trimming and edging lawns is specially adapted for shipping and storing in collapsed state for reduced package sizes includes a single length of tube that is received within an extended neck portion of a motor housing. During final assembly, the tube is extended and locked into position in a single motion. The housing is further adapted to be rotated one hundred eighty degrees on the tube when it is extended and includes a button-operated mechanism for releasing the tube for rotation and locking it in either of two positions, one hundred eighty degrees apart.

Abstract: This invention relates to a marking device for making two-dimensional identification signs on the surface of any object, of the type in which the micro-percussion tool is borne axially by a slewable rod which is retained angularly along its axis and which penetrates in a fixed housing through a Universal joint allowing free orientation thereof in all directions along an axis of symmetry, characterized in that orientation of the rod is controlled with the aid of two independent motors which act on one and the other, respectively, of the two orthogonal pivot pins of the joint.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a lens frame configuration is provided which comprises an apparatus body provided with a measuring reference surface, a frame holder movably retained by the apparatus body and adapted to hold right and left lens frames of an eyeglass frame so as to rotate and incline a holding plane of the lens frame with respect to the reference surface, a rotating device for rotating and inclining the frame holder, a measuring portion for measuring coordinates of each point in a circumferential direction of a V-shaped groove of the lens frame with respect to the measuring reference surface, and an arithmetic circuit for calculating an inclination of the lens frame in the V-shaped groove with respect to the reference surface from a result obtained by the measuring portion.

Abstract: A compact, low-cost, hand-held builder's tool for use in defining reference lines perpendicular and parallel to a specified surface. The tool comprises a housing that is generally small enough to fit conveniently in the user's hand and that includes a battery-powered laser for projecting a visible laser beam through an exit window in the housing over an extended range. An on-board alignment mechanism is provided within the housing for adjusting and setting the alignment of the laser beam in fixed disposition for establishing an accurate reference line. The housing has two generally parallel broad faces joined by a plurality of connecting faces extending substantially perpendicular to the broad faces. One of the broad faces and two of the perpendicular connecting faces taken together define three reference planes that are mutually perpendicular to one another within a margin sufficiently small that the tool has an accuracy suitable for use over an extended range of at least about 20 ft (about 6.1 m).

Abstract: A hand held device adapted to be used by an archer situated in an elevated position to aid in the determination of the approximate ground distance to a stationary or moving target in a simple and efficient manner in order that he might thereby increase his chances of hitting the target.

Abstract: A touch sensor of the invention can output a directional information from which direction an object to be measured touches a contact, as well as a positional information. The touch sensor includes a movable plate; at least four movable contacts provided on the movable plate and arranged in a rectangular shape; a measuring shaft attached to the movable plate to extend perpendicularly thereto and having a contact portion at one end thereof; a base plate situated at a side opposite to the movable contacts and having at least four fixed contacts formed at positions corresponding to the respective movable contacts so that the fixed contacts contact the corresponding movable contacts; a device for uring the movable plate to the base plate so that the movable contacts and the fixed contacts contact together; and insulating guides provided on the base plate or the movable plate to surround the movable and fixed contacts. The guides contact and guide the movable or fixed contacts.