Abstract: A method and apparatus for ginning harvested seed cotton comprising the steps of: introducing harvested seed cotton including lint and seed on to the upper surface of a lower rotating plate (3); rotating said plate to thereby carry said harvested seed cotton towards the leading edge (29) of a knife positioned at a defined distance above said lower rotating plate such that the cotton seed is drawn/combed under the knife edge (27); extracting line separated from said harvested seed cotton from a rearward facing edge of said knife; and collecting said seed from the leading edge of the knife.

Abstract: A metal cable tie includes a tensioning strip and a head piece designed as a sheet metal part in the form of an elongate capsule with a tapering capsule cross section to receive a locking ball. The head piece includes at least one capsule wall being opposite the capsule bottom and designed to be elastically deflectable and provided with an opening for latching the locking ball in the latched position. A narrowed end of the capsule has an opening suitable for the insertion of a tool to push the locking ball out of the latching position.

Abstract: A securing device to be located on the inside of a uniform garment will accurately align and anchor military-type ribbon holders, nametags and warfare insignias. The securing device contains claps encased within a thin, soft, pliable plastic foam material sized slightly larger than the secured military-type ribbon holders, nametags and warfare insignias, yielding a flush appearance against the wearer's body. Repeated insertion to and retraction from my device can occur without concern for lost clasps or skin penetration.

Abstract: A seat covering tensioning clip for use to bridge a trimming wire provided on a seat covering and a spring supporting a seat pad or an insert wire embedded in the seat pad to thereby tension the seat covering, comprises an annular base, and a pair of J-shaped arms extending from the annular base in a nearly same direction, and each having a straight portion and an inwardly bent portion, the bent portions facing each other; the clip being adapted to receive each of the first and second object wires from between the bent portions thereof, thereafter the first object wire being securely retained in the annular base while the second object wire is securely caught between the bent portions superposed on each other.

Abstract: Mechanical process, rollers and machines (10) for obtaining continuous modification of the appearance and color of textile fabrics by passage, dry or wet, of the fabric (41) under tension, around rollers (23-26) with a coating (35) of diamond powder, uniformly or in areas marked out in their surfaces.

Abstract: An oil conduit mechanism for spindle head of five-axis machine tool integrates cutting liquid conduit, lubricating oil conduit and braking oil conduit within the spindle head. Those conduits comprises ducts to guide cutting liquid, braking oil and lubricating oil to the processing location for cooling and lubrication. The oil conduit mechanism further comprises a lubricating oil recycling conduit to recycle the lubricating oil for repeated use.

Abstract: A mechanism for positioning a pair of hinges on an automobile body to facilitate a hinge fastening operation includes a fixture positionable on the body, and two widely-spaced pegs carried by the fixture for accurately locating the fixture relative to the desired hinge location on the automobile. Power-actuated pusher pins on the fixture are used to force the fixture away from the auto body after the hinge-fastening operation, such that the locator pegs are moved out of the locator holes without binding on the hole edges.

Abstract: Apparatus removes and replaces the valve core from the internally threaded valve stem of apparatus such as vehicular tires and air conditioning systems. Valve cores of the Shrader type have a rectangular outward projection. The device of the invention has a pair of opposed jaws that are movable toward and away from each other for removably grasping the lateral sides of the projection. The jaws are moved toward one another for grasping by a threaded rod with a tapered end that cooperates with sloping elements opposite the jaws. The jaws move away from each other for releasing the valve core by elastic bias. An optional embodiment includes a valve to enable removal and replacement of the core without the loss of fluid from the valve stem. The invention may be used to replace a valve core, or to add fluid such as refrigerant or tire sealant without interference from a valve core.

Abstract: A drive train support tool is provided for supporting drive train components in a motor vehicle. The tool includes a tubular body having opposite ends, with extension members telescopically extending from the opposite ends of the body. A hook is provided on each extension member for hooking over the torsion bars or other suspension system components or opposite sides of the vehicle frame. A jack extends through the tubular body and can be threadably extended into a supportive engagement with the drive train component(s). Therefore, the tool will support the engine or any other drive train component while another drive train part is removed for work or repair at a location away from the vehicle.

Abstract: A rigid connection of structural parts of a motor vehicle and a tool and for establishing the connection are provided. The two structural parts to be connected are designed as oblong hollow bodies with one structural part having axially spaced radial cross-sectional reductions along the length of the connection in which the other structural part is held on it while forming a releasable plug-type connection and in that the first structural part--starting from the plug-in position. Because of the expansion between the plug-type connection points, during an internal high-pressure deforming, the parts are locked in a form-fitting manner. The interim structural part, in contrast to the other structural part, being constructed to be more easily plastically deformable under high pressure.

Abstract: A method for positioning a pair of door hinges on a vehicle body can include the sequential steps of placing the hinges on locator pins carried by a portable fixture, advancing the fixture against the vehicle body so that multiple pegs on the fixture enter into preformed locator holes on the vehicle body, and clamping the fixture in position by automatic mechanisms responsive to entry of the pegs into the locator holes.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a ring that has at least one cylindrical end section that ends in a chamfer is disclosed. The process entails providing a flat-shaped article which is formed of a material capable of being deep-drawn. The flat-shaped article is stamped to provide indentations which correspond to the chamfer in the finished product. The flat-shaped article is then punched out to form a preform. The preform is then deep drawn, converting the preform into the shape of the ring. In the step of deep drawing the preform, the indentations form a chamfered section on the ring.

Abstract: A rigid bar of material is fastened to a circuit board to increase its stiffness. The bar is preferably a high modulus plastic such as liquid crystal polymer. Flexible fingers which surround a central opening are formed integrally with the bar and pop into throughbores in the circuit board. Each finger has at least one arcuate protrusion and, preferably several, which can engage the bottom of the circuit board. A rigid pin which may be made of steel is slid into the central opening and has an interference fit therewith to hold it in place to prevent flexible fingers from moving inwardly so the stiffener is held fast to the circuit board.

Abstract: The method of attaching a fastening element to a metal panel within a panel opening using a die member having an annular concave die cavity. The fastening element includes a tubular riveting portion and a radial flange portion and a fastening portion. The internal and external surfaces of the tubular riveting portion are relatively uniformly inclined toward the radial flange portion such that the thickness of the tubular riveting portion at the free end is less than the thickness adjacent the radial flange portion. In the preferred embodiment, the internal surface of the tubular riveting portion is cylindrical and the external surface is slightly conical tapering inwardly toward the free end to reduce the force required to radially deform the free end of the tubular portion radially outwardly.

Abstract: A rotor assembly includes a lamination stack, a pilot shaft for providing radial piloting for the lamination stack, and clamp for applying an axially compressive force to the lamination stack. Decoupling the piloting from the clamping allows the diameter of the rotor assembly to be increased. Resulting is a rotor assembly having a shorter axial length and higher tip speed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of allowing the current direction through the sensor or coil of a magneto resistive (MR) read/inductive write head to be consistent with the orienting magnetic field of the sensor or coil by allowing the current direction to be switched by a single mask layer change. This goal is achieved by creating additional connection sites to the non-magnetic mask layer to provide alternative means of connecting element leads to bonding pads and thus providing a choice in which direction to route the current through the sensor or coil of the read/write head.

Abstract: A pair of hinges are positioned on an automotive body for fastening purposes, using a manual fixture that includes spaced pegs for locating the fixture in a desired position on the body. Three or more clamps on the fixture are controlled to clamp the fixture to the auto body automatically after the fixture has been manipulated to a desired position. Proximity switches operate the clamps at the proper time in the cycle.

Abstract: A battery plate stacker is delineated for enveloping expanded metal battery plates and stacking positive and negative plates in an alternating pattern, comprising, a battery plate feeder; a carrier coupled to the battery plate feeder; and a wire flattener module coupled to the carrier that conveys expanded metal battery plates through the wire flattener module. The wire flattener module includes one or more pairs of rotatable members, each pair being aligned with a separate edge portion of an expanded metal battery plate while lying on the carrier. As the plate is conveyed through the pair(s) of members, they force any wires extending away from the surfaces of the plate back into positions flush with the plate surfaces, thereby avoiding puncturing of the separator material when it is crimped around the plate.

Abstract: An assembly apparatus has a plurality of stationary work stations spaced apart in a transport direction extending downstream from a holding station, a plurality of holders each adapted to carry a respective workpiece and each formed with at least one downwardly directed entrainment tooth, an upstream conveyor for feeding the holders in a row to the holding station, and a downstream conveyor extending downstream from the holding station past the work stations and including a belt formed with external teeth meshable with the teeth of the holders. A blocking element at the holding station can move between a position preventing downstream movement of the holders past the holding station and a position permitting such downstream movement.

Abstract: A method for forming a plastic package of an electronic device that is substantially without void formation is disclosed. In the method, a lead finger which is to be encapsulated in a plastic package is first deformed into various configurations such that the mold flow pattern can be modified accordingly. For instance, the tip portion of the lead finger can be formed into a U-shaped or a V-shaped bend, can be tilted to a 45.degree. slope or can be formed with U-shaped or V-shaped notch in the lead finger such that plastic flow velocity may be increased where the flow channel has been enlarged. Numerous embodiments of the present invention novel method are available for achieving similarly desirable results.

Abstract: In a method of production of a multichip package module, rough-pitch bare chips are positioned at first locations on a printed-circuit board, and the rough-pitch bare chips are temporarily attached to the board at the first locations. The rough-pitch bare chips are mounted on the board at the same time by applying heat and pressure to the rough-pitch bare chips simultaneously. A respective one of fine-pitch bare chips is positioned at a respective one of second locations on the board other than the first locations, and the respective one of the fine-pitch bare chips is mounted on the board by applying heat and pressure to the fine-pitch bare chips individually, in order to produce the multichip package module.

Abstract: Fluid compressor or expander having a main rotor with discrete arched-helical flutes that have ruled surface roots that match the predominantly planar tips of the teeth of the associated gate rotors and provide effective fluid sealing as the gate rotor teeth sweep through the flutes of the main rotor during compressor or expander operation. The flutes can be readily and economically made by end milling, in which a first flute is milled with a minimized number of milling passes such as a first pass to make one arched-helical flank and a portion of the arcked-helical root of a first flute and a second pass to make the opposing arcked-helical flank and another portion of the arched-helical root of the first flute. Additional discrete flutes are made in a similar manner until the main rotor is completed.

Abstract: An in-stream sample collection and conditioning system which is easier to implement and maintain, more cost effective, and more reliable than existing systems. The preferred embodiment of the present system contemplates a modular system adaptable to a variety of diverse configurations and criteria, the system having incorporated therein a base piece formed of interconnecting modular base members, the base piece having fluid passageways formed therein to provide fluid flow between the adjacent base member. Situated adjacent to each of the modular base members forming the base piece are modular conditioning components, each selected from a field of diverse conditioning types and configurations, and adapted for the contemplated use.

Abstract: An adapter used to mount a single direction pivoting cartridge on a disposable razor. The adapter may be either integral with the handle or a removable adapter. A spring tongue member or spring arm biases the cartridge to its at-rest position and provides a restoring moment when the cartridge is pivoted during use.

Abstract: A chain pipe cutter has a pair of pivotal handles that carry a non-extendable cutter chain. A first handle has a contact member secured to a lower part of the first handle in a pivotal relationship so as to adapt the contact member to an angle most suitable for contacting a power actuator rod. The second handle has a holder for a power actuator rod and a retainer for retaining the rod in a fixed relationship to the handle when the power is delivered to the rod. An arm retainer allows to temporarily retain the handles in a spaced-apart relationship prior to application of the power. A conversion kit is provided for retrofitting a conventional manual pipe cutter to a power actuated cutter.

Abstract: A retractable blade knife is described, which has a handle composed of two parallel members connected by biasing spring assemblies and a blade orthogonal to the handle members. A cutting edge comprising cutting segments connected at varying angles to one another is disclosed, the cutting edge providing a visual effect similar to a flaked cutting edge.

Abstract: A folding tool includes an elongate handle and a blade pivotally attached to the handle. The blade is movable between a closed position in which it is received within a groove, between the side walls of the handle, and an open position in which the blade extends away from the handle and is exposed. The blade has a tang portion which is received within the groove of the handle when the blade is in its open position. A blade locking pin is part of a sliding lock assembly and extends generally transversely with respect to the length of the handle and blade. The pin is movable along a pair of elongate holes, between a first position in which the pin engages the tang portion to lock the blade in its open position and a second position in which the pin is spaced away from the tang and allows the blade to move to its closed position. A spring is biases the pin to its first position and is further provided for manually moving the pin to its second position from its biased first position.

Abstract: A self-powered device for cutting foliage that includes a backpack portion, a foliage cutting portion, and a coupling portion. The backpack portion includes a frame, a gas engine, and a flexible shaft. The coupling portion includes a power portion and a tool portion. The power portion includes a collar that is crimped on the sheathing of the flexible shaft of the backpack portion and a stop that extends fixedly and axially from the collar of the power portion. The tool portion includes a collar that is crimped on the casing of the flexible drive shaft of the foliage cutting portion with the end thereof having a blind bore extending axially therethrough which fixedly receives the end of the flexible shaft of the backpack portion. The collar of the tool portion has an inner periphery that fixedly receives the stop of the power portion.

Abstract: A knife for cutting fibrous insulation batts in a single motion with one hand consists of a blade having a smooth, curved edge adapted to both compress and cut the insulation batt along the entire length of the curved edge without tearing the insulation batt and a handle permanently and non-movably attached to one end of the blade.

Abstract: A cutting attachment for use with a vegetation cutting device. The cutting attachment has a body with a generally planar coupling portion and a central axis of rotation. In one embodiment, the body further includes a conical central wall portion extending radially outwardly and in a first direction from the coupling portion and the axis and a circular outer wall portion adjoining the central wall portion and extending generally radially outwardly therefrom. The central wall portion defines a conically-shaped self-cleaning inner cavity disposed symmetrically about the axis. The outer wall portion has a generally smooth outer surface which serves as a skid plate. An outer self-cleaning cavity is formed by an outer surface of the central wall portion and an inner surface of the outer wall portion. A coupling assembly, which can include an adapter having first and second clamping elements, is carried by the coupling portion for coupling the body to the cutting device to cause rotation about the axis.

Abstract: A phosphorescent or light-reflective member is disposed on a holder supporting an elongated light-gathering optical fiber formed of a light-gathering fluorescent plastic material. The sight is adaptable for use on rifles, handguns, bows, and other weapons requiring an aiming indicia. The light-gathering fluorescent optical provides a brilliant dot that is readily identifiable under bright light conditions, and the phosphorescent or light-reflecting member provides a supplemental light source which serves to provide an illuminated dot under low-light or dark conditions. The sight 10 effectively solves the problem of providing electrically-powered light sources for illumination of the aiming indicia under low light or dark conditions, or the requirement to precisely align the fiber or hollow tube with a light source disposed at the distal end of the fiber or tube spaced from the viewing end of the fiber or tube.

Abstract: A combination speed and framing square includes first and second legs joined to form a right angle. The first and second legs are substantially longer than those found on a typical framing square allowing higher pitch roof rafters to be sequentially marked in increments of two feet. A third leg is attached to the first and second legs forming the hypotenuse of a right triangle with the first and second legs. The third leg has an elongated marking aperture with hip and valley and common rafter marking indicia on opposing sides thereof as well as incremental angular indicia adjacent its outer edge as with a typical speed square. Level indicators such as bubble levels are disposed on the first and second legs. At each end of the first leg and at a distal end of the second leg is an integral elongated slot each dimensioned to removably receive a rolling measuring device with a digital distance indication means on the exterior thereof.

Abstract: A device for cleaning exhaust air from clothes dryers has a housing, an element for connecting an interior of the housing with an outlet of a clothes dryer so as to supply in the interior of the housing air exiting the clothes dryer and containing impurities, an element for supplying liquid into the interior of the housing so that the impurities are washed off from the air by the liquid and entrained in the liquid, an element for withdrawing air after washing off from the impurities from the housing, and an element for withdrawing the liquid with entrained impurities from the housing.

Abstract: Freeze drying apparatus and associated lyophilization procedures are provided employing vapor flow detection and/or vacuum control for monitoring and control of the lyophilization process. The vapor flow detector, such as a windmill sensor, is disposed to monitor vapor flow from product undergoing lyophilization. In a batch process, vapor flow is collectively monitored with the vapor flow detector between the process chamber and condenser chamber, while in a manifold configuration separate vapor flow detectors are employed at each flask attachment port. A windmill sensor provides visual feedback to an operator and/or electronic feedback to a system controller. A vacuum control system is also provided for use with or independent of vapor flow detection. This vacuum control disconnects the vacuum source from the process chamber when pressure within the process chamber falls below a first predefined set point.

Abstract: A dryer for processing semiconductor substrates which rotates a carrier containing the substrates within a housing in combination with a bubbler which heats and directs a gas containing a water tension reducing vapor to the housing to contact the substrates and thereby hasten drying, decrease water marking, and decrease contamination.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying grain which includes a method and apparatus for unloading the grain from a grain dryer of a type including spaced apart first and second walls for defining a passageway or grain column for directing grain flowing downwardly by gravity between the first and second walls. A substantially horizontal shelf is disposed below the outlet port of the grain confinement walls for receiving grain thereon from the grain column. A channel is disposed below the shelf for receiving grain which is pushed off of the shelf. A discharge port is disposed in the channel. A strip of material is disposed for moving along above the shelf for metering grain from the shelf to the channel as the strip moves along the shelf. A paddle is disposed for movement in the channel for pushing grain from the channel into the discharge port. The dryer also has a central air passage from top to bottom, which lends itself to being used for three mode drying, if desired.

Abstract: A method of contacting an article placed in a chamber with a gas flowing through the chamber includes the step of displacing at least one interior surface in or of the chamber relative to the article so that the surface and the article are positioned adjacent one another to inhibit the flow of gas between them and to encourage the flow of gas into contact with the article.

Abstract: A clothes dryer includes a control system for determining the drying time for a partial load in a clothes dryer. The system includes a humidity sensor, a signal processor, and a fuzzy logic control system. The humidity sensor generates a humidity signal representative of the humidity of air flowing through the trap duct. The humidity sensor transmits the humidity signal to the signal processor, and the signal processor determines a drying span utilizing the humidity signal. The fuzzy logic control system then utilizes the drying span to estimate the clothes load.

Abstract: Apparatus for the drying of particulate material in superheated steam in a closed vessel (1). The vessel consists of a number of upwardly open, elongated and substantially vertical processing cells (2) which are placed around a central part with a heat exchanger (3). The last of these processing cells (2) has a closed bottom and is the discharge cell (4), while the remainder (2) have bottoms (5) through which steam can permeate. The processing cells (2), which lie at the side of one another, stand in mutual connection through openings (11) at the lowermost ends of the cells, so that the particulate material which is dried by the superheated steam which is blown up from the heat exchanger (3) through the steam-permeable bottoms (5) can pass from one processing cell (2) to the next through said openings (11).

Abstract: A particle movement controller, being disposed between a first fluidized bed, to where particles are supplied, and a second fluidized bed, from where particles are discharged, which controls the moving amount of the particles from the first fluidized bed to the second fluidized bed, is improved to have a substantially proportional characteristic without a hysteresis. Flow rate control nozzle pipes 30a, 30b, . . . , 30j made of horizontal pipes are disposed vertically at intervals and nozzle holes 31 are formed in a lower surface of each of the nozzles. An amount of air emitted from each nozzle hole 31 is controlled using opening and closing valves 33a, 33b, . . . , 33j or flow rate adjustment valves 35a, 35b, . . . , 35j (FIG. 2).

Abstract: Drum washer-drier includes a drum rotating about a horizontal rotary axis, a water tank including drum, and outer tank resiliently supporting water tank. A plurality of suspending rods are suspended from an upper inner surface of outer tank, and water tank is resiliently supported by providing compression springs between spring receiving portions at lower ends of suspending rods and support receiving portions of water tank. Further, a damper generating a sliding resistance as the spring is expanded/compressed is provided at the lower end portion of suspending rod. At the time of dehydration, drum is rotated for a prescribed time period at a rotation speed higher than critical rotation speed of a fluid balancer but lower than a resonance rotation speed caused by resilient support, and thereafter high speed rotation starts. A structure for protecting the fluid balancer formed of synthetic resin during drying is also provided.

Abstract: A padded dress shoe is provided including a sole having a generally rigid heel portion defining an open top. The sole has an upper mounted thereon for forming an interior space in which a foot may be inserted. Further included is a flexible, thin planar shoe pad having a periphery with a size and shape similar to that of the sole. The shoe pad is situated on the sole within the shoe, thereby affording a closed compartment within the heel portion of the sole. A closed, impermeable cushioned bladder is situated within the compartment of the heel portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plastic moulded monolithic sandal using an upper that comprises a continuous base band, with no holes or incisions, directly fixed to the sole, as well as one or more transversal closing straps, each of them composed of two separate ends capable of overlapping and closing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of operation for measuring forces applied to a wearer's foot, the apparatus providing an indication to the wearer when forces on the foot exceed pre-selected upper limits or do not meet pre-selected lower limits. A body member is disclosed for attachment around the wearer's foot, the body member having an exterior sole and an interior sole portion covered by a rigid foot plate. The foot plate includes an upper support surface for contact with the foot. The interior sole portion includes at least one cavity within, with a force sensing unit attachable partially within the cavity. At least one strain gage is positioned at a midpoint on the force sensing unit, and the force sensing unit is connectable to the underside of the foot plate. An electronic means is mounted within the cavity and is electrically connected to the at least one strain gage.

Abstract: In a method of and apparatus for anchor installation, a plate anchor is mounted at the bottom of a suction follower comprising a hollow cylinder having an open lower insertion end and a closable upper suspension end. The suction follower and the anchor secured thereto are engaged with the sea floor, whereupon water is pumped out of the suction follower causing the suction follower and the anchor to penetrate into the sea floor to a predetermined depth. The anchor is then disengaged from the suction follower, whereupon water is pumped into the suction follower to disengage the suction follower from the sea floor for recovery to the surface, leaving the anchor embedded in the sea floor. The plate anchor may comprise first and second plate members, the second plate member pivoting relative to the first plate member to prevent upward movement of the anchor.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive type working vehicle, with speedy responsiveness in an excavating operation, includes: a pouring changeover valve (10), which is switchable between (a) a pouring position, wherein pressurized oil of a travel hydraulic circuit (5) is poured into a working machine hydraulic circuit (8), and (b) a shutoff position, wherein the travel hydraulic circuit (5) and the working machine hydraulic circuit (8) are isolated from each other; a first changeover valve (16), which is switchable from its shutoff position to its communicating position when the oil pressure of the travel hydraulic circuit (5) exceeds a predetermined oil pressure; a pouring command switch (14); and a second changeover valve (17), which is connected in series with the first changeover valve (16) and which is switchable from its shutoff position to its communicating position upon receipt of a pouring command from the pouring command switch (14); and wherein the pouring changeover valve (10) is switchable to the pouring position whe

Abstract: An iron has a first base to be directly heated for increasing an amount of accumulated heat, a second base including a soleplate and a thermal resistance layer disposed between the bases. The thermal resistance layer has a greater heat resistance than the first base so that the first base heated by a heater can maintain a higher temperature than the second base. The iron of the present invention can increase an amount of accumulated heat, thereby extending not only an ironing period but also a period for spraying steam. If a weight of the iron is decreased, the iron still can hold approximately the same accumulated heat as a conventional iron so that a lightweight iron can be provided.

Abstract: A mobile advertising system for use in connection with a motor vehicle or other mechanized transport comprises a plurality of display panels mounted integrally to the sides and/or rear of the motor vehicle, the plurality of display panels being comprised of transparent material; and a light source for lighting the plurality of display panels from behind the display panels. The light source includes a plurality of fluorescent lightbulbs and a power source generator which generates electrical current to power the fluorescent lightbulbs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing a firearm from firing by engaging a security lock to a slide at a butt end of the firearm. The security lock has a housing defined by a pair of sidewalls joined by a top plate that defines a slot for receiving a sight on the slide. A controller extends through a rear plate of the housing. A security member is operatively engaged to the controller for being moved between a first position for installing and removing the housing from the slide of the handgun and a second position in which the security member operatively secures the housing to the slide by being disposed between the rear portion of the slide and the handle of the firearm, thereby holding the slide in a partially rearward position with the firearm out-of-battery and the trigger mechanism of the firearm disengaged from the firing pin mechanism. A method of locking firearms is disclosed. The method discloses using a universal key for the lock.

Abstract: The ice fishing device is useful to place a fishing lure away from an ice fishing hole, under the ice. The device includes a float that provides buoyancy and urges the device upward when the device is placed in a body of water; a drive that has forward and backward modes and propels the device in opposing forward and backward directions; a power source operatively connected with the drive; a control operatively connected with the drive; and a coupler that releasably couples with a lure. The device may further include a slide member that abuts the ice in sliding engagement and slides the device over topographical irregularities of the ice. The device may further include a monitor to provide information regarding such conditions as water depth temperature, position, and fish location. The control may further be connected with the drive by a tether that has multiple electrical conductors, or by a wireless transmitter and receiver system. The tether may also be constructed to float when placed in water.