Abstract: A pivoting structure is provided to pivot together a first working block, a cutting blade, and a second working block of a pair of shears in such a manner that the cutting blade and the second working block work against each other to effect the scissors action. The pivoting structure comprises a first locating slot disposed in the first working block, a pivot located in the first locating slot, a second locating slot disposed in the second working block, and a nut engaged with the pivot and located in the second locating slot.

Abstract: A pneumatic hand tool comprises a tool body communicable with an operating air source, a pneumatic motor supported by the tool body, and a control valve for controlling air flow to the motor. When the control valve is in an open condition the motor is operated to drive the tool. When the valve is in a closed condition it cuts off the supply of operating air to the motor. In the closed condition the control valve communicates with air at ambient atmospheric pressure so that source air leaking from the control valve is vented away from the motor to preclude unintended motor operation.

Abstract: An edge cutting apparatus provides a means for edging around pop-up and stationary sprinkler devices and provides a safe and secure means of transporting the components of the apparatus. An edge cutting apparatus can include a cutter handle with a compression collar integrated to a T-shaped cutter handle. The cutter handle having a first end and a second end. The cutter head assembly can be detachably coupled to at least one of the first end and second end of the cutter handle. The cutter head assembly can include a cutter head and a cutter blade having cutter blade teeth. An edge cutting apparatus carrying kit can include a cutter handle, the cutter handle having a T-shape with an compression collar integrated to the cutter handle, and a cutter head assembly comprising a cutter head and a cutter blade. The carrying kit further includes an upper plate having circular indentations to receive the cutter head, and a lower plate having circular indentations equipped to receive the cutter blade.

Abstract: A process for making a combination food utensil constructed of materials having different relative hardness, particularly a spoon. A skeleton or backbone of the utensil is constructed of a hard material such as polypropylene to provide structural rigidity and to allow the utensil to easily slide along the bottom of a dish such as bowl or a plate. Outside edges of the utensil and portions of its handle are constructed of a softer material such as Kraton or silicon to provide for comfortable contact with the inside of the mouth and gums. In the preferred embodiment the spoon is provided for use by a baby.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a plurality of circular shaped, slotted foils or cutting heads are simultaneously produced using electroforming production techniques followed by passage of each slotted foil or cutting head through either a single die or a progressive die to form the slotted foil or cutting head into the desired three-dimensional circular or annular shape required for a rotary shaver. Furthermore, in order to produce a slotted foil or cutting head which is extremely thin, to attain a close, comfortable shave, each of the fully formed slotted foils or cutting heads is passed through an insert molding operation, wherein a supporting rim or ring is affixed to the outer edge of the slotted foil or cutting head, thereby imparting rigidity or stiffness thereto. As a result, slotted foils or cutting head are able to be manufactured at a substantially reduced cost, and with precisely desired and controlled configurations.

Abstract: A coated cemented carbide cutting tool member having excellent ability to prevent breakage and chipping around its cutting edge, exhibits high wear resistance in severe cutting operations comprises a hard sintered substrate and a hard coating layer deposited on the surface of said substrate, the hard coating layer comprises an alternated multi-layer structure having a total thickness of between 0.5 to 20 &mgr;m and comprising the first thin layer of titanium compounds and the second thin layer of hard oxide materials whose individual thickness is between 0.01 to 0.3 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A supporting roller platform fabricated from a rigid, durable sheet material such as steel or the like configured to receive in cooperating nesting engagement the skid plate of a power cutting tool such as a rotary saw is disclosed. The roller platform is formed with a flat base and a pair of opposing upstanding side walls or tabs formed from outer lateral portions of the base for supporting a plurality of shaft-mounted wheels. An elongated slot is provided in an axially offset, lengthwise direction of the base for receiving a cutting blade of the power tool therethrough as it is extended toward a working, cutting position after being projected through an overlapping axially offset, lengthwise opening provided in the skid plate. The elongated slot is sized and shaped to fully accommodate the cutting blade at any extended position thereof, as well as providing additional space as necessary to allow for airflow and debris removal from the workpiece during operation.

Abstract: A jigsaw (2) includes a scotch yoke mechanism (18, 20, 26) for translating rotary output of a motor (4) into linear reciprocating motion of the guide member (26). Pivotally coupled to the guide member (26) both at its front end (42) and its rear end (52) is an arcuately shaped blade (40).

Abstract: The present invention provides a chain saw having a high degree of safety for its various positions including an upward and a downward position. The chain saw comprises a bar-shaped top handle extending in a lengthwise direction above an upper surface of a main body and a bar-shaped side handle provided next to a left side surface of the main body. When the main body is seen in a plan view, a front end portion of the side handle is intersected transversely with and coupled to a left side surface of a front end portion of the top handle. A right-side support surface extending outwardly in the transverse direction is provided on a right side surface of the front end portion of the top handle. It is located substantially at the same position as a left-side support surface which is comprised of a rear surface of the front end portion of the side handle in the lengthwise direction of the main body.

Abstract: Handles for personal care products are provided having a sheath/core construction. Methods are provided for manufacturing such handles.

Abstract: A multipurpose tool to facilitate installation of deck construction includes a main body portion having at least one structural feature that defines a plane. At least one flange is coupled to the main body portion and is oriented substantially perpendicular to the plane. The flange may be used to maintain consistent spacing between decking planks during assembly. The tool also may be used to strike lines, space fasteners, maintain baluster spacing, identify distances and angles, and indicate levels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatuses and methods for calibrating relative motions of moveable parts using plurality of balls, rods, and liner encoders which form configurations to measure multiple translational, angular and squareness errors simultaneously.

Abstract: A tracer device having a tracer arm is mounted in an axial guide and is movable back and forth in the x direction while measuring the path, and a tracer head is mounted at the free area of the tracer arm, is in contact with the surface of a part during a measurement and, during its travel in the x direction, is deflected by the surface contours in a z direction that is perpendicular to the x direction, and having an analyzer device for detecting and analyzing the deflections in the z direction as a function of the path in the x direction. An easy to handle, compact design is provided since the front section of the tracer arm, which is rigid per se, is provided with a tracer leg that forms an articulated link of the tracer head to the tracer arm, and a measuring element that detects the deflection in the z direction is arranged on the tracer leg.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making differently configured paper receptacles such as envelopes from a sheet of paper (50) using a template unit (100) and a severing implement (80) to create a generally cruciform shaped envelope blank having a square central section (51) and four rounded arm flaps (52) through (55) that project outwardly from the arm flaps (52) through (55) wherein particular sequences of creasing and folding steps will produce: a heart shaped paper receptacle; an ice cream cone or balloon shaped paper receptacle; and a square envelope whose rear face represents a “yin yan” symbol.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a pinion bearing move to correct pinion-to-gear alignment based on pinion &Dgr; t overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks are provided. Using a realistic visual representation of a gear to pinion mesh showing pressure angles of the gear and pinion as well as the angle of the pinion down from the mill center line allows for a quick and accurate determination of a pinion bearing to align a pinion-to-gear assembly move. Using temperature differential data of the pinion under load conditions, the present invention allows for an easy and efficient means of determining a pinion bearing move to align a pinion-to-gear assembly without requiring complicated manual calculations or data input to a computer program. Furthermore, the present invention is lightweight and portable thereby avoiding the drawbacks often associated with handheld electrical devices and laptop computers.

Abstract: An improved friction tab or clip for a blade catch at an end of the tape measure blade. The friction tab is provided with an outer coating of a substantially soft, resilient and pliant material generally a soft, non-skid material, e.g. an elastomeric material, such as rubber or other similar non-skid material. The friction tab is removably mounted to the blade catch by appropriately molding an inner pocket which frictionally engages the blade catch directly. A protrusion may also be provided in the inner pocket which engages at least an aperture through the blade catch of the measuring tape to further secure the friction tab to the blade catch.

Abstract: The invention provides a wafer pad assembly for use in an ion implanter for mounting and cooling a wafer. The wafer pad assembly comprises a wafer support pad having an upper surface for mounting the wafer and a lower surface. The lower surface of the wafer support pad is connected to a coolant passage having an inlet section and an outlet section arranged in an opposed configuration, wherein said inlet section is counterbalanced by said outlet section. The lower surface is connected to a frame having an outer curved surface in mating engagement with a complementary shaped bearing surface of a housing wherein said wafer can be tilted or rotated about an axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a solvent from particulate material has a feeding device, a desolventizer, a solvent stripping device, a recirculation mechanism, and a sealing mechanism. The desolventizer has an inlet attached to the feeding device and an outlet structure. The solvent stripping device has a particulate treatment housing with a first and a second end and a conveying mechanism therein. The solvent stripping device also has a particulate inlet, an inert gas inlet, and a particulate outlet. The particulate inlet is located on the lower end and is connected to the desolventizer outlet. The recirculation mechanism removes solvent from an inert gas-solvent mixture. The sealing mechanism is connected between the outlet structure of the desolventizer and the inlet of the solvent stripping device. The sealing mechanism is constructed and arranged to prevent the movement of un-entrained solvent from entering the solvent stripping device.

Abstract: A bottom element for a device for treating particulate has a two-dimensional body having numerous apertures. Means for imposing to a treatment medium passing said bottom are provided. Said bottom being designed as blade-shaped body, said apertures being designed as slots, said slots being generated by a removal of material from said plate-shaped body. Said slots having side walls sloping towards a plane of said body. For facilitating a cleaning of said bottom said side walls of said slots further consecutively tapers to a direction of a side of said bottom a particulate material rests.

Abstract: A substantially pleatless ballet slipper has a non-elastic upper, and an elastic or stretchy toe piece affixed to the forward edge of the upper. The toe piece has a small amount of bunched material at its underside. An outsole is affixed to the toe piece and covers substantially all bunched material or pleats of the toe piece. One or more cushioning pads located on the interior of the slipper make the small amount of bunched material imperceptible to the dancer.

Abstract: A construction for a shoe, particularly an athletic shoe such as a running shoe, includes a sole that conforms to the natural shape of the foot, particularly the sides, and that has a constant thickness in frontal plane cross sections. The thickness of the shoe sole side contour equals and therefore varies exactly as the thickness of the load-bearing sole portion varies due to heel lift, for example. Thus, the outer contour of the edge portion of the sole has at least a portion which lies along a theoretically ideal stability plane for providing natural stability and efficient motion of the shoe and foot particularly in an inverted and everted mode.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a molded article containing an insert includes an upper mold half and a lower mold half for mating with the upper mold half to provide a mold cavity therein. Either mold half can include a recess, an elevator opening in a lower portion of the recess, and an inwardly directed lip at an upper portion of the elevator opening. An elevator mechanism is provided which includes a lifter for supporting an insert to be secured to the article during a molding operation, and a lifting arrangement for raising and lowering the lifter through the elevator opening such that a peripheral edge of the insert supported on the lifter is clamped between the lifter and the lip when the lifting arrangement raises the lifter.

Abstract: A sports boot having an upper, a wear sole and an intermediate sole that has a heel zone with a lateral side, a medial side and a rear side surrounding a central padding. The boot also has a heel bracket with a lateral belt applied against the lateral side, a medial belt applied against the medial side, a rear belt applied against the rear side, a lateral anchoring, a medial anchoring, and retaining arrangement connecting the lateral and medial anchoring at a substantially constant distance one from the other. Furthermore, with the plane of the wear sole as a plane of reference, the elevation of the rear belt is substantially the same as the elevation of the lateral belt and of the medial belt. The retaining arrangement connecting the lateral and medial anchoring can be a strap made from the same material as the heel bracket and integrally formed therewith, or even horizontal tongues that are sandwiched between the intermediate sole and the wear sole at the moment of assembly.

Abstract: A boot having an oversized toe box within which a layer of cold weather insulating material of increased thickness is provided.

Abstract: A system and method for producing an electronic image or message in moving footwear by the synchronous flashing of lights in an array. A shoe is provided having at least one array or lights visible on the exterior of the shoe. Within the shoe is circuitry that monitors when the shoe is in motion. By monitoring the change in pace in the stride of a person wearing the shoe, subsequent strides can be predicted. The lighting of the lights in the arrays is synchronized to the predicted strides just prior to that stride. As such, the lighting of the light arrays is synchronized to a stride when it occurs. By synchronizing the light arrays to a person's stride, images can be created on the footwear that would be comprehendible to any person watching the footwear on a moving person.

Abstract: A course-grooming vehicle with a rear tool carrier, to which a course-grooming device can be detachably connected, where the height and/or the angle of the rear tool carrier and/or of the course-grooming device can be varied by means of at least one adjusting element, and with an electronic control unit, which actuates the minimum of one adjusting element, is known. According to the invention, at least one sensor for the direct or indirect detection of an actual state of the surface of the course to be groomed by the course-grooming device is provided, which sensor is connected to the control unit, the control unit comprising a memory for storing at least one characteristic diagram and an evaluation unit, which compares the actual values detected by the sensor with corresponding nominal values of the characteristic diagram and which, as a function of the result of the evaluation, actuates the minimum of one adjusting element accordingly.

Abstract: The blade is made of heat-treated stainless steel that has one or two sharp edges for resurfacing ice, such as at an ice rink with an ice resurfacing machine. The preferred material is stainless steel. The blade lasts four times longer than a conventional blade, reducing the sharpening interval and reducing the cost of removal, replacement, shipping, and re-sharpening. Reduced maintenance lowers the chance that a worker will be injured during maintenance activities. The life of the blade is about 15 years compared to one year for conventional bladed. It does not corrode during storage. Because the blade is sharper and stronger than conventional ice resurfacing blades, it provides a flatter and smoother finished ice surface than conventionally available. The improved blade allows the ice to be resurfaced more quickly by allowing deeper cuts and faster operation of the resurfacing machine itself.

Abstract: A melting member is adapted to melt snow and ice as it contacts the snow and ice. The melting member is a tablet of sufficient size for melting a substantial amount of ice or snow before dissolving. One or more melting members are placed on snow or ice formed on an inclined roof of a building. The melting members melt the snow or ice as they move downwardly toward the roof of the building. The melting members then continue to melt the snow or ice as they slide downward along the inclined surface of the roof of the building. Water from melted snow and ice is then drained through the channels formed by the melting members. The channels also function to break up ice dams formed on the roof to allow for safe and easy removal of the ice dams and to prevent damage to the roof of the building.

Abstract: A rigid frame assembly for a wheeled work machine includes a pair of spaced apart longitudinal members with transverse ties. The longitudinal members define a cargo support portion at one end of the longitudinal members and a front portion at an end remote from the cargo support portion. A middle portion is disposed between the cargo support portion and the front portion. The middle portion has a transverse width greater than at least one of the cargo support portion and the front portion. An upstanding support is joined to the front portion. The upstanding support includes a lift arm pivot.

Abstract: A wheeled work machine includes a rigid frame assembly having a support with a boom pivot. A front wheel assembly is joined to the frame assembly proximate the support, while a rear wheel assembly is joined to the frame assembly at an end remote from the support. The frame assembly further supports an engine, operator platform and cargo support. The operator platform is supported by the frame assembly between the boom pivot and the engine, while the cargo support is disposed behind the operator platform.

Abstract: An excavation tooth removably connected to an adapter connected to a shovel dipper, the adapter defining a first passageway, the excavation tooth having a tooth body defining a second passageway, a first cam receiving recess adjacent to one end of the second passageway, and a cam access orifice adjacent to the first cam receiving recess, a pin received in the second passageway defined by the tooth body and a cam which extends in a direction away from the pin, wherein the cam is received in the first cam receiving recess defined by the excavation tooth to removably secure the excavation tooth to the adapter.

Abstract: An ironing structure comprises a shell and a blow drier detachably attached to the shell. The shell is provided in the top with a receiving portion for holding one end of the barrel of the blow drier. The receiving portion is in communication with the hollow interior of the shell. The shell is provided at the bottom with a soleplate which is warmed up by the hot air streams of the blow drier to facilitate the pressing of the clothes.

Abstract: A mounting card and method of use for displaying information thereon which is pertinent to a specific symbol, and when viewed automatically stimulates a human emotional response.

Abstract: A reading machine is provided comprising a carriage for temporarily receiving and retaining a publication such as a book, magazine or printed sheet, which carriage is slidably inserted into tracks supported by the main body of the reading machine so as to allow horizontal movement of the carriage relative to the main body of the reading machine. A continuous belt is supported by roller bearings disposed about the main body of the reading such that the belt covers the carriage when the carriage is attached to the reading machine. The belt includes a horizontal member having an opening therein, said opening extending through the belt itself and being of substantially the same size of a line of text such that the opening and belt may be used to isolate individual lines of text. The machine includes control means that include means for manually or automatically controlling the vertical displacement of the belt and the horizontal member by means of an electric motor or by means of a knob or handle.

Abstract: An ice fishing hole simulator system for visually simulating an ice fishing experience based about an ice fishing hole. The ice fishing hole simulator system includes a housing having an upper opening, an upper mirror positioned about the upper opening, a tube extending downwardly from the upper mirror, a lower mirror positioned within the bottom portion of the housing opposite of the upper mirror, and a plurality of lights surrounding the tube. The tube is comprised of a translucent material such as plastic or glass. The tube preferably includes a length of clear portion and a length of opaque portion encompassing the tube in a spiraling manner thereby recreating the inner surface appearance of an ice hole created by an ice auger. The upper mirror is comprised of a two-way mirror structure with the reflective surface facing the lower mirror and the viewing surface facing upwardly to allow an individual to look into the simulated ice hole.

Abstract: I believe that my claim of “DECORATED SELF-ADHESIVE STICKER FOR RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL GARAGE DOORS” utiliztig self-adhesive sticker material to transfer non-copyrighted or non-trademarked images to adhere to the garage doors will brighten any neighborhood and give each house the distinct personality that will separate it from the rest.

Abstract: A structure for supporting a sign board is disclosed. The structure includes: a post clamp having a pair of arched clamping bands which are hingedly coupled and joined to each other by a fastening element, at least one clamping band having a pillar; a hanger having a socket pipe joined to the pillar of the post clamp, a support bar inserted into the socket pipe and joined by a fastening element, the support bar having an axial coupling groove; at least one connector having a first coupling plate with a coupling bulge adapted to be fitted into the coupling groove of the support bar and with a first arched hinge holder, and a second coupling plate coupled to the first coupling plate having a second arched hinge holder; and a sign board having a coupling bulge and a guide slot through which the hinge holders of the connector pass.

Abstract: A flexible and adaptable merchandising system. In one embodiment, the invention comprises an adaptable merchandising system for displaying merchandising inserts comprising: (a) a merchandising board having a track for retaining an adjustable channel; and (b) an adjustable channel having a wing comprising a flexible gripper for securing a merchandising insert and a flexible hinge for adapting the flexible gripper. In another embodiment the invention comprises an adaptable merchandising board for displaying merchandising inserts comprising: (a) a merchandising board having a first side and a second side; and (b) a channel having a wing comprising a gripper for gripping merchandising inserts and a flexible hinge for adapting the gripper to inserts. In another embodiment the invention comprises a merchandising channel comprising: (a) a gripper for retaining a merchandising insert; and (b) a flexible hinge for adapting the gripper to inserts.

Abstract: A label and incentive item for collecting data in connection with consumer surveys is provided having a pre-approved incentive card with a base layer for attaching to a product package or release paper. The pre-approved incentive card has indicia printed on its outer side. An outer layer is provided covering at least a portion of the pre-approved incentive card. The outer layer may reproduce indicia on a product package obscured by the label and incentive item. The outer layer may have indicia imprinted on its outer side or inner side, for use as a coupon or other valuable purchasing incentive.

Abstract: A rewritable thermal label of the non-contact type which comprises an anchor coat layer comprising a crosslinked resin, a heat-sensitive color development layer and a light absorption and photo-thermal conversion layer which are laminated on one face of a substrate successively, the anchor coat layer being placed next to the substrate, and an adhesive layer placed on the other face of the substrate and allows recording and erasure of information repeatedly in accordance with the non-contact method; and a method for using a rewritable thermal label of the non-contact type which comprises recording and erasing information repeatedly in accordance with the non-contact method on the rewritable thermal label which remains attached to an adherend. Information can be recorded and erased repeatedly on the label which remains attached to the adherend and the label can be recycled together with the adherend.

Abstract: A tag encasement has an envelope having a pocket portion with a first surface and a second surface together forming an enclosure and an opening along one side of the pocket portion. A slot is disposed through the first surface of the pocket portion for receiving a tag, a flap portion is foldably coupled to the pocket portion for closing the opening and the slot, and a releasable fastener to hold the flap portion releasably closed against the pocket portion is disposed on the first surface of the pocket portion and on the flap portion.

Abstract: Integral extensions to aid in the extraction of ammunition magazines from ammunition pouches are provided by permanently attaching a handle to existing or modified floor plates. In one embodiment, a substitute floor plate is molded with a handle projecting from its outer face. In a second embodiment, a handle with a grip and a terminal end is provided with an attachment structure on the terminal end. Floor plates are then either modified by cutting anchoring holes to allow for the attachment of such handles without hindering use in an ammunition magazine or molded with said anchoring holes.

Abstract: A fire control system with a decocking lever that operates to decock the hammer and also as a safety. The fire control system also has a magazine safety to complement the decocking lever's dual functions. The magazine safety is in the “safety on” position when a magazine is not fully seated in the magazine well and in the “safety off” position when the magazine is fully seated. In one embodiment, rotating the decocking lever by lifting one of the thumb tabs applies the safety if the hammer is cocked and rotating the decocking lever in the other direction causes the sear to release the hammer but catch it before it reaches the firing pin. In an alternate embodiment, the decocking lever can be used as a safety regardless of whether the hammer is cocked or not. Further rotation lowers a cocked hammer.

Abstract: A system for activating a weapon to a state of readiness to fire includes an identification mechanism which is carried by the user of the weapon. The identification mechanism includes a sensor configured to input an identification code, a store configured to store the identification code and a transmitter. A receiver is provided in the weapon. The transmitter sends an activation signal to the receiver upon a positive identification code comparison. The activation signal activates the weapon to a state of readiness to fire. To maintain the weapon in this activation state, the transmitter continuously emits a signal to the receiver. The receiver controls a processor which is configured to maintain the weapon in the activation state based exclusively on the strength of the signals continuously being received by the receiver.

Abstract: A fishing line wobble device for creating a wobbling effect in drawn fishing tackle. The wobble device has a deflector for deflecting water and a tubular line guide for allowing the device to freely slide along the fishing line. The wobble device imparts a life-like wiggling motion to natural and artificial fishing baits and lures, including flies, real and plastic worms, rubber baits, and other lures. The wobble device also helps keep weeds and other obstructions from snagging the hook of the fishing tackle. The wobble device is used by merely sliding it onto the fishing line before the fishing tackle or hook is tied on the line or otherwise attached.

Abstract: A mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus that includes a heat element (a thermal lure), a source of carbon dioxide (CO2), and a source of a chemical biting insect attractant, such as octenol. The heat for the thermal lure and the source of CO2 are provided by a propane flame. The thermal lure includes a structure that surrounds a propane burner and that is heated by the burner to a temperature that is similar to that of a small animal, such as 95 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit. The structure includes a series of baffles and conduction elements that permit the structure to have a substantially constant heat signature, which is desirable for attracting mosquitoes and other biting insects. A mechanism may be provided for trapping or killing the attracted mosquitoes, such as an adhesive substance or an electronic grid.

Abstract: A mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus that includes a heat element (a thermal lure), a source of carbon dioxide (CO2), and a source of a chemical biting insect attractant, such as octenol. The heat for the thermal lure and the source of CO2 are provided by a propane flame. The thermal lure includes a structure that surrounds a propane burner and that is heated by the burner to a temperature that is similar to that of a small animal, such as 95 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit. The structure includes a series of baffles and conduction elements that permit the structure to have a substantially constant heat signature, which is desirable for attracting mosquitoes and other biting insects. A mechanism may be provided for trapping or killing the attracted mosquitoes, such as an adhesive substance or an electronic grid.

Abstract: A three-dimensional collapsible multi-component device and assembly. The device comprises a mountable housing for mounting under a shelf, or a wall or the like in an unobtrusive or discreet manner. The housing has a first flat configuration for transportation and storage and a second three-dimensional configuration for device deployment. The device housing further includes an insert having an adhesive surface and a dispenser comprising pheromone, kairomone or other attractant, lure or bait, or, alternatively, a repellant or a combination of any of these. The adhesive is effective for trapping multiple orders of insects. A plurality of attractants, etc., is simultaneously used for attracting multiple orders of insects. The insert is selectable, removable and replaceable.

Abstract: An insect station for insects having a base, a retainer, a cover and a disposable cup. The base and retainer engage the cup about the opening of the cup. The cover engages the base over the opening of the cup to minimize the collection of rain and dirt in the cup. A hole is dug in the ground for the insect station. The base is disposed at about grass level and is anchored with stakes into the turf. Openings between the cover and the base permit insects access to the cup. The cover and base include key and keyhole structures such that a certain level of effort is required to remove the cover from the base. The insect station may be used trapping/monitoring, where the retainer is used in the nature of a funnel to maximize the chances that insects will fall into the cup, where water, beer or another attractant can be placed.

Abstract: A fire log system for providing an efficient corn based fuel that is burnable within conventional fireplaces. The fire log system includes a housing having a front opening, a volume of particulate corn within the interior of the housing, a plurality of corn cobs within the front opening of the housing for retaining the particulate corn, and a plurality of retaining members secured about the front opening. The housing with the corn cobs and particulate corn is preferably dipped within a wax material after formed. A wick member preferably is positioned within the front opening for assisting in the lighting of the fire log system.