Abstract: The present invention provides a mixture that serves for the preservation of Coleoptera to preserve its exoskeleton and its ornamental appearance; reinforce the exoskeleton of the coleopterous to minimize their fragility; improve the preservation of the insect by making an internal preparation that prevents rupture of the exoskeleton caused by blows, manipulation or pressure on it.

Abstract: An arrowhead shaped skull mount is configured to support and display an attached animal trophy skull in a horizontal configuration and a vertical configuration. In the horizontal configuration, the trophy skull is attached to the skull mount and the skull mount is supported by a horizontal surface, such as a table or a mantle. In the vertical configuration, the trophy skull is attached to the skull mount and the skull mount is attached to a vertical surface, such as a wall or a post. The skull mount is configured to convert or switch between the horizontal configuration and the vertical configuration without altering the attachment method of the trophy skull to the skull mount.

Abstract: Mounting systems and methods, including those for mounting animal trophies, are disclosed. Embodiments can include a ball, a coupling member for coupling the animal trophy to the ball, and a base having a locking feature. The base can further include a bearing seat which is configured to support a portion of the ball and permit the ball to simultaneously rotate about three axes. Embodiments can further include a cap having a retaining feature at a first end and a second locking feature at a second end. The cap can be configured to mate with the first locking feature of the base and form a locked connection with the base. The cap can retain the ball in a position between the retaining feature and the base, providing increased force onto the ball and securing the position of the ball and animal trophy relative to the base.

Abstract: An anatomical model and method of using the same may be disclosed. The anatomical model may teach proper airway management, including intubation of the human trachea on a patient having upper airway obstruction(s). The anatomical model may include a simulated trachea structure having a proximal end, a distal end, and an elongated tubular body extending therebetween, the elongated tubular body defining a central bore of a predetermined diameter; an artificial skin layer positioned over an exterior surface of the tubular body; an opening formed through the artificial skin layer and extending within the simulated trachea structure, the opening being configured to receive a tracheostomy tube; a foam material embedded underneath the artificial skin layer proximate the opening; and at least one airway obstructive element connected to the simulated trachea structure for causing a volume restriction of the central bore.

Abstract: A leg for attachment to a main body of a taxidermy mannequin includes first, second, and third portions, each having first and second ends. The first end of the first portion includes a connector for coupling to the main body. The first end of the second portion is connected to the second end of the first portion to form a first joint. At least one of the first or second portions has a first cut-away section proximate the first joint with a reduced thickness. The first end of the third portion is connected to the second end of the second portion to form a second joint. At least one of the second or third portions has a second cut-away section proximate the second joint with a reduced thickness.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a taxidermy mannequin includes providing a mold having an open end, a wall having an internal surface and an opposing external surface, and an internal cavity surrounded by the internal surface of the wall. The method further includes applying a layer of a mold release material to a portion of the internal surface, applying a powder material on an exposed surface of the mold release material, applying a layer of a glue mixture on an exposed surface of the powder material and the mold release material layer, applying a granular or fibrous material on an exposed surface of the glue mixture layer, allowing the glue mixture to at least partially dry, filling at least a portion of the internal cavity of the mold with a liquid expandable urethane foam, allowing the expandable urethane foam to expand and harden, and removing the taxidermy mannequin from the mold.

Abstract: A taxidermy form recreates the head of an animal, the taxidermy head form comprising a head member including first and second laterally spaced protrusions molded therein for receiving and supporting artificial eyes, the eyes being movable relative to the protrusions for a desired alignment. A face member has first and second eye openings formed therethrough. The head member and the face member are dimensionally adapted to receive the other to form the assembled taxidermy head form for receiving the animal head skin. The face member is affixed in at least partially covering relation to the head member such that the at least one eye extends at least partially through the first or second eye openings.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a taxidermy mannequin includes providing a mold having an open end, a wall having an internal surface and an opposing external surface, and an internal cavity surrounded by the internal surface of the wall. The method further includes applying a layer of a mold release material to a portion of the internal surface, applying a powder material on an exposed surface of the mold release material, applying a layer of a glue mixture on an exposed surface of the powder material and the mold release material layer, applying a granular or fibrous material on an exposed surface of the glue mixture layer, allowing the glue mixture to at least partially dry, filling at least a portion of the internal cavity of the mold with a liquid expandable urethane foam, allowing the expandable urethane foam to expand and harden, and removing the taxidermy mannequin from the mold.

Abstract: An artificial eye comprises a transparent cup-shaped body member having a substantially concave inner surface and a substantially convex outer surface. The body member includes a pupil portion at the center, a substantially annular iris portion abutting the peripheral edge of the pupil portion for defining a boundary between the pupil portion and the iris portion, and at least one groove formed in the concave inner surface of the iris portion of the body member. The grooves are visible through the iris portion for reflecting light through the body member.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for fixing a turkey tail fan are provided. The apparatuses can include a top and bottom sheet, an angled member, and a plurality of fasteners for fixing a turkey tail fan in a natural spread configuration. A kit for fixing and displaying a turkey tail fan is further provided.

Abstract: A display for tail feathers of a game bird is provided which includes a wall plate lying in a first plane and a design plate attached to the wall plate. The design plate is spaced apart from the wall plate and is in a second plane parallel to said wall plate. A feather cover plate is attached to the design plate. The feather cover plate is spaced apart from both said wall plate and said design plate and is in a third plane parallel to said wall plate. The wall plate and the feather cover plate form a cavity to receive and hold tail feathers of a game bird.

Abstract: An antler mounting kit is used to display antlers obtained from an animal. The antler mounting kit comprises a body that is formed from a polymer and that replicates natural contours of at least a portion of a head of the animal. A mounting base is fixed relative to the body and is positioned to support the antlers in an anatomically correct position that replicates antler position on the head of the animal. The body defines a cutout extending along the mounting base for receiving a base of the antlers. A cover replicates natural contours of a portion of the head of the animal and abuts the body and covers the cutout for concealing the base of the antlers.

Abstract: A taxidermic method for game-head mounting. A retainer is provided for keeping an ear supported by an ear liner properly posed on a mannikin while the game-head is drying. The retainer has an upwardly extending substantially straight stem portion having an upper end portion downwardly bent into a substantially straight right angle arm. The arm has a lower end portion bent upwardly into a U-shaped hook portion for holding a rim of the ear supported by the ear liner during drying of a cape on the mannikin.

Abstract: A leg for attachment to a main body of a taxidermy mannequin includes first, second, and third portions, each having first and second ends. The first end of the first portion includes a connector for coupling to the main body. The first end of the second portion is connected to the second end of the first portion to form a first joint. At least one of the first or second portions has a first cut-away section proximate the first joint with a reduced thickness. The first end of the third portion is connected to the second end of the second portion to form a second joint. At least one of the second or third portions has a second cut-away section proximate the second joint with a reduced thickness.

Abstract: Children and adults are often seen collecting shells at the beach. Most don't know the name of the shell or anything about it. There's a need to create interest and education about seashells. There is literature which identifies seashells but nothing in the form of a game which would spark that interest. I've invented a seashell game geared for specific geographic locations that identifies indigenous seashells. The game consists of a plastic board with several indentations for specific shells to be placed into. A picture of that shell, its name and interesting information is printed next to the appropriate indentation. The object of the game is for players to fill each indentation with the proper shell within a time limit. The game provides a fun way to learn about seashells and occupy one's time while at the beach. Once filled, the game can be displayed in home, school or office.

Abstract: A skull mounting and casting system for preparing and mounting a skull on a base in a manner which simulates the aesthetics of a unitary sculpture. The skull mounting and casting system generally includes a housing to which a game trophy such as a skull is mounted and casted in a manner which simulates the appearance of a unitary sculpture. The housing will generally include a base and a mounting portion. The mounting portion will generally include a raised fin and a pair of recessed portions. The skull will generally be secured to the housing with a bonding agent, wherein the raised fin is secured within the skull's inner cavity and the jaw of the skull is secured within the recessed portions. After mounting, the housing and skull are both coated with a finishing product such as bronze to create the appearance of a unitary sculpture.

Abstract: An antler mounting kit is used to display antlers obtained from an animal. The antler mounting kit comprises a body that is formed from a polymer and that replicates natural contours of at least a portion of a head of the animal. A mounting base is fixed relative to the body and is positioned to support the antlers in an anatomically correct position that replicates antler position on the head of the animal. The body defines a cutout extending along the mounting base for receiving a base of the antlers. A cover replicates natural contours of a portion of the head of the animal and abuts the body and covers the cutout for concealing the base of the antlers.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for fixing a turkey tail fan are provided. The apparatuses can include a top and bottom sheet, an angled member, and a plurality of fasteners for fixing a turkey tail fan in a natural spread configuration. A kit for fixing and displaying a turkey tail fan is further provided.

Abstract: A display device for spreading a turkey's tail feathers in a fan-like display is provided. The device consists of an elongated shank having two opposing ends, and two quill clips located one at each of the two opposing ends of said shank having grooves that snap onto the quills near the base of two or more of the turkey's outer tail feathers located to either opposite side of the hub. When installed, the device is invisible to view. An adjustable joint may be provided to enable adjusting a version of the shank having two arms to a certain angle to optimize the turkey fan display. A mounting mechanism may further be provided for mounting an object to the turkey fan display such as the beard, or a pole for use of the fan as a decoy in the field.

Abstract: The present invention is a kit and method of mounting a game animal that allows for antlers or horns to be quickly added or interchanged to an otherwise artificial mount. The method generally comprises the following steps: measuring the game animal, taking at least one picture of the game animal, caping the head, cutting the skull, boiling the skull cap, selecting the form, cutting the skull cap to fit the selected form, drilling holes in the skull cap, adding clay to the form, fitting the skull plate to the form, placing screws through the holes in the skull cap, covering the skull cap attached to the form with flaps from the artificial hair, trimming the excess material from the flaps, tucking the flaps around the antler or horn base, and bending the ears of the form to the desired position. The above-described method creates an odorless trophy that is durable, will remain intact for decades, and which has more consistent, lifelike, and more realistic facial features.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use in playing biotic games having a biologically active material as a component. Various games that provide for one or more human players to interact with biologically active materials are disclosed. The game apparatus includes a replaceable cartridge having a chamber in which a biologically active component such as a single-celled organism or a biologically active compound is contained. A stimulus controller accepts instructions from a human user and provides a stimulus to the biologically active component. A response receiver accepts a signal indicative of a response of the biologically active component. A display is provided to display to the user information indicative of the response of the biologically active component, and a game score. A computer-based game controller includes a set of pre-defined rules of play that define a game and that comprise pre-defined rules of scoring for the game.

Abstract: The present invention is a taxidermy mannequin having a mounting portion generally in the shape of an animal body, and a display portion generally in the shape of an animal head, wherein the mounting portion and display portion are secured together through a universal connection, thereby the taxidermist may choose different display portions to secure to the mount portion. The present invention further includes a plurality of selectively interchangeable features which are secured to the display portion. The features include a nose, a jaw, an eye, an ear liner, and a nictitating membrane.

Abstract: The present invention is a taxidermy mannequin which includes an optional ear engagement area formed on a head portion, a lock plate which is secured to the ear engagement area, and an ear liner which is connected to the lock plate. The connection between the lock plate and the ear liner is such that a taxidermist may work with the ear and animal skin before securing the ear liner to the lock plate. Furthermore, a multiple ear butt system is provided where the taxidermist may select from multiple ear butts, wherein different ear butts position the ear in different orientations relative the head.

Abstract: An improved simulator for an analytical instrument that provides the student with an experience similar to that of operating the actual instrument. In one preferred embodiment, the invention combines real functionality and simulated functionality where at least one function of the analytical instrument is real. In another preferred embodiment, the invention combines a functional first instrument along with a simulation of a second instrument, the simulation including both hardware with limited functionality and software that simulates the output of a functional instrument to create a teaching aid for use in classrooms and teaching laboratories.

Abstract: A method of positioning an eye of a taxidermy animal head or sculpture comprises applying removable visible indicia to an external front surface of the eye and aligning the visible indicia.

Abstract: A convertible taxidermy mounting system includes a stand, to which a specimen is mounted, that attaches to a base in different configurations. In one configuration, the base is oriented to be attached to a wall or similar vertical surface while in a second configuration the base is oriented to be supported on a horizontal surface. However, in both configurations, the specimen is presented in a natural presentation position.

Abstract: The present invention is a kit and method of mounting a game animal that allows for antlers or horns to be quickly added or interchanged to an otherwise artificial mount. The method generally comprises the following steps: measuring the game animal, taking at least one picture of the game animal, caping the head, cutting the skull, boiling the skull cap, selecting the form, cutting the skull cap to fit the selected form, drilling holes in the skull cap, adding clay to the form, fitting the skull plate to the form, placing screws through the holes in the skull cap, covering the skull cap attached to the form with flaps from the artificial hair, trimming the excess material from the flaps, tucking the flaps around the antler or horn base, and bending the ears of the form to the desired position. The above-described method creates an odorless trophy that is durable, will remain intact for decades, and which has more consistent, lifelike, and more realistic facial features.

Abstract: A taxidermy mounting tool an apparatus for performing a taxidermy procedure is disclosed, wherein the taxidermy mounting tool includes a plug adapted to be disposed in an aperture formed in the mannikin and formed on an end of a means for posing.

Abstract: A system for mounting taxidermy animal trophies on mounting devices comprises a support platform having a rod protruding therefrom. The rod is a ribbed member having a large plurality of features for securing an animal mount, such as a skull, thereto. For example, the ribbed member may comprise a concrete reinforcement bar that may be sized in diameter and length according to the size of the mount. The rod uses the natural occurring or existing hole or holes in the back of the skull for support thereof. The rod may extend straight from the support platform, such as for wall mounting purposes, or may comprise a bent portion at a distal end thereof for surface display of the mount.

Abstract: A device for mounting taxidermy mounts, especially waterfowl and other birds. The mounting device prevents the mounted object from twisting or slipping on the mount and the mounted object can be prevented from sagging. The mounting device allows for the mounting of a mounting object in any position that is desired.

Abstract: The invention involves a taxidermy form comprising opposing face pieces having eye openings and nostrils which overlay an inner core having eye sockets, eyeballs, nasal cavities, and a nostril septum to form realistic eye settings and noses. The core is molded as a single unit with eye sockets, a nasal cavity, and a septum and the desired style eyeballs are adhered to the eye sockets and the nasal cavity are detailed and painted to replicate those of a living animal of the type to be mounted. Once the core is prepared, the outer face pieces are attached in an overlying relationship to expose a portion of the eyeballs through the eye openings and the underlying nostril cavities and septum through the nostrils, thereby creating a more realistic taxidermy mount which is easy to prepare. In an alternative embodiment, the two face pieces can be molded as a single unit, which can be easily slipped over the nose of the core and affixed in place in the same manner as the separate pieces.

Abstract: A gel electrophoresis training aid is provided. The training aid includes a substantially transparent elastomeric body having at least one series of spaced-apart wells. The elastomeric body is adapted with a plurality of spaced-apart bands extending in the same direction from the wells. Each of the spaced-apart bands are positioned substantially parallel to one spaced-apart well. A training kit including the training aid is also provided.

Abstract: A wall pedestal for displaying and rotating an animal head and other wildlife objects next to a wall. The wall pedestal includes a wall mounting plate adapted for securing the pedestal to the wall at various heights. The wall mounting plate includes an outwardly extending horizontal support arm. A far end of the horizontal support arm includes a threaded bore for receiving a threaded lower end of a vertical pivot rod. An upper end of the vertical pivot rod is slidably received in a lower portion of a vertical sleeve. A top portion of the vertical sleeve is attached to a portion of a display mounting plate. The display mounting plate is adapted for attachment to the wildlife object suspended the object thereon.

Abstract: A combination of an animal taxidermy head mannequin and mouth assembly includes a mouth shell, a mannequin head and a commercially available jaw set. The mouth shell has upper and lower jaws, upper and lower lips, a chin and a nose. The mouth shell is dimensionally adapted to receive the commercially-available jaw set to form the mouth assembly. The head mannequin includes an oral cavity which is dimensionally adapted to receive the mouth assembly.

Abstract: The invention involves a taxidermy form comprising opposing face pieces having eye openings and nostrils which overlay an inner core having eye sockets, eyeballs, nasal cavities, and a nostril septum to form realistic eye settings and noses. The core is molded as a single unit with eye sockets, a nasal cavity, and a septum and the desired style eyeballs are adhered to the eye sockets and the nasal cavity are detailed and painted to replicate those of a living animal of the type to be mounted. Once the core is prepared, the outer face pieces are attached in an overlying relationship to expose a portion of the eyeballs through the eye openings and the underlying nostril cavities and septum through the nostrils, thereby creating a more realistic taxidermy mount which is easy to prepare. In an alternative embodiment, the two face pieces can be molded as a single unit, which can be easily slipped over the nose of the core and affixed in place in the same manner as the separate pieces.

Abstract: A combination of an animal taxidermy head mannequin and mouth assembly includes a mouth shell, a mannequin head and a commercially available jaw set. The mouth shell has upper and lower jaws, upper and lower lips, a chin and a nose. The mouth shell is dimensionally adapted to receive the commercially-available jaw set to form the mouth assembly. The head mannequin includes an oral cavity which is dimensionally adapted to receive the mouth assembly.

Abstract: An assembly (10 and 12), the construction of which makes up a taxidermy core or form for small mammals, has a limbless main body (10) and attachable/detachable locking legs (12). Locking is predominantly achieved by a male post (14) inserting inside a female receptive lock (16). When the specimen animal is being mounted, the assembly's parts (10 and 12) are serially slid in through the taxidermist's working opening in the sock-like skin, the succession in general being forelimbs (12) first, then rear limbs (12) or the main body (10). The parts (10 and 12) once slid inside can be shifted about until the male posts (14) and the female receptive locks (16) are engaged. The positional stability of the legs (12) relative to the main body (10) is enhanced by a body key (18).

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for mounting and displaying a taxidermy display, usually a bird or fowl. A bird is mounted on a rod appropriately sized to the birds size and weight. Said rod may be bent to effect the desired presentation of the mounted bird. Types of mounts include landing birds, flying birds right and left directions, or others not traditionally used. The bird is secured on the rod eliminating wires for holding the bird and eliminating driftwood as a mounting base. The resulting combination of the rod with its ability to be bent to and then holding the desired position, the affixing of the bird to that rod, and the affixing of the rod to a mounting base which may be securely affixed to a wall provides unsurpassed stability for the mounted bird. The rod being fixedly or adjustably joined to the mounting base also provides a permanent and more stable mounting apparatus than the heretofore unstable methods of mounting birds.

Abstract: What is disclosed herein is an artificial eye blank comprised of a transparent artificial eyepiece segment and a moveable artificial nictitating membrane which is slidably mounted on the bottom outside circumferential edge of the artificial eyepiece segment.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a pedestal mounted taxidermy mannequin, and a mold for manufacturing same. Once molded, the taxidermy mannequin includes an elongated, bored hole formed in a bottom portion thereof, and a rigid block positioned in supporting relation to the bored hole, thereby providing structural reinforcement and integrity to the bored hole. A rod is inserted into the bored hole to mount the mannequin to a pedestal. The mold for manufacturing the mannequin is an injection mold into which an elongated rod is inserted after the polyurethane has been injected therein. Just prior to hardening of the polyurethane, the end is removed, thereby leaving a bored hold in the mannequin form.

Abstract: A turkey beard display device including a beard retainer and a casing. The beard retainer is a shaft having a ring or other fixture at one end of the shaft adapted for receiving a hook, and a pointed tip end having an engaging member at the other end of the shaft. The shaft has a radial flange extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft between the fixture and the shaft. One form of the casing includes the brass or brass plated hull of a shotgun shell, the shot, powder and primer having been removed. A method of mounting a turkey beard on the display device includes the steps of removing the beard from the turkey carcass including a fleshy plug, treating the fleshy plug in a preservative, placing the fleshy plug into the casing, inserting the barbed tip end through the primer pocket hole in the casing and impaling the barb in the fleshy plug, seating the flange in the hole, and drying the beard.

Abstract: An educational system and method that combines printed and/or visual material with tactile samples which further convey or reinforce information related by such material. The educational system comprises a first collection of information concerning a preselected subject, such as wildlife, a plurality of tactile samples relating to this information, such as fur, a plurality of containers for housing the samples, and a second collection of information associated with each container specifically relating to the samples housed in the associated container. Tactile samples are three dimensional and of a size sufficient to allow a user to understand better and learn of the first collection of information through touch. The plurality of containers allows samples to be sorted into different groups or made available simultaneously to multiple individuals. The various containers may be assembled together and presented in a single case.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a taxidermy system and method for recreating the head of an animal species. The taxidermy system comprises a taxidermy form in the shape of the head portion of the animal species, at least one eye socket in the taxidermy form and at least one eye insert to be placed within the at least one eye socket. Each eye insert is formed by a simulated eyeball and a capsule surrounding said eyeball. The capsule is formed from a flexible, shape memory material configured to have details such as representations of muscle, eyebrow, and eyelids.

Abstract: A mounting system and method includes a mounting device for handling an object during treatment or preparation and for mounting the object to a display member for displaying the object. The mounting system and method is particularly suited for use by a taxidermist to handle and mount a fish or other animal prepared by the taxidermist. The mounting device includes a mounting plug adapted to be received in a recessed region in the display member. One or more object engaging members extend from the mounting plug to engage and secure the object. A mounting rod extends from a second end of the mounting plug and includes a gripping region, for easy gripping and handling by a user. The mounting method includes inserting the mounting rod through an aperture in the display member so that the mounting plug is received into the recessed region in the display member. A fastener is then engaged with a fastener engaging region on the mounting rod to secure the mounting device to the display member.

Abstract: A taxidermic ear liner which includes an outer ear member (10) and a support member (34) in cooperative engagement to form an anatomically correct, pre-assembled, external ear for use in many taxidermic animal forms. A featured surface (38, 46, 76) which is modeled to resemble the hollows, ridges and furrows of the external ear of the animal is positioned within a passage (26) within the outer ear member. The featured surface can be made from elastomers or plastics.

Abstract: Each block of a set of wooden blocks bears indicia of the tree species of the wood from which the block is made. Preferred embodiments may include the following features. The blocks are configured as building blocks for children. The indicia on each block show the living tree from which the lumber for the block is derived. The indicia are laser etched upon the blocks. The indicia comprise a picture of a living tree, divided into two portions, one portion showing the tree foliated and one portion showing the tree defoliated. The indicia comprise a picture of a leaf of the living tree, the common name of the tree species and the taxonomic name. The blocks are accompanied by a data sheet further describing the woods and trees of the blocks of the set.

Abstract: A shed antler mounting kit including a model skull replica having provision for attachment of shed antlers, a wedgelike mounting interface, and a plaque with an engraved placard attached thereto. The skull replica is devised to mimic an animal skull of the same character as the originator of the shed antlers.

Abstract: A mount for displaying horns of an animal has a base member. The base has a display portion formed therein. The display portion comprises an opening and a recess formed in the base and in communication with each other. A cover and a backing enclose a photograph or other pictorial to be displayed in the display portion. The cover and backing fit within the recess, but may not pass forwardly into the opening. A nail slot may be provided to facilitate hanging of the mount to a wall or other surface.

Abstract: A mount (10) for conveniently and realistically displaying the feathers (18) of a game bird, such as a wild turkey, includes a frame (12) and mounting block (14) with predetermined rows of holes (36, 38 and 40) for receiving the feathers. If desired, means (42) can also be provided for displaying the beard (20) of the wild turkey. Additional embodiments (50, 70 and 80) are also disclosed.

Abstract: A simulated insect trapping surface for removably supporting visual representations of insects. A plurality of icons symbolizing insects, for attaching to the simulated trapping surface, and an adhesive interface between each icon and the surface for temporarily holding the icons on the surface, for teaching interpretation of an insect pattern in a sticky monitoring trap. Instead of the adhesive interface, the simulated trapping surface supports visual representations of the insects by including liquid crystal, and is transparent to light for optical projection of the representations for viewing and interpretation.