Abstract: A method and apparatus for ultrasonically cleaning the interior of a flexible, elongate, tubular medical instrument, such as an endoscope, laparoscope, or the like involves the generation of both longitudinal and transverse ultrasonic waves in a fluid medium within the interior channel or lumen of the instrument. The ultrasonic waves are generated within the instrument by a flexible wire resonator coupled to and responsive to an ultrasonic transducer and generator.

Abstract: A manual hoist for use by auto mechanics to remove and install a wheel on a vehicle, comprising a vertical frame, a cantilever arm pivotally secured to the frame, a strap having a first end and a second end, the first end operatively arranged to slidingly engage the cantilever arm, and, a fastener secured to the second end of the strap and operatively arranged to fasten to the wheel.

Abstract: A conveyor belt scraper blade support assembly having an elongate support bar extending transversely in excess of the width of the conveyor belt, external foundation support brackets operatively arranged to engage each end of the support bar, extensible/retractable device located between the brackets and the support bar arranged for controlled reciprocal movement of the support bar toward and away from the support brackets, spring loaded piston/cylinder assemblies mounted spatially along the length of the support bar for urging the pistons toward the conveyor belt, a blade attachment device on the piston for attaching and supporting a scraper blade thereto, a scraper blade mounted in the blade attachment device, and shock absorbing device between the brackets and the support bar.

Abstract: A system for seating and transporting physically challenged individuals to and from commercial transport vehicles is disclosed. The system utilizes the aisle seat of the commercial transport vehicle for both seating and transporting the passenger. Modifications are made to both the aisle seat and the adjacent seat in order to provide a system capable of being detached while meeting all the safety and strength properties of the original seats. The present invention provides a very efficient and humane method of transporting physically challenged individuals from their wheelchairs to commercial transport vehicles as well as providing and efficient method of transportation when connections are necessary.

Abstract: A crutch is disclosed for providing assistance to individuals who have been injured or are physically challenged. The crutch includes two members capable of telescoping adjustment to accommodate the height of a user. A special shoulder support is used to provide comfortable support to the underarm of the user. The crutch also includes a rectangular foot, which is used to provide a more secure contact with the ground. The foot is specially designed so that is may flex in a manner similar to that of a human foot. The crutch is also capable of supporting multiple accessory items such as a beverage container and a briefcase.

Abstract: The invention broadly comprises a motorized stirring mechanism for a pot, having a round disc-like pot cover having a flange extending downwardly from an outer edge thereof and also having an aperture in the center of the cover, a combination motor-gearbox operatively arranged to be temporarily secured to the cover, the motor-gearbox having an aperture therein which aligns with the cover aperture when the motor-gearbox is secured to the cover, a shaft operatively arranged to pass through the apertures, the shaft operatively arranged to lockingly engage gears of the motor-gearbox when positioned within the motor-gearbox aperture, and an impeller operatively arranged to slidingly engage the shaft longitudinally and lockingly engage the shaft rotationally such that the impeller rotates in unison with the shaft.

Abstract: A twist drill comprising a shank section at a top of the drill and a body section at a bottom of the drill, the body section having two or more flutes which spiral downwardly in a first direction and terminate proximate a point, the drill having cutting lips formed by the flutes and operatively arranged to cut material when the drill is rotated in a second direction opposite that of the orientation of the spiral flutes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for tensioning a screen on a roller frame are disclosed. The apparatus includes a fixture having a plurality of clamp mechanisms for releasably securing the frame to define a screen tensioning plane, and at least one double-headed wrench for applying torque to the frame rollers adjacent opposite ends thereof. Each torque wrench includes a lever arm which is operable by torso engagement, thereby freeing a user's hands for manually unlocking and locking a selected roller for rotation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the dissection of blood vessels, lymph nodes and other body organs from the surrounding tissue and to a novel balloon dissection instrument for use in the method. The dissection instrument comprises an elongated tube having at least one inflatable balloon attached around the outer wall of a distal portion of the tube. The method of dissecting a vein, such as the saphenous vein, involves severing of the vein at two sites, defining the length of vein to be dissected. The vein is then accessed by securing the severed end, for example by a thread attached thereto and passed through the lumen of the dissection instrument to serve as a controllable anchor. The distal end of the dissection instrument, with the balloon deflated, is placed over the free end of the vein so that the vein enters the lumen of the instrument and the distal end of the instrument is pressed between the outer layer of the vein, i.e., the adventitia, and the connected fascia.