Abstract: The present invention relates to a multipurpose drilling tool that may be cycled between drilling and underreaming operations while situated in a well bore. More specifically, the present invention provides a multi-purpose tool in the form of a housing member comprising a central bore, four extensible underreaming blades and means for attaching a standard drill bit. The ability of the multipurpose drilling tool to cycle between drilling and underreaming modes is provided by means of a piston which is motivated downwardly and rotationally by fluid pressure and is directed by a piston travel guide from a first relaxed position to either a drilling position or an underreaming position. The present invention enables cycling of the tool within the well bore without requiring the removal of the tool and drilling string from a well bore, thus increasing the efficiency of drilling operations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hand-powered tool facilitating the translation of rotary motion of a workman's arm through an angled shaft which may rotate freely with respect to a handle. The angled shaft has three coplanar bends resulting in a stretched "Z" configuration in order to allow the user to apply a great torque about a circle which his hand easily can describe and which is translated through the shaft to the subject fastener or surface point. The shaft is rotatably mounted to a handle through a bearing thereby enabling full rotation of the shaft with respect to the handle and permitting the user to complete a rotary cycle without release the tool. A hollow tip is disposed at one end of the tool within which interchangeable bits may be installed. An auxiliary handle releasably attached to the shaft also is provided for use in situations where a greater torque is required.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-throughput oligonucleotide synthesizer for synthesizing multiple oligonucleotides comprising a pre-existing low throughput oligonucleotide synthesizer which has been integrated with an increased throughput expansion module in order to increase the throughput capacity of the low throughput synthesizer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water-borne nail polish formulation which is non-flammable, non-toxic and is practically odorless comprising the use of water-dispersible ingredients. The water-based nail polish formulation comprises from about 10 to about 80%/wt. of a water-dispersible aliphatic urethane, from about 1.0 to about 10.0%/wt. of a hardening agent, from about 3.0 to about 10.0%/wt. of a plasticizer agent, and the balance being a isopropyl alcohol:water solvent mixture. The nail polish formulation of the present invention eliminates the use of any noxious or toxic components, such as nitrocellulose, toluene, styrene, MEK and the like.

Abstract: A device for applying lotions, creams and similar substances to any part of the body, particularly to the back and other difficult-to-reach areas is provided. The applicating device comprises three basic components: a one-piece frame having an elongated handle portion at one end and a reservoir retaining means at the distal end thereof, a pressure applying lid having top, central and bottom portions and a removable flexible reservoir having a porous, permeable or perforated applicator surface. The pressure applying lid and retaining means are configured to interact thereby advancing the lotion through the applicator surface. The applicator surface has a convex curvature which is substantially identical to the curvature of the bottom portion of the pressure applying lid, thereby minimizing waste of the lotion.

Abstract: An elevatable wheelchair having a hydraulic system for elevating and lowering the wheelchair and a drive gear arrangement for motivating the wheelchair while the wheelchair is in an elevated position. The hydraulic system comprises four hydraulic legs, each corresponding to and coupled to one of a pair of front wheels or to one of a pair of auxiliary rear wheels. When hydraulic fluid is introduced to the four hydraulic legs, the hydraulic legs begin to extend, thereby elevating the wheelchair. The hydraulic system also comprises a pair of flow equalizers to ensure a uniform flow of hydraulic fluid to each hydraulic leg, thereby enabling each hydraulic leg to extend at the same rate. The elevatable wheelchair also comprises a drive gear arrangement which coacts with the main wheels of the wheelchair in order to transfer motion to the auxiliary rear wheels, thereby enabling the wheelchair user to motivate the wheelchair while in the elevated position by engaging the hand rails on the main wheels.

Abstract: A levelling device formed from a single sheet of foldable material which is used to convert an automobile seat into a flat, horizontal surface. More particularly, the levelling device comprises front and rear straight edges, two side edges each configured in the form of stretched "Z" and at least one scored line parallel to the rear straight edge such that the scored line can be folded downward to form a support leg. In a preferred embodiment, the levelling device further comprises a locking mechanism comprising a secondary scored line, two die cuts which intersect the said primary scored line and a third die cut which is parallel to said secondary scored line, said locking mechanism being pressed downward to form a die cut finger, wherein said finger is used to keep said support leg in a secure position.

Abstract: An adjustable tree stand for securing a tree in an upright vertical position comprising a tree bracket in the form of a V-channel having a lower rim for supporting the trunk of a tree, a central leg member and two side leg members which rotate on either side of the central leg member to form a tri-stand configuration, upper and lower leg-retaining plates securably mounted to the tree bracket for connecting the leg members thereto and a clamping mechanism having a clamping arm pivotally secured to one of said side leg members and engaging a locking means which is slidably mounted to the other of said side leg members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial Christmas tree which can be assembled on virtually any surface, including an uneven surface, and then adjusted to a true vertical position. The artificial Christmas tree comprises a vertical trunk member secured to a swivel base, a plurality of side arms, a plurality of bottom arms and a locking arrangement which enables the side arms and bottom arms to be quickly and easily detachably connected to the vertical trunk member and to each other. Once assembled, the artificial Christmas tree can be adorned with Christmas decorations, such as strings of Christmas lights by means of a fastening system located on each side arm. The artificial Christmas tree of the present invention is particularly useful for outdoor use since it can assembled on uneven ground and then adjusted to a true vertical position. The locking arrangement further allows the artificial Christmas tree to be simply folded upon itself for storage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to leg extension assembly comprising an outer sleeve member having a box leg member disposed therein, a telescopically collapsible inner leg member slidably mounted within said sleeve member, means for connecting said box leg member to said inner leg member, said means including a spring element which biases the inner leg member away from the box leg, and locking means for locking said inner leg at a selected extended length. The leg extension assembly may be incorporated into a leg element, or in the alternative, may be attached or otherwise affixed to an existing leg, such as an existing leg of, for example, a ladder, scaffold, sawhorse, table or chair by any means well known in the art.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of metal alloys, metal oxides and slag-based products, such as mineral wool, from industrial waste materials. More specifically, the present invention relates to a process for recycling industrial waste materials into valuable commercial products, including, pure metals, metal alloys, metal oxides, and a molten slag comprising non-reducible metal oxides which thereafter can be converted to vitreous fiber and shot. Industrial waste materials suitable for use in the present invention include metal-containing waste products, particularly inorganic hazardous waste materials. The present process accomplishes total recycling in such a manner that the entire industrial waste material is consumed and converted to useful products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical suturing devices, particularly for use in laparoscopic surgery. The surgical suturing device has a tubular elongated shaft terminating into a jaw assembly at the distal end and a handle assembly at the proximal end thereof. The jaw assembly includes a first jaw member pivotally connected to a second jaw member. An actuator rod extending longitudinally within the length of said shaft is connected at its proximal end to said handle assembly and is pivotally connected at its distal end to said jaw assembly. The underside of said first jaw member is provided with a cupped recess having a wheel assembly disposed therein. The wheel assembly includes a needle mount for securably retaining a needle and is configured such that the needle lies within the cupped recess when the jaw members are closed and can be deployed in a protracted position away from the first jaw member when the jaw members are in an open position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a universal decorative covering case and method for modifying or altering existing horizontal or vertical blinds, louvers and the like. The universal covering case particularly is designed to conform to any preexisting vertical or horizontal louver assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the universal covering case of the present invention comprises a transparent case which is designed to individually enclose a slat of an existing vertical blind assembly, thereby creating a three-layer "sandwich" effect. On either one or both sides of the slat and between the slat and transparent covering case, a decorative insert is positioned. The decorative insert may be any web material that provides the desired decorative intent, such as paper, fabric, plastic film, and the like. The universal covering case can be easily and quickly installed onto any existing louver assembly without the use of any special tools or exceptional skills.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the synthesis of dimer alkaloid compounds, particularly those of the Catharantus (Vinca) family, from an indole unit, such as cantharanthine, and a dihydroindole unit, such as vindoline. A multi-step process is disclosed including the steps of (1) of 1,4-reduction of a first dimeric iminium intermediate to an enamine compound by reaction with a 1,4-dihydropyridine compound; (2) oxidative transformation of the resulting enamine to a second iminium intermediate under controlled aeration; (3) reduction of the second iminium intermediate to form the target dimer alkaloid compounds. The entire process can be conducted in a one-pot operation to obtain the target compounds without isolation of the intermediates.