Abstract: A retractable safety cage is provided that occupies a minimum amount of vertical space within a manhole and which provides, in an extended position, a safety barrier surrounding the entrance to the manhole or ladder. A fixed upper periphery rail provides a substantially horizontal perimeter around the opening of the ladder. One or more floating periphery rails are suspended therefrom to provide additional perimeter blocking as well as additional support for the ladder user. The safety cage comprises two vertical members that are slideably received in a bracket that can be attached to either a ladder or a support wall. A counterbalance assists movement in the extending direction and slightly impedes movement in the retracting direction. The retractable safety cage can also be easily removed from the manhole by using a guide bracket with a coupling foot.

Abstract: A mobile variable mulch handling and dispersing apparatus comprises an input section, a beater section, and a blower section. The input section preferably comprises a primary conveyor further comprising a drag chain conveyor assembly. The input section further comprises a twine removal device that removes twine from bales as they are handled by the apparatus. The beater section preferably comprises at least two counter-rotating shafts disposed substantially horizontally. The first shaft is preferably disposed slightly forwardly of the second shaft. Preferably a third, smaller shaft is disposed forward of both first and second shafts, and rotates in same direction as second shaft. The beater section further comprises funneling surfaces that serve to direct the material into the blower section. The blower section comprises a blower fan assembly that conveys a mixture of air and straw through an exit.

Abstract: A fastener is provided for fixating two objects in a fixed spatial relationship, such as bone segments, so that resultant stress is maintained at a constant value along a shank portion of the fastener in order to minimize stress concentrations and optimize the strength to size relationship of the fastener, thereby reducing the likelihood of fastener failure. The fastener additionally comprises an improved head which temporarily engages a driving instrument to facilitate fixation. A driving instrument for deploying the fastener is also provided.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for securing the head of a screw in a bone plate is disclosed in which bone fasteners or screws snap-fit into an undercut of fastener receiving openings of the bone plate. The bone fasteners or screws are designed such that they may be removed or repositioned from the snap-fit undercuts with the aid of a driver instrument. An embodiment is also disclosed in which a fusion cage is utilized in connection with bone plate and fasteners.

Abstract: An internal bone fixation system for the treatment of bone anomalies, such as thoraco-lumbar spinal instability. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the fixation system includes a plate anatomically contoured to match the profile of lateral aspects common to thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, as well as the anterior profile. The contour of the plate allows for quicker implantation time, a lower profile, and a fit which allows for biomechanical load-sharing which increases the mechanical properties of the construct (i.e., stiffness, strength, and fatigue life). Moreover, the fixation system includes a fastener screw-plate interface which forces proper alignment between fastener screws and the plate, provides “pull-out” resistance and evenly distributes stresses on both the screw and the plate. Ledges are located on the medial surface at either end of the plate. The fixation system also includes set screws which effectively turn the screw construct into a bolt construct.

Abstract: A sport sleeve holder for releasibly retaining a sleeve atop a user's shoulder comprises a strap of material, having two sides and two ends, the strap being sufficiently flexible so that one end of the strap may be positioned adjacent the opposite end of the strap. Preferably, the strap comprises polypropylene web material. The sport sleeve holder has a fastening mechanism coupled to each end of the strap at opposite sides thereof. The fastening mechanism preferably comprises cooperating hook and loop fastener fabric. The sport sleeve holder may also have a label coupled to the upper side of the strap, which label may contain graphics or other logos. Preferably, the label comprises a textile which is 70% cotton and 30% nylon. A method of using the sport sleeve holder comprises inserting the sport sleeve holder through either the sleeve opening or the neck opening of a shirt so that the upper side of the sport sleeve holder faces the user's shoulder.