Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device that supports an individual's spine while the individual is in a forward bent position. The device includes a padded rest on which an individual could lean while working in a forward bent position and brackets for adjusting the angle, height, and position of the device. Since the individual leans against the rest, the stresses experienced in the lower, middle and upper back are substantially decreased. Reducing such stress decreases the pain experienced by the individual as well as extends his or her productive life.

Abstract: A welding gun power pin for attaching a welding gun to a power block of a welding system. The welding gun power pin includes a generally cylindrical pin body, and insertion stop member, and a withdrawal stop member which defines a withdrawal stop member length dimension. A channel extends into the outer circumferential surface of the pin body, generally separates the pin body from the withdrawal stop member, and is adapted and configured to accept a generally rigid projection member therein, whereby to mechanically resist withdrawal of the welding gun power pin from the remainder of the welding system. The channel defines a channel width dimension which has a magnitude that is less than the magnitude of the withdrawal stop member length dimension.

Abstract: A power block for holding a welding gun power pin has a receiving structure which defines a bore which receives and holds a welding gun power pin. The power block further includes a projection movable between at least a first position and a second position. When the projection is in the first position, the projection extends at least partially into the receiving structure cavity. When the projection is in the second position, the projection generally does not extend into the receiving structure cavity. In some embodiments, the projection has a generally straight line distal edge. In other embodiments, the projection has a generally arcuate distal edge.

Abstract: Spinal plate assemblies, methods of fabrication, and methods of use. Such assemblies comprises blocking structures assembled to spinal plates. The blocking structure comprises an elongate band which can be against structure of the plate. The band is mounted into a continuous or intermittent channel in the plate, and extends into an aperture in the plate. The band responds to side forces applied by interfering elements of bone fasteners driven through an aperture, by moving away from the interfering element, and returning to a blocking position over the interfering element after the interfering element has passed the band. Methods of fabrication include inserting the blocking structure, optionally longitudinally, into the channel. Methods of use include advancing bone screws through an aperture and past the band. The bone screw deflects the band as the screw passes, and the band moves to the blocking position when the screw has moved past the band.

Abstract: Removable door jamb assembly guard, guarded jamb assembly, and methods of controlling a doorway. The guard preferably covers the full length of the jamb assembly, and the full width of the jamb assembly between an outer trim element and the door-arresting surface. The guard has a central section, a door leg section, an outer leg section disposed outwardly of the central section, and optionally a transition section between the central section and the outer leg section. Preferred embodiments of the guard can be installed on a jamb assembly while a conventional door slab is mounted to the jamb assembly, and the door slab can be closed and opened without the guard interfering with such operation of the door slab.

Abstract: A massage device has a close-packed presenting structure of massage elements, mounted on a working unit. The presenting structure is sufficiently closely packed to prevent insertion of an adult's digit, e.g. finger or toe, into the spaces between respective ones of the massage elements. Such close packing, in a drum-type structure of closely-packed massage elements, prevents a user from accidental injury to his/her fingers or toes if and as the presenting structure is rotating about an axis of rotation. The massage device can have a heel rest, a variable speed drive, and/or a heater which heats the massage elements.

Abstract: Lumber having stud locator markings spaced along lengths thereof. The marked lumber assists in layout and assembly of a frame wall comprising bottom plate, top plate, and a plurality of studs extending between the bottom and top plates at one or more of a limited number of regularly-spaced pre-determined stud spacings along the plates. Respective pieces of the lumber are useful in the bottom and/or top plates. Stud locator markings define positions for placement, on the respective plate, of stud ends to be mounted against the respective bottom or top plate. Stud locator markings indicate where front and back surfaces of the studs intersect the respective plate. The stud markings are spaced along the bottom and top plates at one or more of the pre-determined stud spacings. Each stud marking comprises marking material affixed directly to the respective piece of lumber. Preferred spacings for stud markings are about 8 inches, optionally 16 or 24 inches.

Abstract: Cooking apparatus, comprising a support structure, a cooking vessel having an opening therein, a cover controlling access to the vessel, and cover actuation apparatus. The cover actuation apparatus pivots the cover, and optionally includes slide structure enabling the cover to slide out of full overlying relationship with the vessel opening to a partially overlying relationship, before the pivoting action occurs. Optional biasing structure biases the cover upwardly from a position overlying the vessel opening. Preferred structure combines both sliding action and pivoting action to displace the cover from over the vessel opening, and to present the cover to the opening for sealing over the cooking vessel.

Abstract: Beverage or food containers made from sheet material, and methods of making such containers. Such container comprises a layer of paperboard and an expanded foam layer applied as a coating in a liquid carrier, and affixed to a paperboard base layer. The expanded foam has a remote surface preferably defined by intermingled peaks and valleys. The sheet material can include a protective cover layer overlying the remote surface. Such cover layer can comprise paper, plastic film, or foamed thermoplastic. The sheet material can include a heat seal layer, with the heat seal layer overlying, and in surface-to-surface contact with, the foam layer such that the foam layer is between the paperboard and the heat seal layer. Preferred composition for the foam layer is PVDC or AMM.

Abstract: Bone support assemblies, methods of fabrication, and methods of use. Such assemblies comprises locking structures assembled to bone support plates. The locking structure comprises elongate bands biased against each other. The bands extend into apertures in the plate. The bands automatically respond to side forces applied by interfering elements of bone fasteners driven through the apertures, by moving away from the interfering elements, and returning to blocking positions over the interfering elements after the interfering elements pass the bands. Methods of fabrication include inserting the locking structure longitudinally into the channel and optionally extending locking studs through the plate and engaging the locking structure. Methods of use include advancing interfering elements of the bone fasteners through the apertures and past the bands.

Abstract: A feeder apparatus comprises a plurality of walls, mounting structure and a feed holder. The plurality of walls communicates with the mounting structure to accommodate mounting the feeder apparatus on the outside of an animal confinement structure, e.g. a cage. One or more walls of the feeder body and the feed holder have cooperating sliding structures, enabling the feed holder to be slidingly received into, and/or removed from the remainder of the feeder apparatus.

Abstract: Bone treatment plate assemblies, methods of fabrication, and methods of use. Such assemblies comprise spring structures assembled to bone treatment plates. The spring structure comprises elongate bands, and springs between the bands, urging the bands against structure of the plate. Spring width is less than spring height and/or one or more protuberances extending from the band or bands cooperate with one or more detents in the plate thereby to arrest longitudinal movement of the spring structure with respect to the plate.

Abstract: This invention pertains to blood vessel cannulation devices and methods for sensing the location of a blood vessel, for cannulation with precision and ease. In preferred embodiments, the blood vessel cannulation device preferably comprises a mounting assembly for securing the device to a patient in the vicinity of a blood vessel. A rotating assembly is mounted to the mounting assembly for rotation with respect to the mounting assembly. A guide housing is mounted to the rotating assembly for traverse across the rotating assembly, and for rotating with the rotating assembly. Sensor guides in the guide housing receive one or more sensors which sense the blood vessel. Rotating the rotating assembly, and traversing the guide housing, enable bringing the bottom ends of the sensor guides into alignment with the blood vessel, correspondingly also bringing a cannula guide, also present in the guide housing, into alignment with the blood vessel.