Abstract: A bit block for use in excavation and mining. The bit block is adapted to receive a bit and to be welded to equipment utilized for boring, drilling, trenching and mining. The bit block is designed to secure and protect the bit while it is penetrating rock and hardened earth material. The bit block defines a shroud adapted to receive and protect the distal end of the bit. The bit block defines an enlarged welding surface to enhance the integrity of the weld. The bit block defines a plow on its leading end to assist in removing excavated material.

Abstract: A cutting tool for use on earth working and land clearing equipment includes a working body portion having a cavity disposed therein which begins at a peripheral edge of a first end and extends inwardly towards a second end of such working body portion. The cavity is provided with a cutting portion disposed at an acute angle about such peripheral edge. A mounting shank extends outwardly from and is attached to the second end of the working body portion for enabling attachment of the cutting tool to a tool holder used on such earth working and land clearing equipment. At least one pin member engaging the complimentarily aligned grooves within an aperture of the tool holder and an outer surface of the shank portion is used to securely retain the cutting tool within the tool holder.

Abstract: An improved retaining system for securing a cutting tool to a support block rigidly attached to an outer surface of a carrier. The retaining system includes a first groove formed in an outer surface of a shank portion of the cutting tool in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the shank portion. There is a second groove formed in a surface of a bore formed through an axis of the support block for receiving the shank portion of the cutting tool and formed generally perpendicular to a rotational axis of such carrier. The first groove is radially opposed to the a second groove when the shank portion is inserted into the bore of the support block. The final essential element of the retaining system is a pin member engageable with each of the first groove and the second groove for securing the cutting tool to the support block.

Abstract: A spring lock mechanism for a ground-engaging tool, or bit. The spring lock mechanism is provided for engaging a bit into a positive engagement with a bit holder, thereby reducing the failure rate of the bit while also allowing the bit to rotate within the bit block. The spring lock mechanism is configured to be received about the shank of a bit between a support block and a retainer. The spring lock mechanism defines a frustoconical configuration having a selected inside diameter, outside diameter, and uncompressed height. The spring lock mechanism is fabricated from a resilient material to allow it to compress. When compressed, the spring lock mechanism biases the bit into the support block receptor.

Abstract: A spring lock mechanism for a ground-engaging tool, or bit. The spring lock mechanism is provided for engaging a bit into a positive engagement with a bit holder, thereby reducing the failure rate of the bit while also allowing the bit to rotate within the bit block. The spring lock mechanism is configured to be received about the shank of a bit between a support block and a retainer. The spring lock mechanism defines a frustoconical configuration having a selected inside diameter, outside diameter, and uncompressed height. The spring lock mechanism is fabricated from a resilient material to allow it to compress. When compressed, the spring lock mechanism biases the bit into the support block receptor.

Abstract: A ventilated toilet seat for removing noxious odors from within a toilet bowl. The ventilated toilet seat includes a toilet seat member that defines at least one odor evacuation channel which connects the inside of the toilet bowl and the outside of the toilet seat member in fluid communication. The toilet seat member also defines at least one liquid evacuation channel adapted to enable liquids in the odor evacuation channel to be diverted into the liquid evacuation channel. The seat member defines a convex bottom face. A conduit is defined between the bottom face and the toilet, and may serve to evacuate odors. A hinge post assembly includes a body having a convex bottom surface. As the bottom surface is compressed to conform to the configuration of the surface of the toilet, the body is biased away from the nut to prohibit it from unselected loosening.

Abstract: A roof bit blade insert for use in mining and other associated applications. The blade defines two opposing faces, each having a leading end and a trailing end. The blade defines an indexed protrusion disposed at either or both of the leading and trailing ends of each face. A centered protrusion is defined on several embodiments. Each of the protrusions are provided to strengthen the blade and to assist in centering the blade in a drill body slot. The protrusions defined by the leading and trailing ends of the blade are defined by either an arcuate configuration, a compound curve, an outward taper from the center of the blade, or a selected location along the leading end, to the outer edge thereof. The drill body defines a transverse slot for mounting the blade, the slot having opposing parallel faces adapted to loosely receive the blade such that it is centered therein.

Abstract: A roof bit blade insert for use in mining and other associated applications. The blade defines two opposing faces, each having a leading end and a trailing end. The blade defines an indexed protrusion disposed at either or both of the leading and trailing ends of each face. A centered protrusion is defined on several embodiments. Each of the protrusions are provided to strengthen the blade and to assist in centering the blade in a drill body slot. The protrusions defined by the leading and trailing ends of the blade are defined by either an arcuate configuration, a compound curve, an outward taper from the center of the blade, or a selected location along the leading end, to the outer edge thereof. The drill body defines a transverse slot for mounting the blade, the slot having opposing parallel faces adapted to loosely receive the blade such that it is centered therein.