Abstract: A radial adjuster device is provided for use in conjunction with cargo transport carriers worn by animate load bearers. The radial adjuster device allows an animate load bearer to adjust each laterally positioned cargo transport carrier shoulder strap or other such support structure single-handedly, or alternatively to adjust each shoulder strap simultaneously using each hand to engage and rotate the radial adjuster device to achieve a desired position or balance of the cargo transport carrier. The radial adjuster device simplifies and optimizes cargo transport carrier adjustment to facilitate animate load bearers in properly positioning cargo transport carriers, and consequently avoiding the injury and discomfort associated with bearing improperly balanced cargo transport carriers. The spooling mechanism of the inventive radial adjuster device eliminates the inconvenience, unsightliness, and potential hazards associated with free-hanging strap ends of cargo transport carriers.

Abstract: The invention includes a cell-growth-on-bead assay for screening a one-bead-one-compound combinatorial bead library to identify synthetic ligands for cell attachment and growth or proliferation of epithelial cells. Cells are incubated with a compound bead library for 24 to 72-hours, allowing them to attach and grow on the beads. Those beads with cells growing are removed, and the ligand on the bead is identified. Also provided are ligands specific for epithelial cancer cells. The invention also includes a method of capturing epithelial cells from body fluids. In this method, beads are prepared with a known ligand specific for a particular type of cell and incubated for 24 to 72 hours with a sample of the body fluid being tested. Those cells attached to the beads are removed and identified.

Abstract: A device for plucking the strings of a stringed musical instrument is disclosed. The device includes two thin, planar picking members and one thin, planar picking/grasping member. The picking members and the planar/grasping member are joined at their base. The device allows the user to simultaneously pluck two strings of an instrument or, alternatively, to pluck a single string.

Abstract: The wipe-down knife herein is assembled upon an elongate handle, one end of which is fitted with a generally cylindrical blade-supporting head. The head has a collar and lever arm on one end for securely engaging the handle shaft, and a pair of closely opposed pads and a pivot pin on its other end for engaging a blade-supporting plate. A bracket which grasps the blade at its base is affixed to the blade-supporting plate. The blade is wide and flexible, projecting from the blade support at a right angle to the longitudinal axis of the knife's handle. The blade curves away from the blade-supporting bracket at a right angle, such that the plane of the blade's working edge is parallel with the handle's longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The spring-loaded camming nut of the invention includes first and second wedge-shaped chock portion. The first chock portion is wedge-shaped and larger than the second. The second chock portion is prism-shaped with a triangular cross-section. Means are provided for moving the first chock portion axially, lateral to the second chock portion. As the smaller second chock portion travels along the larger first chock portion, toward the crack's opening the first chock portion rotates on its horizontal axis, causing a tooth of the second chock portion to move horizontally and upwardly, into the rock.

Abstract: A cover for a helmet includes a covering portion having side portions, a top portion, a lower elastic edge, and means for attaching the covering portion to the helmet. A covered helmet assembly includes a beanie-type motorcycle helmet with a removable, mating covering portion. The covering portion includes side portions and a top portion, and a lower, elastic edge. The covering portion further includes three female snap fastener portions on a front, interior surface thereof, spaced and adapted to mate with three similarly-positioned male snap fastener portions on a front, exterior surface of the motorcycle helmet. The covering portion also includes a selectively-releasable, mating hook and loop fabric patch pair wherein the loop portion is located on the covering portion's rear, interior surface and the hook portion is located on the helmet's rear, exterior surface. A visored, covered helmet assembly includes a helmet, a covering portion and a visor.