Abstract: A portable, inflatable lumbar belt cushion for providing support to the lower spine and surrounding paralumbar musculature of the wearer while seated. The present invention is for an inflatable belt cushion which adjustably reinforces the small of the back to support the lower spine in a proper lorsdosis, alleviating lower back pain caused by improper posture and fatigue. The belt encircles the wearer's waist and contains a compartment with an inflatable cushion centrally located in the back of the belt which is superimposeable in the small of the wearer's back. The inflatable cushion is of a hemi-elliptical design which is positioned horizontally in the small of the back such that the thicker center portion of the cushion supports the spine and the thinner end portions support the surrounding musculature. The cushion extends outwardly from the outer surface of the belt and thus does not create a compression between the belt and the spine.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a reactor for the decontamination of ground water with the use of the vertical shaft technology from the well drilling technique, of the manufacture of horizontal filter wells and of reaction agents.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the constant maintenance of the mean gap width between a sonotrode of an ultrasonic system and a tool of an ultrasonic cutting device, designed as a counter surface, for cutting and/or welding of various types of materials such as, for example, synthetic foils, textile fabrics containing synthetic substances, by means of a cutting tool, using an adjusting device.

Abstract: A stethoscope having an optical fiber light for providing light suitable for patient examination emanating from the chestpiece of the stethoscope. A battery operated light source is provided near the junction of the binaurals and light is transmitted by optical fiber along the stethoscope tubing into the chestpiece and out the side opposite the tubing. A switch for activating and deactivating the light can be operated by manipulation of the binaurals or rotation of the chestpiece.

Abstract: A flexible disk for securely holding insulation to an air duct made from a resilient material, and having a convex upper surface and a diameter of from 1.5 inches to 4.0 inches. A washer for receiving a disk fastener is centrally positioned in the disk top, which is thicker than the top. A rim is located at the circumference of the top which has a planar bottom for contacting the insulation. When the disk is properly attached to an air duct by a fastener, it deforms to a concave configuration by which it resiliently exerts force on the underside surface of the disk and the rim which in turn presses downward on the insulation, securely holding the insulation in place without crushing the insulation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a denture brush having a flat handle which projects substantially perpendicularly from the plane of the brush head. Finger grips are located on each side of the handle. In addition, the plane of the handle is offset 90.degree. from the plane of the bristles. This alignment allows the brush to be easily grasped while facilitating the brushing motion in alternate lateral directions in the plane of the bristles and parallel to the internal surface of the denture. The orientation of the finger grips with the bristles also facilitates the ease of applying brushing force directly downward through the brushing head to the denture surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interconnectable jewelry setting for connecting with other interconnectable jewelry settings to form a jewelry piece such as a bracelet, necklace, earrings, or other ornamental item. The jewelry setting comprises a frame formed from stamped sheet metal, in which a gemstone is mounted, a ball-link joint, which is connectable to similar jewelry settings to form the desired jewelry piece without the need for soldering or welding. The ball-link joint is held in place by a key-lock clip opening in the setting frame, and a spring insert attached to the internal end of the ball-link joint provides tension against the joint and allows for elasticity and flexibility of the jewelry piece. A snap-on cover on the base of the setting frame provides additional structural support to the frame.

Abstract: A self-assistive shoulder stretching and rotation machine for physical therapy of the shoulder wherein a supine person's forearm is secured to a forearm support that is attached to a horizontal support such that the forearm support may be moved in a 90.degree. arc from vertical in either the left or right direction by the supine person's pulling on a rope. One end of the rope is attached to each side of the forearm support such that a continuous loop is formed. The loop is supported on one side by passing it through pulleys or eyelets attached to a vertical support at one end of the horizontal support. The patient lies in a supine position securing one forearm to the forearm support. When the patient pulls near one end of the rope, the forearm support may be moved in as much as 90.degree. or more to one direction. When the person pulls on the opposite end of the rope, the forearm support is moved back through the vertical position, 90.degree. or more in the opposite direction.