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: The invention describes a method and a device for determining a filling level and can be applied to the ascertainment of the simmering process of mineral oil products. The method is characterized that by means of at least two stationary sensors, a first filling level and at least a second filling level are defined and the number of drops required for reaching the first and second filling levels is recorded. By way of a further sensor the number of drops dropped in during the simmering process is counted and, by way of calculation, the partial volume at a specified location and the filling level are determined.

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: A sheet for sprouting of grass seed and for safeguarding early grass growth and an improved mat containing such sheet for growing lawns or other vegetation on soil. The sheet for sprouting of grass seeds has an upper layer of a transparent vinyl plastic or polyethylene which has a plurality of specifically sized ventilation openings. The ventilating openings are varied, depending upon the sowing season of the grass seeds, from approximately 3.5 cm to 4.5 cm distance apart, and 9 mm to 15 mm in diameter. A plurality of sheets exist below the vinyl sheet and a comprised of a viscous cellulose fiber sheet, a planting sheet containing the seeds and fertilizer and a fibrous ground protective sheet. Optionally, a further sheet may be added for weed or insect control, and some of the sheets may be in combined form.

Abstract: A frame for portable above-ground swimming pools and, more particularly, a frame for above-ground swimming pools having a top rail, formed in sections, that is pivotally attached to the frame vertical supports. Each top rail section is installed at the top of the vertical supports in a vertical position that is about 90° from a horizontal axis, allowing access to the interior area of the pool frame for installation and attachment of the sheet metal swimming pool wall. Once the top rails sections are assembled, the frame is free-standing and the pool wall may be installed and attached to the frame without partial disassembly of the frame or removal and replacement of the top rail sections. Once the swimming pool wall and liner are installed, the top rail sections are rotated 90° along the horizontal axis, securing the wall and liner, and are locked into place. The invention further provides a method for installing an above-ground swimming pool in the sequential steps described above.

Abstract: A liner for swimming pools and, more particularly, a flexible plastic liner for above-ground swimming pools that is attached to the upper edge of the swimming pool wall. The pool liner of this invention has a plastic “beading” around its circumference, or border, which has a removable J-hook portion in connection with a bead portion. This beading arrangement allows the liner to be attached to pool walls that have “bead receivers” for attachment of beaded liners and to pool walls that have no bead receivers. The beading has perforations provided therein to facilitate the removal of the J-hook portion from the bead portion to convert the beading from a J-hook type liner to a bead type liner for insertion into a bead receiver.

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.