Abstract: This invention provides a convenient apparatus and method for mounting equipment in an underground vault to provide convenient access to the equipment whenever such access is necessary. The vault mount includes a frame having one end thereof permanently pivotally mounted to the frame releasably attached to a second wall of the vault. Suitable springs are mounted between the first wall of the vault and the frame to urge the frame to pivot about the mounting to the first wall. When the second end of the frame is released from its wall mount, the frame and the apparatus mounted thereon pivots from a generally horizontal position in the vault to a generally vertical position with the equipment mounted on the frame extending out of the vault.

Abstract: A self-tapping, self-drilling orthopedic fixation screw includes a cannula through the shaft of the screw for placement over a guide pin mounted in a guide hole in a bone to drill and tap a hole at predetermined location in the bone.

Abstract: A variable resistance exercise apparatus is disclosed specifically adapted to provide an improved method or aerobic and anaerobic exercising of the upper extremities and upper body portion of a user. The apparatus is characterized by the use of a hand crank assembly adjustably positioned at a vertical height above a support platform to cause a user to reach and twist during exercise upon the apparatus. The length of the hand crank assembly may be adjusted to accommodate differing extremity lengths of the particular user and the exercise resistance load applied to the hand crank may be varied to accommodate both professional athletic training as well as residential fitness programs.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for hydraulically mining unconsolidated subterranean mineral formations is disclosed wherein the hydraulic mining tool and surface drilling equipment is supported upon elongate structural beams releasably affixed at opposite ends to laterally spaced concrete foundations positioned upon the drilling site. The structural beams prevent the mining tool from canting or subsiding during the hydraulic mining process and may be reused for consecutive mining operations at differing locations upon the drilling site. An improved mining tool configuration is additionally disclosed which is specifically adapted to agitate and maintain the mined minerals in suspension within the mining slurry and further direct the slurry toward the mining tool for subsequent transport to ground surface.

Abstract: A vibrationless percussion tool is disclosed characterized by use of a piston mounted for reciprocal movement against a constant pressure force within a casing to cyclically impact an anvil disposed adjacent the distal end of the casing. A spool valve is disposed within the interior of the piston and is adapted to travel in unison with the reciprocating piston except during mechanical actuation initiated adjacent the extreme downstroke and upstroke position of the piston within the casing. The constant pressure force is continuously applied to one side of the piston and by mechanical actuation of the spool valve, the volume disposed on the opposite side of the piston is alternatively vented and pressurized to cause reciprocation of the piston against the constant pressure source.

Abstract: The permanent wave curling device of this invention comprises a vapor and heat generating hair curling iron including a handle, a mandrel and a wave solution reservoir threadably attached to the mandrel at an end opposite the handle. The handle encloses electrical circuitry necessary to control the electrical current applied to an electric heating element positioned within the mandrel. The heating element is positioned within the mandrel and receives wave solution from a rotatable rod and wick assembly that transports wave solution from the reservoir. The hair to be curled is wound about the mandrel and anchored thereto by a retaining clamp. Heat from the heating element is conducted through the mandrel to the hair in a conventional manner. The rod and wick assembly is normally spaced from the heating element and transports the wave solution from the reservoir by capillary action into the interior of the mandrel.

Abstract: A carpenter's level holding device and method for plumbing a wall partition is disclosed, characterized by use of a bracket to hold a conventional carpenter's level to removably attach and self-register the level on a wall partition and a method providing for the positioning, plumbing, and securing of a wall partition by a single user. The bracket includes a first portion adapted to mount one end of the level and a second portion formed to be selectively rested upon the top of a wall partition to thereby hold the carpenter's level securely against and parallel to the vertical timbers of the wall partition with the bracket maintaining the carpenter's level in position upon the wall partition, an individual user has both hands free to properly plumb and temporarily secure the wall partition in place.

Abstract: A hand-held apparatus which dispenses, retracts and locks an animal leash in a desired position is disclosed characterized by a spool housing sized to store a length of cord and a handle portion adapted to be grasped in the hand of a user. The spool housing rotably mounts a spool having the length of cord wrapped thereabout with the distal end of the cord being attachable to an animal collar. A coil spring is mounted between the spool and spool housing to continuously bias the length of cord in a retracted position about the spool. A high strength locking mechanism adapted to selectively apply friction to the spool and positively prevent the cord from being dispensed or retracted from the spool is provided which is actuable by way of a trigger lever formed on the handle portion of the housing. A cam actuator stop is additionally provided to maintain the locking mechanism in a locked orientation.

Abstract: Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is detected by enzyme immunoassay by bonding biotinylated antibody to an avidin coupled paper disc, reacting the antibody on the disc with the solution suspected of containing HCG, and determining the amount of HCG on the disc by enzymatic assay detection techniques.

Abstract: An improved fuel filter particularly adapted for use on sport and off-road vehicles such as go-carts, motorcycles, and the like, is disclosed characterized by a two-piece barrel housing sized to removably receive a replaceable/disposable filter element. Five embodiments of fuel filter structure are disclosed each adapted to permit the filter element to be readily replaced and properly seated within the housing.

Abstract: An improved food oven and method of preparing food is disclosed characterized by a double-oven compartment structure with each compartment having multiple infrared heating rod arrays and a smoker unit adapted to prepare food disposed within the compartment. Operation of the heating rod arrays and smoker units are monitored by a novel electronic control system which permits independent baking, broiling, barbecuing, smoking and hold-warming of foods disposed within each compartment. The compartments further incorporate a unique vent system which automatically generates a convectional airflow through each of the compartments to reduce isolated temperature gradients within the compartments and effectuate a generally uniform preparation of food.