Abstract: A decorative pin having a surface made of metal for displaying a high quality color photographic image having a high degree of image resolution reproduced directly onto a metal surface and a method for reproducing a high quality photographic image directly onto a metal surface are disclosed. The decorative pin of the present invention comprises a base member made of brass having an upper surface for displaying a photographic image that is reproduced directly onto the upper surface and a lower surface having means for removably attaching the decorative pin to a garment.

Abstract: A golf swing trainer consists of a support base for supporting a vertical shaft, the shaft having a flexible horizontal shaft extending from it and having at its other end a golf tee upon which a golf ball can rest. The horizontal shaft is capable of moving up and down in a vertical direction on the vertical shaft and remains relatively fixed to the vertical shaft by a suitable means. A player would practice using the golf swing trainer by hitting golf balls placed on the tee, initially when the horizontal shaft is at a high position relative to the support shaft, and when the player become adept at hitting the ball at the high position, the horizontal shaft would gradually be lowered, so that the player would be hitting the ball at lower and lower positions. This promotes the proper swing plane for the golf swing.

Abstract: A method for the diagnosis of preterm labor, and in particular for distinguishing between false labor and true labor, which includes both prelabor and active labor, is disclosed. The onset of a contraction is determined and the change in value of the rapid ejection time (RET) is determined from the onset of the contraction to a point of time just below the peak intensity of the contraction. A level value of the RET as the contraction proceeds is indicative of false preterm labor. An increasing value of the RET is indicative of prelabor. A decreasing value of the RET is indicative of active labor. The cutaneous blood pressure pattern (cPP) of the patient, which should be concordant with the slope of the RET, can be used as a check on the reliability of the apparatus.

Abstract: A gooseneck instrument holder having an instrument holder tip, a gooseneck, a base and a detachable fibre optic light cord is disclosed. The tip, gooseneck, and base are connected by means of a cable which passes through a deflection member in the base. Tension on the cable is adjusted by a detachable handle at the base via a bolt and serves to simultaneously tighten the tip about an instrument, to hold the gooseneck in place, and to hold the base steady so that the holder holds an instrument in place. Very small amounts of turning of the handle is necessary to adequately tighten the holder in place.

Abstract: An improved rongeur for cutting bone or cartilage comprising two shaft members capable of reciprocating motion relative to each other wherein one shaft member terminates in a foot plate and the other shaft member comprises a combined cutting element and storage member is disclosed. The combined cutting element and storage member has a cutting edge at its distal end and a storage chamber proximate the cutting edge for collecting and storing cut pieces of bone or cartilage in an amount greater than the maximum bone or cartilage capable of being cut in a single full cut. The combined cutting element and storage member is truly disposable, rather than merely replaceable and requires the use of no tools or special assembly. The rongeur may be manually activated or activated by a solenoid and powered by a battery.

Abstract: The present invention provides a face support device specifically for the purpose of facilitating surgery on humans in the prone position providing for the complete relief of pressure to the areas of the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth of a patient. The face support has a concave curved upper portion, a concave lower surface and a central opening for avoiding pressure on the eyes, nose and lips of the patient, while providing for increased support with decreased pressure and skin shear experienced by the patient's face in contact with the face support.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to interbody spinal fusion implants having a structural configuration that provides for the maintaining and creating of the normal anatomic angular relationship of two adjacent vertebrae of the spine to maintain and create spinal lordosis. The spinal fusion implants of the present invention are sized to fit within the disc space created by the removal of disc material between two adjacent vertebrae and conform wholly or in part to the disc space created. The spinal fusion implants of the present invention have upper and lower surfaces that form a support structure for bearing against the end plates of the adjacent vertebrae. The upper and lower surfaces are disposed in a converging angular relationship to each other such that the implants of the present invention have an overall "wedged-shape" in an elevational side view.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for use in holding a cylindrical tank secure and preventing it from being dislodged during an earthquake is disclosed. A pair of mounting brackets are attached to a supporting surface on either side of the cylindrical tank through holes in the mounting brackets by threaded bolts. An adjustable stabilizer bracket is positioned between the cylindrical tank and the supporting wall to keep the cylindrical tank from moving towards the wall. The adjustable stabilizer bracket adjusts to accommodate a variety of different sizes of cylindrical tanks and has angled end portions to conform to the shapes of the different cylindrical tanks. The mounting brackets are pivotally attached to a securing strap, that has a series of holes in it for receiving a bolt. The securing strap is fitted around the cylindrical tank to secure it in place.