Abstract: An improved microknife for use in spinal surgery is disclosed which simplifies the procedure for performing an anterior cervical discectomy, while reducing the possibility of penetrating the dural sac or injuring the spinal cord.

Abstract: A compact case has a circular bottom cosmetic holding compartment consisting of a tray having a series of pre-shaped depressed segments, and an upper cover that has an opening corresponding to the pre-shape of the depressed segments. The upper cover is rotatable in relationship to the bottom cosmetic holding compartment so that it may be rotated to permit access to individual cosmetics held in the depressed segments as desired. A pull out tray is included in the bottom compartment for holding cosmetic components.

Abstract: A mattress to prevent the creation of pressure sores having a heel pillow portion intended for use in healthcare facilities having replaceable parts is disclosed. The heel pillow mattress of the present invention is made of foam and has a cavity located at the foot area of the mattress for containing a pillow therein. A soft, resilient pillow insert contained within the cavity provides cushion for the heels of a patient lying on the mattress. A layer of foam covers the top of the cavity containing the pillow insert. This layer of foam has a low indentation force deflection (IFD) to provide a high degree of cushioning for the heels. This layer of foam together with the pillow insert beneath it, provide increased cushioning when a patient's heels apply a downward force on the mattress so that as the heels sink into the mattress, the foam layer and the pillow insert give way to the downward force of the heels and the mattress cradles the heels.

Abstract: A refrigerator having coaxial, but oppositely directed, fans pulls air over refrigeration coils and perpendicularly across articles to be refrigerated supported by an endless conveyor belt. The endless conveyor belt is supported and impelled by a carousel that turns on a stationary frame.

Abstract: An improved mechanical product dispensing and storage device for storing and dispensing rollable products such as canned beverages or other cylindrical or spherical products is disclosed. The products to be dispensed are stored on a feed path and roll toward a discharge end of the feed path. Located near the discharge end is a dispensing mechanism comprising of a rotatable shaft extending in the direction of and positioned at an angle to the feed path. Extending from the shaft are a pair of asymmetrical cams which rotate with the shaft to operate a pair of spring loaded separator doors used to control the dispensing of the products. A self-locking mechanism prevents the operation of the dispensing device when empty.

Abstract: A surfboard having a foot brace and leveraged turning apparatus defined by a substantially "V" shaped channel which is positioned longitudinally along the length of the surfboard starting adjacent the aft end of the surfboard and terminating forward of the midsection of the surfboard, the apparatus being defined by a pair of inclined wall members that extend downwardly and inwardly, providing the riding surface of the surfboard.

Abstract: For a single telephone line having plural telephone answering devices (TADs) connected to it, a system of TADs is disclosed where only one TAD answers the telephone but all other TADs connected to the telephone line are accessible and activated by means of tones transmitted over the telephone line by the caller. The caller is notified by the answering TAD of the available tone codes which are then used to select the desired TAD. When a TAD is selected by means of tones, the first TAD is temporarily disconnected from the telephone line so that message privacy is maintained.

Abstract: A jump rope, capable of being connected to a source of water, consists of a hollow tube connected from the source of water to a jump rope handle. The outlet of the jump rope handle is connected to a hollow tube that has a series of small holes. The other end of the hollow tubing have the holes is connected to a second jump rope handle. The handles freely rotate about the hollow tubes. Children using the jump rope become wet from water spraying from the holes in the jump rope as it is being used.

Abstract: A projection system for visual motion picture cues. To assist the engineer in the process of audio dubbing and the like by allowing the engineer to anticipate the precise moment that a cue point will occur, a cue is visually presented on the motion picture projection screen. Also, information may be presented to the engineer by the projection system. Synchronization signals are coordinated with engineer/operator input and the resulting signal is digitized. The digitized signals are transmitted via fiber optics to a slave circuit with changes the digital signals to analog signals. The analog signals are amplified and are used to drive mirrors, motors, and/or galvanometers that reflect and control incident laser light. The laser light is projected and superimposed upon a projection screen upon which the motion picture film.

Abstract: A water control apparatus having a main valve, a main valve control, and a step-wise valve. A moisture sensor is connected to the valve control. In response to the moisture sensor, the valve control opens or closes the main valve. When the main valve opens, sufficient water pressure must be present for the step-wise valve to open. When said step-wise valve opens, water flows through it and to a water distribution device that makes the moisture sensor moist. When the moisture sensor is sufficiently moist, the valve control turns the main valve off. With the main valve off, the lack of water pressure closes the step-wise valve. The step-wise valve opens at a higher water pressure threshold and closes at a lower water pressure threshold. The decrease in pressure arising from the opening of the step-wise valve is insufficient to close it. The water control apparatus is powered by water flow and is otherwise self-sufficient.

Abstract: A training football having a weighted bar weighing at least 1/2 pound inside the football, located along the long axis of the football, is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a solid cylindrical element, in the shape of a bar, is inserted along the major axis of the training football inside a bladder. The weighted bar has convex ends that conform to the curved concave interior ends of the training football for holding the bar in place. The thickness and weight of the bar determines the weight of the training football. The bladder containing the weighted bar is inserted into the cover of the training football, so that the support ends of the bar are fitted within the ends of the cover. The bladder is inflated with air under pressure through an exterior pinch nozzle. Throwing, kicking and punting of a weighted football increases the muscles of the user that need to be strengthened in order to throw, kick or punt a conventional football.