Abstract: A multi-purpose work knife includes a universal elongate ergonomically-shaped handle (UEH) which defines an axis and includes a blade having an UEH blade axis. Within the handle portion, a channel member is received in a forwardly extending cavity and movably receives a cutting blade carrier for axial movement relative to the handle portion. A selectable non-universal portion (SNP) is secured at one end to said UEH at a plane of continuity of curvature thru which the UEH axis passes. The SNP holds non-standard blade at an angular offset relative to the UEH axis. A cutting edge of the SNP blades defines a virtual angle which intersects the UEH axis within a range of 20 to 30 degrees.

Abstract: A method of treating palmar and plantar fibromatosis is disclosed. The method includes administering to a patient of a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising 13-cis-retinoic acid. Preferably, the treatment method includes administering to a patient of an initial dosage of a composition comprising 13-cis-retinoic acid for an initial treatment period, and thereafter administering a maintenance dosage of the composition.

Abstract: A pedicure sandal employs a base formed of a resilient elastomeric material, the base inclusive of a cushioned upper surface thereof, a toe-separating structure, and a bottom surface for providing ground and floor resistance against slippage. The sandal more particularly defines an outer perimeter of the base generally shaped to accommodate a human foot, in which the perimeter includes a bulge at an anterior lateral region which is adjacent to the lateral-most or small toe of the foot of a user.

Abstract: A metallic stud for use in a framing structure, the stud definable in terms a x, y, z coordinate system. The stud includes the z-axis elongate substantially rectangular integral web within a yz plane and further includes a series of xz plane tabs projecting in an x-axis direction, the tabs alternating in x-axis extent between interdigitating greater and lesser dimensions, in which a z-axis line of dependency exists between a common xz plane of all of the tabs in a first major rectangular base of the yz plane of the web of the stud. The stud further includes a z-axis elongate L-shaped element integrally dependent from a second major rectangular base of the web, the elongate element parallel to the first base.

Abstract: A rotatable chiropractic treatment table for extension, flexion, traction, distraction and lateral movement of the spine of a patient includes a base adapted to rest upon a floor, and a system support assembly having an upper end and a lower end integrally secured to the base, the support assembly including a pivot axis proximal to upper end. The treatment table also includes a selectable reciprocal extension element having an upper end and a lower end, one end pivotally attached to the system support assembly, the selectable extension elements providing reciprocal movement of the one end relative to an opposite end. The table further includes a rigid support platform having an upper end and a lower end, the platform pivotally secured to the pivot axis of the support assembly and, further, pivotally secured to the one end of the selectable extension element to provide a resultant rotational motion of the support platform.

Abstract: Cups of a bra include integrated flexible bladders formed of a medical grade material having sufficient fluid integrity to hold a comestible liquid. The bladders may include a fabric sleeve. Each bladder is provided with an inlet, for purposes of filling, and an outlet for purposes of consumption. Alternatively, bladders having an appropriate geometry are filled by a manufacturer of the comestible liquid such that only an outlet is necessary. In all forms, the outlet communicates with a flexible narrow straw having a cross section which is preferably flat and elliptical.

Abstract: An optical diagnostic system for use within a convention physician-patient examining distance, not exceeding the manual reach of the doctor, including an ergonomic, hand-held, non-surgical, optical diagnostic medical instrument having a light image input-to-output pathway corresponding to an axis of examination, the instrument including an integral gripping assembly for gripping by the physician, and the instrument also including a light source from the pathway and power supply, a light-tight optical coupling for re-directing light received from the light pathway along the axis of examination to a pathway substantially normal thereto, that pathway defining an axis of manipulation and, in optical communication with the coupling, a micro-video camera for generating an electronic signal corresponding to the re-directed light image from the coupling, the micro-video camera including an exterior housing defining, in combination with the gripping assembly of the medical instrument, an axis of manipulation substanti

Abstract: A precast concrete portal frame system includes two column sections and a rafter section, each of which are pre-cast off-site, each column section extending integrally toward a plane of symmetry of the portal frame to an uppermost articulated surface of each of the column sections which meet lowermost articulated surfaces of the rafter section, defining respectively opposing planes in complemental keyed relationship, the opposing planes also defining, in longitudinal cross-section, mating L-shaped surfaces, the inclined planes of the column and rafter sections provided with transverse bolting holes to provide a bolted connection between the rafter and column sections of the system. The upper part of each column section is enlarged to provide resistance to high bending moments.

Abstract: A submersible marine vehicle, operable both upon and beneath water, includes a fluid-tight hull elongated along a longitudinal axis corresponding to an intended direction of travel of the vehicle, the hull having integral gripping elements and velocity controls proximal to each of the gripping elements, the hull further including internally energy storage elements for power control and transfer within an air space in the hull, the air space also defining a buoyancy characteristic of the vehicle, the hull defining a total longitudinal dimension co-linear to the longitudinal axis of the hull. The vehicle also includes a single circumferentially integral propeller shroud depending integrally downwardly from a lower surface of the hull along an axis transverse to the axis of the hull.

Abstract: A convertible sofa bed system includes a sofa seat with a convertible sofa bed in which the seat is rotationally connected to the top of a front panel of the sofa. Prior to unfolding of the bed portion of the sofa bed system, the sofa seat may be rotated forwardly in the direction of the user so that, after the bed portion is unfolded, the sofa seat will be situated beneath the unfolded bed portion in an unobstructive position which will not interfere with normal use of the unfolded sofa bed. After the sofa bed has been used and folded back into the structure of the sofa, the sofa seat may be readily rotated upwardly and in the direction of the back of the sofa bed and into its normal position within the seat of the sofa structure.

Abstract: A material-working and tool control system for use with a workbench includes a system platform in rotatable, co-planar communication with the workbench. Further included is a tool-carrying platform. Also provided are first and second protractor assemblies, each having first and second legs which are adjustably hinged to each other. An opposite end of the first leg is in pivotal communication with the workbench surface through an axis-of-rotation normal to the workbench, and an opposite end of the second leg of the first protractor assembly is in pivotal communication with the tool-carrying platform through an axis-of-rotation also normal to the workbench. A plane is defined by the hinged relationship between the legs of the first protractor assembly which plane is normal to a plane defined by the hinged relationship between the legs of the second protractor assembly.

Abstract: A system for cooling employee and customer-occupied area of a commercial establishment of a type having an internal refrigerated inventory storage compartment includes a water reservoir located within the refrigerated compartment. Included is an assembly for continually supplying a portion of water from the reservoir to an input of a heat exchanger external of the refrigerated compartment. Further included is an assembly for, after circulation of water through the heat exchanger, return of the water to the water reservoir within the refrigerated compartment. The system also includes an assembly for inputting air external of the refrigerated compartment through the heat exchanger to transfer the air's thermal values to the circulated water. Further provided are a fan and ductwork sub-system for distributing resulting cooled air outputted from the heat exchanger to the employee and customer-occupied areas of the establishment.

Abstract: A suspendable conduit bracket system includes a back bracket element defining, in transverse cross-section, an inner semicircle and an outer semicircle of greater radius than the inner semicircle, such semi-circles mutually integrally secured by ribbing elements, the inner semi-circle comprising a nesting element proportioned to the cross-sectional geometry of a conduit to be suspended. The bracket system further includes a radial portion protruding externally from the two semi-circles of the back element, passing through both of the semicircles, and having an element for selectable lockable engagement with a solid rectangular channel, a threaded radial channel extending through substantially the entire radial length of such channel, and proximally to the intersection of the radial portion with the back element, a rigid insert having a deformable aperture is secured transversely to the threaded channel.

Abstract: A system for measuring coordinates of a vector in x,y,z Cartesian space includes a flexible non-elastic string spirally mounted upon a selectably positively and negatively rotatably tensioned drum, the drum having an axle of rotation and being positively rotatable as a function of positive increments of length of the string. Mounted co-integrally with the drum axle is a translational measurement encoder for converting rotation of the drum axle into a signal output corresponding to positive increments of extension of length of the string. Further provided is an assembly for defining an origin of the vector to be measured, the assembly including an origin member having an aperture therein for slidable accommodation of the string.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of assembling mechanical system having tubular constructional elements, such methods including the furnishing of an interior work surface of a first constructional element having a complemental internal structure and, further, positioning a second tubular constructional element so that at least one surface thereof is proximal to the complemental internal surface of the first constructional element. The method further includes the step of positioning, within the second constructional element a working element of a highly extended longitudinal tool reciprocatingly within the second constructional element, the working element situated proximally to the complemental internal structure of the first construc-tional element.

Abstract: An earth retaining wall system is defined by a rectilinear three-dimensional matrix of tie elements, each substantially uniplanar in a horizontal plane and longitudinally elongated in a direction transverse to the retaining wall. Such tie elements are each complementally rigidly coupled along one horizontal axis edge of an earth supporting side of the retaining wall. The tie element thusly defines a matrix or grid in a vertical plane. The system also includes a plurality of pressure resistive members that are substantially uniplanar in a vertical plane which is also co-planar with the retaining wall. Such pressure resistive members are longitudinally elongated along a horizontal axis which is co-parallel with the retaining wall. Each of the pressure resistive members are rigidly secured along a bottom edge thereof to an upper surface of each tie element to define, in cross-section, a matrix in a vertical plane which is also normal to the retaining wall.

Abstract: An automotive lift system includes a longitudinal series of transverse pairs of left and right rigid lifting legs, neither any legs of said pairs of legs nor any longitudinally successive legs having any on-ground connection therebetween, each of the legs having a top and a bottom, each bottom of each leg having, pivotally secured to it, a planer base which is anchored upon an on-ground floor. The system also includes left and right longitudinal vehicle wheel support platforms, the platforms having a pivotal connection relative to the respective tops of each of the respective pairs of left and right rigid legs.

Abstract: A safety interlock system is provided for enabling ascend or descend interrupt of an automotive lift platform. A interface of negative rake sinusoidal shaped surfaces is employed together with an assembly for selectably placing such surfaces against each other during descent interrupt.