Abstract: A method and apparatus for ligating tissue is disclosed. The applicator utilizes a jaw portion having jaw members with jaw faces to grasp tissue and operating portions to apply a surgical clip. In a presently preferred embodiment, the surgical clip utilized is a self-closing clip. Operating faces in the operating portion of the jaw members separate the clip from the tissue prior to clip installation. The applicator has a channel in the operating portion for user viewing which also may allow for lateral displacement of a clip external to the jaw faces.

Abstract: A gas fueled direct vent fireplace has a firebox within an outer casing, the firebox having a mounting plate above the floor of the casing for mounting burner support brackets, a pilot light assembly, a gas valve and control assembly, and other conventional elements for controlling the burner. The mounting plate includes an explosion blow-out valve plate and a vacuum release plate which are spring biased to close respective ports. The valve plate opens when the gas pressure within the firebox is excessive, and the vacuum release plate opens if the release of pressure from the firebox causes the firebox to become subatmospheric. The firebox has a frontal opening which is closed by a glass access door having an extrusion at upper and lower edges and side edge protectors. The extrusions have portions which face the interior of the firebox to be grasped by latches mounted on the firebox to tightly secure the glass access door to the firebox.

Abstract: A hand ratchet wrench with opposed parallel sides permits utilization of a fixed jaw or adjustable wrench for driving difficult work pieces. In addition, the hand ratchet is provided with a mechanism that permits quick release from socket bits and reversal of the ratcheting mechanism. Finally, an optional hand piece is provided which engages the hand ratchet with detents, to facilitate use of the hand ratchet as a speed wrench.

Abstract: A gas fireplace insert structure having a firebox formed to direct flue gases reaching the upper section thereof through a folded path to flow forward and upwardly and then return rearwardly to an exhaust opening, and a casing formed to provide a room air circulating path around the firebox, the circulating room air path including a folded path portion disposed within and following the fold of the flue gas path.

Abstract: A compact chiller for receiving supply temperature water from a source as a chilling tank in which a thermally conductive chilling probe is positioned for chilling the water in the tank. Supply water is fed through the tank and to the inlet of a valve selectively positionable between open and closed positions so that water from the supply may entirely flow into the tank or have a portion flowing into the tank and the remainder through the valve. A chilled water supply tube within the tank and the outlet of the valve communicate the inlet to a spout so that chilled water or a mixture of chilled water and entering supply water may be dispensed from the faucet. The supply water may be water from the faucet of a sink diverter valve to the chiller. Filters may be connected in communication between the faucet and the entry into the chiller tank.

Abstract: A mold with a cylindrical sidewall, is provided. A shell is positioned around the sidewall. The shell is heated to between 500 and 1,000 F. Molten iron alloy between 2550 and 2650.degree. F. is poured into the mold. The resulting composite brake drum is cooled and cleaned. The method of casting includes positioning a brake drum shell around a mold defining a cavity interior of the shell, heating the shell, pouring molten iron alloy into the mold to fill the cavity and cooling and cleaning the composite brake drum.

Abstract: A new and improved biscuit sandwich and method of packaging and merchandising is provided. A biscuit with high fat content of about 20% by weight is individually wrapped in the form of a biscuit sandwich packaged in a modified atmosphere process, refrigerated and distributed to store locations where it can be reheated and placed in a heated merchandiser for sale. The heated merchandiser therefore provides consumers with a home-style biscuit sandwich in stores without cooking facilities, and permits the self-service purchase of the pre-cooked and reheated biscuit sandwiches.

Abstract: An oral vacuum and scraper device is disclosed for removing foreign matter such as mouth rinse, toothpaste, food particles, volatile sulfur compound producing bacteria, and the like from a mouth. The vacuum device, in a preferred embodiment, utilizes a venturi device to create suction when fluid flows through the venturi device. A mouthpiece has a suction area located near an edge of the head of the mouthpiece and incorporates either, or both of, a scraper and bristles.

Abstract: A golf club head having improved weight distributions to enhance important moments of inertia of the club head. A hollowed out toe rim cavity is provided in the toe portion of the periphery of the club head which is filled with a lightweight compressible material. The toe rim cavity and insert combination relocates the center of gravity of the club toward the heel, making the club easier to close at impact. The toe rim cavity and insert also redistribute mass on the toe portion of the club, increasing the moment of inertia about the horizontal axis of the club head. The insert also attenuates the vibrations generated at impact between the club head and a golf ball.

Abstract: A motorcycle helmet formed from an impact resistant shell for covering and protecting the head of a user has audio receiver members mounted on the interior of the shell and has a microphone at one end of a boom within the helmet. The microphone is located for use by the user at the front of the helmet while the boom has an adapter on the end opposite the microphone. The microphone has conductors communicating with a connector which communicates with the electrical energy source and control cables. The adapter is receivable within a socket formed by a channel in an extension of one of the receiver housings so that the microphone and boom may be mounted totally within the helmet. The electrical power and control cables are connected to the microphone and the receivers by means of a quick-disconnect type connector and has a separate volume control for the microphone and for the receivers so that two motorcycle riders may adjust the audio system to their liking.

Abstract: An apparatus for joining together a plurality of sets of ends of yarn includes a housing having a plurality of splicing bores communicating with at least one passageway which selectively communicates with a pressurized fluid source. A set, preferably a pair, of yarns are placed in each splicing bore. A cutting member is utilized to cut the yams while within the bore so there are two yarn ends to be joined within the bore. The pressurized fluid source is then placed into communication with the bore and the splicing process begins. The yarns may be moved relative to the axis of the bore during the splicing process with a wiping bar. The pressurized fluid source may then be selectively removed from communication with the splicing bore to complete the splicing process. The sets of yarn will then preferably be represented as continuous strands of yarn entangled, intertwined, and/or twisted at the splice joints.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manipulating large sections of artificial turf for the removable covering of a smooth, rigid surface such as a floor, with a large section of artificial turf which involves pulling it across the surface while supported on a pneumatic cushion to minimize frictional drag and then relieving the cushion after the section is in place to allow it to settle onto the surface. The apparatus comprises powered rollers for supporting a roll of the turf, said roll being prevented from significant horizontal motion upon the rollers by thrust bearing block members, rope-like members for attachment along a truss-like spar removably attached along the leading margin of the roll, recessed winches for pulling such rope-like members across a supporting pup-up roller assembly, motor speed controls for adjusting the rate of such rolling or unrolling, and a detachable blower and air transmission duct for developing the air cushion between the turf and rigid surface.

Abstract: A trocar is formed from a cannula and an interfitting obturator for penetrating body cavity walls in laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. The obturator is provided with an improved piercing tip having a pointed blade and an improved double locking blunt nosed shield design. Hydrophilic coatings or components are also employed on the shield and cannula to facilitate quicker shield action covering the pointed blade and ease of entry of the cannula tube through the body cavity wall. The sharpened portion of the blade is substantially narrower than the inner diameter of the cannula tube and can be completely covered by the shield. The improved shielded trocar is provided with an improved shield design having a dolphin-nose shape at its distal end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf bag and golf bag divider insert having ten full length partitions within the club compartment of the bag that effectively separates the clubs within the bag's club compartment. A method for fabricating a partitioned golf bag or golf bag divider insert to provide ten full length compartments within the club compartment of the bag that effectively separates the clubs within the bag's club compartment is also presented. The golf bag divider comprises a tubular outer wall, a central divider assembly bisecting the tube formed by the outer wall and four side divider assemblies stitched to the central divider assembly further partitioning the tube into ten full length compartments.

Abstract: A hanger having a product or package supporting member and a carrier or suspension member for suspending the hanger from a peg or the like, the carrier or suspension member having a decorative portion including a structure forming a letter of an alphabet. The letter of the alphabet is a Roman-style letter. A hanger of this type may thus be used by a retailer or a manufacturer of product, such as socks and hosiery to emphasize the association of the goods or the package with the retailer when the product is merchandised.