Abstract: A manually operated implement for performing a variety of tasks when equipped with a removable and replaceable utility device, includes a wheeled chassis having an elongate, longitudinal, chassis structural member extending forwardly and rearwardly in the implement centrally of the width thereof and a transverse chassis structural member rigidly attached to the rearward end of said longitudinal chassis member. A pair of wheels are rotatably mounted at opposite ends, respectively, of the transverse chassis member. A slide member is mounted for sliding movement on the longitudinal chassis member and includes a clamping screw for clamping the slide in an adjusted position along such member. Handle structure, preferably of V-shape, is pivotally secured to the slide member and slopes upwardly and rearwardly with its upper, rearward end bifurcated to provide transversely spaced hand grips.

Abstract: A device for attaching various earth-working tools to a bucket of excavating equipment, such as a front-end loader, backhoe, or excavator. A frame has two spaced parallel plates, each having a wedge-shaped notch on one side. A stabilizing bar, adjacent to the open end of the notches, connects the plates. The tool, such as an asphalt roller or cutter, is attached to the bottom of the frame between the plates. At the top of the frame, a clamping mechanism, having a pivoting arm, is mounted between the plates. To use the device, the excavator bucket is inserted into the wedge-shaped notch, with the device holding the bucket in place against the edges of the wedge-shaped notch, the stabilizing bar, and the pivoting arm of the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: A snowthrower (10) having an improved impeller (20). Impeller (20) preferably includes a central rotating shaft (34) which fixedly supports at either end thereof an end member (46) and rotatably supports proximate its center a center bracket (48) wherein elements (46) and (48) support one or more one-piece flexible curved paddles (36). In operation, when rotating impeller (20) encounters a foreign object (70), shaft (34) and end members (46) continue to turn while center bracket (48) rotates to some degree on shaft (34) to allow the center sections (38) of paddles (36) to twist and flex relative to shaft (34) and end members (46), thereby permitting center sections (38) of paddles (36) to easily ride up and over obstruction (70). This minimizes the shock associated with impact of the rotating impeller (20) with obstruction (70), and prevents stalling of the prime mover (18) of snowthrower (10).

Abstract: A device for picking rocks from a field includes a frame which is mounted on a pair of wheels. A hitch is pivotally attached to the frame and is adapted for engagement with a conventional tractor. The offset of the hitch is adjusted by a hydraulic cylinder to adjust the tracking of the frame behind the tractor. A reel is mounted for rotation on the frame and is powered by a chain and sprocket drive from a rotary hydraulic motor. The reel has a plurality of radially extending spokes, each terminating in a stone picking rake formed by a plurality of spaced teeth. The elevation of the reel with respect to ground level is adjusted by a pair of hydraulic cylinders connected to a pivotal reel mounting frame. A depth stop mechanism is provided to lock the reel in an adjusted elevational position. In a first embodiment, a semi-cylindrical stone collecting box is mounted within the reel frame. As each of the reel spokes rotates to a top position, collected stones fall by gravity into the open stone box.

Abstract: A cutting edge member for fitting onto an excavation apparatus wherein the cutting edge member is of softer material than iron for digging around pipelines.

Abstract: A tooth point having key slots top and bottom wherein the rear walls of the slots are outwardly convergent relative to the front walls to permit receipt of a curved locking pin.

Abstract: A customized spinal orthotic device is provided to enhance spinal adjustment and manipulative procedures. The embodiment of the orthotic device shown and described is a plastic head and cervical basin which is enclosed in a plastic bag. The patient is placed in a supine position with the head and cervical spine portion received within the plastic basin but exterior of the bag. Commercial flexible polyurethane foam A and B components are mixed and placed in the bag-enclosed basin. The A and B components react exothermically to expand and to apply pressure to the cervical spine portion contained within the basin. In about fifteen minutes the polyurethane hardens to form a foam mold for the posterior apophyseal joints of the cervical spine and in the process urges the joints of the spine into their normally aligned positions. The mold may then be used by the patient on a daily basis within the purview of a clinical care program to enhance the effect of the spinal adjustment and/or manipulative procedure.

Abstract: A trencher comprising a digger located adjacent the rearward wheels, which pair of wheels are driven hydraulically and which have an open area between them into which the digger may be partially positioned. The forward wheels of the trencher are steerable by use of a self-locking angular adjustment mechanism. A hydraulic circuit which includes a pressure relief valve provides substantially constant pressure on the chain of the digger. A locking mechanism is provided for the forward wheels when initiating the cutting action of the digger.

Abstract: A stamp is described which includes a die plate constructed in a number of clipped-together die plate sections, a rectangular die plate mounting member with a rigidly affixed handle, and elastomerically extensible retainers which releasably engage opposing side edges of the die plate and which normally draw the die plate into secure engagement with the mounting member. The die plate can be removed for replacement with another die plate, or for addition or substitution of die plate sections which conveniently alter the message otherwise printed by the die plate. The elastomeric extensibility of the retainers permits expansion of the die plate (or replacement with a larger die plate) without necessitating use of a larger or different mounting member.

Abstract: An excavation bucket having a closed top and an open front and comprising two opposed sidewalls each with a flat and an outwardly extending flanged portion, which bucket digs an excavation which has a combination of a vertical wall area with an adjacent and contiguous sloped wall area. Teeth are mounted outwardly from the flanged portions of the sidewalls producing a terracing effect in the sloped sidewall area of the excavation.

Abstract: A cervical traction device for use with a stretcher, especially with the type of stretcher that is used for transporting trauma patients with spinal cord injuries by helicopter, for providing traction to an injured person having a fractured neck comprises a frame, attachment members for attaching the frame to the stretcher, a traction device mounted on the frame for applying traction to the cervical spine of the injured person and for adjusting said traction, and vertical adjustment apparatus for adjustably securing the traction device at a desired position on the frame to allow height adjustment of the traction device to obtain proper traction alignment with the injured person lying on the stretcher.

Abstract: A trencher comprising a main frame. The main frame includes a pair of longitudinal, relatively narrow frame members spaced a distance apart and have a forward and rearward end. A first liquid carrying tank is mounted adjacent the rearward end of the trencher and extends between the frame members. The tank is operable to bear a significant structural load and to act as a cross member for the frame.

Abstract: A surgically implantable device for maintaining the relative positions of spinal bodies of a spinal column. The device comprises a plate portion for connection with a first spinal body. The plate portion has a first major side surface for facing the first spinal body and a second major side surface. The plate portion has an opening which extends through the first and second major side surfaces for receiving a fastener to connect the plate portion with the first spinal body. A rod portion is fixedly connected to the plate portion and extends therefrom. The rod portion is bendable to conform to a desired spinal curvature. The rod portion has a part for connection with a second spinal body.

Abstract: A dampening system roll which may be used in an offset printing press, is made of porous rebonded, fused silica, the pores of which are impregnated and sealed by a silicone resin. In a typical embodiment of the invention disclosed herein, a dampening system roll is fabricated by providing a 3 3/4 inch diameter 42 1/2 inch long fused silica cylinder infiltrated with a silicone resin and ground and polished to a 30 microinch Ra exterior smoothness. The ends of the cylinder are drilled out to provide a 1 3/4 inch diameter by 4 inch deep hollow core on each side which is adapted to receive a pair of shafts or end caps typically made of stainless steel or other low expansion metal alloy material and the end shafts or caps are bonded into the drilled ends of the fused silica cylinder for interfacing the printing press system. In an additional embodiment, the ends of the cylinder are core drilled to provide a pair of axial sockets each about 2 inches in diameter and about 2 inches deep.

Abstract: A brace for protection and support of the joint of a wearer's limbs. The brace may be worn during periods of recuperation from injuries to the joint while also permitting the wearer to engage in contact sports, such as football, etc., while recuperating from such injuries.

Abstract: A suspension type brace designed to be worn on and surround a portion of the human body in the region of the lower back. The brace assembly comprises two spaced apart lateral support assemblies each incorporating specifically configured brace structures having sufficient rigidity to restrict lateral bending of the torso and lateral flexion-extension and rotation of the lumbosacral portion of the spine while allowing forward bending of the torso.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor-driven milling machine construction for cutting trenches in the ground, in which there are two rotating semi-drums with cutting tools at their periphery. The drums are mounted on a central support. The sole function of the motor is to transmit a rotational torque to the semi-drums without transmitting any other forces. The stress exerted on the cutting tools is directly transmitted to the central support without going through the motor frame.

Abstract: An orthopedic device suitable for controlling hip joints is provided which includes a first hinge means for flexion and extension of the hip and a second hinge means for abduction and adduction of the hip. The orthopedic hip hinge permits a shortening of the overall length of the hinge arm assembly during abduction of the hip and minimizes pistoning of the thigh attachment support. Also included with this invention are means for permitting free abduction of the orthopedic hinge within a specified range, while preventing any abduction of the hip. The disclosed device more closely approximates the actual motion of the femoral head in its socket, since the flexion hinge and the abduction hinge employ a common element, and are disposed in a ball-joint arrangement.

Abstract: An attachment for a shovel or similar tool relieving the worker of the back muscle and vertebral strain normally attendant with shoveling. The shovel aid features an elongate stem pivotally attached to the shovel handle, so that the material being shoveled may be loaded upon the shovel head, lifted, and carried sideways to be deposited, all without lifting forces upon the shovel by the hands, and without curvature of the back and spine. The shovel lifting aid may be used also with snow shovels, hoes and the like.

Abstract: A neck support collar for use by football players has a central section formed by a plurality of flexible plastic parallel adjacent tubes. A first group of the tubes has a diameter of one inch with a central longitudinal bore of one fourth inch diameter. A second group of the tubes has a diameter of one half inch and a central longitudinal bore of one eighth inch diameter. An end pad formed from soft perforated leather is attached to a first end of the central section and a support pad is attached to a second opposite end. The support pad has an interior rubber pad enclosed within a perforated leather covering. The support pad is subdivided into a plurality of adjacent sections which extend transversely to the tubes of the central section. A combination of buckle-strap and VELCRO fasteners are utilized to secure the collar around the neck of an individual.