Abstract: A tilt tower (10) is provided in which a tilt tube (14) rotates relative to a base tube (12) about an axle (16). The axle (16) is provided with a passageway therethrough, such that cables run between the base tube (12) and tilt tube (14) through the passageway.

Abstract: A tilt tower (10) is provided in which a tilt tube (14) rotates relative to a base tube (12) about an axle (16). The axle (16) is provided with a passageway therethrough, such that cables run between the base tube (12) and tilt tube (14) through the passageway.

Abstract: A reusable protective cover for a male portion of a snap fastener may be configured with a symmetrical convexly-curved continuous upper surface extending from the surface to which the male portion of the snap fastener is attached, to above the male portion of the snap faster, the upper surface having an area that is large in size relative to the size of the male portion of the snap fastener and shaped so that the force of someone stepping on the cover would be spread out over a much larger area than the area presented by the male portion of the snap fastener, thus greatly reducing the pressure on the bare foot of someone stepping on the cover, while also protecting the male portion of the snap fastener. Structure is provided to prevent water entrapment under the cover.

Abstract: Azimuth adjustable tilt-towers may be provided by a variety of systems, processes, and techniques. In certain embodiments, a tilt tower may include a tilt tube having a near end and a removed end and a pivot about which the removed end of the tilt tube pivots from an upright orientation to a ground level orientation. The tower may also include an elongated mounting tube and a thrust bearing. The mounting tube may extend through and protrude from the ends of the tilt tube and have a near end and a removed end. The thrust bearing may be located near the removed end of the tilt tube and configured to axially support the mounting tube while allowing it to rotate such that the mounting tube may be rotated about its longitudinal axis by access to the near end while the removed end of the tilt tube is in the upright position.

Abstract: A sternal closure clamp device assembly for securing and retaining longitudinally divided halves of a sternum, the assembly having at least two sternal clamps retained by clamp receiving members, the clamp receiving members being joined by a linking assembly whereby the distance between the clamps can be adjusted and fixed.

Abstract: A sternal closure clamp device assembly for securing and retaining longitudinally divided halves of a sternum, the assembly having at least two sternal clamps retained by clamp receiving members, the clamp receiving members being joined by a linking assembly whereby the distance between the clamps can be adjusted and fixed.

Abstract: There is described a downhole stabilizer (10) for use in a drill string adjacent the drill bit. The stabilizer (10) includes a hollow and generally cylindrical casing (12) the outer surface of which defines three angularly spaced protrusions (24, 26, 28), the radially outer surfaces of which define a diameter which is marginally less than the diameter of the bore to be drilled. Two of the protrusions (24, 26) carry radially extensible and retractable spacer members (42-52) which are interconnected so that radially outward movement of one member (42-46) results in radially inward movement of the other member (48-52) and vice versa, effectively to vary the radial length of the respective protrusions. A control mandrel (56) is mounted within the casing (12) and is selectively movable between first and second positions.

Abstract: A tool actuator which comprises a casing containing a pipe, which is movable from a locking position to an unlocking position, under the action of a fluid pumped through the casing. When the pipe is in the locking position it locks a mandrel in an activating or deactivating position. When the pipe is in the unlocking position it does not contact the mandrel which is therefore free to move between the activating and a deactivating positions. The fluid pressure will be different for each of the positions of the pipe and mandrel and consequently their position can be monitored by monitoring the pressure of the fluid, for a given fluid flow rate.

Abstract: There is described a downhole stabilizer having a number of spiral fin-like blades. Each blade is provided with a pocket each of which carries an omni-directional rolling element bearing in the form of a ball which is engaged against the wall of the drilled hole.

Abstract: A device for clipping fingernails and toenails which includes an enclosure having an open side facilitating insertion of a nail-carrying digital member, and having a nail clipper aperture therethrough on its opposite side from the open side. The enclosure has a transparent top panel having a portion configured as a magnifying lens. A retention element is secured to the inside of the enclosure at a location adjacent the nail clipper aperture. The nail clipper has a portion thereof carrying clipper jaws extended through the aperture into the enclosure, and there detachably engaged by the retainer element.

Abstract: There is described a directional downhole stabilizer for use in a drill string. The stabilizer has an effective diameter which is selectively variable between a minimum diameter and a maximum diameter depending on the load on the drill string. The effective diameter is determined by radially movable spacers which are caused to move radially on relative movement of a mandrel which telescopes within the stabilizer casing and which has cam surfaces which engage the radial spacers. The telescopic movement of the mandrel within the casing is controlled via a mechanical detect arrangement which is actuated by the compressive force on the stabilizer.