Abstract: An integral mechanical lock for securing extensible and pivotal two member tools, comprising a first member having at least one notch and a second member having an integral lock that engages the first member notch locking the first member and second member in position. The integral lock includes a locking bar integrally formed with a support arm that is located between a pressure pad end and a locking end portion, the support arm provides an effective pivot point whereby when force is applied to the pressure pad end, the locking end portion is urged up out of the first member notch releasing the engagement between the first member from the second member. The integral lock may be constructed from a single flat sheet of metal, or further formed with bends or inclusion of other fixated pieces. A safety interlock shim feature works cooperatively with the pressure pad end by preventing the locking end portion from being urged from the notch when the safety interlock shim is located under the pressure pad end.

Abstract: A folding lock back knife apparatus includes a blade having a tip and a tang portion pivotally connecting to a handle of unitary construction formed from a continuous piece of metal having an integral locking mechanism and integral locking end portion, the locking end portion proximal to the pivot hole positioned to stop the blade from pivoting past the open position and the locking mechanism having a locking bar integral with a support arm continuously formed between a locking end portion and a pressure pad end constructed and arranged to lock the blade in relation to the handle when the locking end portion engages the at least one tang notch and unlocks the blade in relation to the handle when force is applied to the pressure pad end in the direction of the handle flexing the support arm, thereby disengaging the locking end portion from the tang notch.

Abstract: A folding lock back knife apparatus includes a blade having a tip and a tang portion pivotally connecting to a handle of unitary construction formed from a continuous piece of metal having an integral locking mechanism and integral locking end portion, the locking end portion proximal to the pivot hole positioned to stop the blade from pivoting past the open position and the locking mechanism having a locking bar integral with a support arm continuously formed between a locking end portion and a pressure pad end constructed and arranged to lock the blade in relation to the handle when the locking end portion engages the at least one tang notch and unlocks the blade in relation to the handle when force is applied to the pressure pad end in the direction of the handle flexing the support arm, thereby disengaging the locking end portion from the tang notch.

Abstract: A multipurpose folding hand tool including a tool holder permitting exchanges of blades. The tool may include a folding scissors including a spring that is moved into operative engagement with a scissors handle to open the scissors handles apart from each other only as the scissors approaches an extended, operative position with respect to the handle of the folding land tool, within which it may be stowed. A resilient grip member is incorporated in one of the handles of the folding multipurpose hand tool. A wire cutter and a crimping tool are located on pliers jaw tangs, between the pliers pivot and the foldable handles of the tool.

Abstract: A dental syringe may include a replaceable valve cartridge containing one or more valves. The valves may include air and water valves using a seating surface and an opposing seating surface with a relative angle formed between the two surfaces. The relative angle allows for regulation of the flow of fluid traveling through the valves. The replaceable valve cartridge may also include a system to remove a residual liquid from a tip of a dental syringe. Additionally, the replaceable valve cartridge may include a seal that prevents bleed-over of fluids within a dental syringe through use of first and second rings of elastic portions of the seal with a low pressure zone defined in between. Further, the dental syringe may comprise a tip retention insert which may be replaceable and may use either a pair of plates or a plurality of ball bearings to retain the dental syringe tips.

Abstract: A dental syringe may include a replaceable valve cartridge containing one or more valves which may use a seating surface and an opposing seating surface with a relative angle formed between the two surfaces. The relative angle allows for regulation of the flow of fluid. The replaceable valve cartridge may also include a system to remove a residual liquid from a tip of a dental syringe. Additionally, the replaceable valve cartridge may include a seal that prevents bleed-over of fluids. Further, the dental syringe may comprise a tip retention insert which may use either a pair of plates or a plurality of ball bearings to retain the dental syringe tips. An alternate embodiment of a valve may comprise features intended to reduce the force necessary to actuate the valve. A metering screw and/or flow-control groove with increasing depth may control of flow through the valve.

Abstract: A folding hand tool with an open-assist mechanism that is not mechanically linked to a folding knife blade is disclosed. The open-assist mechanism is allowed to rotate around the same pivot used by the blade, and includes a lug that interacts with the kick of the blade when rotated. Because the open-assist mechanism is not mechanically linked to the blade, it has a range of free motion that promotes safety, and allows the mechanism to rotate into the blade cavity when the blade is extended. The folding knife also may have a carabiner that shares the blade cavity with the blade, with the blade nesting into the carabiner to save space, thereby giving the folding knife a smaller profile.

Abstract: A multipurpose tool includes bypass shears with handles that fold around the shears into a compact configuration in which the blades of the shears are hidden. A sharp-edged cutter is removable from the shears for resharpening or replacement, in one version of the tool. A blade safety lock holds the blades closed and is automatically engaged as the handles are folded. The handles are comfortably shaped and may include overmolded elastomeric cushioning portions.

Abstract: A multipurpose tool includes bypass shears with handles that fold around the shears into a compact configuration in which the blades of the shears are hidden. A sharp-edged cutter is removable from the shears for resharpening or replacement. A blade safety lock holds the blades closed and is automatically engaged as the handles are folded. The handles are comfortably shaped and may include overmolded elastomeric cushioning portions.

Abstract: A multipurpose folding hand tool including a tool holder permitting exchanges of blades. The tool may include a folding scissors including a spring that is moved into operative engagement with a scissors handle to open the scissors handles apart from each other only as the scissors approaches an extended, operative position with respect to the handle of the folding hand tool, within which it may be stowed. A resilient grip member is incorporated in one of the handles of the folding multipurpose hand tool. A wire cutter and a crimping tool are located on pliers jaw tangs, between the pliers pivot and the foldable handles of the tool.

Abstract: A multipurpose tool including a tool such as pruning shear in which one handle includes a storage cavity to hold folding tool elements. That handle is rotatable about a longitudinal axis, between a position in which it presents comfortable outer surfaces to be gripped during use of the pruning shear, and a position exposing the folding tool elements to be extended. A blade latch release lever for releasing the folding tool elements may include grip ears located at the sides of the main handle.

Abstract: A folding multipurpose hand tool including a pivoted latch that engages side walls of a handle and a base of a folding tool member to hold the folding tool member in a selection position. A separate safety interlock latch keeps a folding blade stowed in a handle when another tool is moved from a first position with respect to the handle. A tool bit holder securely holds and drives reduced thickness tool bits that can also be engaged in and driven by conventional sockets having a regular hexagonal shape.