Abstract: The surgical support system may include a primary telescoping support, secondary telescoping support supported from the primary telescoping support and configured for telescopically mounting a surgical tool thereto, such that telescoping of the primary support repositions the secondary telescoping support; and a positioning joint disposed between the primary and secondary telescoping supports for universally positioning and locking the secondary telescoping support with respecting to the primary telescoping support.

Abstract: A surgical support system including a primary telescoping support; and a secondary telescoping support that is telescopically mounted to the primary support and is configured for telescopically mounting a surgical tool thereto, such that such that telescoping of the secondary support with respect to the primary support repositions the secondary telescoping support. The secondary support is mounted to the primary support telescopably along a first telescoping axis and is configured for mounting the surgical tool telescopably along a second telescoping axis that is oriented at a non-parallel angle to the first telescoping axis. The secondary support includes a first mounting portion; a second mounting portion configured for telescopically mounting the surgical tool; and an articulable joint disposed for adjusting the angle between the first and second telescoping axes. The articulable joint is releasably lockable for locking the angle.

Abstract: The surgical support system may include a primary telescoping support, secondary telescoping support supported from the primary telescoping support and configured for telescopically mounting a surgical tool thereto, such that telescoping of the primary support repositions the secondary telescoping support; and a positioning joint disposed between the primary and secondary telescoping supports for universally positioning and locking the secondary telescoping support with respecting to the primary telescoping support.

Abstract: A surgical support system including a primary telescoping support; and a secondary telescoping support that is telescopically mounted to the primary support, the secondary support being configured for telescopically mounting a surgical tool thereto, such that such that telescoping of the secondary support with respect to the primary support repositions the secondary telescoping support. The secondary support is mounted to the primary support telescopably along a first telescoping axis; and the secondary telescoping support is configured for mounting the surgical tool telescopably along a second telescoping axis that is oriented at a non-parallel angle to the first telescoping axis. The secondary support includes a first mounting portion; a second mounting portion configured for telescopically mounting the surgical tool; and an articulable joint disposed between and associating the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion for adjusting the angle between the first and second telescoping axes.

Abstract: A system and method for absorbing a recoil force in a weapon is provided. A recoil mechanism includes a housing that contains a hydraulic fluid and has an inner wall defining a first chamber and a second chamber within the housing. The inner wall has at least one orifice that connects the first and second chambers. A piston is slidably disposed within the first chamber of the housing. A shuttle valve is slidably disposed within the first chamber of the housing and has at least one orifice configured to align with the at least one orifice in the inner wall of the housing to define a fluid passageway between the first and second chambers. A shuttle valve control is operable to generate a magnetic field in response to an applied current to control the movement of the shuttle valve to thereby control the size of the fluid passageway between the first and second chambers.

Abstract: A systematic method for disposing of industrial waste and increasing production of hydrocarbons from the earth is provided. The method may be used for increasing production of natural gas, natural gas liquids or crude oil. Waste streams from emitters of industrial waste, such as chemical plants, refineries, power plants and other installations are collected and processed to produce streams adapted for use in different types of hydrocarbon reservoirs. Gas streams are processed and injected into depleted or partially depleted gas or oil reservoirs, displacing natural gas that is produced from production wells. Liquid streams are processed and injected into depleted oil reservoirs or gas reservoirs after gas injection. Material that cannot be injected into a hydrocarbon reservoir is injected into a salt dome cavern.

Abstract: A surgical retractor blade is attached to a ratchet handle with a ball and socket joint to move with more than one degree of freedom. The surgical retractor blade can be removably attached to the handle through either a slot on the handle or a clamping mechanism attached to the handle by the ball and socket joint. In the case of the slot, the surgical retractor blade has a shaft with a first diameter narrower than the slot and a second diameter wider than the slot. The blade is turned one way for attachment and removal and another way to secure it to the handle for use.