Abstract: The crank handle of a window sill used for actuating a window pane has a hollow end in which is received an insert allowing the handle to engage various sizes of crank shafts. The insert is formed of a malleable material so that it can be deformed to fit the diameter of a crank shaft to thereby securely engage the crank shaft and enable its rotation by the handle.

Abstract: An improved surgical cutting block for guiding bone saws in joint surgery and similar instruments. The cutting block is provided with one or more cutting guides having cutting guide surfaces positioned on exterior faces of the block or along channels within the block. The cutting guide surface is formed of a material having a Knoop hardness of 466 or greater (under a 500 gm load or greater), a chrome content of less than 10% and a nickel content of less than 4%. According to another aspect of the invention, a method of cutting bone tissue utilizing the improved surgical cutting device is disclosed wherein heat-generated damage to bone tissue is reduced and production of toxic residue is minimized.

Abstract: A two-piece, high top shoe tree includes a toe member that has a distal tip end and a proximal end. The toe member is insertable into a toe portion of a respective shoe and formed to support the toe portion of the shoe. The shoe tree also includes a heel member that is insertable into a heel portion of the respective shoe and formed to support the heel portion thereof. The heel member has a forward end and a top end. The shoe tree is further provided with a quick release mechanism for securing the toe member to the heel member so that the toe member and the heel member may be assembled together and inserted into the respective shoe to give support thereto.