Abstract: A modified fletching groove for a crossbow that assists with efficiently setting the crossbow into an armed or fully drawn position. The fletching groove includes at least one setting disposed between the rearward end and forward end of the crossbow stock. Each of the at least one settings define a path that includes at least a first direction and a second direction and a catch. The first direction preferably extends downwardly and slants towards the forward end of the stock, and the second direction preferably extends from the lower most end of the first direction, and upwardly extends at a slanted angle towards the forward end. The upwardly incline surface of the second direction is at substantially forty-five degrees relative to the top surface of the fletching groove. The second direction further defines an upper most end that includes the catch adjacent the upper most end. The at least one setting for receiving the crossbow bowstring at selected intervals along the length of the fletching groove.

Abstract: A protective pillow for post-surgical use has a pliable yet firm inner incision pad and a stiff outer board. The outer board has handles on one side and is attached on the other side to the incision pad by use of hook-and-pile fasteners. The incision pad is soft yet pliable. The pad has one side with a cushioned surface. The cushioned surface has a long groove cut out from the inner part of the pad. The other side of the pad is attached to the outer board by hook-and-pile fasteners. The fasteners allow the post-surgical patient to orient the incision groove in any direction desirable so as to align the groove with the actual incision. The handles on the outer board always remain essentially horizontal while the incision pad is oriented in the same direction as the incision. The pad and board may be removed for easy cleaning or replacement.

Abstract: A protective pillow for post-surgical use has a pliable yet firm inner incision pad and a stiff outer board. The outer board has handles on one side and is attached on the other side to the incision pad by use of hook-and-pile fasteners. The incision pad is soft yet pliable. The pad has one side with a cushioned surface. The cushioned surface has a long groove cut out from the inner part of the pad. The other side of the pad is attached to the outer board by hook-and-pile fasteners. The fasteners allow the post-surgical patient to orient the incision groove in any direction desirable so as to align the groove with the actual incision. The handles on the outer board always remain essentially horizontal while the incision pad is oriented in the same direction as the incision. The pad and board may be removed for easy cleaning or replacement.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming high coercivity permanent magnets from a rare earth-iron-boron metal, wherein the permanent magnets exhibit high intrinsic coercivity comparable to that of the rare earth-iron-boron metal alloy when formed by machining and appropriately heat treating the metal alloy in air at a temperature greater than the Curie temperature of the material, prior to or after the machining operation. As a result, high coercivity permanent magnets can be selectively sized and shaped to satisfy specific design requirements, without requiring that a punch and die be specially designed and manufactured to produce the permanent magnets. The heat treatment method is able to promote machinability of the metal alloy without substantially causing a loss in magnetic properties. Alternatively, the heat treatment method can be employed to substantially restore the magnetic properties of a permanent magnet which were previously reduced by conventional annealing practices.

Abstract: An adjustable stairway is disclosed that is supported on a retractable, wheel mounted carriage. A locking mechanism selectively maintains the carriage in a lowered, ground engaging position for easy maneuvering of the stairway. The weight of the stairway urges the carriage into a raised position when the locking mechanism is released, allowing the stairway to rest on stationary foot pads.