Abstract: A fastener removing tool including a driver having a head positioned within a housing which is movable along a longitudinal axis of the housing. Several levers are pivotally mounted within the housing, which each include a fastener-engaging first end extending from the housing and a driver head-engaging second end disposed within the housing and biased toward the driver head. The driver head includes a cone-shaped wedge which engages the second ends of the levers, a thread body that engages the housing, and a shaft which extends from the body for connection to a power tool. Movement of the driver head in the first direction pivots the levers to move the fastener-engaging first ends toward the longitudinal axis and thus onto the fastener, and movement of the driver head in the second direction pivots the levers to move the fastener-engaging first ends away from the longitudinal axis and fastener.

Abstract: A tool is provided which is useful for loosening the locking collars of frangible fasteners which are commonly used in the aerospace industry. The tool includes a socket head having a through socket at one end thereof, an elongated handle having a jaw end forming an arcuate surface, and an assembly pin which extends through aligned handle and socket head apertures to pivotally attach the handle to the socket head. Two sets of gripping teeth are provided within the socket in an adjoining arrangement to one another along a longitudinal axis of the socket. The jaw end of the handle projects into the socket to grasp items therein, such as the narrow wall of a locking collar of a frangible fastener. Preferably, the arcuate surface of the handle forms an involute curve.

Abstract: An improved oil filter crusher unit is provided for use in recovering used motor oil from an oil filter of the type used in automotive vehicles and for reducing the volumetric size of an oil filter prior to disposal with other trash in a landfill or the like. The crusher unit includes a crushing piston assembly having a pneumatic piston connected via a bearingless piston shaft to a filter crushing head. An air circuit system provides pressurized air to the piston assembly to advance the crushing head into engagement with an oil filter disposed within a crushing chamber. A control lever on the outside of the unit mechanically interlocks with a safety door to prevent access to the crushing chamber during unit operation. In addition, the geometry of the crushing head incorporates one or more protrusions which initiate filter crushing by crimping localized areas of the filter and thereby weaken the filter so that crushing can be accomplished with relatively low peak crush forces.

Abstract: A dental instrument is provided for use in facilitated placement and fixation of dental veneers of fragile porcelain-based material or the like designed for bonding onto patient teeth. The instrument includes a lightweight handpiece adapted for coupling to a vacuum source, in combination with a disposable transparent tip designed to engage and conform with surface contours of a dental veneer for vacuum-holding of the veneer during manipulation preparatory to fixation. A valve port on the handpiece can be opened or closed with a fingertip or with a movable valve member to facilitate controlled pick-up and release of the dental veneer. The transparent tip enhances dentist vision during veneer placement and further permits passage of radiation for improved curing of a light curable bonding agent conventionally used for veneer fixation. A multipurpose vacuum source adapter and alternative instrument geometries are also disclosed.

Abstract: An assembly added to a conventional VHS cassette provides a wheel for counting the number of plays, or replays of segments of more than a predetermined length, and preventing further replay after the last authorized play by either releasing a spring biased arm to carry an erase head against the tape, or locking the cassette brakes in the engaged position once the cassette is removed form the tape deck.