Abstract: A multi-tooled hammer with an auxiliary tool mountable to the hammer, the hammer including a hammer-head attached to a handle, the hammer-head including a top-end and the handle including a butt-end. The hammer also has a shank-way defining an internal passage within the hammer, from the top end of the hammer-head to the butt-end of the handle. The auxiliary tool has a tool-head and a tool-shank, with the tool-shank receivable into the shank-way of the hammer, and the tool-head augmented by the hammer in tasks performed by the multi-tooled hammer. The multi-tooled hammer is a versatile, practical, and effective hand-tool for both experienced and unskilled tool users.

Abstract: A multi-tooled hammer with an auxiliary tool mountable to the hammer, the hammer including a hammer-head attached to a handle, the hammer-head including a top-end and the handle including a butt-end. The hammer also has a shank-way defining an internal passage within the hammer, from the top end of the hammer-head to the butt-end of the handle. The auxiliary tool has a tool-head and a tool-shank, with the tool-shank receivable into the shank-way of the hammer, and the tool-head augmented by the hammer in tasks performed by the multi-tooled hammer. The multi-tooled hammer is a versatile, practical, and effective hand-tool for both experienced and unskilled tool users.

Abstract: A magnetizer for a tissue-penetrating medical tool such as a needle, cannula, stylet, or catheter consist of a magnetic flux generator which generates a magnetic field in a tool-receiving space. The tool can be passed through or into and out of the space to magnetize it. Optionally the space can be defined by a disposable plastics tube, with a closed end, so that a defined length of the tool is magnetized. The magnetic flux generator can be a permanent magnet or electromagnet. Alternatively a conveyor belt can be used to transport a tissue-penetrating medical tool through a magnetic field generated by an electromagnet with the belt and the electromagnetic being controlled in response to an optical sensor for detecting the position of the tissue-penetrating medical tool. The device is suitable for magnetizing tools for use in surgical procedures where the tool is to be magnetically tracked.

Abstract: A magnetizer for a tissue-penetrating medical tool such as a needle, cannula, stylet, or catheter consist of a magnetic flux generator which generates a magnetic field in a tool-receiving space. The tool can be passed through or into and out of the space to magnetise it. Optionally the space can be defined by a disposable plastics tube, with a closed end, so that a defined length of the tool is magnetised. The magnetic flux generator can be a permanent magnet or electromagnet. Alternatively a conveyor belt can be used to transport a tissue-penetrating medical tool through a magnetic field generated by an electromagnet with the belt and the electromagnetic being controlled in response to an optical sensor for detecting the position of the tissue-penetrating medical tool. The device is suitable for magnetising tools for use in surgical procedures where the tool is to be magnetically tracked.

Abstract: A machine tool assembly includes a high speed rotating spindle for forming extremely precise surface contours on a work piece. The spindle is supported on a spherical air bearing about its center of gravity. The spindle can be rotated through an air turbine drive system incorporated into the spherical air bearing to eliminate any undesirable moments about an axis perpendicular to the long spindle axis. The spindle is adjustable in pitch and yaw directions through the influence of X-Y actuators. The X-Y actuation system is preferably electromagnetic and provides a non-contact method of displacing the spindle shaft in a controlled manner at any speed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the NIPA-1 proteins and nucleic acids encoding the NIPA-1 proteins. The present invention further provides assays for the detection of NIPA-1 polymorphisms and mutations associated with disease states, as well as methods of screening for ligands and modulators of NIPA-1 proteins.

Abstract: A building stud having a slidable insert that provides the stud with an adjustable length. The stud includes an runner and a sleeve. The runner slides into the sleeve to form a stud having an adjustable length. Tabs can be utilized to nail the stud to a structure, or a frame member. The tabs can also be modified to allow the attachment of the stud to a segment of rebar, or set directly into an earthen grade or a concrete material. A siding material can be directly attached to the stud. The stud is especially useful as a framing member for skirting of manufactured homes. The stud is preferably manufactured from a heavy gauge of aluminum or alternatively from a galvanized sheet metal. The stud can include a staked end for insertion directly into soil surfaces or wet concrete. The stud can be installed on a heaving surface to provide a self adjusting siding system that does not buckle or gap, with small changes in the surface upon which it is mounted.