Abstract: A novel tool and process, primarily useful for assisting ice climbers in creating a “V-thread” anchor.

Abstract: A hose manipulator according to the present invention includes an elongate shaft having upper and lower ends and extending between about 3 feet and about 5 feet in length. The hose manipulator also includes a handle at the shaft upper end, the handle having a portion extending generally perpendicular to the shaft. A hook is positioned at the shaft lower end and extends between about 150 degrees and about 180 degrees and includes a diameter between about 3 inches and about 6 inches. The hook and the perpendicular handle portion are generally coplanar.

Abstract: A truck cargo-moving tool combines an elongated extendable arm having at least two telescopically connected rigid coaxial tubes and a substantially rigid head having two faces, at least one substantially flat edge, a blunt heel, and an arcuate toe curved toward the axis of the extendable arm. The extendable arm is attached generally perpendicular to the head proximal the heel in order to form a tool useful for moving items resting on a long horizontal surface. There is at least one locking mechanism attached or built into the extendable arm for securing the coaxial tubes at a desired operating arm length.

Abstract: A hose manipulator according to the present invention includes an elongate shaft having upper and lower ends and extending between about 3 feet and about 5 feet in length. The hose manipulator also includes a handle at the shaft upper end, the handle having a portion extending generally perpendicular to the shaft. A hook is positioned at the shaft lower end and extends between about 150 degrees and about 180 degrees and includes a diameter between about 3 inches and about 6 inches. The hook and the perpendicular handle portion are generally coplanar.

Abstract: A device is provided for aligning objects. The device includes an elongated body having a grabbing end that forms an arm extending from the body and terminates with a short nub, and a grip end that forms a loop with at least one curvature and a protrusion located generally intermediate the arm and the loop.

Abstract: A semiconductor device fabrication apparatus includes a load lock chamber, a loading assembly in the load lock chamber, and an ion implantation target chamber that is hermetically connected to the load lock chamber. The load lock chamber is configured to store a plurality of wafer plates. Each wafer plate respectively includes at least one semiconductor wafer thereon. The ion implantation target chamber is configured to implant an ion species into a semiconductor wafer on a currently loaded wafer plate. The loading assembly is also configured to load a next one of the plurality of wafer plates from the load lock chamber into the ion implantation target chamber. The loading assembly may be configured to load the next wafer plate from the load lock chamber into the ion implantation target chamber while substantially maintaining a current temperature within the ion implantation target chamber and/or without depressurizing the ion implantation target chamber. Related methods and devices are also discussed.

Abstract: A fishing assistance apparatus. The fishing assistance apparatus is fabricated from a club that has two ends, a handle end and a distal end. The handle end has a strap for grasping by a hand, while the distal end of the club has a gaff hook, which extends outward to the distal end and then bends backward one-hundred eighty degrees. An individual could grasp the handle end of the fishing assistance apparatus and use both the distal end of the club and the gaff hook in combination with each other to successfully pull a game fish onto a boat, pier, or the like.

Abstract: A tool for retrieving articles positioned in a bed of a vehicle that are out of reach includes a handle sleeve being graspable to facilitate manipulation of the handle sleeve. An extension rod is slidably mounted to the handle sleeve. The extension arm is telescopic to vary a length of the extension rod. The extension rod is extended from the handle sleeve when the extension rod is lengthened. A portion of the extension rod is positioned in the handle sleeve when the extension rod is retracted. An offset arm is coupled to a free end of the extension rod. A retrieval arm is hingedly coupled to the offset arm. The retrieval arm is pivoted between a deployed position aligned with the offset arm and a stored position.

Abstract: A bag carrying device that allows an individual to carry multiple retail store style plastic bags and/or any other type of bags with handles so the bags can be carried hands-free to allow a person to use keys or carry other items with their hands without dropping the bags. It is preferably made of light weight plastic and comfortably fits over the individual's shoulder. The “U” shape conforms to or rests on the shoulder with each side running down to form a generally V-shaped or J-shaped hook where the bags are seated. The bags are secured with a button extending from each leg that engages a slotted aperture within the end of the V-shaped or J-shaped hook. The part that drapes over the shoulder can include a cushion portion attached to it for comfort.

Abstract: A vehicle hand tool and method of use for opening and closing a vehicle door and performing various additional functions. The hand tool includes a hand gripper, a first rod and a second rod. The first rod includes a first end and a second end and the first end is fixed to the hand gripper. The second rod includes a third end and a fourth end and is movably mounted to the first rod. The second rod is movable from a storage position wherein the fourth end is adjacent the first rod and an extended position wherein the fourth end is spaced from the first rod. An attachment mechanism is mounted to the fourth end and a tool is removably mountable to the attachment mechanism. A release button is mounted to the hand gripper or the first rod and is movable to secure or release the vehicle hand tool from the storage position.

Abstract: A reactor cartridge includes a plurality of spaced-apart monoliths, formed along a tube or other mandrel. Each monolith is formed of a pair of flat and corrugated metal strips, spirally wound around the tube. These strips could be made of solid or screen material. The corrugations are skewed, such that the monolith imparts a swirl to gases flowing through it. The corrugations of the strips in adjacent monoliths are oriented differently, so that successive monoliths impart different swirls to the gases, so as to promote mixing of gases and better heat transfer from the exterior to the interior of the cartridge. An insertion and removal tool simplifies the procedure for stacking such cartridges in a long pipe, or for removing cartridges from the pipe. The all-metal construction facilitates heat transfer through the entire reactor, and avoids the problems associated with packed ceramic beds.

Abstract: A hand-held fish handling device includes a shaft having one pointed end, useful in entering the mouth of a fish and then retrieving a swallowed hook from the stomach of a fish. The other end of the shaft has a multi-purpose tool fastened thereon; the tool is able to be used as a pithing device, as an external hook remover, and as a gaff. A hand grip enclosing the center of the shaft may be brightly colored and of high buoyancy to aid in retrieving a dropped device. One version of the device employs a wooden shaft and the attached multi-purpose tool is made of a bent metal rod, sharpened at both ends.

Abstract: Double hooked device with the hooks being transversely positioned on the end of a shaft having a handle at its opposite end. The hooks may snag, lift, move and/or flip food or other articles by the hooks being rotated generally about the shaft's axis until one of the double hooks penetrates into the article to be lifted. A shield at the base of the handle is a guard to cover the tips of the hooks.

Abstract: A tandem axle trailer pin extracter apparatus is provided. The extracter apparatus is adapted and configured for extracting or pulling the tandem lock pin release handle when it is desired to adjust the position of a tractor trailer body relative to the tandem axles. The extracter apparatus allows for one-person application.

Abstract: Double hooked device with the hooks being transversely positioned on the end of a shaft having a handle at its opposite end. The hooks may snag, lift, move and/or flip food or other articles by the hooks being rotated generally about the shaft's axis until one of the double hooks penetrates into the article to be lifted. A shield at the base of the handle is a guard to cover the tips of the hooks.

Abstract: A lifting device and method of use permit objects having a flat bottom supported on particulate material to be readily lifted. The device includes an elongate shaft member extending in a longitudinal direction between respective first and second ends. A hook member is supported on the first end of the shaft member to extend substantially straight along a hook axis lying substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the shaft member. A gripping member supported on the shaft member adjacent the second end permits gripping in a hand of a person. The substantially perpendicular configuration of the hook member readily permits rectangular objects to be well supported on the hook member for lifting heavy objects including pre-cast concrete sidewalk slabs and the like.

Abstract: A spring-spring loaded case hook including a handle, a spring casing engaged to the handle, the spring casing having a hook end and a handle end, a hook having a shaft, a portion of the shaft being disposed in the spring casing, a stop engaged to the hook, the stop being constructed and arranged for positioning in the spring casing, the stop and the portion of the shaft being constructed and arranged for slidable positioning within the spring casing and at least one first spring disposed in the spring casing, the spring disposed about a portion of the shaft within the spring casing, the spring comprising a first end and a second end, the first end being proximate to the stop and the second end being proximate to the hook end of the spring casing.

Abstract: Removable handles for use with a cooking utensil. In the preferred embodiment of the present inventions, the cooking utensil is a griddle which is intended for use on a grill to provide for the frying of foods. The removable handles are easily put into or out of engagement with a griddle, and have downwardly extending legs which elevate and support the griddle when placed on a flat surface. It is intended that the handles be removed from the griddle during the period of time that the griddle is used for cooking, such that the handles and leg supports always remain cook. Thus, when the food is cooked, the griddle can be removed from the grill using the handles without the use of oven mitts. Furthermore, the griddle can be set on a flat surface for use as a serving platter. Because the legs will elevate the griddle, it is not necessary to use trivets to prevent heat damage to the surface.

Abstract: A friction grip fireplace tool comprising a rod or bar, having a hand grip on one end, and on the other end a resilient, unary, v-shaped open-jawed mouth to grip, lift and re-position logs in a fireplace. There are no moving parts, no hinges, or pivot points. The tool can be made of one solid piece of steel or material with similar properties of elasticity and fire resistance or can be fabricated from two or more parts. A log is held in place by friction, created by ridges within the open-jawed mouth of the tool and the spring effect of the open-jawed mouth being forced onto a log. The spring effect of the tool's mouth along with the friction effect of the ridges allow most burning logs to be completely lifted, held, and moved about safely.

Abstract: An extendable pole with an attachment mechanism on its distal end for receiving a selective tool from a set of selective tools. The set of tools includes a push plate for pushing a load slidably in a vehicle such as in a truck bed; a hook for retrieving a load slidably from deep into the vehicle; and a brush head each attachable transversely on the pole distal end to operate nearly vertically with the pole nearly horizontal.

Abstract: A vehicle hand tool and method of use for opening and closing a vehicle door and performing various additional functions. The hand tool includes a hand gripper, a first rod and a second rod. The first rod includes a first end and a second end and the first end is fixed to the hand gripper. The second rod includes a third end and a fourth end and is movably mounted to the first rod. The second rod is movable from a storage position wherein the fourth end is adjacent the first rod and an extended position wherein the fourth end is spaced from the first rod. An attachment mechanism is mounted to the fourth end and a tool is removably mountable to the attachment mechanism. A release button is mounted to the hand gripper or the first rod and is movable to secure or release the vehicle hand tool from the storage position.

Abstract: A dual purpose tool for both removing the cover plate of a pool skimmer then removing the basket therein to avoid the dangers of human contact with the contents of the skimmer basket. The tool consists of a substantially stiff elongate member with dual purpose hooks located at opposite ends. One hook is designed for removing the skimmer cover through insertion into the skimmer cover hole located at its center while the opposite end is designed to hook around the skimmer basket handle for removal of the basket. The tool can be configured in multiple lengths to accommodate skimmers for above and in-ground pools.

Abstract: A tool for use with a canning pot and a canning rack includes a pair of spaced-apart legs joined at a handle adapted for manipulation by a user. The spaced-apart legs terminate at a hook, which is adapted to grasp the rack and operable to place and remove the rack in the canning pot. A canning system includes a canning pot, a canning rack, and a rack lifter including a pair of tools, each including a pair of legs joined by a handle and terminating in a hook operable to grasp the rack. A method for canning food includes heating a first quantity of water in a canning pot, placing at least one jar in a canning rack, and placing the canning rack including the at least one jar in a first quantity of water using a pair of tools for selectively grasping the canning rack.

Abstract: A compact, readily portable handheld article grasping apparatus for grasping articles such as door handles, gate handles, mailbox handles and the like. The apparatus includes a retractable gripping arm having a hook-like extremity for grasping objects. The gripping arm can be stowed when the article is being transported and quickly and easily deployed when the apparatus is to be used. When the article grasping arm is in a stowed configuration, the apparatus can be conveniently carried in the users pocket or purse.

Abstract: The object is to provide a filter element extracting jig which facilitates the extracting operation of a filter element from a housing of a filter device and prevents its contamination. A filter element extracting jig is formed from an elastic plate and comprising a supporting portion, a spring portion extending at an acute angle with the supporting portion, a hook portion extending toward the supporting portion, and an operating portion extending from the hook portion at substantially right angles, which are constructed by bending at bent portions substantially parallel to each other in that order.

Abstract: A tool to be used for controlling campfires. This tool is has a bright or reflective mainshaft to place users on notice of its location, and its potentially dangerous temperature. This tool has a hook portion to accommodate standard sizes of camp fire wood for the control thereof. This tool also has a straight arm that extends beyond the hook portion to control the fire while poking at it, with no interference from the hook portion. The handle also has a directional compass. Further, a thermal barrier collar may be disposed adjacent the mainshaft or handle.

Abstract: A grilling implement and method of use thereof, the grilling implement comprising at least one hook having a tip, a shaft and a heel. The shaft and heel lie coplanar, and the tip curves upward out of the plane of the shaft and heel such that the hook can be passed under the tines of a grill grate, and the tip thereof maneuvered over the grill tines to securely hold the grate. The grilling implement further comprises at least one bar lying coplanar with the heel and shaft of the hook, wherein the bar supports the grill grate when rotated under the tines of the grate. The grilling implement can also be utilized to maneuver charcoal briquettes or break apart natural charcoal logs.

Abstract: Double hooked device with the hooks being transversely positioned on the end of a shaft having a handle at its opposite end. The hooks may snag, lift, move and/or flip food or other articles by the hooks being rotated generally about the shaft's axis until one of the double hooks penetrates into the article to be lifted. A shield at the base of the handle is a guard to cover the tips of the hooks.

Abstract: A device for hooking, dragging, or gaffing a game or marine animal. The device comprises a substantially triangular hook member having an opening and a sharp end for hooking the animal. When dragging the animal, the device distributes the weight to ground requiring little or no lifting.

Abstract: A pool maintenance device that can be used for several tasks including: sampling water at a predetermined depth below the water surface, removing a skimmer cover, moving objects within the pool, adding chemicals to the pool, and storing pool chemicals. The device is comprised of an elongated rigid rod having opposing first and second ends with an attached sampling container and hook assembly. The container is open at the top and has a discharge facilitation area. A handle extends laterally from the opposing side of the container. The hook assembly is comprised of a base, a curved hook, and a spherical element. The hook extends laterally from the base of the hook assembly and the spherical element extends upwardly from the base so as to be positioned essentially perpendicular to the hook.

Abstract: The fifth wheel release tool is a device for applying the required force for releasing the latch mechanism of the fifth wheel hitch securing a semi-trailer to a truck tractor. The release tool has a hook which is removably secured to the hitch release handle, a non-resilient line extending from the hook, a treadle or stirrup secured to the opposite end of the line from the hook, and a saddle which is removably secured to a relatively fixed structure and over or through which the flexible line runs. This assembly transfers the tensile force applied to the release handle from the horizontal to the vertical as the flexible line passes over the saddle component. A person using the present release tool need only apply one's weight to the treadle or stirrup, in order to apply sufficient force to release even a relatively sticky hitch release.

Abstract: A packing tool or set of tools having a handle and one packing end that is formed to perform various tasks involved with packing fiber into conduits without damaging insulation on wires in the conduits. The tools are made of a non-conductive material that has a smooth surface on the packing end or ends with no sharp edges. In one embodiment the tools are made of injection molded plastic and are lightweight. One tool has a hook for picking up a single wire on one end, and a larger hook on the other end for picking up multiple wires. A further tool has a first end for packing and a second end with a mirror that is angled to facilitate inspection of the packing.

Abstract: A carrier for sport boards such as surf boards. The carrier is a unitary structure formed from a tubular material having a back section which, at its lower end, transitions into a U-shape cradle and a handle. The sport board is received in the cradle and then may be transported by placing the carrier against the side of the user beneath the arm and grasping the handle retaining the board against the side of the user.

Abstract: A brace assembly for supporting a drywall pan including a support frame positionable within a user's hand adapted for holding a drywall pan. An arm and wrist brace is adapted for being secured to a user's arm and wrist. A connection brace extends between the support frame and the arm and wrist brace.

Abstract: A paper jam removal tool, for use in clearing jammed paper from a paper shredder, constructed of a single length of wire having a first end and a second end. The first end of the tool leads sequentially into a first laterally extending portion, a first u-bend, a second laterally extending portion, a second u-bend, and a third laterally extending portion. The third laterally extending portion terminates at a central loop portion which wraps around the first and second lateral portions, and finally extends away from the laterally extending portions, perpendicularly thereto, forming a poker portion. The laterally extending portions and their associated u-bends form the handle of the tool. The poker portion of the tool extends perpendicularly from the handle portion and is used to push jammed paper through the blades of the paper shredder, thereby allowing for the continued operation of the paper shredder.

Abstract: A manipulating arm has an inward end configured as a sleeve for fitting around the forearm of an operator and an outward end having a tubular projection with an axially moving rod slideable therein. The rod has a hook at the outward end thereof for grasping razor ribbon, and is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position and is urged to the extended position by a spring. The distal end of the rod extends from the outward tubular member and is configured as a hook. The device includes a handle oriented perpendicular to the axis of the tube and a moveable trigger that can be grasped by the fingers of the operator while his palm is against the handle. Retracting the trigger retracts the rod within the tubular member, compresses the spring, and closes the hook of the claw around a piece of razor ribbon so that it can be positioned by the operator.

Abstract: A lifting device and method of use permit objects having a flat bottom supported on particulate material to be readily lifted. The device includes an elongate shaft member extending in a longitudinal direction between respective first and second ends. A hook member is supported on the first end of the shaft member to extend substantially straight along a hook axis lying substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the shaft member. A gripping member supported on the shaft member adjacent the second end permits gripping in a hand of a person. The substantially perpendicular configuration of the hook member readily permits rectangular objects to be well supported on the hook member for lifting heavy objects including pre-cast concrete sidewalk slabs and the like.

Abstract: A tool for pulling flexible hose includes a longitudinal arm with a handle at one end and a hook at the other end. The hook includes first and second hook ends spaced from each other by a distance at least equal to the diameter of the hose to be pulled, and first and second support surfaces near the respective first and second hook ends. The first and second support surfaces engage the outer surface of the hose as the hose is being pulled. A protrusion near either the first hook end or the second hook end retains the length of hose so as not to slide outward of the first and second hook ends while the hose is being pulled.

Abstract: An extendable reacher having a plurality of extendable sections, including a center section. The center section includes a distal portion that inserts into an opening in the rear wall of the handle to retain the reacher in its retracted position. The extendable sections include outer and inner surfaces that engage to prevent relative rotation of the sections and the tip.

Abstract: A manipulating arm has an inward end configured as a sleeve for fitting around the forearm of an operator and an outward end having a tubular projection with an axially moving rod slideable therein. The rod has a hook at the outward end thereof for grasping razor ribbon, and is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position and is urged to the extended position by a spring. The distal end of the rod extends from the outward tubular member and is configured as a hook. The device includes a handle oriented perpendicular to the axis of the tube and a moveable trigger that can be grasped by the fingers of the operator while his palm is against the handle. Retracting the trigger retracts the rod within the tubular member, compresses the spring, and closes the hook of the claw around a piece of razor ribbon so that it can be positioned by the operator.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for routing cables and wires. A first elongate section has an upper end and a lower end, and a second elongate section has a first end and a second end. A single hinge connects the lower end to the first end, and the single hinge allows the second elongate section to pivot between a first position to a second position. The first position has the second elongate section longitudinally aligned with the first elongate section, and the second position has the second elongate section substantially perpendicular to the first elongate section. The apparatus also has means for pivoting the second elongate section from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A decorative ornament/light removing and hanging tool for removing and hanging strings of lights on building structures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wienie roaster with prongs that may be folded back. The prongs are pivotly received by a head, and the head is attached at the end of a roaster stalk. The prong has a continuous curve as it enters the head which produces friction to hold the prongs at an adjustable angle away from or towards the roaster stalk. The bore in the head may have beveled, oval-shaped openings, so that the curved base of the prong notches into place in extended and folded back positions. The roaster may also have a tension shoe for applying and distributing pressure on the prongs and a notch in the prongs for receiving the tension shoe. A hole in the top of the head allows lubricant, such as oil or fat from cooking food, to enter the head and lubricate the base of the prong and the tension shoe. The lubrication hole may also be threaded to receive a set screw, which can provide additional pressure to hold the prong in place.

Abstract: A tool for lifting a tray or a vessel having loop or hook handles comprises a substantially planar body having an upper end configured for hand holding and a lower end configured for receiving a handle of the tray or the vessel. The body includes a first hook and a second hook for catching a loop handle. The body may also include an opening disposed close to the lower end for receiving a hook handle. In addition, the body may define a handhold slot configured to fit a hand of the user and reduce slippage. Preferably, the tool is made of disposable material.

Abstract: A method of releasing a trailer from a fifth wheel hitch assembly comprises providing a rigid member adapted at a first end to releasably engage a lock release lever of the fifth wheel hitch assembly. A flexible tether is attached to the rigid member on one end and to a handle on the other end. The tether is non-resilient such that same is resistant to stretching. The second end of the rigid member is grasped and manipulated to engage the first end with the lock release lever while standing at a front end of the attached trailer; then the grasping hand is slid along the tether to the handle and grasps the handle. The handle is moved toward the rigid member to provide some slack in the tether and then jerked away from the rigid member, thereby moving the lock release lever to a released position.

Abstract: The barbeque fork includes a first tine and a second tine. Each of the tines has a first end, a second, a top side, a bottom side, an inner side edge and an outer side edge. The inner side edges and outer side edges tapering from the first end to the second end such that the second ends are pointed. A plate has a top surface, a bottom surface, a front edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. Each of the first ends is integrally coupled to the front edge such that the tines extend in a generally parallel direction with respect to each other. A shank has a first end integrally coupled to the back edge of the plate such that the shank extends away from the plate. A third tine has a first end, a second end, and a pair of side edges tapering toward each other from the first end to the second end. The first end of the third tine is integrally coupled to the outer edge of the first tine and located generally adjacent to the plate.

Abstract: An in-dash compact disc retriever that is used to remove compact discs or digital video discs from compact disc or digital video disc players when they are stuck and cannot be ejected by normal means.

Abstract: A mechanism includes a material-engaging element that is threadably mounted on one end of a threaded body and a handle element on the other end of the threaded body. The material-engaging element is moved on the threaded body as needed to securely, yet comfortably, engage a workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a telescoping tool to aid in pulling wire through openings during wire installation in existing premises. The tool comprises a telescoping handle having a plurality of individual sections stacked one within the other. Each section has a first exposed end and a second end contained within the handle. The exposed end of the inner most section of the telescoping handle is provided with a wire receiving hook attached thereto for hooking a wire and allowing it to be pulled through an opening.

Abstract: A device for lifting, carrying, and otherwise moving objects and articles such as appliances, boxes, cartons, building materials, construction materials, gardening products, furniture, landscaping supplies, lumber, and metal or non-metal piping, In one form, the device includes a base, a handle and at least two handle grips to provide the individual with greater flexibility in positioning his or her hands on the device to lift or carry a given object. In another form, the device is provided with a base, a handle and at least one moveable handle grip which again provides the individual with greater flexibility in locating his or her hands relative to the object to be lifted. In a further form, the device includes a base, a handle and at least one handle grip. In this form, at least one of the elements of the device is removable from the other components to allow an individual to readily substitute parts or vary the position of one part relative to another to make a given lifting or carrying task easier.