Abstract: A shear device includes a hand grip and a handle pivotally coupled together. A bar has one end pivotally coupled to the handle. A cutter blade has a middle portion pivotally coupled to the hand grip and has a pin secured to one end. A lever has one end pivotally coupled to the hand grip at a pivot rod and has the other end pivotally coupled to the bar at a pivot pole and has a groove formed in the middle portion for slidably engaging with the pin. The pin is disposed between the pivot pole and the pivot rod for allowing the cutter blade to be rotated with less force.

Abstract: A belt skiving apparatus is provided having a free-standing blade-carrying carriage mounting a pair of rollers defining a nip into which a belt end to be skived is passed. The rollers press together about the belt end to securely grip the belt, with at least one of the rollers being driven, preferably manually, through a crank arm. Rotation of the rollers advances the carriage relative to the belt to advance the carriage across the width of the belt. As the carriage is advanced, the belt is passed through the rollers and through a cutting blade disposed adjacent the rollers, with the blade slicing a thin strip of the upper portion of the belt adjacent its upper face from the remainder of the belt. The rollers may be driven by a ratchet arm to move the carriage along the belt end. Preferably, two pairs of rollers are employed on the carriage, one forward and one rearward of the blade to cut the uncut portion remaining at the trailing side of the belt after the belt passes through the forward roller pair.

Abstract: A manual belt skiver removes a top layer of material along an end edge of a elt in preparation for mounting a lacing thereon. The skiver has a base with a handle attached thereto, and a normally vertical contact surface adapted to slide along the end edge of the belt during use. A knife is mounted on the base, and has a thin flat blade protruding outwardly from the contact surface, with a straight interior portion and an upwardly turned outer tip. A pressure bar is mounted on the base, generally forward of the knife, and includes a foot which protrudes laterally outwardly from the contact surface, generally above the cutting edge of the blade to guide the blade through the belt.

Abstract: A folding ax is described which is compact in the folded position and exhibits superior strength, safety and self lubricating characteristics when in the open or use position. The folding ax comprises an ax head pivotally attached to a first shaft. The first shaft is pivotally to a second shaft which is in turn pivotally attached to a third shaft. Each shaft contains an elongated central channel or cavity. The folding ax contains three separate locking elements, including stabilizing element and is equipped with self lubricating washers.

Abstract: A safety razor blade tool includes a substantially rectangular safety razor blade having a cutting edge and an opposing non-cutting edge, and a rubberized thermoplastic protective cover fixedly attached to the non-cutting edge. The protective cover has an extruded substantially rigid inner layer of thermoplastic material and a coextruded thermoplastic rubber outer layer.

Abstract: A manual gas venting and cutting apparatus for use in cutting an opening in and manually venting gas from the interior of a conventional unvented ostomy collection pouch includes a valve assembly having an open position, which permits gas to pass therethrough and a closed position, for preventing gas to pass therethrough. The valve assembly has an input portion for communicating with the interior of the ostomy collection pouch and an output portion for communicating with the atmosphere and a mounting device for mounting the valve assembly to a selected portion of the ostomy collection pouch. The mounting device releasably contains therein a portion of the valve assembly so as to position the input portion thereof proximate the interior of the ostomy collection pouch, and the output portion of the valve assembly proximate to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A disposable resilient razor in which the razor includes a handle and a razor head interconnected by a resilient, flexible, reduced diameter area of plastic material of one piece construction with the handle and head to enable universal or global flexible, resilient movement of the razor head in relation to the handle. The flexible, resilient, reduced diameter area connecting the handle to the razor head retains the handle and razor head in normal position until a force is applied to the handle when the razor head is engaged with a skin surface to be shaved. This enables a razor blade having a cutting edge mounted on the razor head to be oriented in parallel, substantially flush relation to the skin surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of maintaining a cover on the razor head of a wet shave razor. Such a cover is used to prevent damage to the cutting edge of the razor and to prevent accidental contact with the cutting edge when the razor is not in use. The present invention is also directed to a razor unit having a cover which is semi-permanently affixed to the razor head via a protective seal. The cover is affixed to the razor head during manufacture in a position such that it covers the cutting edges of the blades. Preferably, the cover is affixed through the use of an adhesive strip or strips which are attached to the cover and the razor head. The user must manually remove or break the adhesive strip in order to remove the cover to expose the cutting edge and begin shaving.

Abstract: An angular encoder for determining an angular position between a stationary element and an element rotatable relative to the stationary element and including a coupling for connecting a scanning unit with a stationary element and formed of a spring material, with the coupling having at least two plates which extend transverse to each other and one of which extends parallel to a rotational axis of the rotatable element, and with each of the two plates having a plurality of leaf spring arms which are so formed and aligned that the leaf spring arms extend in directions of their respective application lines in which directions forces are applied to the coupling during rotation of the rotatable element relative to the stationary element.

Abstract: A scope tube adjusting and locking device for adjusting the elevation and windage of sighting scope is comprised of a first adjusting means, a second adjusting means, a plurality of bias means, and a plurality of inner tube adjusting means. The adjusting means rotatably encompass the scope outer tube and have a bias means channel eccentrically formed therein. The plurality of bias means contact and track the base of the bias means channels and are rotatably cradled by the plurality of inner tube adjusting means which are laterally and movably disposed through the scope outer tube and which contact the inner guide tube. As the adjusting means are rotated around the scope outer tube, the plurality of inner tube adjusting means adjusts the elevation and windage of the inner guide tube. A locking means threadedly encompasses the scope outer tube and can be rotated to lock or unlock the adjusting means.

Abstract: A first liquid container has therein a level control including a float valve, a storage tank or second container and a third container having therein a liquid which is maintained at a fixed liquid level. The third container is connected to the liquid in the first container by the float valve, and is replenished by the liquid in the storage tank. Preferably the storage tank is designed as an evaporator, with a condensate separator plate or surface arranged above the third container which also has an overflow to the storage tank. A temperature stabilizer keeps the liquid in the first liquid container at a temperature above ambient, and the storage tank is in contact with the liquid in the first container to be warmed thereby, and the condensate separator is cooled by ambient air.

Abstract: A device for connecting the arms 4 of an angle, in particular a construction angle, comprises a corner piece 1 with two rails 5 which are at right angle to each other and to which the arms 4 which are formed by straight battens are connected by clamping bands 6.

Abstract: A measurement device including a generally flat member having a first edge extending therealong, a first set of British scale graduations formed along the first edge and extending inwardly of the first edge for a desired distance, and a first set of metric scale graduations formed adjacent the first set of British scale graduations and spaced in parallel relationship from the first edge of the generally flat member by approximately the length of the desired distance that the first set of British scale graduations extends inwardly. The first set of British scale graduations has numerical designations arranged in a first orientation. The first set of metric scale graduations has numerical designations arranged in a similar orientation as the numerical designations of the first set of British scale graduations.

Abstract: A method of measuring a roll diameter of a roll is provided. At first, a step-shaped conical master roll consisting of a plurality of diametrical parts is prepared and then, the diameters of the diametrical parts under predetermined standard temperature are measured. After mounting the master roll on a roll grinder under a temperature condition similar to that surrounding the roll mounted on the roll grinder, a diameter of one diametrical part, of which standard diameter is closest to the roll diameter of the roll, is measured. Next, a difference between the diameter value of the diametrical part and the standard diameter value is calculated as a correction value, so that the roll diameter value of the roll is corrected by the correction value.

Abstract: The present invention features a kit or an attachment apparatus for roasting a small quantity of green coffee beans upon a rotisserie unit. The kit or apparatus is rotationally mounted to an oven or a grill. The kit contains a perforated, cylindrical, hollow drum that has at least one internal fin for stirring the tumbling coffee beans within the hollow drum, as it is caused to rotate. The drum is attachable to a spit of the rotisserie, which is, in turn, attachable to a drive motor. The drive motor and the distal end of the spit are each mounted by attachment brackets to respective, end walls of the oven or grill. The cylinder can receive the green coffee beans through the removal of an end lid of the drum, or through a hatch door located in a mid-portion of the cylindrical drum. A layer of insulation is wrapped about one portion of the spit, and acts as a handle for removing the heated drum of roasted beans from the oven or grill.

Abstract: Coal or other mineral slurry is dewatered by establishing a bed of the slurry and injecting a gas stream such as air into the bed to establish turbulent flow to strip moisture. This slurry may use particles in the range 0.5 mm to 30 mm with air injected at about 10 m/sec, and suitable novel apparatus includes a centrifuge or a vibratory conveyor with a closed tunnel and transverse air flow for stripping moisture.

Abstract: A method and device for drying a coating on a paper web or equivalent in which the direction of running of the paper web is turned, free of contact, by blowings produced by a turning device and the coating on the paper web is dried free of contact by blowings of drying devices placed at both sides of the paper web. The direction of running of the paper web is turned by drying blowings. The exhaust air of the turning device and drying device, which is placed at the side of the turning device, is removed from direct vicinity of the paper web or equivalent by a common exhaust device. The turning device and drying device are placed under and within a common box construction so that access of the exhaust air into the surrounding space is prevented. The device includes a turning device for turning the running direction of the paper web free of contact and a drying device for contact-free drying of the coating on the paper web.

Abstract: A drying section for a paper making machine. The drying section includes a plurality of single-tier dryer groups, optionally followed by one or more double-tier groups. To control curl in the final paper product, a moistening device extending over the width of the drying section is provided near the end of the single-tier dryer groups. The moistening device can be divided into various zones to control the profile of the paper. Alternatively, or in addition to the moistening device, a contact-less dryer such as a infrared dryer can be provided after the dryer section, upstream of a calendar section of the paper making machine. The moistening device can be provided to moisten the bottom or, optionally, the top side of the paper web. Where a double-tier dryer group is provided, to control curl the upper drying cylinders and the lower cylinders can be provided with different steam pressures to control curl. Alternatively, each of the cylinders can be individually controlled.

Abstract: An air inlet arrangement is provided in a laundry dryer for enhanced drying efficiency and rate. The dryer includes a drum with a rotating sidewall and a stationary rear bulkhead sealingly engaging the sidewall. A heater is provided on the outside of the rear bulkhead. The rear bulkhead includes a generally horizontally disposed air inlet in its lower half for introducing heated air into the drum. The heated air stream includes a hot inner core and a cool outer envelope so as to minimize the surface temperatures of the bulkhead and the sidewall and thereby prevent heat damage to clothing and laundry in the drum. The rear bulkhead includes a spirally ramped forward surface along which the air travels to impart a spiral airflow through the drum, thereby enhancing heat transfer between the air and the laundry in the drum.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a shoe having an outersole with a removable protective covering, including the steps of applying a sheet of protective covering to a sheet of outersole material with adhesive to form a composite sheet; applying printed indicia on the protective covering at predetermined locations; stamping out the composite sheet to form a plurality of outersoles, each having the protective covering and the printed indicia to form finished outersoles; and attaching each of the finished outersoles to a shoe upper to form a shoe so that the protective covering is removable.

Abstract: A support and cushioning system for an article of footwear. The system includes a resilient insert disposed between a midsole and an outsole of a shoe. The resilient insert includes several chambers disposed in a heel portion of the resilient insert. These chambers are fluidly interconnected to each other via periphery passages. The resilient insert also includes several chambers disposed in a forefoot portion of the resilient insert. These chambers are also fluidly interconnected to each other. A connecting passage connects the chambers in the heel portion and the chambers in the forefoot portion of the resilient insert. A bladder having a fluidly interconnected heel chamber and forefoot chamber is also inserted above the midsole to provided added cushioning to the wearer. In one embodiment, the resilient insert contains air at ambient pressure and the bladder contains air at slightly above ambient pressure.

Abstract: A shoe heel protector for the protection of the heel and counter of the shoe of a vehicle driver, is formed of an elongate blank of flat, planar leather, vinyl, or other suitable material. The protector includes a relatively wide center area, about which a plurality of darts are cut or otherwise formed. These darts are then sewn or otherwise secured together along their respective facing edges, to gather the periphery of the central area together to form a heel pocket therein. The heel pocket is then placed over the lower rear edge of the shoe heel, with the opposite elongate straps of the protector being secured together over the top of the shoe or foot by mating hook and loop fastening material or other suitable fastening devices. The protector is held securely in place about the shoe and foot of the driver, as the protector cannot move upwardly due to the portion of the pocket positioned beneath the heel, and cannot move forwardly due to the back wall of the pocket positioned behind the heel and counter.

Abstract: A shoe having a support strap assembly which is advantageous in providing improved support and/or improved balance of the shoe, to assist in preventing ankle injury or in reducing the severity of an ankle injury. In a preferred form of the invention, an upper strap assembly extends adjacent a top region of the shoe, and side strap assemblies extend from the upper strap assembly and along each side of the shoe. With the arrangement, if the foot is tilted, the strap on the side of the foot opposite to the direction of tilting not only provides support to the wearer, but also can provide feedback to the wearer to inform the wearer of an improper foot position and thereby assist the wearer in returning the foot to a proper position. In a disclosed embodiment, the side strap assemblies extend in front of the ankle, and meet with a sole of the shoe in an arch region of the shoe, so that the support strap assemblies provides a stirrup-like balanced arrangement.

Abstract: A snowboard boot for freestyle riding includes a soft boot-shaped inside portion and a boot-shaped outside portion that is provided with a soft shaft. To transmit the force for backside turns with legs bent to the side, a rigid insert is provided between the inside portion and the outside portion that extends about the heel area. At the height of the ankle a rigid back portion embracing the calf is pivoted on the insert about an axis extending in the longitudinal boot plane.

Abstract: An athletic water sports shoe. The water sports athletic shoe features a rubber outsole for a strong grip on wet surfaces. In addition to the rubber outsole, a rubber rand extends the rubber surface to the sides of the shoes such that sides of the wearers foot can be used as gripping surfaces. The sides of the shoes are constructed of a waterproof mesh that allows water to flow in and out of the shoe. The inside of the shoe features a neoprene gasket that forms a water-tight seal around the ankle of the wearer. The water-tight seal around the ankle of the wearer prevents sand from entering the shoe. Furthermore, the neoprene gasket protects the foot from bumps and scrapes.

Abstract: A sole construction includes a midsole and a sole layer. The midsole is made of a transparent polyurethane material and has a toe portion, a heel portion, a plurality of side-by-side adjacent air cavities, and a plurality of walls which confine the air cavities. The walls include a base wall, a plurality of resilient upright partition walls formed on the base wall, and a transparent peripheral wall which extends upwardly from the base wall so as to surround the air cavities and the partition walls. Each of the cavities is open at one side opposing the base wall. The sole layer is adhesively bonded so as to cover the side of the midsole opposite to the base wall. A plurality of light emitting units can be disposed in the air cavities located along the peripheral wall in order to emit light from the periphery of the midsole.

Abstract: A new loader bucket vibrational sifting system for separating rock and other abrasive material from dirt extracted from a trench for a pipe line, thereby allowing the user to fill in the trench after laying the pipe with the sifted dirt eliminating contact by rock or other abrasive material with the pipeline and, thereby, preclude rusting, corrosion, or like damage. The inventive device includes a sifting structure formed to pivotally enclose a conventional loader bucket, a vibrating means secured near the pivoting end of the sifting structure for vibrating the sifting structure, and a hydraulic releasing means pivotally secured at one end to the sifting structure and pivotally secured at the opposite end to the conventional loader bucket manipulating the sifting structure to allow rocks to be released.

Abstract: An embroidery easel apparatus includes a base, an adjustable arm with a lower end attached to the base, a rotatable head attached to an upper end of the arm, a clamp attached to the head, and a scrolling embroidery frame held in the clamp. The frame includes a pair of spaced rollers and a crossbar extending between side members. The clamp grips the frame by the crossbar, so that the rollers can be rotated for advancing a work piece mounted therebetween, and so that the work piece is not damaged by the clamp. The frame can be rotated or flipped over to allow access to the underside of the work piece. In a second embodiment, the clamp is rotatably attached to the upper end of the arm. The rotational axis of the clamp is positioned along the plane of the frame, so that the height of the frame is not changed after it is flipped over.

Abstract: A floral assembly, which may be included in a card, is made of absorbent paper in the shape of a flower having an upper end flared as a bloom-shaped seed pocket and the lower end is a stem-shaped support. The pocket contains seeds for germination and may be easily opened to free them for growth. When the stem is immersed in water, it serves as a wick to moisten the upper part of the assembly and helps start the seeds germinating.

Abstract: A display apparatus simulates a container of gaseous liquid. The display apparatus has a reservoir formed by closely spaced inner and outer walls, at least the outer wall being transparent or translucent and shaped to resemble the container. In use, a foamable liquid is held within the reservoir, and gas is introduced into the liquid at the bottom of the reservoir to thereby form bubbles which rise through the liquid and form a head of foam on the liquid. A foam regulating mechanism allows the gas from burst foam bubbles to escape from the reservoir, but returns the liquid component of burst foam bubbles to the reservoir. The display apparatus is suitable for simulating soda drinks, beer and other aerated beverages.

Abstract: A display element has a disk which rotates on an axis to show its bright or dark side in the viewing direction. When the bright side is showing the disk allows passage of light from an LED. When the dark side is showing the disk masks the light from the LED. Preferably, an opaque shroud surrounds the LED and projects a short distance forwardly thereof to help define the cone in which light from the LED may be viewed in ON position. A side wall or said element projects forwardly of the rotation axis to mask the escape of light on that side transverse to the viewing direction. A second side wall may be placed on the other side for the same purpose or the adjacent element may provide the second wall.

Abstract: A display device that is incorporated into a building structure includes at least one rigid block composed of a robust grindable composition. The block has at least one light emitting device molded therein, the light emitting device being electrically connected to a power source to enable illumination of the light emitting device when in use. The light emitting device is visible from at least one surface of the block for providing at least one illuminated display surface in use. The block is incorporated within the building structure such that the display surface is exposed at and protrudes from at least one surface of the building structure. At least one surface of the block is ground to render visible the light emitting device for providing the display surface and to render the surface substantially non-slippery so as to prevent an object in contact with the display surface from slipping thereon in use. A method of making the display device is further disclosed.

Abstract: A safety apparatus and method for indicating the presence of a translucent medium comprising a magnetic structure having a removably attachable visible element portion that, when positioned on a translucent medium such as a patio door, screen, window or the like, warns of the presence of the translucent medium so that a person does not inadvertently attempt to walk through the translucent medium thereby risking serious injury or bodily harm.

Abstract: The opposed side walls and connecting end walls of this surface-mounted holder can be configured in virtually any desired shape to define a window conforming to a resiliently flexible sheet bearing a display. Inserted into the holder through an opening in one of the end walls, the display sheet is guided by a ramp into sliding engagement with a pair of slots formed in the side walls at a distance from the opening. A shoulder formed on the end wall adjacent said opening in alignment with the slots abuts the end of the display sheet and retains the display sheet in the holder. Adhesive strips are provided for securing the holder to a surface, such as the bumper of an automobile.

Abstract: A pump action shotgun that has been designed to accept a shotgun shell magazine that can be quickly and easily attached or removed. An aperture is formed in the bottom surface of the receiver forwardly of a trigger housing assembly aperture. The top end of the magazine has a feed lip assembly that restricts the upward travel of the shotgun shells prior to their being transported to the rear end of the gun barrel by the bolt assembly as it travels forwardly. A spring loaded tang extends downwardly from the front bottom surface of the bolt assembly and travels through the feed lip assembly where it engages the rear end of the upper most shotgun shells and carries it forwardly to the rear end of the gun barrel. A bolt slide that is detachably secured the bottom surface of the bolt assembly has a concave bottom surface that allows it to travel forwardly and rearwardly over the top of the feed lip assembly of the shotgun shell magazine.

Abstract: A portable ball pitching machine for projecting a ball uses a combusting gas to drive a piston which compresses air behind a ball and propels the ball through a barrel. A combustible mixture of air and propane are introduced into a combustion chamber, and a ball is loaded against an air exit of a barrel housing. The gas is ignited in the combustion chamber, and the explosion drives a piston through a compression chamber and generates compressed air. The compressed air is directed through the barrel housing to the air exit and the ball, and the ball is propelled from the barrel. The azimuth and elevation position of the barrel are adjustable. The velocity of a projected ball is adjustable by adjusting a regulator which vents to the atmosphere a portion of the compressed air that would otherwise be directed against the ball.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and improved design associated with the fabrication and construction of a firearm sighting assembly. In accordance with the invention, the firearm sighting assembly defines a detachable structure capable of being affixed to the stock of a rifle wherein interchangeable elevational elements provide a stationery pedestal for enabling a marksman to aim the firearm while there is mounted upon the firearm a telescopic sight.

Abstract: A telescopic sight for firearms has a laser rangefinder for the target with a laser transmitter and a laser receiver. Since the beam path of the laser transmitter and the beam path of the laser receiver are brought into the visual telescopic sight beam path, the telescopic sight objective is simultaneously the objective for the laser transmitter and the laser receiver. For adjusting the reticle on the point of impact an optical member movable relative to the weapon is provided between the reticle and the light entrance side of the telescopic sight.

Abstract: A fish bite alert device includes a 3-position adjustable gripper that provides a positive line gripping action in a set mode yet completely releases the line, entirely free of the fish bite alert device, in a release position. The gripper is illuminated for night fishing. The fish bite alert device also includes a 3-mode selector switch to choose light-only operation, light and buzzer operation, and an off position. The light assists the hearing impaired, while the buzzer is beneficial to the sight impaired.

Abstract: A fish trace (10) has a trace line (11) with projections (12) spaced along it, and the projections (12) are selectively engaged by two spaced legs (21) of a resilient clip (13), the leg ends being returned over the legs and the return portions (27) thereby defining a mouth through which the trace line (11) can be simply passed, and a projection (12) can be retained between the legs (21) in a clip (13) by the legs (21) and their return portions (27) and consequent entrapment of the trace line (11) adjacent opposite ends of the projection (12), the legs (21) having to be again deflected for the trace line and projection to come away from the clip. The entire trace can be free of knots which otherwise reduce the line strength.

Abstract: A crab pot provided with a plurality of entrance tunnels each having a rectangular opening frame, utilizes the top rod of the opening frame to pivotally support a plurality of wire trigger fingers which extend vertically downward for abutment against the bottom rod of the opening frame. Pairs of such trigger fingers are formed of a single length of wire coiled intermediate its ends about the top rod of the opening frame to form a pair of pivots for the fingers, the intermediate length of wire between the coils forming legs extending downward from the coils and joined together by a span of the wire. The trigger fingers are urged gravitationally toward the position closing the rectangular tunnel opening. A limit rod projects from the top rod of the opening frame to intercept the span of wire and limit opening movement of the trigger fingers to less than 180.degree..

Abstract: An improved insect and pest trap for roaches of various sizes and the like includes an elongated lower housing having side walls and end walls which are inclined in opposite directions and an open base section between the walls. A shoulder is in the lower housing member located above the open base section. There is a top lid which has side walls and end walls adapted to be received over lower housing member. The top lid is proportioned to provide an access space along the side walls and end walls. The access space along side walls is less than the access space along said end walls. An activated trap plate is received on the shoulder, the activated trap plate including a plurality of curved sections adjacent to each of said walls and end walls and a curved section located between the side sections. The curved sections include curved surfaces extending towards the open base. The base includes a sticky pad to retain any insects which travel or fall into said open base.

Abstract: The present invention provides an agricultural covering material comprising a fluororesin film which intercepts the transmission of the ultraviolet rays having a wavelength range of at least 300-330 nm, by at least 40% and which transmits at least 70% of the visible rays having a wavelength range of 400-800 nm.The covering material can be used outdoors in a spread state over a long period of time and is useful as a covering material for greenhouse to replace glass, for cultivation of various useful crops.

Abstract: The invention includes a block for use in landscaping and other applications. The block may have a lip on one or both sides that may function as a mowing strip. The block may have grooves on the bottom for receiving an anchoring strip or defining a conduit. Also, one or both ends of the block may be angled to create a straight, curved, or curvilinear border.

Abstract: An artificial seed has a powder structure or powder padded layer as a sealing material for anti-contamination purpose. This powder layer, 2-30 mm preferably 5-20 mm in thickness, consists of numerous fine sandy hydrophobic particles. The openings among the particles are small and winding enough to block micro-organisms from penetrating this dry and nutrientless layer into the seed, but not enough to block the needed oxygen. The hydrophobic nature of the particles is also effective to block water permeation and microbes therein, but not effective to block the tissue to grow out of the seed. The powder layer can cover any exposed part of the artificial seed. For the artificial seeds with a water-proof tough shell, the powder layer covers only the mouth or mouths of the shell. But for those with a water-soluble capsule, or water-soluble film, it covers all over the contents of the seeds. In both cases, the powder layer is again covered with the water-soluble film to kept the powder particles in position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing potato tubers comprising grafting a potato plant as a scion on a solanaceous plant as a stock and culturing the resultant graft plant by hydroponics to thereby form tubers on the aerial part of the graft plant. By the method of the invention, decrease in the ratio of disease infection in tubers as well as reduction of working hours and work intensity are intended.

Abstract: A small (e.g. in home) hydroponic installation is controlled by a computer. The computer controls the on/off status of the outputs such as the lights, fan, water pump etc. Corresponding sensors feed data and readings into the computer. The basis operation is carried out by stepping through the outputs and the corresponding sensors. An LCD displays the parameters one at a time, in sequence. A keyboard is provided for entering settings.

Abstract: A pneumatic device 10 comprises a piston 12 moveable along a cylinder 10. The piston has opposite ends 18, 26 defining a space 30 therebetween. The space is divided into two chambers 30a, 30b by a housing 40 fixed relative to the cylinder and having a fluid flow control passageway 42 therethrough. The space 30 is filled with fluid, such as oil. The piston 12 is arranged such that movement thereof against a spring 16 causes the fluid to be displaced from one chamber 30a of the space 30 to the other chamber 30b through the passageway 42. The spring 16 is arranged to apply a return force to the piston 12 and the rate of return of the piston 12 is controlled by the return flow of fluid through the passageway 42. A pneumatic system 100 includes a device 10 connected between first and second members 58, 58a of a building, such as a door and door frame.

Abstract: A swing gate providing free access when the electrical power that drives a hydraulic system to open and close the gate is off is described. The hydraulic system comprises a reversible electrical motor to drive a hydraulic pump which in turn provides hydraulic fluid under pressure to a double acting hydraulic actuator. An electrical actuated solenoid valve is located in a bypass line of the hydraulic system and the solenoid valve is designed to open when the electrical power is off which allows the hydraulic fluid to drain from one side of the actuator into a reservoir. Since one side of the double acting actuator contains no fluid under pressure, the swing gate can be opened by hand.

Abstract: A lower sash installed inside a door panel of, for instance, the door of an automobile so as to guide and hold window glass that is accommodated inside the door panel, the lower sash having a structure in which the sash has a channel shape in cross section comprising an outer-panel-side outer wing and an inner-panel-side inner wing formed as an integral part on either side of a frame plate, truss-form openings are formed in the frame plate, glass guides, which are elastic projections and respectively face the outer wing and inner wing, are arranged in an alternating manner so as to positionally correspond to the truss-form openings, and the wall thickness of the outer wing or inner wing is made thicker at a lower panel attachment end than the upper door sash end; and these elements are molded into an integral plastic unit.