Abstract: A reciprocating tool (e.g., a reciprocating saw) comprising a housing, a spindle mounted for reciprocating movement within the housing and having an end adapted to receive a saw blade, and a blade clamp mechanism connected to the spindle and adapted to attach a saw blade to the spindle. The blade clamp mechanism includes an actuating member mounted on the end of the spindle and capable of moving relative to the spindle between an engaged position and a disengaged position, and a locking member operatively associated with the actuating member and moveable relative to the spindle between a locked position that locks a saw blade to the spindle and an unlocked position that releases the saw blade.

Abstract: Wheel alignment errors are substantially eliminated by making a first set of wheel alignment measurements while a vehicle is disposed at a first position with substantially all lateral forces applied thereto being relieved while the vehicle remains supported by its wheels, and making a second set of wheel alignment measurements while the vehicle is disposed at a second position with substantially all lateral forces applied thereto being relieved while the vehicle remains supported by its wheels.

Abstract: A leveling rod is provided for determining whether a point in question is higher or lower than a bench mark elevation and measuring how high or how low the point is relative to the benchmark elevation. The leveling rod includes a top unit and a bottom unit. Each unit contains a pair of elongated telescoping tubes and a clamp to secure the tubes at any degree of extension. The inside tubes of each unit are detachably coupled to form a rod such that when held upright the outside tube of the top unit extends up and the outside tube of the bottom unit extends down. The outside bottom tube has a base end for engaging the surface to be surveyed. The outside tube of the top unit has a window with a reference mark centered vertically thereon. This window allows the surveyor to view a scale which is carried by the inside tube of the top unit.

Abstract: A spirit level including a body having a level face for setting a surface, and a plurality of bubble vials each mounted in a bubble vial housing, the bubble vial housings being mounted in the body, each the bubble vial having a longitudinal axis, called a vial axis, and each the bubble vial housing having a longitudinal axis, called a housing axis, wherein an angular orientation of the vial axis of one the bubble vials with respect to the level face is different than an angular orientation of the vial axis of another the bubble vial with respect to the level face, the difference in angular orientation being in the range of 0°-30°. Other possible ranges include 0°-20°, 0°-10°, 0°-5°, 0°-3°, 0°-2°, or 0°-1°, for example.

Abstract: A first mounting plate (4) is formed with a ring-shaped projection (6) on its undersurface, facing a through hole (5) in the center. An outer peripheral wall (61) of the projection (6) is finished into the shape of a perfect circle. In mounting a motor (2) on the first mounting plate (4), the position of a motor shaft (3) is adjusted on the basis of the outer peripheral wall (61) of this perfect circle. On the other hand, the upper part of the inner peripheral wall of a second mounting plate 10, which faces a through hole 5 in the center, is formed into an expanded portion (71), and the inner peripheral wall of the expanded portion (71) is finished into the shape of a perfect circle. In attaching a housing (9) of a machine tool to the second mounting plate (10), the position of a main spindle (1) is adjusted on the basis of the inner peripheral wall of this perfect circle.

Abstract: A multi-purpose measuring tool has an elongate base and arm pivotally connected at rounded ends thereof in an angularly variable relation to perform multiple functions, including measuring inclines, measuring corner angles, measuring distances, use as a square, use as a bevel gauge and use as a torpedo level. A retractable measuring tape housed within the arm has a terminal finger gripping end adapted to be pulled away from the arm and removably attached to a distal end of the base. The measuring tape is dual purpose in that one side of the tape is used for determining the angle of the arm relative to the base to perform some of the above functions, and the other side of the tape is used for traditional linear distance measurements. The tool's base includes a “vertical” bubble level and the arm includes a “horizontal” bubble level to perform some of the above functions.

Abstract: A template for permitting accurate and level marking of the shape of a wall opening for placement therein of utility boxes. The template comprises a base having a periphery shaped to match the shape of the periphery of a utility box to be fitted into the wall opening the base including opposed first and second surfaces. The first surface is adapted for being engaged with the wall to be marked. At least one spirit level cooperates with the base for permitting a user to level the template before marking the shape of the wall opening on the wall prior to forming the opening.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a contour gauge for use in the fabrication of saddle joints in pipe connections to record and reproduce the projected line of continuous contact between the end of a first pipe intersecting the side of a transversely disposed second pipe so that the same can be accurately cut, and then joined/welded together in end-to-side relationship. The contour gauge comprises a cylindrical frame having a centrally disposed bore that defines a radially inner surface for positioning the frame over a pipe of predetermined size. In addition, the frame has a radially disposed outer surface that comprises a plurality of parallel guide channels that are disposed side-by-side to extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame. In the present invention, the guide channels are shaped in the form of grooves.

Abstract: An airfoil blade measuring apparatus includes an airfoil blade engagement system and a measuring system. The airfoil blade engagement system rotates the mounted airfoil blade to a position to be measured, and elevates the airfoil blade to permit the entire airfoil blade to be easily measured. The measuring system includes a blade engagement tool which positions the airfoil blade, a limit switch, two alignment slides, and a measuring slide including a plurality of laser displacement sensors, which are positioned via a computer controlled motor.

Abstract: A surface-following type measuring machine is provided, which is capable of setting the measuring force to a proper value in an efficient and accurate manner without imposing a burden on the operator in exchanging at least one of the stylus and stylus holder according to the surface contour of an object to be measured. A main body is disposed for movement relative to an object to be measured. A measuring arm is supported by the main body for displacement relative thereto, and carries at one end thereof a stylus holder and a stylus in a manner permitting replacement of the stylus holder and the stylus. Displacement of the measuring arm is detected by a displacement detecting device. The measuring force acting upon the measuring arm is adjusted by a measuring force adjusting device. A memory stores a measuring force command value table having a plurality of command values of the measuring force corresponding respectively to combinations of plural kinds of the stylus holder and plural kinds of the stylus.

Abstract: A squaring system for aligning structural elements. The system comprises a first alignment member, a second alignment member, and a plurality of alignment openings arranged in rows in each of the first and second alignment members, the openings of the first row being spaced from each other a predetermined distance X and the openings of the second row being spaced from each other a predetermined distance Y, with the distance X being different from distance Y. Arranged in this manner, a lock member that is sized and configured to extend into the alignment openings can be inserted into selected openings of each row to fix the relative positions of the first and second alignment members.

Abstract: A measuring device includes a housing, a distance measuring apparatus carried on the housing, one or more housing orientation indicators, and a focused light beam source. Using the housing orientation indicators, the housing can be properly oriented so that a focused light beam emitted by the focused light beam source will illuminate a point on a remote surface to accurately transfer the position of the housing to the remote surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for cooling semiconductor substrates prior to handling. In one embodiment, a substrate and support structure combination is lifted after high temperature processing to a cold wall of a thermal processing chamber, which acts as a heat sink. Conductive heat transfer across a small gap from the substrate to the heat sink speeds wafer cooling prior to handling the wafer (e.g., with a robot). In another embodiment, a separate plate is kept cool within a pocket during processing, and is moved close to the substrate and support after processing. In yet another embodiment, a cooling station between a processing chamber and a storage cassette includes two movable cold plates, which are movable to positions closely spaced on either side of the wafer.

Abstract: Wafer rack consisting of a carrier frame provided with accommodations for at least two wafers. To provide uniform distribution of gas over said wafers a gas distribution device is fitted at least above each wafer, which gas distribution device is connected to the gas supply for the reactor in which the wafer rack is placed. Connection to such a gas supply can be via coupling of the wafer rack to a part of said reactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning a belt dryer (10) with at least one belt (18) running through a drying space (17) for receiving the products to be dried, and a cleaning nozzle emitting a cleaning agent into the drying space (17) of the belt dryer (10) the apparatus includes at least one nozzle (31, 32, 33; 61) arranged for traveling in the longitudinal direction (22) and/or transverse direction (29) of the belt (18). The invention relates furthermore to a belt dryer, in the drying space (17) of which at least one traveling slide (30, 44) and/or at least one extensible arm (60) is arranged, applied to the slide or arm is at least one nozzle (31, 32, 33; 61).

Abstract: This invention is a new, energy efficient, environmentally clean grain drying system which consists of two main parts: a hot drying air generator and a modular, portable drying bin. One novel aspect of the air generator is the introduction of a heat pipe design which enhances the efficiency of a dehumidifier heat pump, making its use economically feasible, especially for humid climates. Another novel aspect is the use of advanced burners incorporating antipollution devices. The hot air generator can operate on many sources of energy such as electricity; gasoline; diesel; biomass such as wood, charcoal, or rice husks; or even solar energy. The modular bin is made of several modules which can be disassembled, transported, and reassembled with great ease. The bin design also creates a very low air pressure drop, allowing substantial savings on blower energy. The complete system will offer great benefits for developing countries that are producers of rice, especially for those with humid climates.

Abstract: A method for making throughdried tissue products includes a throughdryer which functions without a throughdrying fabric. The tissue web is formed in a conventional manner and dewatered to a high consistency prior to being transferred to the surface of the throughdryer. The inside of the throughdryer is operated with a vacuum while a hot air hood serves to blow hot air through the web into the dryer. In one embodiment, the surface of the throughdrying drum is provided with circumferential ridges to impart bulk and cross-machine directional stretch to the resulting tissue. A doctor blade having ridges which intermesh with the circumferential ridges on the throughdryer surface can be used to skim the dried sheet from the dryer surface.

Abstract: A rotary dryer for copper concentrate including a tube-shaped heat distributor fixed to the structural drum, with tubular holes in the annular cross section where hot nitrogen is forced to flow. The concentrate is heated up by means of a numerous set of heat transfer bars, which are fixed in the internal periphery of the heat distributor and point into the radial direction. As a consequence of the rotation of the drum, the heat transfer bars also promote the mixing and the transport of the concentrate in the downstream direction.

Abstract: A shoe sole (A) comprising a fixed insole (B) provided with a series of holes, wherein there is provided a plurality of resilient hollow air chambers extending through the whole thickness of the sole, said chambers having an upper portion with hemispheric shape and circular plan which supports the fixed insole, and a lower portion forming the tread. The shape of such air chambers or spacers is similar to that of an igloo with a central hole (1, 1′) at the top. In order to perform a shock-resistant action there are provided conical protrusions (6) projecting from the base of each igloo towards the respective upper hole (1) so that when the walls (2, 5) are deflected by the user's weight, each protrusion (6) will occlude the corresponding hole (1) before all of the air contained in the igloo escapes.

Abstract: A shoe or foot covering with slip-resistant properties is disclosed. In particulars the foot covering includes slip-resistant portions made from a polymeric material that are preferably applied to the bottom surface of the foot covering. The polymeric material contains a metallocene catalyzed branch copolymer which has rubber-like properties.

Abstract: A shoe pad assembly has a first layer, a second layer, a third layer, and an elastic base layer. The first layer is an air permeable fabric. The second layer has a gauze dipping in a solution containing activated carbon, alum, resin and ceramic powders producing far-infrared to form two web-shaped films on the gauze to become an air permeable layer. The third layer is a water absorbing polyethylene terephthalate non-woven fabric layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a snowboard boot including a sole adapted to be attached to the board, a relatively flexible upper, mainly forming the outer portion of the boot and connected to the sole, a rigid shell at least partially covering the sole and extending upwardly at the rear of the boot, at the level of the heel, and a rigid back portion journalled on the shell and extending it upwardly. The rigid back portion is journalled on the internal side of the boot, along a journal axis forming an angle of inclination between 20 and 45° with respect to the median longitudinal plane of the boot. Such an improved boot maintains its qualities of comfort while ensuring the transmission of the forces that are essential for a good control and mastery of the board in the sports involved.

Abstract: A footwear cleat of flexible plastic includes a central hub portion and a series of resilient protrusions cantilevered from and extending radially outward and downwardly beyond the central hub portion. The protrusions are capable of horizontally engaging turf under the footwear for providing secure footing.

Abstract: Hitch mount for hydraulically driven snow blades or other accessories that includes a receiver plate for mounting to the vehicle chassis and a one piece plow assembly and lift frame readily removably coupled to the receiver plate, the plow assembly preferably including a blade trip frame and a snow blade removably coupled to the trip frame. A optional power operated jack can be used to raise or lower the lift frame relative to the vehicle chassis.

Abstract: A construction machine (10) with a laser measuring instrument which includes a construction machine body, a working apparatus, and a manually operable member for driving a cylinder apparatus of the working apparatus to operate a plurality of arm members and an end working member is constructed such that it comprises an array type laser receiver (114) mounted on the arm member positioned on the free end side for receiving a laser beam parallel to an aimed floor face irradiated from a laser apparatus (120) disposed at a position spaced away from the construction machine (10): posture detection structure (3-1 to 3-3, 4) for detecting a posture of the construction machine, and control structure (2) for controlling the working apparatus based on a result of detection by the posture detection structure (3-1 to 3-3, 4) so that the array type laser receiver (114) may receive the laser beam from the laser apparatus (120) at a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A ditch cleaning apparatus is formed by a prime mover driving a chassis having endless metal belts for moving along the bottom of a vertical wall ditch and supporting an upright frame having a rearwardly and upwardly inclined elevator depositing debris on a first horizontal conveyor discharging debris laterally of a ditch position. A second horizontal conveyor, supported by the frame above the chassis, receives loose soil from the elevating conveyor for deposit on the ditch bottom rearwardly of the chassis. Sweep wings extend forwardly in diverging relation from the depending forward end of the elevating conveyor to guide debris toward the entrance end of the elevating conveyor. An operator position in the frame, above the upper limit of a ditch to be cleaned, is provided with controls for moving the machine and its several operating components in a ditch cleaning action.

Abstract: A rigging system for dragline buckets includes a unitary adaptor having a hoist equalizer aperture at an upper end thereof and bucket hoist chain connectors extending from opposite sides adjacent a lower end of the adaptor. A connector for a dump block extends forwardly of the adaptor. The hoist equalizer aperture is circular and has transversely rounded bearing surfaces which engage with a cross sectionally rounded support surface of a hoist equalizer to permit relative angular movement between the adaptor and the equalizer. The contact surfaces of the adpator and equalizer are hard faced to reduce wear.

Abstract: A snow blocker attachment for a device used to move snow including a snow blocker having a wall member with a hole through central portion and near a bottom edge thereof, a frame to strengthen the wall, and at least one brace member formed about the hole. The snow blocker is pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis and upon a hub member which is securely attached to a bracket member which is securely attached to the snow moving device. A stop member is also securely attached to the bracket member and is used to limit the rotation of the snow blocker. In a second embodiment, the snow blocker attachment includes three plate-like members, two of which are securely attached along one side of the snow moving device and the other of which is attached across the top of the snow moving device. Instead of snow spilling over both sides of the snow moving device, the snow blocker attachment limits the snow spilling to just one side.

Abstract: A rock picker and material loader attachment is pivotally mounted to a loader scoop or bucket and extends longitudinally forward therefrom. A plurality of teeth form the leading surface of the attachment during digging and loading operations. Parallel, relatively planar plates form the structural support for the plurality of teeth, will simultaneously acting as a debris catcher and allowing an operator to view the teeth while engaging material through the debris catcher. An adjustable support is used in combination with a small, easy-to-use wedge, to control and adjust the characteristics of rotation of the attachment relative to a scoop or bucket. A two speed hydraulic cylinder may also be used as the primary mover to effect the rotation of the attachment. The attachment is useful for rocks, manure, trash, bales and other materials.

Abstract: An assembly mountable on a maneuverable handle of a machine for performing various earth working and material handling functions generally consisting of a first implement pivotally mountable on the handle; a second implement pivotally mountable on the handle, cooperable with the first implement when the implements are mounted on the handle and angularly displaceable between extended, operable positions and a retracted, storage position; a bracket mountable on the handle, an extendable assembly operatively interconnecting the bracket and the second element; and devices disposed on the bracket engageable with the second implement for releaseably retaining the second implement in the storage position.

Abstract: A generally C-shaped wear member, representatively an excavating tooth adapter, is mounted on a front edge portion of an excavating bucket lip with top and bottom leg portions of the adapter respectively extending along top and bottom sides of the lip and interlocked with top and bottom ends of a base structure removably received in an opening in the lip. The top and bottom legs of the adapter are respectively and removably secured to the top and bottom ends of the base structure with top and bottom fastening structures. The bottom fastening structure has a disconnection portion which is conveniently accessible from a front bottom location on the adapter, and is useable to disconnect the bottom leg of the adapter from the base without having to reach under the lip to the rear end of the bottom adapter leg to effect such disconnection.

Abstract: To prevent water particles or mist carried by steam exiting from the steam vents of a steam iron, the steam generated in its steam chamber follows tortuous paths from both a vaporization section and a blast path to the steam vents. A baffle having a concave front face spans across the rear of the vaporization section and the open rear ends of the blast path face the concave baffle face. The lid of the steam chamber is sealed by pressure to the baffle and to a pair of ribs that define the sides of the blast path. The outer rib is higher than the inner rib so that, if the seal between the lid fails, the failure will likely occur between the inner rib and the lid so that any water escaping from the blast path will likely enter the vaporization chamber and not exit through a steam vent.

Abstract: A textile or other material holding frame portion having a pair of side members and two or more lateral members extending between the sides to define a generally rectangular configuration. One embodiment uses stationary frame members with retainers for material retention and/or tensioning, and another embodiment uses rotating frame members to provide the desired tensioning. Both embodiments may include pressure joints and/or slip joints, be self-supporting, table supported or utilize a base support.

Abstract: A hanger includes a suspension hook adapted to engage a hook support and having an upper portion including at least a partial recess; and an indicator having front, rear, side, top and bottom portions, the front portion including a surface for displacing indicia, the partial recess being adapted to releasably receive at least a portion of the side or bottom portions of the indicator such that the indicator is releasably coupled to the suspension hook.

Abstract: A motorized display using piezoelectricity to impart motion to a jewelry item or other items is disclosed. A quartz movement, otherwise used for rotating hands of a clock, is preferably used to rotate the display. In a preferred embodiment, a housing which has a drive aperture encloses the piezoelectric motor and a battery. A drive shaft, which rotates when the motor is powered, passes through the drive aperture of the housing. A holder for removably but securely holding a jewelry item or other items is positioned on the end of the drive shaft exterior to the housing and may be removable from the drive shaft. The holder may be a ring holder, a watch holder, a broach holder, etc., or may even be an entire jewelry box. The rotation of the drive shaft may be either stepped or continuous and a kit may be provided to the user which includes both types of motors.

Abstract: A display element includes a disk which rotates preferably through 160°-180° to display a bright or a dark side in a viewing direction in ON and OFF positions respectively. A constantly on LED is arranged to illuminate the disk in ON position for viewing in a first arc including the viewing direction. The disk masks the LED to viewers in the OFF position of the disk. In addition to light from the illuminated disks, the components may be arranged so that viewers over a second arc may view the LED directly when the disk is in ON position. The elements may be arranged in arrays to form a changeable sign. Thus the array may be made up of single elements, of columns of such elements or of a combination of elements and columns.

Abstract: “Painted, flexible, temporary decorative surface, intended in particular to be exposed in a stretched state, out of doors, such as decorations outside buildings and signs” Surface comprising a substrate of a nonwoven material a decoration produced on the substrate by automatic projection of ink.

Abstract: A signage display attachment system is disclosed for mounting a sign to a substrate. The signage display attachment system comprises an insertion bead, the insertion bead having two elongated legs extending from a base. The two elongated legs define a narrow, elongated un-shaped channel therebetween whereby the edge of a sign is captured within the channel. The insertion bead further has an upper prong and a lower prong extending laterally from the base perpendicular to the legs, the upper prong and the lower prong having a slot therebetween. A mounting channel has a plurality of recesses on one side thereof with the upper prong and the lower prong being sized to be receivable in combination within one of the plurality of recesses. The system releasably retains the upper prong and the lower prong, in combination, within each of the plurality of recesses. An L-shaped mounting channel having a retainer leg and a base is also provided.

Abstract: A card assembly for use with a computer display device. The card assembly includes at least one card and a card holder for holding the card. In addition, the card assembly also includes a mounting unit that is connected to the card holder. This mounting unit rigidly and detachably affixes the card holder to the computer display device.

Abstract: An ornament with a pivoting display assembly is provided. The ornament includes a flexible frame assembly that allows insertion of the display assembly into the frame assembly, within which the display assembly is pivotable.

Abstract: A picture frame is constructed of a base member and a backing member with the backing member in some embodiments having the same configuration as the base member. The backing member, typically, is deflectable. The base member includes a border section which encloses a planar center section. Relative to the backing member, the border section is concave. The base member and backing member can be hinged. Mounted in conjunction with the border section of the base member are series of locking tabs with these tabs to be movable to fixedly retain the backing member in conjunction with the base member. A sheet material attachment is connectable with at least one pair of slits formed within the backing member able to assume an angular relationship relative to the backing member resembling an easel shape to support the picture frame in an upright manner when the attachment and a portion of the border section of the picture frame rest on a supporting surface.

Abstract: A bolt for a firearm has a front and rear portion with increased diameter front and rear bosses, thereby allowing for reduced clearance between the bolt and bolt runway. The front boss has major and minor diameter portions, with the major diameter portions being located directly behind the locking lugs, and the minor diameter portions being equal in diameter to the rest of the bolt body. The rear boss is located directly in front of the handle, and has a uniform diameter equal to the major diameter of the front boss.

Abstract: A convertible sidearm is provided which can convert easily between a firearm and a knife. The convertible sidearm includes a tubular body frame. A back plate member assembly is removably affixed to the tubular body at one end. The back plate assembly includes a plate member and a substantially tubular support member emanating outwardly from a planar surface of the plate member. A standard bolt or bolt carrier assembly from a primary firearm, having a bolt and a firing pin connected thereto, is inserted into the tubular support member of the back plate member assembly. A spring-loaded striker is positioned proximal to a firing pin within the bolt carrier assembly. A trigger communicates with the spring-loaded striker to release the striker toward the firing pin to fire the weapon.

Abstract: A firearm safeguard device, comprises first (22) and second (10) trigger-guard, blocking members. The second member (10) is provided with a fixed, non-rotating ratchet spindle (20). The first member (22) includes a ratchet rider member (42), mounted by means of a coil compression spring (52), allowing both reciprocating and deflecting movements. Locking of the device is achieved by a push-in lock (60) arresting the member (42).

Abstract: A dual scent dispensing apparatus and method employing separate individually metered reservoirs for holding rutting buck scent and estrus doe scent is disclosed. The scents are dispensed dripwise from each reservoir, at a rate that may be set individually for each of the scents. The rate may be controlled by separate timers which activate separate solenoids, or may be achieved by pinching the drip tubes through which the scent is dispensed by means of a control button on the front of the apparatus enclosure.

Abstract: A fishing pole mounting assembly is provided including an article to be worn and a mounting housing secured on the article to be worn. Also included is a position selector situated on the mounting housing and adapted to receive a handle of a fishing rod and selectively angle the same about a selected angle with respect to the horizontal.

Abstract: A fishing lure which includes a crankbait body has a cavity in the lower surface of the body. An elongated insert (which may be a chemiluminescent tube or a colored tube) is positioned in the cavity so that the element is exposed below and on both sides of the crankbait body. The chemiluminescent element is releaseably held in place by a bias spring, a loop located near the forward end of the cavity, or by flexing the element so that it is captured by recesses at the front and rear ends of the cavity.

Abstract: A fishing tackle tote (10) that has beveled slots (40) situated at various locations around the device. The beveled slot takes advantage of the shape of the hook inserted therein to cause the forces of friction to act on the inserted hook. Hooks of almost any size remain substantially in place during transport but are easily removable when it is desired to remove them and reduce the chance of injury because the hooked end is slightly recessed and is therefore shielded.

Abstract: A trap for attracting and killing insects utilizing carbon dioxide as the attractant. The carbon dioxide is either generated, or dispersed directly into, a trapping media. This supply of carbon dioxide bubbles through the trapping media to the surface where it diffuses into the atmosphere. Subsequently, the insects are attracted directly to the trapping media, the site of the attractant's emission, where the insect subsequently lands. The trapping media then effectuates the demise of the insect by drowning the insect or by permanently affixing the insect to the trapping media.

Abstract: A spraying apparatus for spraying agricultural chemicals over shrubbery and small size arborous trees and plants in early stages of their growth positioned in arrays with empty areas therebetween, the spraying apparatus has a storage for an agricultural chemicals to be sprayed, a spraying assembly having the shape of an upside down U and provided with a plurality of spraying nozzles, a detector for detecting the presence of a plant, and an activator for activating the spraying nozzles, after the detector detects a plant to spray the plants inside the spraying assembly.