Abstract: A folding knife having improved releasable locks for holding the knife blade in an open position for use and for holding the blade in a closed position with the cutting edge housed in the knife handle. Two inner handle plates form a slot for receiving the knife edge in the closed position. One inner plate includes a first tab that is biased into the slot and is shaped to engage a flat end on the blade to prevent closing the blade until the first tab is manually pushed away from the blade end. The other inner plate includes a second tab that is biased into the slot opposite the first tab and has a small hard ball secured to the tab located so as to enter a corresponding hole in the blade when the blade is fully closed. The blade can be opened by manually rotating the blade with sufficient force to overcome the tab biasing force.

Abstract: Improved razors and razor blades and processes for producing razor blades or similar cutting tools with sharp and durable cutting edges, by hard-carbon coating of blades with amorphous diamond, preferably using a filtered cathodic arc plasma source. A coating of amorphous diamond having at least 40 percent sp3 carbon bonding, a hardness of at least 45 gigapascals and a modulus of at least 400 gigapascals is applied to the sharpened edge of a substrate. The substrate may be mechanically honed, and there is no interlayer between the substrate and the amorphous diamond coating. The coating imparts stiffness and rigidity to a thin blade while maintaining a high aspect ratio.

Abstract: A drywall marking and scoring guide tool having a generally T shape that includes a U-shaped top channel to slidably engage the edge of a drywall sheet, the top channel having a perpendicular stem extending from the channel and incorporating a plurality of guide apertures incrementally spaced along the stem's length. The guide apertures to receive a marking or scoring device so as the guide is drawn down the length of a drywall sheet the surface of the sheet is scored or marked.

Abstract: The invention relates to the determination of the complete two-dimensional axial cross section of internal and external screw threads and similar workpieces, wherein in a plane through the centerline of the workpiece, two screw thread profiles which are located diametrically opposite each other are measured through two two-dimensional scan measurements in this plane or through arithmetic construction based on two profile depth measurements with a measuring ball or measuring wire, further on the basis of the assumption that the screw thread profiles in question further have a known dimension and geometry, whereafter these two opposite profiles are linked to each other by performing one or more linked measurements such as, for instance, the outside diameter in the case of external screw thread and the core diameter in the case of internal screw thread.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a pendulum in a downhole drift indicator comprises a plunger and a pendulum defining respective normally spaced apart first and second surfaces, and a pivot connection between the plunger and pendulum including a connecting pivot member. On the pivot connection being subject to a predetermined load the first and second surfaces engage to limit the load experienced by the pivot member. Also disclosed is a drift Indicator biassing arrangement, the arrangement including a housing partially defining a volume for containing a fluid reservoir, a signalling plunger and floating piston defining respective wall portions of the volume and being moveable relative to the housing. A spring acts on the piston to compress the fluid in the volume and move the signalling plunger relative to the housing.

Abstract: A chalk box for producing a chalk line without leakage of chalk dust from within. The chalk box has a chalk-filled chamber that houses a spool and a flexible chalk line. The chalk line extends outwardly around a guidepost and through a fibrous tube. The fibrous tube snugly hugs the flexible line, preventing chalk dust from leaking through the tube. The chalk dust impregnating the flexible line provides lubrication for its passage through the fibrous tube. The present invention also includes a built-in pencil sharpener isolated from the chalk dust, for the convenience of the user.

Abstract: A length measuring device is used for measuring a length of from a virtual intersection of the extension lines of two surfaces extending along the respective sides A1, A2 to ends of the respective sides of a bent member. The length measuring device is comprised of a rotary body 20 rotating about the virtual intersection as a center O and a scale body 30 having graduations (divisions). The rotary body 20 has a contacting side 20c with which one side of the bent member A is brought into contact, while the scale body 30 has a contacting side 30c with which the other side of the bent member A is brought into contact. The two contacting sides 20c, 30c are arranged on straight lines drawn through the virtual intersection.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the thickness of a plurality of side-by-side running slivers includes a supporting surface guiding the side-by-side running slivers thereon in a single plane; a holding member; and a plurality of sensor elements movably secured to the holding member to be movable in a direction transverse to the plane. Each sliver is contacted by a separate sensor element for causing excursions thereof by thickness fluctuations of the running sliver. Each sensor element is yieldingly pressed against a respective sliver, and each sensor element cooperates with the supporting surface for pressing the running slivers against the supporting surface. An adding device adds the excursions of the sensor elements, and a transducer converts the excursion values into electric pulses.

Abstract: A non-contact measuring device for determining the dimensions of a cylindrical object, such as a pipe. The device may use a programmable industrial robot with an arm terminating in a rotary joint, or wrist. A non-contact measurement assembly, which preferably includes a triangulation laser, mounted to the robot's wrist. The wrist includes a binary wrist encoder for providing the angular position of the wrist to an attached computer. Likewise, the laser provides a signal representative of the distance from the laser to the surface of the pipe to the computer. The robot positions the measurement assembly in a predetermined location within the pipe and rotates the measurement assembly. The computer correlates the measurements from the lasers with the angular position at which they were taken, and it analyzes this data to determine the dimensions of the pipe, including the true profile of the surface and cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: A dipstick guide assembly for guiding a free end of a dipstick into a dipstick tube. The dipstick guide assembly comprises a clamp secured to an upper portion of the dipstick tube, a guide member and an adjustment mechanism for fixing the position of the guide member. The guide member has a portion removed therefrom so as to enable to aid in removing the dipstick from the guide member. The adjustment mechanism fixes the guide member in a position such that the distal end of a guided dipstick is introduced into the mouth of a dipstick tube.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation valve sensor has a housing with a cavity. A shaft is located in the cavity and extends out of the cavity into contact with a portion of the EGR valve. A sensor mechanism is located in the cavity and generates an electrical signal proportional to the amount of force applied. A spring mechanism is located between the shaft and the sensor mechanism to translate movement of the shaft into a variable force on the sensor mechanism. The variable force on the sensor mechanism causes the electrical signal to change. The sensor mechanism includes a substrate and a strain gage resistor that is mounted on the substrate. The spring mechanism includes a sleeve attached to the shaft and a coil spring.

Abstract: A dryer for drying continuous strips of paper uses blowing and suction airflows. The temperature of the suction airflow is higher than the temperature of the blowing airflow. The dryer exchanges energy between the blowing and suction airflows.

Abstract: An environmental protection compliant, higher productivity footwear vacuum dryer and conveyance apparatus having a conveyor belt on which is disposed a plurality of footwear placement rod support and footwear placement tray units that convey the footwear sole and upper covering. The conveyor belt moves past one or more heating boxes and vacuum activation boxes and is accessible at intervals between the adjoining heating box and vacuum activation box. Inside the vacuum activation boxes, moisture content is evacuated and footwear of different materials are warmed by radiated heat, preventing damage to the footwear, while also activating the adhesive applied on the footwear to facilitate adhesion between the sole and upper covering of the footwear.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drying method for removing a residual solution from a semiconductor wafer. The semiconductor wafer is placed into a chamber, and then the air pressure of the chamber is lowered from atmospheric pressure to a lower pressure. Next, an inert gas with a predetermined pressure is injected into the chamber to exchange with the dissolved oxygen in the residual solution. The pressure in the chamber is reduced to 0.5˜100 torr so as to lower the boiling point of the solution and to remove the displaced oxygen. Finally, a heating process is performed to completely evaporate the residual solution on the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for control of moisture content of material such as thermoplastic pellets (80) in a hopper (30) is controlled by supplying dehumidified air from a dessicant bed (90) to the hopper (30) and returning air from the hopper (30) to the dessicant bed (90). A dew point sensor (10) in the return air path determines the moisture content of the material (80) in the hopper (30), and when the dew point drops to a pre-set level, a diverter (134) causes the return air flow to bypass the dessicant bed (90) and to be re-supplied to the hopper (30) without dehumidification. Two dessicant beds are provided, one of which is on-process while the dessicant in the other is regenerated.

Abstract: A method and flotation dryer unit effects drying of a web such as a coated paper web. The flotation dryer unit advantageously includes several nozzle boxes extending across the web for feeding drying air toward the web to be dried, a distribution chamber for drying air for leading the dry air into the nozzle boxes, and a suction chamber for gathering the drying air led toward the web from the web area and for directing it to the side of the web. The suction chamber is divided into an equalizing space and an air transport chamber by a perforated plate for equalizing the return air flow occurring from the web area.

Abstract: A midsole assembly for an athletic shoe comprises an upper midsole 3a and a lower midsole 3b formed of soft elastic material, and a corrugated sheet 4 having a heel portion 4a formed with a corrugation. The corrugated sheet 4 is interposed between the upper and lower midsoles 3a, 3b. Upwardly and downwardly extending walls 6, 7 and 8 are formed at the medial and lateral sides of the corrugated sheet 4. Thereby, transverse or lateral deformation of the heel portion of the midsole 3 can be securely prevented and running stability can be further improved.

Abstract: A continuation in part of U.S. Pat. No. 6,018,890 the fastener device portion of the patent. Another version of the fastening device comprises an actuating lever rotatably secured to one flap of a shoe and where hinged onto actuating lever is a tie element extending substantially in alignment therewith, and comprising a substantially planar undersurface with a series of hook element projecting therefrom where any of the hook elements are engageable with a catch element secured to the opposing flap of shoe. Another version of the device has a tie element comprising a substantially planar and rectangular component defining a series of rung like members where each rung like member is engageable to said catch element. Like the first embodiment described in U.S. Pat. No.

Abstract: A sport boot sole having at least one arrangement for connecting the boot to a sport article along an axis substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the boot, this connecting arrangement having an anchoring device in the sole, wherein the anchoring device is arranged along a plane essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sole and is independent. Advantageously, each connecting arrangement is constituted by a substantially U-shaped buckle having a transverse arm defining the articulation axle and two lateral arms, and each lateral arm is anchored along a substantially vertical direction inside the sole.

Abstract: An outsole for a golf shoe includes a sole member having a plurality of pyramid-shaped protrusions and a plurality of spikes extend outwardly from the outer surface of the sole member to improve traction with the ground surface. The outsole also includes a plurality of longitudinally extending wear bars. Each of the wear bars extends outwardly from the outer surface of the sole member to a pair of ground engagement surfaces which are separated by a notch. The positions of the spikes and wear bars and the orientation of the wear bars are in part determined by bio-mechanical factors determined by the path of the center of pressure and the forces generated during the golfer's swing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to footwear having a concealed storage cavity for storing personal items, including but not limited to, keys, money, and medication, for increased personal safety and increased convenience.

Abstract: An ejector mechanism (20) adapted for use on a dredging apparatus (10) to remove silt from under the surface of a body of water and associated method, the dredging apparatus being operative in a forward and reverse direction and including first (32) and second (34) excavating wheel assemblies each having a plurality of silt retaining chambers (40) associated respectively therewith, the ejector mechanism urging the silt material from the respective chambers as the wheel assemblies rotate during a dredging operation and including a crankshaft member (56) rotatably mounted to the wheel frame assembly (24, 62, 64) and having first (58) and second (60) eccentric arm portions associated therewith, the crankshaft member (56) being operatively coupled to the first (32) and second (34) wheel assemblies for rotation in proportion to the rotation of the wheel assemblies, the crankshaft member (56) being rotatable in both a clockwise and counterclockwise direction based upon the direction of movement of the dredging appa

Abstract: A stabilizing system for installation on existing dirt buckets which is used by engaging the ground surface being leveled with shock absorbing sleds affixed to the underside of the dirt bucket. The load characteristics of each shock absorber may be independently adjusted by hydraulic valving connected to each shock absorber. The minimum shock absorber pressure is set by inputting an inert gas into a connected fluid reservoir until the desired minimum pressure is reached. The maximum pressure is adjusted by the relief setting of a connected pressure control valve.

Abstract: A refillable combination calendar and photo album device for selectively displaying particular calendrical time periods and personal memorabilia, concurrently. The combination calendar and photo album apparatus is defined by at least twelve transparent sleeves, each having an upper edge, a lower edge, and two side edges. Each of the transparent sleeves are rotatably bound together along the upper edge thereof enabling any one of the transparent sleeves to be displayed in front of the other sleeves. Included in the combination calendar and photo album apparatus are at least twelve calendar display inserts for selectively displaying at least twelve different calendrical time periods. A photo album page is placed behind the calendar insert for showing personal photographs, etc. Formed in each transparent sleeve near the lower edge is a hole, an adhesive tab or a magnetic tab for enabling the combination calendar and photo album apparatus to be suspended from a wall or similar structure.

Abstract: An advertising display apparatus on a fluid pump filler gun, such as a fuel pump filler gun at a gas station. The filler gun includes a barrel, a head portion, and a handle. An elongated carrying body, configured to receive an advertising display, attaches to the head portion. The carrying body extends from approximately the junction between the barrel and the head portion, to approximately the connection between the head portion and the handle, providing maximum area for display of the advertisement.

Abstract: An address plate is fitted over a building wall having a stepped profile configuration established by overlapped courses of shingles or clapboards. The address plate includes a generally flat display panel for displaying indicia pertaining to the address of the building and tongues inserted between the overlapped courses to hold the display panel in juxtaposition with a selected course. Tabs are placed at steps between the overlapped courses for fasteners which secure the address plate in place.

Abstract: A multi-component, interchangeable display system is connectable with a support member such as an upright rail or a horizontal shelf. The display system provides for the display of a variety of signs and merchandise items on interchangeable display members which may be pivotally connected or non-pivotally connected to a support bracket. The support bracket includes a planar support member having a plurality of spaced fingers which selectively engage openings in the support member. An upwardly open housing is mounted on the support member. The housing includes a bore. The display member includes a stem which is selectively received in the bore of the housing.

Abstract: The breech lock unit has a housing in which a strike hammer is mounted so that it can be pivoted around a shaft. A drive lever can be pivoted on the same shaft to a limited extent in both directions with respect to the hammer. The hammer is biased by a spring against the one stop with the lever. Connected to the lever is a connecting rod which is biased by a striker spring and in the base position is in contact with a stop surface on the housing. The configuration described above makes possible a slim construction and optimum drive conditions. A plurality of functions that conventionally require separately installed components can be realized in the one breech lock unit.

Abstract: A smooth bore rifle barrel (10) comprising an initial portion or cartridge chamber (11), an intermediate portion or bore (12), a final portion, composed of a muzzle section (15, 16) and a terminal portion (13, 14) with a fixed choke or built in a manner to provide a series of interchangeable chokes. The muzzle section (15, 16) is provided with a conical fitting (15) connected to a portion (16) of the barrel (10) of a cylindrical shape, so as to attain, at a predetermined ratio between the lengths and diameters of the conical fitting (15) and of the cylindrical portion (16), a reduction of the recoiling force with respect to that of known rifle barrels, without changing the exit velocity and spreading angle of the gunshot.

Abstract: A bayonet lug clamp has a housing opened on one end thereof for slidingly engaging the bayonet lug. A plate is mounted in the housing and opposes the bayonet lug as the housing is slid thereon. A screw passes through the housing to threadably engage the plate. Turning of the screw draws the plate against the bayonet lug.

Abstract: A firearm stock has a supporting system for use with a firearm. The stock supports a firearm barrel on an upper portion of the stock. The stock defines in a lower portion an elongate slot. At least one support is pivotally connected to the stock. The support is movable between a first position in which a majority of the support is located within the slot and a second position in which the supporting end of the support extends away from the stock so as to support the stock when using the firearm. In a preferred embodiment, the supporting system includes a second support pivotally connected to the stock and movable between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for reducing the danger of harm caused by the accidental discharge of a bullet from a firearm, including an attachment for engaging the muzzle end of a firearm barrel; a substantially tubular body having a cavity and coaxially attachable at one of its ends to the barrel via the attachment; an impact disc having upper and lower surfaces, slidably disposed in the cavity of the tubular body; an energy-absorbing and storing element interposed in the tubular body between the upper surface of the impact disc and an abutting member, the absorbing and storing element acting on the impact disc to maintain contact with the abutting member inside the body, and a body made of a material at least as hard as the material of the bullets to be used with the fiream, the body being affixed at the lower surface of the impact disc, for substantially preventing a bullet from piercing through the impact disc; whereby, upon the discharge of a bullet, the bullet impacts the body, transferring some of

Abstract: A laser bore sight and method for a gun such as a rifle is provided which includes a mandrel with a laser affixed and an arbor for threadably receiving the mandrel. The arbor has a slotted conical well and a threaded shaft in communication therewith so that tightening the mandrel into the arbor will expand the outer diameter of the arbor to hold it firmly within the bore of the gun barrel while it is being sighted. To remove the laser bore sight the mandrel is rotated in an opposite direction and the arbor and mandrel are then easily removed.

Abstract: A gun scope overlay device for diminishing the parallax affect when using a gun scope. The gun scope overlay device includes a panel. The panel has a front side and a back side. The panel is substantially transparent. The panel has a generally circular shape. The panel has a medial portion having a generally opaque mark thereon. The opaque mark has a generally circular shape. The opaque mark has a hole therein. The hole is positioned in a central portion of the opaque mark. The panel comprises a flexible material. The back side of the panel is adapted for removably securing to a lens. The panel is coupled to the rear lens of a gun scope.

Abstract: A remotely activatable attractant for deer includes a plurality of armatures moveable between two positions and including biasing means to urge the armatures in a direction to one position and further including a member for the simulation of the rattling sound of the inter-engagement of deer antlers. An exciter is selectively manipulatable for activation of the armatures by a control mechanism which is operated from a remote location.

Abstract: A folding stowable trolling rig for removably mounting a plurality of fishing rods in desired, operable positions above the deck of a boat, such rig mounting atop a standard fishing seat pedestal of the type found on bass boats and requiring no tools or special hardware for installation. It is comprised of a plurality of longitudinally spaced rod holders pivotally mounted to a pair of folding support arms, one end of each being pivotally attached to either side of a central mounting base, the underside of which having a post that inserts into the seat mounting socket atop the fishing seat pedestal. Automatic alignment of each rod holder, both in folded and opened positions, is controlled by a pair of alignment bars pivotally mounted to the holders and to either side of the mounting base just above and parallel to the support arms. The rod holders and the support arms all fold together into compact alignment for transporting or stowing.

Abstract: A fishhook having a shank and an integral curved bend portion terminating in a spear portion ending in a sharp point. The spear portion has an axis generally parallel to the shank with a generally uniform cross-section. The spear has a side facing the shank having a rounded barbed portion between the point and the curved bend portion.

Abstract: An insect catching device having (a) a radiation source which emits a wavelength that is suitable for attracting insects, (b) a quantity of an adhesive material provided on a surface of the device on which insects impinge when attracted to the device by the radiation source, and (c) a shield for restricting direct exposure of the adhesive material to radiation from the radiation source.

Abstract: Device to keep cut flowers fresh for admixing nutrients to the keep fresh liquid, with a carrier for the nutrient being provided by which the nutrients are dispensed directly to the keep-fresh liquid, wherein the blade-shaped, stem-shaped, stalk-shaped or rod-shaped carrier (1) is provided with a container (2) which receives and releases the nutrients and has walls which are permeable at least in certain areas.

Abstract: A bouquet holder apparatus comprises a head including a cup and a rim. The cup has a first aperture, a second aperture, and an upper edge defining an opening thereto. The rim is adjoined to the upper edge. The bouquet holder apparatus further comprises a block of foam partially disposed within the opening of the cup. The bouquet holder apparatus further comprises a first handle having a first gripping surface. The first handle is adjoined to the cup. The bouquet holder apparatus further comprises a second handle including a ring, and a shank. The ring has a inner diameter surface serving as a second gripping surface. A proximal end of the shank is adjoined to an upper portion of the ring. A middle portion of the shank is extended through the apertures of the cup and disposed within the portion of the block of foam disposed within the opening of the cup with a proximal end of the shank being adjacent the first aperture and a distal end of the shank being adjacent the second aperture.

Abstract: Drainage apparatus allows a vessel such as a plant pot to be advantageously drained of a fluid such as water. The inventive drainage apparatus includes a drainage member having a base member and a channel member. The base member is affixed to a portal of the pot so as to allow fluid drainage when the pot is filled with soil containing a fluid, such as water. Water gravitationally drains out of the portal and into the channel member of the drainage member, so as to dispose of the water at a selected distance away from the portal. Hence standing water below the pot, a common problem with potted plants, is avoided. The water can be further channeled away from the pot by engaging a hose member to the channel member. The drainage member can be affixed to the pot by a laminated adhesive layer or alternatively by caulking. The laminated adhesive layer can be affixed to the pot using a primer, if desired.

Abstract: A parking place obstruction for obstructing egress or regress to or from a parking space. The parking place obstruction includes a cylindrical sleeve with an open top end and a bottom end. The sleeve is adapted for mounting in a ground surface. A cylindrical shaft is telescopically inserted in the sleeve. The shaft is telescopically positionable between an extended position and a retracted position with respect to the sleeve. A plurality of locking fins are extendible from the shaft. The locking fins rest on the open top end of the sleeve for holding the shaft in an extended position when the locking fins are in the deployed position. A locking elements locks the locking fins in the deployed position.

Abstract: A crossing guard is disclosed which comprises an operator positioned on one side of a thoroughfare for raising and lowering an arm, a gate connected to the arm, a first lock positioned on the opposite side of the thoroughfare, a plurality of cables supported within the gate, joined together at fixed points intermediate the ends of the cables, and a first end assembly connectable with the cables and the gate at the end of the gate opposite the operator with the first end assembly engagable with the first lock. The device further comprises a second lock positioned on the side of the thoroughfare nearer said operator engagable with a second end assembly positioned on the end of the gate nearer said operator.

Abstract: A continuous handicap threshold assembly for an entryway has an elongated extruded aluminum body with a threshold portion for extending continuously beneath a closed door and at least one fixed panel such as a sidelight or patio door. An exterior sill extends outwardly and slopes downwardly from said threshold portion and an interior sill extends inwardly from said threshold portion. The threshold portion projects a small distance upwardly from the sills to define exterior and interior dams to prevent water leakage. To accommodate the fixed panel, a plastic sidelight cap is adapted to be selectively positioned along the length of the body covering a section of the threshold portion to underlie and support the fixed panel of the entryway.

Abstract: Replacement of a damaged post for a parking meter can be accomplished by cutting the post off near the ground and affixing a replacement post to the stub of the original post with a retaining device which grips the two portions of the post from inside the post. The retaining device is only reachable through the post when the meter head is removed, thus preserving the integrity of the post from vandals.

Abstract: A portable arcade unit having a frame, a means for attaching a wheel means, a means for attaching a hitch means, and a detachable roof. The portable arcade unit may be disassembled for storage and transportation purposes and quickly rebuilt on-site to form an aesthetically pleasing building unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating a void under a structural concrete slab which includes a body having a bottom surface with projections which deform and then collapse after a preset displacement in response to subgrade compressive stress.

Abstract: Animals can be prevented from digging in an area by positioning a plastic mesh barrier on the surface of the earth where it is desired to prevent the digging. The mesh can be anchored so that it will remain reliably positioned and will become nearly invisible as vegetation grows through the openings of the mesh.

Abstract: The seismic isolation sliding support bearing system includes a pair of sliding bearings, which can be moved relatively to each other and are arranged in opposition and in contact with each other between a superstructure and a substructure. At least one of the pair of sliding bearings is a sliding bearing (a) made from a molding, having a porous structure including a plurality of voids, of a composition including PTFE as a main component and aromatic polyester resin, or a composite including a base member having the molding on the surface thereof. Furthermore, a lubricant holding layer for holding a flow lubricant in the voids is formed in a surface portion of the molding. Since the sliding bearing (a) has a high compression elastic modulus (of 900 MPa or more) and a low coefficient of friction (of 0.02 or less) and can maintain the low friction for a long period of time, it can be particularly effectively used in a seismic isolation sliding bearing support system for structures with a large load.

Abstract: A multi-sheet glazing unit includes a spacer frame having a pair of legs joined to a base to provide a U-shaped cross-section. A sheet e.g. glass sheet is secured by a moisture-impervious adhesive to the outer surface of each of the legs of the spacer frame. A plurality of sheet retaining members in a spaced relationship to one another is maintained on the legs of the spacer frame between the glass sheets and spaced from the base. The sheet retaining members each have a pair of flexible fingers mounted on a platform member, angled away from the platform member toward one another and spaced above the platform member. A sheet mounted between the fingers is maintained spaced from the outer sheets. A method for making the unit is also disclosed.