Abstract: An apparatus and method for high-speed application of anchor clips to furniture rails are provided. The present invention preferably utilizes a conventional type of fastener power tool that is adapted and retrofit for use on the present machine and which has a much faster cycle rate than the toggle press tool of prior machines. The apparatus can also include a clip sensing mechanism that has a generally universal adjustable mounting system to provide significant flexibility in the types of rails that can be clipped therewith. The clip sensor is mounted in spaced relation to and preferably above the support on which the rail is guided as it is pushed through the clipping station so that non-linear rails can also be clipped. Preferably, the clip feeding mechanism of the present clipping machine is simplified versus feed mechanisms of prior machines.

Abstract: A reduction of equipment is realized by uniting the small diameter bending station and acute-angle bending station. A ribbon adhering station that adheres ribbons to the both ends of sheet metals and cuts the ribbons is arranged on the downstream side in the sheet metal transfer direction of the small diameter bending station/acute-angle bending station. A separation station that separates sheet metals into OK and NG products is positioned on the downstream side in the sheet metal transfer direction of the ribbon adhering station, allowing this separation station to separate sheet metals into OK and NG products based on OK/NG information of the sheet metals inspected by a sheet metal inspection device installed in the sheet metal transfer path hitherto. Thus, a film cartridge plate manufacturing method and apparatus which is small, low-cost, of a simple mechanism and easy to maintain are provided.

Abstract: An improved gasketed mounting cup for an aerosol container wherein the mounting cup has a curvilinear channel portion and the gasket is a folded-over sleeve gasket, simulating the gasket thickness of a cut gasket; wherein the outer segment of the folded-over gasket is longer than the other gasket segment but of a limited length that will allow the ultimate positioning of the gasket without the longer gasket segment contacting the surface of the mounting cup and being wedged between the bead of the container and the mounting cup during advancement of the gasket into the mounting cup.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting contact sheets to form a contact body is disclosed, that provides for deforming projection-depression couplings formed in two or more interlocking sheets to form positive locks by which assemblies of sheets are formed. The apparatus includes crimping devices that crimp projection-depression couplings located in the interior area of the interlocked sheets and projection-depression couplings located adjacent the side edges of the interlocked sheets, again to form positive locks by which assemblies of sheets are formed.

Abstract: A stator core extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a yoke, and a plurality of radially-inwardly projecting teeth separated by intervening slots. A radially innermost portion of each tooth initially includes a pair of legs separated by a recess disposed therebetween. The conventional tooth tips are unformed in the first stage, thereby defining an increased-size slot opening for allowing the insertion of an enlarged stator winding, which has a width (e.g., diameter for a round conductor) substantially equal to the width of the slot itself. In a second processing stage, after the core itself has been manufactured and wound with stator windings, the legs are cold-formed in order to form tooth tips, which define a reduced-size slot opening to provide an improved magnetic flux path and provide a wire retention function. A high slot fill stator design is provided, which allows and enables higher generator efficiencies and output for a given package size.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to assist a user in aligning and sizing a plurality of spaced-apart channels to be formed in a cleat connected to a power generator housing so as to secure a plurality of leads extending from a power generator through the housing. The apparatus includes a main member to which secondary members removably and movingly connect to align with the leads. Channel sizers connect to the secondary members to register the diameter of each lead. The apparatus first aligns with and registers the diameter of each lead and is then positioned adjacent the housing to assist the user in correctly spacing and forming holes in a support structure such as a cleat. Related methods are also provided for aligning and sizing channels to be formed in a cleat or other support structure to secure the leads extending from the power generator through the housing.

Abstract: A chamber for a module IC handler is disclosed which consists of a pre-heater for suitably heating a carrier containing a plurality of module IC at a preset temperature (which may be generated at the driving of the module IC) before the tests for the module IC are performed, and a test site for performing the tests with a external tester while pushing the carrier by using the pusher.

Abstract: A method for making a three dimensional structure comprises on a substrate providing a plurality of parts hingedly coupled to the substrate; pivoting the parts into positions in which the parts can be inter-engaged by applying electrostatic forces to the parts; and, engaging the parts with one another to provide a three dimensional structure.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag comprises a substrate, a single, continuous antenna having a plurality of spiral turns and end portions that are integral with the spiral turns, and an integrated circuit. The spiral turns are disposed on the substrate and at least one of the end portions crosses over at least some of the spiral turns. One end portion of the antenna is integrally connected to the innermost spiral turn and extends toward an outermost spiral turn to cross over at least some of the spiral turns. Another end portion of the antenna may be integrally connected to the outermost spiral turn and extend toward the innermost spiral turn to cross over at least some of the other spiral turns. The end portion(s) may cross over the spiral turns on the side of the substrate on which the spiral turns are disposed or on the opposite side.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation of a fuel injector in association with an internal combustion engine. In one form a fuel injector tool is pivotally coupled to a cylinder head and rotated to apply a removal or installation force to a fuel injector. The tool is adapted to be installed within the tight confines of a cylinder head.

Abstract: In a manufacturing method of a heat exchanger including a core portion having a plurality of tubes and a plurality of radiation fins connected to surfaces of the tubes, and a tank portion communicating with the tubes, a preheating step, a brazing step, a gradual cooling step and a cooling step are performed in this order. In the preheating step, temperature of the tank portion having a large heat capacity is increased earlier than that of the core portion having a small heat capacity. Therefore, the temperature of the tank portion is rapidly increased, and the temperature of the core portion is obediently increased in accordance with the temperature increase of the tank portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning high-strength cables within a precast, moment resisting frame made up of interconnected columns and beams in which the columns have an outside face provided with an opening and a cable receiving passageway in communication with the opening. The apparatus uniquely includes a cable routing subassembly for conveniently routing the cables from the interior of the moment resisting frame to the opening in the outside faces of the columns. The cable routing subassembly includes a curved tubular member that permits the cable to be inserted into an opening in the outside face of the column either from a first level within the structure that is substantially coplanar with the opening in the outside face of the column, or from a second level within the structure that is below the first level.

Abstract: A shaving razor comprises a finger grip consisting of a body having contoured sides, a top surface and a base. A razor head is affixed to the top surface. The finger grip sides are concave in shape to conform to and accommodate the shape of the user's fingers. When the finger grip is held between the user's fingers and the razor head is placed against the skin, the user's fingers are capable of contacting the skin adjacent to the razor head to provide sensory feed back to the user. The razor head is adapted to contain one or more blades, or pairs of blades, extending in a single direction for unidirectional shaving; or alternatively, the head may contain more than one blade, or pairs of blades, extending in opposite directions for bi-directional shaving. In different embodiments, the finger grip razor may be fitted with non-replaceable blades and is disposable or the razor grip may be fitted with replaceable blades and is reusable.

Abstract: A motorized vegetation trimmer apparatus comprising an elongate main handle to which is connected a motor that rotatably drives a trimmer head located at a distal end of the handle. The trimmer head carries one or more radially outwardly projecting cutting members which cut vegetation as the trimmer head rotates. Each cutting member comprises a finite length of flexible strand. The cutting member is releasably gripped by a one-way gripping mechanism including a reciprocating gripping member and a compression spring that biases the gripping member into gripping contact with the strand.

Abstract: A hair cutting tool for long-haired animals including a handle portion having an outer end and an inner end. The inner end has a narrow extension extending linearly therefrom. A breaking and cutting segment extends outwardly from the narrow extension of the handle portion. A cap portion is dimensioned for removably coupling with the narrow extension of the handle portion for covering the breaking and cutting segment.

Abstract: A circular blade of the cutting tool is provided with a reinforcing portion circumventing a fastening hole by which the circular blade is fastened to one end of the handle of the cutting tool. The reinforcing portion serves to enhance the structural strength of the circular blade, and to reduce the mechanical friction between the circular blade and the one end of the handle of the cutting tool. The reinforcing portion also serves to eliminate the internal stress of the circular blade at the time when the circular blade is subjected to a finishing process.

Abstract: A replacement string arrangement for a string trimmer employs a brace in which the string is affixed. The brace has an arcuate member with an annular guide tunnel or guide sleeve at one end. The cutting string has an end affixed at a second end of the arcuate member. The string extends out that one end, then forms a loop or bight, and then passes slidably through the guide tunnel and continues radially outward. A free end of the string projects from the cutting head when the replacement string arrangement is installed in the cutting head. The brace and string can be unitarily formed, or the string can be fused into the one end of the arcuate member. The brace may have a wishbone shape. The string profile or cross section may be shaped for improved aerodynamics or improved cutting.

Abstract: A telescopic leveling instrument has a small and light-weight bubble-level block (1) with orthogonal walls that include a rectangular first end (3) and a rectangular second end (4) from which telescopic markers are extended. The telescopic markers can include circular telescopic tubes (2), square telescopic tubes (11) or rectangular telescopic tubes (12). The bubble-level block is articulated to be finger-held with a first hand of a user for positioning it against an object while with a second hand, the user is utilizing the telescopic markers for measuring and marking a desired position selectively in relationship to the object against which the bubble-level block is being held. Attachable to extendable ends of the telescopic markers can be a selection of marking aids (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24). Preferably, the telescopic markers are ruled with distance indicia for fine measurement.

Abstract: A body molding 1 carries a separate foot support platform 5 and an integral heel stop 6 upstanding at the rear of the platform which is supported by an integral leg 8. A slider 12 is engaged with the platform 5 for sliding movement in a front-rear direction, and includes an upstanding toe stop 14. The platform 5 carries a length scale 21 from which the length of a foot can be measured according to the position of the slider along the platform, and a tape 20 is received in slots 19 on opposite sides of the slider 12 to form a width gauge for measuring the absolute width of the foot. The width gauge 20 is adjustable in a front-rear direction independently of the slider to allow the foot to be measured at its widest part.

Abstract: A tool for measuring the opening for a floor tile and for transferring that measurement to the a floor tile so that a floor tile may be cut to fit the opening.

Abstract: A deflector associated with the internal surface of a cylindrical screen in a conventional centrifugal pellet dryer. In a preferred form, the deflector is one or more vertical deflector strips mounted in circumferentially spaced relation on the interior surface of the dryer cylindrical screen by bolting to mating mounting strips on the outside of the screen. The deflector strips disrupt the circular flow of the particles along the interior surface of the screen. The edge of the deflector strip facing the direction of rotational movement of the rotor and circulating particles is preferably inclined to deflect the particles back toward the rotor. In another form, the elongated deflector strip has generally an angle iron shape with one flange clamped between the outwardly extending vertical side edge flanges which are bolted together to form the cylindrical screen and the other flange extending at an oblique angle into the clearance band to deflect the circulating particles back toward the rotor.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying ionized particles is disclosed. The apparatus includes an ionized particle emitter for emitting ionized particles against an object; and an electric potential maintainer for maintaining electric potential of the object at a predetermined level such that the ionized particles emitted against the object by the ionized particle emitter are continuously attracted to the object while the electric potential is maintained. A method for applying ionized particles is also disclosed. The method includes emitting ionized particles against an object, and maintaining electric potential of the object at a predetermined level such that the ionized particles are continuously attracted to the object.

Abstract: A method for drying fibrous webs utilizing a limiting orifice medium with a plurality of pores. The web is disposed on a supporting fluid permeable carrier. The web is pressed between the supporting carrier and the limiting orifice medium. A vacuum greater than the breakthrough pressure of the pores of the medium is drawn through the pores and the web.

Abstract: Non-contacting conveyance equipment has a concave opening, and end piece and a fluid passageway. The concave opening has a continuous walled inner peripheral surface. The end face opposes the object to be conveyed and is formed in the concave opening. The fluid passageway has a spout facing the inside of the concave opening, to supply fluid to the inner peripheral surface of the concave opening so as to cause a swirl of fluid within the concave opening. A plurality of spouts face may be provided to face the inside of the concave opening such that the plurality of spouts together cause the swirl of fluid within the concave opening. A plurality of concave openings may be provided on a base, each concave opening having an end face formed therein and a fluid passageway comprising a spout facing the inside thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the appearance of a dancer's feet. By attaching a pad that has a curved top surface to the top of a dancer's foot, the shape of the top of the dancer's foot is more aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, the arch on the bottom of the foot appears more marked. The present invention can be employed with a wide variety of dance shoes and outfits to improve the appearance of a dancer's feet. The pad is formed from a resilient and deformable material and is sized to substantially cover the top of the foot. The pad has an edge portion sized to be concealed under the border and ribbons of a dance shoe so that the existence of the pad cannot easily be detected. When worn, the shape and thickness of the pad augments the appearance of the top and bottom of the foot.

Abstract: A novel article of footwear that acts to strengthen the foot through biofeedback, reduces stresses on the foot that occur during impact through novel midsole/outsole design characteristics, and enhances the foot's ability to pre-stabilize itself prior to striking the ground by utilizing the foot's “Windlass Effect”.

Abstract: Shock absorbers for footwear are provided. The shock absorbers are units utilizing a shock absorbing spring system, and project like cleats from recesses in the soles of footwear. The shock absorbers serve to minimize impact shock in the normal use of footwear. The shock absorbers do this by compressing as weight is applied to the shoe, to the point that the shock absorbers may become flush with the bottom of the shoe's sole on normal impact if desired. When weight is released from the shoe (for example, in lifting one's foot to take a step), the re-extension of the shock absorber spring system may additionally provide the benefit of energy return for the user. The shock absorbers may be made as either fixed or as detachably interchangeable projections from the sole of the footwear.

Abstract: A walking shoe. According to one aspect of the present invention, a walking shoe includes a segmented midsole with a thickness that changes from back to front. The midsole includes a back portion and an arcuate front portion. The arcuate front portion interfaces with the back portion and includes a plurality of forward sections. At least one of the forward sections differs in density relative to another of the forward sections. Relatively denser forward sections facilitate a rebound or spring effect as a walker pushes off during a walking stride. Relatively less dense forward sections add cushioning, making the walking stride more comfortable by lessening impact to the walker's foot.

Abstract: Footwear comprising a sole. The sole has a heel section for supporting a heel of the foot. The heel section has medial and lateral regions. At least a portion of the lateral region has a first compressive resilience for attenuating the shock of impact to the wearer during running and walking. Further, the sole has an arch section forward of the heel section for supporting an arch of the foot. The arch section also has medial and lateral regions. At least a portion of the lateral region of the arch section has the first compressive resilience and at least a portion of the medial region of the arch section has a second compressive resilience harder than the first compressive resilience for providing firm support for the foot during running and walking. In addition, the sole has a forefoot section forward of the arch section for supporting a ball of the foot including first, second, third, fourth and fifth metatarsal heads and associated metatarsal necks, proximal phalanges and metatarsal phalangeal joints.

Abstract: A shoe cleat connector for use with a receptacle attached to a shoe includes a substratum having a plurality of independent posts extending therefrom, with a retaining member disposed at a distal end and extending radially from each post. The receptacle includes a cavity with cantilevered fingers disposed near the periphery of the cavity. Each retaining member of the cleat connector includes a peripherally contoured series of adjacent planar surfaces that successively engage a corresponding cantilevered finger when the retaining members are inserted and rotated within the receptacle cavity, which results in the cleat connector being secured within the receptacle.

Abstract: An inner circumference side annular groove is formed in an inner circumference edge part of a golf shoe sole of a synthetic rubber, an outer circumference side annular groove is formed in the radial outside of the annular groove, and an annular packing protrusion is formed between them. An inner circumference side annular rib is provided on the lower face of the base of the friction part, an outer circumference side annular rib is provided in the outer circumference edge part thereof, and the area between them is made an annular packing face. When the friction body is fitted in and held by the holder, the inner circumference side annular rib and the outer circumference side annular rib fit in the inner circumference side annular groove and the outer circumference side annular groove, respectively, and the annular packing protrusion tightly and elastically contacts and presses the annular packing face over the entire circumference.

Abstract: Hydraulic system mounted to a snowblower allowing to the auger to be driven at a speed that feeds the fan with snow at a rate and load, which let the snowblower blows the snow without losing any performance, and avoiding the fan from slowing down below its critical speed and to block.

Abstract: A holder for securing, silencing and protecting pet tags to a typical pet collar is provided. The holder includes an opening at one end allowing insertion of pet tags therein and an attachment opening allowing attachment therethrough of pet tags to a pet collar. In the preferred embodiment the holder is made of a flexible material allowing insertion of multiple tags and tags larger than the opening.

Abstract: A key ring includes a transparent glass plate and a light-emitting diode (LED) circuit board assembly capable of indicating an in-coming call, both of which being mounted in and between two covers, such that light-emitting diodes on the LED circuit board assembly are located immediately behind the glass plate. The light emitting diodes intermittently emit light beams when there is an in-coming call or a switch on the LED circuit board assembly is actuated, and the emitted light beams are directly projected onto the glass plate to shine and highlight patterns, words, zodiac signs or company names preformed on the glass plate.

Abstract: A safety lighting device holdable by a crossing guard or the like that includes an illumination source as well as an audible attention attracting device so as to increase the likelihood that a motorist will see the crossing guard in time to avoid an accident. The safety lighting device includes a sign housing; a rigid exterior handle portion; a rechargeable 9 Volt battery power supply; a red transparent plastic front sign plate having translucent white lettering provided thereon to indicate a desired message; interior light bulb and socket assemblies; a battery operated siren; a siren activation switch an exterior top light bulb and socket assembly mounted to a top exterior surface of the sign housing; and a light bulb activation switch mounted to the rigid exterior handle portion.

Abstract: A method of warning of a hazard includes placing a container containing a plurality of mats, having cautionary information thereon, in an area prone to hazards. In addition, the method contemplates that a first person who notices a hazard will remove a mat from the container and place it over the hazard to warn a subsequent passerby of the existence of the hazard. Finally, the method provides leaving the mat over the hazard until a second person removes the hazard. In addition, the method may include providing on the mats a liquid impermeable cover and a padded portion. The padded portion may aid the second person in eliminating a hazard involving sharp objects. Further, the padded portion may be absorbent to aid in eliminating a liquid hazard. Moreover, the mat or the cover may be brightly colored to attract the eye of passersby to aid in warning them of the hazard.

Abstract: The Refrigerator Artwork Organizer disclosed is an apparatus for storing and displaying pictures on a flat metal surface. In the preferred embodiment, the Refrigerator Artwork Organizer consists of a first holder with a first viewer that will display a 8.5″×11″ piece of paper. Behind the first viewer is a storage container for similar pictures which are not currently being viewed. Atop the storage container is a second holder. The second holder accommodates one 4″×6″ photograph and displays it through a second viewer at the same time as the picture is displayed in the first holder. A magnetic backing is adhered to the back of the Refrigerator Artwork Organizer and is strong enough to magnetically secure the Refrigerator Artwork Organizer and its contents to a flat metal surface, such as a refrigerator, filing cabinet, or door.

Abstract: A safety device includes a material, and a cone holding the material and having an opening from which the material can be dispensed. The material can have absorbent properties and/or can be configured to warn of a hazard by displaying cautionary information. A hazard can be addressed by providing the cone containing the material within an area prone to hazards, and, after a hazard is created within the area, removing material from the cone and placing the material on the hazard.

Abstract: A sign stand is provided having a foldable support mechanism for quickly and conveniently manipulating the sign panel from a deployed state to a folded state. The fold-up sign panel assembly includes a foldable support mechanism having a hinge assembly coupling the upper and lower vertical brace members. The horizontal brace members are pivotally secured to the hinge assembly. A latch mechanism is operable for releasably retaining the foldable support mechanism in the deployed state.

Abstract: The present invention optimizes searching for a garment by localizing an area to be searched to a portion of the original search area through the use of closet organizers. The present invention is particularly useful for challenged persons by decreasing the area for searching for a garment to a more manageable portion thereof. Accordingly, with respect to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention a plurality of closest organizers subdivide a closet into a plurality of sections and each section contains a group or collection of garments each having a matching attribute. Coinciding with and proximate to each group of garments is a closest organizer having a unique characteristic or attribute that corresponds to a matching attribute that is common to each of the garments in the of the collection of garments located in a particular section. Identification attributes on the closet organizers are selected based on the user's ability to comprehend the selected closet organizer attribute.

Abstract: A display system having a substantially flat front portion for holding and displaying memorabilia. The display system comprises a frame, a backing supported by the frame, a plurality of cardholders for holding photographic memorabilia and a recessed chamber for holding an object of memorabilia associated with the photographic memorabilia. The cardholders retain trading cards and are attachable to the backing. The cardholders are arranged about the chamber in an aesthetic manner.

Abstract: A live well cooling and aeration system for preventing fish within a live well from dieing because of undesirable temperature and aeration conditions. The live well cooling and aeration system includes a cold plate positionable within an interior portion of a live well of a boat, a compressor in fluid communication with the cold plate, a condensing coil in fluid communication with the compressor, and an aeration unit in fluid communication with the interior portion of the live well. A thermostat within the live well determines when the compressor circulates coolant through the cold plate when the temperature of the water within the live well exceeds a maximum level. When the temperature of the water within the live well is lowered to a minimum level, the thermostat terminates operation of the compressor. The aeration unit draws water from within the live well, aerates the water and then returns the aerated water back into the live well.

Abstract: An insect-control member includes a flexible or semi-rigid substrate having a thickness and a flexural modulus. The thickness and the flexural modulus are interrelated material properties, one value being defined by the other value so as to satisfy a prescribed criterion. The substrate supports an insect-interactive material. The substrate is generally optimally adapted to radiate pressure waves from a vibration generator to which it may be coupled in order to lure or repel insects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an additive composition for a combustible fuel to produce improved combustion and reduced exhaust pollution of the combusted fuel, which additive composition comprises:

Abstract: For more than thirty-two years, extensive research studies involving various concepts of total vineyard mechanization have been carried out at the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station under the direction of Justin R. Morris (22). Tommy Oldridge was one of the first growers in the region to commercially test, implement and improve upon the findings of these research studies. These studies at the University of Arkansas have involved the evaluation of trellising and training systems suitable for total vineyard mechanization, mechanical shoot positioning, mechanical pruning, mechanical thinning, mechanical harvesting, and the post-harvest handling and utilization of mechanically harvested grapes (2, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 35). The success of this approach to vineyard mechanization has been the fact that it has concentrated on minimizing or eliminating all limiting factors impacting the system while maintaining, or in some cases improving, fruit quality.

Abstract: A wire plant cage comprises a matrix of interconnected vertical and horizontal wire members to support a plant and to accommodate plant growth. The wire plant cage has an upper ring and lower ring connected to at least one leg adapted to provide support for the wire plant cage and engage the ground. A ledge, shaped so as to permit application of a downward force by a plant cage user, is formed on each leg to facilitate ground engagement without damage to the ring-leg connections. Loops formed on the top of the legs provide a mechanism for pulling the plant cage out of the ground and handling the cage. The plant cage is shaped so as to provide support to plants growing out of the ground and to support plant containers that are placed within the plant cage interior. The present invention is shaped to facilitate the stacking of a plurality of the plant cages for storage.

Abstract: Ribbon material formed from a material constructed of a layer of cloth and a layer of polymeric film wherein at least a portion of the layer of polymeric film is laminated to the layer of cloth, as well as methods for forming same, are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A flower pot assembly for keeping at least one plant temporarily alive without having to water it, includes a pot permeable to water in which the plant is potted with the required amount of soil, and a container impermeable to water in which the pot is received, so that a space is formed between the pot and the container. A gel formed of a water-absorbing polymer and water at least partially fills the space between the pot and the container. The container and gel are used as a packaging for the potted plant in order to keep this plant alive without having to water it during transport and when put on display for sale.

Abstract: The method for the reformation of fuels, in particular of heating oil (20′) and of another liquid fuel is carried out using an oxygen containing gas (5a, 5b, 21′, 22′).

Abstract: The invention provides an elevator door sill assembly for use in elevator systems that have sliding doors. The door sill assembly comprises a sill plate, a support sill located below the sill plate having a rail that presents an inboard sliding surface and an outboard sliding surface. The assembly also comprises a first guiding surface that engages that inboard sliding surface and a second guiding surface that engages the outboard sliding surface. The assembly prevents that bottom of the elevator door from swinging while the door slides opened and closed. The sill assembly and guide system may be used with either hoistway doors or elevator car doors.