Abstract: Electric rotary shaver including an outer cutter 14, in which a ring-shaped groove 26 is formed in the top portion and two ring-shaped inner cutter running tracks 34 are formed in the interior surface, and an inner cutter 16, in which a plurality of cutter blades 40 are provided that make sliding contact with the inner cutter running tracks 34 of the outer cutter 14. A sliding surface where the cutter blades of the inner cutter make a sliding contact with the inner cutter running track of the outer cutter is set on a plane C perpendicular to the center axis line (A), and the thickness of the top portion of the outer cutter 14 is such that the portions near the ring-shaped groove 26 are made thinner or thicker than the other part of the top portion on at least a part of the circumference.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an etched movable blade for use in an electric hair clipper. The electric hair clipper comprises a stationary blade in addition to the movable blade, and the movable blade is displaceably disposed on an upper surface of the stationary blade so as to perform hair cutting by making use of a plurality of etched blade teeth formed at tip ends of the movable and stationary blades. The movable blade comprises a plurality of etched recesses formed, respectively, between adjacent ones of the etched blade teeth, thereby achieving an increase in a surface area of etched portions compared to a conventional etched blade, and effectively preventing the accumulation of hair or residue between the stationary blade and the movable blade, resulting in enhancement in cutting efficiency of the electric hair clipper.

Abstract: A shaver comprises a shaving head (4; 104) with a screen (6) having an internal surface (7), an external surface for contacting a skin to be shaved, and hair-receiving openings (8, 9), and a cutter (3) having at least one cutting edge (5) movable along the internal surface (7) of the screen (6) by means of a drive structure (44; 125) that includes a motor. The cutting edge (5) cooperates with the screen (6) for cutting off hairs projecting through the hair-receiving openings. Behind the hair-receiving openings (8, 9) a hair chamber (13; 113; 213; 313) is located. The shaver is equipped with one or more liquid displacement impellers (15; 115; 215; 315) for displacing liquid through the hair chamber (13; 113; 213; 313). The impellers (15; 115; 215; 315) are each connected to the drive structure (44; 125) for driving the movement of the impeller (15; 115; 215; 315) for cleaning the hair chamber (13; 113; 213; 313).

Abstract: The method for manufacturing the hand-held hair trimmer including forming a metal tubular intermediate member. First and second mirror image hollow semi-cylindrical grip parts are formed of non-slip material. The handle assembly is formed by placing the intermediate member between the grip parts and fixing the grip parts to the member and to each there by adhesive. The blade-carrying housing is inserted into the channel defined by the handle assembly and releaseably connected to the handle assembly in the fully inserted position.

Abstract: A protective shield for a cutting tool of a brushcutter or trimmer, wherein in the region of the working end of a guide tube, the cutting tool is mounted so as to be rotatable in a turning circle about an axis of rotation. A radial wall extends radially relative to the axis of rotation and at least partially shields the turning circle in an axial direction. A support channel is formed in the radial wall for receiving the working end of the guide tube. A peripheral wall adjoins the radial wall and at least partially shields the turning circle in a radial direction.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a device to facilitate the opening of condiment packages wherein it includes a carcase equipped with areas for the placement of advertising, which carcase is equipped with a slot into which the end of the condiment package is introduced and a knife inside the carcase which cuts the end of the package.

Abstract: A positioning structure for a retractable tube assembly having a retractable tube set, which has two semicircle recesses formed in a bottom wall thereof, and a rotary knob, which has a receiving hole formed in a top wall thereof, for locking the rotary knob to the retractable tube includes a positioning member that is movably mounted in the receiving hole of the rotary knob and has a bottom hole, and a spring member disposed between the bottom hole of the positioning member and the receiving hole of the rotary knob for pushing the positioning member into one semicircle recess to further lock the rotary knob to the retractable tube set.

Abstract: A cutter unit (16) for a shaver (1) comprises a base part (19) and cutting-edge carriers (21, 22, 23, 24, 25), the base part (19) and the cutting-edge carriers (21 to 25) being formed by means of a single plastics part (36) that is all in one piece and the plastics part (36) being coated with a metal coating (37) in that region of the cutting-edge carriers (21 to 25) that is intended to form the cutting edges (31, 32).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for precise angular positioning of an object. A first pivot arm and a second pivot arm each is pivotally mounted with respect to a base. A pivot base flex member is operatively connected to the first pivot arm and allows the first pivot arm to pivot with respect to the base, within a particular plane. A second pivot base flex member is operatively connected to the second pivot arm and allows the second pivot arm to pivot with respect to the base, and also within either the same plane or a different plane as the plane within which the first pivot arm pivots. Support structures maintain each of the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm within the particular plane or planes. An interconnect flex member connects the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm. With a relatively small base and thus overall apparatus, an input movement, such as a linear input of about 10 mm can be translated into an output movement of about 7200 radians.

Abstract: A guide for freehand writing or similar graphics comprises a writing support that eliminates the task of drawing lines and then erasing them in order to write on a straight line. The writing support forms a forgiving visual line that recedes when writing letters with descenders such as g, j, p, q, and y. In the preferred embodiment, the writing support is a plurality of loops of flexible material extending from a base.

Abstract: The multipurpose framing and layout guide kit has two components or guides, which are capable of accomplishing or assisting in virtually every measurement, layout, marking, and scoring function that may be required in the construction of a conventional frame structure. The first component comprises a triangular protractor having degree, common rafter slope, and hip/valley rafter slope scales thereon. A linear rule extends from one side of the triangle. The second component comprises a stud spacing gauge having a linear rule extending between the two stud spacing components. Each of the rules has a closed slot with a series of lateral notches therein for holding a marking, cutting, or scoring tool as the rule is moved over a panel surface. A fence or stop is provided at the first end of each rule and normal thereto for positioning and guiding the device relative to the edge of a panel.

Abstract: An archery combination involving an archery bow and a bow sight. The bow sight uses a brace secured to the bow with at least two sighting pins which extend at right angles to the archer's line of sighting. A protective guard is secured to the brace and, is moveable between a protective position around the sighting pins to a position which exposes the pins. When the protective guard is in position to expose the sighting pins, the pins are released or “unlocked” from the brace allowing the sighting pins to be easily removed from the brace for repositioning; when the protective guard is in the protective position, the pins are “locked” and cannot be removed from the bow sight.

Abstract: An improved laser sight apparatus that is capable of identifying and impinging several different targets at varying ranges from the shooter. In the preferred embodiment, the laser sight according to the present invention includes three lasers, each of which is pre-calibrated to impinge targets within a range that is distinct from the other two lasers. In an alternative embodiment, the laser sight can utilize a single laser that is capable of an automated adjustment to identify and impinge targets at various ranges.

Abstract: A sighting device for use with a firearm or bow comprises a fiber optic member having a sight end visible by a user for aiming the firearm or bow at a target. A non-electrical, light-emitting material is disposed over a length of the fiber optic element in order to illuminate the fiber optic element in low light or no ambient light conditions. The non-electrical, light-emitting material may be incorporated into the sighting device in order to provide sufficient surface contact with the fiber optic member to provide adequate illumination as well as illumination of the sighting device itself.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for determining the wheel geometry and/or the axle geometry of motor vehicles in an inspection room, using an optical measuring apparatus having at least one image-taking device which records a marking device including at least one body feature and one reference feature system, and having an evaluating device, the position of the reference features in the inspection room being known in the evaluating device, and the recording of the marking device taking place during travel of the motor vehicle. The image-taking device is connected to a wheel to be measured, at its wheel rim in pivot joint fashion, and follows the rotating motion of the wheel, the optical axis of the image-taking device always being aligned essentially perpendicular to the roadway plane and the axis of rotation of the pivot joint being aligned in all wheel positions essentially parallel to the roadway plane.

Abstract: An adapter providing increased versatility to a laser alignment tool is disclosed. Accessories of the adapter are disclosed for use with a laser alignment tool which may or may not be self-leveling. The accessories include one or more laser reference diffraction elements, effective to receive an incoming laser reference and produce a laser reference deviated a predetermined angular amount, and various attachment features.

Abstract: Method and system to detect orientations of a moving object using one or more magnetic compasses. The method and system minimize magnetic field interference in a space where an object is moving such that the orientations of the moving object can be precisely detected. The method includes setting one or more earth magnetic field (EMF) conditions without a magnetic field interference component to determine whether the one or more magnetic compasses are located in an EMF area, calculating a magnitude of a magnetic field applied to the moving object using the one or more magnetic field compasses, and detecting an orientation of the moving object by determining whether the calculated magnitude of the magnetic field satisfies the one or more EMF conditions.

Abstract: There is provided an electronic device having a built-in compass, comprising: a processing unit for controlling functions of the electronic device; an input device for giving control commands; an acceleration sensor for measuring tilt angle of the electronic device. The processing unit is configured to set a horizontal condition required for the built-in compass, the horizontal condition indicating admissible values of tilt angle of the electronic device, to detect activation of a navigation application on the basis of the input device, to send a control command to the acceleration sensor for measuring a tilt angle of the electronic device when activation of the navigation application is detected, to compare the measured tilt angle with the horizontal condition for the built-in compass, and to calculate a compass direction when, on the basis of the comparison, it is detected that the electronic device meets the horizontal condition required.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for inspecting a component are provided. The method includes receiving a plurality of data points that define a shape of the component, fitting the received data points to a curve that defines a predetermined model shape, and comparing the received data points to the curve defining the predetermined model shape to determine a break radius of the component.

Abstract: A precision motion transducer is provided in the present invention. The precision motion transducer is provided with a first elastic body. An end of the first elastic body is connected to an end of a second elastic body, while the other end of the second elastic body is fixed to a base via a fixing means. A motion input means is connected to the other end of the first elastic body for inputting motion inputs, while a motion output means is provided at a location where the first elastic body is connected with the second elastic body for outputting motion outputs. The modulus of elastic of the first elastic body is smaller than the modulus of elastic of the second elastic body, whereby relatively large motion inputs can be converted to more precise and finer motion inputs, so as to attain precise positioning control.

Abstract: The invention relates to a power tool provided to perform a cutting operation, said power tool having a base on which a work piece to be cut is placed, and a cutting unit on which a blade or grinding wheel is mounted for rotation. At least one guideline generating unit is provided which includes a light emitting means such as a laser to generate a guideline onto the work piece to allow the blade of the cutting unit to be aligned with the guideline, and the guideline generating unit emits a guideline light from a level which is the same as or below the plane of the top surface of the base. The guideline generating unit can be provided within the base or attached to the front or side of the same.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling the relationship between two surfaces (such as a primary surface and a reference surface) and correcting any deviation from the desired or ideal relationship generally employ a plurality of actuators and flexural assemblies. The actuators may be driven in unison to translate the primary surface in one-dimension; the actuators may also be driven independently, accommodating fine adjustment in pitch, roll, or both, of the primary surface. Flexural assemblies may be implemented to minimize lateral cross-coupling between the linear actuators.

Abstract: A tire tread gauge shaped like a rectangular card that fits easily into a credit card slot in a wallet or purse. The card has a tread measurement scale imprinted, engraved, molded or otherwise marked onto one or both sides and is used to measure the remaining tread depth on motor vehicle tires. Other possible embodiments include a card with more or less than 4 sides or a round card.

Abstract: A tape measure includes an enclosure including an upper unit and a lower unit each defining a notch communicating with each other. The upper unit forms a protrusion. Poles are respectively formed on the upper unit and the lower unit adjacent the notches. The upper unit forms a pair of latches on opposite sides of the notch. The lower unit forms a pair of pivots on opposite sides of the pole. A springloaded tape cartridge is accommodated in the enclosure and includes a wheel, a gasket, and a gear. The first and second elastic members are respectively rotatably attached to the pivots of the lower unit. One end of each elastic member engages with the gear. The button is disposed at the notches of the enclosure. A pair of projections is formed on the button and presses opposite ends of the first and second elastic members respectively.

Abstract: A coilable tape rule includes a fixed structure or a roller about which the measuring blade moves during extension from the casing and which causes the blade to turn on its longitudinal axis so as to reorient its width dimension to a perpendicular relationship to the axis of coiling.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle wheel measuring apparatus, comprising a push rod, a counter, a wheel, and a gear coupled mechanism, wherein the counter is disposed on top of the push rod. Through the gear coupled mechanism, the axle center of said counter and the wheel axle form a joint relationship having the same rotational cycles. A front yoke is attached to the wheel axle in the end of said push rod, and a set of magnetic element is disposed between the wheel axle and the interior side of the front yoke. This prevents the wheel from rotating by itself that affects actual measured distance.

Abstract: An IR dryer, for use in drying a continuous paper web by means of IR radiation, comprising an array of IR emitters arranged in use, in spaced relation to the paper web and a lamp protection plate intermediate the IR emitters and the paper web. At least one of the lamp protection plate and the array of IR emitters is curved whereby drying a paper web which moves in a curved path is facilitated.

Abstract: A shoe sole includes a chamber which is inflated by a pumping device via a connection tube. The connection tube includes a first valve to prevent air from flowing back into the pumping device and an inlet tube extends from the pumping device to introduce air from outside into the pumping device. A plurality of outlets are defined in a distal end of the connection tube and located corresponding to toes of the wearer. The connection tube has a neck portion which defines a narrowed path in the connection tube so that air is stopped at the neck portion to inflate the chamber, when the pressure of the air reaches to a pre-decided value, air passes through the neck portions and blows out from the outlets to cool the toes of the wearers.

Abstract: A foot covering in the form of a pocket or lodge slipper that allows outer footwear, e.g., shoes or boots to be removed and, with the covering in place, the conventional sock and/or foot will be protected from dirt, moisture, and other elements of nature such as thorns, rocks, splinters, etc. The slipper may be formed at least in part from elastic material which is stretchable to fit over a conventional sock. The slipper may also be formed at least in part from a rubberized material. The slipper may be flexible and foldable into a small package to be carried in a pant or coat pocket, for example. Alternatively, the slipper may be tightly rolled and carried in a small package such as a pouch or nylon bag.

Abstract: Disclosed are chain-type crampons for preventing mountain-climbing boots from being slipped on a snowy road or icy road when climbing a mountain. The crampons having an elastic band and chains mounted on the band are provided with a plurality of spikes and link rings, so that a brake power on the snowy road or icy road is increased and snow is not adhered to the crampons.

Abstract: A slipper has an upper portion. The upper portion is flexible. A lower portion is connected to the upper portion. The upper portion and the lower portion include ribbed formations. The upper portion and the lower portion are made of a material having shape memory.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure includes a midsole element, an upper sheet, and a lower sheet. The midsole element has an upper surface and an opposite lower surface. In addition, the midsole element defines a plurality of bores extending from the upper surface to the lower surface. The upper sheet is secured to the upper surface and extends over at least a portion of the bores. The lower sheet is secured to the lower surface, and the lower sheet is positioned to correspond in location with the upper sheet and extend under the portion of the bores.

Abstract: A sole construction for supporting at least a portion of a human foot and for providing energy storage and return is provided. The sole construction includes a generally horizontal layer of stretchable material, at least one chamber positioned adjacent a first side of the layer, and at least one actuator positioned adjacent a second side of the layer vertically aligned with a corresponding chamber. Each actuator has a footprint size smaller than that of the corresponding chamber, and is sized and arranged to provide individual support to the bones of the human foot. The support structure when compressed causes the actuator to push against the layer and move the layer at least partially into the corresponding chamber. In one embodiment, the horizontal layer of stretchable material is at least partially enclosed by a wall the prevents horizontal displacement of the layer during compression.

Abstract: Footwear providing enhanced protection against extreme landing impacts includes a sole having an elastomeric mid-sole with elastomeric pads combined in a heel recess thereof such that the pads act in series with each other and in parallel with the mid-sole during conjoint compression thereof. At least one of the pads includes a solid gel having a relatively high damping coefficient. In another embodiment, the heel of the mid-sole is replaced by a toroidal gas cushion and an elastomeric pad including a solid gel having a relatively high damping coefficient disposed in a central recess of the cushion such that the pad is recessed a selected distance below the upper surface of the cushion. The resilient pads may advantageously incorporate a plurality of gas-filled cells, and a solid gel pad may also be disposed in the mid-sole of the footwear below the ball of the wearer's foot for increased protection.

Abstract: An insole includes a first layer made of a first slice foam material formed by a foamable polyurethane resin composition. A second layer is made of a second slice foam material formed by bonding together particles of comminuted previously formed foam material with a foamable polyurethane resin composition. The second layer is adhered to an upper surface of the first layer. The second layer has a thickness being greater than that of the first layer.

Abstract: A pedicure shoe insert includes a top layer of textured file paper that furnishes the wearer with an exfoliating pedicure and a lower layer of a cushion material that provides support and comfort to the wearer.

Abstract: An automated tightening shoe where a tightening mechanism is actuated which operates in one direction to cause automatic tightening of the shoe about a wearer's foot and which releases to allow loosening of the shoe. Shoe laces are led to the interior of the tightening mechanism in the heel whereat the laces are operatively associated in a tightening or in a loosening direction with the tightening mechanism. The tightening mechanism includes a rotatable central shaft which may have drums mounted thereto, a ratcheted coupling collar or ratcheted cam disk, a ratcheted actuator spool, a compression spring, a return spring, a ratchet wheel, and a release lever including a pawl and a cam actuator bar, all of which extend along the central shaft and operate to tighten as well as to allow loosening of the shoe laces.

Abstract: The invention refers to an element (2) in the form of a stud (1) incorporating anti-slipping and shock-absorbing means, which is foreseen as generally cylindrical hollow body with a predetermined wall thickness, selected to be compressed under the weight of the user, and with an outer part (3) with an upper base (4) separated from the sole (1), with a plurality of protuberances (7) of a small height and a depression or cavity (8) with the same configuration as the upper base, but slightly off-centred with respect to such upper base and with a lower portion (6) in the form of a cavity, where a plurality of pins (10), essentially in the form of a finger are evenly distributed. A surrounding notch (9) is arranged around the lower base (5) of the outer portion (3). The upper base (4) comprises at least a groove (11) to evacuate water, extending from the cavity (8) towards the outer edge.

Abstract: A shoe support and ornamentation system that allows a wearer to customize the look of a shoe. The system may include material having a first end and a second end and having a sufficient length to enwrap a portion of a sole of a shoe proximate its heel and a portion of a wearer's foot wherein after the material is wrapped around the portion of the sole and the wearer's foot, the first end is secured to the second end.

Abstract: A modular shoe separates into components. The components may be interchangeable to provide versatility without requiring a large number of single use shoes. Each shoe component may also be collapsible to provide for convenient packing in a travel bag or other location where space is limited.

Abstract: Athletic footwear is equipped with a device for detecting absence of movement of the wearer's foot for a period of time and a device responsive to the detecting device for alerting the wearer of such absence of movement. In a preferred embodiment, the detecting device comprises a device in the sole and/or heel of the footwear for detecting that the wearer is standing flat-footed and for energizing, after a time, an alerting signal, such as vibration or electric shock, for alerting the wearer that he or she is standing flat-footed.

Abstract: A mechanized unit that is moved through a trench in the ground for the purpose of placing a length or lengths of a utility or utilities by a guide device on the bottom of the trench, and then encasing the placed utility or utilities. The unit has at least one plow to sweep the material excavated from the ground to form the trench back into the trench onto a screening member mounted to the movable unit. The screening unit has sections of progressively larger openings from front to rear. The screening member preferably is vibrated to deposit onto the one or more utilities layers of the excavated material having particles of progressively larger size from the bottom toward the top of the trench to protect the utility or utilities from physical damage caused by larger excavated particles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of root pruning a woody plant having a main trunk and usually a distinct crown, such as a tree. More particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus and manner in which to prune root systems of trees, in preparation of transplantation or while excavating in proximity to a tree, more efficiently and effectively than in the past. The invention includes among its essential elements a vibratory apparatus coupled to a mobile device. The mobile device may be an excavator machine having an articulated machine arm with the root pruning vibratory apparatus attached thereto. The machine's articulated arm positions the vibratory apparatus in a desired location while applying force to the apparatus, pushing it into the ground while the apparatus is vibrating, penetrating the blade into the ground or, optionally, the vibratory apparatus having the ability to provide a hammering action.

Abstract: The invention concerns a steam iron comprising a water reservoir (1), a hydraulic circuit (3) connecting the reservoir (1) to an electrically heated vaporization chamber (23), the circuit including in series an anti-drip valve (4), and an adjustable drip element (5) capable, in a self-cleaning position, of opening allowing a free passageway and supplying water to said chamber. The invention is characterized in that the drip element comprises means for opening or maintaining open the anti-drip valve (4), when it is in the self-cleaning position.

Abstract: This invention relates a kind of electric iron for eliminating the wrinkles on clothes and some other materials. The electric iron has an ironing seat, which is composed of soleplate, ironing surface on the soleplate, and heater that heats the soleplate. There are heater-shaped dents on the ironing surface where the heater is installed. This invention, with the said structure, reduces the contacting area between the ironing surface close to the heater and the clothes or other materials, thus effectively changing the uneven distribution of temperature on the ironing surface. Further, for steam electric iron, the steam sprayed out of the steam outlets in the soleplate spreads to areas away from the heater through the dents, resulting to excellent effect of wrinkle elimination.

Abstract: An image-holder article usable as postcard, that can be sent by mail but that can also be used to display the image incorporated therein, and mailable in standard ways is effectively usable as postcard, allows display of the image on a surface that remains flat, comprising : a first flat sheet-like support (2), with an image being reproduced thereon, comprising side flaps (3) delimited by the edge thereof and by fold lines (5), so that said flaps are foldable and may adopt a folded configuration with respect to the first sheet-like support and an extended configuration, forming an uniform plane with the first sheet-like support; a second flat sheet-like support (6) made of a substantially flexible material, so as to be reversibly flexed assuming a cambered position, and having an extension such that, if inserted between said flaps (3) in a folded configuration with its edges resting on said fold lines, it adopts said cambered position and determines, in cooperation with said first sheet-like support (2), a re

Abstract: A combined candle/greeting card/bookmarker (5,3) to be used first as a candle/greeting card (5,3) and than as a bookmarker (3).

Abstract: A license plate holder, curved or otherwise, for receiving a license plate and wherein the license plate holder further has a pair of bumper guards, preferably of hard rubber or any other hard material to protect the bumpers of a vehicle. In a preferred embodiment the bumper guards are vertical and are disposed on each end of a license plate holder. In another embodiment the bumper guards may be horizontal and placed both at the upper edge and lower edge of the license plate holder and in a third embodiment a license plate holder may have a set of both vertical and horizontal bumper guards incorporated into one license plate holder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flame imitation device for a wall-mounted heater. The flame imitation device comprises a light source, a combustion bed including imitated firewood and embers, and a vertical translucent screen located closely adjacent to the back edge of the combustion bed. The light source is located under the combustion bed. A glittering member is rotatably provided behind the translucent screen. The main body of the glittering member comprises a polyhedron with a polygonal cross section. A reflector is provided on the polyhedron. The glittering member is connected to a rotational driver. Light irradiated from the light source partially transmits upward onto the combustion bed for imitating firewood and embers. Light irradiated from the light source partially transmitted rearward to the glittering member positioned at the back portion of the heater, and reflects the light to the translucent screen.

Abstract: A display apparatus (10, 10?) for sequentially displacing sheets (A) to a display position, comprising a drive (20) for displacing sheets (A) in a circuit to a display position. An actuator (30) actuates the drive (20). Connector devices (40, 50) connect opposed ends of sheets (A) along the drive (20). Each connector device (40, 50) has (i) a first connector (40) securing a first edge portion (A1) of a sheet (A) to the drive (20), and (ii) a second connector device (50) having a longitudinal member (41?) secured to a second edge portion (A2) of the sheet (A) and connected to the drive (20) so as to be restrictively displaceable along the drive (20). An abutment portion (43?) is securable against the longitudinal member (41?) for retaining the edge portion (A2) of the sheet (A) therebetween. A tensioner (52) connects the longitudinal member (41?) to the drive (20) to maintain the sheet in a taut condition with a predetermined tension.