Abstract: A shaving system that includes a platform 1, at least one blade 4 a smooth guard bar, and plastic platform parts 3, which cover the ends of the guard bar 2, thus fixedly attaching the guard bar to the platform.

Abstract: The invention includes a cutting blade with replaceable cartridge having a main blade body with an at least one central axis, an at least one receiving section on the main blade body and penetrating through the main blade body. A replaceable cartridge has an at least one sharpened edge thereon and an at least one cartridge tab extending therefrom, the at least one cartridge tabs mating and penetrating and coupling with the at least one receiving section. And a locking mechanism is engaged when the replaceable cartridge is brought into proximity with the main blade body and the at least one receiving section is penetrated and coupled by the at least one cartridge tab.

Abstract: A handheld tool for removing soft material from an object includes a scoop portion supported by longitudinal handle portion. The scoop portion has a concave wall extending upwardly from a bottom to terminate in a rim edge. The rim edge may have a first edge portion on a first lateral side so as to form forming a first cutting edge with a first cutting characteristic, a second edge portion on a second lateral side so as to form forming a second cutting edge with a second cutting characteristic, and a third edge portion extending transversely of the longitudinal axis to form a third cutting edge. The scoop portion may be rotatably supported on the handle portion. The handle portion may have a proximal portion supporting the scoop and a flattened distal portion offset from the proximal portion. A transverse ridge may be located proximately to the scoop portion.

Abstract: A pair of power scissors includes a first scissor and a second scissor pivotally connected to the first scissor. The first scissor includes a blade, a shank and a slot. The second scissor includes a blade, a shank and an aperture. A handle is pivotally connected to each of the scissors. Each of the handles includes a pivotal section and a grip. The pivotal section of each of the handles is pivotally connected to the shank of related one of the scissors. The handles are pivotally connected to each other. A fastener is driven in the slot of the first scissor and the aperture of the second scissor so that the blades can be opened to a large extent while the handles do not have to be opened to an extent too large to operate.

Abstract: A power drive handle for a handheld tool includes a case with an opening in its nose. A drive motor and a carriage are disposed in the case interior. A drive train located in the interior interconnects the carriage to the motor so that the motor reciprocates the carriage. The carriage is adapted to releasably mount the tool handle so that the tool element thereof projects through the nose opening. A wing extension projects longitudinally forwardly of the nose adjacent to the tool opening. A detachable access panel allows the user to insert and remove the handheld tool. The case can have a compartment to receive batteries for powering the motor. The carriage may be trough-shaped and can be slideably mounted in a longitudinal slideway secured in the casing. The tool element may, for example, be a poker or a saw.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a blade for a cutting tool, in particular for a knife, a pair of scissors, a saw, a household appliance, or indeed an industrial tool, the blade (1) being made of steel or an alloy of stainless steels and having at least one cutting edge (3; 103) extending over at least a portion of its periphery, the method being characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a) making a blade body (2; 102) possessing at least one free edge (F; 4) provided in the vicinity of the location of the or each cutting edge (3; 103); b) projecting a make-up material (M; M?) in the form of a powder (5; 105) onto at least one free edge (F; 4), the hardness of the make-up material being greater than the hardness of the blade body; c) subjecting the make-up material powder (5; 105) to a laser beam (8) so as to form a bead (6) or strip (109) on at least a portion of said free edge (4; F); and d) forming the cutting edge (3; 103) in the bead (6) or strip (109) of make-up material (M; M?).

Abstract: A circular saw includes a saw blade for cutting a workpiece. The saw includes a frame; a base plate having a lower surface, the base plate adjustable relative to the frame to achieve a desired depth-of-cut for the saw blade in the workpiece; a lower saw blade guard bias-coupled to the frame, the lower saw blade guard having a closed position and a cutting position relative to the frame; and a plurality of depth-of-cut indications placed on a visible surface of the lower saw blade guard. The lower surface of the base plate is alignable with a desired depth-of-cut indication when the lower saw blade guard is in the closed position.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a first plate for supporting the first surface of the article adjacent to the edge part of the article, a second plate extending from one end of the first plate in order to support the second surface of the article adjacent to the edge part of the article, a band connected to both side ends of the first plate such that a worker is able to securely hold the apparatus using one hand, and a non-skid member attached to at least one of inner surfaces of the first and second plates, which make contact with the first and second surfaces of the article, so as to prevent the apparatus from sliding along the article.

Abstract: The present invention provides a “third-axis” leveling block for use with an archery sight. The third-axis leveling block holds an archery sighting device (e.g., a scope or a pin sight) as know in the art. The leveling block adjusts the position of the sight in two axes by means of cams. One of the cams adjusts the sighting device to the archer's preferred cant. The other cam adjusts the angle of the sighting device with respect to the bow to keep the archer's cant consistent when the bow is raised or lowered for shooting at targets at any elevation, above, below, or on the same level as the archer.

Abstract: The compass system of the present invention utilizes an improved calibration routine in which a processing circuit of the compass recalibrates the compass each time three data points are obtained from a magnetic field sensor that meet predetermined criteria. One such criterion is that the three data points define corners of a triangle that is substantially non-obtuse. When three data points have been obtained that define a triangle meeting this criterion, the processing circuit calculates a center point for a circle upon which all three data points lie by solving the equation x2+y2+Ax+By+C=0 for A, B, and C, using the coordinate values (x,y) for the three data points and defining the center point as (?A/2, ?B/2).

Abstract: A device (1) for containing and dispensing tablets, wherein vial bottles (3) filled with tablets wait in waiting spaces (701a, b, c) and the vial bottles (3) are taken out from the waiting spaces (701a, b, c). A plurality of pair of holding members (703a, b) facing each other for holding the bodies of the vial bottles (3) are installed in the waiting spaces (701a, b, c), and stock sensors (710) of the same quantity as the pair of holding members (703a, b) are installed to check for each pair of holding members whether the vial bottles are held on the pair of holding members (703a, b) or not.

Abstract: An automated coordinate measuring system comprising a measuring arm used for acquisition of geometry data that incorporates an exoskeletal structure resilient to physical perturbations including thermal changes and vibrations which may affect coordinate data acquisition. The system may be adapted to a portable platform allowing for convenient positioning and alignment of the measuring arm in a wide variety of environments.

Abstract: A height indicator as provided on an articulating support arm at a workstation. The height indicator has a scale and a needle moves up and down the scale as a platform of the support arm is raised or lowered relative to a base.

Abstract: An automated coordinate measuring system comprising a measuring arm used for acquisition of geometry data that incorporates an exoskeletal structure resilient to physical perturbations including thermal changes and vibrations which may affect coordinate data acquisition. The system may be adapted to a portable platform allowing for convenient positioning and alignment of the measuring arm in a wide variety of environments.

Abstract: A metrology instrument, such as a probe, probe head, stylus or stylus arm, for mounting on a coordinate position apparatus. The metrology instrument is at least partially constructed from at least one sheet of thermally stable metallic material which is folded to form a three dimensional structure. The at least one sheet of thermally stable material is utilised in the metrology loop of the metrology instrument.

Abstract: A tape measure (10) including a housing (12) and a measuring tape that can be rolled up into it or drawn out of it, the tape extending from a drum (48, 50) disposed in the housing, the drum being rotatable by means of a holder element (40) extending from a handle (32) and at least in part passing through the first external surface (18) of the housing and originating from a support (46). In order to carry out internal measurements and measurements with a corner-stop position without problems from any orientation, there is provision for the handle (32) to be displaceably arranged along the drum axis inside the housing (12), for the handle (32) and the support (46) to merge flush with the first outer lateral surface in a first position (measuring position) or run offset to this surface, and in a second position (use position) to protrude, at least in part, above the first outer lateral surface, in order to engage the element.

Abstract: Markers, methods of marking, and marking systems for use in association with images are disclosed. One marker is removable with a targeted design and metric dimensions inscribed on a clear plastic flap. This marker is attached adjacent to an area of interest with the target placed in such a manner to precisely pin point out an observed abnormality. A paper label at one edge is available for written comments and directions for further studies. The marker can be removed without damage to the image(s).

Abstract: A machine which rapidly dries shopping carts after they have been washed or used in the rain. It consists of an arch-like superstructure tall enough for a typical shopping cart to fit through. In the body of the arch-like superstructure are fans which blow through a parabolic focusing funnel to increase the force of the breeze. The breeze is directed inward toward the passage through which the shopping carts are introduced. Baffles deflect the breeze in many directions to ensure complete drying of all the grids and interstices, both top and bottom of the shopping carts. Heat lamps may also be mounted within the arch-like superstructure for the purpose of increasing the temperature, and therefore the drying tendencies of the passage under the arch. The invention comes equipped with a switch by which it can be turned on or off. This switch may take the form of a motion or metal detector to make the device turn on and off automatically when presented with a shopping cart.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing casings of composite hand dryers and the structure thereof includes the processes of severing a reproduced steel rough material to form a front casing, bending the front casing, fabricating a first side casing and a second side casing that have respectively a coupling portion, assembling one end of the front casing with the first side casing and assembling another end of the front casing with the second side casing to form a finished composite hand dryer casing. The method and structure can eliminate rusting and product strength problems. Fabrication process is simplified and production cost is lower.

Abstract: This invention discloses systems, apparatuses and methods for drying or dehydrating high moisture content feedstock to dry or low moisture products. The equipment systems comprise a gas turbine generator unit (preferred heat source), a dryer vessel and a processing unit, wherein the connection between the gas turbine and the dryer vessel directs substantially all the gas turbine exhaust into the dryer vessel and substantially precludes the introduction of air into the dryer vessel and wherein the processing unit forms the dried material from the dryer vessel into granules, pellets, flakes or other desired form for the final product. The systems, apparatuses and methods of this invention also provide for prevention of release of HAP, including VOC, emissions from manufacturing facilities in conjunction with or independent of the above treatment of high water content feedstock.

Abstract: A device for degassing a substrate plate in an evacuated environment with two substantially flat, parallel bodies spaced at a distance smaller than their longitudinal extent forming an interspace with the substrate located between the bodies and these projecting beyond the substrate at least in the margin region, wherein in at least one of the bodies a gas delivery is disposed for generating a laminar gas flow in the interspace along the bodies and the substrate in the radial direction toward the periphery of the bodies, and that here a pumping port is provided for pumping off the gas flow.

Abstract: A program-controlled laundry drier equipped with a rotary drum in which the material to be dried is inserted and moved during the drying process. The dryer comprising a heater for heating the drying air and a blower which guides the drying air stream into the interior of the drum. The axis of a current generator is mechanically coupled to the rotary drum and the output voltage of the current generator is applied to the excitation winding of a relay whose switching contacts switch the heating current circuit for the drying air.

Abstract: A waterproof foot covering is provided that is disposable in a preferred embodiment. The foot covering may be a single layer of a thin, resilient, waterproof material or may consist of two layers, an outer layer of a thin resilient, waterproof material and an inner layer of fabric or some other material. Means to provide air pockets between the inner layer and the outer layer are provided. Preferred embodiments include additional features to secure the foot covering on the leg and foot, provide additional warmth and ventilation and prevent slippage. The foot covering is particularly helpful to athletes playing outdoors or to those who work outside in wet weather in preventing discomfort caused by cold and wet feet.

Abstract: An antiskid attachment for footwear is described wherein the traction increases when lateral skidding occurs. The attachment comprises of a multitude of skid-resisting elements positioned between the shoe sole and the surface, and flexible linkage used to ensure appropriate positioning of the elements allowing natural walking and running movement and easy application with virtually any type of footwear. The attachment ensures improved traction on ice and snow, thereby reducing the possibility of slipping during inclement weather, without danger to the user or damage to surfaces when used on ice-free surfaces. The inventive universal method of traction enhancement using polyhedral elements is explained as deployed in, but not limited to, the present footwear attachment.

Abstract: A method for the design and production of improved pressure reducing therapeutic shoe insoles for a person. The method includes the steps of measuring a three dimensional image of a foot and the distribution of plantar pressures applied by a person's foot being measured for a pressure reducing insole. Selecting a shoe insole outline or template which best fits or corresponds to the shape of a foot being measured. A foot display is generated which combines and aligns the three dimensional foot shape and the plantar pressure distribution. A three dimensional insole display is generated which combines and aligns the foot shape and plantar pressure distribution, and includes modifications based upon selected pressure contour lines identified within the foot display which are above predetermined pressure thresholds.

Abstract: An attachment for an item of footwear having an outsole, the attachment comprising a body having first and second body surfaces, the body being releasably co-operable with the outsole in a first position in which the first body surface is disposable away from the outsole and in a second position in which the second body surface is disposable away from the outsole; an attaching portion which is associated with the body and which includes an inter-engageable formation for releasably attaching the attachment in the first and second positions; and a detaching portion which is associated with the body, the detaching portion having an edge portion moveable with respect to the body to allow the body to be released from the item of footwear. The invention also includes an outsole and an item of footwear to which the attachment can be releasably attached.

Abstract: A heel protector is disclosed. The heel protector includes a stem portion having a body and at least one retaining portion. A channel is formed between the body and the at least one retaining portion. A biasing portion extends from the stem portion. The biasing portion includes an opening therein. A leaf portion extends from the biasing portion. A shoe and heel protector assembly is also disclosed. A method of using the heel protector to protect the heel and waist of a shoe is also disclosed.

Abstract: An insole board for high-heel shoe includes a board member, a plastic molded member and a rigid supporting member embedded in the plastic molded member. The board member has a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion and a heel portion. The midfoot portion and said heel portion of the board member are split into an upper layer and a lower layer to form a space to enclose the plastic molded member and the rigid supporting member. The plastic molded member is shaped in such a way that a flexline and an arched surface are formed on the surface of the board member. The rigid supporting member and the plastic molded member are formed and enclosed in the space of the board member by one step molding process.

Abstract: A snowshoe binding engages the sole of the user's boot in a region between the arch and the widest part of the sole, gripping the sole laterally and sufficiently firmly that the boot will not pull out of the binding during use of the snowshoe, even in the absence of a heel strap. The arch area of the boot typically is narrower in width than the ball of the foot, providing a rearwardly tapering region for positive engagement against pulling back of the boot in the binding. By engaging the boot at the sole, the binding can put pressure on the boot not felt by the user. In one form the sole engaging binding device has a width adjustment with a sliding element, and the firmly clamping sole engagement preferably is accomplished with a cam that engages when a strap is tightened. An efficient buckle and strap are also disclosed.

Abstract: A binding for a snowshoe has an injection molded base or footbed with integral control wings for cradling the shoe generally as in Pat. No. 5,259,128. The base preferably has toe stops at the forward end, positioned asymmetrically on the base to better individually contour to the left shoe and the right shoe. At the inner side of the foot the toe stop is farther forward. The lower end of the arch side control wing is positioned to cradle the shoe arch while the outer side control wing is at an offset position to engage an aft area of the shoe. Also, the width of the binding can be adjustable at the arch. These features provide a better connection of the snowshoe to the shoe, greater stability in use of the snowshoe and greater comfort to the user.

Abstract: A boot binding for a snowshoe, suspended within the snowshoe for flexibility of the boot relative to the snowshoe in the pitch direction, has a binding footbed that is flexible and allows bending of the boot in the pitch directed, as steps are taken by the user.

Abstract: A boot binding for a snowshoe, suspended within the snowshoe for flexibility of the boot relative to the snowshoe in the pitch direction, has a binding footbed that is flexible and allows bending of the boot in the pitch direction, as steps are taken by the user.

Abstract: A binding for a snowshoe has, in several different embodiments, a pair of straps to draw the binding tight over a user's boot, the two straps reversing direction at side loop points and being secured to a pair of buckles on a floating tongue at the top of the binding, generally over the ball area of the foot. In one form the straps are anchored at toe points on the binding and extend back in a crossing, X configuration, as in U.S. Pat. No. 6,814,360. In another form the straps are shorter and do not cross, the forward ends being replaced with toe-cradling strap-like members that extend up and back and come together at a pivot connection with a tongue, in this case a shorter tongue, to which the two buckles are connected. The binding tends to open with release of the straps. In a third form the tongue is a larger, padded X-shaped flexible member under which the boot is slid to engage the binding.

Abstract: There is disclosed a manual snow removal device that uses only a small fraction of the energy required for shoveling snow by eliminating the need to toss snow way up into the air thereby preventing heart attacks and death wherein the collected snow never leaves the ground which comprises a snow mover and a snow receiver wherein the snow mover includes a handle manipulated by one hand and having attached on the lower end a push plate and a laterally attached dig plate and used to move snow into the snow receiver wherein the snow receiver includes a container that is of a box like configuration having a collar assembly rotatably attached to the front end wherein the lower portion of the collar is a snow blade wherein the collar may be latched into a front position thereby placing the blade in a down position such that the receiver may be pulled into the snow by the cord with one hand thereby collecting snow wherein the collar may then be latched into a back position thereby lifting the blade up to create a sled

Abstract: A sleeve expander for use with a steam treatment machine that generally includes a base, a first expander arm, a second expander arm, and an actuator. The base supports the expander arms and actuator, and it has a mounting surface for connecting the sleeve expander to the steam treatment machine, preferably at a lower portion of the machine. The actuator is linked to the expander arms to move the first expander arm toward and away from the second expander arm during a steaming cycle so that the operator merely has to place the garment sleeves over the expander prior to initiating the steaming operation. A full steam treatment machine including a suzi and two of the sleeve expanders is also disclosed.

Abstract: One embodiment of a method may generate funds for one or more organizations by at least allowing one or more advertisers and/or sponsors to turn one or more sports helmet shields into one or more mobile billboards.

Abstract: Means to operate the mobile part of an advertisement display stand with image renewal; the aforementioned display stand being the type comprising a fixed transparent part and another transparent parallel, mobile part facing it, one of them fitted with an opacity mask and the other with a number of fragmented images which are interspersed in line with the opacity pattern, so that by adjusting the position of the mobile part in relation to the fixed part, the visualization through the open spaces of the opacity mask of the fragments of one of the images or another in cooperation with the internal lighting may be selected, where the aforementioned means comprise a number of motors that act on different areas of the mobile part, these motors being synchronised by means of a circuit that enables their calibration and levelling.

Abstract: A thin flat piece of material with material adhering mechanism 1 located on “Gun Graffiti” without placement 2 logo placing area 3.

Abstract: A retaining device for improving the functionality of placard holders when the placard holder is subject to transient atmospheric conditions. The retaining device includes a member used in conjunction with a placard holder to more fully secure a placard with the placard holder when transient atmospheric conditions are encountered. The retaining device may be adapted to use with many designs of placard holders, including, but not limited to, U.S. Department of Transportation approved hazardous material information placard holders.

Abstract: A muzzle loading firearm has a barrel with a bore on a bore axis, and the barrel has a muzzle end and a breech end. A frame is connected to the barrel, and has a breech face. The frame moves between an open position in which the breech face is away from the breech end of the barrel, and a closed position in which the breech face abuts the breech end of the barrel. A breech plug is removably attached to the barrel. The breech plug including a seal element closely received by the bore. The seal element may be a set of piston rings that are received in a circumferential groove about a forward end of the plug, or may be a cup at the forward end, with a forward rim that flares under pressure to provide a gas seal.

Abstract: An adapter for attaching accessories to a weapon and methods for mounting the adapter are disclosed. The adapter includes a connector for coupling with a rail on the weapon, wherein the connector includes connecting surfaces that are constructed to couple with corresponding contact surfaces on an accessory. The adapter further has a block projecting downward from the connector arranged between the connecting surfaces, wherein the block can engage a portion of the associated with the accessory.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a holster for a semiautomatic handgun. The semiautomatic handgun comprises a slider, a spring, a barrel terminating in a mouth, a hollow butt for a magazine clip and a firing mechanism comprising a trigger coupled to a hammer by a mechanism. The holster comprises left and right walls connected by a back piece. The holster is opened at its proximal end for insertion and removal of the semiautomatic handgun thereby and has an opening at its distal end. The holster further comprises means for engaging the slider of the semiautomatic handgun as the handgun is pushed into the holster, to slide the slider with respect to the barrel, thereby chambering a round.

Abstract: Surface treatment for fishing lures and sinkers is disclosed. The surface treatment can exist in a number of configurations, including holes, slots, grooves, or other details. The details have a cross section that allow them to be easily cleaned with a stick, branch, sand or other items that can be found near a lake or stream. The surface treatment allows a person to manually apply fish attractant to the outer surface of the fishing lure, and some of the fish attractant will embed into the surface treatment area providing retention of the fish attractant. In use the fish attractant will be washed from the surface treatment as the lure is moved through the water. The surface treatment can be incorporated into nearly any type of rigid or pliable fishing lure or sinker.

Abstract: A round, globe like weight made of alcryn or similar rubber like material with a swivel which is embedded in the body during the injection molding process.

Abstract: An animal trap including jaws rotatably coupled together at a distal end, each of the jaws having one or more portions that are transverse to a longitudinal axis of the animal trap, a spring axially mounted substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the animal trap, the spring being configured to provide a rotating force to one or more of the jaws, and a pan hinged on one of the one or more transverse portions and configured to restrain a trip wire when pressure is applied to the pan releasing the rotating force provided by the spring and causing one or more of the plurality of jaws to rotate together.

Abstract: The present invention is a method to determine the cetane number of a diesel fuel containing a fatty acid alkyl ester including determining the infrared spectrum of the fuel and correlating the spectrum to the cetane number using a multivariate-based Mid-FTIR model. The fatty acid alkyl ester may be rapeseed methyl ester and the infrared spectrum includes the frequency ranges 4900-3500 cm?1 and 2200-1624 cm?1 or the frequency ranges 4900-3500 cm?1 2200-1800 cm?1 and 1700-1624 cm?1.

Abstract: A landscape material includes a plurality of fibers. Each of the fibers includes a generally uniform length, such as in a range of from about 3.0 inches to about 10.0 inches, and a generally uniform cross sectional area, so that the landscape material generally is lighter in weight and more uniform in appearance than landscape material of the prior art. The landscape material of optionally includes an additive such as a colorant. A method for making landscape material is also provided. The method includes the steps of providing a wood section and cutting the wood section into a plurality of ribbons Each of the ribbons has a generally uniform cross sectional area, and the ribbons are reduced to fibers, each of which has a generally uniform length.

Abstract: A greenhouse has an exterior curtain wall structure formed by spaced tubular posts carrying external transparent panels and bottom non-transparent wall panels below a sill with the panels spanning the posts. A plurality of benches is located within the interior at spaced positions along one side wall with the width of the benches being equal to the post spacing to form a modular construction. A lighting system is matched with the modular construction of the exterior and includes rails aligned with the posts which carry a row of lighting fixtures arranged for common height adjustment to an optimized predetermined height. The lighting fixture includes a parabolic reflector adjustable to incline the directed light inwardly from the side wall and to change the location of the bulb axis relative to the parabolic axis. The ballasts for the lighting fixtures are housed outside the main greenhouse area in a common cabinet forming a panel in the wall structure.

Abstract: A landscape edging block is provided which has a first member and a second member twice as long as the first member connected to the first member to form an L-shaped block. A plurality of L-shaped blocks is arranged in an interlocking fashion to create a border between different landscape elements without the need for edging.

Abstract: A delivery mechanism for delivering superabsorbent polymer (“SAP”) products is disclosed. The delivery mechanism comprises a horticulture mat that may include two cellulose substrate sheets bonded together with SAP particles disposed between the sheets. The horticulture mat may optionally include seed, fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, fungicides and/or other growth-promoting additives.