Abstract: An alignment device for aligning a nut runner with a fastener includes a body, a threaded cap, a magnet, and a light source. The magnet and cap are received in one end of the body, while the light source projects from the opposite end of the body. The cap has a fastener-shaped end that is releasably received in the nut runner socket. The light source illuminates a spot that is aligned with the nut runner axis, to permit the user to determine when the nut runner axis is aligned with the fastener to be tightened. Thereafter, the alignment device may be removed from the nut runner socket.

Abstract: A laser level generates an emitted laser beam and a cross laser beam plane. The laser level includes a frame, a pendulum pivotally mounted to the frame to rotate about two axes with respect to the frame in a manner such that the gravity center of the pendulum defines a plumb line along the gravity direction, a laser module provided in the pendulum to generate a laser beam that is transmitted along a transmission line in a direction perpendicular to the plumb line, a spectroscope provided in the pendulum along the transmission line of the laser beam to split the laser beam into a split beam and an emitted laser beam that is perpendicular to the split beam, and a cross lens provided along the transmission line of the split beam in the pendulum to transform the split beam into a cross laser beam plane.

Abstract: Novel combination squares for magnetically retaining a magnetic rule-type blade in a blade retaining slot. Novel combination squares including an L-shaped rule-type blade.

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring an object includes a first measuring scale positioned along a first edge of the measuring device, a first slot formed through the measuring device, and a second measuring scale positioned alongside the first slot.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat generating mechanism for hair dryer having a housing in which accommodating a fan, a motor, and a heat generating mechanism which employs a ceramic block as a heat generating element, and an electrically conducting reed and a heat shield ring are respectively attached to both front and rear ends of the ceramic block. The ceramic block is a beehive figured porous body having a central main axial passage in which a temperature sensor switch is axially inserted.

Abstract: A method for drying a surface comprises supporting a fabric cover above the surface, and holding side edges of the fabric cover against the surface such that an air channel is formed between the fabric cover and the surface. The air channel has an inlet end and a discharge end, and a pressurized warm air stream having a relative humidity less than an ambient relative humidity is directed into the inlet end of the air channel such that the warm air stream moves through the air channel to the discharge end and out to the atmosphere. An apparatus for practicing the invention provides a plenum along the inlet end with plenum outlets to discharge the warm air stream, and cover supports extending out from the plenum to support the cover above the surface. A fabric tube plenum and cover supports provide versatility and portability.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for drying a wet cake in a carboxylic acid production process. The method comprises employing a contact dryer for drying solid particles of carboxylic acid, where the solid particles can have a residence time of less than about 7 minutes in the dryer and an exit temperature of less than about 250° C. upon exiting the dryer.

Abstract: Parts to be chemically treated are processed in a controlled-environment processing chamber. The process includes a means of applying a negative gauge pressure to the chamber to remove air or other non-condensable gases. Means are provided for introducing an oxygen free solvent or aqueous solution in a vapor or liquid state. A first system removes oxygen and volatile contaminants from the object being processed and chamber, and a second system further recovers residual solvent from the object and chamber. Eliminating oxygen from the process prevents deflagration within the system thus allowing for the use of flammable solvents within the process.

Abstract: A device that provides support for sailors while hiking from a sailing vessel is disclosed. The device is a hiking strap/watersport boot combination, designed to provide extra grip together.

Abstract: In the present invention relates to sock-like items of footwear commonly used in conjunction with outer articles of footwear such as shoes, boots and the like as an inner liner, in particular the liner is constructed with a durable padded sole, methods of constructing such liners are disclosed.

Abstract: A pair of flexible shoes have an outer sole, a foam mid-sole, and an inner sole as well as an upper portion. Each of the shoes may be rolled or folded into a compact configuration and have a sandal configuration. The folded shoes may be stored in a container such as a pouch or case for convenient carrying, such as in the wearer's purse or handbag, for use upon need. For example, a wearer may want to change to more stylish and/or more comfortable shoes after work or to change to a pair of sandals after receiving a pedicure.

Abstract: An adjustable fit insole system for shoes includes an insole member formed of flexible, resilient cushioning material that is removably inserted within the foot-receiving chamber of the shoe, the insole member and the shoe having corresponding heel, arch, ball and toe portions. In order to vary the internal width and girth dimensions of the ball portion of the chamber, a width adjustment pad of a desired thickness and/or hardness is removably connected with the bottom surface of the ball portion of the insole member, thereby to permit the user to customize the fit of the shoe. The top surface of the insole member is contoured to position the foot relative to the insole, and the bottom surface of the heel portion of the insole member is provided with an anti-slip stabilizing arrangement, thereby to prevent sliding movement of the insole member relative to the shoe.

Abstract: A method of forming an upper for an article of footwear includes the steps of providing an exterior layer of an upper of an article of footwear having a layer of adhesive secured to an interior surface thereof, positioning an interior layer of the upper in contact with the interior surface of the exterior layer, applying heat and pressure to laminate the interior layer and exterior layer together, and cutting the laminated interior layer and exterior layer to a desired final form.

Abstract: A boot for alpine skiing has a shell and sole. The heel has a seat for the insertion of a removable insert for engagement by the heel fixing unit of a standardized “Dynafit” binding. The seat is a recess and the insert has the shape and dimensions corresponding to those of the seat. The result is a smooth contour of the heel when the insert is placed within the seat. A pair of friction strips is secured to the bottom of the sole with projections from each strip fitting within recess in the sole. The strips are elongated and, when secured, are perpendicular to one another.

Abstract: An orthopedic appliance includes a slab configured to be placed underneath a big toe, forward of and not extending under a head of a first metatarsal, and wherein the slab has a predetermined height and is configured to deflect a proximal phalanx upwardly relative to the first metatarsal. A method for improving stability of a foot during ambulation includes placing an orthopedic appliance, having a predetermined height, under a big toe such that the orthopedic appliance is located forward of and does not extend under a head of a first metatarsal of the big toe; and deflecting a proximal phalanx upwardly relative to the first metatarsal.

Abstract: The support device for a snowplough blade comprises a body produced in one piece and defining: a reservoir, pumping means and support means for the blade, the pumping means being fed by the reservoir and operating the support means for the blade.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for scraping material from the earth. The device has a scraper housing, which may be attached to the front of a bulldozer or other earthmoving vehicle. The scraper housing may generally include a back wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a center support, and a brace. The device may be equipped with a scraper blade attached to an earth transfer plate, the scraper blade attached proximate to the front of the scraper housing. As the scraper housing is urged forward, the scraper blade scrapes material from the earth which, by the force of the material being scraped, is forced along the earth transfer plate. After reaching the end of the earth transfer plate, the material can be deposited onto a scraper conveyor that has a belt extending between the side walls of the housing. The scraper conveyor belt continuously moves material toward an opening in the second wall.

Abstract: A wear assembly to protect the front edge of an excavating bucket, which is secure, stable, easy to use, readily manufactured, and provides increased safety, and which eliminates any need for holes to be formed in the lip. The wear assembly includes a wear member that has a pair of legs to straddle the front edge of the bucket. One of the legs defines an axial slot, which has opposing grooves for receiving rails of a boss fixed to the bucket. The grooves narrow in a forward direction to permit easier installation and removal of the wear member, to permit use of side wings without interference from adjacent wear parts, and to enable enhanced resistance under some loads.

Abstract: An adapter for permitting non-standard work tools to be attached to a work machine for which they were not originally sized to fit. The adapter comprises a sleeve which fits into bores on the work machine. Pins for attaching the work tool to the machine in turn are inserted through the work tool and into the sleeves. The sleeves protect the joint through seals positioned both on an outer surface of a flange of the sleeve, and on an inner surface of the bore of the sleeve. The sleeves also include holes for permitting lubricant to pass from the sleeve's outer circumferential surface to its inner circumferential surface. The sleeves may be permitted to rotate relative to the work machine via bearings in the bores of the work machine.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a modular ironing board top constructed from at least two modular board members. The board members are mechanically joined via a pin-slot mechanism, or any other similar suitable mechanism. Utilizing modular design allows for the size of the ironing board surface to be flexibly determined according, e.g., to the size of the garments. A plastic modular ironing board top is more-economical to construct and features a more stable and secured structure, and a more convenient and practical usage than a one-piece top while occupying less storage space when not in use.

Abstract: An electronic device decorative surface label comprising: a) a substrate having a first surface and a second surface, b) an adhesive layer on said first surface for affixing said label to the outside surface of an electronic device and the second surface is coated with an inkjet printable medium having a supporting intermediate coating overlying the imaging surface of the substrate and a microporous ink-receptive coating overlying the supporting intermediate coating. The label may add other feature, such as RFID, GPS and color change during use.

Abstract: An advertising display device for a napkin holder that includes a top portion having a length to extend across a top surface of the napkin holder, first and second side portions extending from the top portion, the side portions each having a length to extend across a side of the napkin holder, first tab portion extending from the first side portion, and a second tab portion extending from the second side portion, and an attachment device positioned on an end of at least one of the first and second tab portions to allow attachment of the first and second tab portions on a bottom side of the napkin holder wherein the tab portions have a width sized to fit between feet of the napkin holder and wherein printed advertisement is disposed on at least one of the top portion and side portions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a cup structure with surfaces of changeable patterns, and the structure includes a cup body, a transparent containing space having a surrounding periphery and disposed in the cup body, at least one driving shaft and driven shaft disposed at the containing space, and reel surrounded the periphery of a reel and wound on a driving shaft and a driven shaft, and the reel contains various different patterns or a continuous essay, such that when the cup structure is in use, the driving shaft and driven shaft can be rotated to change the pattern portion of the reel at the periphery of the cup body, and the patterns or words on the reel can be rotated to constantly change and display the patterns or words, so as to arouse children's curiosity, give more fun of using the cup, and encourage children to drink more water.

Abstract: An improved illuminated airfield guidance sign of the type used for marking ground traffic routes on runways and taxiways has a curved face. The sign is capable of withstanding the prescribed wind load tests and at the same time has even illumination across each of its legend panels. The curved legend panels are preferably formed of sheets of acrylic or equivalent substrate with a thickness of about 0.354 inches except at the edges where the edge portion is about 0.220 inches. The edge portion i.e. peripheral flange fits into the grooves or channels along the base and end panels of the frame.

Abstract: A container label printing method and apparatus, the method comprising the steps of providing a label having first section and a second section spaced apart from the first section and oppositely facing front and back surfaces, providing a container with an external surface, securing the first section of the label to a portion of the external surface of the container with the second section of the label extends from the first surface, providing a printer, using the printer to print indicia on the a the front surface of the second section of the label and securing the second section of the label to the external surface.

Abstract: An emergency information tag is disclosed, the tag comprising a sheet of material having a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one edge surface. The bottom surface includes a plurality of identification information zones applied thereto, each of which includes a writable surface area for writing identification and medical information of a user. An emergency indicia notice is applied to the top surface of the sheet. The tag includes an attachment means attached to the top surface of the sheet, such as a loop of nylon material sewn to the top surface of the sheet and a key ring traversing the loop and captured thereby. The tag further includes a fastener comprising a first part and a second part. Each part is fixed separately to the top surface of the sheet. Preferably the fastener is a hook-and-loop type fastening material. In use, identity information is written onto the writable surface area of each identification information zone of the tag while the tag is in a flat configuration.

Abstract: A display system comprises a mounting frame assembly, a hinged frame assembly, and a pivotable frame assembly. The mounting frame assembly comprises a frame and a securing system. A mounting surface securedly holds the frame of the mounting frame assembly. The hinged frame assembly comprises a frame, a hinge, and a locking mechanism. The frame of the hinged frame assembly is hingably connected to the frame of the mounting frame assembly enabling opening/closing of the hinged frame assembly relative the hinge. The pivotable frame assembly comprises a frame, and an indicia displaying assembly. Because the frame of the hinged frame assembly is hingably connected to the frame of the mounting frame assembly, opening the hinged frame assembly can create enough space to enable the free rotation, or pivot, of the pivotable frame assembly about a pivot assembly, and hence the indicia display assembly is pivotable.

Abstract: The subject matter of the current invention is directed to a front-loading display system adapted for safe, frequent, and rapid change of displayed objects. The display system includes a base and an object-holding assembly. The object-holding assembly can be releasably attached to the base through the use of a fastener, which allows the base to remain mounted to a mounting surface when changing display objects. In a preferred embodiment, the fastener employs magnetic force to connect the base and the object-holding assembly. The display object is retained between a resting plate and a cover plate, the two plates being releasably attached to each other by the use of at least one holding device, which may be selected from clips, clasps, hinges and elastic bands.

Abstract: A display frame having a divider for subdividing the display area. The display frame includes a plurality of frame sections forming a rectangular perimeter around a backing member. A divider is selectively located within the display area and releasbly secured by clamps on each end for subdividing the display area. The divider may be located in a horizontal, vertical or angular configuration. Alternately, the divider may be rotated substantially parallel with the frame section so as to be positioned in a stowed location.

Abstract: The invention concerns an adjustable sighting device for a small arm, in particular, for a shotgun, with a rail body (3) that can be fixed on the barrel (1) or the barrel group of the small arm, and a sighting device (4) which is arranged in an adjustable manner on the rail body (3). In order to obtain improved adjustment possibilities, the sight rail (4) is adjustable in height relative to the rail body (3) at both ends, by means of adjusting elements (6, 13).

Abstract: A fish stunning apparatus comprising a fish stunning device including a striker; said striker including a cylinder and a piston, said piston movable between retracted position and an extended position; a fish guide having an entrance and an exit; said fish guide guiding a fish below said striker so that said piston contacts said fish when said piston is in the extended position; trigger to cause said piston to be moved from the retracted position to the extended position when said fish is passed through said fish guide; wherein said fish is moved unidirectionally from said entrance through said guide to the exit. A fish guide comprising an entrance, an exit and a pivotally movable floor and a table for distributing fish for stunning are also disclosed.

Abstract: A flyswatter (10) having an elastically deformable swatting member (16) with a plurality of protrusions (20) formed thereon. The protrusions (20) are spaced apart on the swatting member (16), and have a height somewhat less than the height of the insect. When the swatting member (16) is struck on an object upon which the insect rests, the protrusions (20) contact the object, and the swatting member (16) elastically deforms and bows outwardly and strikes the insect without flattening or squishing the insect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gasoline or a gasoline and ethanol blend fuel compositions that have improved oxidation stability. More specifically, the gasoline or a gasoline and ethanol blend fuel compositions include at least one antioxidant that increases the oxidative stability of the fuel. The gasoline or a gasoline and ethanol blend fuel compositions may also include an antioxidant mixture, or an antioxidant mixture in combination with a polar and/or nonpolar solvent, that increases the oxidative stability of the fuel.

Abstract: An adjustable fuel power booster component composition having three components: (A) an ignition accelerator which is preferably normal propyl nitrate and/or diterbutyl peroxide; (B) propylene glycol monoalkyl ether and/or butylene glycol monoalkyl ether; and (C) methyl carbonate and/or ethyl carbonate and/or propyl carbonate and/or butyl carbonate, which may be used mixed in any proportion with methylal (dimethoxymethane) or ethylal (diethoxymethane). The adjustable fuel power booster component composition of the present invention can be used by itself or in mixture with gasoline, diesel or burning oils in combustion engines without the need for modification thereof. The adjustable fuel power booster component composition enables low energy content alcohol based fuels to substitute conventional fuels, such as gasoline or diesel, in conventional non-modified internal combustion engines, thereby generating lower amounts of toxic gas emission all the while proving more power.

Abstract: Methods of increasing the amount of one or more functional compounds in medicinal mushroom biomass and mushroom mycelia by growing the mushrooms on a substrate that is high in the functional compound or compounds of interest is provided. More specifically, a method of increasing the amount of anthocyanins in mushrooms is provided. Mushrooms are grown on a substrate rich in anthocyanins, such as purple corn or other suitable red, purple or black-pigmented substrate, and incorporate the anthocyanins during growth. Mushrooms grown by this method, as well as methods of improving the growth rate and potency of mushrooms, are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a mulch protective composition, methods for reducing fading of mulch, and non-fading mulch. The mulch protective composition is provided by a mixture of water and at least one component selected from an antioxidant, an ultraviolet absorber, an aqueous polymer dispersion, and mixtures of two or more of the foregoing. The composition is effective to reduce fading of mulch over time.

Abstract: A tool for eliminating air pockets in the soil when planting trees and shrubs has an inverted L-shaped rigid tubular body with an elongate vertical extension terminating at an open distal end and a horizontal section terminating at an open proximal end. A fluid passage extends between the open proximal end and the open distal end. The open proximal end is provided with internal threads for attachment of a conventional garden hose in order to direct a pressurized stream of water through the tool and out from the bottom distal end. A lever-actuated valve on the horizontal section is operable between an open position to permit water discharge from the distal end, and a closed position to interrupt discharge of water from the distal end of the tool. A driving handle is selectively attachable to either one of a pair of angled attachment stubs on the vertical extension to accommodate both left handed and right handed users.

Abstract: An eco-friendly fertilizer that acts as a plant growth promotion agent, soil improvement agent, bactericide and insecticide agent, disease and harmful insect prevention agent and the like, and is suitable for organic farming. The fertilizer contains extract from fruits, leaves, stems, seeds and/or roots of the Yaeyama Aoki and increases the amount of yield and extends the freshness period after harvest when applied to fruits, vegetables, leafy vegetables, root vegetables, grains as well as flowers and shrubs.

Abstract: A detachable vase for separately filling water and retaining plants comprises a lower water-filled bottle body for receiving water; and an upper side of the lower water-filled bottle body having a first connect unit; and an upper bottle body for receiving plants or flowers; the upper connect unit connected to the lower water-filled bottle body; a lower side of the upper bottle body having a second connect unit which can be engaged to the first connect unit. The upper bottle body includes at least two sub-bodies which are engageable to one another. The vase is divided into a first and a second bottle bodies. The lower water-filled bottle body is detachable from the upper bottle body. When it is desired to update the water in the vase, it is only necessary to detach the lower water-filled bottle body from the upper bottle body.

Abstract: A gasification system and method for converting organic materials into a usable syngas are provided. The gasification system includes a kiln for receiving a feedstock; a means for heating the kiln; a steam reforming reactor; and means for inductively heating the steam reforming reactor to drive the gasification reactions. In one preferred embodiment, the fuel processing system includes a steam reforming reactor that is at least partially filled with thermal transmitters which receive electromagnetic energy and generate heat within the steam reforming reactor. The organic material to be used as feedstock may include but will not be limited to petrochemical streams, refinery streams, natural gas, crude oil, coal, plastics, municipal wastes, toxic and hazardous wastes, biomass, medical wastes, and automobile wastes. The syngas that is produced in this process may consist primarily of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and methane.

Abstract: A slimline cassette assembly for rotating a louvre blade connected therewith is disclosed. The cassette assembly is capable of fitment within the stile of a frame supporting a plurality of such cassettes and an array of louvre blades connected therewith. The cassette assembly has a body for receiving a pair of straight cut mitre gears therein. The gears are located relative each other so that rotation of a first one of the gears by means of a perpendicular spline shaft connected in axial alignment therewith and extending between corresponding first mitre gears of consecutive cassette assemblies, causes rotation of the other second gear in each cassette assembly about ˜n axis perpendicular to the axis of each first gear. Rotation of the perpendicular shaft is thus imparted uniformly to the array of louvre blades connected in axial alignment with each of the respective second gears of the cassette assemblies.

Abstract: An apparatus for defining a tunnel through a wall includes a first elongated tubular section having an outboard end and a distal end. A first peripheral flange extends around at least a portion of the periphery of the outboard end of the first elongated tubular section. A second elongated tubular section has an outboard end and a distal end. A second peripheral flange extends around at least a portion of the periphery of the outboard end of the second elongated tubular section. The cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the second elongated tubular section are sized to slidingly telescope within the first tubular section when the distal end of the first tubular section is inserted through a hole in a first side of a wall and the distal end of the second tubular section is inserted through a coaxial hole in the opposing side of the wall.

Abstract: A braking device configured for use with the counterbalancing system of a garage door. The brake device includes a support bracket, a ratchet wheel, a pawl arm, and a biasing spring. The support bracket is rigidly connected to a fixed structure and has a guiding slot. The ratchet wheel is securely mounted about the overhead shaft of the counterbalancing system and has at least one notch. The pawl arm has first and second ends, the first end of the pawl arm being pivotally connected to the support bracket and the second end of the pawl arm cooperating with the guiding slot and being movable with respect to the support bracket along said guiding slot. The first and second ends of the pawl arm are further connected to flanges of a plug on either side of the overhead shaft. The biasing spring is operatively connected between the support bracket and the pawl arm so as to exert a biasing force for biasing the pawl arm towards the ratchet wheel.

Abstract: The Electric window takes the makings of a standard window and makes an electric window by using a standard window and modifying it with exterior metal casing adding an electric motor, gears and a ball screw with ball nut and ball screw support.

Abstract: A window regulator assembly is easily coupled to a window with the use of a glider retainer block. The glider retainer block is selectively attached to a window lift channel to hold a glider at a desired position within the window lift channel. The glider is coupled to a regulator arm of the window regulator assembly. The glider retainer block is then attached to the window lift channel to hold the glider in the desired position. The window is then clamped to the window lift channel, and the glider retainer block is subsequently detached to allow relative movement between the window lift channel and glider.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making an abrasive cleaning article. In one aspect, the method of making an abrasive cleaning article comprises providing a substrate, mixing a slurry of abrasive particles with a water-soluble binder, coating the substrate with the slurry, and solidifying the water-soluble binder within the slurry. The water-soluble binder releasably secures the abrasive particles to the substrate.

Abstract: To provide a process for producing CeO2 fine particles having high crystallinity, being excellent in uniformity of composition and particle size and having a small particle size, and a polishing slurry containing such fine particles. A process for producing CeO2 fine particles, which comprises a step of obtaining a melt containing, as represented by mol % based on oxides, from 5 to 50% of CeO2, from 10 to 50% of RO (wherein R is at least one member selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba) and from 30 to 75% of B2O3, a step of quenching the melt to obtain an amorphous material, a step of precipitating CeO2 crystals from the amorphous material, and a step of separating the CeO2 crystals from the obtained crystallized product, in this order. A polishing slurry containing from 0.1 to 20 mass % of such fine particles.

Abstract: A staging system includes vertical posts each with rack gears disposed along their lengths. A self-propelled truss-support collar with a motor and pinion gear can climb up and down the vertical post by engaging the rack gear. A battery inside the collar provides electrical power to the motor so AC utility power is not needed. The collar provides an anchoring plate for attachment and support of horizontal staging trusses for assembly on the ground and self-elevation overhead. A protective track cover tape in the vertical post hides the rack gear from view. A threading roller in the collar routes the protective track cover tape around the pinion gear so it can engage the rack gear.

Abstract: A gutter guard arrangement is provided that functions to keep debris from entering and clogging a rain gutter. The arrangement may include a cover for keeping debris out of the gutter and a bracket that positions the cover over the gutter. The bracket may include a bracket securing portion that attaches to the gutter for securing the bracket to the gutter, a cover securing portion that attaches to the cover to secure the cover to the bracket and a décor mounting portion disposed on the bracket for mounting decorative décor on the bracket.

Abstract: A gutter clip for elevating a gutter end piece from ground in a first position and for retaining the gutter end piece to a gutter down spout in a second position is disclosed. The gutter clip includes a foot portion for engaging the ground when in the first position. Legs extend from the foot portion to a rotation portion. The rotation portion rotationally engages the gutter end piece. Arms extend from the rotation portion, and the arms releasably engage the gutter end piece in the first position and releasably engage the gutter down spout in the second position. The arms include a resistance implement for releasably engaging the gutter end piece and the gutter down spout.