Abstract: A transport mechanism (20) for use in a manufactured seed assembly is provided. The transport mechanism includes first and second arms (24a and 24b) attached to an actuator (22). Each of the first and second arms having an attachment end (46) coupled to the actuator and a free end (48). The first and second arms being deployable between a closed position, wherein the first and second arms are displaced towards each other for clamping onto an object (34) having a shape, and an open position. The transport mechanism also includes a gripping member (50) located on the free end of each of the first and second arms.

Abstract: This invention relates to the design and construction of a novel container and liner for side-planting plants in container gardens. This invention further relates to a method for side-planting plants in containers.

Abstract: A container made of plastic, in particular a deep-drawn plant pot, includes a top container edge that is oriented primarily horizontally, adjacent to which is at least one container wall that is oriented primarily downward. The container wall has at least one slot that matches the container edge for a tag that is provided with a shank. The slot has two slot edges that are offset vertically from each other, whereby the slot edge that is offset from the container wall is lower than the slot edge that is adjacent to the container wall. Good retention and firm seating of the tag is realized, even with increasingly thinner-walled containers and narrower container edges.

Abstract: The wraparound flower planter includes two almost-identical semicylindrical members and releasable fasteners for securing the two members together so that the wraparound flower planter is maintained in a closed position around the base of a tree, or other columnar support. Each of the semicylindrical pot members has an open upper end, an open lower end, and a surrounding sidewall. A pair of diametrically opposed interior planar walls extend radially inward from the sidewall. A substantially semicylindrical inner wall coaxial with the sidewall extends between inner edges of the interior planar walls from the open upper end to the bottom edge of the interior planar walls, defining a cylindrical channel extending through the pot. A shelf extends between the sidewall and the inner wall, forming the floor of a generally U-shaped peripheral channel. The shelf has a plurality of drainage apertures disposed therethrough.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a synthesis gas for use as a gaseous fuel or as feed into a fischer-Tropsch reactor to produce a liquid fuel in a substantially self-sustaining process. A slurry of particles of carbonaceous material in water, and hydrogen from an internal source, are fed into a hydro-gasification reactor under conditions whereby methane rich producer gases are generated and fed into a steam pyrolytic reformer under conditions whereby synthesis gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide are generated. A portion of the hydrogen generated by the steam pyrolytic reformer is fed through a hydrogen purification filter into the hydro-gasification reactor, the hydrogen therefrom constituting the hydrogen from an internal source. The remaining synthesis gas generated by the steam pyrolytic reformer is either used as fuel for a gaseous fueled engine to produce electricity and/or process heat or is fed into a Fischer-Tropsch reactor under conditions whereby a liquid fuel is produced.

Abstract: A CPOx hydrocarbon reformer comprising a plurality of sequential reforming stages for generating reformate. The first stage comprises adjacent active and inactive flow channels. Only a portion of the surface is provided with catalyst. The active channels have low catalytic activity such that about one-quarter of the reactants passing through the first stage is catalyzed. Reactants flowing through the inactive channels cool the active channels, preventing bed erosion. The fast exothermic combustion reaction near the front edge of the catalyst produces largely water and carbon dioxide but little hydrogen. Endothermic reactions in the following stages produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide while consuming water, carbon dioxide, and the remaining hydrocarbon fuel and oxygen using steam- and dry-reforming. Preferably, the intermediate stage reacts about one-half of the fuel. The last stage is fully coated to react the remainder of the fuel, and catalyst activity is increased.

Abstract: The assembly of the mobile swing-gate is installed in the channel that is dug across the entire width of the road, and the sides of the excavation are reinforced by wall (5). The created recess is over-bridged by swing-gate (1). One side of swing-gate (1) is connected onto joint (2) that is fixed onto channel wall (5). The opposite side of swing-gate (1) is supported by support grate (3) that by its upper side leans against swing-gate (1) and by its lower side against the corner of wall (5). Steel rope (4) is attached at the upper side of the support grate. By pulling steel rope (4) the support grate (3) eludes bellow swing-gate (1) that remains without support at that side, rotates about joint (2) and falls into the channel, and in such a way a recess is opened in the road.

Abstract: An outer belt molding is provided for a motor vehicle door having a door panel defining a window opening. The outer belt molding includes an elongated main body adapted to be attached to the door panel along a lower edge of the window opening. The elongated main body includes a mounting portion including a vertical segment abutting a portion of the door panel and an outer segment extending out from the vertical segment abutting another portion of the door panel. The outer belt molding also includes fastening means extending between at least one of the outer and vertical segments and the door panel to fixedly secure the outer belt molding to the door panel.

Abstract: A weatherstrip for a motor vehicle includes a generally U or J-shaped body of thermoplastic olefin (TPO), polypropylene (PP) having integrally formed lips or sealing flanges of more flexible thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV) and a show surface of thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO). The body includes longitudinally spaced apart latch members which secure the weatherstrip to a vehicle body. The sealing flanges preferably include flocking on the surfaces which contact and ride against the window glass. The thermoplastic polyolefin show surface bonds directly to the TPV or polypropylene substrate and provides a color and gloss match to the paint on the vehicle body. Improved weatherstrip performance and improved vehicle appearance are both achieved by the present invention.

Abstract: An enclosed sliding door assembly for simply and efficiently sealing a doorway is disclosed. The enclosed sliding door assembly is further advantageous in that it has a configuration that is designed to protect its elements from environmental and corrosive conditions. The enclosed sliding door assembly comprises a housing enclosing a drive mechanism and a door movably and operatively engaged to the drive mechanism. The housing of the assembly is further configured to form a track portion that provides for both a linear length of sliding travel and a contoured length of sliding travel, respectively, for the door. The drive mechanism within the housing is further configured to cooperate with the track portion formed by the housing, such that when the drive mechanism slides the door along the track portion, the door can be moved between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A building window includes a generally rectangular frame having an upper rail and opposed side rails. An upper sash and a lower sash are independently movably mounted in the frame. A pair of opposed spring detents are mounted on the side rails adjacent to the upper rail of the frame. A pair of laterally opposed latches are at upper comers of the upper sash at positions to engage the spring detents as the upper sash is moved to its fully raised position. The latches cooperate with the spring detents to hold the upper sash in its fully raised position and are releasable from the spring detents to permit lowering of the upper sash.

Abstract: The present application discloses embodiments of entry systems that minimize water infiltration due to a wind driven rain. In one embodiment, the entry system includes a corner pad that includes an upper portion that seals against the weather strip when the door is closed and a lower portion that is spaced apart from the weather strip to form a gap between the lower portion and the weather strip. The lower portion seals against the door when the door is closed.

Abstract: This frame (2) comprises a bottom plate (22) which has a base (26) which defines a frame support surface (28) which is directed towards an inner side (I) and a skirt (20) which is intended to receive a covering element (4) and which defines an outer side (E). The bottom plate (22) comprises at least one cell (32) which is open towards the inner side (I).

Abstract: The present invention concerns a privacy booth comprising at least two partition members having first and second terminal ends; and at least two linking members having first and second opposed ends, each second terminal end of the partition member and each first opposed end of the linking members forming a first pivotable coupling, each first terminal end of the partition members and each second opposed end of the linking member forming a second pivotable coupling, the privacy booth being operable between a deployed state, in which adjacent partition members are spaced-apart to define a respective compartment therebetween, and a storage state in which adjacent partition members are substantially parallel with one another, and preferably flat packed against one another.

Abstract: A knock-down portable partition system has cover panels supported on a post and beam framework designed for quick and easy on-site manual assembly. The framework includes at least two vertical posts and at least two structural beams rigidly, yet detachably interconnecting the vertical posts. Connectors secure the beams to the posts, such that the partition system can be assembled and disassembled manually. The partition system may include utility troughs shaped to retain wires, cabling, etc. therein to provide power and/or communication to the system. The utility troughs have opposite ends shaped to be detachably mounted to the posts.

Abstract: A pergola includes: a plurality of posts; two opposite tie beams supported on the posts; and a plurality of rafters spaced apart from each other and supported on the tie beams, each of the rafters including a first segment, a second segment, and a connecting unit interconnecting the first segment and the second segment. The connecting unit includes a first end cap and a second end cap. The first end cap is secured in the first segment and is formed with a retaining hole. The second end cap is secured in the second segment and is formed with a protrusion which engages releasably the retaining hole in the first end cap.

Abstract: An article of manufacture for covering a grave site with solid construction, made of ABS plastic covered with acrylic, will show epitaph, name and picture if desired of deceased loved one, can be made to remain flush with top of ground or protrude up out of the ground to a desired height, has outward tab around bottom to hold it securely underground, and can be made of other plastics covered by acrylic to resemble many materials including marble and granite.

Abstract: A wall support and reinforcing apparatus that applies a constant force on a structural support member, such as a steel I-beam, that is adjacent the wall. The apparatus includes a bias that is interposed between the building, or a bracket mounted to the building, and the structural member. Thus, the bias force is applied to straighten the wall at all times, thereby having the straightening effect and keeping the structural member from being displaced laterally due to complete release of all forces to the structural member.

Abstract: Building window and door shutters to protect against wind and wind borne foreign objects comprising a non-rigid sheet of coated waterproof polyester and a second sheet of non-rigid material made of high tensile strength polyester fiber mesh that are mounted side by side as a layer of materials in rigid tracks affixed to the building structure adjacent the window and doors. When the shutters are not in use, they can be rolled up or folded up and stored.

Abstract: A building window and door shutter to protect against wind and wind borne foreign objects comprising a non-rigid sheet of coated waterproof polyester, a rigid polycarbonate sheet, and a second sheet of non-rigid material made of high tensile strength polyester fiber mesh that are all mounted in layers and connected by rigid tracks to a building structure adjacent the window and doors. When the shutters are not in use, the non-rigid sheets can be rolled up or folded up and stored.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fire-resistant building comprising exterior surfaces and interior support members, wherein the exterior surfaces and interior support members are formed from fire-retardant treated wood.

Abstract: A building panel for residential and commercial construction uses a plurality of insulating blocks connected together by adhesive. The insulation blocks are typically made of foam. A plurality of support members are disposed on opposite sides of the insulting blocks and offset with respect to the adjacent support member. The support member are typically made of metal and can have different shapes including “T” shape, “U” shape, and “L” shape. Each support member has a head portion in contact with a surface of the insulating block and a stem portion extending into the insulating block and having a length less than a width of the insulating block so that a thermal conduction path of the support member is discontinuous across the insulating block. The panel can be used as a curtain wall panel in high-rise construction, as well as bodies for aircraft, automotive, and marine applications.

Abstract: Simulated stone, masonry and brick textured products such as siding panels are obtained when specially selected materials are properly admixed and formed via molding techniques. For instance, exemplary methods of manufacturing embodiments of panels, wall structures, and other products that may have contoured and textured surfaces and may simulate the appearances of conventional building or construction materials including, but not limited to, stone, bricks, masonry, concrete, stucco, wood, other conventional building materials, and combinations of any of these materials are disclosed. Such products are manufactured from suitable molds according to a prescribed process methodology using synthetic polymeric materials in addition to other materials such as coloring and texturing materials. Prerequisite surface textures may be produced that effectively simulate actual stone, masonry and brick panels.

Abstract: A ventilation method and apparatus is described for use in building structures to improve or define ventilation air space. The method and apparatus may be deployed from one side of a structure to penetrate through the structure to displace insulation or improve or define air space for ventilation located on the other side of the structure. The structure may be any structure such as, but not limited to, roofs, walls, floors, cavities, or structures with internal moisture production. For structures which are enclosed with limited or no access to inspect or modify or remedy the ventilation, such as a cathedral ceiling and roof assembly structure, this method and apparatus provides a previously unavailable alternative of modifying or improving or defining the airspace and ventilation, performed from an outer position in relation to the structure.

Abstract: A joint apparatus and method of assembly is disclosed for connecting building components such as panels, door jamb assemblies, windows and other structures. The apparatus includes an engagement structure with retaining elements that couple building components without the need for mechanical fasteners. The retaining element may contain serrations on which an adhesive is applied before a panel or other building component is secured to the joint apparatus. Other building components such as hinge assemblies include coupling members with a flange. The slots along a retaining element allows coupling members to snap fit into the joint apparatus once a flange is secured into the slots in order to lock the components.

Abstract: A sound and/or moisture barrier underlayment suited for use on a roof or floor surface to provide a substantially flat and level surface, comprises at least first and second strips of insulation membranes (10) laid down one next to the other in a coplanar relationship. The first and second strips (24, 26) have a thickness W1. An overlap joint (28) is provided between the first and second strips (24, 26). The overlap joint (28) has a thickness W2 substantially equal to or less than W1 to provide a free-bump transition between the first and second strips (24, 26) while preventing straight-through infiltration.

Abstract: An architectural mesh hanging system including a hanger assembly for an architectural mesh panel of predetermined size and a mechanism for mounting the hanger assembly on a support surface, the mounting mechanism including a plurality of support brackets connected to the hanger assembly and at least one of the support brackets including a pivotable support bracket.

Abstract: A panel connector has a central elongated structural member and two pairs of flanges projecting generally outward from the central elongated structural member and toward one another. The flanges hold corresponding flanges from panels. The panel connector may also have two spines attached thereto with the flanges attached to the spines. The central elongated structural member mats have differing configurations.

Abstract: A cantilever plate connection element (1) for connecting a ceiling or floor plate (2) to a cantilever plate (3) has traction means, transverse force means, pressure means, a cube-shaped insulating body (4) and at least one articulation element (5) which extends through the cube-shaped insulating body (4). The articulation element (5) has a main body (6), an end section (7) on the side of the ceiling or floor plate and an end section (8) on the side of the cantilever plate. The main body (6) is substantially enclosed in the cube-shaped insulating body (4) while the end sections (7, 8) project in the built-in state into the cantilever plate (3) and into the ceiling or floor plate (2). The surface of each of the two end sections (8) of the articulation element (5) has a positive curvature in at least one direction and at least one end section (7, 8) is provided with sliding means.

Abstract: A modular wall panel for an underground infiltration tank comprising a rectilinear periphery formed of four edge members and a plurality of internal strut members which intersect each other at a plurality of junctions. The internal strut members are arranged asymmetrically. The wall panels are provided with load bearing reinforcing nodes, located in at least one junction of the strut members to direct and dissipate the induced forces. The reinforcing nodes are of varying sizes and strength. Several modular wall panels interconnect using complementary studs and holes to assemble an individual infiltration tank module.

Abstract: A family of manufactured framing assemblies primarily constructed of wood products that fit together to produce a wall with superior thermal characteristics, reduced wood content, improved straightness, reduced labor requirements, and other benefits when compared with conventional wood frame construction. Framing assemblies including wall stud assemblies and top and bottom plate assemblies that are each composed of two separated chords firmly connected by a combination of connecting members that include pegs and/or blocks. King jack stud assemblies replace 2 studs on each side of a window, door, or other opening and have slots to receive the core extending from a horizontal support assembly. Horizontal support assemblies with superior thermal characteristics include a header assembly and a window base assembly. Nails, adhesives, press fit, and other methods are used as desired for attachment.

Abstract: A composite pane (3) having at least two rigid (glass) plates (3.1, 3.2) and an intermediate layer (33) has flexible holding elements (4) which are positioned in the plane of the intermediate layer between the two rigid plates and extend over their outer edge, for securing the composite pane to a substructure or holding structure (1). According to the invention, flat sections of the holding elements (4) are inserted into corner and/or edge regions of the composite pane (4) and are provided with perforations (4P), and high-strength thin filaments (4F), fibres or woven strands are guided in looped form through or around these perforations (4P), in order thereby to form load-bearing parts of the flexible holding elements (4) which project outward out of the composite.

Abstract: The subject application is directed to a composite spacer bar for use in glazing units. The spacer bar includes a low-thermally conductive inner component and a low-thermally conductive outer component that partially encases the inner component. The inner component has four walls of a predetermined thickness that define a chamber containing a low-thermally conductive material. The thickness of the outer component is substantially less than the thickness of the inner component. The outer component also includes associated longitudinal edges, with the inner component configured to engage the longitudinal edges of the outer component. The outer component also includes a portion that extends a predetermined distance into the top wall of the inner component. The composite spacer bar is also configured to receive a linear key member that is configured for insertion into the chamber so as to join ends of the spacer bar.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system has components that include A) an interface to receive a signal associated with a point-of-sale transaction, the signal further indicating coins to be given to a customer in accord with the point-of-sale transaction; B) a first dispenser to access a number of coins in accord with the signal; and C) a packager to package the accessed coins.

Abstract: A blistering machine (M1) for producing blister packs (B1) has a production line, which includes consecutively: at least one thermoforming station (101) of a first continuous band (102) of thermoformable material, a station (105) for feeding the products (104) and filling the blister band (102); a feeding station (106) of a second band (107), feeding the second band (107) over the blister band (102) a closing station (108), including two opposite rollers (112, 113); and a cutting station (R1), in which the blister pack band is cut into respective blister packs (B1). Tension means (114) are situated upstream of the closing station (108), to cooperate with the rollers (112, 113) of the closing station (108), to perform a selected tension on at least the first band (102).

Abstract: A wrapping device for manually operating to package products, particularly of cubic or cuboidal shape, includes a table, an upper side folder, a first heater, second heaters, first adjusters, second adjusters, and side interfolders. A wrapper such as a film is extended on the table and a product is placed on a recess of the table. Then, the film is folded toward the top face of the product, to which the folder is moved to fuse it by the first heater. Then, the first adjusters and the second adjusters are moved, and the table is moved downward to interfold, and fuse the film by the second heaters.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for controlling a transfer device in a packaging machine. The transfer device comprises a first conveying device which is moved in cycles, a second conveying device which is moved in cycles and extends, at least in sections, parallel to the first conveying device, and a pushing device which performs a pushing motion substantially perpendicular to the transport direction of the conveying devices. A product is supplied by the first conveying device to a transfer location, is transferred by the pushing device to the second conveying device during a standstill phase of both conveying devices and subsequently further transported by the second conveying device. The pushing device is in a withdrawn position outside of the path of motion of the product disposed on the first conveying device and extends over the first conveying device and also at least partially over the second conveying device in an insertion position.

Abstract: A film packaging apparatus, operating on a flow of products movable along a feed direction and apt to package each product into a respective wrapping of heat-sensitive film, includes: a transversal sealing unit, having a heat sealer and a sealer receiving element, apt to seal transversal portions of the film transversally to the feed direction, an actuator with mechanical drive element for moving the heat sealer and the sealer receiving element in the direction of the flow; and a control unit, which controls the actuator so that, at a sealing section of the path of the products along which the heat sealer produces the sealing of the transversal portions of film, the speed of the heat sealer element and sealer receiving element in the direction of the flow is constant and equal to the speed of the flow of products.

Abstract: A device for opening flexible containers, comprising first grip means (3, 4) active on a first portion of a container and second grip means (5) active on a second portion of the container which faces said first portion and co-operating with said first grip means (3, 4) to move said first and second portion away from each other. In operative conditions, the container is interposed between said first and said second gripping means (3, 4; 5). In new and original fashion, said second grip means (5), are movable between at least one operative configuration in which the container is interposed between said first and said second grip means (3, 4; 5) and at least one resting configuration in which the container is not interposed between said first and said second grip means (3, 4; 5), as a consequence of a movement of said second grip means (5). In particular, said first and second grip means comprise suction cups (3, 4; 5).

Abstract: An electrical connection system for a particulate filter is provided. The system includes: a particulate filter (PF) disposed within an outer shell wherein the PF is segmented into a plurality of heating zones; an outer mat disposed between the particulate filter and the outer shell; an electrical connector coupled to the outer shell of the PF; and a plurality of printed circuit connections that extend along the outer surface of the PF from the electrical connector to the plurality of heating zones.

Abstract: An assembly for cleaning particulates from fluid streams has a primary and secondary centrifuge collectors and may employ negative pressure to produce the fluid stream. The primary centrifuge collector forms an outer vortex to remove larger particles, then an inner vortex to produce higher centrifugal forces upon and to remove a portion of the particulates. In the secondary centrifuge collector, a plurality of secondary centrifuge collector units are present. The partially cleaned fluid stream enters one of the secondary centrifuge collector units, where swirl vanes form an outer vortex. The fluid flow travels along the secondary vortex to the bottom of the secondary centrifuge collector unit, where the direction of the fluid flow is reversed and the fluid flow is subjected to a higher energy inner vortex. The centrifugal forces exerted by these vortices convey the particulates to the walls of the secondary centrifuge units, where the particulates are evacuated initially by gravity for disposal.

Abstract: A filter element (10) is disclosed having a integral clamp (100) thereon. The adjustable clamp (100) is held against a sleeve (90) by attached tabs (91). The sleeve (90) covers a collar (70) with a plurality of fingers (72) thereon. A high head, e.g., the apex, formed by a bead (80) in the fingers (72) permits better sealing between the filter (10) and the filter's support housing.

Abstract: Air flow from an internal air/external air switching unit 10 passes through a by-pass passage 63 and flows into a heater core 41. Warm air is blown out from the heater core 41 and flows into a deodorizing filter 60. In the deodorizing filter 60, odor components are separated from a charcoal filter by the heat of the warm air, the odor components then flowing in the order of a discharging passage 66?an external air inlet port 12 of a vent switching unit 50?an external air intake port, and being discharged out of the vehicle room. Thus, by simply providing the by-pass passage 63, the discharging passage 66, and the doors 61, 68, the same heater unit 41 and blower unit 20 as in prior art can be used to separate odor components from the deodorizing filter.

Abstract: An HC filter (10) for use in an air cleaner (200) comprises an absorbent that absorbs hydrocarbon (HC) contained in vaporized fuel and a support that supports the absorbent. The support is of a paper honeycomb structure and has a surface thereof coated. An HC filter fixing frame (20) for attaching the HC filter in the housing of the air cleaner comprises a frame-like body (21) and a lattice (22). The lattice (22) is placed so as not to contact the HC filter (10), and bosses (30) are provided on the side of the lattice facing the HC filter, which contact and hold the HC filter at a side thereof. In the air cleaner (200), an HC filter unit (100) consisting of the HC filter (10) and the HC filter fixing frame (20) can be situated over the entire cross-section of the passage at a position adjacent to sealing faces.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a filter that makes it possible to suppress the initial pressure loss and, also, to reduce the rising rate of the pressure loss that increases as particulates accumulate; therefore, the pressure loss at the time when a prescribed amount of particulates have been collected becomes lower, and the pressure loss from the viewpoint of the period up to the recovery as a whole also becomes lower.

Abstract: A control system for a cutting reel unit includes a height-of-cut adjusting system and a reel-to-bedknife clearance adjusting system. The height-of-cut adjusting system includes a first frame; a second frame; a cutting reel supported by the second frame; a bedknife arranged adjacent to the cutting reel and supported by the second frame; at least one support element arranged to translate along the ground and arranged to support the first frame; and at least one first actuator connected between the first frame and the second frame and arranged to adjust the relative elevation of the second frame with respect to the first frame. The reel-to-bedknife clearance adjusting system includes at least one second actuator operatively connected between the reel and the second frame and a sound detector. An adaptive threshold technique may be used for detecting reel-to-bedknife contact during a pre-adjustment analysis.

Abstract: A control system for a cutting reel unit includes a height-of-cut adjusting system and a reel-to-bedknife clearance adjusting system. The height-of-cut adjusting system includes a first frame; a second frame; a cutting reel supported by the second frame; a bedknife arranged adjacent to the cutting reel and supported by the second frame; at least one support element arranged to translate along the ground and arranged to support the first frame; and at least one first actuator connected between the first frame and the second frame and arranged to adjust the relative elevation of the second frame with respect to the first frame. The reel-to-bedknife clearance adjusting system includes at least one second actuator operatively connected between the reel and the second frame and a sound detector. Once contact is detected between the reel and bedknife, the adjustment actuators may reverse direction and be energized in a direction that would increase the gap.

Abstract: A walk reel mower includes a pair of inclined rigid links for mounting the reel cutting unit to the reel mower frame for rolling about a longitudinal axis, and a pair of vertical support arms for mounting the reel cutting unit to the reel mower frame for pitching about a transverse axis. An integrated gearbox houses both the traction and reel drives, including the differential that is part of the traction drive, as well as a parking brake. A flexible drive shaft powers the cutting reel from the gearbox and is made from materials that do not require petroleum based lubricants to avoid the possibility of damage to the turf or grass. A single control handle located on the handle of the mower actuates both the reel and traction drives. The reel cutting unit includes a back plate which has a portion formed as a hollow beam for strength.

Abstract: A rotary motor blade has rotational mounting structure in its body member to mount the blade to a power driven motor and thereby rotate the blade. The body member includes at least one free end extending outwardly of the mounting structure with the free end having a front leading edge and a rear trailing edge interconnected by a tip. At least a portion of the front leading edge is tapered to comprise a cutting edge. At least one and preferably a plurality of air flow deforming elements such as indentations are formed in the front leading edge and extend inwardly from the exposed outer surface of the front leading edge to disturb air flow along the rotating blade and enhance the creation of vortices which allow the flow to go from the front leading edge to the rear trailing edge.

Abstract: A string for a racket includes: a first part including a first core and a first sheath layer molded over the first core; a second part including a plurality of reinforcing strips disposed side by side around and twisted about the first sheath layer of the first part, each of the reinforcing strips having a second core and a second sheath layer molded over the second core; and an outer sheathing layer sheathing the second part. The first core and the first sheath layer of the first part, the second core and the second sheath layer of each of the reinforcing strips of the second part, and the outer sheathing layer are made from a material selected from an elastic material and a hardened material.