Abstract: An improved scraping tool with a retractable safety guard, for removing debris and dirt from glass, tile and the like. The scraping tool comprises a housing formed of two separable housing portions and a guard member, and is adapted to securely retain a single- or double-edged blade between the housing portions. The separable housing portions are removably secured and held in sealed alignment by a plurality of securing elements, including a releasable housing lock mechanism. Within the housing, a scraping blade is held in a rigid, stationary position by a plurality of posts. A guard member, the ends of which form a pair of upper and lower blade shields, is positioned and secured in sliding engagement within the housing.

Abstract: A cutter designed to release and remove objects such as medication pills and the like from an encapsulated packaging such as a blister pack. The cutter includes at least one blade which is advanced proximate the bottom region of the object and which cuts through the packaging and releases the object. In the preferred embodiment, the cutter included two blades each coupled to a shaft. The two shafts are connected together proximate an end opposite the cutter end and pivot to allow one handed operation.

Abstract: A pair of pruners includes two blades with two handles integrally connected thereto. The two handles are pivotably connected with each other, and one of the two handles has an insertion port and a snapping portion on two ends thereof. A replaceable part is connected to the insertion port. The replaceable part can be a finger protection member, an end piece or a function part. A key is connected to one of the two handles so as to control the width that the two blades can be opened.

Abstract: An elongated string trimmer line has a filament body with a longitudinal axis and having a non-circular cross-sectional shape, where the filament body contains 80% or more of the total mass of a length of comparable string trimmer line having a circular cross section of a diameter equal to the diameter of a circle circumscribing the cross-sectional shape of the filament body. The trimmer line is rotated about the longitudinal axis of the filament body from about 0.25 to 2.0 rotations per inch.

Abstract: An utility knife and method of blade removal in a utility knife comprising releasing a cam pressure using a lever on a fastener holding a first half and a second half of a handle of a utility knife; separating the first half and second half; and rotating the first half from the alignment with the second half to allow a blade to be removed are shown.

Abstract: A coordinate measurement machine can include a battery positioned at least partially within the base of the machine. The battery allows operation of the coordinate measurement machine in locations that are remote from an AC power supply. The battery can be rechargeable and can be positioned in a battery adapter that serves as a battery charger. The coordinate measurement machine can also include a cover to enclose the battery within the base. The cover can include one or more sealing members to keep contaminants and other external objects away from the battery. The cover can be fastened to be base, for example, with bolts. The sealing members can be o-rings, gaskets, silicon membranes, seals, sealants, or another material. This sealed cover can meet or exceed industry standards for the protection of electrical components, such as ingress protection standard IP65 as administered by the International Electrotechnical Commission.

Abstract: A template for use in a surgical procedure is described. The template comprises a template body, means for fixing the template body to a patient's tissue, a feature on the template body to indicate the appropriate location of the template body relative to an anatomical landmark, a feature on the template body to indicate the required location of a sensor which is to be implanted in the patient during the surgical procedure, and a feature on the template body for indicating the required location of a field generator which can be fixed to the template.

Abstract: Scale reading apparatus having a scale and readhead moveable relative to one another The scale has a first incremental scale pattern with a fine pitch and a second incremental scale pattern with a coarse pitch. The readhead has a detector to detect each of the incremental scale patterns. The scale reading apparatus can be used for both slow speed and fast speed measurements. The second incremental scale pattern may be provided in a scale track which has a dual function (e.g. limit track or reference mark) and the readhead may be configured to decode the signal to produce an output suitable for the desired function.

Abstract: A steel fish tape that is functional and time- and money-saving. The original wide, flat form of the fish tape allows for imprinted measurements, thereby enabling the measurement imprints to start at one (1) inch and reach up to the length of the fish tape including every inch in between each foot.

Abstract: A salad spinner is disclosed, comprising an outer bowl; an inner basket receivable in the outer bowl; a lid placed over the outer bowl; a drive and brake mechanism combination comprising a rotary drive plate, a drive assembly engageable with the rotary drive plate, and a brake assembly; and a foldable handle operatively connected with the drive and brake mechanism combination, wherein the handle is allowed to be folded up to a locked position where the brake assembly interferes with the rotary drive plate to prevent spinning operation of the inner basket, and to be opened to an unlocked position where the brake assembly disengages from the rotary drive plate and manipulation of the handle in a horizontal direction enables the drive assembly to cause rotation of the driving rotation of the rotary drive plate and the inner basket.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for indirect-heat thermal processing of material, such as a dryer or evaporator for treatment of particulate material, is provided. In one embodiment, a dryer for drying particulate material comprises a plurality of heat transfer plates arranged in spaced relationship for the flow of the material to be dried therebetween. Each heat transfer plate is provided with an inlet and an outlet for the flow of the heating fluid through the plates. A purge fluid delivery system provides a flow of purge fluid, such as air, gas or steam between the plates in a direction across the direction of flow of the material to be dried. The purge fluid delivery system provides a flow path for the purge fluid which is isolated from the flow of the heating fluid through the plates. A method for the indirect-heat processing of particulate material is also provided.

Abstract: A lint screen assembly for a clothes dryer has a scraper blade within an open frame which mounts a lint screen panel to enable scraping out accumulated lint therefrom. The scraper blade is pivotable from a stowed position to an on-edge operative position and guided when being stroked across the lint screen panels by pivot pins captured in slots in opposite side members of the open frame.

Abstract: In application of the green-house effect, under such a concept as to collect passively solar energy into the house and to exhaust passively moist air from the house H, this invention is related to a fully passive-type solar lumber drying house H which is fully surrounded by a triple transparent film 1 and a carbon fiber sheet 1? and is available to be used through all year in which the stacked lumber 15 can be dried due to solar energy being assisted by auxiliary heat for one or two weeks under leaving the dry process controlled automatically, and besides moist air inside the house H is exhausted through an insulated cylinder 10. The fully passive-type solar lumber drying house H in this invention is classified into two models, one of which is an east-west model (A) like a half Quonset hut that lumber's axis loaded is parallel to the east-west direction, and another is a north-south model (B) like a Quonset hut that lumber's axis loaded is parallel to the north-south direction.

Abstract: A dryer for the removal of moisture or solvents from a product, comprises a rotating drying compartment as shown in FIG. 1 which consists of at least one window (3), in operable relationship with an NIR probe (4) for measuring the moisture content of the product such as a specialty chemical or biological pharmaceutical contained in the closed drying compartment, The NIR probe (4) is positioned outside the drying compartment and is oriented through the at least one window (3) toward the product. method for controlling the dryers' operation further comprising an NIR probe for measuring the moisture of the product being dried without the need for method for controlling the dryers' operation further comprising an NIR probe for measuring the moisture of the product being dried without contacting the product or interfering with the products' removal. contacting the product or interfering with the products' removal.

Abstract: Drying apparatus comprising an oven drying chamber through which container and, in particular, metal beverage container cans are arranged to pass through. The drying apparatus is for use with in-line can producing apparatus and methods and is arranged to locate down-line from washing apparatus. The drying apparatus is arranged to remove water, chemicals, contaminants etc. from the cans prior to the further processing (e.g. printing) of the cans. The cans are supported on a Kevlar open mesh conveyor belt and a suction chamber is created to draw or attract the cans to the conveyor belt to increase the stability of the cans. Accordingly, this greater stability means that the air pressure of the convecting drying air can be greater when compared to prior art unstabilized drying apparatus.

Abstract: Method for controlling a drying course of a laundry dryer including the steps of (a) starting a drying course by using high temperature drying air, and sensing dryness of a drying object periodically, (b) determining a dryness saturation time point at which the dryness sensed thus exceeds a preset reference value Q, (c) determining a load of the drying object according to the drying saturation time point T_sat, and (d) varying a drying algorithm depending on the load of the drying object determined thus, whereby preventing a small amount of laundry from sticking to a drum in a drying course by varying a control algorithm of the drying motor in a case an amount of the drying object is determined to be small accurately with reference to a saturation time point of an electrode sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dryer having a heater-installed suction duct. The dryer can suppress heat loss while heated air is supplied to the drum, minimizing energy loss in the dryer, and can permit overhauling or replacement of the heater. The dryer comprises a cabinet having an exhaust port and an opening to which a door is provided, a drum rotatably located within the cabinet to accommodate clothes, a holding panel installed to an inner wall of the cabinet and having a through-hole part formed in the holding panel with the drum rotatably connected to the holding panel, a suction duct extending from the through-hole part, and a heater installed in the suction duct to heat air flowing into the drum. The dryer further comprises a cover detachably mounted to a hole formed in a rear side of the cabinet corresponding to the suction duct.

Abstract: Article of footwear includes a sole, an insole overlying the sole, the insole having in a surface thereof a groove having an inlet and outlet in an edge of the insole, the groove winding substantially throughout the length and width of the insole upper surface. A tube is disposed in the groove and extends throughout the length of the groove and has an inlet portion extending from the groove inlet at the edge of the insole and an outlet portion extending from the groove outlet. An upper fixed to the sole has apertures through which extend the tube inlet and outlet portions.

Abstract: A shoe insert to be used for heating or cooling the foot. They are to be manufactured and sold as pairs of left and right shoe inserts. The insert has a number of components forming a sandwich within a sandwich. The outer sandwich has the shape of a shoe, and is partly adjustable in size to fit a range of shoe sizes. So, the inserts may be sold in sizes, for example, small, medium, and large, and these sizes may then be fine tuned to fit a sub-range of shoe sizes. The inner sandwich is smaller than the outer sandwich. The inner sandwich is a pouch positioned at the instep which ruptures when pressure is applied. This pouch contains a liquid that can then flow into a cushioned region. The cushioned region contains a chemical, which when combined with the liquid from the pouch, emits heat (exothermic reaction) or absorbs heat (endothermic reaction). An exothermic reaction would heat the foot while an endothermic reaction would cool the foot.

Abstract: Lace-less footwear such as flip-flops, sandals, slippers or boots for displaying a team logo or name is provided.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. The sole assembly includes a top plate and a bottom plate spaced from the top plate. A central member is positioned between the top plate and bottom plate and includes a plurality of elastomeric support columns. A plurality of indentations is formed in a lower surface and along a periphery of the central member, with each indentation extending upwardly into an elastomeric support column. A plurality of raised portions is positioned along a periphery of the bottom plate, with each raised portion being nested in an indentation in the central member.

Abstract: A shock absorbing heel for footwear, made of leather, or a material visually similar to leather, and formed by a rubber underheel (1) with at least one opening (7) from which there projects an appendix (2) of a core (3) made of a resilient plastic material. The material is injected on the underheel in a chamber (12) delimited by strips (4, 5) of leather or the like arranged on the underheel and along its edge and connected to the underheel through the core of plastic material.

Abstract: Footwear having a textured surface. The footwear may have an upper, where at least a portion of the footwear upper has a textured surface. The textured surface may be formed, at least in part, by contoured structures. These contoured structures may define a group of alternating peaks and troughs extending in two orthogonal directions. The textured surface may optionally include apertures that will allow air to pass through the upper into the shoe, and allow moisture to expire from the inside of the shoe into the air.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe having a sole element. The sole element includes a sole area extending below a wearer's foot and a heel cup three-dimensionally encompassing a heel of the wearer's foot. The heel cup alone forms at least a portion of a sidewall of the shoe.

Abstract: A sub-assembly or kit for forming a shoe comprises a flexible member for incorporation in the base of a shoe. The flexible member is capable of a plurality of foot supporting shapes to adapt to heels of different heights. A removable heel and shaping member has a heel part supporting the rear end of the flexible member at a heel height. A shaping part is removably fastened to the flexible member to cause the flexible member to adopt a particular foot supporting shape or configuration adapted to the heel height.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a ski boot system including a shell and an elongated hollow region disposed substantially sagitally within the base or bottom of the shell. The elongated hollow region is rigidly coupled at the proximal and distal ends to a secondary support structure of the shell that extends dorsally on at least one side of the boot, thereby forming a lateral triangular rigid coupling. The lateral triangular rigid coupling increases the torsional support of a user's foot and lower leg disposed within the shell. An optional second lateral triangular coupling may extend dorsally on the opposite side of the ski boot so as to balance medial and lateral torsional support. The elongated hollow region may be formed internally within the base or created by rigidly coupling a rigid member to a lengthwise U-shaped region.

Abstract: A construction of an oxford type, lace up athleisure shoe enables the shoe to be slipped on the wearers foot and held securely on the foot without the need for lacing on the shoe. This provides the shoe with the appearance of a lace up shoe that is worn without lacing.

Abstract: Massage foot gear enabling wearer to have relaxation and theraputic massage while performing normal walking motion. Continuation of research (medical and technical) to incorporate automatic, non invasive stimulation of atrophied limbs and trunk areas through impulse nodes implanted in flexable wraps. Target meridian points (as in reflexology) in the foot area, to enhance the feeling of well being as well as possible therapy for diseases related to this area. Wraps will also target atrophied muscular areas to increase muscle dexterity and circulation, possibly theraputic for MS patients as well as sport therapies and accident related injuries.

Abstract: A snow plow for attachment to a vehicle, the snow plow including a mounting apparatus having a mounting frame, the mounting frame including at least one mounting upright. The snow plow further including a plow blade including a retention apparatus constructed and arranged to slidlingly and disengageably secure the plow blade to the mounting upright(s) when the plow blade is in a working orientation. The plow blade includes a mold board, preferably, a two piece mold board being an aluminum extrusion. The mold board will preferably include a front and a back and cells or compartments partially formed by support structures that extend between the front and the back of the mold board and along the width of the plow blade.

Abstract: A tooth for a bucket of excavators, or similar equipment, comprising a work element able to be associated with a relative support element, wherein said support element has a main body by means of which the support element is able to be fixed to the bucket, and a front protrusion able to be inserted in a mating cavity made on the rear of the work element in order to define a coupling condition between the work element and the support element , wherein the work element and the support element are able to be reciprocally clamped by pin means. The work element comprises at least an appendix protruding from the rear with respect to said cavity and able to couple with the main body in correspondence with a mating recess defining at least a relative upper edge in such a manner that, in this coupling condition, between the upper profile of the appendix and the upper edge there is a slit; the pin means are able to be inserted in a relative housing seating made partly in said appendix and partly in said main body.

Abstract: A cordless ironing apparatus includes an iron and an ironing board adapted to be used with the iron. The iron includes a soleplate. The ironing board includes an ironing surface on which fabric is placed and an electromagnetic generator. The electromagnetic generator is adapted to generate an electromagnetic field which generates heat in the soleplate of the iron. Alternatively, the ironing apparatus includes an iron and an induction device which is removable or separate from an ironing board. The induction device includes an electromagnetic generator which is adapted to generate an electromagnetic filed which generates heat in the soleplate of the iron.

Abstract: A greeting card having a first card panel, a door connected to the first card panel and movable between a closed position where the door substantially covers a section of the first card panel and an open position where the door uncovers the section of the first card panel. A trigger is provided which is movable between a first position wherein the door is prevented from moving, and a second position wherein the door is allowed to move between the closed and open positions. A member which is movable by a user controls operation of the trigger to move the trigger to the second position to allow the door to move to the open position.

Abstract: The Invention is directed to a multimedia greeting card which comprises a housing made up of a first panel hingedly connected to a second panel, A DVD or other storage device embodying one or more selected media content removably connected to one of the panels, a themed outer cover/sleeve over the housing covering at least a portion of the exterior of the housing, and one or more areas, or “fields”, associated with the housing in which one or more verbal greetings or messages, and/or photograph or other images, may be displayed. The theme may relate to any field of interest, such as birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine's Day, Christmas, etc. The preferred embodiment of the invention is also directed to the process for making multiple versions of a multimedia greeting card.

Abstract: A light-emitting display having display areas (14), which may be lit or unlit, comprising a sensor (13) for ambient light, in which the display is arranged to use an output of the sensor (13) to modify the brightness of the display areas (14) when lit in dependence upon the ambient tight conditions, the sensor being hidden behind an unlightable section of the display. The display is particularly advantageously an electroluminescent display.

Abstract: A light-emitting diode shelf includes a light guide panel, a reflector covering a first side of the light guide panel, a first diffuser covering a second side of the light guide panel, a second diffuser covering the reflector, a light-emitting diode strip at an edge of the light guide panel, and a base encompassing the light-emitting diode strip and attached to the light guide panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to display systems mountable on posts, and more particularly to media display systems mountable on posts in general, and on posts including mailboxes as part of or attached to posts. A modular mounting system is provided which enables the fast, secure and easily changeable mounting of a display system to a mounting structure, where a support is on a post (which could include a mailbox) having easily attachable cooperating mounting structure on the post and the display. A mounting system is provided to display media from a support structure using a bracket and interface assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting system allows for a media display to connect directly to the bracket and interface assembly via a sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a package intended for use in small or home offices to enable preparation of personalized magnetic materials. The magnetic material is provided with at least a portion of one surface printed or a material that may be applied to a surface with one or more pre-selected fields at a resolution of greater than about 150 lines per inch. The material is supplied without a magnetic field charge such that the magnetic material may be processed through printing equipment. The package further includes a magnetizer device so that after printing the magnetic material may have a magnetic field created in the material prior to distribution to the intended recipients.

Abstract: A wall-mountable frame for holding and displaying pictures or other information, comprises: a first panel of transparent plastic material; a second panel of transparent plastic material, a lower end portion of the second panel foldably connected with a lower end portion of the first panel such that the first and second panels can be opened or closed relative to each other about the lower end portions of the first and second panels; a sheet of paper, vinyl coated paper, or plastic material to be received between the first and second panels when the panels are at least partially opened for attaching the picture or display material to the sheet of paper, vinyl coated paper, or plastic material; and, an opening respectively formed on an upper end portion of the first and second panels at a corresponding location such that the frame is vertically mountable on a wall or other vertical structure with a fastening element engaged with the opening.

Abstract: A pistol including a grip, a barrel slide movable on the former in firing direction, and a barrel capable of being interlocked with the barrel slide. A first locking means is a projection provided on the outer contour of the barrel and having a forward-facing first inclined surface, the second locking means is a lever pivotably guided in the barrel slide and including a dog having a rearward-facing, second inclined surface cooperating with the first inclined surface, and the unlocking means is a stop provided in the grip and cooperating with a lug of the barrel. The angle of inclination of the inclined surfaces is chosen such that when the barrel impacts against the stop and the barrel slide continues its movement, the inclined surfaces slide relative to each other, and the lever is pivoted against the force of a spring such that the dog releases the barrel slide.

Abstract: A rigid composite structure has a first bore formed in a metallic material and a second bore formed by a super hard interior segment or segments disposed within the first bore. Each segment may be lined adjacent to one another and held under compression within the first bore. The segments may be made of super hard materials such as natural diamond, synthetic diamond, polycrystalline diamond, single crystalline diamond, cubic boron nitrate or other superhard composite materials which exhibit low thermal expansion rates and are generally chemically inert. The resultant rigid composite structure may possess higher tolerances to high pressures and high temperatures within the second bore.

Abstract: Shooting rests for supporting firearms and methods for manufacturing shooting rests are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a shooting rest includes a base and a support assembly pivotably coupled to the base. The support assembly is configured to carry the firearm such that the recoil of the firearm pivots the support assembly about an axis in a first direction. The shooting rest further includes a resilient member coupled to the base and the support assembly and a triggering mechanism coupled to the support assembly. The resilient member is configured to urge the support assembly about the axis in a second direction opposite the first direction. The triggering mechanism is configured to selectively actuate the trigger of the firearm.

Abstract: The present invention is a modular handgrip for rifles and other long guns. The handgrip features a base with a locking dovetail rail on a first side and a second opposite side configured to receive a rail. Back strap additions are provided capable of receiving the rail on the body, which are customizable to a user's preferences while fore straps are provided with rails in a similar manner. Also provided is a storage compartment inside the main body, accessible from a bottom of the grip. As such, an organization, such as an armory, can provide a number of customizable options for handgrips while only stocking a basic grip and a number of optional modules at lower unit and storage costs.

Abstract: An ice fishing tackle storage apparatus that includes a pair of elongate shells, the elongate shells each having an interior surface that defines an elongate cavity, and ice fishing tackle capable of being positioned within the elongate cavity of each elongate shell, a first spacing component, the pair of elongate shells each secured by the first spacing component, and a second spacing component, the at least one of the elongate shells secured by the second spacing component, the second spacing component spaced apart from the first spacing component.

Abstract: A fishhook holder has a first engagement arm having a first jaw and a first handle end; and a second engagement arm having a second jaw and a second handle end. A pivot couples the first engagement arm with the second engagement arm and a spring interposed between the first handle end and the second handle end exerts outward force between the handle ends, thereby exerting a closing force between the first jaw and the second jaw. A groove is set in an engagement surface of at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw for holding a fishhook in place and a hook receiving hole is within the first engagement arm and is positioned substantially centered widthwise between the first jaw and the pivot means. A guard is attached to the first engagement arm, at least partially covering the hook receiving hole.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed an apparatus for intercepting and interdicting target organisms such as subterranean termites, which apparatus is comprised of an outer shell fitted with a port for organism ingress and egress and a dorsal cover fitted with a signal port for visual inspections. Inside are materials suitable as food for the organisms targeted by the device, so arranged and comprised as to aid and encourage the habitation, propagation, and retention of biological pesticides, including entomopathogenic nematodes. The subject invention teaches a method of gradually deploying its apparatus to intercept the presence, measure the strength and vigor, and interdict aggregations, of said target organisms. The method permits minimal, systematic deployments that undergo progressive evolutions as information from each deployed device accumulates.

Abstract: An insect trapping device that utilizes an air, water, and light tight container, a centrifugal blower, an insect attractant including, but not limited to, a prism which diffracts light from a translucent light source and a supply of compressed carbon dioxide gas possibly mixed with a tracer gas providing an odor for safety during travel and storage. The insect present invention is further provided with a plurality of apertures through which insects may enter the device, and a weather protector to protect the present invention from natural elements. The insect present invention is further provided with an electricity source and a button for initiating the electricity, and therefore, the gas supply provided from a compressed gas cylinder. The insect present invention is further provided with a support stand for stability on uneven surfaces. The container can contain a bag with a stabilizing insert for safe, easy, sanitary, and efficient disposal of trapped insects.

Abstract: The instant invention pertains to white, dyed, dipped, unscented and/or scented candle wax which is effectively stabilized against discoloration and fading by the incorporation therein of a substituted hexahydro-1,4-diazepin-5-ones in combination with a UV absorber and/or an antioxidant. Additionally, some novel substituted hexahydro-1,4-diazepin-5-one compounds are described.

Abstract: A method for dewatering a water-containing combustible solid excluding coal, comprising heating, in a sealed vessel, the water-containing combustible solid at a temperature of 100° C. to 300° C. under a pressure not less than a saturated steam pressure at said heating temperature, while applying a shearing force of 0.01 MPa to 20 MPa to said water-containing combustible solid. The method allows the production of a slurry in water which contains the water separated from the water-containing combustible solid and a combustible solid from which the water is removed, has a suitable viscosity and water content, and can be subjected to spray combustion, at low costs.

Abstract: An E85 fuel composition comprising ethanol, gasoline and isopentane present in amounts so that the fuel meets the applicable minimum vapor pressure limits of ASTM D 5798 is disclosed. A method for producing an E85 fuel composition comprising adding a sufficient quantity of isopentane to ethanol or a mixture of ethanol and gasoline which has a vapor pressure lower than an applicable minimum vapor pressure limit of ASTM D 5798 to produce an E85 fuel having a vapor pressure that complies with the applicable minimum vapor pressure limits of ASTM D 5798 is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel compositions for use in fuels, gasoline, diesel, coal, ethanol fuels, and biodiesel, and processes for making the same.