Abstract: A locking sheath and knife combination is provided that includes a spring biased member that partially extends out of the handle of the knife and interacts with a catch on the sheath for securing the knife to the sheath. When the user wants to extract the knife from the sheath, the spring biased member is squeezed as the handle is grabbed, which rotates the spring biased member to be substantially fully contained within the handle of the knife, and is secured there by lock spring plate. When the knife is inserted back into the sheath, a protrusion on the sheath interacts with the lock spring plate to automatically allow the spring biased member to rotate out of the handle, thereby securing the knife to the sheath.

Abstract: The invention discloses differing embodiments of methods for checking the location or potential location of one or holes in structure relative to edges, fillets, and thickness changes. The area in the vicinity of the hole may be checked in order to determine whether the location or potential location of the hole meets a pre-determined threshold. If the location or potential location of the hole does not meet the pre-determined threshold, the hole may be flagged as being a potential problem. In such manner, the suitability of the hole for insertion of a fastener device may be determined. In other embodiments, apparatus are disclosed having one or more fastener devices extending through one or more holes in a structure. The location of the one or more holes may have been approved for insertion of the one or more fastener devices utilizing a pre-determined threshold standard.

Abstract: A method of producing a calibrating body, gage or measuring device, preferably a screw-thread measuring device, at least partially including a C-SiC material constructed of a porous, carbon-containing material with infiltrated liquid Si, includes converting the Si at least partially to SiC by reaction with carbon. The C-SiC material is produced from a C-C material based on carbon felt material produced by pressing monofibers or fiber fragments irregularly entwined with each other. A calibrating body, gage or measuring device, preferably a screw-thread measuring device, is also provided.

Abstract: Bow and fixed firearm sights, employing fiber optic materials and tritium to provide illumination during periods of low-light, and no-light. As contemplated the bow sights are usable with or without an elastic alignment cord attached to the bow riser/limb and/or forward cable system of a compound bow. In its simplest form the bow sight comprises a bow sight having an opaque base, a transparent housing disposed on and integral with the base, a sight window having peripheral notches therearound and a fiber optic pin embedded in the transparent housing.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for determining the three dimensional shape of an object, having a first measuring means for measuring a first distance and direction from a fixed first observation point to a first group of measurement points on an object, and a second measuring means for measuring a second distance and direction from a movable second observation point to a second group of measurement points on the aforementioned object, at least one point among said second group of measurement points being the same measurement point as at least one point among the aforementioned first group of measurement points, and said second group of measurement points including at least one measurement point not included in the aforementioned first group of measurement points, and further being provided with a calculating means for calculating the traveling velocity vector of the second observation point from the measurement results concerning the aforementioned same measurement point due to the first and second measur

Abstract: A method and device has been developed to enable emergency responders to maintain and communicate their orientation relative to a fire building or other emergency incident area as they work in and around it. The device is a specialized compass enhancement providing a standalone unit that each responder can carry. The device has a multipart structure including: (1) an underlying base is a simple compass that the responder orients to north. (2) A bezel rotatable around the simple compass is preferably square in shape and represents the building or incident area and is labeled with NIMS standardized ABCD designations. (3) An optional rotatable pointer can be independently positioned to indicate a direction to be remembered such as the direction in which the responder entered the incident area. All of the parts can be synchronized among users at any time by radioing simple verbal descriptions of the rotational setting(s).

Abstract: A combination level and square includes a straight generally rectangular first level including a number of attachment elements and a cavity defined therein. It further includes a straight generally rectangular second level including a number of attachment elements adapted to cooperatively engage with the attachment elements of the first level, such that the first level cavity is dimensioned to releasably receive the second level therein, such that the level can be placed in nested position. Preferably the attachment elements are so arranged that the two levels can further be placed in a long position, a square position, a t-square position and an angled position.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a vial for a level includes forming a blank body from molten material. The blank body includes an exterior surface and an internal bore. The exterior surface has an upper portion generally defining a portion of a cylinder, and a lower portion generally having a rectangular block shape. The internal bore has an interior surface that is substantially cylindrical so as to define a wall thickness that is substantially constant between the interior surface and the generally cylindrical upper portion of the exterior surface. The method also includes cooling the molten material that forms the blank body, and changing a shape of the formed cylindrical interior surface so that the wall thickness at a center portion of the blank body is thinner than the wall thickness at portions of the blank body located between the center portion and ends of the blank body.

Abstract: A level with a level indicating vial is disclosed. The level includes a frame that defines at least one substantially flat exterior surface configured to be placed against a reference surface. The frame defines a plurality of interior surfaces. The level also includes a vial for indicating an orientation of the reference surface, and a vial holder for holding the vial in an orientation relative to the flat exterior surface of the frame. The vial holder is configured to cooperate with one of the interior surfaces of the frame to define a cavity when the vial holder contacts the interior surface. The level also includes an adhesive disposed in the cavity to secure the vial holder to the frame.

Abstract: An improved, multiple-use range of motion goniometer (20) is provided having a handle (22) and an angle-indicating assembly (24) having a pair of angle-indicating arms (26, 28) supported by the handle (22). Preferably, the goniometer arms (26, 28) have corresponding circular bases (30, 32) which are coupled together via a pivot assembly (34). A secondary, gravity-operated, track and ball range of motion measurement device (70) is also secured to the bases (30, 32). An auxiliary base (25) secured to the handle (22) and is moveable between a recessed storage position and an extended use position. The outer base (30) is provided with thumb movement surfaces in the form of apertures (56), allowing the therapist holding the handle (22) to rotate the outer base (30) relative to the inner base (32) with one hand.

Abstract: A tool and method for making vertebral incisions which form the lateral surfaces of a ventral opening in a vertebra for receiving a prosthesis that partially replaces the vertebra includes use of a saw jig with fittings configured for attachment to at least one of two vertebrae positioned superiorly and inferiorly adjacent to the vertebra and with guide fittings to provide a cutter guide for the incisions.

Abstract: A girth measuring device for a shoe is disclosed. The portions of the device are configured to be placed inside the shoe and a measurement ribbon is moved from a retracted position to an expanded position. As the measurement ribbon expands, it eventually contacts the shoe. This contact can be sensed and information related to the girth of the shoe is available.

Abstract: A probe body (200) includes a middle closing portion (250) formed upright on a connector front portion (261 A) and a female thread (261D) into which a male screw (110) is screwed. A sensor module (300) includes a slidable-contact portion (322) that slidably contacts with the connector front portion (261A), a pressing member (321) that is pressed against the middle closing portion (250) and an insertion hole (325). The insertion hole (325) has a widened portion (325B) that is inclined in such a manner that a distance between an opening on the pressing portion (321) side, the opening positioned on a screw-hole-forming-portion end surface (324), and the pressing portion (321) gradually becomes larger toward the slidable-contact portion (322) side. The insertion hole (325) has a diameter larger than that of the male screw (110).

Abstract: A flat lay-out tape for roofers that eliminates errors and saves time in striking chalk lines for aligning rows of shingles. The flat design allows the tape to lay flush against the roof surface, which facilitates accurate measuring and striking. The lay-out tape prevents errors by providing row indicators for different shingles on different sides of the tape. In the preferred embodiment, row indicators for standard shingles are shown on one side of the tape, and row indicators for architectural shingles are provided on the other side. Standard measuring tape markings can also be provided on either side of the tape. In operation, the terminal end of a lay-out tape is tacked down near the bottom of a roof, near a side edge of the roof, and the tape is extended over the apex of the roof. The same is done with a second lay-out tape, near the opposite side edge of the roof. A chalk line is then stretched, and struck, between corresponding indicators of the two lay-out tapes.

Abstract: A golf tee marker with adjustable height and guide includes a base formed to receive and retain a golf tee, a graduated shaft and an integrated marking device. The graduated shaft protrudes from the base to provide means for holding the marking utensil at various heights. The marking utensil has the ability to travel up or down the shaft to various distances from the base where it can be fastened. This gives the user the ability to produce accurate height marks on the shaft of the golf tee at a set distance from the top of the tee.

Abstract: A disposable dryer for point-of-use installation in an air/gas line delivering compressed air or gas to an air/gas-driven tool. A generally tubular main body has first and second main body sections, each having a generally tubular wall and an integral end closure. A coupling member interconnects the main body sections. Loose desiccant beads are retained by and substantially fill the main body from one end closure to the other. Inlet and outlet connectors are respectively provided on the main body sections for connection to a compressed air/gas line. The inlet and outlet connectors have air/gas passages in fluid communication with the drying composition. The dryer can be fabricated by molding the first and second main body sections, substantially filling the first main body section with the drying composition, locating the first and second main body sections in mutual adjacent relationship inside a mold cavity, and molding the coupling member thereon.

Abstract: An automatic Hair dryer including a hand held body, a comb attached to the body, a 120/240 V.A.C. heating element and a fan adapted to move a mass of air across the heating element and through or across the comb and into an individual's hair. A moisture sensor is disposed between the teeth of the comb and is powered by a 12 volt D.C. power supply such as a step-down transformer. When the sensor senses moisture, the comb is passed through an individual's hair and the 120-volt A.C. current is connected to the heating element. Then, when the moisture content of the hair is relatively low, the sensor activates a switch that turns off the power to the heating element while the power to the fan is maintained until a master switch is turned off.

Abstract: A washer-extractor-dryer (50), in which a plate heat exchanger (60) is arranged in the outer drum (53). During washing, the plate heat exchanger (60) is located in the washing liquid and, as a result, warms the latter up. During drying of the washed laundry, air is conducted along the outside (63) of the plate heat exchanger (60) and is thereby pre-heated before the air enters the inner drum (52) with the laundry to be dried. A pivotable flap (68) is provided in order to allow liquid to flow along the plate heat exchanger (60) during the washing mode and air to flow along it during the drying mode.

Abstract: An apparatus for retrieving articles from a dryer or otherwise retrieving article from places not easily accessible is described herein. The apparatus comprises a handle with a head attached thereto. The head can be mounted so as to be detachable, swivable, or interchangeable. The handle can be telescoping for further reaching capability or foldable for easy storage. The apparatus can provide illumination as well as be configured to reach into small, various shaped, and otherwise not easy to reach locations.

Abstract: There is provided a vessel (10) for drying organic waste comprising at least two elongate channels (12), each channel (12) having a length (L) and a substantially segment shaped cross section, with a radius (R) of between 0.25 m and 0.75 m an axle (16) associated with each channel (12), each axle (16) mounted for rotation about an axis parallel to the length (L) of its respective channel (12), each axle (16) mounting a plurality of mixing paddles (18) or one or more helical blades, an interface (22, 24) between the two channels (12) and a first heater for heating the channels (12), wherein, during drying, the axles (16) associated with adjacent channels (12) are arranged to rotate in opposite directions and the interface (22, 24) between adjacent channels (12) is heated.

Abstract: Process for the drying of plastic granulates composed of any base materials, especially of composite materials, the granulates being produced using the under-water or water-ring granulation principle or a similar technology where the granulate is fed from the granulating device to a gravity water separator (1) by means of a processing water stream and thereafter to a drying device (2), whereby inside the drying device (2), heated ambient air is aspirated through the granulate, the supplied heat content of the heated ambient air being extracted from the processing water by means of heat exchanger (12).

Abstract: A nozzle device is disclosed that may be used with a fluid-bed dryer apparatus or system. Such a nozzle device includes, in one embodiment, an intake block, an inner tube, an outer tube, a tip and an air cap. The tubes are connected to the intake block to form a passage for liquid and a passage for gas. The tip connects to the inner tube, and the air cap connects to the outer tube, so that at the output the fluid is atomized by the gas. Flow of the liquid and gas through the nozzle is unimpeded, and the nozzle provides substantially constant atomization characteristics.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. The sole assembly has an upper plate and a plurality of support assemblies. Each support assembly includes a web spaced from the upper plate and a plurality of elastomeric support columns extending between the upper plate and the web. An outsole is secured to at least one of the support assemblies.

Abstract: An article of footwear including an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper and including a support assembly having an upper member and a lower member spaced from the upper member. A first layer is positioned beneath and in contact with the upper member and has a wave shaped profile with a plurality of first wave crests and first wave troughs. A second layer is positioned above the lower member and has a wave shaped profile with a plurality of second wave crests and second wave troughs.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper having a tongue opening and a sole assembly secured to the upper. A saddle has a first portion having a lower edge secured to at least one of the upper and the sole assembly in a midfoot portion of the upper and sole assembly, and an upper edge wrapped over the tongue opening. A second portion has a lower edge secured to at least one of the upper and the sole assembly in a midfoot portion of the upper and sole assembly, and an upper edge wrapped over the tongue opening and secured to the upper. A heel strap is connected to the first portion and the second portion and extends about the upper. The saddle is free from the upper at all locations other than the lower and upper edges of the first and second portions.

Abstract: A shoe that includes an upper defining a heel, a strap adjuster member coupled to the upper, and a strap that extends across a portion of the upper. The strap is coupled to the adjuster member such that at least a portion of the strap is movable in one of a direction toward and away from the heel.

Abstract: A shoe having a one-piece connector attaching a strap to the shoe and method of construction the same is provided. The shoe has: a sole; an upper portion extending from the sole with an aperture defined in the upper portion; a strap with a strap aperture defined in an end of the strap; and a one-piece connector having a shaft, an inner head fixed to a first end of the shaft and an outer head fixed to a second end of the shaft. The connector secures the strap to the upper portion of the shoe by the shaft extending through the aperture and the strap aperture. Material surrounding the apertures is elastic to allow diameters of the apertures to be temporarily stretched allowing the inner head of the connector to pass through the apertures before the diameters of the apertures contract, holding the connector in place.

Abstract: A shoe sole having a bottom surface with a plurality of stud clusters extending therefrom is provided, each stud cluster comprising at least two studs connected via one or more connection elements, wherein, to optimise the manner in which the stud clusters deal with forces applied to them during ground contact, each stud cluster is oriented in accordance with a predetermined direction of gross shear motion of the stud cluster and each stud cluster is dimensioned in accordance with the distribution of forces applied to the sole during ground contact.

Abstract: An article of footwear or shoe assembly, which is designed to allow for adjustment of stiffness in its sole unit, is disclosed. The article of footwear is preferably constructed to enhance stability, support and comfort of a wearer on varied terrain. Among other elements, the shoe assembly preferably includes an adjustable shank disposed within the shoe to allow for adjustment in the stiffness of the sole unit. In certain embodiments, the adjustable shank further includes a plurality of segments adapted to be manipulated in order to vary the stiffness.

Abstract: A snow plow with a clutch mechanism for allowing the plow blade to deflect when an off-center portion the blade strikes an obstacle. The clutch comprises two plates in axial alignment, with one plate being attached to brackets for the plow support and the other plate being attached to brackets supporting the blade. One plate has a number of small protuberances and the other plate a corresponding number of shallow pockets. The plates are releasably held in nested relation by an axially adjustable mechanism.

Abstract: A snow plow for use with personal utility vehicles is disclosed. The snow plow includes a mounting apparatus for attachment to a vehicle and a plow blade having a main surface, a rear surface, a plurality of retention members and a rubber scraper. The mounting apparatus includes a frame having a mounting upright and a hitch tongue, which is easily mounted in a hitch receiver which can be pivotally secured a vehicle. The retention members configured to at least partially encircle and slideably engage the mounting upright when the plow blade is in a working orientation. Preferably, the frame pushes the rear surface of the plow blade when the vehicle is moving in a direction towards the plow blade and wherein the frame disengages the rear surface when the vehicle moves in a direction rearward of the plow blade and the plow blade pivots away from the frame.

Abstract: A machine for raising and lowering a load, the machine including a platform, a boom attached at one end to the platform, a rod mounted transverse to the longitudinal axis of the boom on the other end of a boom, the rod having a central bore there through, with at least two strain gauges mounted therein and angled relative to each other, a hoist rope extending over the rod and having an end adapted to be attached to the load, and a mechanism connected to the at least two strain gauges for determining the angle of departure of the hoist rope from the rod and the amount of pull of the load on the hoist rope.

Abstract: This invention discloses a business card that allows information to be selectively and dynamically displayed by the user and presents an overall eye-catching and attractive design.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to implement a wheel cap device including; a spindle (30) established in the centermost portion of a wire wheel cap (44) of a wire wheel; and a ornamental image (24) consisting of an aesthetic feature casted thereupon and mechanically joining with wire wheel cap (44) and encompassing a bearing assembly (32) and counterbalance (34); whereby upon wheel rotation to coordinately revolve spindle (30) fixed to wire wheel cap (44) ornamental image (24) will be situated vertically consistently relative to the rotation of the wire wheel and wire wheel cap (44) to thereby display ornamental image (24) plainly, and perceivably.

Abstract: A sign system for displaying product information proximate a product being vended. The sign system includes a base for maintaining a sign system at a predetermined orientation. A substantially planar face is appended to the base having a front surface and a rear surface. A primary sign is releasably retained to the front surface of the planar face, the primary sign having an opening or window therein. At least one channel is configured to the front or rear surface of the planar face and positioned substantially behind the opening or window of the primary sign. A secondary sign is releasably retained within the channel such that at least a portion of the secondary sign is visible through the opening or window in the primary sign.

Abstract: A stored-value product includes a toy automobile and a panel. The toy automobile includes a body and wheels rotatably coupled to the body. The panel is coupled to the body and includes an account identifier signifying a financial account or record linked to the stored-value card assembly. Stored-value product assemblies, methods of promoting sales of stored-value products, methods of using a stored-value product and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A display frame assembly for converting a craft hoop to a display frame for displaying photographs or artwork, such as paintings, embroidery or cross-stitching, includes legs for tilting the display frame upward, and a bezel that attaches to the craft hoop to hold the displayed item in place and provide a decorative frame.

Abstract: A device (10) for displaying a plurality of messages selectively or simultaneously in substantially the same physical space, with each message being secured to a different side (16,18) of a multi-sided panel (14), and with the panel (14) being movable between different positions in each of which at least one of the messages is displayed. The device (10) includes a housing (12), the panel (14), a pivot movement mechanism (20), a linear movement mechanism (22), and a locking mechanism (24) for securing the panel (14) in a position such that a desired one of the messages is displayed. The movement mechanisms (20,22) movably couple the panel (14) to the housing (12), such that the panel (14) can be simultaneously pivoted and linearly moved to the desired display position.

Abstract: An opening and closing device, associated with the rolling block and receiver of a hunting or sports gun, comprises a key that is hinged by a tube to the upper part of the rolling block, and a bolt that is actuated by a shaped end of the key and is slidably mounted on the rolling block in such a way that it can be moved from a retracted, open position in which the bolt is entirely inside the rolling block, and an advanced, closed position in which the bolt protrudes from the front of the rolling block with two arms designed to lock by friction two matching mortises made in the receiver; the arms extend from the ends of a shoulder of the bolt and the shaped end of the key has a first cam designed to exert a pushing action to the central portion of the shoulder in order to disengage the arms from the mortises.

Abstract: Gun rests that are easily extendable and lockable are disclosed. The gun rests can include an upper elongated support, a lower elongated support, a gun support, a handle and a base. The gun support can be secured to the upper elongated support. The upper elongated support may be slidably engaged within the lower elongated support or the lower elongated support may be slidably engaged within the upper elongated support. The actuator is operably connected to a locking mechanism to lock the upper elongated support and lower elongated support in a fixed relative position. Depression of the actuator may bias the tube engagement members against the lower elongated support and allows the locking of the gun rest in one of a plurality of lengths.

Abstract: A firearm cleaning apparatus for cleaning the bore of a firearm barrel with firearm cleaning solvent. The apparatus has a cleaning patch holding device for removable attachment to a cleaning rod. The cleaning patch holding device has a body for holding a cleaning cloth containing firearm cleaning solvent. The body has a core material and a protective coating covering the core material to prevent the core material from contacting the cleaning solvent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching a telescopic scope to a variety of rifles, without requiring the rifle to be modified by drilling or the need to purchase multiple scope mounts, comprised of front and rear mounting assemblies having a mounting plate and a corresponding scope attachment ring. The bases comprise a planar mounting surface embodying a radial recess down the center along with at least one pair of mounting holes and at least one pair of mounting slots for attachment to rifles having different screw patterns and mounting surfaces. The mounting rings are received and attached within longitudinal channels along the mounting bases and the scope subsequently clamped in place by the upper and lower attachment rings, providing for the removal and subsequent attachment of the scope and attachment rings without loosing the scope's previously zeroed calibration.

Abstract: Accessory mounting apparatus for a gun, the apparatus including a size-adjustable and quick-release clamp for holding an accessory.

Abstract: Described are game decoys and methods of preparing game decoys, the decoys including at least a portion that includes a rigid polyurethane, the methods and decoys can exhibit properties such as durability and resistance to mechanical damage, and may exhibit specific measured properties selected from elongation, hardness, and specific gravity, to achieve such mechanical properties.

Abstract: An anchor system including a tether attached to a floating decoy at a first end and a weight mounted on the tether and freely slidable to a position substantially adjacent to the floating decoy.

Abstract: An automatic jigging device is described that utilizes a cam to move a fishing rod upwardly and downwardly in a manner based on fish behavior and psychology for a particular type of fish to increase the probability that a fish of the prescribed type will bite. Embodiments of a fishing rod holder are also described that can be used with the automatic jiggers or separately. The holder is adapted to lockably retain a fishing rod therein without the use of additional pieces.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder mounted within a gunwale of a boat, and a compartment cooperating therewith storing a spring-tensioned winding device joined at one end to a stainless steel line having a clip at its opposite end for temporary securement to a reel attached to a rod being held, with the stainless steel line being able to be reached and withdrawn through an openable door in the compartment to tether the rod and reel against accidental loss.

Abstract: A modified reel and mounting assembly for attaching a fishing reel to a fishing rod. The assembly includes a cutout in the reel which conforms to the surface of the reel seat and an arcuate slot on both ends of the cutout. The cutout in the reel mates with surface of the reel seat, and the seat mounts are received by the arcuate slots. The arcuate slots create a lip which is clamped into place by the clamps of the rod seat. In the preferred embodiment, a clamp bar is also provided for increased stability.

Abstract: An extermination device for exterminating pests includes a holder, trigger mechanism and a resilient ring mounted on the holder. When a pest actuates the trigger mechanism, the ring is released from the holder onto the pest, thereby killing the pest in a humane manner. A cover may be provided to protect the trigger mechanism from dirt and animals larger than target pest size. A loading device having a tapering body adapted to allow a resilient ring to be expanded from the narrow end to the wide end of the tapering body, wherein the wide end includes a formation adapted to engage with a holder of an extermination device.

Abstract: A liquid fuel for a burning utensil such as a lighter, wherein a liquid fuel is upwards absorbed by a burning wick and is burned in the form of a flame at the end thereof, which comprises an alcohol as a main component, 5 wt % or more of a turpentine oil as a coloring agent for the flame and 10 wt % or more of petroleum benzene or n-hexane as a light-up improver for improving the percentage of lighting up. For example, the liquid fuel contains 70 wt % of the main component, 15 wt % of the coloring agent and 15 wt % of the light-up improver. The range surrounded by the points ABCDE in FIG. 1 represents the region for a suitable compounding for the liquid fuel. The above liquid fuel for a burning utensil contains an alcohol as a main component and secures the lighting-up at a low temperature and the sustainability of the effect of coloring a flame.