Abstract: A probe capable of measuring recesses in features such as apertures and/or trench-like structures of very small size is comprised of one or more carbon nanotubes (CNTs) which is oriented at an angle and, if two or more CNTs are employed, such that they cross (with or without touching each other) at a location separated from ends of the carbon nanotubes which approximates the depth of the aperture or trench-like structure and at an angle such that the ends of the carbon nanotubes extends by a lateral distance greater than a dimension of a recess of a feature to be measured or in excess of a sidewall angle or an angle of a crystal lattice of a material in which a feature to be measured is formed.

Abstract: A dryer with a drying chamber that includes a process air duct for guiding process air through the drying chamber, a heat pump with a heat sink in the process air duct and through which air can flow in an outlet air direction for cooling down the process air, and a heat source arranged in the process air duct and through which air can flow in an inlet air direction for heating up the process air. The outlet air direction and the inlet air direction are substantially parallel to one another. The heat sink and the heat source are in a plane substantially perpendicular to the outlet air direction and to the inlet air direction alongside one another.

Abstract: A laundry treating machine is disclosed. The laundry treating machine includes a case having a laundry receiving space for receiving laundry defined therein, the case being located above another laundry treating machine, a hot air supply unit for supplying hot air into the laundry receiving space, a manipulation part for allowing a user to select a drive course, a control unit for controlling the hot air supply unit to be driven according to the course selected by the manipulation part, and a guide unit for assisting the user to put the laundry in the laundry receiving space.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dryer having a heater-integrated intake duct capable of reducing thermal loss and preventing overheating of the dryer. The dryer includes a support panel having a through-hole, an intake duct communicating with the through-hole, a drum into which air flows via the through-hole, a heater disposed inside the intake duct to heat the air flowing into the drum, and a heat exchanging part transferring heat of the heated air into the drum.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dryer having a heater-integrated intake duct capable of reducing thermal loss and preventing overheating of the dryer. The dryer includes a support panel having a through-hole, an intake duct communicating with the through-hole, a drum into which air flows via the through-hole, a heater disposed inside the intake duct to heat the air flowing into the drum, and an extended part configured to cause the heated air to be supplied into the drum after bypassing the extended part.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clothing dryer comprising a drum in which a drying object is contained, an exhaust duct connected to the drum and exhausting air in the drum, a blowing fan mounted at an intermediate portion of the exhaust duct and configured to move air, a fan housing receiving the blowing fan and a cut-off bracket mounted in the fan housing. As bracket fixing means are formed at the fan housing so as to prevent one end of the cut-off bracket from coming into contact with the blowing fan, it is capable of mounting the fan housing at its original position even though the cut-off bracket is thermally deformed and of preventing air volume from decreasing.

Abstract: A laundry machine, more particularly, a dryer is disclosed. A dryer includes a cabinet, a drum in which a drying object is held, a steam generation device to supply steam to the drum, a water supply device to supply water to the steam generation device in order to generate steam, an additive holding part in which an additive is held, and an additive supply device to supply the additive held in the additive holding part to the drum.

Abstract: A drying apparatus has a casing, a cavity formed in the casing for receiving an object, a fan located in the casing and creating an airflow, and at least one slot-like opening communicating with the fan and arranged in the casing so as to direct an airflow transversely across the cavity. The slot-like opening has a maximum width which is no greater than 0.8 mm. This produces a very narrow, high velocity, high pressure airflow which is capable of drying an object efficiently and quickly and is suitable for use in a hand dryer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a washing household device, in particular to a clothes dryer, that includes an air-supply device which is arranged on a rear side area thereof and is provided with a closed self-contained cross-section flow channel.

Abstract: A drying apparatus has a casing, a cavity formed in the casing for receiving an object, a fan located in the casing and creating an airflow, and a motor arranged to drive the fan. At least one opening communicates with the fan and is arranged in the casing to direct an airflow transversely across the cavity. The motor has a rotor which, in use, rotates at a speed of at least 80,000 rpm. This produces a high velocity, high pressure airflow which dries an object efficiently and quickly and is suitable for use in a hand dryer.

Abstract: A liquid solid separator utilizing inductive heating. An electrically conductive scroll conveyor is contained within a non-magnetic and non-conductive housing under vacuum. A moveable alternating electric coil is disposed around the housing. The scroll pulls the solids through the housing. Operation of the coil heats the scroll which heats the solids. The vacuum lowers the boiling point of the liquids, and they are vaporized at a relatively low temperature. The vapors are condensed and collected. Because of the low temperatures, the separated liquids are less likely to deteriorate during separation, facilitating recycling. Thermocouples and a computer track the internal temperature of the separator and coordinate the position of the coil to maintain the desired temperature. The housing is provided with a heat insulating outer layer and the interior of the scroll is pressurized with nitrogen. The separator surfaces exposed to the atmosphere are maintained at or below 150° F.

Abstract: This invention relates to a washer/dryer (1) in-corporating a connection which prevents the microwave energy routed to the interior of the tub (2) from leaking to the outside of the tub (2), and also allows the fluids to pass without being choked.

Abstract: An infrared dryer with an infrared dryer body is disclosed. The infrared dryer body includes a cylinder; an infrared light tube, located at substantially central location of the infrared dryer body; an infrared light lampshade, located above the infrared light tube to cover substantially the whole infrared light tube; and at least one shield located above the lampshade inside the cylinder to cover the whole lampshade.

Abstract: A system (110) for drying a charge of lumber includes a kiln (112), one or more sensors (114) for sensing the one or more monitored conditions associated with the operation of the kiln (112) when drying the charge of lumber; and a control system (116) for controlling the operation of the kiln (112) and the one or more sensors (114). The control system (116) is responsive to the one or more sensors (114) and is arranged to recognise a predetermined change in the one or more conditions and to control the operation of the kiln (112) by adjusting one or more kiln drying parameters in a manner predetermined by the nature of the change.

Abstract: A flexible container receives a liquid material, which is freeze-dried in situ within the flexible container. A gas permeable material that is separate from the flexible container provides gas transport for sublimation during drying and lyophilization. The gas permeable portion of the system can be isolated and removed from the flexible container post-lyophilzation The freeze-dried material is stored in the flexible container until administration is necessary. The flexible container receives a reconstituting liquid for mixing with the freeze-dried material, and conveys the reconstituted freeze-dried material from the flexible container for administration to an individual.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a process for drying solid organic substances in aqueous phase including the steps of: feeding a continuous flow of such organic substances having a water content=50% by weight into a turbodrier having a cylindrical tubular body with horizontal axis, equipped with inlet and outlet openings, a heating jacket for bring the inner wall of the tubular body to a predetermined temperature, a bladed rotor extending inside the cylindrical tubular body (1) where it is made to rotate at speeds between 15 and 40 m/s, so as to disperse the continuous flow of organic substances into a flow of particles of organic substances; centrifuging the particles of organic substances against the inner wall of the turbodrier heated to a temperature above 130° C.

Abstract: A laundry machine, more particularly, a dryer and a control method of a dryer may be disclosed. A control method of a dryer includes (a) of supplying an additive to a drum in an initial part of a drying cycle for drying a drying object; and (b) of supplying an additive to the drum in a last part of the drying cycle.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a shoe which comprises at least an upper, an insole and an outsole. The lower edge of the upper is formed with a plurality of teeth-like extensions, and the insole has a plurality of slits for allowing the teeth-like extensions passing downward therethrough and to be glued and bonded with the outsole. The shoe structure may further include a peripheral shielding band stitched around the lower portion to avoid the rain, liquid or water running along the teeth-like extensions and penetrate through the slits.

Abstract: A footwear construction including a sole component and shock pods that absorb impact forces caused by activity. The sole component can be a midsole defining at least one shock pod hole that reduces in dimension from a midsole lower surface toward a midsole upper surface. A shock pod can be joined with the midsole, and extend from the lower surface toward the upper surface. The midsole can be constructed from a harder material than the material from which the shock pod is constructed. A outsole can be joined with the midsole so that a lower portion of the shock pod, for example a traction lug, extends through the outsole to form a ground contacting surface. The shock pod and the shock pod hole can be of corresponding frustoconical shapes. A method is provided including joining a shock pod with a midsole, and joining an outsole with the midsole.

Abstract: A shoe sole includes a mid sole, and a reinforcing member reinforcing a portion of the mid sole, wherein the member 2 extends over an area from a mid foot part 12 to a rear foot part 13, the member 2 including: a rod-shaped or strip-shaped main bar 21 provided along a line that is at the center of the foot; mid foot medial blades 22 and 23 and mid foot lateral blades 24 and 25 extending from the bar 21 in the part 12; a plurality of rear foot blades 26a and 26b extending from the bar 21 in the part 13, wherein the blades 22 to 26b are integral with the bar 21, the blades 22 to 25 are attached to a lower surface of the mid sole, and at least a portion of each of the blades 26a and 26b is buried in the part 13.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to therapeutic footwear such as sandals, conventional shoes, and corrective inserts that may be inserted into conventional shoes. Specifically, the therapeutic footwear may be used for maintaining, correcting, or repositioning the great toe to decrease pressure on the first metatarsal-phalangeal joint or bunion. Additional therapeutic features may include spreading of the wearer's toes, supporting the wearer's arch to control excessive pronation, and providing sustained heel cord stretch at rest, during ambulation, pedicure, and before, during, or after medical treatment.

Abstract: Arrays of resilient supports provide an energy absorbing shoe suitable for enhancing an exercise regime involving leg-shoe interactions.

Abstract: A turntable module for incorporation into a footwear sole as a pre-assembled unit, the module comprising a base (2), and a turntable (4) mounted to the base and sealed relative to the base to prevent ingress of dirt or mud into the interior of the module, the module being mountable to preformed sole structure such that the turntable is exposed through an aperture in an outer sole (20) of the structure. The use of the pre-assembled turntable module facilitates its incorporation into footwear using conventional mass production techniques for footwear.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article of footwear, in particular a sports shoe, wherein the article of footwear comprises a ventilation system with at least one active ventilation element arranged in a midfoot area of the article of footwear. Furthermore, the article of footwear comprises at least one air channel with an inlet and an outlet which are arranged in the sole area in the interior of the article of footwear. The active ventilation element is arranged such that air is sucked from the interior of the article of footwear through the inlet and is blown into the interior of article of footwear shoe through the outlet.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a ski boot system with a modular binding interface. The system includes a shell encasing a user's foot and lower leg. A first and second block are interchangeably coupled to the shell below the base to effectuate alternative binding interfaces. The first and second blocks include a binding interface surface and a sole surface. The positioning and shape of the blocks with respect to the shell results in the binding interface surface extending distally from the toe region of the shell and the sole surface being the lowest surface on the boot system. The binding interface surfaces for each block are positioned at different sagittal heights with respect to the shell to facilitate the interconnection with alternative binding coupling systems. The sole surfaces for each block are positioned at substantially identical sagittal heights with respect to the shell to maintain optimum and consistent performance characteristics among different bindings.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a ski boot system including an upper shell, lower shell, and an articulation system. The upper and lower shell function to enable a user to move their encased foot in various dimensions/orientations corresponding to anatomical supination, pronation, dorsiflexion, and plantarflexion. The articulation system selectively affects the articulation freedom between the upper and lower shells in locked and unlocked configurations. The articulation system includes a lower shell coupler and an upper shell coupler coupled to the lower and upper shells, respectively. The locked configuration of the articulation system includes engaging the upper and lower shell couplers to restrict freedom between the upper and lower shell. The lower shell coupler is coupled within a recess in the lower shell that substantially restricts movement to a single orientation corresponding to coronal rotation.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a shoe comprising an upper, a midsole, and an outsole, wherein a collapsible support element is positioned in a recess proximate to a wearer's first metatarsal bone, wherein said collapsible support element is stiffer in a longitudinal direction and is more collapsible in a transverse direction. More specifically, the collapsible support element comprises a collapsible gel pad encased in a thermoplastic urethane, or a single collapsible element having a wave configuration, or a series of collapsible wave elements. Each embodiment of the collapsible support element resists collapsing when a golfer walks but have a propensity to collapse during the golfer's swing, which allows more efficient transfer of energy during the swing. The shoe further comprises flexing channels in a forward portion as well as a flexing channel in the rear portion.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a gripping system is disclosed. The gripping system helps to enhance the wearer's ability to contact an athletic ball during kicking. The gripping system can be centered about a region where the wearer tends to kick the ball, and the gripping system can be distributed in a pattern that provides an even or symmetric contact area with the ball. Additionally, a water repelling member for the article of footwear is also disclosed. The water repelling member helps to repel water from the gripping system, especially horizontal water or water from splashing. The water repelling member is also breathable and helps to dissipate water vapor caused by heat evaporation of the foot.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sole structure of footwear which makes it possible for a user to walk in a special position such that a toe part is in a raised state, thus providing an exercise effect, and is constructed such that the inclination of the footwear can be smoothly changed forwards and backwards based on a metatarsal bone part, so that the user can naturally conduct exercise. To achieve the above purposes, the present invention comprises a main sole, which has an outline that approximately corresponds to an outline of a foot sole, a front cushion sole, which is coupled to a portion of the main sole which is ahead of the metatarsal bone part, and a rear cushion sole, which is coupled to a portion of the main sole which is behind of the metatarsal bone part.

Abstract: A ventilation sole for shoes is disclosed. The ventilation sole of the present invention has a vent hole (110), which is formed in a sidewall of the sole, an air supply hole, which is formed in the upper surface of the sole (100), and an air passage, which communicates the air supply hole with the vent hole, such that outside air is supplied into the shoe. Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that a vent hole control device (200), which is opened or closed by a knocking operation, is installed in the vent hole (110) such that part thereof protrudes outside the sole (100), thus making it possible for a user to selectively open or close the vent hole (110), as necessary.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for changing a suction mouth of a cutter suction dredge of a vessel with cutter ladder. In at least one embodiment, the device includes, comprising a work platform which, as seen in the transverse direction of the vessel, is provided substantially in the middle with an opening, wherein—a support structure is provided which can be fixedly connected to the work platform in a position substantially under the opening, which support structure is adapted to support a suction mouth; —and the work platform with support structure is tiltable around a first, substantially horizontal transverse axis between a substantially horizontal operating position and a high position in which the cutter ladder can be moved upward, which positions are such that the work platform with support structure is movable from its high position to its operating position when the cutter ladder is situated in a high raised position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ironing appliance comprising an iron (1) and a portable base (2) provided with a surface (21) for setting down the iron (1), said iron comprising a soleplate (10) on which a body with an integrated handle (11) is mounted. The invention is characterised in the base (2) comprises means for immobilising the iron (1), said means engaging with the body of the iron (1) upstream and downstream of the handle (11) in such a way that the entire ironing appliance can be transported by the handle (11) of the iron.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to quickly, easily and temporarily secure fabric to an ironing board or the like to facilitate the removal of hair, lint, or other particulate matter which is adhered to the surface of the fabric. The fabric to be cleaned is positioned on an ironing board in the same manner as placing the fabric on the board for ironing. A pressure applying member is placed over the fabric to be cleaned, most commonly near the longitudinal end of the fabric. Each end of the pressure applying member is connected to a tension mechanism such as a spring or elastomeric cord. The other end of the tension mechanism is connected, in turn, to a connecting means such as a J-hook. When the connecting means are hooked over the far and near edges of the ironing board, the tension mechanism is pulled taut, forcing the pressure member down with sufficient force to hold the fabric in place against the pull of a vacuum or lint brush.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method of displaying visual information, comprising a plurality of visual elements placed on a plurality of display modules, which are positioned so as to be cognitively perceived as forming an integrated, unified visual informational message, and that utilizes the principles of geometric perspective or of optical illusions to create interesting and effective messages, and that may incorporate other visual effects, to create a messaging system that is able to publicly convey commercial messages as well as road conditions and other information. Said devices may be applied to roadsides, as well as corridors, sidewalks, sides of buildings, bridges, aisles, and similar locations.

Abstract: A plurality of patterns 40a through 40e comprising a plurality of plotting lines 41a to 41e of a predetermined width drawn parallel to each other at predetermined intervals and drawn inclined with respect to the axial direction of a can 3 are provided in staggered positions at intervals corresponding to the width of the plotting lines 2. Meanwhile, a plurality of linear opaque portions 21 of a predetermined width alternating with a plurality of linear transparent portions 22 of a predetermined width are provided parallel to each other on a cylindrical heat-shrink film 1 at an inclination angle corresponding to the angle of the plotting lines 41a through 41e on the can 3. This cylindrical heat-shrink film 1 is then mounted on the outside of the can 3. In this way, a container with screen part on which the pattern can be changed is provided in a way not possible before.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method of its use to temporarily or permanently display decorations, signs or lighting. The device is especially suited for displaying from a structure, such as under the eave of a house. The inventive device is capable of conveniently rotating an attached display or lighting arrangement in and out of view, at will. It is particularly useful for the permanent display of holiday decorations, including string-lights and to display them during the holidays but remove them from sight during the remainder of the year.

Abstract: A media system for distributing visual content includes a display and a host. The host is remotely located from the display and coupled to the display over a communication network. The display is supported by an article. The host includes a computer storage medium including visual content. At least a portion of the visual content is submitted to the host by a client. The host includes a processor configured to selectively transmit visual content to the display and configured to receive data corresponding to display activity of the selected visual content on the display. A reporting module reports the data corresponding to the display activity to the client and the subscriber.

Abstract: A frame that includes a framing member and at least one integral mounting member extending from the back surface of the framing member. The frame may be mounted to a mounting surface such as a wall by simply pushing on the frame, thereby piercing the mounting surface with the mounting member. The mounting member may integrally retained within, or integrally formed with the framing member. A second mounting post may be provided that extends from the back surface of the framing member a shorter distance than the distance that the first mounting post extends from the back surface of the framing member, to facilitate positioning and alignment of the frame before final placement.

Abstract: A set trigger assembly that enables a user of a firearm with a trigger, return spring plunger, and a return spring plunger spring to modify the trigger mechanism on-demand to reduce the trigger pressure required to fire the firearm by enabling the user to retract the return spring plunger and then return the return spring plunger to its initial position by insertion of a lever which is used to apply force to a return spring plunger so as to force the return spring plunger away from the trigger.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a mounting assembly for mounting a reticle type sight on a long gun. The mounting assembly includes a mounting plate for securing the mounting assembly to a rearward portion of a long gun, and a mounting block coupled to a top portion of the mounting plate. The mounting plate has one or more connection elements to enable a reticle type sight to be coupled to the mounting block.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards an elevation adjustment mechanism which has a mechanism for coarsely adjusting the pitch rotation comprising a lever actuated clamping assembly and a mechanism for finely adjusting the pitch rotation comprising a threaded rod mechanism.

Abstract: A shotgun sight is provided with a barrel, a sighting rib, a rib support member, a pitch adjustment mechanism, and a latch mechanism. The rib support member is provided on the barrel. The pitch adjustment mechanism is provided between the rib and the rib support member to adjust pitch of the rib relative to the barrel. The latch mechanism has a pair of coacting base plates. A first base plate is provided along a proximal end of the rib and a second base plate is provided on the rib support member. Each base plate has an array of complementary-shaped interlocking projections. One of the base plates is configured to be forcibly urged apart from the other base plate to reposition the array of interlocking projections in order to selectively position the rib relative to the barrel at one of a plurality of locations each corresponding with a unique pitch for the rib relative to the barrel. An adjustable gun sight is also provided.

Abstract: A movable waterfowl decoy includes: (a) a decoy body portion including a buoyant decoy body and a head portion attached to an upper front portion of the decoy body, the buoyant decoy body including at least one body compartment, the body compartment including at least one closeable compartment opening; (b) a power source housed in the at least one body compartment; (c) a spray propulsion system that is substantially housed within the at least one body compartment; (d) a keel attached to a lower surface of the buoyant decoy body; and (e) a remote control system, a remote receiver of which is within the at least one body compartment; wherein the decoy body portion emits an above-water spray of water from a body of water in a generally rearward direction when the waterfowl decoy is in use, which propels the decoy body portion in the body of water.

Abstract: No fishing rods have any way to keep them from flying out of your hand while casting. With my Universal Fishing Rod Safety Grip it makes your grasp on the fishing rod handle more secure.

Abstract: A fishing aid including a fishhook having an eye and a barb respectively positioned at its opposed ends. A rattle is releasably secured to the fishhook. The rattle has a catch that extends from one of its opposed ends with an open-loop portion for grasping the eye of the fishhook. The rattle also has a sharpened point at the other of its opposed ends for easy insertion into a soft, plastic bait.

Abstract: A fishing line release system is disclosed. The fishing line release system includes a fishing line quick release mechanism that may be used in conjunction with a planar device for trolling or may alternatively be used with a down rigger cable and weight when used in down rigger fishing. When used in conjunction with the planar device, the system may be used for directional trolling. The planar device comprises a planar body, the fishing line quick release mechanism attached to the planar body, and a line locking assembly for securing a portion of a fishing line to the planar body. When used in conjunction with a down rigger cable and weight, the quick release mechanism may be used either on the down rigger cable or may be attached to the down rigger weight.

Abstract: The fish hook has an arcuate hook and an elongate shank extending from the arcuate hook. The shank has a linear portion extending from the hook and the end of the shank opposite the hook is formed as a helical coil having an axial center that extends substantially parallel to or in-line with the linear portion of the shank. The diameter of the coil progressively decreases as the coil extends to the end of the shank opposite the hook. A knotted fish line can be looped into the coil which coil has adequate space for the line to pass through. The knotted line is caught up in the coil after it is pulled to secure the fishhook to the fish line. In a similar manner, a helical coil may be manufactured on any fishing tackle to provide easy attachment and removal of the tackle to a knotted fishing line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for providing tall oil or tall oil fuel from tall oil soap. In the process, tall oil soap, which may be neutralized with carbon dioxide, is treated with an alkaline earth metal compound to convert sodium soaps into alkaline earth metal soaps. The conversion reduces the sodium content and increases the heat value of the product. The converted product may be used to provide a low sodium fuel or it may be acidulated with a minimum of sulfur.

Abstract: The invention provides palladium-catalyzed hydrogenations of bio-oils and certain organic compounds. Experimental results have shown unexpected and superior results for palladium-catalyzed hydrogenations of organic compounds typically found in bio-oils.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to fuel additive compositions comprising one or more hydrogen bonding compounds derived from a long chain fatty acid, and one or more esters of a second long chain fatty acid. Such fuel additives improve the lubricity of the fuel.