Abstract: The invention concerns a spirit level (10) including a base body (11), e.g., in the form of a hollow profile, as well as a bubble level vial (12), formed of a vial body (14) with enclosed cavity (16), preferably of barrel shape, the vial being secured in the base body by means of a holder (28). The cavity contains a liquid (18) with gas bubble (20) floating therein and the vial body has end face regions (32, 36) running transversely to the lengthwise axis of the cavity. In order to achieve a high contrast between the end of the bubble and the liquid, it is proposed that the vial body (14) be joined to the holder (28) by an intimate material connection in the at least one end face region (32, 36) and that the holder and/or the intimate material connection be contrast intensifying in the region of the at least one end face region.

Abstract: A snap line for use in applying powdered material to a surface. The line comprises at least one strand of material that has been coated with water repellent material. The line may be used in conjunction with powder that has also been coated with water repellent material. The line and the powder enable a user to apply lines to wet or damp surfaces in a normal fashion.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a multi-piece frame square may include one or more of the following features: (a) a first arm, (b) a second arm, (c) a lever capable of being received by a slot within the second arm, (d) a retention portion releasably coupled to receiver slots on the first arm and receiver slots on the lever, (e) a receiver notch at a proximal end of the first arm, (f) catch portions on the second arm for receiving the lever, and (g) receiver holes on the first arm to receive alignment pins located on the second arm.

Abstract: The invention relates to an articulated-arm three-dimensional measurement apparatus having a plurality of articulation axes with angle encoders integrated in said arms for individually measuring the angles of rotation about each of said articulation axes. In accordance with the invention, at least one of the arms (4; 5) of the apparatus (1) includes a hollow tube (4.11; 5.

Abstract: A tape measure has a first scale on one edge of the blade and a second scale on the other edge blade where the second scale is marked in units of length which are equal to the units of the first scale multiplied by the square root of 2. A method to check a right angle measures from a corner to a distal end of a first line using the units of the first scale, measures along a second line an equal length in the first units from the corner and marking a point, by measuring from the distal end to the point using the second scale and by adjusting an angle between the first and second lines at the corner until the distance between the distal end and the point is equal to the length of the first line when measured on the second scale.

Abstract: The invention relates to an exhaust air dryer with a drying compartment for objects to be dried, a supply air duct upstream of the drying compartment, a first fan for the supply of process air from a supply air inlet to the drying compartment and to an exhaust air outlet, an exhaust air duct between the drying compartment and the exhaust air outlet and a heat pump, with a heat sink in the exhaust air duct and a heat source in the supply air duct, characterized in that the first fan in the supply air duct is arranged between the supply air inlet and the heat source and a second fan in the supply air duct is arranged between the heat source and the drying compartment.

Abstract: A dryer has complex angled surfaces and a plurality of grip elements thereon. The angled surfaces have varying angles of inclination relative to a base of the dryer vane and the characteristics of the grip elements vary in relation to the angle of inclination of the surface portions upon which they are disposed. The grip elements may protrude from the vane surfaces and the height of the grip elements may vary in relation to the varying angle of inclination of the surfaces. Taller grip elements may be provided on the less inclined surfaces and shorter grip elements may be provided on the more inclined surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clothing dryer comprising a base configured to form a bottom of a main body, an exhaust duct installed in the main body and outwardly guiding hot air, a fixing member disposed at the exhaust duct and an exhaust duct bracket for fixing the exhaust duct at the base by being coupled to the fixing member. The exhaust duct bracket has an exhaust duct guide unit for receiving a shape of the fixing member disposed at the exhaust duct. Accordingly, it is capable of enhancing an assembly characteristic of the exhaust duct and of reducing a fabrication cost. And, the present invention relates to a method for mounting the exhaust duct of the clothing dryer at the base of the main body, by coupling the fixing member formed at the exhaust duct and the exhaust duct bracket formed at the base of the main body to each other.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a dryer, which can provide a connection for a detecting circuit adapted to determine a clogging degree of the dryer, is disclosed. The control apparatus includes a power supply circuit comprising a heating coil arranged in a heater case, and a temperature control member mounted to the heater case, the temperature control member receiving power, and supplying the received power to the heating coil, a microcomputer for controlling an operation of the dryer, and a connecting line for connecting the power supply circuit to the microcomputer. Through the connecting line, the microcomputer can detect a state of the power supply circuit.

Abstract: A shoe shock absorbing and support system that is able to cushion the impact of a heel striking a surface to reduce injury and fatigue and to compensate for uneven surfaces while minimizing injury to the wearer. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a cushion layer formed of a soft, shock-absorption material is incorporated into the heel. The present invention also provides a multiple layer contour system that provides stability and cushioning without greatly increasing the thickness of the inner sole of the shoe.

Abstract: The ventilated shoe comprises an outer sole and at least two interchangeable inner soles. The inner sole in disposed in contact with and over the outer sole. The outer sole has ventilation ports at the toe portion and at the heel portion. The ventilation ports extend through the entire thickness of the outer sole. A support is provided to spacedly rest the inner sole over the outer sole in a manner to allow air to penetrate through the ventilation ports and to circulate between the outer sole and the inner sole. The inner sole may be air permeable and is used when the temperature is medium to high. Under cold temperature it is preferable to use an impermeable inner sole.

Abstract: A flexible support device adapted to provide overall structural biomechanics support and contouring of a lower limb of a patient by a practitioner where the flexible support device having various indentations to provide proper fitting of a bold for production of an orthosis device in one form.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an article of footwear that has an upper extending around at least a portion of a foot. The outsole is secured to the upper. The article of footwear has a midsole that is detachably secured to the outsole. This midsole has a vertically projecting generally dome shaped support element located in the heel portion of the midsole. The dome shaped support element may be in contact with outsole interior sidewalls only while in an compressed state or it may remain in contact with the interior sidewalls in an uncompressed state. The dome shaped support element is at least partially covered by a cushioning cover that is made of a material less stiff than the material comprising the dome shaped support element. The cushioning cover may be partially covered by a heel plate that extends from the heel of the shoe towards the toe of the shoe. The heel plate may or may not extend the entire length of the shoe.

Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments are provided of hinge apparatus, which may be used, for example, to hingedly connect upper and lower frame members of a device or tool. In one embodiment of a hinge apparatus, first and second linking members each include a base portion, sidewalls, and flange portions. The flange portions define sets of openings configured to receive a portion of a first connector, for selectively adjusting the angular orientation of the upper frame member relative to the lower frame member in an open, ready-for-use configuration. The linking members include connector openings configured to receive a portion of a second connector. When the first connector is not engaged with any set of openings, the upper frame member is pivotably movable relative to the lower frame member about the second connector to a closed, collapsed configuration in which the upper frame member is alongside the lower frame member.

Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments are provided of wheel assemblies and tires. In one exemplary embodiment, a wheel assembly generally includes first and second wheel pieces attachable to each other. The first and second wheel pieces may include respective first and second rim portions. Each of the first and second rim portions may include an arced portion that defines only a portion of a circumference of a rim, such that the arced portions collectively define the circumference of the rim when the first and second wheel pieces are attached. The first and second wheel pieces may be slidably engagable in a first axial direction that is substantially parallel to a rotational axis of the wheel assembly. The first and second wheel pieces may be slidably disengagable in a second axial direction that is generally opposite the first axial direction.

Abstract: A method for configuring a shellfish dredge is described. In an embodiment of the invention, a bag on a shellfish dredge has a front side and a back side and is attached to a tow. The front side of the bag has a pair of end peaks, one or more central peaks and an open area for catching shellfish. The end peaks are attached to the tow and the central peaks are attached to vertical chains connected to the tow. The bag is of a depth to catch and contain shellfish.

Abstract: A bucket for a dragline has a pivoted mounting by having two spaced pivotal arms, typically of arcuate or cranked form, pivotally connected to the outside of a rear wall of the bucket about pivot axes extending transverse to the bucket and below the upper rim of the bucket whereby pivotal connections at the upper end of each pivot arm may be disposed over the rim and within the bucket zone. Thus the pivot arms may be moved in use through greater than 90° from a position in which the bucket is vertically suspended. The pivot arms act to spread splayed hoist chains without a spreader bar.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a payload calculation system for use with a work implement. The payload calculation system may have a state sensor configured to measure a state of the work implement. The payload calculation system may further have a processing device configured to calculate a mass of a payload moved by the work implement. The processing device may be configured to use the measured state to compensate the calculation of the mass for centrifugal, inertial, and frictional forces of the work implement caused by the work implement rotating about a vertical pivot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ornamental display devices for storing items such as keepsakes and gift cards.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes calendars for dissimulation by distributors of customizable promotion products with distributor specific URLs which enable the customer to view supplier produced products which then are ordered through the distributor. The distributor then reviews and forwards the order to the suppliers who then manufacture the customized items and either ship the items directly to the customer or ships the items to the distributor who checks the items and forwards them to the customer. A number of URLs may access the same website. The calendars also may include monthly themes, descriptions of the benefits of use of the themes, case studies and statistics involving use of the themes, promotional products, planning work sheets, and return on investment and return on objectives work sheets.

Abstract: A device (1) for displaying an aggregate image (2) the form of a matrix. Each cell (4) of the matrix (3) enables display of an elementary image (6). The elementary images are carried out on a ribbon (7). In order to vary the aggregate image, the elementary image is varied, the former being selected on the ribbon by causing the ribbon to run off inside the cell. The device enables the creation of very large display panels, particularly those used at airports.

Abstract: A display device includes an edge-lit light-transmitting sheet having first and second opposed parallel surfaces. A matrix is applied to at least one of the first and second surfaces and comprises a series of lines extending between opposed edges of the sheet. The spacings between the lines and/or the thicknesses of the lines are so chosen as to obtain a desired intensity of illumination at selected areas of the sheet.

Abstract: A collapsible sign comprising a pivotal sign carrying member, an upright member hingedly attached to the pivotal sign carrying member, and a foldable support member adapted to stabilize the upright member and the pivotal sign carrying member. The pivotal sign carrying member may be adapted to lock into a substantially perpendicular arrangement with the upright member, or fold into a substantially parallel arrangement with the upright member. A flexible membrane may be rolled around the pivotal sign carrying member. Further, the collapsible sign may include a foldable support having an asymmetric arrangement of legs attached to the upright member. Alternatively, the collapsible sign may include a support member comprising a base member in a perpendicular arrangement with the upright member, and including penetration means for stabilizing the upright member and the sign carrying member.

Abstract: An informational stop sign has an octagonal center portion, a primary traffic symbol in the center of the octagonal center portion wherein the primary traffic symbol is the word STOP displayed within the center portion, a plurality of rectangular portions extending radially outward from and perpendicular to the periphery of the center portion, each of the plurality of rectangular portions corresponding to a location of an inlet of a traffic intersection, and an Arabic numeral displayed within at least one of the plurality of rectangular portions indicating an inlet to the traffic intersection having a stop sign, the Arabic numeral being the number of inlets to the traffic intersection having a stop sign.

Abstract: A labeling system comprises a wall enclosing a space and a container for holding a retractable label, the container laterally disposed in relation to the space. The retractable label is configured to extend out of and retract into the container. In some embodiments, the wall at least partially defines a container cap. In other embodiments, the wall at least partially defines another container for holding material, such as, e.g., material of medicinal utility.

Abstract: A system for hanging multiple pictures, photographs, picture frames, or other objects, collectively referred to herein as pictures, in a collage, using a regularly-spaced grid of pegs or other supports that are attached to a wall. Each picture includes one or more sockets, generally along the top of the picture, or one or more of its edges, although in some embodiments a picture can include sockets located elsewhere on the picture. A picture can be attached to the grid by placing it on the grid so that its sockets are supported by the pegs. In accordance with an embodiment, to add a picture to the wall, a user places the top edge of the picture over the grid until its sockets fit around the pegs, and then allows the picture to swing into the wall until it rests against the wall or other supports. To remove the picture, the user gently lifts the picture off the pegs and removes it from the wall. This process can be repeated with multiple pictures to create or change a wall-mounted collage.

Abstract: Adjustable shoulder stock apparatus for use with firearms are described. An example adjustable shoulder stock apparatus for use with firearms includes a shoulder stock into which a connecting piece of the firearm is to be inserted. The connecting piece defines a plurality of boreholes. Additionally, the example adjustable shoulder stock apparatus includes a bolt having a end to be inserted in one of the plurality of boreholes to secure the shoulder stock relative to the connecting piece. Further the example adjustable shoulder stock apparatus includes a lever that defines a recess that is open toward a top of the firearm and is closed toward a bottom of the firearm. An opposite end of the bolt is positioned in the recess and coupled to the lever. The lever is to remove the bolt from the one of the plurality of boreholes. The lever comprises a projection to engage a wall of the shoulder stock to prevent movement of the lever past the wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sampling device for capturing samples from a fluid environment. The invention has particular application to the capture of phytoplankton samples from bodies of water. The invention is adapted to allow a sampling net to be easily manipulated by a user. Means of minimising and/or eliminating potential contamination of any collected samples are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a notification system used to notify a fisherman when a fish has taken the bait at a particular ice fishing hole. The notification system includes a receiver/transmitter system used in conjunction with a tip-up device associated with a fishing line. When the tip-up is activated due to the application of pressure to a fishing line, a transmitter sends a signal to a receiver. The receiver includes a signaling means, which notifies a user when a signal has been received from the transmitter. One receiver may be used with a plurality of tip-ups and transmitters. The receiver may be adapted to distinguish between the signals transmitted by different transmitters. The receiver may also include signaling means which provide information regarding which transmitter sent a signal, so a user may determine which tip-up has been activated in situations where several transmitters are associated with one receiver.

Abstract: The invention involves a fishing device used for operatively connecting a first fishing line and a second fishing line from a first fishing rod and a second fishing rod, respectively, to a hook. The fishing device includes a spreader bar having a first connector at a first end, a second connector at a second end, and a third connector interposed between the first end and the second end. The first connector is shaped to connect with the first fishing line. The second connector is shaped to connect with the second fishing line. The third connector is shaped to operatively connect with the hook. The spreader bar is shaped to remain streamline when pulled through a body of water. The spreader bar thereby acts to inhibit the first fishing line from entangling with the second fishing line.

Abstract: A bait and accessory tray for mounting in a fishing boat or watercraft, which in one embodiment includes a plate having an opening for receiving a bait container and a recess, typically adjacent to the opening, for receiving bait or particles or segments of bait to be used in fishing. One or more drain openings are typically provided in the bottom of the plate recess and a bracket bar is typically fitted with a pair of bolts secured to one edge of the plate for mounting the plate on a support in the watercraft. The support may also mount one or more fishing rod holders. In another embodiment the plate element of the tray is characterized by multiple bait container openings and a plate recess which is typically fitted with drain openings, for receiving bait of selected character. Like the single-opening bait tray, the multiple-opening tray may include a pair of bolts that mount a bracket bar on a pedestal or support in the watercraft to locate the trays in close proximity to the fisherman.

Abstract: An embodiment of a bait station comprises a rotatable lid and air-tight bait compartments. An additional compartment also contains bait and is accessible to rodents as they enter the station. The rotatable lid is configured to hold the bait within the compartments and can be rotated in order to replace the previously accessible bait with fresh bait from a different compartment. A key can be attached to an extension pole in order to unlock and rotate the rotatable lid without requiring a person to kneel down or bend over. A base having two entrances provides an inviting environment for rodents.

Abstract: Methods, enzymes, recombinant microorganism, and microbial systems are provided for converting polysaccharides, such as those derived from biomass, into suitable monosaccharides or oligosaccharides, as well as for converting suitable monosaccharides or oligosaccharides into commodity chemicals, such as biofuels. Commodity chemicals produced by the methods described herein are also provided. Commodity chemical enriched, refinery-produced petroleum products are also provided, as well as methods for producing the same.

Abstract: Biodiesel fuels, renewable diesel fuels and feedstocks to these fuels (derived from plant seed oils or animal fats) are viewed as more environmentally friendly, renewable alternative fuels or supplemental fuels with petroleum-based diesel. Alkyl phenol amine aldehyde condensates improve the stability of biofuels by inhibiting the degradation processes. Alkyl phenylene diamines employed together with alkyl phenol amine aldehyde condensates in the biofuels give synergistically improved stability of the fuels.

Abstract: A diesel fuel formulation containing a high proportion of ethanol has a corrected flash point. This flash point modification is achieved by feeding into the mixture a liquid of low flash point such as a light fraction consisting of a C5 to C7 paraffin cut. The resultant formulation invention can be directly used in a vehicle.

Abstract: A method is presented for producing biodiesel from a triglyceride feedstock. The feedstock is pretreated by thermal cracking or rapid pyrolysis to form a middle distillate fraction rich in fatty acids. The middle distillate fraction is then treated by vapour phase esterification under vacuum and in the presence of an alcohol and a solid acid catalyst to produce a biodiesel stream. The biodiesel stream can be treated with a basic solution to convert residual free fatty acids to non-foaming metallic soaps, which are separated by known means. A method is also provided for producing a biodiesel/naphtha mixture, in which a triglyceride feedstock is pretreated by thermal cracking or rapid pyrolysis to produce a middle distillate fraction, a naphtha stream and a gas stream. The naphtha stream and the middle distillate fraction are then treated by vapour phase esterification under vacuum and in the presence of an alcohol and a solid acid catalyst to produce a mixed biodiesel/naphtha stream.

Abstract: A device for training creeping plants by means of a substantially vertical, flexible support wire comprises a reel with quick attach means to effect attachment to a carrying cable. A winding spool for the support wire is mounted so that it is able to rotate. The reel comprises: an immobilizing lever (33) mounted pivotably about a pivot axis between a position of clamping the support wire and a position of releasing it, the support wire being disposed, in the clamping position, between a first jaw (39), which is integral to the immobilizing lever (33), and a fixed second jaw (27) opposite the first jaw (39); and automatic return means (36) that return the immobilizing lever (33) toward the clamping position.

Abstract: Provided herein are mixtures of C4 grasses and legumes, and methods of using such mixtures to sequester carbon. Methods of using the sequestered carbon in the form of, for example, carbon credits, to offset or mitigate carbon usage also are provided.

Abstract: The invention is related to a method and device to grow bulb-crops for Cut-flower-production, like tulip bulbs or daffodil-bulbs. The device is constructed with a growing substrate, like a layer of mineral wool, including supportive means to position the bulbs to grow upright in the substrate. The device of substrate has gabs and or channels under the bulb, to create rooting-chambers or root-channels, to store and guide the roots of the bulbs. The invention shows also a method to grow commercial flower bulb crops.

Abstract: An automatic door opener is attachable to at least one manual door and an automatic door. The automatic door has a closed position and an open position. The automatic door opener includes an opening actuator, a pressure reservoir and a door activator. The opening actuator is operably connected to the automatic door. The pressure reservoir system is operably connected to the opening actuator, operably connected to the manual door, and operably connected to the automatic door. Movement of the manual door adds pressure to the pressure storage reservoir system. The door activator has an at rest position and an open position whereby pressure from the pressure reservoir system is released to the opening actuator moving the automatic door from a closed position to an open position responsive to movement of the door activator form the at rest position to the open position.

Abstract: A device with a memory function for detecting closure of vehicle doors and the method thereof is disclosed. Before a vehicle door is open, a detecting signal near the outer side of the door is emitted and its detection status is recorded. When the vehicle door is to be closed, a First detecting signal is emitted from the door frame top downwards and a second detecting signal is emitted near the outer side of the door. If the first detecting signal indicates that a person is at the door or the second detecting signal indicates that a person exists on the outer side of the door by comparison with a precious record, then the door is prohibited from being closed. Otherwise, the door can be closed. This automatic detection method can prevent the driver from accidentally hurt passengers by carelessly closing the doors.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing a door from closing, thereby avoiding injuries, such as pinching of fingers or other body parts, that occur on both the handle and hinge side of the door. The apparatus is a wedge-shaped device that comprises a wedge-portion and an attached handle. The handle is placed over a door hinge to secure the device in place, and the wedge-portion is shaped to fit between the edge of the door and the door frame, thereby preventing the door from closing beyond a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A telescoping gate can include a frame, a primary gate member connected to the frame in a manner such that the primary gate member can move relative to the frame, and a secondary gate member that is moveable with respect to both the primary gate member and the frame. The primary gate member can include at least one side wall, a top wall extending at an angle from a top of the side wall, and a bottom wall extending at an angle from a bottom of the side wall to create a cavity between the bottom wall, side wall and top wall. The secondary gate member can be located in the cavity of the primary gate member and configured to move relative to the primary gate member and the frame within that cavity. The bottom wall of the primary gate member includes a first roller/rail structure and the secondary gate member includes a bottom wall having a first roller/rail structure configured to mate with the first roller/rail structure of the primary gate member bottom wall.

Abstract: A door includes a door body, a pair of rotating shafts, a pair of opening/closing levers and an inhibiting member. The pair of rotating shafts rotate the door body toward either one of the left and right directions. The pair of rotating shafts are provided on each of the left and right sides of the door body. The pair of rotating shafts are vertically slidable. The pair of opening/closing levers are provided on each of the left and right sides of the door body. The opening/closing lever is connected to the rotating shaft on the same side of the door body. The opening/closing lever acommodates the connected rotating shaft within the door body by rotation. The inhibiting member inhibits one of the rotating shafts from being accommodated within the door body by operating simultaneously with rotation of the opening/closing lever connected to the other rotating shaft.

Abstract: A drive mechanism is provided for a door operator, comprising a drive member and a driven member. The drive member includes a protrusion, the edges of the protrusion forming first and second driving surfaces which define a free space of at least about 90° there between. The driven member includes a protrusion, the sides of the protrusion form a first and a second driven surface, respectively. The drive member is adapted to be operably connected to between a motor assembly for rotating the drive member and a door closer assembly rotating with the driven member. The drive member and the driven member are disposed for relative rotation in substantially the same plane such that the driven member protrusion moves in the free space defined by the driving surfaces of the drive member protrusion.

Abstract: The invention aims at increasing the availability of doors systems without affecting the reliability of control systems. For this purpose, the invention provides to take advantage of the alternating operation of door systems positioned on either side of the same car. An on-board panel system according to the invention includes associated control panels control means for transmitting authorization signals for the exclusive opening of side doors. The control means combine a low speed signal and a validation side selection signal to carry out, in each environment, opening/closing authorizations of the motor control of its environment and the motor control of the associated environment. Applications to the accessories and the mechanical part of the railway door systems (motors, latch fittings, loudspeakers, etc) as well as their door environment (interface with the communication network).

Abstract: In a superabrasive grain setting method, a two-dimensionally developed coordinate preparation step is taken, wherein a non-cylindrical area of a mounting surface where a tangential line to the mounting surface in a plane including the axis of the manufacturing mold crosses with the axis of a manufacturing mold is developed into a circular-arc belt-like surface, and a plurality of mounting points are set on the circular-arc belt-like surface in a grid pattern in dependence on mounting positions for superabrasive grains. Then, a rectification step is taken, wherein the grid pattern of the mounting points is rectified in predetermined angular ranges so that the mounting points do not make consecutive point lines in the circumferential direction of the circular-arc belt-like surface. A mounting step is thereafter taken of mounting the superabrasive grains on the mounting surface of the manufacturing mold based on the grid pattern rectified at the rectification step.

Abstract: An abrasive grain made from melted spherical corundum where the abrasive grain consists of a spherical corundum core, coated with an encircling layer of a binder and fine-grained abrasive solid particles.

Abstract: A method of treating the working surface of an abrasive compact having a working surface. The working surface, or a region adjacent the working surface, of the abrasive compact is contacted with a halogen gas or a gaseous environment containing a source of halide ions, preferably at a temperature at or below 800° C., in order to remove catalysing material and any foreign metal matrix material from the region adjacent the working surface.

Abstract: A portable staging system adjustable for quick assembly and disassembly and inherent sturdiness. The portable staging system includes a bracket assembly for detachably coupling a support member to the platform of the portable stage. The bracket assembly includes a bracket sleeve adapted to receive the support member, a brace member shiftable within the bracket sleeve between a support member engaging position and a support member clearing position, and an actuator assembly for simultaneously shift first and second drivers of the brace member.