Abstract: The present invention provides a method of tuning properties of a gravity gradiometer for measuring components of the gravity gradient tensor. The gravity gradiometer comprises a pair of first and second transversely arranged sensor masses that are arranged for movement about an axis and relative to each other in response to a gravity gradient. The gravity gradiometer further comprises first and second capacitors for sensing and influencing the movement of the first and second sensor masses. The method comprising applying a bias voltage to at least one of the capacitors for generating an electrostatic force which acts on one of the sensor masses and thereby influences the movement of that sensor mass.

Abstract: A stone wall alignment tool for checking the plumbness of a stone wall during construction thereof. The tool comprises a first “L” shaped bracket having a long leg and a short side leg. The tool also comprises a second “L” shaped bracket having a long leg and a short side leg, wherein the long legs of the first and the second brackets are slidably and lockingly adjustable with respect to one another, and wherein the long legs are arranged to be disposed on top of a wall and its side legs are arranged to be disposed on the sides of the stone wall as a plumb-alignment-tool during the wall's construction.

Abstract: A tool for tracing horizontal lines on curved surfaces configured so that it can receive two spirit levels and a slider to allow for one level to push against a ruler so as to give the ruler a curvature similar to that of a wall.

Abstract: In combination with a cutting apparatus having a pair of blades with edges that are closely juxtaposed relative to an axis with each other and where at least one of the blades is movable along the axis to set between axially confronting faces of the blades at the edges a predetermined gap, a system for measuring the gap has a stationary support, and respective means associated with each of the blades for measuring a distance between the support and the face of the respective blade.

Abstract: A scanning unit including a light source for illuminating a scale by a light beam and a detector for detecting the light beam which has been modulated by the scale as a function of a relative position between two objects. An inner chamber of the scanning unit in which the light beam extends is closed off in a dust-proof manner against an outer chamber, and the inner chamber is closed off by a transparent body, through which the light beam passes. The inner chamber is connected with the outer chamber via a filter which is dust-proof, but permeable to gas and vapor.

Abstract: A tape measure fastening kit having a series of end pieces in varying lengths to attach to a tab of a tape measure blade so that a single user may secure the tape measure blade to an edge or corner of a work surface. Each end piece has an outer tip which is angled at a 45-degree angle to catch the bottom of the edge or corner of a work surface. Another embodiment provides a solitary L-shaped attachment piece which attaches directly to the top side of the blade at the distal end and which has a lower portion having a 45-degree angled tip to catch the bottom of the edge or corner of a work surface.

Abstract: A treater oven for drying a prepreg includes: a pipe conduit configured such that the prepreg is able to pass therethrough; a the first structure connected to one side of the pipe conduit and supplying heated air to the pipe conduit; and the second structure connected to the other side of the pipe conduit and discharging the heated air from the pipe conduit. The first structure includes: an air supply portion connected to a heat exchanger and supplying the heated air; an air distribution discharge portion discharging the heated air supplied from the air supply portion through a pair of discharging outlets in both sides of the prepreg; and at least one perforated plate symmetrically disposed in air passageways of the air distribution discharge portion.

Abstract: In a hand drying apparatus, a first air opening and a second air opening are arranged on opposing surfaces. The first air opening is displaced towards an interior of the hollow portion, for inserting wet hand, with respect to the second air opening such that axes of air jets output from the first air opening and the second air opening do not collide. Moreover, a surface that receives the air jet from an air opening on opposing surface is inclined toward the interior of the hollow portion.

Abstract: A clothing dryer including: a housing; an exhaust pipe; a first fixing bracket disposed at the exhaust pipe; and a second fixing bracket disposed at the bottom of the housing, the first fixing bracket being fitable in the second fixing bracket. The exhaust pipe is fixed without using an additional fixing member, whereby assembly and disassembly of the clothing dryer are accomplished.

Abstract: A method for drying a ceramic article comprises providing microwave radiation from a microwave generating source, providing a ceramic honeycomb structure having a middle portion and at least one end, and exposing the ceramic honeycomb structure to the microwave radiation while shielding the at least one end from directly receiving the microwave radiation, such that the radiation absorbed by the middle portion is equal to or greater than the radiation absorbed by the at least one end, and the proper drying of the entire honeycomb structure without heat-induced structural degradation is thus ensured.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for collecting fluid within a wafer cleaning chamber is provided. The apparatus includes a rotatable annular manifold configured to support a wafer within an inner cavity defined by an inner surface of the annular manifold. The annular manifold includes a channel extending from an inner surface of the annular manifold to a floor of the annular manifold. The floor has at least one opening. The apparatus includes a catch basin having a base with at least one drain. The base has an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall extending therefrom. The catch basin is disposed under the annular manifold to capture fluid dispensed from the at least one opening of the floor of the annular manifold. A spin, rinse and dry module and a method for collecting a fluid delivered to the surface of a rotating wafer are provided.

Abstract: An orthopedic sandal or shoe to be worn intermittently with and to correct the effects of high heel shoe wear, includes a body with upper and lower surfaces. The upper surface provides equalized pressure support without concentration on the heel or balls of the foot and without arch support. A traction system provides first toe traction without foot rotation relative to the upper surface. A foot securing system is disposed at the upper surface. A heel support at the upper surface interacts with the foot securing system to eliminate toe gripping and strain. A descending slope or dome may be provided at the upper surface to support, spread and downwardly deflect the toes to reverse dorsal-flexing. An elevated forefoot angulation may be provided at the upper surface to stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon. A rocker bottom may be provided only under the toe area of the lower surface.

Abstract: A shoe including an upper; a bottom located below the upper and facing the ground; and a flexible plate having an upper surface, a lower surface, and an interior portion and peripheral portions is disclosed. The flexible plate is positioned between at least a portion of the bottom and at least a portion of the upper. The peripheral portions are restrained from movement in a substantially vertical direction relative to the interior portion, so that the interior portion is capable of being deflected relative to the peripheral portions in a substantially vertical direction. The flexible plate has a width that is greater than one-half the width of the upper. At least one opening is in the bottom of the shoe. The lower surface of the flexible plate is in air communication with the outside of the shoe through the at least one opening in the bottom of the shoe.

Abstract: A footwear outsole includes a base portion defining a tread attachment surface, and a plurality of tread members. The tread members are coupled to the tread attachment surface and protrude away from the tread attachment surface to define a tread member height. Each tread member includes a plurality of pointed arm members that extend away from a center portion of the tread member in a direction substantially parallel to a plane of the attachment surface. The arm members include a pointed tip that defines a maximum height of each tread member. The tread members include a primary surface facing away from the tread attachment surface. The primary surface includes a recessed portion that is reduced in height from the height of the plurality of edges. The tread members may be arranged in a pattern across the tread attachment surface.

Abstract: An apparatus (1,2,3,4) that is to be temporarily attached to the soles of ski boots, whenever the wearer is not attached to skis and desires the ability to comfortably walk or desires protection for the sole of the ski boots. The preferred embodiment generally comprises sandal type soles (4) made of a resilient, elastic springy material which aids in the natural walking action by alternately compressing and releasing, adding energy to the step, thereby aiding walking while wearing ski boots.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe with a sole unit, where the sole unit includes a recess for removably receiving a housing of an electronic assembly, for example, an electronic pedometer, an accelerometer, or a speed sensor. Further, the invention relates to a housing for receiving an electronic assembly, for example, a pedometer, an accelerometer, or a speed sensor, where the housing has an outer shape corresponding to the shape of a recess formed in a shoe sole.

Abstract: A blade (3) meant to work in the curved form of a snow plough and attached from its lower edge to a rigid beam, the upper edge of which is supported by means of upper beam (12) or similar, and said blade is of flexible material, as plastic sheet. The blade is from its upper beam (12), essentially from its middle, supported by suspension means (9), which due to the ploughing load allows upper beam (12) and blade (3) upper edge to tilt and blade (3) to change the radius of curvature at least from the suspension spot on the blade area toward the blade point.

Abstract: A work machine enabling a hybrid drive system to be directly driven by energy contained in a return fluid discharged from a hydraulic actuator. The work machine includes a hydraulic actuator control circuit and a swing control circuit. The hydraulic actuator control circuit serves to control hydraulic fluid supplied from pumps of a hybrid drive system to travel motors and work actuators. The swing control circuit serves to control a swing motor generator, which functions as an electric motor and, during braking of rotating motion of the upper structure, functions as a generator. The hydraulic actuator control circuit includes an energy recovery motor provided in a return passage, though which return fluid recovered from a work actuator flows. The energy recovery motor is adapted to be driven by return fluid and thereby drive a motor generator of the hybrid drive system.

Abstract: A bucket with a dust suppressing apparatus includes a bucket portion and a dust suppressing apparatus coupled to the bucket portion. The dust suppressing apparatus is adapted to operate during operation of the bucket. The dust suppressing apparatus functions to reduce dust emissions during use of the bucket. Particular embodiments include the dust suppressing apparatus automatically operating in response to operation of the bucket.

Abstract: A wear assembly to protect the front edge of an excavating bucket, which is secure, stable, easy to use, readily manufactured, and provides increased safety, and which eliminates any need for holes to be formed in the lip. The wear assembly includes a wear member that has a pair of legs to straddle the front edge of the bucket. One of the legs defines an axial slot, which has opposing grooves for receiving rails of a boss fixed to the bucket. The grooves narrow in a forward direction to permit easier installation and removal of the wear member, to permit use of side wings without interference from adjacent wear parts, and to enable enhanced resistance under some loads.

Abstract: By providing a unique, pre-formed holding member which is quickly and easily assembled into the three-dimensional diorama display, a unique, visually exciting and interest generating three-dimensional diorama display system is attained. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a substantially flat transparent sheet of material is constructed having a desired size and shape for receiving and holding a particular photograph construction or configuration. In addition, the transparent sheet of material incorporates cooperating pre-formed score lines formed along the opposed edges of the transparent sheet, effectively establishing flanges at the opposed side edges thereof. Each of the flanges are arcuately pivoted along the associated score lines, thereby enabling the flanges to extend inwardly, towards each other, establishing two cooperating photograph edge holding flanges.

Abstract: A banner displaying device (100) includes a receiving member (10), a rotating member (30) and a plurality of banners (50). The receiving member defines a cavity (115) and an opening (117) communicating with the cavity therein. The rotating member is rotatably mounted on the receiving member, and includes an axle (31) and a plurality of partitions (32) mounted on the axle and received in the cavity. The banners and the partitions are alternately mounted on the axle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an afterglowing sign printed with afterglowing pigments. The sign is provided at least partially with a screen print using opaque or transparent ink.

Abstract: A display device (11) having various discrete components (13-17) integrated upon a flexible substrate (12). One side of the flexible substrate (12) is used to mount the discrete components (13-17), while the remaining side of the flexible substrate (12) comprises a releasably-adherent surface (12a) that allows the display device (11) to be releasably mounted to an external receiving surface (10). The discrete components (13-17) have electrical, mechanical, graphical, and/or combinational properties that cooperate to provide a visual display. The visual display can be made viewable when looking toward the exterior side (10a) and/or interior side (10b) of the receiving surface (10). The display device (11) is ideally suited for business signs, residential signs, novelty signs, vehicle signs, advertisements, holiday decorations, and numerous other applications.

Abstract: A multi-caliber ambidextrously controlled firearm that includes an adjustable ejection system to facilitate the ejection of spent cartridge casings from a firearm. The adjustable ejection system includes an ejection port defined by an aperture in the firearm and a deflector. The deflector is attached to the firearm to adjust the size of the ejection port and may be attached at one of at least two attachment positions of the firearm. The adjustable ejector system includes an ejector selectively attached to the firearm at one of at least two ejector attachment positions. The improved firearm also includes an ambidextrous magazine catch system for selectively retaining a magazine within a firearm. The magazine catch system includes a first button opposite a second button such that either button may be actuated by a user to release the magazine retained with the firearm.

Abstract: A drogue attachment consisting of two symmetrical shaped arms is affixed to one end of a shaft, that end of the shaft being attached to a fishing line. The other end of the shaft is tied to a leader, which is in turn tied to a baited or lure-equipped fish hook device. When the fish hook device is pulled through the water by a fish, water opens the shaped arms; when pulled in the other direction by the angler, the arms fold in against the shaft.

Abstract: A novel type of an animal trap is provided for trapping animals of different sizes. The mechanism for controlling rotative movement of the trapping means provides high sensitivity of the trap. The trap is easy and safe to use and suitable for the purpose of controlling household rodents, such as mice, rats, or the like.

Abstract: A landscape edging system comprises a plurality of molded interlocking edging pieces each having a face portion having top and bottom edges and an integral interlocking flange and a relief portion adjacent the face portion and set in relief therefrom. When installed, the interlocking flange of one edging piece engages the relief portion of an adjacent edging piece to provide a uniform aesthetic appearance.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying flowers and a greeting card is provided. The greeting card has an open end and a closed end. The apparatus comprises a hollow vase having an outer surface, a top end, and a bottom end. An opening is formed in the top end of the vase with the opening extending from the top end of the vase to the bottom end of the vase. A slot is formed in the outer surface of the vase with the slot extending from the top end of the vase to the bottom end of the vase and the slot sized and shaped for receiving the closed end of the greeting card.

Abstract: An automatic watering and fertilizing device in the form of a large watering can having a spout. The device incorporates a battery-powered timer dispenser that can be programmed to dispense a desired water fertilizer mixture. A plastic drum is housed in the watering can and contains the water fertilizer mixture. The drum contains enough mixture to feed the plants for approximately one week. A quick connect hose is utilized to refill the drum. Refilling the drum is the only regular maintenance required. A plant basket is suspended from the spout of the watering can. The device is adapted to be secured to a supporting object such as a post or a wall.

Abstract: In a green roof structure, containers formed of carpet, desirably of recycled carpet, are used in growing plants that are installed in the green roof system. The trays can be preplanted and installed with the plants already growing in the trays. Alternatively, the trays can be positioned as components of the green roof system, filled with plant growing medium, and planted following their installation. Desirably the trays are substantially rectangular with adjacent corners of adjacent trays interconnected when on the roof structure. Pieces of carpet cut in various shapes can be used to form the respective trays.

Abstract: The invention relates to a force-transmission element for a window lifter (200; 300; 500) for transmitting a closing force (242; 342, 356) and an opening force (230; 330, 350) to a window (210; 310; 510), wherein the force-transmission element has a first force application point (216; 316, 316?; 416) for transmitting the closing force and a second force application point (222; 322, 322?; 422) for transmitting the opening force, and wherein the force application points are arranged in a displacement direction of the window and offset perpendicular to this displacement direction.

Abstract: A driver (4, 5) of a window lift mechanism to simplify subsequent adjustment of a window pane. The driver (4, 5) includes a flat receiving fork (7) having first and second sides (9, 10). A screw (14) extends through the receiving fork (7) for pulling the first and second sides (9, 10) together. In the vicinity of the axis of the screw (14), the first side (9) includes a number of openings (19). A pressure piece (13), which can be operated from outside of the first side (9), protrudes through the openings (19) into a gap (8) between the first and second sides (9, 10). The pressure piece (13) can be displaced in a substantially parallel direction to the axis of the screw (14). A threaded nut (11) contacts the pressure piece (13) to operate the pressure piece (13).

Abstract: A prefabricated building includes a pre-cast concrete chain wall foundation having upper and lower walls with a height and a thickness, the ratio of wall height to wall thickness being equal to or greater than 3 to 1 and the wall height is at least three (3) feet; and a prefabricated building positioned upon the precast concrete chain wall foundation, wherein the prefabricated building has walls that rest upon the upper surface of the pre-cast concrete chain wall foundation.

Abstract: A bird repellent apparatus having an integral base member and a plurality of prongs. The base member, by means of a plurality of tabs having holes for receiving screws or other fasteners, can be affixed to virtually any desired surface. The plurality of prongs with sharp tips presents an impossible barrier to birds that would otherwise land or perch on the surface to which the present invention is affixed. The combined base member and prongs are formed from injection molded plastic structure that also provide the tabs having holes to secure the base member to the underlying surface.

Abstract: A jointing element (40) is disclosed for supporting a plurality of cladding panels (10) relative to a building frame (11), the panels having slots (18) extending along the edges thereof, the jointing element including: an elongate support member (20) substantially H shaped in cross-section and having a longer inner flange for fastening to the building or building frame, the inner flange being connected by a web to a shorter outer flange to form an elongate recess on each side of the web for receiving sealing means (30) therein; whereby when a cladding panel is supported relative to the building or building frame by the jointing element, the outer flange is received in the slot along the edge of the cladding panel and the sealing means cooperates with the panel to substantially seal the space behind the cladding panel against the ingress of moisture.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide an integrated window assembly that includes a mullion, a window frame to be secured relative to the mullion, a reinforcement member positioned within the mullion, sashes on each side of the mullion, and an integrally formed connector positioned between the reinforcement member within the mullion, the window frame, and the sashes. In various embodiments, the integrally formed connector and the reinforcement member provide improved wind resistance for the window assembly, according to various embodiments of the invention. For example, in a particular embodiment, the window assembly can withstand about 75 lbs. per square foot of pressure with no permanent deflection in excess of about 0.4%.

Abstract: A system for arranging a plurality of conductors includes a guide assembly having a plurality of passage guides. Each of the plurality of passage guides are constructed to guide the passage of a conduit through the guide assembly. The guide assembly is securable to a substrate and constructed to organize individual conduits passing therethrough. The individual conduits communicate any one of a fluid, an electrical power, a hydraulic fluid, or the like through the guide assembly.

Abstract: A collar positionable about a panel penetrating member for sealing therearound and particularly for firestopping therearound which prevents the flow of smoke and may include an intumescent component for expansion during exposure to heat. A collar assembly is usable with members penetrating various types of panels including walls, ceilings and floors. The sealing member of the assembly includes frangible zones with removable sections which are mated to the construction of the mounting strap. The mounting strap includes engagement prongs and multiple engagement apertures securable with respect to one another in various relative positions for use with respect to panel penetrating members of various standardized sizes. The engagement of the prongs in various apertures is mated with the frangible zones on the sealing member for effective sealing around panel penetrating members of standardized sizes such as 3 inch, 3½ inch, 4 inch and 4½ inch and others.

Abstract: A method of forming an insulated concrete foundation is provided comprising constructing a foundation frame, the frame comprising an insulating form having an opening, inserting a pocket former into the opening; placing concrete inside the foundation frame; and removing the pocket former after the placed concrete has set, wherein the concrete forms a pocket in the placed concrete that is accessible through the opening. The method may further comprise sealing the opening by placing a sealing plug or sealing material in the opening. A system for forming an insulated concrete foundation is provided comprising a plurality of interconnected insulating forms, the insulating forms having a rigid outer member protecting and encasing an insulating material, and at least one gripping lip extending outwardly from the outer member to provide a pest barrier. At least one insulating form has an opening into which a removable pocket former is inserted.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a log cabin construction using naturally tapered logs with multi-beveled interlocking notches located at the end of each log. The interlocking notches serve to form a tight locking connection at the cornering of the structure where the logs overlap one another. The interlocking notches are composed substantially of heartwood, which serves to reduce settlement and maintain a tight connection over time. The measurements for the interlocking notches are a function of the dimensions of the logs used. The log cabin construction further employs anti-settling blocks which are disposed between the logs of the structure. In the preferred embodiment, the anti-settling blocks are positioned in aligned recesses which are present in the logs that compose the structure. Accordingly, the presence of the interlocking-notch cornering system and the anti-settling blocks combine to minimize the negative effects of settling on the structure while providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Abstract: A sealing cover for a fastening device (26) for a spaced attachment of an object (5) to a constructional component includes a base plate (12) having a through-opening (13) for an anchoring element (27) of the fastening device (26) and at least one inlet opening (17), and a first circumferential web (14) projecting from the base plate (12) and forming therewith a receiving space (16) for receiving, at least partially, a spacing element (28) of the fastening device.

Abstract: A method of constructing a wall of a building by casting in which formwork is erected and concrete is allowed to exude through perforations in the formwork, embedding the formwork in concrete and obscuring it from view. A panel for carrying out the method, a thin-walled sheet with multiple perforations for the escape of the concrete during casting, has brackets or clips to fasten it to the adjacent formwork creating a casting space between the panel and the supporting formwork. Floating the expressed concrete produces a smooth finish.

Abstract: A composite roofing tile with multiple tile images is adapted for presentation of the individual tile images in a non-repeating manner, and for interlocking with adjacent stacked and installed tiles.

Abstract: The floor panel (1) which, at least at two opposite sides, is provided with coupling parts in the form of a tongue (6) at one side and a groove (5) at the opposite side, wherein the coupling parts are provided with mechanical locking elements in the form of a protrusion (7), which is formed at the tongue, and a lip (8) bordering the groove, is distinguishable by that the bearing surface (9) of the lip (8) at the longer arm of the groove (5) is concave on the arc with the first radius (r1) whose point of engagement is situated at the upper edge of the panel (1) whereas the protrusion (7) of the tongue (6) has in its cross-section the form of a circular sector with the third radius (r3) which is shorter than the first radius, wherein the lower part of the lip (8) and the lower part of the panel (1) from the side of the circular protrusion (7) have the second bearing surfaces (9?) which are inclined in relation to the vertical plane in one direction, at the first acute angle (?).

Abstract: A stud spacer for use in a wall structure. The stud spacer includes a pair of opposed projections. The respective projections of the stud spacer interconnect with similar projections from adjacent stud spacers to form an interconnected series of stud spacers that extend through the studs that comprise the wall structure. When connected, each projection extends through an opening in an adjacent projection and a locking surface or locking tab associated with one projection seats in or against a stop or seat formed in the other projection.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for coupling separate series or stacks of structural or shear walls of a multistory building are disclosed. The method comprises constructing a plurality of stacks of shear walls and attaching a rigid coupling member to the top of at least two of the stacks of shear walls between the stacks such that the walls are connected to the rigid coupling member and move together with the coupling member. The apparatus is a rigid coupling member, which may be a beam, such as an I-beam or rectangular beam, made from poured concrete and reinforcing steel. The coupling member may also be a wall of poured concrete and reinforcing steel. The attached rigid member acts to connect the tops of independent stacks of shear walls typically used to build multistory buildings, thereby creating a flexural moment at the top of the building that helps the building resist lateral loads.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a novel method for preparing a finished foundation comprising an embedded wall structural element comprising the steps of (i) preparing a building site to receive the finished foundation; (ii) providing a first foundation element and securing at least one wall structural elements to the first foundation element; and (iii) providing a second foundation element to secure at least a portion of the at least one wall structural elements to the finished foundation. Structures prepared using the methods disclosed herein provide for wall structural elements, and therefore, the finished wall and the structure as a whole, of increased strength and resistance to forces encountered during extreme conditions.

Abstract: A hollow panel includes a panel body and a guide rail member joined thereto. The panel body is formed in a structure such that two plate-like members are joined by many ribs. The panel body includes an open space portion and a closed space portion. The open space portion is formed so as to extend in the extrusion direction of the panel body and is formed as an open space in a cross-section perpendicular to the extrusion direction. The closed space portion has a shape such that a plurality of closed spaces are defined by the ribs between the plate-like members in a cross-section perpendicular to the extrusion direction. The guide rail member is press-fitted into the open space portion.

Abstract: A medicine delivering device permits additional medicine cassettes to be provided at low cost without greatly enlarging the installation space. The medicine delivering device includes a medicine storage and removal unit in which many medicine cassettes each containing a medicine are detachably provided to the outer surface of a drum whose upper and lower ends are rotatable supported by the device body and a medicine packaging unit that packages medicine removed through a collecting hopper from the medicine cassette of the medicine storage and removal unit. There is provided on the side surface of the device body a sub medicine storage and removal unit including: a body; a drawer body provided to be capable of being pulled out from the body and that is detachably provided with a plurality of medicine cassettes each containing the medicine; and a guide that guides the medicine taken out from the medicine cassette to the collecting hopper.