Abstract: A method for producing a plate with a first face with protrusions confined by first and second grooves includes steps of: etching recessed zones into a plate; depositing a photoresist layer on the plate; forming a passivation layer over the photoresist layer; removing the passivation layer at the bottom of the recessed zones; electroplating metal in the recessed zones; removing the passivation layer; removing the photoresist layer; and removing the semiconductor material to expose the first and second grooves.

Abstract: The bearing assembly is intended for application with rotor shafts in turbomachinery. The bearing assembly includes an annular bearing in which the shaft is disposed and a support structure for supporting the bearing. The bearing support is mounted about and radially supports the bearing. The bearing support at least in part defines a squeeze film annulus of the bearing assembly. A plurality of centering elements is associated with the bearing and bearing support and act to center the bearing within the squeeze film annulus. The centering elements are provided at radially spaced locations around the bearing. The centering elements may also be cylinder springs provided at uniformly spaced locations around the bearing. The centering elements may additionally be load cell springs provided at uniformly spaced locations around the bearing. In an alternative embodiment, a singular annular wave spring may be provided in place of the plurality of centering elements.

Abstract: A combination shaving and trimming device includes a handle having an upper end and lower end, a powered trimmer disposed adjacent the upper end, a wet-shaving razor attachment comprising a connecting structure adapted for mounting over the trimmer onto the upper end, and a razor cartridge that mates with the connecting structure.

Abstract: Scissors for cutting thermoformed plastic packages, or similar packages, have lever members including a handle portion, a offset portion and a cutting portion. The cutting portion includes cooperating blades of approximately 2.5 inches, with one of the blades having a pointed tip for piercing the packaging material. The offset portion keeps the user's hand at least 1.5 to 2 inches above a cutting plane, such that the cut material, which has sharp edges, does not scratch or cut the user's hand.

Abstract: A utility knife includes a handle, a blade holder assembly, a spare blade carrier, a spare blade dispenser, and an actuator. The blade holder assembly is constructed and arranged to hold a blade at a position of use at one end of the handle. The spare blade carrier is disposed in the handle, and is configured to carry a plurality of spare blades. The spare blade dispenser is constructed to separate one of the spare blades from the plurality thereof and present the one separated blade to the user. The actuator is operatively associated with the blade dispenser, wherein movement of the actuator moves the blade dispenser to separate the one spare blade from the plurality to present the one separated blade to the user.

Abstract: A utility knife includes a handle, a blade holder assembly, and a clamp assembly. The blade holder assembly is constructed and arranged to hold a blade at a position of use at one end of the handle. The clamp assembly is constructed and arranged to move between a clamp position wherein the clamp assembly applies a clamp force to side surfaces the blade and a release position wherein the clamp assembly releases the clamping force.

Abstract: A utility knife includes a handle, a blade holder assembly, and a resilient blade wiper. The handle includes an opening at a front end. The blade holder assembly is constructed and arranged to hold a blade at a position of use wherein the blade projects through the opening at the front end of the handle, and to retract the blade into the handle. The resilient blade wiper is constructed and arranged to be positioned toward the front end of the handle. The blade wiper is constructed and arranged to remove debris from side surfaces of the blade when the blade is retracted into the handle.

Abstract: A knife includes a body, a retractable blade slider, a blade snapper, and a manually engageable lock. The retractable blade slider is constructed and arranged to position a multi-blade blade assembly at a position of use wherein at least a forward most blade projects through an opening at one end of the body, and to retract the blade assembly into the body. The blade snapper is removably locked to the body. The blade snapper is constructed and arranged snap-off at least one or more blades from the blade assembly. The manually engageable lock is constructed and arranged to move between a lock position and an unlock position, wherein the movement of the manually engageable lock to the unlock position releases the blade snapper from the body.

Abstract: The seaweed trimmer is constructed of three main components, i.e. a gasoline powered drive motor assembly, a removably mounted extension mount and a trimmer unit that are operably connected to each other. The trimmer unit includes a pair of cutter strips that are reciprocal relative to each other for cutting seaweed and that are mounted in an articulated manner to be adjusted into parallel relation with a water bottom.

Abstract: Pruning shears include a first arm comprising a first handle and a jaw including a first tab; a first blade including a cutting edge and an ear opposite the cutting edge and having a first through hole wherein the first arm and the first blade are secured together by inserting the first tab into the first through hole; a second arm comprising a second handle and a joining section; a second blade secured to the joining section; a pivot joint for pivotably securing the first arm to the second arm; and a torsion spring positioned between the first arm and the second arm. The torsion spring exerts an expansion force to push the first arm and the second arm apart from each other until the first blade and the second blade are engaged together with a gap existing between the cutting edge and the second blade.

Abstract: In order to set the cutting thickness in kitchen slicers, it is a known procedure to arrange a feed plate at a slant relative to the blade. As an alternative, solutions are known according to which the feed plates are changed so that a suitable feed plate is provided for each cutting thickness that can be set. The objective of the invention is to provide a simple alternative. Towards this end, the invention proposes that the feed plate (11) can be moved surface-parallel to a fixed plate (12) that is connected to the blade (13). This movement can be effectuated by means of a combination of vertical and horizontal movements of the feed plate and of a positioning slide (14) associated with said feed plate.

Abstract: A chainsaw has a saw chain connected so as to be driven by the motor and a guide bar for guiding and supporting the saw chain as it revolves around the periphery of the guide bar. The guide bar has a channel formed by alternatively offset tabs, wherein each tab is offset from its immediate two adjacent tabs such that there is an open segment in the channel opposite each tab. There is a first set of tabs on a first side of the guide bar and a second set of tabs on the opposite side of the guide bar, wherein the alternatively offset tabs keep the cutting chain centered in the channel formed between the first set of tabs and the second set of tabs.

Abstract: A method for locating a geometric detail of at least one wheel rim for determining its spatial position relative to a measuring instrument, includes: aiming at least one measuring camera of a measuring instrument of a chassis measuring system at a wheel rim; recording an image of a wheel rim using the at least one measuring camera; ascertaining at least one geometric detail in the image of the wheel rim; and selecting a known geometric detail for determining the spatial position of the wheel rim relative to the measuring instrument.

Abstract: A geodetic instrument is disclosed, wherein an image sensor is used for locating the instrument above a desired point on the ground. The positioning of the image sensor with respect to the instrument vertical rotation axis is determined, or calibrated, using a method where two images are captured at different horizontal rotational positions for the instrument, and where the center pixel of the image sensor is related to the vertical rotation axis by means of image processing. It is also disclosed how reflecting elements, such as prisms, may be used for providing stereoscopic vision that can be used for determining the instrument height above the ground.

Abstract: An electrical box template, an electrical box template extension device and a method for utilizing the electrical box template and an electrical box template extension device is provided and includes a template body having a template perimeter, a template back and a template front, wherein the template front includes, a front surface protruding from the template front and located adjacent at least a portion of the template perimeter, a centering structure located in a center portion of the template body and defining a centering orifice and at least one interior support located between said centering structure and the protruding front surface.

Abstract: This invention is a Brake Chamber Stroke Gauge. The Brake Chamber Stroke Gauge is a hand tool for the purpose of measuring brake chamber push-rod stroke on vehicle air brake systems. The Brake Chamber Stroke Gauge is comprised of a measuring rule that is connected to a bar in such a fashion as to allow the rule to travel or slide along the length of the bar, in order to position the numbering or characters at any desired location along the length of the bar. The invention has 2 sides: side A and side B. The increments and characters on side A are configured to be read in the upright position, and increasing in value when read from left to right. The increments and characters on side B are configured to be read in the upright position, and increasing in value when read from right to left.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a centrifugal dryer for the separation of pellet-like substances from process water, comprising a housing, a rotor arranged in the housing and a screen surrounding the rotor at the peripheral side, with the screen having at least one porous screen member which is placed in an arcuate manner around at least one screen carrier hoop and is releasably fastened thereto. In accordance with the invention, the screen is composed of a plurality of screen members which mutually overlap in the peripheral direction and are clamped tight to the screen carrier hoop by one or more tension belts which wrap around the mutually overlapping screen members at the peripheral side. Generally, differently made pliable, flexible and/or resiliently flexible tension members can be wrapped around screen members as a tension belt which are clamped and hereby hold the screen members together.

Abstract: A laundry dryer (1), wherein the laundry is dried inside a rotating drum (3) by a stream (7) of hot air blown into the drum (3) through a perforated wall (5) of the drum (3); and wherein two single-pole ion generators (10, 11) are located along a path of the stream (7) of air, close to the perforated wall (5), and generate respective streams of ions of opposite polarities, which are blown, together with the air, into the drum (3) to eliminate the electrostatic charge produced in the laundry by the drying process.

Abstract: A device that treats chemically damaged hair by stimulating the circulation of blood and nutrients to the scalp while simultaneously promoting an environment that is not favorable for the propagation of bacteria. The device is composed of a blower that is attached to an air chiller. The blower houses a blue LED that irradiates a blue light outward from the mouth of blower. The device simultaneously blows cold air out of the mouth of the blower and irradiates the hair and scalp of the person being treated.

Abstract: A method for operating a condenser tumble dryer is provided and includes a drying chamber for containing objects to be dried, a process air circuit having a heating element, a fan for conducting heated process air over the objects, a heat pump circuit having an evaporator, a compressor, and a condenser, and sensors for determining the humidity in the objects to be dried. According to the method, the humidity is determined and the process air is heated by the condenser until the humidity ranges between about 0% and about 12%. In the event that the humidity drops below the predetermined value, the heating element is activated and operated for at least five minutes so that the air temperature in the drying chamber reaches at least 70° C.

Abstract: A method of processing at least one garment involves a local environment with ambient moisture, a garment having a moisture content, a plurality of work stations, and a threshold amount of moisture. The plurality of work stations operate according to a plurality of parameters. The threshold amount of moisture is the amount of ambient moisture naturally absorbed by the garment. The method includes a processing step, a measuring step, a determining step and an adjusting step. The garment is processed through at least one of the work stations during the processing step. During the measuring step, the moisture content of the garment is measured. The relationship between the measured moisture content and the threshold amount of moisture is determined during the determining step. And, at least one parameter is adjusted based on the relationship between the measured moisture content and the threshold amount of moisture during the adjusting step.

Abstract: An impact absorbing flexible support system, comprising a plurality of fluid filled chambers disposed in a plurality of longitudinal rows and a plurality of lateral rows, forming a matrix of said fluid filled chambers and an article of footwear containing such a flexible support system. Each chamber is fluidly connected to at least two other fluid filled chambers and has a vertically tapered shape to provide flexibility of movement. The support system is made from air tight thermoplastic film and is inflatable. The support system may have one or more larger fluid filled chamber is disposed amongst said matrix of chambers.

Abstract: An article of footwear may have a sole structure and an upper that includes a foundation element and a tensile element. The tensile element may include a base layer and a plurality of strands, with the base layer being joined to an exterior surface of the foundation element. In manufacturing the footwear, a thermoplastic polymer material in the base layer may be utilized to bond or otherwise join the tensile element to the foundation element.

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

Abstract: A slipper comprises a base layer and a first attachment layer formed on the top surface of the base layer, the base layer including a toe support area, an arch support area and a heel support area, and having flexible property. As the user wears the slipper and stands on the floor, the first attachment layer is pressed to completely attach to his foot. As the user raises his foot, the slipper will still attach to the foot by using the first attachment layer and become deformable with the foot's arching posture.

Abstract: The claimed invention is a modular shoe apparatus which is optimized for storage and for efficient use of materials, which includes stylistic upper ornamental components which may be selectively, securely and unobtrusively attached to sole components of various styles and configurations thus offering a consumer a choice in the marketplace over a traditional shoe apparatus.

Abstract: A sandal with one or more adjustable strap where the strap closure or adjustment is hidden below the sole. In one embodiment, two straps are directed through slits in the sole of the sandal so that the straps can come through to the bottom of the sole in front of the heel and can be tightened or loosened via a hook and loop fastener. The adjustment mechanism may be hidden in order to provide an improved appearance of the shoe. The adjustment mechanism may include a hook and loop fastener, a buckle, a snap, a tying of the straps or strings.

Abstract: The multipoint decorative shoe system is a closed type of footwear. The entire exterior upper is made from the looped side of hook and loop fasteners. Decorative accessories are provided. An accessory has a top and a bottom surface. The top surface of the accessory consists of a decoration. The decoration is composed of a woven fabric, molded plastic or casted metal. The accessory will have an upper decoration with a lower plane having the hook side of the hook and loop fastener being adapted to releasably couple with the upper side of the loop fasteners on the shoe. A multitude of accessories can be coupled, removed and relocated any point on the exterior upper of the shoe in an unlimited number of combinations.

Abstract: Articles of footwear and other devices include modules, e.g., for sensing physical and/or physiological characteristics associated with use of the footwear or other devices. Such devices include: (a) a housing, optionally an asymmetrical housing, for receiving an electronic module; (b) release mechanisms for removably mounting the module in the housing; and/or (c) activation/authentication systems for selectively activating the module. Additionally, methods of making articles of footwear or other structures that include such housings, electronic modules, release systems, activation systems, authentication systems, etc. are described. Performance sensing systems and methods of using the above devices for sensing performance characteristics also are described.

Abstract: Devices by which certain types of units, such as posts, poles, pilings, anchors, caskets, burial containers, stanchions and the like may be picked up, gripped, maneuvered into a desired position and, pressed, rotated and agitated for the purpose of installing such units at nearly any angle, into earth, sand, snow or other receiving material on dry land, wet land or under water.

Abstract: A rechargeable snow removal device for displacing snow from a variety of locations may include a portable frame with a plurality of wheels. Further, the device may include a primary snow intake section connected to a front end of the frame, a power-actuated vacuum mechanism, and an exhaust nozzle for discharging snow away from the frame. Also, the device may include first and second power sources, preferably a power cord and rechargeable battery respectively. A mechanism for directing and interrupting power from the first and second power sources to the vacuum mechanism may also be included, such that the device may continuously receive power from at least one source. A power distribution interface may be controlled by a user interface and may operate a plurality of switches to direct power from the sources accordingly. Additionally, an auxiliary snow intake section may be included for collecting snow in limited space areas.

Abstract: The horizontal conveyor of an ice re-surfacing machine implements auger flights in which successive half circles of the flight have slightly different radii. The successive contact of larger and smaller radius flights against ice building up in front of the horizontal conveyor breaks up and dissipates the ice.

Abstract: An excavator bucket is manufactured by: making a wooden or metallic casting pattern; inserting the casting pattern into a molding box and subjecting the inserted pattern to sand casting; taking out the pattern from the molding box to form a mold cavity; heating an ingot at a temperature of 1600-1650° C., and pouring the heated ingot into the mold cavity; solidifying the poured ingot and separating the upper mold portion and the molding box from the solidified ingot, thus producing a sand-cast bucket; charging the sand-cast bucket into an electric furnace, heating the charged bucket at a temperature of 900-1100° C., and quenching the heated bucket in cold water; subjecting the coupling part of the quenched bucket to boring, face milling, drilling and tapping; assembling parts, bushings, pins and bolts, to the coupling part; and washing, drying and painting the assembled bucket.

Abstract: Steam wrinkle-removing appliance comprising a steam-producing boiling chamber (60) incorporated into a water tank (110), said boiling chamber (60) being in direct communication with the water tank (110) while being supplied with water by gravity via at least one supply line (70) extending from the tank (110), said boiling chamber (60) comprising a heating unit (4) and a steam outlet (62) through which the steam can freely flow toward a wrinkle-removing element (3) such as a steam brush, the tank (110) comprising a filling inlet (121A) in the upper part of the tank (110), characterized in that said steam outlet (62) is in direct communication with a hose (2) connected to the steaming element (3) so that the steam produced by the boiling chamber (60) is not diffused into the tank (110).

Abstract: A steam appliance having a water pump controlled by an actuator or motion switch response to movement of the appliance is provided. In one embodiment, a micro-switch is turned ON and OFF by movement of a micro-switch actuator in operative engagement with the towel frame at the base if the appliance. In another embodiment, the actuator is operatively connected to a mechanical pump to activate the pump. The motor switch or actuator will be displaced whenever the unit is moved by a user, thus causing the pump to pump water to the boiler. Steam is then fed to a steam pad that may have a replaceable fabric pad fit snugly on the frame to distribute clean steam to a surface to be steamed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an announcement device that incorporates a set of indicia that has been manufactured using an electrodeposition/electroforming process. The set of indicia can include pictorial graphics, text, images, communicating marks, or illustrative marks that communicate information related to an event such as a wedding, a social event, a religious event, a business event, or a family event.

Abstract: The described embodiments relate to methods and systems for developing an electroluminescent sign. In particular, described embodiments relate to methods and systems that process an image file to generate data for use in developing the electroluminescent sign. Further embodiments relate to an electroluminescent sign developed and/or produced in accordance with the described methods and/or systems. Certain embodiments relate to a method of developing an electroluminescent sign based on an image file. The method comprises processing the image file to generate image data representing at least one illuminating image layer and electrical configuration data, transferring the at least one illuminating image layer onto a substrate and configuring a luminescence controller of the electroluminescent sign based on the electrical configuration data. The configured luminescence controller cooperates with the substrate to provide a luminescent image based on the image file.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a selectively attachable display assembly for a motor vehicle. The invention comprises a base member and a display member. The base member is selectively secured to the vehicle rim and the display member is rotatably mounted relative to the base member such that it can rotate in relation to the base member and, thus, the vehicle rim. In one aspect, a portion of the display member is sufficiently weighted such that, when the rim rotates (when the vehicle is in motion) the display member remains substantially static.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for supporting a banner. The apparatus includes a plurality of frames, each being formed by stacking a plurality of plates, a connection unit having an interior cover and an exterior cover connected to each other by inserting the plurality of frames into the interior and exterior covers, respectively, a supporter provided to each end of the plurality of frames to support the banner, and a support frame connected to one side of the connection unit to support the plurality of frames. In the apparatus, the plurality of environmentally friendly bamboo plates are adhered to each other and integrated into a single body, thereby obtaining both elasticity and rigidity of bamboo.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying printed media includes a base member, clamps for securing the base member to a restraint bar of a ski-lift chair, and a top panel coupled with the base member such that the printed media is viewable from the ski-lift chair through the panel. A method of advertising at a ski area includes integrating advertising displays with ski-lift chairs of the ski area. Each of the advertising displays has one or more places to secure printed media. The method also includes inserting printed media within each of the advertising displays. Another method of advertising at a ski area includes integrating printed media within viewable regions of at least one media display system, and integrating the media display system with a ski-lift chair of the ski area.

Abstract: A personal item and detachable identity items for attachment to a user or a user's belongings is disclosed The identity items serve to identify interests, dating status, personality traits, preferences, or other vital information about a user to anyone viewing the identity items. The personal item can be any accessory generally worn by a user or attached to a user's belongings. The identity items employ an attachment mechanism to allow for frequent and easy interchangeability of identity items. The method includes customizing the personal item and identity items to allow for maximum personal expression to serve as a means to provide information about a user to anyone viewing the personal item and identity items.

Abstract: Firing assemblies for use with firearms are described. A firing assembly for use with a firearm includes a hammer pivotably coupled to a hammer shaft. The hammer includes a hammer stop notch that at least partially engages a portion of a lever of a trigger assembly when the hammer is in a cocked position and a control curve section that engages a surface of the lever to retain the lever in an unlocked position as the hammer moves between the cocked position and a firing position. Additionally, the firing assembly includes a control element pivotably coupled to the hammer shaft and adjacent the hammer, wherein the control element includes a first control curve portion that at least partially adjoins the control curve section and wherein the hammer interacts with the control element to change a control curve region as the hammer moves between cocked position and the firing position.

Abstract: Breech block for a drop-down barrel weapon, having at least one firing pin, which is guided such that it can move axially therein, has an impact head at its rear end for a firing piece to strike, and has a firing tip at its front end in order to fire a cartridge, with a safety slide being guided such that it can move laterally in a recess on the firing piece side of the breech block between a first position in which a portion thereof in the form of a spacer head projects beyond the impact head of the firing pin in the impact area of the firing piece and a second position in which it is withdrawn from the impact area of the firing piece, which recess is at least partially closed by a cover plate with the cover plate having recesses for the impact head and the spacer head to pass through.

Abstract: Rifle body with a basic carrier for anchoring a stock and a barrel, wherein the base carrier is provided on at least one side with the first part of at least one snap fastener connection for detachably anchoring elements which are equipped with the second part of said snap fastener connection.

Abstract: Accessory rails for use with firearms are disclosed. An example rail includes a front sight arrangement that has a width less than the width of the rail, wherein the front sight arrangement is retractable and wherein the front sight arrangement is laterally adjustable. The example rail also includes a rear sight arrangement that has a width less than the width of the rail, wherein the rear sight arrangement is retractable and wherein the rear sight arrangement is laterally adjustable.

Abstract: A covering device for an elongated telescopic sight that is mounted on a gun shaft, wherein the elongated telescopic sight has a first end and a second end, the covering device comprising a first pocket having an opening and a coverable end and a second pocket having an opening and a coverable end, wherein the first pocket is coupled to the second pocket by an intermediate member, oriented non-linearly relative to the second pocket, and is facing in at least a substantially opposite direction as the second pocket; wherein the first pocket is coverable upon the first end of the telescopic sight, the intermediate member is wrappable around, underneath or over at least a portion of the gun shaft and the second pocket is coverable upon the second end of the telescopic sight.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide novel strike indicators attachable to fishing lines, that are reversibly disengagable therefrom and thereafter slidably along the line. Particular embodiments comprise: a buoyant main body having an axial channel with corresponding end surface openings; an retention member seat (e.g., groove, ridge, etc.) running around the main body surface; and at least one line retention member receivable and retainable by the seat, and operative with the seat to retain a line passing therebetween at two points. The retention member is displaceable from the seat by sufficient line tension, thereby disengaging the slidable strike indicator. Particular embodiments comprise two strike indicator stop members attachable at user-selectable line positions, and operative to delimit a slidable range of a disengaged slidable strike indicator. Novel methods for fishing, with a slidable reversibly detachable indicator, at a depth greater than the length of a fishing rod are presented.

Abstract: A fishing pole holder that can be used in specific situations where a folding chair or chair with a intersecting rods or support structure is available, most common situation of a fisherman is that the fisherman is seated in a chair with his tackle box with a fishing pole holder that is staked into the ground to hold the pole and allow the fisherman to do other tasks, such as drinking while the pole remains fixed in a holder of some sort and type. There have been various types of fishing pole holders, This invention is created to simplify the number of things that is normally carried in order to fish, when a folding chair or chair with intersecting rods or support structure is available.

Abstract: Methods and compositions which can reduce the disturbance to wild life caused when man attempts to interact with wild life and more particularly methods and compositions which can enhance the interaction of man with aquatic life with minimal disturbance to the aquatic life.

Abstract: The present invention describes floating devices with adjustable floating and buoyancy capabilities. Such a float can facilitate as an improved fishing float device whose weight can be changed based on fishing conditions and fishing locations. Another use for the invention can be on floating ropes dividing swimming lanes.