Abstract: A utility knife suitable for use both as a knife and a sheet cutter includes a casing for securing a blade having cutting edges on opposing sides. The casing includes a gathering finger extending from one side of the casing and spaced from a side of the casing to define a guideway leading to an exposed first edge of the blade for cutting sheet material. The finger is disposed in a spaced manner over the first edge of the blade to prevent inadvertent contact with the blade. A second opposite edge of the blade extends out of the opposite side of the casing to expose a forward portion of the blade for more conventional use as a knife. The blade is manually movable to a retracted portion wherein the blade's second edge is disposed within the casing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chainsaw having a front hand guard (20) including a protective structure (21), projecting in front of the front handle (5), pivotally attached to the engine housing (2) by at least one lever (25, 26) for activating a brake to brake the movement of the saw chain when being pivoted. The protective structure (21) includes see through means (24) enabling at least partial visibility through the protective structure (21), and twig preventing means for limiting the risk of objects such as twigs to get stuck in the protective structure (21).

Abstract: For a machine tool designed in particular as a saber saw, a configuration including a carrying frame is provided, via which the lifting rod and the support element are joined to form a unit that can be rotated about the longitudinal axis of the power tool, is mounted on the casing side, and guides a drive part of the lift drive on the lifting rod side.

Abstract: An improved laser line generating device is provided for use in construction layout tasks. The laser line generating device is comprised of a first laser light generator operable to emit from a housing a first plane of light having a fan angle greater than 180° and arranged in the housing to project the first plane of light perpendicular to a horizontal plane; and a second laser light generator operable to emit from the housing a second plane of light having a fan angle greater than 180° and arranged in the housing to project the second plane of light perpendicular to the first plane of light and perpendicular to the horizontal plane, such that the first plane of light intersects with the second plane of light at two points.

Abstract: A set according of target assemblages for optical chassis measurement encompasses at least two target assemblages that are each provided for mounting on a wheel of a motor vehicle, as well as a respective target and a target holder having a target receptacle on which the target is mounted. Each of the target holders is mountable on a wheel of a motor vehicle in such a way that the target is oriented at an angle to the wheel center plane. A significant mark and at least two further undetermined marks are disposed on the target, and the spacing of the significant mark from a reference plane of the respective target assemblage is unknown, but the same in each case for all target assemblages.

Abstract: A level including an elongate hollow frame with two sidewalls and a topwall extending therebetween. A central vial is within a topnotch formed by removal of a topwall section and adjacent sections of sidewalls including notch-defining bottom and side edges. The frame includes an inner horizontal wall extending between the sidewalls at the notch-defining bottom edges. The central vial is supported in accurate orientation without calibration against a cental-vial reference surface formed in the inner horizontal wall parallel to the top and bottom measuring surfaces and defining a notch-bottom. An integral inner vertical wall extends between the top and bottom walls thereby reinforcing the frame along the frame length. A plumb-vial structure has a viewing-end region and an opposite-end region. The viewing-end region includes an elongate ramp sloping along a level-longitudinal axis toward the plumb vial with an inclination permitting vial viewing from shallow angles.

Abstract: A lighted level tool comprising a body including at least one vial opening, a vial disposed at least partially within the at least one vial opening, a light source for illuminating the vial, an insert member mounted at a predetermined location in the body relative to the at least one vial opening, and at least one an end cap mounted at an end of the body. The insert member is configured to receive the vial therein and to hold the light source opposite an end of the vial. A control circuit for powering the light source is mounted in the at least one end cap.

Abstract: A spirit level including a profiled body with a bottom wall which makes available a first outer measurement surface, a head wall facing this bottom wall, with a second outer surface, which runs at least in sections parallel to the measurement surface, and side walls which connect the bottom wall to the head wall, and which present a first or second outer lateral face. The profiled body presents at least one bubble vial body, whose bubble vial can be detected optically via a notch which passes through the head wall.

Abstract: A connection assembly for securing electrical components used with power equipment comprises a housing and connector cover forming an upper arrangement of the connection assembly. The housing and connector cover form a cavity therebetween for supporting electronics disposed within the cavity. The connection assembly also comprises a lower arrangement used to secure the connection assembly to a surface of a power equipment device and a hinge assembly that forms a rotational connection between the upper arrangement and the lower arrangement.

Abstract: A pre-drying system for lignite, including an inner heating fluid bed dryer including at least one built-in heat exchanger, a feeding device, a second discharging valve, and at least one stage of dust collecting device. The built-in heat exchanger is connected to saturated vapor, and to a condensate system. A fluid bed of the inner heating fluid bed dryer is connected to superheated vapor. Exhaust vapor of the inner heating fluid bed dryer is processed by the dust collecting device, and then a part thereof returns to the fluid bed, and another part thereof is evacuated.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a clothes dryer and a control method thereof in which a drying time is adjusted according to wool content during a drying cycle of a wool course. Wool content of woolen textiles is judged by sensing a dryness of the woolen textiles during a drying cycle of a wool course, and a drying time is adjusted according to the wool content, thereby minimizing contraction or deformation of the woolen textiles while satisfying the range of a target dryness set by wool mark standards. Further, only a high-capacity heater is driven during the drying cycle of the wool course, thereby allowing an internal temperature of a rotary drum to keep the optimum temperature without contraction or deformation of the woolen textiles.

Abstract: The invention provides a compactly contained multiple-component sensing device for detecting toe-walking and other physical conditions and providing repetitive positive reinforcement stimuli to correct the same. A comprehensive software system enables therapeutic management of the sensing and stimulus device and easy changes in therapy, stimulus content, stimulus frequency and other factors. A variety of circuit and housing arrangements allow adaptability to manufacture, user, and treatment professional demands.

Abstract: A sole construction for supporting at least a portion of a human foot and for providing energy storage and return is provided. The sole construction includes a generally horizontal layer of stretchable material, at least one chamber positioned adjacent a first side of the layer, and at least one actuator positioned adjacent a second side of the layer vertically aligned with a corresponding chamber. Each actuator has a footprint size smaller than that of the corresponding chamber, and is sized and arranged to provide individual support to the bones of the human foot. The support structure when compressed causes the actuator to push against the layer and move the layer at least partially into the corresponding chamber. In one embodiment, dual action energy storage and rebound is provided by using a plurality of actuators that move both upwardly and downwardly into corresponding chambers.

Abstract: A foot orthotic for golf that provides solid stability and encourages proper foot bracing and release during the golf swing. The orthotic having a semi-rigid shell, compliant top cover, anti-skid forefoot pad and a heel post. The heel post having a short medial edge to encourage proper bracing and release and an extended lateral edge to resist foot rolling or supination during the golf swing.

Abstract: Customized, form-fitting athletic articles with a heat moldable material that a wearer may heat to soften after purchase to conform the heat moldable material so the contours of the wearer's body may provide many advantages for consumers, such as increased comfort, performance, or safety. The heat moldable material may be incorporated into the upper of an athletic shoe. The heat moldable material may be sufficiently flexible so as not to impede the necessary movements of a wearer or the athletic shoe while performing activities, such as running, walking, jumping, etc. The heat moldable material may be reusable in that it may be reheated and remolded multiple times so that the article may be re-customized or re-fitted as needed. The article may also include a temperature sensitive indicator that indicates when the heat moldable material has been softened.

Abstract: A customizable pointe shoe insert is provided. Such an insert achieves a “perfect fit” that is customized to each dancer's foot by using a moldable material to substantially fill the voids within the box of the shoe, so weight is optimally distributed across a greater percentage of the surfaces of the toes and forefoot when en pointe. Through use of such an insert, painful and damaging pressure points may also be removed. An insert may be constructed from an impression material that when applied, precisely contours itself to the foot and then quickly chemically cures into a rubbery, resilient solid. This highly customized fit greatly improves day-to-day comfort and reduces long-term damage to the foot, while also improving stability, support and alignment inside the shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed. The article of footwear includes an outsole with a circular tread pattern. The circular tread pattern provides sufficient traction in all directions but also allows the wearer to pivot about a pivot portion. The circular tread pattern is generally large, and in some cases, the first and smallest circular tread extends less than 360 degrees. The pivot portion can include a slot that aids in flexibility. The outsole can also include a different tread pattern for the heel portion, or the circular tread pattern may also extend into the heel portion.

Abstract: A protective boot is provided for firefighters and other emergency workers. The protective boot includes a sole, and an upper having a multi-layer construction to surround a foot of a wearer. The multi-layer upper includes an outershell, at least one radiant energy reflective layer located within the outershell, and at least one thermal insulative layer located within the at least one radiant energy reflective layer.

Abstract: There is provided a shoe sole component that has properties such as strength and cushioning property that are suppressed from being changed even under a wide temperature range from severe cold at ?10° C. or lower to high temperature conditions exceeding 30° C. A shoe sole component includes a cross-linked foam of a resin composition, the resin composition containing a thermoplastic polyolefin resin, in which tan ? (?20° C. to 40° C.) at a frequency of 10 Hz measured according to JIS K 7244-4 is 0.01 to 0.5, and tan ? (?20° C.)/tan ? (40° C.) at a frequency of 10 Hz is 0.7 to 1.3.

Abstract: An improved 3-D shoe includes an outsole, an air pad, a midsole and an insole; wherein the outsole has a heel section and a sole section; a first air compartment containing air ducts is formed at the sole section; the midsole is placed above the outsole; the insole is placed above the midsole; the air pad is placed below the insole and above the heel section and provided with an air outlet. The improvement comprises a second air compartment, containing air ducts, being integrally formed at the heel section; a communicating duct being defined between the first air compartment and the second air compartment; and a ventilating hole being provided in one of the air ducts of the second air compartment at a lateral side of the outsole, such that the ambient air can enter the shoe through the ventilating hole to keep the user's foot fully dry.

Abstract: A plow shovel configured to create a path in snow by pushing the snow along a surface without lifting the snow. The plow shovel has a handle attached to a scoop having a first side and a second side. The scoop has a multi-sided plow component configured to part snow and makes a path without lifting the shovel as the plow shovel is pushed forward. A method of clearing a path in snow using the plow shovel described is also provided.

Abstract: In a boiler (6) having a shell (8) enclosing a space (11) and an inlet (12) for letting water into the shell space (11), the shell space (11) has two separate sections (16, 21), wherein a first section (16) is located such as to receive a supply of fresh water to the boiler (6), and wherein a second section (21) is located such as to receive water from the first section (16) when overflow of the first section (16) takes place under the influence of a continuous supply of fresh water. A steam generating process takes place in the second section (21). Due to the fact that the second section (21) is only indirectly filled with water, it is possible to have an undisturbed process. In particular, the water may be heated in the first section (16) before reaching the second section (21). The first section (16) may comprise an inner space of a container (15) which is arranged inside the shell (8), for example.

Abstract: A badge displaying device comprising a backing plate having a left and right sides, a center between the left and right sides, and top and bottom surfaces. The backing plate has at least one slot through at least the top surface extending from one of the left or right sides towards the center of the backing plate. A pin clip sized to slide in the at least one slot receives a pin from a badge.

Abstract: An audio card having a microprocessor, a power supply, a speaker and LED lights enclosed in a pocket that is attached to the inside wall of the front panel of the card. The card produces an audio signal and an illuminated LED display when the card is opened. The speaker and LED lights are placed in a pocket directly behind an aperture located in the front panel of the card. When a person opens the card, a master switch causes the audio signal and LED lights to activate. When a person blows into the aperture, the air pressure of the person's blowing breath causes a change in the output of the electromagnetic coil of the speaker. This change in output is registered in the microprocessor which in turn directs the audio signal and LED lights to turn off.

Abstract: A foldable greeting card (10) movable from a fully folded position to a fully unfolded position, comprising: three longitudinal folds (11, 13, 14) equally spaced apart; a lateral fold (12) intersecting the longitudinal folds to form eight card sections (21, 22, 23, 24, 25) arranged in four columns and two rows, the card sections (21, 22, 23, 24, 25) having a first side and a second side; wherein on the first side of the card sections: a card section (21) at a second column of a second row is a front outer cover having a first greeting message (30) when the card (10) is in the fully folded position; a card section (25) at a first column of the second row is a rear outer cover when the card (10) is in the fully folded position; card sections (22) at the first and second columns of the first row are exposed to present a second greeting message (31); card sections (23) at third and fourth columns of the first and second rows are exposed to present a third greeting message (32); wherein on the second side of the c

Abstract: An identification plate, in which at least one security sign is arranged within the contours of a cover layer. As a result, the security sign is embedded in the cover layer and thus becomes an integral component of the identification plate. Such a security sign can no longer be removed from the identification plate. The identification plate according to the invention thus offers as much protection against manipulation as possible.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for marketing products that includes a plastic, magnetic or lenticular form typically conforming in shape and size of a corresponding product being advertised and the form may have indicia applied to the form representative of information associated with the advertised product. In another aspect, an apparatus for signage is provided that includes a plastic or similar material pocket for insertion of marketing material.

Abstract: A light film apparatus having an illuminated graphics panel with at least two segments that can be individually powered. A controller manages a power which is delivered from a power supply to each of the segments, so that each of the segments is either powered on, powered off or powered to an intermediate level. With the independent control of power to the different segments, it is possible to create a three-dimensional appearance of a moving image from a generally two-dimensional panel arrangement. A housing can be mounted so that the graphics panel abuts or is closely mounted to a mounting surface.

Abstract: A wrap-mount fabric display system comprises an outer frame element, an inner frame element and one or two flexible display substrates. The inner frame element includes two rigid panels maintained at a fixed distance apart from one another by way of one or more connective members. The flexible display substrates each include a graphic design and can be removably placed in wrapped association with a respective panel, which secures the flexible display substrate in tension. The frame elements can be manufactured from flat stock materials which are relatively inexpensive to purchase and shape. Once a flexible display substrate is placed in wrapped association with a respective panel, the inner frame element can be inserted into the cavity of the outer frame element to create a cost-effective, flexible and robust integrated display solution.

Abstract: The present technology provides an illustrative display post that includes a first side, a second side, and a third side. The third side of the display post has a concave portion extending along a length of the third side such that the concave portion is configured to receive a convex surface. The third side also has a first flat portion along a side of the concave portion and extending along the length of the third side and a second flat portion along an opposite side of the concave portion as the first flat portion and extending along the length of the third side.

Abstract: When displaying products on a display hook, labels associated with the products are oftentimes presented via a label holder affixed to the display hook. Because various display hook structures exist, an interchangeable label holder can be utilized to adjoin to the various structures. Accordingly, in one embodiment, a label holder is adapted for being affixed to both a cylindrical-shaped crossbar and a display plate crossbar of a display hook. The rear face of the interchangeable label holder includes first brackets and second brackets adapted for receiving either the cylindrical-shaped crossbar or the display plate crossbar. The rear face of the interchangeable label holder also includes a first securing element and a second securing element functional for receiving lateral edges of the display plate crossbar to restrict lateral movement of the label holder.

Abstract: A firearm apparatus to be worn on the user's forearm generally having a firearm body that includes a magazine pack and a power source box that extend on opposite sides of the firearm body for supporting the firearm on the wearer's forearm. The combination of a base surface of the gun body with the magazine pack and the power source box further defines an open sleeve that conforms to the wearer's forearm with first and second fastener material straps for securing the user's forearm for operation of the firearm apparatus. The gun body has an electrical wire that is electrically connected to the firearm's internal triggering assembly and the firearm's external triggering means. The electrical wire includes a first connect and a second connect such that the firearm apparatus is operable by touching the first connect with the second connect in order to complete the electrical circuit.

Abstract: Allows the reduction in the loss of precision of a discharge caused by the progressive heating-up of the barrel during a long succession of discharges, comprising at least: an interior rifled gunbore (1), an outer sleeve (2) mounted coaxially on the rifled gunbore (1) and configured with a high polar moment of inertia to support the strains in the rifled gunbore (1), while at the same time providing rigidity to the conjoined configuration, and a screwed union (3) adapted for the solid mutual fixation of said pieces. At least two holes (5, 6) are additionally provided which traverse the wall of the rifled gunbore (1) equilibrating the temperatures of said rifled gunbore (1) and said outer sleeve (2), in such a manner as to maintain the initially provided pre-strain of the barrel. The outer sleeve (2) may dispose an aperture for gases (1), adapted for the fitting of a repeat mechanism.

Abstract: A bipod device attachable to the Picatinny rail on the underside of the barrel of a military-style gun. The housing of the bipod device includes two parallel channels formed therein to store bipod legs. The housing also includes an external longitudinal groove dimensioned and shaped to receive a Picatinny rail and a locking mechanism to secure the housing to the rail. The housing doubly functions as a grip for the user to support the barrel of the rifle. The two legs can be deployed by pulling them free of their channels in the housing and then pivoting them down and apart in one motion to their deployed position.

Abstract: The suspended gun rest includes a pivoting arm adjustably mounted to a rigid support by a mount. The mount comprises an L-shaped bracket having a mounting hole and three holes for adjustment screws. A cradle is provided, the cradle including two strings, a string routing system, a locking mechanism and a spindle. A hook is connected to one end of the pivoting aim. The two strings are connected to the spindle and routed through the cradle by the routing system and attached to the hook on the pivoting arm.

Abstract: The foot snare triggering device of the present invention is designed to be used with a foot snare, and comprises a trigger plate assembly, having a tension adjustment means which allows the trigger plate assembly to pivotally yield to vertical pressure. A trigger mechanism has a trigger end set within said plate assembly and a mechanism end attached to an extension mechanism, and a snare attachment port located within the trigger mechanism for releasably securing a foot snare by moving longitudinally when the trigger mechanism is engaged by pressure to said plate assembly allowing a foot snare to be released from the snare attachment port after triggering said device. A pan is pivotally connected by a hinge to the plate underside distal to the pan tension adjustment means. The pan has a trigger mount located adjacent to the trigger assembly connection through which the trigger mount engagingly receives the trigger mechanism.

Abstract: In a method of at least one of monitoring and controlling termite populations in an area accessible to the termites, a heat treated wood extract, extracted from wood that has been heat-treated to a temperature of greater than about 150 degrees C., is located in an area accessible to termites. In various embodiments the extract may be in a liquid form or a solid/particular form and may be deposited on or in a carrier. The extract may be deposited in a station housing, or deposited directly in the area accessible to termites. In still other embodiments, particulate heat treated wood, having been heat treated to a temperature of greater than about 150 degrees C., is placed in an area accessible to termites.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air-water-hydrocarbon three-phase micro-emulsified fuel prepared by adding water, air, and emulsifier compositions to liquid hydrocarbon fuels, to the methods of preparation, and to the uses of the micro-emulsions. The three-phase micro-emulsion fuel is prepared by emulsifying heavy hydrocarbons such as bunker fuel oil and heavy petroleum from the fraction distillation of petroleum, with water or an aqueous liquid, air, and emulsifier compositions, in which the petroleum-derived fuel and the air form a dispersed phase and the aqueous liquid forms a continuous phase. The resulting emulsified fuel is to be used as an alternative energy fuel in internal combustion engines, boilers, heaters, furnaces, combustion turbines or power plants offering the advantages of lower viscosity, higher performance and cleaner burning than the original fuel.

Abstract: Processes are described for refining a renewable oil. The processes may include the steps of adding one or more compounds to the renewable oil to produce a soap stock in the renewable oil, and separating at least a portion of the soap stock from the renewable oil. The processes may further include adding a polymer to the separated renewable oil to produce a refined renewable oil.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fuel composition comprising: a water-free, organic fuel; and a nanoalloy represented by the following generic formula (Aa)n(Bb)n(Cc)n(Dd)n( . . . )n; wherein each capital letter and ( . . . ) is a metal; wherein A is a combustion modifier; B is a deposit modifier; C is a corrosion inhibitor; and D is a combustion co-modifier/electrostatic precipitator enhancer; wherein each subscript letter represents compositional stoichiometry; wherein each n is independently greater than or equal to zero; wherein the nanoalloy comprises at least two different metals; and with the proviso that if the metal is cerium, then its compositional stoichiometry is less than about 0.7.

Abstract: A device includes a rotary drum and a fluid conduit. The rotary drum has a horizontal rotation axis and the drum has a sealed inlet end and a sealed outlet end. The drum is configured to receive biomass proximate the inlet end and has a discharge port proximate an outlet end. The fluid conduit is disposed along an inner surface of the drum. The fluid conduit is configured to carry heated fluid and has a coupling external to the drum.

Abstract: A device for holding objects that are attractive to the senses of animals, including a device for protecting a live catnip plant for use by a cat, the device in one form having a protective enclosure defining an interior to receive the object, such as the plant and plant supporting medium, the cage including a plurality of bars spaced apart to prevent or restrict access to the interior and direct contact with the object while allowing liquid, air, and light to pass through the bars to sustain the plant life and allowing the plant to grow through the bars to the exterior of the device for access by the cat. A watering cap in a top of the cage distributes water to the plant inside the enclosure. A cat toy, scratching surface, or platform or combination thereof may be incorporated into or associated with the enclosure.

Abstract: The topiary form includes a wire frame having a predetermined shape. The wire frame includes two halves connected together by a plurality of hooks and loops or eyeholes. The two halves are pivotal on at least one of the hooked connections, allowing the halves to easily wrap around the topiary to be shaped and to be easily removed.

Abstract: A material and method for maintaining a suitably dry sporting surface in natural soils may include a substrate treated with a layer of hydrating particles thereto. Various materials can serve as a hydrating, particulate coating. Polyacrylamide has been found to serve well and provide absorption to remove moisture that normally accumulates from a storms passing over a playing field. Soil treatment makes the soil surface ready to play on almost immediately. An amount of the amendment may be added to soil, mixed in, and watered before use, to provide more consistent properties such as natural bounce, reduced compaction, and reduced dust. The polymer may be embedded in mats to soak up standing water after storms, after which the amendment can be mixed into the soil to effectively tie up water that may otherwise create mud with the soil. Rain remediation may be done, whether or not the amendment was used for field preparation.

Abstract: A roof vegetation cassette for accommodating a substrate for roof vegetation.

Abstract: A Truncated Reflector reflects a targeted spectrum of electromagnetic radiation upwards to irradiate the bottom surfaces of leaves of a plant. The Reflector, which can diffusely reflect the targeted spectrum, can be removably fitted around the base of a plant, and can be adjusted, through various forms of attachment, to allow the Reflector to be adjusted into various truncated parabolic shapes or truncated shapes of other quadric surfaces. Various embodiments of the Reflector can reduce the need for environmentally hazardous chemicals by collecting and delivering water to root zones without splashing potentially contaminated water and soil onto the plant.

Abstract: A burner (10) for the partial oxidation of a hydrocarbon feedstock, comprising a combustion chamber and a pre-mixing chamber (E), and a plurality of annular passages for feeding fuel and oxidizer to the combustion chamber, said plurality of annular passages comprising at least a first annular passage for the fuel, and at least a second coaxial annular passage for the oxidizer, producing a layered flow into the premixing chamber (E). In a preferred embodiment the burner has an annular passage (1) for fuel or oxidizer surrounded by two other passages (2 and 3) for the oxidizer or fuel, respectively; in a further embodiment a start-up burner (20) is integrated with the main process burner, said start-up burner having a combustion chamber (L), a main hub (G) and a swirler (H), and providing a smooth transition from the start-up to the process phase that does not require any mechanical intervention of the pressure vessel/burner assembly and can be performed through automatic control systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for purifying natural gas, comprising removing mercaptans from a natural gas stream by a combination of an amine-based separation unit and a selective oxidation unit to obtain a purified natural gas stream, wherein at least part of the mercaptans are converted into at least elemental sulphur in the selective oxidation unit by selective catalytic oxidation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for activating a jamming protection function in an electrical closing system, wherein the jamming protection function is designed to abort a movement of a closing part in a movement direction if it is detected that the movement of the closing part (2) is obstructed by a jammed object, comprising the following steps:-providing consecutively measured values of a motor variable (Imot) of a motor (6) that effect the movement of the closing part, wherein the motor variable (Imot) gives an indication of a drive torque provided by the motor (6);-determining a gradient curve from the consecutively measured values of the motor variable (Imot), wherein the gradient curve is established using a derivative method that provides for a weighting of the individual consecutively measured values of the motor variable (Imot) according to the measurement sequence thereof;-establishing a point in time for activating the jamming protection function according to the determined gradient curve.

Abstract: A system for moving a barrier protecting a restricted area. A stationary linear induction motor moves the barrier by applying a magnetic field from the linear induction motor to a reaction fin attached to the barrier. The reaction fin has a rectangular beam or protrusion forming a groove on each side, which is engaged with guide members to guide the barrier. Holes are evenly spaced along the length of the reaction fin. Magnetic sensors sense the holes during movement of the barrier to determine the speed, position and direction of the barrier. A locking mechanism engages a pin into any one of the holes to lock the barrier in a fixed location. A heater is disposed within the rectangular beams or protrusions of the reaction fin to melt ice in cold weather environments. The system is operated by a main control logic that receives input data from the electronic sensors and controls the linear induction motor, heater and locking mechanism.