Abstract: The invention relates to a method for hot forming a blank consisting of an aluminium or steel alloy, in which the blank is heated before forming and subsequently formed in a forming tool at a temperature of at least 150° C., and to a device for carrying out the hot forming, having a forming tool which has a punch and a die. The object of proposing an economic method for hot forming is achieved for hot forming an aluminium or steel blank by placing an insulating material onto at least one surface of the blank before forming, wherein the insulating material has a lower thermal conductivity than the blank and the forming takes place with the applied insulating material.

Abstract: An apparatus for a universal bracket support including an L frame including a short arm coupled at a substantially right angle to a long arm with each having a plurality of spaced holes extending along each corresponding length; and a slider arm including an extension leg having a slide guide coupled on one end of the extension leg, wherein the slide guide includes a plurality of spaced holes and an opening sized to slide over and be secured to the L frame, and a shoe coupled via a pivot coupling to another end of the extension leg.

Abstract: Installation/processing tools may be used to install one or more expandable structures in a workpiece. An installation/processing tool may include an expansion mandrel, a processing tool, and an expansion assembly having an expansion jaw movable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. An expandable portion of the expansion jaw is sized to fit within a passageway of an expandable member. When the mandrel is moved through the expansion assembly, the expansion jaw is moved between the collapsed and expanded configurations to cause expansion of the expandable member. The installation/processing tool can also be used to cold work a workpiece.

Abstract: A method of forming a passageway in an insulated door of a refrigerator includes the steps of forming a conduit by inserting a mandrel in the space between a door liner and outer skin, filling the space with foam insulation, and removing the mandrel. In one embodiment, the mandrel is encased with a polymeric skin prior to the inserting step, such that, when the mandrel is removed, the skin remains at the boundary of the passageway so formed. In another embodiment, the method includes mounting fluid and/or electrical conduits to an inside surface of the door liner and subsequently injecting the foam insulation to surround the conduits. In yet another embodiment, fluid and/or electrical conduits are mounted to an outer surface of the door liner. A cover is then positioned over the conduits.

Abstract: A press-hardened component and a method for producing press-hardened components, in particular a bodywork component, from a semi-finished product made from unhardened, hot-formable steel sheet. Various process steps are carried out in the process. A component blank is formed from the semi-finished product by a cold-forming process, in particular a drawing process. The component blank is trimmed at the margin side to a margin contour which approximately corresponds to the component to be produced. The trimmed component blank is heated and press-hardened in a hot-forming tool, and then the press-hardened component blank is covered with a corrosion-prevention layer in a coating step.

Abstract: The present invention provides a common fender mounting jig apparatus for use with multifarious vehicles including a plurality of common clamping units for clamping fender panels of multifarious vehicles by using, selectively, a plurality of fixing blocks processed in compliance with the shape of a fender panel associated with each vehicle model. Additionally, the common fender mounting jig may also include a clamp movement unit for moving the common clamping unit upwardly and downwardly, forwardly and backwardly; a fender mounting jig mounted on its upper face with the common clamping unit and loading the fender panel clamped by the common clamping unit on a body-in-white; and a jig movement unit for moving and rotating the fender mounting jig. By using only one common clamping unit, the present invention is able to comply with various shapes of fender panels of multifarious vehicles.

Abstract: There is provided an ultrasonic treatment apparatus including an ultrasonic oscillator which generates ultrasonic waves, a probe which is connected to the ultrasonic oscillator and transmits ultrasonic oscillations generated by the ultrasonic oscillator, and a treatment portion which is formed on the probe and treats a living tissue by the transmitted ultrasonic oscillations. The treatment portion has a cavitation suppressing portion formed to have such a shape that a pressure of a liquid in a vicinity of an external surface of the cavitation suppressing portion is greater than a saturation vapor pressure of the liquid in fluid analysis concerning ultrasonic oscillations in the liquid.

Abstract: A process for fabricating an origami formed antenna radiating structure is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a process for precisely fabricating a radio frequency (RF) antenna structure, the process including providing a flexible circuit substrate, forming a plurality of parallel channels in the flexible circuit substrate in a first direction, mounting the flexible substrate to a precision die, pressing the flexible substrate into the precision die using an elastomeric material thereby sandwiching the flexible substrate between the elastomeric material and the precision die, and applying heat to the flexible substrate sandwiched between the elastomeric material and the precision die.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing wireless communication devices for use in tracking or identifying items comprises cutting techniques that allow the size of antenna elements for the wireless communication device to be adjusted. Rollers cut tabs that form the antenna elements. In one embodiment, a plurality of rollers are used, each one effecting a different cut whose position may be adjusted so as to shorten or lengthen the antenna element. In another embodiment, the rollers are independently positionable to shorten or lengthen the antenna element. A radiator may be configured to assess a capacitance of the antenna elements prior to cutting to determine an appropriate size for the antenna elements.

Abstract: As track densities increase, it becomes increasingly important, while writing in a given track, not to inadvertently write data in adjoining tracks. This problem has been overcome by limiting the width of material in the ABS plane to what it is at the write gap. The part of the lower pole that is wider than this is recessed back away from the ABS, thereby greatly reducing its magnetic influence on adjacent tracks. Four different embodiments of write heads that incorporate this notion are described together with a description of a general process for their manufacture.

Abstract: A method for making a solid state cathode comprises the following steps: forming an alkali free first solution comprising at least one transition metal and at least two ligands; spraying this solution onto a substrate that is heated to about 100 to 400° C. to form a first solid film containing the transition metal(s) on the substrate; forming a second solution comprising at least one alkali metal, at least one transition metal, and at least two ligands; spraying the second solution onto the first solid film on the substrate that is heated to about 100 to 400° C. to form a second solid film containing the alkali metal and at least one transition metal; and, heating to about 300 to 1000° C. in a selected atmosphere to react the first and second films to form a homogeneous cathode film. The cathode may be incorporated into a lithium or sodium ion battery.

Abstract: A product line assembly includes a plurality of containers detachably connected. Each of the plurality of containers includes a case and equipment received in the case. Each container is configured for performing an individual working procedure.

Abstract: A system for installing communications in a hallway of a building comprises a duct having a conduit portion with a bore formed throughout and containing one or more communications lines and a mounting portion to mount the duct to a generally flat surface, the mounting portion including an adhesive disposed thereon, and a duct applicator tool to continuously receive the duct from a storage structure. The applicator tool includes a generally planar frame that supports at least one duct channel that receives the duct and provides a support surface that places a pressing force onto the duct as the duct is applied to the generally flat surface. The applicator tool includes one or more duct guides disposable on at least an end of the frame, where the one or more duct guides guide the duct from its storage structure to the at least one duct channel.

Abstract: In one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a method is disclosed for fabricating a rigid flex cable assembly. The method includes arranging one or more layers of a polyimide film having an electrically-conductive surface into a stack; applying an adhesive to the one or more layers of polyimide film; arranging a top and a bottom polyimide film to a top portion and a bottom portion of the stack to form the rigid flex circuit board; and selecting a suitable pressure and temperature at which to form the rigid flex assembly such that the one or more layers of polyimide film do not move with respect to one another during the fabrication.

Abstract: Method for stacking microelectronic devices using two or more carriers, each holding microelectronic devices in an array so they may be registered. Each device is releasably held by its edges in a carrier to allow access to top and bottom surfaces of the device for joining. Arrays of devices held in two or more carriers are juxtaposed and joined to form an array of stacked devices. A resulting stacked device is released from the juxtaposed carriers holding each device by releasing forces of the corresponding carrier urging upon edges of the device, thereby permitting removal of the stacked device.

Abstract: An MRI compatible electrode circuit construct is provided. The construct includes at least two filter components constructed from an electrode wire. One filter component may be a resonant LC filter at or near an electrode/wire interface that resolves the issue of insufficient attenuation by effectively blocking the RF induced current on the wire from exiting the wire through the electrode. The second filter component may include one or more non-resonant filter(s) positioned along the length of the electrode wire that resolve(s) the issue of excessive heating of the resonant LC filter by significantly attenuating the current induced on the wire before it reaches the resonant LC filter. The non-resonant filter(s) may also attenuate the RF current reflected from the resonant LC filter thereby resolving the issue of the strong reflected power from the resonant filter and the associated dielectric heating.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, an overmolded package includes a component situated on a substrate. The overmolded package further includes an overmold situated over the component and the substrate. The overmolded package further includes a wirebond cage situated over the substrate and in the overmold, where the wirebond cage surrounds the component, and where the wirebond cage includes a number of wirebonds. The wirebond cage forms an EMI shield around the component. According to this exemplary embodiment, the overmolded package further includes a conductive layer situated on a top surface of the overmold and connected to the wirebond cage, where the conductive layer forms an EMI shield over the component.

Abstract: Methods of forming through wafer vias (TWVs) and standard contacts in two separate processes to prevent copper first metal layer puddling and shorts are presented. In one embodiment, a method may include forming a TWV into a substrate and a first dielectric layer over the substrate; forming a second dielectric layer over the substrate and the TWV; forming, through the second dielectric layer, at least one contact to the TWV and at least one contact to other structures over the substrate; and forming a first metal wiring layer over the second dielectric layer, the first metal wiring layer contacting at least one of the contacts.

Abstract: A cooling system for an engine is disclosed. The cooling system may have an engine, a pump configured to receive coolant from the engine and generate a flow of coolant, and a heat exchanger configured to receive the coolant flow. The cooling system may also have a plurality of orifice plates located between the pump and the heat exchanger. At least one of the plurality of orifice plates may be adjustable to control the flow of the coolant from the engine to the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method for marking a specific tube in a shell and tube heat exchanger includes inserting a marker into a second tube adjacent to the tube to be marked and directing a directional pointer on the marker toward the tube to be marked.

Abstract: A method for assembling a fins-type heat sink includes providing a heat sink, a presser and a plurality of caps, the heat sink having a heat pipe and a plurality of fins disposed on the heat pipe, the presser being provided with through-holes allowing the distal ends of the heat pipe to be inserted therein, a periphery of each through-hole being provided with an annular neck, the presser being provided with notches that are arranged circumferentially outside the annular neck; (b) covering the caps on the annular necks of the presser respectively, each caps extending downwards to form protruding flaps penetrating the notches; (c) disposing a plate-like die on the topmost fin of the heat sink; (d) inserting a distal end of the heat pipe through the through-hole of the presser to abut inside the cap, while folding the flaps outwards via the plate-like die.

Abstract: A tool assembly for forming a workpiece into a housing with a non-round design outer profile at least partially defined by an outer surface at a design position reduced from the initial position thereof. The tool assembly includes a ring portion having a bore therein at least partially defined by an inner surface, and an insert portion with a back plate and a number of elongate jaw segments, each jaw segment having between a back end thereof engaged with the back plate. When the insert portion is moved from an open condition to a closed condition, the inner surface of the ring portion urges the jaw segments inwardly, causing the jaw segments to engage substantially the entire outer surface and to move the outer surface from an initial position to the design position, reducing an initial outer profile to the design outer profile and forming the workpiece into the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to an Integrated Valve Sleeve for a spool and sleeve valve and solenoid housing for accepting a solenoid assembly. The apparatus is integrated insofar as it is fashioned from one piece of malleable material through a cold-forging process, thus avoiding the structural weakness endowed in similar assemblies formed through welding processes and the like.

Abstract: A method of forming a leaflet of a prosthetic valve includes placing a first piece of material on a working surface. A leaflet mold is placed on the first piece of material, and provides a outer peripheral shape comprising a curved portion. A second piece of material is placed over the first piece and the leaflet mold. The first and second pieces of material are stitched to one another along at least a portion of the curved portion of the leaflet mold. The leaflet mold is removed from first and second pieces of material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated toe adjustment apparatus and method that includes a power nut runner, a vision machine, a robot, and a floating mechanism. More particularly, the power nut runner adjusts a toe by adjusting an adjusting bolt of the tie-rod assembly. The vision machine photographs the power nut runner to verify position information of the power nut runner. The robot engages the power nut runner with the adjusting bolt of the tie-rod assembly and rotates the power nut runner. The floating mechanism absorbs a shock between the power nut runner and the robot as the vehicle is shaken by the overall process.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a rolling contact member comprises preparing a steel member consisting of a steel containing 0.7 mass % or more of carbon; performing hot forging of the steel member prepared in the steel member preparation step to thereby obtain a blank ring as the first forged member; performing turning of the blank ring obtained in the hot forging step to thereby remove part of the blank ring; and performing cold forging of the blank ring wrought in the first turning step to thereby obtain a stepped ring. In the steps subsequent to the cold forging step, on the stepped ring, the area wrought in the first turning step is not subjected to cutting.

Abstract: To allow trimming body hair by pulling as well as pushing with the same hair trimmer device (1), its comb unit (6) is positioned over the trimming head (16) in at least two different positions (8, 9), one (8) pulling and one pushing position (9). In particular, in the different comb positions (8, 9), the tips (20) of the comb unit's fins (13) point in the direction of the respective movement. Preferably, the comb unit (6) is removably attached. In a preferred embodiment, the trimming head (16) includes shaving means (18) besides trimming means (19).

Abstract: Described herein is a hair removal apparatus with a housing and an actuator head movable in the housing. The actuator head accommodates an actuator system that removes the hairs and is adapted to be driven by an electric drive mechanism arranged in the hair removal apparatus. The actuator system is movable into at least one active position for hair treatment. The actuator head is freely rotatable in the housing about an axis of rotation for adjustment of an active position. Using a single hair removal apparatus it is thus possible to employ various hair treatment systems such as long-hair cutters, short-hair cutters, or epilators, requiring only the actuator head to be turned about its bearing axis until the cutting unit provided for the respective hair treatment operation is turned into the actuator plane.

Abstract: A shearing apparatus comprising an index portion, a thumb portion, and a ripping portion. The index portion has an index blade arcuately movable in a first direction defining an arc about a pivot. The thumb portion is pivotably connected to the index portion at the pivot, and has a thumb blade arcuately movable in a second direction that is substantially opposite the arc of the first direction. The ripping portion is disposed on the thumb blade or the index blade, and has a ripping blade manually movable in a third direction at an angle, parallel or perpendicular to a line parallel to at least one of the index blade and the thumb blade.

Abstract: A garden shears with a driving mechanism includes two cutter bases, an anvil cooperating with the cutter bases, two supporting plates, a cutter plate, and an operating arm. The two cutter bases face each other to form an accommodating space in which the anvil and the two supporting plates are sandwiched. The anvil is fixed to top sections of the two cutter bases. The cutter plate and the operating arm are sandwiched between the two supporting plates. A roller wheel is disposed in a positioning slot of the cutter blade and sandwiched between restricting holes of the two supporting plates. A pivotal hole of the operating arm is pivotally connected between pivotal holes of the two supporting plates in such a manner that a driving toothed edge of the operating arm is drivingly engaged with a driven rack of the cutter plate. A pull lever is fixed to a fixing portion provided on a lower portion of the cutter plate through an elongate slot of the cutter base.

Abstract: A guidance system is used with a striping tool for creating a straight line on a surface. The guidance system has a dust resistant housing, a laser, a power supply, and a laser support arm. The dust resistant housing has an opening through which a laser beam may pass. The laser is disposed within the housing and aligned such that a beam from the laser will pass through the opening. The power supply provides power to the laser. The laser support arm is pivotally affixed to the striping tool. The housing is affixed to the arm such that the laser within the housing is aligned to pivot in a plane perpendicular to the surface and along a straight line created by the striping tool. The arm is pivotal to allow projection of a beam from the laser to the surface in the direction of movement of the striping tool.

Abstract: An opacity changing peep sight device is disclosed wherein the peep sight comprises a photochromic substance sensitive to UV light. When there is plenty of available UV light, the peep sight becomes substantially opaque. When there is little available UV light, the peep sight becomes substantially translucent. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a level device for a shoe in which particular portions of shoes which may easily contact and/or collide with the ground or other objects may be embraced and thus protected with a separate cover unit and, at the same time, a surface state of any given location may be visually determined, and, hence, first, the shoes may be prevented from damage and thus have improved durability, second, the separate cover unit may decorate the shoes to achieve aesthetic improvement, thereby providing high quality and/or diverse designs of the shoes, and, third, the shoe-wearer may visually determine in a simple and convenient manner whether a location where the wearer is standing is level or not and if not, the direction and extent of the grade.

Abstract: An improved coordinate measuring apparatus is provided. The coordinate measuring apparatus has a device that holds a CMM adapter plate in a way that simulates the locating points on the electromagnetic device in the CMM. Once in place, the threaded cube on the adapter plate is aligned to the CMM machine axes by holding a sliding V-block on the device against any corner of the cube. The screws that hold the threaded cube in the adapter plate are then tightened, and the adapter plate is released from the device. The threaded cube is now square to the CMM X-Y-Z axes.

Abstract: A template device includes an outer template member having a chamber formed in an inner peripheral surface, an inner template member engaged onto the chamber of the outer template member, and one or more intermediate template members disposed between the outer and the inner template members, and the intermediate template member includes a space formed in an inner peripheral surface for receiving the inner template member, the inner template member includes a compartment formed in an inner peripheral surface for receiving a center template member, the template members each include one or more holes selected from a dotted hole, an oblong hole, or a pattern hole for drafting circles or patterns on a clothing material.

Abstract: A paper-sheet-thickness detecting device includes a reference roller provided on a fixed rotation shaft; a detection roller provided to face and come into contact with the reference roller; a detection block in which the detection roller is provided at one end and the other end is rotatably fixed around a fulcrum shaft so that the detection block is turned and displaced according to a thickness of a paper sheet passing through between the reference and detection rollers; a holding block that holds the fulcrum shaft; a first pressing member fixed to the holding block to maintain contact between the detection and reference rollers by pressing the detection block, the first pressing member being displaced according to rotation and displacement of the detection block when the paper sheet passes through between the reference and detection rollers; and a displacement detector that detects a displacement amount of the first pressing member.

Abstract: A clothes drying apparatus (1) includes a base (3) adapted for engagement with a lower support surface. A lower housing (7) extends from the base (3). The apparatus also includes a height adjustable extension element (10) having an upper end (11) adapted for engagement with an upper support surface. A selectively releasable locking mechanism (13) is adapted to secure the extension element (10) in adjusted positions such that the apparatus (1) in use extends in a generally vertical orientation between the lower and upper support surfaces. A plurality of support arms (16) extend generally outwardly from the extension element to support clothes (2) for drying. A heater is optionally provided in the lower housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drying device, comprising a molded part, which has a hollow chamber formed by one or more inside walls, and one or more outside walls, wherein a superabsorbent material is provided between the inside wall(s) and the outside wall(s), and at least one wall is permeable for water and/or water vapor. The drying device can be used in a clothes dryer for reducing the drying time.

Abstract: A laundry drying appliance (100) includes a cabinet (110) having a top (119), a rotating drum (105) accommodated within the cabinet, and a laundry drying air circulation system for circulating drying air though the drum for drying laundry within the drum. The top includes fluid passageways defined thereinside for the circulation of the drying air, and an air-air heat exchanger (535) arranged inside the fluid passageways operable to remove moisture and dehydrate the drying air, a cooling air aspirator (560) for aspirating cooling air (555) from an external environment and causing the cooling air to flow through the air-air heat exchanger for cooling down the drying air and causing the moisture-laden air to condensate, and a perforated top panel (592;1805) having perforations for allowing release of the cooling air to the external environment after the cooling air has passed through the air-air heat exchanger.

Abstract: A sheet processing machine, in particular a sheet-fed printing press, includes a varnishing unit and at least one combination drier for applying radiation energy and heated air to a newly varnished sheet. The at least one combination drier includes a plurality of circular or polygonal air nozzles and narrow-band high-power infrared light sources disposed between the air nozzles. The infrared light sources apply radiation at a radiation density of at least 25 kW/m2 in total to the varnished sheet. The temperature of the heated air passing through the nozzles is below 100° C., preferably below 80° C. A method of drying sheets is also provided.

Abstract: The device according to the invention for drying and torrefaction of at least one carbon-containing material flow in a multiple-hearth furnace substantially comprises a drying zone, which comprises a feed device for feeding a carbon-containing material flow, a discharge point for discharging a drying gas flow containing water vapour and an infeed point for recycling at least a part of the drying gas flow, a torrefaction zone for degassing the material flow dried in the drying zone, which comprises a discharge point for discharging a torrefied material flow, at least one infeed point for an exhaust gas and a discharge point for a torrefaction gas flow, a heat exchanger for heating the drying gas flow, the discharge point of the drying zone being connected via the heat exchanger to the infeed point of the drying zone, a combustion assembly, wherein the discharge point of the torrefaction zone is connected via the combustion assembly and the heat exchanger to the infeed point of the torrefaction zone, wherei

Abstract: The present invention relates to a slipper body with a sole (1) and a vamp (2), wherein the vamp (2) is ribbon shape and has an inner surface (22) being capable to contact with the instep and a decorative surface (21) opposite to the inner surface (22). A fixing slot (23) is arranged between the inner surface (22) and the decorative surface (21) on the vamp (2) for fixing an ornament. The present invention further relates to a slipper with an ornament, which comprises a slipper body above-mentioned and an ornament (3) fixed onto the vamp (2) by the fixing slot (23). With the slipper body and the slipper with an ornament according to the present invention, the consumers can select or change the ornaments of the vamp on their own to meet the personal requirements without the wearing comfortability being affected, and the ornaments can be removed without influencing the beautiful degree of the vamp. In addition, the slipper body and the slipper have simple structures and are easy to use.

Abstract: A composite sole assembly for attachment to an outsole of suitable material, the sole assembly including a chassis, a forefoot pad and a heel pad. The chassis includes an opening for receiving the heel pad and further includes two peripheral flanges for securing attachment with the shoe upper. A cushioning forefoot pad is positioned between the chassis and the outsole and between the two peripheral flanges and is formed of a soft cushioned foam material. The top surface of the chassis and the heel pad define a raised area in the midfoot region and a recessed area in the heel region of the assembly to better conform to the anatomical shape of a wearer's foot. The combination of the raised and recessed areas along with the positioning of the heel and forefoot pads improves comfort and provides for a better distribution of foot pressure during a normal gait.

Abstract: A shock absorbing unit, a sole and a shoe having the shock absorbing unit are provided. The shock absorbing sole includes a first holding member mounted on an outsole, a first locking part placed on the first holding member and having on an upper surface an annular seating part, an elastic member seated in a receiving part of the first locking part, a second locking part mounted on the elastic member and having on a lower surface an annular seating part, a second holding member placed on the second locking part, an upper sole placed on the second holding member and having a second receiving part for the second holding member, and a supporting member having a receiving part that receives the elastic member and connected at opposite ends to the first and second locking parts.

Abstract: A shoe body including an upper operably connected with an outsole. The shoe body has a front portion and a back portion. An insole is disposed inside the shoe upper and has a substantially inelastic heel portion and a substantially elastic toe portion. A substantially rigid pressure plate is adjacent to the substantially elastic toe portion.

Abstract: A shoe is described having a removable heel, removable platform, and in some embodiments one or more removable straps. The shoes of the present invention provide for flexibility in design with the same sole by allowing for replacement of one type of heel with another and in some shoes replacement of the strap or straps by alternate styles or colors of straps. The replaceability or modularity of the heel and straps allows for compact storage as well, which is desirable during travel. The removeability of the platform enables the shoe to adjust to different heights. Additionally, some embodiments have one or more hinges formed in the sole to allow the shoe to collapse to an even smaller size for storage or travel.

Abstract: A shoe has a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion, and a heel portion and comprises a sole having a base layer, a heel pedestal extending from the base layer, a lateral stabilizer pedestal extending from the base layer and positioned at least partially beneath the cuboid bone, and a medial stabilizer pedestal extending from the base layer and positioned at least partially beneath the navicular bone. During bipedal locomotion, the weight of a person wearing the shoe is supported on at least one of the heel pedestal, the lateral stabilizer pedestal, and the medial stabilizer pedestal, thereby transferring the person's weight from the heel pedestal, to the lateral stabilizer pedestal, and to the medial stabilizer pedestal. The heel pedestal, the lateral stabilizer pedestal, and the medial stabilizer pedestal include an outsole and a compressible base layer between the outsole and the wearer's foot.

Abstract: A footbed for a skate boot having a quarter and a toe cap defining an internal space for receiving a human foot having a heel, an ankle, medial and lateral sides, a big toe, second, third and fourth toes, a little toe and a plantar surface, the footbed comprising: (a) a sole portion for facing the plantar surface of the foot, the sole portion having medial and lateral sides and front and rear ends; and (b) medial, front and lateral walls extending from the front end of the sole portion, the medial, front and lateral walls being movable from a first position, wherein the medial, front and lateral walls are generally in the same plane than that of the sole portion, to a second position, wherein each of the medial, front and lateral walls define an angle with respect to the sole portion such that, in use, the medial, front and lateral walls face the toes and are located between the toes and the toe cap of the skate boot.

Abstract: A peat moss harvesting apparatus includes a conveyor mechanism and a cutting mechanism. The cutting mechanism is guided through a peat moss bed to cut a section of peat moss. The section of peat moss is progressively loaded onto the conveyor mechanism as the section of peat moss is being cut.

Abstract: A device for creating a trench in a ground surface includes a frame, an axle and a platform. A wheel is mounted to the axle and a motor is mounted to the platform. The motor is configured to rotate a drive shaft. A primary blade is removably mountable to the drive shaft. The primary blade has a first radius measured from a geometric center of the primary hub to a free end of a largest of the at least three primary tines. A second blade is removably mountable to the primary hub. The secondary blade has a second radius measured from a geometric center of the secondary hub to a free end of a largest of the at least three secondary tines. The first radius is greater than the second radius. A blade guard is mounted to the platform and generally covers the primary and secondary blades in an assembled configuration.