Abstract: A device and method for aligning and inserting a threaded fastener into a threaded hole. The device contains a base and a rail extending up from the base. A gearbox may be attached to the rail such that the gearbox can travel along the rail between a fastener loading position, a fastener install position, and a fastener realigning position. A socket assembly is connected to or otherwise associated with the gearbox and includes a drive socket that is adapted to accept the threaded fastener and an input shaft which is adapted to translate rotational motion to the output socket. A spring mechanism is attached to the gearbox and contains a spring that will compress when the gearbox travels into the fastener realigning position. A compressible washer may be interposed between the output shaft and the drive socket of the socket assembly so that the central axes of these components may be misaligned without causing damage or disrupting the alignment process.

Abstract: An integrated method and system for producing cold-formed steel wall, roof, and/or floor panels is disclosed. Included in the present general inventive concept is the input of design parameters into a computer having design software operating thereon, the generation of design decisions based on those parameters, the issuance of fabrication instructions to one or more roll formers to fabricate the panel components substantially according to those fabrication instructions, and the fabrication of the panel components by the roll formers substantially in accordance with the fabrication instructions.

Abstract: Shaving apparatus having at least one cutting unit with an external cutting member and a movable internal cutting member. An energy-dissipating system is provided between mutually movable parts of the internal or an external cutting member to reduce the bouncing effect between the internal and external cutting member after cutting a hair. Such an energy-dissipating system may for example be an element with visco-elastic properties.

Abstract: Garden shears has a cutting member with an inverted U-shaped opening for accepting the target object. When the driving member is pushed towards the handle, the target object A in the opening is and pushed and cut off by the cutting edge portion of the blade. Therefore, the target object can be securely limited by the garden shears without sliding off.

Abstract: A power pruner includes a housing, a motor arranged in the housing, a transmission device connected to the motor, a pair of blades and a trigger which is arranged on the housing and used to control the motor. The pair of blades include a fixed blade and a movable blade which is driven by the motor to swing back and forth. The power pruner additionally includes a stroke switch which is arranged on the housing and has at least two statuses wherein the movable blade has a first stroke when the stroke switch is in a first status and a second stroke different from the first stroke when the stroke switch is in a second status.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper equipped clutch (20) for a combustion engine (E) includes a clutch drum (32), coupled with a cutter blade (3) through a drive shaft (6), a clutch shoe (34) connected with a crankshaft (16) of the combustion engine (E) and capable of being connected with the clutch drum (32) by the effect of a centrifugal force. The clutch (20) further includes a flywheel (18) fixed to the crankshaft (16) by means of a nut (19), and a holder (36) connected with the flywheel (18) for relative movement in a circumferential direction through a helical compression spring (50). The clutch shoe (34) is supported by the holder (36), and a stopper structure (56) is provided between the flywheel (18) and the holder (36) for transmitting a rotational force of the combustion engine (E) to the holder (36).

Abstract: A tool and a method are disclosed for cutting coils in a dynamoelectric machine. In an embodiment, the tool includes a blade having a cutting edge on a distal end thereof. The blade is operably connected on a proximal end thereof to a double acting hydraulic cylinder. The tool further includes at least one guide arm coupled to and extending longitudinally in a distal direction from the double acting hydraulic cylinder, wherein the at least one guide arm is disposed alongside the blade and extends parallel to a path of the blade.

Abstract: A cutting head for a string trimmer, the cutting head being rotationally driven through a drive shaft, the cutting head comprising a bowl; a trimmer string secured to the bowl; and a blade attached to the outer circumference of the bowl.

Abstract: A knife includes a metal blade having an integral tang, the tang having a tang end and being a flat bar shaped to carry a handle, a plastic handle having an handle end defining a well surrounding the tang end, and a metal end cap comprising an integrally formed plug section. The metal end cap is attached at the handle end to positively fit the plug section in the well. The plug section has a plug end facing the tang end and defining a recess in which the plug section encloses the tang end in a positive fit. Also provided is a method for fixing the metal end cap in the plastic well at the handle end of the knife which comprises the step of exciting the metal end cap with ultrasonic energy while inserting the metal end cap into the well to thereby plasticate the plastic in the handle.

Abstract: A hand held device comprising: a handle, said handle comprising a grip portion and a connection portion, said connection portion rotating with respect to said grip portion about a rotational axis, said connection portion forming a docking portion suitable for receiving an optional head unit, said docking portion being positioned opposite distally away from said grip portion, wherein the grip portion and the connection portion are connected by a rod, said rod comprising a distal end non-rotatably attached to the grip portion and a proximal end non-rotatably attached to the connection portion, wherein rotational axis forms a central longitudinal axis of said rod.

Abstract: A tool assembly that includes a tool, which has a frame and a pair of suction cups. Each suction cup has a cup housing and a cup structure. The cup housing is coupled to the frame. The cup structure is at least partly received in the cup housing. At least one of the cup structures is rotatable relative to the frame. A method for releasably securing a tool assembly to a wall is also provided.

Abstract: A tool assembly that includes a suction cup that is configured to be removably coupled to a vertical wall and a device for temporarily mounting an article to the suction cup at a desired mounting position and for indicating a position of a hanger on the vertical wall. The hanger is configured to be secured to the vertical wall to mount the article to the vertical wall.

Abstract: A tool assembly having: a) a tool, which has a frame, and a pair of suction cups, wherein the suction cups having a cup structure, and wherein at least one of the cup structures is rotatable relative to the frame; and/or b) a rail, a hidden object detector slidably coupled to the rail and a display unit with a display member and a marking unit, wherein the marking unit is configured to form a mark on the display member in response to detection of a hidden object by the hidden object detector; and/or c) a suction cup and a device for mounting an article to the suction cup at a desired position and for indicating a position of a hanger for permanently mounting the article at the desired position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning an input shaft of a wind turbine generator with an output shaft of a wind turbine are disclosed. Preferably, the method includes placing a push plate of a wind turbine alignment tool into pressing contact with a selected support flange of a wind turbine generator identified by a misalignment measurement device. With the push plate positioned, an indexing means of the wind turbine alignment tool is advanced along an adjustment link member of the wind turbine alignment tool to impart an alignment force onto the selected support flange to align the input shaft of the wind turbine generator with the output shaft of the wind turbine. The method preferably concludes by rechecking the alignment of the input shaft of the wind turbine generator with the output shaft of the wind turbine.

Abstract: A footer square apparatus for squaring a building foundation may include a footer square body, a first guide line, a second guide line, and a post receiving opening. The first guide line may be disposed on the footer square body and have a length that is substantially straight. The second guide line may be disposed on the footer square body and have a length that is substantially straight. The post receiving opening may be disposed through the footer square body and may receive a post. The length of the first guide line may be substantially perpendicular to the length of the second guide line. The post receiving opening may be located at the intersection of the first guide line and the second guide line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coordinate measuring machine having a sensor for measuring an object, and having a housing structure for holding and positioning the sensor, wherein a position change sensor is provided in order to detect a change in position of the sensor and of the housing structure. Further, the invention relates to a method for collision detection of a coordinate measuring machine. Last, the invention relates to a method for correcting data of a sensor, measuring in a contactless fashion, in particular an optical sensor, of a coordinate measuring machine. The method according to the second and the third aspects can be executed on a coordinate measuring machine according to the first aspect.

Abstract: A device for measuring anatomical dimensions of animals, and particularly the angle of inclination between the occlusal plane of an animal, defined by the contact surface between its upper and lower dental arches, and the alternative reference planes passing either through the anterior sagittal point and the temporomandibular joints, or through the anterior sagittal point and the eyes of the animal includes an element of contact with the animal, at least one first movable member attached revolvingly to the contact element around a first axis of rotation, and at least one graduated scale situated on the contact element, or on the first movable element to enable the measurement of their relative rotation. The contact element also includes a locator plate sized to fit inside the animal's mouth between its upper and lower dental arches, and to be aligned with the occlusal plane.

Abstract: The bearing adjustment dial gage tool comprises a bar which mounts two spaced apart magnets on spindles which extend from the bar and a gage is mounted on the bar with a measuring pin extending from the gage for engaging a wheel hub to measure endplay when the tool is mounted with the two magnets to a wheel assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for revealing the geometry of operative cylinders, in particular during the grinding operation of the same, includes a pair of movable clamps which can be moved away from and towards each other with respect to a fixed intermediate structure, the clamps having tilted surfaces in opposite directions to each other according to a swallowtail arrangement with respect to a cylinder being measured, positioned between them and between a surface of the fixed intermediate structure, the surfaces of the movable clamps and the surface of the fixed intermediate structure always being kept in contact with the cylinder, whether still or rotating, wherein the fixed structure also has, in its interior, parts of a group which interact with each other to correlate the movement of the clamps.

Abstract: An alignment device or jig that includes a level and a rule which is used for hanging wall supported items. The device includes locator blocks with locator pins for supporting the item and stud finder sensors for locating wall studs. The locator pins extend to protrude from the back side of the jig to allow a mark to be made into the hanging surface when the jig is pressed against the hanging surface. In the event that the item requires a stronger surface to hang onto due to excessive weight, a stud finder system can be utilized. In operation, one or more of picture frames to be mounted to a wall are hung on the device on one or more hangers. The hangers are slidingly spaced along the device scale for desired picture spacing. The device with the frames is placed against the wall and pressed to the wall, wherein the marking points mark the wall at the exact desired points where permanent hangers will be driven into the wall to support the one or more picture frames.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring a bicycle seating position. A telescoping rod includes a pinch closure, with contact points to attach to a pedal, a saddle, and a handlebar/stem. The telescoping rod includes a larger diameter rod with a small diameter rod that can slide into the larger diameter rod, thereby allowing the inner rod to move freely up or down to account for differing distances being measured. The smaller diameter rod can include a measuring scale to allow a user to read a measurement from one point to another, allowing for the measurement to be repeated. With the pinch closure, a user could take a measurement on one bicycle, carry it over to another bicycle and set a position on the second bicycle identical to that of the first bicycle.

Abstract: A brake assembly for reducing the rotational velocity the spinning basket of a food spinning device applies a frictional force to an annular ridge on the lid of the spinning basket. A brake button movably disposed in a cover of the spinning device includes flexible pinching arms having cam surfaces. The cam surfaces of the flexible pinching arms extend through a guide aperture, thereby causing the pinching arms to flex toward each other when the brake button is depressed and to apply the frictional engagement to the annular ridge.

Abstract: A laundry machine having a heat exchanger cleaning device may include a cabinet, a drum provided in the cabinet, a heat exchanger for heating air to dry laundry in the drum, air conduits to circulate the air between the heat exchanger and the drum, and a control valve that controls a flow of water to the heat exchanger to clean lint deposits on the heat exchanger. An area of the heat exchanger may be divided into a plurality of regions, such that a first nozzle is coupled to the first outlet port and provided above a first region of the plurality of regions and a second nozzle is coupled to the second outlet port and provided above a second region of the plurality of regions. The control valve may selectively direct the flow of water toward the first nozzle or the second nozzle to clean a desired region.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for speeding up the drying process in the clothes dryer, saving the consumer time, energy, and the cost of that energy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clothes dryer, which includes: a main body in which a drum is rotatably installed; a circulation passage which becomes a path of the air passing through the drum in the main body to dry the clothes; a heat exchanger composed of an evaporator, a compressor, an expansion valve and a condenser to cool and heat the air on the circulation passage; an inlet port provided on one lateral surface of the main body to inhale the outdoor air; and an outlet port provided on the bottom surface of the main body to discharge the outdoor air.

Abstract: An apparatus such as a hand dryer is configured to expel air in the form of a heated flowstream and an unheated flowstream. The heated flowstream results from active heating, such as would occur when the apparatus exposes the air to a heating element. The heating element heats the air to a temperature that is greater than the air in the unheated flowstream. The apparatus can direct each of the heated flowstream and the unheated flowstream to an exit plane, which defines a first side on which the apparatus prevents the heated flowstream from mixing with the unheated flowstream. The exit plane also defines a second side on which a target can reside. The heated flowstream can mix with the unheated flowstream on the second side, wherein mixing can occur when the heated flowstream and the unheated flowstream impinge on the target.

Abstract: Parameters of a freeze drying process are monitored by measuring trace materials in the vacuum pump exhaust. The measurements are made using techniques such as acousto-optic spectrometry, multipass cavity-enhanced absorption spectrometry (CEAS) and cavity ring-down spectrometry (CRDS). The technique may be used to diagnose problems such as leakage in the freeze drying shelves, leakage in the condensation coils, leaks from atmosphere in the chambers and the presence of residual cleaning materials. The technique may also be used to monitor the presence of water vapor in the exhaust of a secondary drying process.

Abstract: A method for aerobically air-drying sludge cakes is provided. The method comprises: crushing and dispersing sludge filter cakes into a layer of sludge granules, blowing with positive pressure dry air into the layer of sludge granules moving at low speed or overturned so that the sludge granules experience aerobically exothermic reactions, which make moisture rapidly evaporated from sludge granules and moved to the dry air by mass transferring under the effect of both the external heat and internal heat, physically or chemically sterilizing the sludge granules moving at low speed or overturned, pumping out tail gas by negative pressure from the layer of sludge granules, washing and then discharging, and further pulverizing the dried sludge granules to reach the reclamation requirements. At the same time, an apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided. The method is high in heat conducting and mass transferring efficiency when drying and low in energy consumption for drying.

Abstract: A method and device for drying sheets is described. The sheets are guided through a drier divided into drying chambers and brought in contact with the drying air by means of impinging jet aeration. The impinging-jet aeration utilizes cross-aerated nozzle boxes and the main drying stage exhaust air is introduced in the pressure chamber of one or more drying chambers in the first half of the final drying stage. Pan of the exhaust air in the recirculated-air operation is used for drying in the drying chamber and part of the exhaust air is introduced into the suction chamber of the respective subsequent drying chamber. The exhaust air collectively passes through the final drying stage in this manner, and the exhaust air from one or more drying chambers in the second half of said stage is extracted at a. significantly lower temperature.

Abstract: The heat recovery system includes an oven having a treatment air with a treatment air temperature and a treatment air dew point temperature to treat a product or product in process. A zone outlet exhaust waste treatment air following the treatment of the product. A preheating zone includes a preheating inlet for the introduction of preheating air having a preheating air temperature and a preheating air dew point temperature to preheat the product. A transfer duct extends between the zone outlet of the oven and the preheating zone to transfer a portion of waste treatment air from the oven to the preheating zone to create the preheating air to preheat additional product. The preheating air preheats the product in the preheating zone to a product temperature that is at least equal to the treatment air dew point temperature to eliminate surface condensation on the product during treatment in the oven.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an accessory for women's shoes, particularly sandals, for enabling women with unsightly toes to disguise them behind a toe cover apparatus that may adapt to such shoes. In one embodiment, a sandal toe cover apparatus comprises a cover portion; an attachment means comprising double-sided tape having a pressure sensitive adhesive thereon for attaching the sandal toe cover apparatus to a sandal; a least one decorative element comprising a rope or a cord, on a top surface of the cover portion, positioned adjacent to the attachment means; a padding layer comprising one of a soft cloth or felt on a back surface of the sandal toe cover apparatus; and a set of patterns visually displayed on a bottom side of the sandal toe cover apparatus, for identifying lines to cut out a shape or design of the cover portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a performance enhancing shoe sole that includes an anterior support structure and a posterior support structure that are connected by a first support structure. The anterior support structure and posterior support structure are flexible bent spring structures. The first support structure provides a plantar interface that includes a midfoot arch. The shoe sole is positionable in a shoe to provide shock absorption and controlled energy return from the posterior support structure to the first support structure. The shoe sole is an interconnected bent spring system that can be a single ribbon of flexible material defining multiple pivot angles or a multi-layered cantilevered flexible bent spring. The shoe sole can also include inserts that dampen shock.

Abstract: The present invention is called Silly Solez. This device is a portion of the tread, sole, footwear top or footwear bottom which can easily be removed and then replaced. This device can be used on any type of footwear to print, imprint or mold with either side of the device. It can also be removed and used as a stamp. The present invention can be made with or without a resevoir to allow ink or dye to release and leave prints of the various designs. The present invention can also be used as a removable waterproof storage device on the top or the bottom of the sole of footwear.

Abstract: An embodiment of footwear having the orthotic foot device and method of making it is disclosed herein. The device provides support for the foot when used in footwear, in certain regions of the foot such as in the arch and metatarsal regions, in a manner that is very comfortable and yet supportive to the wearer. The embodiment of the orthotic foot device may provide at least one secure, but easily adjusted support component for a region of the foot such as the arch and metatarsal regions. The support component may be removably attached to a cushioned supportive footbed or chassis to provide an increased walking/running comfort and performance. It will become apparent to those skilled in the art that at least one of the support components may be fixedly or integrally attached to the footbed or chassis.

Abstract: An architecture is presented that provides a shoe strap device designed to secure a shoe to a user's foot. The shoe strap device comprises a strap comprising a first end and a second end, wherein a first attachment device is secured to the first end of the strap and a second attachment device is secured to the second end of the strap. Typically, the attachment devices comprises a clip, a hook, a button, a snap or a hook and loop fastener that attaches to both sides of the shoe or other footwear device, which positions the strap over the top of a user's foot. Furthermore, the attachment devices of the shoe strap device are removably secured to an inside or outside of the shoe. Once the attachment devices are secured to both sides of the shoe, the strap is then secured over the dorsal portion of the user's foot.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes a knitted component and a polymer layer. The knitted component is formed of unitary knit construction and extends along a lateral side of the upper, along a medial side of the upper, over a forefoot region of the upper, and around a heel region of the upper. The polymer layer is bonded to the knitted component and may form a majority of an exterior surface of the upper. The polymer layer may be formed from a thermoplastic polymer material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a closure system used in combination in any of a variety of applications including clothing, for example as a footwear lacing system comprising a lace attached to a tightening mechanism. The lace extends through a series of guide members positioned along two opposing footwear closure portions. The lace and guides preferably have low friction surfaces to facilitate sliding of the lace along the guide members so that the lace evenly distributes tension across the footwear member. The tightening mechanism allows incremental adjustment of the tension of the lace. The closure system allows a user to quickly loosen the lace and inhibits unintentional and/or accidental loosing of the lace.

Abstract: A shoe, in particular a ski boot for alpine skiing, has a substantially dimensionally stable sleeve extending from a fixing device on an upper into a calf region of a user. An insert part expands in wedge shape at least along some areas from the lower end of the insert part, the lower end being provided for arranging in the sleeve, to the upper end of the insert part, and which is provided for receiving in a calf section of the sleeve. The sleeve is formed with a material recess in the calf section which is provided for receiving the insert part. The wedge-shaped insert part is at least partly received in the material recess in a lower position. In an upper position, the insert part is arranged such that the material recess is bridged by the insert part to form a hollow chamber.

Abstract: This invention is a departure from typical shoe design by reducing the sole thickness from the leading edge of the sole to the vicinity of the last joint of the toes. This design transfers a large part of walking type forces from the toes to the main pad of the foot. Since the change in footwear was made to hard soles the toes have taken on an increased load. This causes a great amount of trauma to the toes in many cases. This design will remedy that if used properly. The healing ability of this design has been proven on toes that had been bleeding for decades, the change healed the toes completely. The present treatment for toe problems is to make them immobile with casts or other disabling system and possible surgery. The toe healing corrective shoe allows normal walking activities while healing.

Abstract: A motor grader is disclosed having a tracking system indicating the location of the motor grader relative to a desired snow plowing path. The tracking system may also indicate the location of prerecorded obstacles along the desired snow plowing path.

Abstract: A trencher assembly for use in association with an excavator and the like, including: a body, wherein the body is configured for releasable securement with a boom, a crumber bar, and a bracket; a boom, wherein the boom is associated with an endless chain having a plurality of teeth and/or blades; a crumber bar, wherein the crumber bar extends contiguously from the body, and further wherein the crumber bar is positioned generally above the boom; and a bracket, wherein the bracket is configured for releasable securement to both the body of the trencher assembly, as well as an excavator. Accessory items releasably securable to the brackets of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: A tractor scraper includes a tractor portion and a scraper portion. The scraper portion may include a bowl and an apron disposed adjacent a forward end of the bowl. The tractor scraper may include a first drive configured to raise the apron. The first drive may include an actuator drivingly connected to a pinion. The first drive may also include a rack connected to the apron and the pinion in a manner allowing the actuator to raise the apron by driving the rack with the pinion. The rack may include a plurality of teeth facing rearward.

Abstract: A tractor scraper includes a tractor portion and a scraper portion. The scraper portion may include a bowl and an apron disposed adjacent a forward end of the bowl. The tractor scraper may also include a drive configured to raise the apron. The drive may include an actuator drivingly connected to a pinion. The drive may also include a rack connected to the apron and the pinion in a manner allowing the actuator to raise the apron by driving the rack with the pinion. The rack may be connected to the apron in a manner allowing relative movement between the rack and the apron.

Abstract: A hydraulic shovel includes an engine; a hydraulic pump driven by the engine; an excavating attachment which is driven by high oil discharged from the hydraulic pump; a motor generator that assists a power supply of the engine; and an assist control unit that controls the motor generator to assist the engine in a latter part of the excavating operation by the excavating attachment.

Abstract: A tooth and adaptor assembly is provided for a dipper bucket. The assembly can have an adaptor having a rear portion for attaching to the dipper bucket, a tooth capable of releasable attachment to the adaptor and a retainer pin for securing the tooth to the adaptor. The adaptor comprises a tapering intermediate portion that narrows to a rectangular front portion, and a wedge portion that extends perpendicularly therefrom. The adaptor further comprises at least one socket cavity for receiving a leg extension having an inwardly pointing hook disposed on the tooth. The tooth has a tip at its front end for digging and a socket at its rear end configured to receive the front and intermediate portions of the adaptor. A passageway is formed between the wedge portion and the leg hook for receiving a retainer pin to secure the tooth to the adaptor.

Abstract: An ironing board (1) having a board member (3) connected to a support structure (5). The ironing board (1) also has a base (7) for supporting the ironing board (1) on a surface and adjustment means (9) which permits the position of the support structure (5) relative to the base (7) to be adjusted to enable the height of the board member (3) to be adjusted relative to the surface. The base (7) may have a first leg (42) formed by a pair of substantially parallel elongate tubes (40) and a second leg (46) formed by a single elongate member (46) which is pivotally connected to the adjustment means (9). The board member (3) may be made from two sections (11, 13) that are pivotally connected to one another to permit the board member (3) to be folded.

Abstract: Greeting cards with integrated 3D glasses.

Abstract: A system for installing and maintaining a display on a structure. The system includes at least one guide system having a pair of guide rails that have a first end accessible from the roofing surface of the structure and a second end attached to the side exterior wall of the structure. The guide rails each define a track that is designed for sliding receipt of guide pins disposed on a bottom side of a frame member. The guide pins are engaged within the track of each of the guide rails and remain engaged within the track of the guide rails such that the frame member can be slidingly positioned on the first end of the guide rails or, in a second position where the frame member is positioned on the second end of the guide rails. A selected display or sign is attached to a top side of the frame member.

Abstract: A self attaching tag made essentially of self adhesive printable plastic to be attached to a fragile and easily deformable object characterized in that the tag is covered with a plurality of varnishes which allow for the protection of pre-printing and for printing and writing on at the moment of use. The tags are delivered on large rolls where perforations allow for easy separation of the tags.

Abstract: A Recoil, Sound and Flash Suppressor that is machined from a solid metal bar of a diameter determined by weapon caliber and mechanically attached to the end of said weapon's muzzle, with a series of gas ports radially machined to vent gas and create a unique scalloped chamber that is solely held integral by the outer body of said device to sequentially dissipate gas, sound and flash and negate most muzzle movement.