Abstract: A method for manufacturing a carrier assembly of a stacked planetary gear set is provided. The method includes forming the inner and outer spiders and attaching the spiders to a back plate or to each other to form the carrier assembly. One or both of the inner and outer carrier spiders are formed from powdered metal, by precision casting, and/or by stamping. The stacked planetary gear set may be axially aligned or axially offset.

Abstract: Endodontic instruments for use in performing root canal therapy on a tooth are disclosed. In one form, the instruments include an elongate shank having a cutting edge extending from a distal end of the shank along an axial length of the shank. The shank comprises a titanium alloy, and the shank is prepared by heat-treating the shank at a temperature above 25° C. in an atmosphere consisting essentially of a gas unreactive with the shank. In another form, the endodontic instruments have an elongate shank having a cutting edge extending from a distal end of the shank along an axial length of the shank. The shank consists essentially of a titanium alloy selected from alpha-titanium alloys, beta-titanium alloys, and alpha-beta-titanium alloys. The instruments solve the problems encountered when cleaning and enlarging a curved root canal.

Abstract: A combination chopstick utensil including a first chopstick member and a second chopstick member. The combination chopstick utensil includes a pair of base members coupled to each of the first and second chopstick members having a separation facilitation structure configured to facilitate separation of the pair of base members. The combination chopstick utensil includes a utensil coupled to the pair of base members and extending therefrom substantially opposite of the first and second chopstick members. The first and second chopstick members are substantially non-parallel when in a combined chopstick utensil configuration. The utensil is a spoon.

Abstract: The pill container is shaped like a conventional pen and is composed of multiple cylindrical compartments and a cap. Each compartment is labeled for the medication it contains. The label can be placed outside or attached inside with a clip. Such labeling with a clip can be applied to the regular medication organizers to add extra function as a labeled pill container. The last compartment of pill pen has a blade embedded at its end and functions as a pill cutter, which is covered with a safety cap, which has a serrated convex surface so as to function as a pill grinder. The cutting and grinding surface is the inside vertex of the cap of the pill pen.

Abstract: A knife comprising a housing and a rotating blade carriage pivotably associated with the housing. The knife further includes a compartment in which a plurality of blades can be stored and later advanced from the housing for performing a cutting action, the first end of the blade being exposed. The rotating blade carriage can be rotated with respect to the housing and placed in a second position so that the opposite end of the same blade is exposed for performing a cutting action when advanced. The rotating blade carriage can be selectively locked in the first or second position. A carriage locking lever can be accessible for unlocking the rotating blade carriage for blade reversal. When removal of the used or worn blade is desired, the knife can have one or more blade release members that allow the disengagement of the blade from the knife so that the user can manually remove the blade without the requirement of disassembly or partial disassembly of the knife.

Abstract: A multi-edge chisel which can be operated in a hands-free manner is made from a unitary main body with at least one opening. The main body has a flat profile, with a blade on one end, and at least one striking plate on the opposite end.

Abstract: A cutting tool utilizing a replaceable blade has a body which defines a blade-accepting pocket having an interior within which the body of the blade is nestingly accepted when inserted within the pocket and for releasable securement of the blade within the blade-accepting pocket. Furthermore, the blade-accepting pocket includes an abutment surface against which a surface of the blade body bears against when the cutting edge of the blade is moved into cutting engagement with an item being cut with the tool.

Abstract: The hair clipper of the present invention includes an adjusting device configured to adjust a clipping height determined by a relative position of a second comb-like blade to a first comb-like blade. The device includes a connection mechanism connecting a handle ring to a slider such that the slider configured to vary the relative position is moved with rotation of the ring. The mechanism includes a cam groove and a linking pin placed inside the groove. The groove includes first and second sides. The first side includes plural step parts which extend in a direction across the moving direction of the slider and are formed in different positions in the moving direction, and a slope part connecting the step parts. The second side is formed such that the cam groove has a smaller width at the step part than at a border between the step and slope parts.

Abstract: The hair clipper of the present invention includes an adjusting device configured to adjust a clipping height determined by a relative position of a second comb-like blade to a first comb-like blade. The device includes a slider configured to vary the relative position, and a handle ring, and a connection mechanism connecting the ring to the slider such that the slider is moved with rotation of the ring. The mechanism includes a cam groove and a linking pin placed inside the cam groove. The cam groove includes plural holding grooves extending in a direction across the moving direction of the slider and a connection groove connecting the holding grooves. The plural holding grooves are formed in different positions in the moving direction respectively associated with the different clipping heights. Each holding groove is configured to hold the pin between its opposite inner sides.

Abstract: A knife is disclosed. The knife comprises a handle having carabiner loop integrally formed with an arm extending from one end of the handle and a gate extending from a second end, the gate pivotally attached to the handle whereby the carabiner loop can be opened or closed.

Abstract: A head including a housing (3A, 3B) for a winding spool (7) for winding the cutting line (F), provided with projections (15, 19) cooperating with teeth (17, 21) integral with the housing. The teeth and the projections are arranged in such a way so as to allow a stepped rotation of the spool with respect to the housing, when the spool is translated alternatively in opposite directions parallel to the axis of the head. The head includes a first series of teeth and a second series of teeth (21A, 21) which can be used alternatively and which are suitable each to allow the rotation of the spool (7) in one direction and to prevent the rotation in the opposite direction with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A survey setting point indicating device comprises a support member 3 which can be tilted with respect to a vertical direction, a connecting member which can be freely tilted with respect to the support member and hangs vertically downward by gravity, a laser pointer 7 which is provided at a lower end of the connecting member, is concentric with an axis of the connecting member and emits a laser beam vertically downward, and a reflector 5 provided such that the axis of the connecting member passes through a center of the reflector.

Abstract: A survey setting point indicating device comprises a prism device 5 and a support member, and in the survey setting point indicating device, said prism device comprises a laser emitting device 16 for emitting a laser beam 17, an omnidirectional prism 9 having a cavity 14 in a center, a mirror 18 which is provided in said cavity, is rotatable about two axes crossing at right angles, and can deflect, in an arbitrary direction, said laser beam emitted from said laser emitting device, and a control unit 19 for controlling a posture or a rotation of said mirror, and said support member supports said prism device, and said laser beam is configured to attach (transfer) a position of a center of said prism device to a required surface.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements to rapidly adjust the trim of a watercraft are disclosed. More specifically, embodiments comprise a sensor to quickly detect changes in the trim angle of a watercraft and a driver adapted to effect rapid changes in the trim angle. For example, many embodiments include large hydraulic pumps and hydraulic connections to adjust the angle of a trim adjuster such as the angle of trim tabs, an outboard motor, or a stern drive. Some embodiments implement high torque electric motors or high capacity pneumatic systems. The drivers may, for example, effect changes in the angle of the trim adjuster within two seconds. In one embodiment, the driver may effect a change in the trim angle within one second or less.

Abstract: A blade gap setting device for a potato chip cutting head, the device comprising an elongate body having an upper surface and a lower surface, at least one mounting for a depth micrometer having a displaceable spindle, the mounting extending from the upper surface to the lower surface to permit a depth micrometer to be mounted to the upper surface with a free end of the displaceable spindle being exposed at the lower surface, a first lower reference surface and a second front reference surface, at least the second front reference surface being located forwardly of the at least one mounting.

Abstract: A blade gap setting device for attachment to a blade holder of a blade cutter assembly has an elongate body with an upper surface and a lower surface and at least one mounting for a depth micrometer having a displaceable spindle. The depth micrometer is installed through a channel of the mounting, with a free end of the displaceable spindle being exposed beneath the mounting. The device also has a first rounded front reference surface located at a position in front of the mounting, a second front reference surface extending downwardly from the body, and a third lower reference surface below the mounting or spindle. The reference surfaces serve as contact points to bear against interior portions of the blade cutter assembly; in particular, the blade holder and a top surface of the blade.

Abstract: In order to be able to compensate different temperature expansion of a magnetic tape, (measuring tape) and a support ring in an angle sensor where the magnetic tape is applied to a circumference of a component and where a scanning head is used, the magnetic tape is fixated at the support ring at the most at one location of the circumference and otherwise supported at the circumference with a tension band, so that the measuring tape can perform a movement relative to the support ring, and/or the tension band due to the expansion in circumferential direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a contact lens drying apparatus (1702, 1702) configured to dry a lens container (903) that is attached to the apparatus in a drying configuration, the apparatus comprising a controller (106), drying engagement means (904) for removably engaging the lens container (903), wherein the drying engagement means (904) disposes the lens container (903) in an orientation that reduces ingress of airborne contaminants, and a heating element (107), wherein the controller (106) is configured to direct the heating element (107) to dry the engaged lens container (903) thereby significantly reducing microbial activity in the container.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes hot air containing water discharged from a heating space to pass through a top/down bended fluid pipeline (1035) formed by an external part of housing (1030) of a pipeline segment having water condensing function (1029) and a top/down bended flow guiding structure (1032), meanwhile external inlet air having relatively low temperature passing through an internal part of housing (1031) of the pipeline segment having water condensing function (1029) is pumped in to enable the hot air containing water to be cooled, thereby the contained water is condensed and thereby is collected or flows with a part of the hot air to pass through an hot air shunt port (1026) for being guided to be discharged from an external discharging port (109); and a part of the hot air is guided by the hot air shunt port (1026) to flow towards a returned hot air inlet (1022), thereby reducing the thermal energy loss and saving electric energy.

Abstract: A method of controlling and enhancing the nucleation of product in a freeze dryer, wherein the product is maintained at a predetermined temperature and pressure in a chamber of the freeze dryer, and a predetermined volume of ice fog is created in a condenser chamber separate from the product chamber and connected thereto by a vapor port. The ice fog has a predetermined pressure that is greater than that of the product chamber, and is rapidly conveyed through the vapor port into the product chamber for even distribution therein to create uniform and rapid nucleation of the product in different areas of the product chamber.

Abstract: An orthopedic insole capable of being inserted into a shoe or the like for relieving and/or treating skin disorders and/or calluses and/or metatarsal pain comprises at least one semi-rigid corrective element capable of producing an inner metatarsal support, over the rear portion of the head of the first metatarsal, and/or a median metatarsal support, over the rear portion of the second and/or third and/or fourth metatarsal head, and/or an external metatarsal support, over the rear portion of the fifth metatarsal head.

Abstract: A healthy insole is disclosed, which includes a first soft elastic member including a front metatarsal section, a mid foot section, and a rear heel section, and formed in a shape corresponding to a shape of an inner bottom surface of a shoe; a hard elastic member disposed at a bottom of the mid foot section and the rear heel section of the first soft elastic member, wherein a first through hole and a second through hole are respectively disposed in an arch portion of the mid foot section and the rear heel section, and a plurality of first recesses are disposed on the surface of the hard elastic member, and an arch elastic part is disposed in the first through hole; and a second soft elastic member disposed in the second through hole of the hard elastic member, wherein a plurality of second recesses are disposed on the surface of the second soft elastic member.

Abstract: An article of footwear, such as a sports shoe particularly for the practice of a racquet sport, the shoe including an outer sole assembly and an upper. A contact surface of the sole assembly has a first support portion including a first subdivision which borders a front end, from the lateral side to the medial side, as well as a second subdivision which extends from the first subdivision towards the rear end, and from the lateral side towards a medial side. The contact surface has a second support portion which extends from the first subdivision of the first portion towards the rear end, and from the second subdivision of the first portion towards the medial side. The average coefficient of friction of the first support portion is greater than the average coefficient of friction of the second support portion.

Abstract: An invention pertaining to footwear is described, including a flexible protection plate, an insole, and a shoe with three forefoot pads and three toe compartments. The sections of the protection plate are hinged or separated to allow a greater degree of independent movement of the three main groups of muscles and bones in the forefoot in response to varying walking, hiking and running terrain. A separate insole is described that incorporates the forefoot protection plate and that can be inserted into and removed from footwear in order to provide additional protection as needed. A shoe including outer-sole, midsole and upper, are also described in which the forward portion is divided into three toe compartments that are configured to allow independent articulation of corresponding individual toes and/or pairs of toes inserted in the footwear.

Abstract: A removable cleat for footwear. The cleat includes a disc with opposing faces. A shoe coupling element is attached to one face of the disc. The other disc face supports a cushioning layer. Traction elements are supported by the cushioning layer. When a user steps on a surface wearing a shoe outfitted with these cleats, the resilience of the cushioning layer at once both lessens the impact of the traction elements on the ground surface and lessens the reaction force on the user's foot transmitted through the shoe's outsole. The user's comfort is thereby enhanced.

Abstract: The invention provides a portable protective sheath specially designed to cover the bottoms and sides of athletic cleats. The PeepZ comprises a durable rubber or plastic soled footpad accentuated with empressed grooves that facilitate traction. The top surface is configured for applying the sheath device to the front half of a cleated sports shoe to cover the front half of the sole and the sides of the toe portion of the shoe.

Abstract: A ditch forming implement includes a frame supported for movement across the ground in a forward working direction when connected to a towing vehicle. A rotating member, for example a tire having a resilient main body and integral resilient paddles formed thereon, is rotatably supported on the frame within an upright plane oriented transversely to the forward working direction. The frame may also support a shovel on an implement shank spaced forwardly of the rotating member, an adjustable guide wheel supported rearwardly of the rotating member for controlling depth of the rotating member, and a grader blade supported forwardly and laterally offset to one side of the rotating member for widening a ditch to be formed by the implement.

Abstract: A cutter head according to the invention is particularly suitable for breaking relatively hard ground, is self-sharpening and has an extended service life.

Abstract: A customizable display and method for selectively and securely displaying important information, such as a sign for use in healthcare environments. The display includes a cover and a frame assembly. The frame assembly includes a frame, which supports a plurality of tracks, and a plurality of slides positioned on the tracks. The slides receive interchangeable indicia plates, which bear the important information wherein the slides are positioned behind the cover to selectively display the interchangeable indicia plates. The frame defines a locking channel for receiving a locking system having at least one elongate locking member for cooperating with a slide coupling to secure the slides in the extended or concealed position. The slides are biased in the concealed and extended positions and the locking system is obscured by the cover to prevent unauthorized or accidental movement of the slides to alter the displayed information.

Abstract: A multi-planar image display system comprises an insert having holding means and sheets being held in alignment at opposite edges by the holding means. The sheets have particularly predetermined widths such that when aligned and affixed to each other via the holding means form predetermined curve profiles with equal spacing between the sheets, allowing a sharp, realistic 3D image to be produced from 2D images printed on the sheets. The system may further comprise a frame configured to securely hold the insert in tension without requiring additional fasteners. The frame may be configured to hold one or more inserts and allow easy insertion and removal of each insert. The frame may be configured to accommodate a cover, a board, a light panel, a cap, a casing, and/or other feature(s) to protect or otherwise accompany the 3D image produced by the insert.

Abstract: A magazine for a firearm may include a cavity that is shaped to prevent the tip of the bullets in the cartridges from contacting the magazine when the firearm recoils. The magazine may also be configured so that the cartridges in the magazine exit the cavity at least approximately in the center of the magazine. The magazine may be configured to include a biasing mechanism that pushes the cartridges upward in the cavity. The biasing mechanism may be configured to allow the magazine to be compact, simple, and reliable.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a firearm including a buttstock defining a first bore extending along a longitudinal axis and a receiver coupled to the buttstock. The receiver defines a second bore extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and in fluid communication with the first bore. The receiver also defines an ejection port transverse to the longitudinal axis. The firearm further includes a bolt carrier disposed in the second bore and movable relative to the receiver along the longitudinal axis between a firing position and a rearward position. The firearm also includes an expulsion device at least partially disposed in the buttstock for flowing air through the first and second bores and out the ejection port as the bolt carrier moves between the firing and rearward positions.

Abstract: A grip is disclosed. The grip comprises a base portion; a grip portion pivotably connected to the base portion for arrangement in one of: a deployed orientation, a stowed orientation and an intermediate orientation, wherein the grip portion includes a first, inner body, and a second, outer body, wherein the second, outer body is movably- and telescopingly-connected to the first, inner body; and a locking assembly arranged within and at least partially contained by the grip portion, wherein a portion of the locking assembly is selectively-extendable in one of an orientation within the grip portion and beyond an outer surface of the grip portion for selective coupling of the portion of the locking assembly with the base portion. A method for operating a grip is also disclosed. An assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved barrel includes a first hollow portion having a preferred rectilinear extension direction and an inner surface defining a bore adapted to be travelled over by a projectile, the first hollow portion including an inner layer constituting the inner surface obtained through deposition of diamondoids by a high-vacuum process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a patch (1) for cleaning firearms, comprising a circular central portion (1a) and a plurality of flaps (1b) extending therefrom radially outwards. Thanks to the presence of the flaps (1b) it is possible to achieve a uniform contact between the patch (1) and the surface of a cavity (C) to be cleaned, thus minimizing the formation of pleats in the patch (1) and allowing to reduce the number of sweeps and rotations of the patch (1) and of the cleaning device during cleaning. The invention also relates to a device for cleaning firearms comprising at least one patch (1) and at least one supporting member (2) suitable to allow to fix the at least one patch (1).

Abstract: A planar triangular patch for cleaning firearm bores. The patch has similarly sized notches placed centrally along the edges of the patch, permitting a level of pleating as the patch is inserted into a firearm bore and wraps around a jag. The patch is made of a material design to clean and preserve the interior of a firearm bore and applies uniform pressure against the bore as it presents the face of its longest radius to the bore interior, cleaning the entire bore simultaneously.

Abstract: An enclosure that converts to a blanket, a method for constructing the enclosure, and a method for converting the same into a blanket are disclosed. The enclosure includes a central panel, first-side and second-side panels and a sub-assembly. The central panel has a first end and an opposed second end. The central panel further has a transverse edge and an opposed edge. The first-side panel is connected along the transverse edge. The second-side panel is connected along the opposed edge. The sub-assembly, which includes a closing element and a protective element, is connected about a perimeter of the central panel. The closing element remains closed about a substantial portion of the perimeter when a firearm is present in the enclosure. The closing element is opened and the first-side and second-side panels unfolded in an outward manner from the central panel to form the blanket.

Abstract: A fishing rod has a rod blank, and a line guide group attached to the rod blank for guiding a fishing line delivered from a reel to a top guide. The, line guide group is classified into a choke guide group configured with three choke guides and a tip guide group configured with a plurality of tip guides having a decreased height and diameter than the choke guides. Heights and diameters of the choke guides are set to draw one virtual cone shape in which the diameters are made to be circumferences. The heights and diameters of the tip guides are set to be all the same. Since the line is converged rapidly and smoothly, the tip guide group can have a combination of light guides having small diameter, thereby the entire weight can be saved greatly, and original ability of a rod can be brought out.

Abstract: A fishing lure includes a plurality of segments flexibly joined by a flexible line linkage to form a substantially linier array of segments. One or more fish hooks are secured to one or more of the segments. A fish line attachment is provided at the front most segment of the linier array. A plurality of angled slots are formed between each segment due to the spaced linier array. Each segment defines an internal buoyancy chamber and one or more vent apertures are provided which control the flow of water into the buoyancy chambers when the fishing lure is emerced. The lure provides a variety of travel paths and performance under the control of the user through manipulation of the attached fishing line.

Abstract: A fishing rig for use in catching fish is described herein. The fishing rig includes a leader that extends between a first end and a second end, and a plurality of bait elements that are coupled to the leader. The plurality of bait elements includes a first bait element that is coupled to the leader and is oriented between the leader first end and the leader second end. At least one second bait element is coupled to the leader and oriented downline of the first bait element along the leader such that the first and second bait elements display a schooling-type action to facilitate attracting fish to the fishing rig.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to methods, systems, and compositions for preparing a solid biomass for fast pyrolysis. The method includes contacting the solid biomass with an inorganic material present in an effective amount for increasing fast pyrolysis yield of an organic liquid product (e.g., bio-oil). In various embodiments, the inorganic material is selected from the group consisting of aluminum sulfate, aluminum nitrate, aluminum chloride, aluminum hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides biological oils and methods and uses thereof. The biological oils are preferably produced by heterotrophic fermentation of one or more microorganisms using cellulose-containing feedstock as a main source of carbon. The present invention also provides methods of producing lipid-based biofuels and food, nutritional, and pharmaceutical products using the biological oils.

Abstract: A fuel processing system for converting a logistical fuel and air into a liquid product comprising methanol. One such system comprises a fuel injection system configured to combine a logistical fuel and ambient air to produce a logistical fuel and air mixture, a synthesis gas production system configured to convert the logistical fuel and air mixture to synthesis gas, and a methanol synthesis system configured to convert the synthesis gas to a crude methanol liquid. Related methods are additionally disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a continuous charcoal manufacturing apparatus for turning particulate organic material into charcoal. The apparatus comprises a source of the particulate organic material, a retort and a heating device for heating gas in an external vessel interior space. The source of the particulate organic material comprises an outlet for discharging the particulate organic material from said source! The retort has an external vessel and an inner vessel within the external vessel, whereby the walls of the two vessels are spaced apart from each other so as to define the external vessel interior space between the walls. The external vessel ulterior space is coupled to the source of the particulate organic material so as to allow gases to pass from said space to the source and the inner vessel has an inlet coupled to the source through which the particulate organic material can pass and an outlet for allowing the charcoal to exit the inner vessel.

Abstract: A process for drying coal is provided in which coal is passed into a fluidized bed reactor and heated to a predetermined temperature. The dried coal is then fed to a cooler where the temperature of the product is reduced to approximately 200 degrees Fahrenheit and water is added to further passivate the coal.

Abstract: Methods of transporting or causing transport of a plant or plant part between two locations are provided. For example, plants or plant parts are placed in a support substrate that is free of organic soil, peat, humus or bark at a first location and transported to a second location. Methods for growing plants are also provided comprising, for example, receiving a transported plant or plant part embedded in a support substrate that is essentially free of organic soil, peat or bark and growing a plant therefrom.

Abstract: Suction Cup Surface Mounted Shelf and Planter Assembly, when temporarily affixed to any appropriate surface, can be used to simulate an indoor greenhouse and/or used as an outdoor window box planter. The Assembly can also be used as a support and containment system for any appropriate item. The Suction Cup Surface Mounted Shelf can be used independently from the planter and serve as a general purpose shelf to hold appropriate items. The Planter can be utilized as a freestanding planter and/or serve as a general purpose container to hold appropriate items.

Abstract: Provided are a device comprising (a) a three-dimensional structure comprising a plurality of fibers, and (b) powder particles contained in and/or affixed to said structure, wherein said powder particles comprise one or more volatile compound in an encapsulation complex with a molecular encapsulation agent, a method for releasing a volatile compound from a molecular encapsulation complex using such a device, and an apparatus or system for performing such a method.

Abstract: A plant cultivation container includes a container body having: a plant cultivation space with an opening for planting a plant formed in a front face thereof; and a water reservoir portion for pooling plant cultivation water formed in a lower portion of the plant cultivation space, in which container a water-absorbing plant cultivation flooring material is mounted in the plant cultivation space so that a part of the plant cultivation flooring material is positioned inside the water reservoir portion.

Abstract: Provided herein are exemplary algae cultivation ponds having the circulation of fluid optimized for such factors as decreased energy consumption, decreased predators/competitors, decreased or eliminated flow deadzones (i.e. stagnant regions), and increased algae biomass production, such as for the production of biofuels and other algae-based products.