Abstract: In one embodiment, a neurostimulation lead comprises an elongated body of insulative material, comprising a first end portion and a second end portion; a plurality of terminals longitudinally positioned along the first end portion; a plurality of electrodes longitudinally positioned along the second end portion; a plurality of conductors electrically coupling the plurality of electrodes to the plurality of terminals; a flexible metal longitudinal stiffener positioned within the elongated body wherein the stiffener has a plurality of longitudinal zones and each zone has a different column strength, the column strength of one or more zones of the plurality of longitudinal zones being defined by cuts or gaps in the stiffener, the stiffener causing the neurostimulation lead to exhibit a greatest amount of column strength adjacent to one end portion of the elongated body and to transition to a lower column strength toward a medial portion of the elongated body.

Abstract: An engine mounting arrangement is provided for supporting a gas turbine engine. The mounting arrangement comprises a module adaptor mounted to an overhead or a ground based carrier for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis. The module adaptor extends horizontally from a base to an axially-opposed distal end having a first mounting interface configured for attachment to a module of the engine. The module adaptor holds the engine by the module to which it is attached and with the other engine modules projecting in a cantilever fashion from the supported module.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for removing barrel nuts used for securing a plurality of studs to a turbine blade. Each stud is individually coupled to a respective barrel nut such that each barrel nut is anchored to a root end of the turbine blade. The barrel nut is heated to a predetermined temperature using a controller and a thermocouple. An adhesion between the barrel nut and the turbine blade is overcome and the barrel nut is extracted from the turbine blade. The barrel nut is removed from the turbine blade by connecting an extractor assembly or barrel nut removal device. This is accomplished from an interior surface of a root end of the turbine blade such that this method allows one to remove and replace barrel nuts while the turbine blade remains attached to the hub.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for welding a first metal to a Ti-6246 alloy airfoil. The method consists of depositing weld metal by fusion welding and reshaping the airfoil to predetermined dimensions. A post weld heat treatment is applied to relieve residual stresses. Surface treatment such as laser shock peening introduces residual surface compressive stresses to enhance the mechanical integrity of the airfoil.

Abstract: Processes for fabricating components to have two or more regions with different grain structures, and components produced by such processes. First and second preforms are fabricated to comprise interface surfaces at which the preforms can be joined together. The first and second preforms are formed of first and second precipitation-strengthened alloys, respectively, and the first alloy differs from the second alloy by having a higher solvus temperature or a higher grain refiner content. The preforms are joined together to form an article comprising first and second portions formed by the first and second preforms, respectively, and corresponding to first and second regions of the component, respectively, and the interface surfaces of the preforms form a joint between the first and second portions of the article. A supersolvus heat treatment is performed on the article so that greater grain growth occurs in the second portion than in the first portion.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a heat pipe. Activated particles or particle clusters are formed. The activated particles or particle clusters are contacted with a working fluid in a non-oxidizing environment to form a chemisorbed layer of the working fluid thereon to generate chemisorbed working fluid surfaced activated hydrophilic particles or activated hydrophilic particle clusters which provide a solid-liquid contact angle to working fluid when subsequently added of <30 degrees. The chemisorbed working fluid surfaced activated hydrophilic particles or hydrophilic particle clusters are vacuum transferred and filled inside the heat pipe along with an additional volume of working fluid. The heat pipe is then sealed.

Abstract: A method of constructing a solar harvesting site includes positioning support risers for supporting numerous solar panel cartridges before any solar panel cartridges are mounted. Preferably, risers for the entire site are positioned consecutively in a continuous process. Solar panel cartridges, preferably with pre-mounted and pre-wired solar panels, are then mounted on the risers consecutively in a continuous process. Unique equipment to automate the method includes an anchor vehicle to position risers in a continuous manner and a carrier to automatically position cartridges onto the risers in a continuous manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a razor, and particularly, to a razor the color of which changes in accordance with water temperature. The razor comprises: a razor cartridge to which a plurality of blades are coupled; and a handle coupled to the cartridge, wherein a temperature-sensitive capsule is embedded in the cartridge or in the handle such that the temperature of the temperature-sensitive capsule changes when the water temperature becomes higher than a specific temperature level.

Abstract: A utility knife includes a handle, a blade carrier, and a blade depth adjustment assembly. The blade carrier is mechanically coupled to the handle and configured to support a blade. The blade depth adjustment assembly is mechanically coupled to the handle and configured to permit a user of the utility knife to reposition components of the blade depth adjustment assembly to select one of a plurality of blade depth positions which causes the blade carrier to be repositioned along the handle depending upon which of the blade depth positions is selected.

Abstract: A hand pruner having a first and second handle, the first handle having a hook, formed at a far end, the second handle having a cutting blade formed at the far end. The first handle and hook and second handle and blade pivotally connected for movement with respect to each other. The blade and second handle having a cup formed between the blade and second handle. The hook and first handle having a cup formed between the hook and first handle. The cutting edge of the hook is formed along two concave intersecting arcs of different diameters, the smaller diameter arc located next to the pivot. The cutting edge of the blade is formed along two convex intersecting arcs having diameters that complement the two concave arcs in the hook cutting edge.

Abstract: A hair clipper grip attachment is provided that is configured for releasably engaging a hair clipper, and includes a body with an exterior surface, an interior surface configured for contacting an exterior of a housing of the clipper. The body is constructed and arranged for releasably engaging the hair clipper in a snap-clip fashion for providing a thermally insulating layer that protects a user's hand from heat generated by the hair clipper.

Abstract: A chainsaw guide bar adapted for carving and shaping a workpiece. In one embodiment, a guide bar includes a mounting end, a distal working end, and an intermediate portion offset from the longitudinal axis defined the mounting end. In one embodiment, the guide bar includes an axially elongated recess providing an unsupported span of chain which is movable between undeflected and deflected positions for contouring a workpiece. The chain is engaged with and supported in a guide rail slot along the top peripheral edge of the guide bar. Various embodiments of the guide bar have an asymmetrical shape. The guide bar may further include an idler sprocket mechanism operable to guide movement of the saw chain along the outer peripheral edge of the guide bar.

Abstract: An improved housing for battery-powered devices is provided. The housing is configured to hold at least one battery. A surface within the housing includes a housing wall. A self-adhering insulation sleeve located between the housing wall and the battery. The self-adhering insulation sleeve includes a coated surface and a non-coated surface. A layer of adhesive on the coated surface of the self-adhering insulation sleeve.

Abstract: Downhole tools are provided for measuring the inclination of a portion of a drill string. In certain embodiments, downhole tools for measuring inclination comprise a catch system for measuring inclination and a pressure pulse signaling system for communicating inclination measurement information to the surface. Catch systems for measuring inclination include a series of disc mounted on an upper shaft, each disc having a ball disposed thereon.

Abstract: Systems and methods for three-axis sensor chip packages are provided. In one embodiment, a directional sensor package comprises: a base; a first sensor die mounted to the base, the first sensor die having a first active sensor circuit and a first plurality of metal pads electrically coupled to the first active sensor circuit; a second sensor die mounted to the base, the second sensor die having a second active sensor circuit located on a first surface, and a second plurality of metal pads electrically coupled to the second active sensor circuit located on a second surface. The second sensor die is positioned such that the second active sensor circuit is oriented orthogonally with respect to the first active sensor circuit region and is perpendicular to the base. The second surface is adjacent to the first surface and angled with respect to a plane of the first surface.

Abstract: A tilt sensor capable of sensing tilt in multiple directions includes a backplane, a base, a cover, and a moving component. A light emitting component and light sensing components are disposed on the backplane. The base, disposed on the backplane, includes a recess the bottom of which having a plurality of through-holes. The through-holds expose the light emitting and light sensing components. The cover, disposed on the base, covers the recess. The moving component, disposed in the recess and between the base and the cover, includes a shelter portion where center of gravity of the moving component is located. The moving component moves in directions toward which the tilt sensor is titled, and the shelter portion covers some of the through-holes and blocks light to or from the light emitting and light sensing components. The moving component is highly sensitive and not subject to malfunction caused by friction-induced static electricity.

Abstract: An edge finder includes a housing having a power source included therein. The edge finder includes a probe extending outward from a bottom portion of the housing, the probe including a tip portion located at a distal end, a centrally-disposed spherical portion, and a columnar portion located at a proximal end. The edge finder includes a notification element disposed within the housing, the notification element including the ability to be engaged via the power source, such as for example a light source. The edge finder includes a contact element within the housing such that when lateral pressure is applied to the conical portion, the probe rotates about the spherical portion and columnar portion causes the contact element to engage the power source for activating the notification element. Thus, the edge finder is able to determine X, Y, and Z axes of an item using the notification element for guidance.

Abstract: A turbulence bar assembly for a cylinder that extends in an axial direction includes a plurality of bars that extend in the axial direction and at least one hoop. The at least one hoop has one or more hoop segments that are connected to the plurality of bars and one or more couplers that are in engagement with the one or more hoop segments to expand and contract a radial dimension of the at least one hoop in response to movement of an adjustment block in the axial direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and a method, wherein the process conditions can be kept constant in a device for processing tobacco. The device comprises a combining device for combining the tobacco to be processed and a process gas and which is connected to a discharge device for discharging a first quantity of the process gas and a supply device for supplying a second quantity of the process gas; the device having at least one control device for controlling the first quantity of the discharged process gas and/or the second quantity of the supplied process gas.

Abstract: Organic materials are stripped and dried in a single column having two contact zones. A stripping gas is introduced into an upper contact zone and flows through the organic material in that zone. A drying gas is introduced into a lower contact zone. The drying gas contacts the organic material in both the upper and lower contact zones, and is removed from the top of the column together with the stripping gas. This process permits very efficiently removal of volatile organic compounds as well as efficient drying, while requiring on low levels of the stripping and drying gasses.

Abstract: A flip-flop sandal shoe construction with a fabric, fur or like overlay detachably secured to the front end of the flip-flop strap to provide a fashion statement of coloration, picturization or design to the sandal when wrapped around a wearer's foot and secured, or extending to the side edges of the sandal while continuing to provide an open toe presentation in allowing for pedicure servicing without first having to remove a sock or boot worn as a protective measure.

Abstract: An improved construction for a device intended to raise the heel or heels of a user up off an associated shoe to diminish or eliminate pain and discomfort. The device is adjustable to accommodate a variety of applications and is transferable between those applications.

Abstract: Provided are, among other things, systems, methods and techniques for making a shoe outsole and to shoe outsoles made using such techniques. In one such technique, a sheet of composite material is produced by extruding a base material together with a sheet of fabric material. The sheet of composite material is then cut into an outsole component, and a shoe outsole is fabricated using the outsole component.

Abstract: An insertable shoe insole or shoe integrally formed therewith having electrostatic protection and a method of categorizing and selecting same which provides individual solutions to workplace fatigue and stress by determining the specific support needed for each individual. Specifically, the present invention defines and utilizes an ergonomic interaction factor to enable selection of a proper fitting shoe. Such selection occurs in one embodiment by dividing a person's weight by the contact area of the bottom of their feet. The insole includes an electrically conductive material for the purpose of eliminating the buildup of static charge by conducting static charges from the user's feet to conductive shoes which then transfer the charge to the floor.

Abstract: Sports shoe (1) comprising a sole (2) provided with a grip enhancing structure (3), wherein the shoe comprises at least one detector (51, 52) arranged for detecting movement of said shoe and a processor, wherein the grip enhancing structure is moveable between an increased gripping state and a decreased gripping state, wherein the processor is arranged to move the grip enhancing structure between the states based on the detected movement by said detector.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a storage device encloses the laces of footwear. The storage device comprises a lower member, an upper member, and a joint that permits articulated motion between the lower member and the upper member in a first direction along the longitudinal axis of the storage device. The upper member comprises an enclosure with an inner cavity that receives the laces therein. In one example, the outer member comprises a pair of closure members that articulate in a second direction toward the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method for forming a footwear sole is disclosed. Specifically, there is provided a sole mould for fabricating high-quality shoe soles with great efficiency and a method of using such a mould, wherein the soles feature good air permeability and perfect match with the feet by automatically adapting themselves to the shape of the feet. The sole mould includes a first mould for injection-moulding the underside of a leather layer, and a second mould for injection-moulding the upper surface of the leather layer to form the sole. Further, the first mould is configured in the same shape as the fore sole of the foot and the second mould is configured in the shape of a complete sole.

Abstract: A system for removing moisture from a user's skin includes a casing having a first portion made of a material including hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers configured to convey a liquid and/or vapor from outside to inside. The first portion configured to contact, or be near, a user's body part. The casing includes a second portion not configured to contact the body part, and at a third portion joining the first and second portions. The second and/or third portions are made of material configured to convey a liquid and/or vapor from inside to outside the casing. Padding, enclosed between the first and second portions, has a porous structure enabling the inside to be ventilated by vapor exiting the casing by contraction of a volume of the padding causing air to enter the casing by expansion in the volume of the padding. The porous structure has a resiliently compressible variable volume.

Abstract: An article of footwear with an arrangement of cleats is disclosed. The arrangement of cleats may enhance traction during the first step of sprinting, quick directional changes, and backward movement. The arrangement of cleats may be disposed on a base plate and may include a first angled cleat aligned with the hallux of a user and a second angled cleat disposed proximate a rearward edge of the base plate. The first angled cleat and two flat cleats may be aligned with the perimeter of a circle on the forefoot region of the base plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clearing strip for the blade of a snowplow, the clearing strip having a steel fastening neck (1) and a rubber body (4) which is vulcanized onto the fastening neck (1) and is reinforced on its outer face by steel plates. The outer faces of the rubber body (4) are reinforced by means of large surface-area, rigid steel plates either on one side or on both sides. The steel plates fastened to the outer surface of the rubber body (4) are divided into separate steel segments (3) that are arranged adjacent each other and together form a uniform clearing edge close to the ground.

Abstract: A combination snow blower and plow apparatus provides at least two operating configurations including (i) a standard-width snow blowing configuration, and (ii) an expanded-width plowing and blowing configuration. Optionally, the apparatus may further be capable of an expanded-width snow plowing configuration. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a pair of snow-pushing plate assemblies that are pivotably attached to a snow blower mechanism, and are repositionable or reconfigurable to provide different plowing or blowing configurations, such as by directing snow into a snow blower intake or by pushing an accumulation of snow ahead of the blower mechanism. In other embodiments, the apparatus includes a pair of removable snow-pushing wings. The snow-pushing plate assemblies may be configured as a kit for retrofitting existing snow blowers. Optionally, inlet-blocking plates may be used to block the snow blower intake and form a substantially continuous plow across the front of the snow blower mechanism.

Abstract: A clearing strip (1) for the clearing blade of a snowplow, which strip is provided at the top with a steel fastening neck for fastening to the clearing blade, wherein a curbstone deflector (2) is arranged at least on a lateral edge of the clearing strip (1), wherein the lateral edge of the clearing strip (1) can be inserted into a recess in the curbstone deflector (2).

Abstract: A dipper having an inlet and an outlet, and an inlet reference plane being defined at the inlet. The dipper includes a front wall and an opposite back wall extending between the inlet and the outlet. A front wall reference plane extends from the inlet to the outlet and is positioned between the front wall and the back wall. The dipper further includes two side walls connected between the front wall and the back wall and extending between the inlet and the outlet. The inlet has an inlet area in the inlet reference plane, wherein the outlet has an outlet area in an outlet reference plane substantially parallel to the inlet reference plane. The front wall, the back wall, and the two side walls are arranged such that the outlet area is at least 3 percent and no more than 25 percent greater than the inlet area.

Abstract: There is described a replaceable wear part device (22) for attachment on a forward edge (2) on a work tool (1), where at least a portion of the forward edge (2) is formed of a wear part holder (21), as the wear part (22) is provided with a first sliding surface (222), and the wear part holder (21) is provided with a second sliding surface (213), which essentially is arranged as an extension of said first sliding surface (222), and the second sliding surface (213) is provided with a forward sliding edge surface (214) defining the sliding surface (213) against the wear part (22), where on the first sliding surface (222) is arranged an eminence (224) arranged to be able to lead a material flow (F) away from at least a portion of the sliding surface (213) of the wear part holder (21).

Abstract: A vertical quilt basting frame (100) enables an improved quilting experience. The frame (100) includes four frame members (105, 110, 115, 120) defining a rectangle. At least one leg member (125) extends from at least one of the frame members (105, 110, 115, 120). A plurality of fabric side panels (150, 155, 160, 165) are attached to each of the four frame members (105, 110, 115, 120), wherein the fabric side panels (150, 155, 160, 165) define a workspace window (170) inside of the rectangle.

Abstract: A point of sale device includes a card mounted on a hanger on a vertically extending mounting structure of a retail shop. The card carries a reusable storage container in which articles are stored. The container includes a body with an opening closed by a transparent, sealable, removable and re-sealable lid. The container is mounted on the card and the device is mounted on the hanger so a prospective purchaser can see the articles through the transparent lid. In one embodiment, the body includes a permanent magnet abutting the base.

Abstract: This application discloses an assembling frame for license plate. The mentioned assembling frame for license plate comprises a first frame part, and a second frame part. A connecting part is employed for ensuring the assembling of the first frame part and the second frame part. When combining the assembling frame for license plate with a license plate, the license plate will be surrounded with the first frame part and the second frame part. According to this invention, a license plate can be decorated with the first frame part and the second frame part, and the identification of the containing of the license plate will not be affected by the assembling frame for license plate of this invention.

Abstract: A fastener assembly includes a molded plastic fastener shaped to define a filament, a paddle at one end of the filament, and a cross-bar at the other end of the filament. The fastener assembly additionally includes a printed label embedded in the paddle, the printed label including an electrically chargeable, stiffness enhancing laminate that is applied to a print receptive polymer substrate. An in-line system for manufacturing a continuously connected supply of the fastener assemblies includes a rotatable mold wheel, a feed mechanism for advancing a continuous, ionized, printed polymer web in a near tangential relationship relative to the mold wheel periphery, a cutting mechanism for transversely cutting through the web to form a plurality of rectangular printed labels that are magnetically drawn into corresponding cavities in the mold wheel, an extruder for applying molten plastic into the cavities and a knife for skiving excess hardened plastic from the mold wheel periphery.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security label for identifying products comprising a layer comprising a shape memory polymer, wherein a surface profile comprising information for identifying the product is embossed in the layer and wherein the layer has a smooth surface in a first state and the layer has the embossed surface profile in a second state, wherein the security label is adapted such that the layer can be changed from the first or second state to the second or first state upon reading out the security label and to a connection means for connecting the layer to the product.

Abstract: Present invention relates to a connecting piece connecting legs (13) and a crossbar (10) of a free-standing portable display sign particularly suitable for installation in outdoor.

Abstract: An identification label for a cylindrical vessel has a first label portion with an underside coated with adhesive, an opaque second label portion with a non-adhesive underside and a transparent third label portion with an underside coated with adhesive. The transition from a first outside edge of the first label portion and a second outside edge of the third label portion has a rounded line profile.

Abstract: A video album having a plurality of photograph sleeves and video monitor housed within the same album. Each photograph sleeve having at least one pocket for housing a photographic image.

Abstract: A versatile handgun comprised of a weapon frame with a grip and at least one gun barrel and comprised of at least one additional defense element differing from the actual firearm function that is arranged on the grip of the weapon or that is housed in the grip of the weapon. The handgun is capable of making help available in an emergency situation and is capable in so doing of covering a very broad range of dangerous situations. The additional defense element(s) and various other pieces of emergency equipment, medical devices and/or tools could be housed in a slide-in element and different types of barrels could be used.

Abstract: A gun that has a plurality of frangible barrels. At the proximal end of each barrel is a chamber that receives a cartridge. The cartridge has a reduced charge as compared to a conventional cartridge. Each barrel may have an inner sleeve formed from a malleable material. The out member of each barrel is comprised of a rigid material such as, but not limited to, a filled plastic. The inner sleeve is rigid enough to withstand the pressure of the reduced charge cartridge when fired, but is malleable enough to expand from the pressure generated by a standard charge cartridge. When the inner sleeve expands, the outer member fragments and destroys the weapon. The expansion of the inner sleeve and fragmentation of the outer member upon firing a standard charge reduces the propelling force in the bullet. As a result, the weapon is destroyed and the bullet is fired with a greatly reduced force. The barrels on the gun don not rotate.

Abstract: A detachable rail platform adaptable for selective and secure mounting to a weapon's rear iron sight assembly, the rear iron sight assembly having a sight base and a sight guard. The detachable rail platform includes a body having forward and rearward portions. The body further includes a rail portion and is positionable to envelop the rear iron sight assembly. A first clamp assembly is selectively engageable with the sight base at a predetermined position. A second clamp assembly is selectively engageable with the sight guard. Upon engagement of the first and second clamp assemblies to the sight base and the sight guard respectively, the rail platform is selectively and securely mounted to the weapon.

Abstract: The present system provides a detachable cup or receptacle for receiving the butt stock of a weapon so that a greater portion of the surface area of the butt stock is stabilized when aiming and firing a weapon. The system provides fastening means for removably fastening the cup to the uniform of a shooter when wearing body armor. For ease of use, the system includes a graduated positioning system that can receive the butt stock and allow it to slide into place where, in one embodiment, it slips into a recessed area that matches the dimension of the butt stock for greater security of the positioning of the weapon. The weapon can be easily removed from the cup so that the shooter's mobility and the ability of the shooter to move the weapon back and forth from a shooting position is not compromised.

Abstract: An artificial weed system for attracting fish while ice fishing, includes a flexible line having a distal end. At least one elongated rod is affixed to the line at a predetermined position. At least one artificial weed bundle is affixed to the rod and includes a first end that is affixed to the rod. The at least one artificial weed bundles include a plurality of strands extending from the first end. Each strand has a specific gravity that is no greater than 1.0 and each strand includes a synthetic filament. A weight is affixed to the distal end of the line.

Abstract: A dispenser (T) of rat-poison bait comprising a housing that contains a rat-poison bait (E), the housing being formed from a sheet (F) which is die-cut, folded and glued or heat-sealed at one or more points (Qi), the sheet (F) making up, on its own or in conjunction with other sheets or other heat-formed elements, walls (T21, T22, T11, T12), a bottom (T4) and a top (T3) and one or more separating internal walls (S1, S2), and wherein on one or more of the walls (T11, T12, T21, T22) and/or separating internal walls (S1, S2) at least one hole or opening (A1, A2, P1, P2) is provided for the passage of mice or rats or small rodents in general.

Abstract: A continuous process for producing biodiesel fuel with a conversion of triglycerides in biodiesel above 99.90% by weight in the transesterification step, which comprises the following steps: a) providing a triglyceride source at a triglyceride concentration above 99.0% by weight; b) subjecting triglycerides to a transesterification reaction with methanol, ethanol, or the mixtures thereof, at a molar ratio of triglycerides:alcohol 1:3-3.5, in the presence of 0.7 to 1.0% by weight of sodium or potassium hydroxide as catalyst, under ultrasonic cavitation conditions in an ultrasonic cavitation reactor with 2 to 8 serial cavitation cells, at a temperature of 45 to 60° C., at a pressure of 1.5 to 2 MPa (15-20 atm) and during a period of time of 15 to 30 seconds; c) recovering the product of step b) and subjecting it to mechanical agitation operation, at a temperature of 45 to 60° C.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a fuel composition useful for internal combustion engine having an Octane Number from 95 to 105 comprising: (a) an unleaded and devoid of organometal compounds base gasoline having an Octane Number (RON) from 90.1 to 103: (b) one or more aromatic amines selected in the group consisting of: (b1) 2,4-dialkylaniline, wherein the alkyl groups in position 2 and 4, independently one from the other, are selected in the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, preferably both the alkyl groups in position 2 and 4 are methyl; (b2) N-Nitrosodiphenylamine. The process for preparing the above composition is also described along with the use of the aromatic amines selected between (b1) and (b2) and related mixtures for increasing the Octane Number.