Abstract: A method of repairing a wind turbine blade while mounted on a tower without removing the blade from the tower is provided. The method may begin by positioning the wind turbine blade in a substantially vertical orientation. Next, a containment structure is suspended from a nacelle via a hoisting system that positions the containment structure at a damaged portion of the blade. The damaged portion is enclosed within the containment structure and the temperature of the air within the containment structure is controlled. The blade is repaired by removing a damaged portion of the blade, and installing a repair portion to the blade where the damaged portion was removed. The method may conclude by operating the hoisting system to remove the containment structure from the blade.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a liquid ejection head substrate, including: (1) a step for etching a substrate, which has an energy generating element at a side of a first surface, from a side of a second surface, which is a surface on the opposite side from the first surface, thereby to form at a time at least a part of a liquid supply port and a recess along a cutting section of the substrate; (2) a step for irradiating a laser beam toward the side of first surface from the etched surface of the recess so as to form a reformed portion inside the substrate; and (3) a step for cutting the substrate at the reformed portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of a lightweight, high temperature airborne valve are provided. In one embodiment, the airborne vale includes a valve element and a flowbody. The flowbody is formed at least partially from a titanium aluminide alloy and has a flow passage therethrough in which the valve element is movably mounted. Embodiments of a method for producing such a lightweight, high temperature airborne valve are also provided. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of forming a lightweight flowbody at least partially from a titanium aluminide alloy, hot isostatically pressing the lightweight flowbody, and machining the lightweight flowbody to desired dimensions.

Abstract: In a method for producing a lead-free sliding bearing, a copper-based material comprising a total of 0.1% to 3% of the elements aluminum, magnesium, silicon, titanium, zircon, and chromium is sintered. Additionally, up to 15% tin can be included in order to ensure optimal properties for use in the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A cutting tool for cutting vegetation including a rotary cutting bit adapted to be advanced through the vegetation in a direction perpendicular to a rotational axis of the bit. The rotary cutting bit can be supported by two bit supports spaced apart axially. The tool can include an extension pole which allows the rotary tool to be mounted adjacent a distal end of the pole. In this way high branches and the like can be cut.

Abstract: A tool for use in cutting a tie wrap that is bound about at least one wire and a method of operating the tool. The tool includes a housing having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side and the second side are coupled together to define a cavity. The housing further includes a groove formed in the first side and in the second side, wherein the groove is in flow communication with the cavity. A blade is coupled to the first side and positioned with the cavity, wherein the blade includes a cutting surface partially extending into the groove. The tool also includes a spacer coupled to the housing and configured to maintain the wire a distance away from the cutting surface when the housing is applied to the tie wrap.

Abstract: A perforation apparatus for use with cable jackets and related systems and methods thereof is provided. The tool includes a pliers assembly having at least a first jaw member positioned opposing a second jaw member, wherein relative movement of the first and second jaw members is controlled with at least a first handle and a second handle. A first knife edge is on the first jaw member and a second knife edge is on the second jaw member. Each of the first and second knife edges are oriented substantially parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to a length of first and second handles. The first and second knife edges are movable towards one another. A spacing device is connected to the pliers assembly, wherein the spacing device controls a closing distance between the first knife edge and the second knife edge.

Abstract: A hand-saw-blade having a first edge provided with saw teeth and a plurality of elongated apertures spaced apart in a direction of the first edge is disclosed. A direction of elongation of the elongated apertures is oriented including an angle of between 15° and 65° and especially between 20° and 55° and further especially between 25° and 45° relative to the first edge. Furthermore, a hand-saw having this hand-saw-blade and a handle or bow-shaped metal-frame is disclosed, wherein the handle is mounted at one edge of the hand-saw-blade other than the first edge respectively ends of the bow-shaped metal-frame are attached to opposing edges of the hand-saw-blade different from the first edge.

Abstract: A method of determining an elevation of a point relative to a leveling instrument includes sending a first signal from a controller to the leveling instrument using a wireless link. The first signal indicates to the leveling instrument to automatically align an alignment unit of the leveling instrument with a reference target of a leveling staff. The method also includes receiving a second signal at the controller using the wireless link. The second signal is sent from the leveling instrument and indicates that the alignment unit is aligned with the reference target. The method also includes sending a third signal from the controller to the leveling instrument using the wireless link. The third signal indicates to the leveling instrument to automatically determine the elevation of the point relative to the leveling instrument.

Abstract: A laser measurement system operates to measure portions of a vehicle, such as a vehicle frame. The measurements are used, for example, to determine if the portions of the vehicle are bent or damaged. The measurement system includes a laser scanner and at least one target assembly that can be connected to a point of the vehicle. The laser scanner emits a laser beam that is detected by the target. Time and laser position information detected by the target are used to determine the location of the target, as well as the location of the point of the vehicle. The location of the point is then compared to an original location of the point to determine if damage has occurred.

Abstract: Coordinate positioning machine or coordinate measuring machine (CMM), with a microprocessor control unit arranged to drive individual axis driver and a proxy module allowing the connection of external devices on a TCP/IP interface. The external devices are used for User interaction, by means of an http server embedded in the microprocessor control unit, or for advanced tasks including tuning and calibration of the dynamic parameters.

Abstract: A framing spacing tool is provided having an elongated body portion with axial ends, a top surface, and an opposing bottom surface. A separate bottom guide member is associated with each of the axial ends of the body portion, each bottom guide member having a horizontal surface arranged parallel to the top surface of the body portion and at least one vertical flange that extends downwardly from the horizontal surface. A separate top guide member is associated with each of the axial ends of the body portion, each top guide member having a horizontal surface arranged parallel to the top surface of the body portion and at least one vertical flange that extends upwardly from the horizontal surface.

Abstract: A measuring fixture is used with a slide caliper for measuring dimensions of workpiece; the measuring fixture includes a first measuring portion and a second measuring portion. The first measuring portion defines a plurality of first measuring grooves thereon. The second measuring portion defines a plurality of second measuring grooves thereon corresponding to the plurality of first measuring grooves respectively. The measuring fixture defines a receiving portion thereon between the first and the second measuring portions. A pair of measuring jaws of the slide caliper are capable of sliding and receiving in a first measuring groove and a corresponding second measuring groove respectively to measure linear dimension or size of workpiece received in the receiving portion.

Abstract: A hand dryer includes: a box body that includes a hand drying chamber whose upper portion and side portion are open; an airflow generating device provided in the box body and generates an airflow; a nozzle provided on an inner wall surface of the hand drying chamber and ejects an airflow generated in the airflow generating device to the hand drying chamber; a first sensor provided on an inner wall surface of the hand drying chamber; a second sensor provided on an inner wall surface of the hand drying chamber and is provided at a position below the first sensor and is more outward than the first sensor in a horizontal direction; and a control unit that detects presence or absence of a hand in accordance with a signal from the first sensor or the second sensor and controls an operation of the airflow generating device.

Abstract: A process for removing water from solid material using liquid-solid extraction and liquid-liquid extraction. In most embodiments, multiple solvents are used to remove the water from the solids and obtain dry solids. Multiple solvents facilitate the removal of the water from the solids, by replacing the water with a solvent, replacing that solvent with a different solvent, and then eventually removing the second solvent from the solids. The process utilizes a lesser amount of thermal energy to dry the solids and separate the solvents than conventionally used in drying processes. The first solvent selected has a lower heat of vaporization, enthalphy of vaporization, boiling point, or other such physical property, than water. Each additional solvent can have a still lower heat of vaporization, enthalphy of vaporization, boiling point, or other such physical property.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry machine having a drying function. The laundry machine having a drying function comprises: a rotatably installed drum; a heater that generates hot air, and a fan; a filter that filters the hot air; a sensor that senses a hot-airflow resistance generated by a flow channel through which the hot air flows; and a controller which determines whether or not the filter is clogged on the basis of the hot-airflow resistance sensed by the sensor.

Abstract: Provided are a fabric dryer and a method of controlling the fabric dryer. The fabric dryer includes a drum, a driving unit, a steam supply unit, a radical supply unit, a contamination removal function selector, and a controller. The drum is rotatably disposed and receives laundry. The driver rotates the drum. The steam supply unit supplies steam into the drum. The radical supply unit supplies radical into the drum. The contamination removal function selector selects a water-soluble contaminant or a fat-soluble contaminant. The controller controls the steam supply unit to supply steam in response to selection of the water-soluble-contaminant by the contamination removal function selector, and controls the radical supply unit to supply radical in response to selection of fat-soluble contaminant by the contamination removal function selector.

Abstract: A tumble dryer includes a drum which has an interior for holding laundry items, and at least one container which is received in the interior of the drum. The container has a cavity which is filled with an extinguishing medium. At least one release device is arranged in a cavity wall of the container for the extinguishing medium and is activated in the event of a fire starting or having started in the drum to thereby provide an opening to the cavity of the container.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a thong portion is disclosed. The thong portion is configured to fit between two adjacent toes to help fasten a pair of straps to a foot. The thong portion includes a plurality of grooves that enhance the grip between the thong portion and a portion of the foot between the two adjacent toes. The plurality of grooves can also enhance the flexibility of the thong portion to help the thong portion conform to the contours of the foot.

Abstract: In the specification and drawings, an outsole is described and shown with a lateral support protruding from the lateral edge of the toe half of the body of the outsole.

Abstract: A shoe insole includes a knitted spacer fabric. The knitted fabric comprises a top layer, a bottom layer, and a plurality of spacing threads extending between the top layer and the bottom layer. The spacing threads includes a monofilament yarn having a diameter of between 0.09 mm and 0.12 mm. Optionally the top layer on one of its sides, exposed to the exterior and adapted to contact a shoe wearer's foot, has been given a softer feel by a sanding treatment.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a shoe for supporting and protecting the heel, sole and toes of a human foot has a base comprising a forward portion terminating at a toe end. The forward portion being configured and dimensioned to support the sole and toes of the foot of a user. The rear portion terminates at a heel end. The rear portion is configured and dimensioned to support the fleshy undersurface of the heel of the foot of the user. The shoe comprises a pair of elongated channels defined in the forward portion of the base, a vamp configured to overlie the instep of the user, and a pair of elongated channel-engaging members secured to the vamp, each of the channel engaging members being configured to slide into and mate with a respective elongated channel.

Abstract: An article of footwear having a shoe upper and a sandal type sole are made from an upper having a lower marginal edge with a plurality of spaced tabs extending from the lower marginal edge, a footbed having a peripheral edge, the tabs are folded over the edge onto the lower surface of the footbed, an outsole secured to the footbed and a welt strip cemented on a welt formed above the outsole and to the lower marginal edge of the upper. The welt strip is co-molded with the footbed, and thereafter separated from the footbed. In a preferred embodiment the welt strip is wrapped in fabric.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper that at least in part defines an interior chamber for receiving a foot; an insertable interior midsole component received within the interior chamber; and an exterior sole structure engaged with the upper, wherein the exterior sole structure includes: (a) an exterior midsole component and (b) optionally an outsole component that extends under the forefoot region, wherein the insertable interior midsole component is formed from a foam material comprising a reaction product of about 10 to about 100 phr hydrogenated or non-hydrogenated acrylonitrile butadiene copolymer, 0 to about 40 phr modified hydrogenated acrylonitrile butadiene copolymer, and 0 to about 90 phr alpha olefin copolymer, and at least one additive in an amount suitable to form the foam material; wherein the density of the foam material is less than 0.25 g/cm3.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing enhanced stability to the wearer of a heeled shoe. In one embodiment, the apparatus enables individuals to walk on soft or uneven surfaces while wearing heeled shoes with increased stability. The stability apparatus is composed of a substantially planar plastic body having one or more means to permit affixing the apparatus to the bottom of a heeled shoe. The bottom surface of the apparatus may be further adapted to provide additional support by comprising a material which provides traction. The apparatus is in one embodiment minimally visible from most angles which a third party would view the shoe to which it is attached. This may be further facilitated by forming the apparatus out of a transparent material.

Abstract: A sole member for an article of footwear includes a composite sole structure and a reinforcing member. The sole structure may comprise two layers of woven composite material. The two layers have substantially similar woven patterns. The sole structure includes bulging portions with centrally recessed portions. The reinforcing member fits into channels associated with the bulging portions.

Abstract: Ventilating insole boards, self-ventilating footwear devices and self-bailing footwear articles and devices are provided.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein comprises a snow rake for use in removing snow from a roof. The snow rake comprises a handle, a plurality of scraper blades attached to the handle wherein the blades can pivot between a first and a second angle. The snow rake blades are further supported by a plurality of rotational guides rotationally attached to the handle. The snow rake may further include a weighted pole or rod attached to the handle portion of the device to offset the weight of the blades when extended some distance from the user.

Abstract: Novel subsea excavation apparatus and methods that exert force between a subsea anchor point and an excavator using a subsea actuator. In some examples the subsea actuator is attached to an anchor point on the seabed and the excavator directly. In other examples, a guide frame is anchored to the seabed to provide anchor points fixed relative to the seabed and the subsea actuators are attached to the guide frame and the excavator. In further examples, the subsea actuators can be attached to the excavator through a carrier frame or other excavator guides rather than directly to the excavator.

Abstract: A wear assembly for attachment to a digging device, the wear assembly comprising: a wear member arranged to be assembled with the digging device in an assembled condition; and a lock mounted to the digging device, the lock adjustable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration, the lock comprising at least one locking element that projects outwardly from its mounting in the extended configuration of the lock and is operative to be displaced inwardly from the extended configuration towards its mounting to adopt the retracted configuration of the lock; wherein, with the wear member in the assembled condition with the digging device, movement of the at least one locking element from the extended configuration towards the retracted configuration causes the wear member to be locked to the digging device in the assembled condition.

Abstract: Three-dimensional lightweight foam greeting cards are described herein having a foam body with a perimeter wall that extends between two spaced apart parallel pieces of planar sheet material such as heavy gauge paper, cardboard, or other such material. The greeting cards have a partially hollowed foam body or one or more cavities in the foam body concealed in the front and back by the planar sheet material which may be pre-cut in the shape of the foam body are decorated consistent with the design of the foam body. The cavities in the foam body may contain various electronic components that enable the greeting card to produce sound, record and playback a personalized message, trigger light activation, trigger the movement of moveable parts, display digital video, photographs or slideshows, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: An interactive greeting card having a multi-panel greeting card body, a sound module and a molded track contained between two or more panels of the multi-panel greeting card body, and a moveable object which is attached to the molded track through an opening in one or more of the greeting card panels. The moveable object is operative to move from one end of the molded track to the opposite end of the molded track whereby playback of a pre-recorded digital audio file is initiated. The interactive greeting card may additionally contain a small motor which causes movement of a second moveable object and an object launcher which is operative to launch an object along the track and into the air. Other special effects may be included such as lights, additional sounds or movement, or any other special effects which can be incorporated into a greeting card.

Abstract: The present invention and related disclosure describes greeting cards with moving elements or devices which are operable to create motion in connection with some portion of the greeting card. The greeting card may include a multi-panel greeting card body or a three-dimensional foam greeting card body. At least one movable object is contained upon or within the greeting card body. A sound module having at least one pre-recorded digital audio file saved therein and a motor module are contained and concealed within the greeting card body. One or more switches may be used to activate the sound and motor modules, causing the pre-recorded audio file to play and causing movement of the movable or mobile object.

Abstract: A pop-up format is described, the format comprising a substrate and a box, the substrate comprising a flat sheet having a first part and a second part separated by a substrate fold line, the first part having a top side and a bottom side, the second part having a top side and a bottom side, and the box comprising an upper section and a lower section, the upper section comprising a display portion and a first fastening portion and the lower section comprising a second fastening portion, a raising portion, and a connection portion, the connection portion adhering to the display portion, the first fastening portion adhering to the second part top side and the second fastening portion adhering to the first part top side, the display portion having an area less than an area of the second part of the substrate. A method of manufacture is described as well.

Abstract: A wingtip fin of an aircraft comprising an upstanding fin body, the fin body having an inboard face and an outboard face, a sign assembly in the fin body, the assembly comprising a translucent, graphic bearing face, substantially flush with and forming at least part of the inboard face or the outboard face of the fin body, a recess in the fin body behind the graphic-bearing face, and a light source arranged in the recess to illuminate the graphic-bearing face from inside the fin body.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are electric fireplaces comprising (a) a movable light source comprising a shaft, a plurality of light emitting elements and a plurality of connectors, each of the plurality of connectors connecting one or more of the plurality of light emitting elements to the shaft, wherein the movable light source does not comprise a shell enclosing the plurality of light emitting elements; (b) a simulated fuel bed; and (c) a flame display screen, wherein the flame display screen is located between the movable light source and simulated fuel bed, and wherein the movable light source transmits light on the flame display screen to produce a moving flame effect.

Abstract: A configurable large-depth panel display uses a number of frame members and a number of corner brackets coupled to one another to create an flexible and easily customized display device. The frame members relatively uniform, having a substantially constant cross-sectional configuration which is easily coupled to the frame members. The corner brackets can be configured in a number of different ways to produce a display product with a desired configuration. More specifically, the corner brackets can be configured to attach to frame members in a manner which produce an overall framework having multiple shapes and orientations, depending upon the desired design of the overall display. Various panels, brackets and supports can be easily attached to the frame members using integral portions of the constant cross-sectional configuration. Further, more complex displays can be easily created by simply attaching different framework components to one another thus creating a single structure with multiple panel members.

Abstract: An automatic machine gun capable of being quickly reconfigured to fire different calibers of ammunition. The elements necessary to reconfigure the weapon are all stored and contained within the stock of the weapon. The reconfiguration process does not require any external tools.

Abstract: Firearms are provided than can include a firearm frame having a grip attached thereto; a power source recessed within the grip; and a power coupling assembly positioned along the frame, the assembly being in electronic communication with the power source. Firearm frames are provided that can include a grip having a power source therein; and at least one power line extending from the power source to an exterior portion of the frame. Methods of powering a firearm accessory are provided that can include providing a power source within a grip of the firearm; and powering the firearm accessory with the power source.

Abstract: The present invention defines a system (200), comprising various structures and methods, for increasing the effective grip area of a compact or sub-compact pistol (100) in a secure, yet easily removable manner. A base collar portion (202) is provided, having a magazine channel (214) formed through it. The base collar portion is adapted to securely connect with the bottom (218) of a desired pistol grip (102). An engagement shaft (204) is disposed along the along the base collar portion. The engagement shaft is adapted for insertion into a corresponding cavity (110) within the desired pistol grip—usually along a backstrap portion of the desired pistol grip. The engagement shaft secures contact between the base collar portion and the desired pistol grip once fully inserted into the corresponding cavity.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally pertain to bait-hooking apparatus and methods. A bait-hooking apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a handle, a stationary portion, and a pivoting portion. The stationary portion is rigidly secured to the handle and the pivoting portion is pivotally secured to the stationary portion. The stationary portion and the pivoting portion form a funnel having a tapered nozzle. The funnel has a plurality of holes, and the nozzle has a plurality of slots. The pivoting portion comprises a lever coupled to the funnel for pivoting the pivoting portion away from the stationary portion thereby opening the funnel and the nozzle.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for using materials with dissimilar galvanic potentials for altering the behavior of electro-sensitive organisms. This includes devices for mitigating elasmobranch bycatch in commercial and recreational fisheries.

Abstract: A fishing reel equipped with a fishhook hanger and a fishing rod using the fishing reel. The fishing rod includes a fishing rod body; and a reel body mounted to the fishing rod body, the reel body having a female or male locking part; and a fishhook hanger including a fishhook hanging part for hanging a fishhook thereon, a connection part extending from the fishhook hanging part, and a male or female locking part that extends from the connection part and corresponds to the locking part of the reel body, wherein the female or male locking part and the male or female locking part are configured to be removably locked to each other. The fishing rod further includes a holding unit that can hold a fishline, a fishhook, a sinker connected to the fishline, or a sinker connector that connects the sinker to the fishline.

Abstract: A liquid fuel composition includes alcohols of four carbon atoms and additives, the liquid fuel composition being for ignition by compression. Various examples pertain to a liquid fuel composition with alcohols of four carbon atoms and additives, with ignition by compression to a diesel cycle fuel engine where the fuel can be able to be produced by means of biotechnology from renewable biologic source, including processes of fermentation of sugars or materials available on sugar and ethanol plants. As an example, a produced fuel can be used conventionally as replacement of diesel in urban transportation vehicles or roads and can be an alternative to diesel fuel. The composition can be employed alone or mixed to fossil diesel oil (e.g., in the engine, etc.).

Abstract: Balanced unleaded fuel compositions exhibiting: a pump octane rating of greater than 93; a T50 (maximum) of 104.4° C. (220° F.) and a T90 (maximum) of 165.6° C. (330° F.), as required under the CARB Phase 3 model; and, producing a higher average torque and/or higher average power output than commercially available fuels stated to meet the CARB Phase 3 model.

Abstract: A torrefaction system includes at least one pool containing a liquid heat transfer agent and a conveyor system. The heat transfer agent provides thermal contact with biomass fragments to heat the biomass fragments into biocoal. The conveyor system transports the biomass through the at least one pool in a first direction and transporting the biocoal in a second direction opposite to the first direction in the at least one pool. The heat transfer agent may be oil, paraffin, or molten salt. The conveyor system transports a continuous stream of the biomass fragments into the pools. The torrefaction apparatus further includes a gas collecting system that collects and separates condensable volatile organic compounds during the torrefaction process.

Abstract: A structure for creating housings for setting trees into the ground includes a plurality of modular elements (2), each one having an upper face (21) and support legs (22), the elements being associable with one another so as to obtain an upper surface (P, M), which is substantially continuous, and a lower volume (V), which is substantially empty. Tubular extensions (24), which at least partially cover the legs (22), according to their length determine the depth of the housing and hence the dimension of the volume (V). The tubular extensions are held in position, before the subsequent positioning of the modular elements, by a framework, which is provided with supports (32) adapted to be inserted into the upper mouth of the tubular extensions.

Abstract: A novel plant support system having an adjustable frame, one or more stake fasteners for removably coupling the frame to one or more stakes 81 and one or more support members removably coupled to the frame to engage and support one or more plants. The frame includes two slidably interconnected wires capable of adjusting the dimensions of frame, and a plurality stake fasteners capable of adjusting the vertical placement of the frame along one or more stakes. Preferably, the plant support system is a compact, modular system suitable for orienting and maintaining one or more plants in an upright position.

Abstract: An adjustable garden stake having a central stake. A T-structure having a vertical cylinder attached to a horizontal cylinder is disposed around the central stake. A thumbscrew is screwed into the vertical cylinder which is capable of holding the T-structure in a fixed position along the length of the central stake. A retainer ring is disposed about the central stake and is attached to each end of the horizontal cylinder of the T-structure.

Abstract: A protective sleeve for plastic tubing used in the collection of sap. The sleeve provides protection from damage or interference by varmints.