Abstract: An electric shaver, as well as hair-cutting or hair-trimming device. The electric shaver includes: a base member to enable a user to hold the electric shaver; an electric motor to rotate at high speed; a shaft connected to the electric motor, the shaft rotating upon rotation of the electric motor; and a curved-contour shaving member attached to the shaft. The curved-contour shaving member includes: a curved-contour central member rotating due to rotation of the shaft; a blade spiraling or encircling around at least a portion of the curved-contour central member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved blade-switchable utility knife. The utility knife comprises a housing, a blade slider, a slide actuator, a switch actuator, and a pair of blades. By switching the switch actuator, a corresponding blade is pushed and pressed by either a first auxiliary reacting portion or a second auxiliary reacting portion to remain in an operative position thereof, and is moved together with the blade slider. Accordingly, the present invention has advantages and effects of quick switch of blades for use and convenient carrying, etc.

Abstract: An assisted opening mechanism for folding knives, which helps hold the blade in the closed position, as well as, assists in moving the blade toward the open position. The mechanism includes a bar spring seated within one of the handle sides and a contact pin extending from the blade. The bar spring is seated within a recessed cavity formed on one side of the knife handle and engages the contact pin, which extends outward from one side of the blade through an arcuate slot in the handle side.

Abstract: A box cutter includes a housing with a blade slide slidably received therein. A pivotal member is pivotably connected to of the blade slide. An inclined face is defined in one of surfaces of the pivotal member and is gradually raised. The inclined face is connected to a pressing area which has two respective rounded guide portions. A spring is connected between the pivotal member and the housing to maintain the blade slide at the initial position. A button is slidably connected to outside of the cover and a spring is connected between the button and the cover. The button is moved to move the blade slide from the initial position thereof to an extended position. When the blade is cutting a workpiece, the blade is tilt and the pivotal member is pivoted by the cover so that blade slide is retracted into the housing.

Abstract: A pliers for cutting workpieces, in particular workpieces made of metal, comprising at least one plier leg (1) and a pressure element (2), which are connected to each other by a rotation point (13), wherein the plier leg (1) forms a jaw (8) for receiving the workpiece. A cutting element (18) with a cutting mouth (19) is associated with the plier leg (1), wherein a bottom of the jaw (8) and a bottom of the cutting mouth (19) are arranged in the vicinity of a rotation point (29) about which the cutting element (18) is rotating in the plier leg (1).

Abstract: A personal grooming apparatus includes a handle defining a central longitudinal axis, first and second blade sets mountable relative to the handle with each blade set including a stationary blade member and a movable blade member, and a drive mechanism disposed within the handle and operatively coupled to the movable blade members of the first and second blade sets. The drive mechanism is operable to cause corresponding reciprocating movement of the movable blade members relative to the stationary blade members of each of the first and second blade sets. The second blade set may be releasably mountable to said first blade set. The first and second blade set each may include a housing for at least partially accommodating respective stationary and movable blade members.

Abstract: A garden shears has a main cutting body, a secondary cutting body and an applying arm. The main cutting body has a first shaft aperture at a middle section, a first blade disposed at one end aperture and a handle disposed on another end, the main cutting body has a first pivoting aperture between the first shaft aperture and the handle. The secondary cutting body has a second shaft aperture. A second blade is disposed at one end of the second shaft aperture and a sliding slot with a toothed portion at another end. The applying arm is pivoted with a gear at a middle section. The gear engages with the toothed portion of the sliding slot of the secondary cutting body, and the applying arm has a second pivoting aperture disposed at one end of the gear and a handle disposed at another end.

Abstract: A cake leveller comprises a rigid frame 1 in the form of a bow with at least two taut intertwined wires 5, 6 extending horizontally between spaced parts 4 of the frame. In a particular example, four wires are all intertwined together in two pairs, the wires in each pair being of unequal thicknesses. The wires 5, 6 within the pairs may be intertwined more spatially frequently than the intertwining of the pairs.

Abstract: A cutting tool is provided for cutting the end of a catheter to provide custom length catheters. The cutting tool has a cutting member that moves within the cutting passageway in the housing. The catheter is positioned within a catheter passageway in the housing. The cutting passageway transacts the catheter passageway so that a blade on the cutting member crosses the catheter passageway and cuts through the width of the catheter to form a cut end on the catheter.

Abstract: A protective wear cap for use on a trimmer head of a flexible line rotary trimmer including a cylindrical side wall terminating at its upper end in an upper mounting wall and at its lower end in a radially projecting protective flange. A mounting aperture is centrally disposed in the mounting wall of the wear cap so that a drive shaft of a rotary trimmer can extend through the housing and through the mounting aperture into the wear cap to be engaged by a fastening member securing the wear cap to the drive shaft of the rotary trimmer and to the trimmer head. The cylindrical side wall of the wear cap defines an axial length sized to position the protective flange thereon below the lowermost surface of the trimmer head to protect the trimmer head from wear during use.

Abstract: A power tool system includes at least one power tool separation device and at least one portable power tool. The power tool separation device includes at least one cutting unit and at least one guide unit which forms a closed system at least together with the cutting unit. The portable power tool includes a motor unit configured to be coupled to the cutting unit of the power tool separation device. At least in the mounted state, a longitudinal axis of the motor unit extends at least essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the guide unit.

Abstract: A machine tool system comprises at least one machine tool separating device, which has at least one cutting strand and at least one guide unit for guiding the cutting strand, which together form a self-contained system, and at least one portable machine tool, which comprises a machine tool housing and at least one coupling device for coupling the machine tool separating device. The portable machine tool comprises at least one pad unit to be placed on a workpiece, wherein the pad unit and the machine tool housing are mounted such that they can be moved relative to each other.

Abstract: A reciprocating saw with a control system, which includes a rotational rate sensor having a resonating mass and a controller electrically connected to the rotational rate sensor. The rotational rate sensor detects angular or lateral displacement of the resonating mass and generates a signal indicative of the detected angular or lateral displacement, such that angular or lateral displacement is directly proportional to a rotational speed at which the power tool rotates about an axis. Based on the generated signal, the controller initiates a protective operation to avoid undesirable rotation of the power tool.

Abstract: In a reciprocating saw, a slider that is reciprocated by a motor protrudes forward beyond a housing accommodating the motor. A blade that cuts a workpiece can be fixed to a joining portion provided at a tip end of the slider. A protector made of an elastic material is attached to the joining portion. The protector is provided with a contact portion capable of contacting the blade fixed to the joining portion.

Abstract: A simple type dual axes optoelectronic level includes a carrier, an adjustable fixing mechanism, a level sensing device, a container cup holding a liquid, and a reflector. The adjustable fixing mechanism and the container cup are fixed at the carrier. The level sensing device is fixed at the adjustable fixing mechanism and faces the container cup. The reflector is fixed at the bottom surface of the container cup. The level sensing device provides a measuring light beam, which is refracted by the liquid surface to the reflector, and reflected back to the liquid surface by the reflector, and refracted again by the liquid surface to the level sensing device. Through the refraction effect, the level sensing device can detect two angles between the bottom surface of the carrier and the liquid surface. The dual axes optoelectronic level has advantages of simple structure, low cost and differentiating angles of two axes.

Abstract: A surface profile measurement probe comprising two spaced apart points 20 for contacting a convex surface to be measured and a straight edge or surface 22 moveable relative to the two points to enable the straight edge to be brought into contact with a convex surface contacted by the two points. A tip 10 protrudes from and is moveably mounted relative to the straight edge or surface for measuring the profile of a surface contacted by the straight edge.

Abstract: A measuring head for a coordinate measuring machine for determining spatial coordinates on a measurement object has a coupling part for detachably receiving a measurement tool. The coupling part has a number of first bearing elements, a magnet and a retaining pin. The measurement tool has a disk with a number of second bearing elements, an anchoring plate and at least one adjustable locking element. The magnet is configured to attract the anchoring plate so as to bring the first and second bearing elements into engagement with one another. The first and second bearing elements, in the engaged state, define a defined position of the measurement tool on the coupling part. The at least one locking element secures the measurement tool to the retaining pin. The anchoring plate is detachably secured to the disk and the at least one locking element retains the anchoring plate on the retaining pin.

Abstract: A dryer is provided with a direct drive fan assembly for circulating air through a drying chamber formed in the dryer. The direct drive fan assembly includes a fan plug mounted to the dryer and a fan rotatively mounted adjacent an interior side of the fan plug. A load adapter is secured to the fan plug and projects outwardly therefrom. A motor is mounted to the load adapter via a motor adapter. There is provided a continuous drive shaft assembly from the motor, through the motor adapter, through the load adapter, and through the fan plug. The drive assembly connects to the fan disposed adjacent the interior side of the fan plug.

Abstract: Disclosed is a laundry drying rack. The laundry drying rack in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of fixing hangers disposed in parallel to each other on a drying rack frame on which laundry is hung, a plurality of oscillating links each performing a swing motion with respect to each fixing hanger as a pivot axis, a plurality of oscillating hangers each connected to a lower end of the oscillating link and shaking the laundry, hung on the fixing hanger, at the bottom of the corresponding fixing hanger, a driving unit generating power, and an electric unit providing the power generated by the driving unit as an oscillating force for the oscillating links.

Abstract: A hair treatment device has a body and a blower supported by the body from which air is blown. A concentrator separately connected to the body or integral with the body comprises at least one gas flow conduit in gas flow communication with the blower. A nozzle is in gas flow communication with a distal portion of the conduit and is oriented to blow air from a distal portion of the first conduit back toward the body.

Abstract: A chamber may include a first barrier portion, a second barrier portion, a peripheral bond, an interior bond, and a fold. The first barrier portion defines a first surface of the chamber. The second barrier portion defines a second surface of the chamber, the first surface being opposite the second surface. The peripheral bond joins the first barrier portion and the second barrier portion to form an interior void within the chamber and seal a fluid within the interior void. The interior bond is spaced inward from the peripheral bond and joins the first barrier portion and the second barrier portion. Additionally, the fold is in the second barrier portion and extends away from the interior bond and through a majority of a thickness of the chamber.

Abstract: Methods and high heel foot wear pads help provide arch support and may include a soft pliable foot engageable sheet for fitting into a high heel foot wear to engage the downwardly sloping arch engageable portion of its inner sole. A fastener on the underside of the sheet is adapted to secure the pad in place on the sloping arch engaging inner sole of the high heel foot wear. An arch support component may be mounted to the underside of the sheet spaced from the edges of the sheet to help support the foot of the wearer.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed having at least one elongated heel support member. The elongated heel support member may be angled and extend from a heel region to a midfoot region, in order to disperse forces applied by a wearer's heel during movement. The heel system may include two heel support members, each associated with a side of the article of footwear. The article of footwear may also include a series of ribs in the midfoot region, which may abut a front edge of the heel support members. Finally, the article of footwear may include asymmetric side flaps extending downward from an upper plate so as to overlap a midsole.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an orthotic insole 1 comprising a cupped heel plate 2 with an extension portion 3 extending forward of the heel plate 2 and terminating in the region of the talonavicular junction on the plantar aspect of the foot, the extension portion is cut away at both a lateral portion 4 and medial portion 5 so that the extension portion forms a central band. The insole supports and facilitates motion and alignment of the arches of the foot by the application of a dorsiflexory force, a force applied in an upward direction, to a defined central area whilst facilitating medial and lateral movement of the foot by only primarily supporting the central portion of the calcaneum (heel bone) and plantar aponeurosis (plantar fascia) from its origin at the calcaneum tuberosity.

Abstract: An adornment for application to an article of footwear includes a decorative element sized and shaped for conforming application about the quarter of a shoe and two or more fasteners operably affixed to the decorative element and adapted to removably affix the decorative element directly to the quarter of the shoe. The decorative element may be formed as a decorative panel, a decorative construct, a decorative strip or the like. In the case of a panel or construct, clips or clasps are used for engaging the cuff about the throat of the shoe. In the case of a decorative strip, a novel use of magnetic fasteners is disclosed.

Abstract: A convertible shoe enables people to easily modify a single shoe to form a total of at least three different shoe types. This reduces the bulkiness/amount of a traveler's luggage and reduces the burden of traveling without limiting a traveler's options of available shoe types. The convertible shoe can include a front removable shoe upper to convert between an open-toe and a closed-toe shoe. The convertible shoe can further include a rear removable shoe upper to convert the shoe between closed-back shoe and a sandal-type shoe. The sandal-type shoe can include a removable strap to convert between a strapped and a strapless sandal-type shoe.

Abstract: A convertible shoe enables people to easily modify a single shoe to form a total of at least three different shoe types. This reduces the bulkiness/amount of a traveler's luggage and reduces the burden of traveling without limiting a traveler's options of available shoe types. The convertible shoe can include a front removable shoe upper to convert between an open-toe and a closed-toe shoe. The convertible shoe can further include a rear removable shoe upper to convert the shoe between closed-back shoe and a sandal-type shoe. The sandal-type shoe can include a removable strap to convert between a strapped and a strapless sandal-type shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear has a molded outsole which contains a resilient midsole located in the cavity of the outsole and a footbed cover which has a stretch material layer affixed to the outsole and provides a stretch zone. The stretch zone allows the footbed cover to work in conjunction with the resilient midsole to absorb shock upon heel strike or other compression of the midsole to increase comfort. Preferably, the midsole has sections of different hardness in the heel area and the forefoot area.

Abstract: A badge is provided having a lower part (1) including a fixing device (2), for example for fixing on an article of clothing, a support part (3) on which an information carrier (40) can be applied or placed, and a transparent cover part (41). The lower part (1) and support part (3) are connected to each other along the periphery of the parts. At least two of the lower part (1), the support part (3), the cover part (41), and the information carrier (40) are made of a material that is completely biodegradable.

Abstract: A presentation banner system is provided which is provided with a strip (13, 14) on the reverse side of the banner (3) extending along at least one and preferably both longitudinal edges, the strip (13, 14) enables more accuracy and precise rolling of the banner (3) within its casing (5).

Abstract: An illuminated vehicular sign is provided including a vehicle and luminescent planar sheet. The luminescent planar sheet is constructed to provide illuminated alpha-numeric characters which are mounted to the horizontal planar surfaces of a vehicle. The alpha-numeric characters are mounted substantially horizontally so as to be seen from the air such as by helicopters or planes. The illuminated vehicle sign includes a switching system electrically connected to the luminescent planar panels for selectively controlling the transfer of power from said power source to the luminescent planar panels. The switching system including one or more adjustable variable resistors electrically connected to the luminescent planar panels for allowing one to selectively adjust the wattage provided to them.

Abstract: An improved reflective yard sign that allows a user to select their own message and gives a user the option of choosing different interchangeable messages and different interchangeable reflectors. The sign includes at least one interchangeable reflector, at least one interchangeable graphic, and a least one clear lens. Front and back covers are fastened together to retain the reflector, graphic and lens. At least one of the covers includes an aperture through which the lens, graphic, and reflector may be viewed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interactive and multifunctional information unit having autonomous movement that includes a housing (2) having wheels (3) that are driven by gear motors (4) and rechargeable batteries (5) and are actuated by an electronic controller (10). The unit has a computer (6) having a connection to the Internet (7) via Wi-Fi or 3G mobile telephony, and operational movement control is carried out by radio control, a programmed autonomous system and/or distance or long-distance control via Internet. The unit optionally incorporates volumetric and distance sensors (13), a video camera (14), a plug (15) for connection to a grid at a recharging station located in the surrounding area, solar panels (16), LED technology panels (17), a projector device (18), slots (19) for brochures, mechanisms (20) that dispense products, samples or the like, an interphone (21), a defibrillator (22) and a first-aid kit (23) and/or a suction apparatus (24).

Abstract: A complementary coupon assembly affixed to a door handle assembly is described. The coupon assembly comprises a seat rail and pad base post, whereby a paper-based or electronic coupon book resides on the surface of the pad base post.

Abstract: Bollard covers and related advertising methods enable expanded media reach to consumers. Bollard covers are configured with changeable and/or replaceable media such as advertising. Via a flexible bollard cover, cylindrical bollards, U-shaped bollards, drive-through speaker boxes, and the like may be utilized to display advertising or other media.

Abstract: An accessory merchandiser for displaying products. The accessory merchandiser includes a modular unit including a plurality of first members and a plurality of second members, wherein the first and second members form a grid structure, a plurality of indicator marks formed on each second member, and a plurality of coupling members configured to removably couple the modular unit to a fixture. The plurality of indicator marks form a marking grid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to artwork preservation, and more particularly to an artwork preservation system that utilizes vacuum and is particularly suited to framed artwork. The artwork preservation system includes: a pair of corrugated planar members constructed and arranged to overlap a front side and back side of an artwork; at least one securing element, such as hook and loop fastener, for mating the first and second corrugated boards when the artwork is placed there between; a layer of air cushioning; and a sealable bag. The system may further include a vacuum pump for removing air from the sealable bag.

Abstract: A lever protects against inadvertent release of a magazine of a firearm if its ambidextrous release is hit by equipment when the firearm is carried. The lever is made from a projection, above the pivot point, having two opposing angles forward of the depression surface. The projection impacts the equipment before the depression surface is impacted (straight-on impact), which protects the assembly from inadvertent release of the magazine. An impact to the rear angle of the projection (a rear impact) increases the engagement of the lever with the magazine. An impact along the forward angle (from the front or straight-on) of the projection also serves to increase engagement of the lever with the magazine. The lever, with its projection having opposing angles, is specifically designed to protect the lever of an ambidextrous magazine catch from inadvertent release by impact/snag in the field.

Abstract: A replacement slide assembly for a pistol, the slide assembly having a barrel assembly with a barrel and a firing chamber. The barrel assembly also has a guide member which is a protrusion that extends horizontally outward from the barrel assembly. The replacement slide assembly also includes a housing with an interior wall that defines a groove that receives the guide member. The guide member and the groove in the housing are located forward of a firing pin assembly also mounted within the housing. The slide assembly or any firearm also includes an adjustable sight assembly that permits interchangeability between different types of sights without requiring that the firearm be re-sighted.

Abstract: A box magazine for a firearm may have a housing with two substantially different widths. A wider region may accommodate four columns of cartridges and may have tapered surfaces at one end that lead into a narrower region which may accommodate an interlocked and staggered double column of cartridges. Cartridges in the wider region may be separated into two staggered double columns by a free standing dividing wall and may be advanced by inner and outer contoured followers that may be nested together to form a single follower assembly surrounding the freestanding wall and that may be driven by the outer follower's spring. An inner follower spring may remain nested within the outer follower such that the two followers coordinate the advance of the two separated double columns of cartridges toward tapered surfaces that merge the two double columns into two single columns proximate the top of the dividing wall.

Abstract: A handgun forearm support suitable, for example, for target and competitive handgun shooting, includes a grip adaptor configured to engage the grip of a handgun, an intermediate joint member that attaches to a proximal end of the grip adaptor with a pivot assembly, and a forearm brace that rotatably and lockably engages a proximal end of the intermediate joint member. Preferably the locking engagement is hand-operable, for example a joint having mating parts with interlocking radial teeth, with a wing nut and bolt engagement. The grip adaptor may insert into a recess in the handgun grip, or engage the sides of the handgun grip. One or more removably locking pins or screws lock the handgun to the grip adaptor.

Abstract: A fish attractor that can be a transparent or translucent hollow ball, or other shape with a plurality of holes in its surface to allow water to flow in and out. A removable lid or other access allows putting bait into the device. The device, which is filled with water, acts as a tank for the bait to swim around in or otherwise be displayed. The device can then be suspended from a line or float, or otherwise inserted under the surface of the water. When a larger fish spots the device, it sees only the bait. If it attacks the device or even approaches it, the bait fish inside are protected, but become highly agitated. This can cause the larger fish to go into a feeding frenzy trying to get at the bait which in turn attracts even more fish.

Abstract: A fishing float apparatus comprising: a frame; a float means for buoyantly supporting the apparatus; a reel means for alternately extending and retrieving fishing line; lock means for preventing the spool means from moving when the reel means is in a deployed configuration; a mechanical catch indicator means for notifying an operator of whether a fish has been caught; whereby, the float means can be deployed with at least one fishing hook attached to the line at a desired depth and, without being actively monitored, can be visually checked at a later time to determine visually whether at least one fish is on at least one of the hooks and, if so, the fish can be conveniently and quickly reeled in.

Abstract: The invention relates to a line of floats which allow for greater visibility during both day and night fishing. The greater visibility is created by a combination of one of more marker devices, including light sticks, flags, viz sticks, reflective surface, and/or use of chemiluminescent and phosphorescent materials. These objects and materials are used on a variety of floats, especially large floats such as jug floats and a new type of float termed a noodle float. These large floats are especially useful for catching large catfish and can be used in any body of water where fish are found, such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and the sea.

Abstract: A ice fishing fish containment device for securing a caught fish within a hole for ice fishing. The device including a tubular sidewall extending the depth of the hole. The sidewall having a bracket on its lower end. A flapper having a top side with a grasping member higedly attached to the bracket, wherein the upward movement of a fish into the hole with displace flapper temporarily until the fish enters the hole clearing the height of the flapper. The flapper will then close securing the fish with the hole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to trap apparatuses for trapping insects therein. Specifically, the trap apparatuses comprise a conically-shaped passage leading to a holding reservoir for holding the insects therein. Flanges may be disposed at the bottom of the conically-shaped passage portion for securing the same over or otherwise in proximity to an insect nest. The insect trap apparatuses of the present invention are particularly useful for trapping yellow jackets and other like insects that create nests in the ground, in cracks in walls or other vertical structures, or other similar areas.

Abstract: Embodiments provide an applicator configured to pressurize and heat a mixture of water and herbicide, and expel the heated and pressurized water/herbicide mixture from the applicator. In some embodiments, the herbicide may be an organic herbicide such as organic acids, simple sugars, surfactants, or ammonia. The applicator may include an inline heating element coupled with a spray tip of the applicator such that the inline heating element may receive a water/herbicide mixture from a water line of the applicator, heat the water/herbicide mixture, and then supply the water/herbicide mixture to the spray tip.

Abstract: In a method of controlling burrowing animals, a slurry of a natural soil component and water is generated. The slurry is pumped into a tunnel and den system dug by the burrowing animal until the tunnel and den system is filled by the slurry. An apparatus for controlling burrowing animals includes a first tank that contains water. A second tank contains a natural soil component. A water pump pumps water from the water tank into the second tank. A plurality of nozzles receives water from the water pump and sprays water from the water tank into the bottom portion of the second tank, so as to generate a slurry of a natural soil component and water. A slurry pump is configured to pump the slurry. A slurry hose is configured to delivery the slurry from the slurry pump into a tunnel and den system dug by a burrowing animal.

Abstract: A demulsifier and dispersant for treating petroleum crude oils and biofuels prior to desalter and heater treater processing can also be used to treat slop oils and clean drill cuttings.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the devolatilization of thermally produced liquids to raise the flash point are disclosed. Various methods and apparatus can be used to effectively reduce the volatile components, such as wiped film evaporator, falling film evaporator, flash column, packed column, devolatilization vessel or tank.