Abstract: A method of welding two sheet-like work pieces, such as a web and a belt of a vehicle suspension control arm, is provided. The method includes the step of positioning one of the sheet-like work pieces against and at an angle relative to the other work piece such that the first and second work pieces are in contact with one another by a generally flat contact surface. The method continues with the step of melting with a single welding process material of the first and second work pieces across the entire width of the contact surface.

Abstract: Efficiency of installation work of equipment such as an ECCS pump is enhanced. In an installation method of equipment, a pit can unit in which an upper side frame, a pit can, various reinforcing steels including vertical reinforcing bars reinforcing the above from a periphery, and an anchor plate supporting mechanism are integrated is manufactured in advance, and the pit can unit is placed on an MMR via a lower side frame. Further, an anchor bolt unit is disposed on the anchor plate supporting mechanism after primary concrete is deposited, a relative positional relationship of respective foundation bolts relative to the pit can is corrected by using a template, and secondary concrete is deposited under the state in which the positional relationship is corrected. After that, the ECCS pump is carried into the pit can, and an installation of the ECCS pump is completed by fixing the carried ECCS pump through the respective foundation bolts of which bottom sides are embedded.

Abstract: An interlocking nut and washer system complies with new standards identified in the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Recommended Practice J2535, Setting Preload in Heavy-Duty Wheel Bearings, and with maintenance recommendations issued by the Technology Maintenance Council (TMC) Recommended Practice RP618, Wheel Bearing Adjustment Procedure. The system includes an improved inner washer, adjustment nut, intermediate washer, and outer nut that interlocks with the intermediate washer following the introduction of an established level of preload force by the adjustment nut. The inner washer isolates the adjustment nut from the inner bearing race to eliminate frictional wear. An increase in outer diameter of the inner washer provides an interference capability that serves as a safety factor to prevent separation of the wheel hub from the axle spindle in event of bearing failure. The inner washer includes markers to establish the final adjusted preload or the endplay position of the adjustment nut.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cutter knife body having a grip portion, wherein the grip portion comprises a trigger lever, a cutting blade provided on an end of the cutter knife body, a pin rotatably supporting the cutting blade in the cutter knife body, a locking member placed in an opening formed in the cutter knife body, and a pair of cutting blade protector flanges, each protector flange being disposed on a side of the cutting blade, wherein each of said pair of cutting blade protector flanges has an outward protrusion from a surface of the flange, the grip type cutter knife characterized by further comprising: a pair of springs located between the pin and each of the outward protrusion. from the flange surface, wherein the pair of flanges is slidably supported in the cutter knife body by the pin and the pair of springs.

Abstract: A utility knife is provided that has an elongated main body portion and a head assembly that is separate from the main body portion. The main body portion has a handle assembly. A main body fastening mechanism is provided at one distal end of the handle assembly, and a handle assembly fastening mechanism is provided at one end of the handle assembly. A threaded pin pivotally fastens the main body portion to the head assembly by connecting the main body fastening mechanism to the handle assembly fastening mechanism. Accordingly, the head assembly can pivot with respect to the main body portion and handle assembly, so that the utility knife can be configured to cut an object at different angles, which can be particularly useful for the knife to fit in a tight cutting space.

Abstract: A power operated knife comprises a blade supporting structure supporting an annular blade for rotation about a central axis. The blade and blade supporting structure are engagable along bearing contact locations that are spaced apart in a direction parallel to the axis so that the blade is stabilised both radially and axially as the knife operates. The blade supporting structure comprises a split blade housing member that is radially expandible and contractible to receive the blade. The split blade housing member and blade engage along relatively short lines of bearing contact that serve to minimize friction and blade heating when the knife operates. The bearing locations are spaced apart both circumferentially around the blade perimeter and in the direction of the axis so that the blade position is stabilized during operation of the knifes.

Abstract: The present invention is a mechanical device used in the hunting and gaming industries. The device is a system called the EKG targeting system, which is comprised of a scope, which, in one embodiment is comprised of a laser rangefinder, an L-shaped sliding mount, a sliding face-mount bracket, a trigger release mounting bracket, bolts and nuts to secure pieces of the system together, a pin sight, a mounting for the pin sight and a trigger release. In another embodiment, the system is comprised of almost any scope used in archery targeting, an L-shaped sliding mount, a sliding face-mount bracket, a trigger release mounting bracket, bolts and nuts to secure pieces of the system together and a trigger release.

Abstract: An image capture apparatus comprises an inclination detection unit which detects an inclination of the image capture apparatus, a display unit which displays the inclination of the image capture apparatus, and a predetermined reference orientation set for the image capture apparatus, a still state determination unit which determines that the image capture apparatus is in a still state, if a variation of the inclination falls within a predetermined range, and a reference orientation setting unit which sets the reference orientation of the image capture apparatus, wherein the reference orientation setting unit does not set the reference orientation if the still state determination unit determines that the image capture apparatus is not in the still state.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring apparatus for measuring a workpiece having a workpiece surface includes a sensor to capture the workpiece surface and a mechanism to move the sensor in coordinate directions (x, y, z) relative to the workpiece. The mechanism includes a rigid frame, a mount and measuring skids. The rigid frame includes mutually parallel horizontal longitudinal members having respective horizontal guides. The rigid frame includes vertical supports having respective upper and lower ends. The horizontal longitudinal members are rigidly connected to the upper ends of the vertical supports. The rigid frame includes transverse members oriented transverse to the longitudinal members and being rigidly connected to the lower end of the vertical supports. The transverse members are supported via the mount and a first one of the measuring skids is configured to move the sensor in the coordinate direction (x) along the first and second horizontal guides.

Abstract: A measurement probe, for a co-ordinate positioning apparatus such as a machine tool, is described that includes a stylus holder that is deflectably mounted to a probe housing. One or more sensors are provided for sensing deflection of the stylus holder relative to the probe housing. A processor is included for producing a trigger signal when the deflection sensed by the one or more sensors meets a trigger condition, such as a deflection threshold. The probe also includes an accelerometer for measuring acceleration of the measurement probe. The trigger condition applied by the processor is alterable, during use, in response to the acceleration measured by the accelerometer. In this manner, false triggering can be suppressed.

Abstract: Various embodiments include alignment apparatuses and associated methods for use on a turbine (e.g., a gas turbine). In various particular embodiments, an apparatus for aligning an unfixed inlet guide vane (IGV) adjacent a fixed IGV in a gas turbine. In some cases the apparatus includes: a first wedge member for interfacing with the fixed IGV; a second wedge member movably coupled with the first wedge member, the second wedge member for interfacing with the unfixed IGV; and an adjustment apparatus coupled to the first wedge member and the second wedge member, the adjustment apparatus for modifying a position of the second wedge member relative to the first wedge member to actuate movement of the unfixed IGV relative to the fixed IGV.

Abstract: A laundry dryer has a casing (1) accommodating therein a drying air circuit and operational devices for carrying out a drying treatment on laundry. The dryer further includes a basement (8, 108) having a condensate draining path (21, 121) for conveying moisture condensed from drying air towards a reservoir (24, 124). At least one condensate retaining region (29A, 29B; 129A, 129B) is provided in the condensate draining path (21, 121) and/or on reservoir (24, 124) thereby forming a liquid trap for preventing drying air dispersing along path (21, 121) from entering reservoir (24, 124).

Abstract: A dryer including a housing, a drying chamber disposed within the housing, and a heating element coupled to the housing. The dryer further includes an intake configured to supply intake air to the drying chamber and an exhaust vent configured to vent exhaust air out of the drying chamber. The intake, the drying chamber, and the exhaust vent define an air flow path from the intake through the drying chamber and out the exhaust vent. The dryer includes a heat exchanger and a heat pump having a condenser. The heat exchanger and the heat pump are each configured to absorb thermal energy from the exhaust air and transfer the thermal energy to the intake air. The air flow path is configured such that the intake air is heated directly or indirectly by the heat exchanger prior to the intake air being further heated directly or indirectly by the condenser.

Abstract: A hair dryer including a blower and a dryer head having a narrow elongated nozzle shaped to generate airflow in the form of a thin blade of air. The hair dryer includes an airflow evening structure functionally coupled to the nozzle that more evenly distribute airflow of the thin blade of air. The airflow evening structure is a sleeve rotatably coupled about the nozzle and includes a plurality of diversely shaped nozzle masks disposed about the sleeve, each shaped to restrict airflow through the nozzle in varying modes.

Abstract: A tumble dryer includes: a laundry drum for loading/unloading the laundry; a humidity sensor system with at least one support for two or more electrodes, electrically insulated from one an-other and positioned in such a way that the electrodes are placed into or face the inside of the laundry drum, so as to contact the laundry loaded into the latter. The electrodes are electrically connected or connectable to a detection circuit and/or a control unit of the tumble dryer. Advantageously the support comprises at least two seats or channels for receiving the electrodes. Each seat or channel comprises at least one retaining element adapted for retaining a respective electrode the seat or channel.

Abstract: I have invented a partly magnetic apparatus to facilitate the drying of athletic shoes in a conventional laundry dryer while dryer is in motion of consisting stretchable band and rod.

Abstract: Methods of reducing transient temperature variations in a microwave drying process for drying partially dried ceramic logs are disclosed. The methods include sending the logs through an output microwave dryer having multiple applicators, each applicator being capable of generating an adjustable amount of microwave power. A transient drying model is employed based on microwave-drying process parameters to determine a predicted log exit temperature at the output end of the output microwave dryer. The exit temperature of each log is measured. The transient drying model, which is used to control the amount of microwave power applied, is adjusted based on a difference between the predicted and measured log exit temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for absorbing condensation from cold food and beverage containers wherein a cloth comprising polyester, rayon and spandex is wrapped around the cold object. It can be used to wrap juice containers, food containers, and the like to prevent condensation in a closed environment from wetting other dry objects in the environment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating materials is described. The apparatus is a furnace that includes multiple gravity-feed trays and a heat transfer fluid that heats material by the heat evolved during phase change. The apparatus also includes moving paddles that urge the material through each tray. The method provides for the torrefying of the material using a phase-change heat-transfer fluid by providing the material sequentially to at least two trays, where the at least two trays are substantially horizontal and disposed at different vertical heights; condensing the vapor phase at a temperature; and providing heat from the condensing the vapor phase to the material, where the temperature is sufficient to torrefy the material.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for processing waste material is provided which comprises a heat proof chamber (102), a hot gas inlet (106, 112) for heating the interior of the heat proof chamber (102), and a rotatable drum (118) for containing waste to be processed. The drum (118) has gaps (120) therein, is located within the heat proof chamber (102), and separated therefrom around its edge by a gap. The apparatus (100) is also provided with a drive (126, 128) for rotating the drum (118) at a speed such that, in use, waste material that is heat softened is centrifugally separated from the remainder of the waste and passes through the gaps (120) in the drum (118).

Abstract: Disclosed is a lock catch for connecting upper and sole that comprises matched male buckle member and female buckle member which contains a platform, and the said male buckle member and the said female buckle member are coupled with each other. This invention avoids the use of glue which leads to the decrease of the pollution of the environment. Besides, this lock catch is simple in design, and only a few such kind of lock catches are needed in every pair of shoes to realize a firm connection of upper and sole, which results in the reduction of cost and the improvement of production efficiency. The lock catch of the invention is particularly suitable for the connection of upper and sole of sandals, slippers and hollow shoes.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a clear shoesole, soft and flexible polyurethane that is complemented with a matching shoeplate gel that can be removed from the shoe. Both show the same design of oval-shock absorbers, which causes the reduction of the impact when walking and the increase of the cushioning effect. Applicable to any type of footwear regardless of sex and age.

Abstract: A shoe secures the foot like a flip flop without requiring the wearer to grip the shoe with their foot muscles and covers the foot, protecting it from injury and cooler temperatures. A wearer can easily insert their foot in shoe, as they would the traditional slipper, but the shoe would not slip off. The foot would naturally cling to a thong portion of the slipper. A wearer could wear the shoe outside for distance walking just as they would flip flops in warmer weather.

Abstract: This invention relates a cover for freshly pedicured toes that is designed for reusable, temporary attachment to and detachment from commercially available, open-toed shoes, sandals or slippers, and a system and method of use comprising such cover.

Abstract: A sandal including a sole having a front region and a back region and an interior side and an exterior side, that includes a first opening located in said front region, a second opening in or near said back region at said interior side and a third opening in or near said back region at said exterior side, and a strap, which includes a plurality of sections, having a first end and a second end and wherein said first end is threaded upwardly through said front opening, through said second opening and looped around said back region, and through said third opening, thereby defining a heel region between said second opening and said third opening.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to footwear with a shoe sole, including at least one insertable midsole orthotic. The insertable midsole orthotic is removably inserted within the shoe upper, the sides of which hold it in position. The shoe sole includes a concavely rounded side or underneath portion, which may be formed in part by the insertable midsole orthotic. The insertable midsole orthotic may extend the length of the shoe sole or may form only a part of the shoe sole and can incorporate cushioning or structural compartments or components. The insertable midsole orthotic permits replacement of midsole material which has degraded or has worn out in order to maintain optimal characteristics of the shoe sole and allows customization for the individual wearer to provide tailored cushioning or support characteristics for the purpose of orthopedic, podiatric, corrective, prescriptive, therapeutic and/or prosthetic purposes.

Abstract: The sole section of a shoe includes a midsole and an outsole, with the midsole being made from a translucent material. An illumination system is located inside the translucent midsole, causing the translucent midsole to be internally illuminated when the illumination system is active. Due to the translucent nature of the midsole light from the illumination system reflects internally throughout the midsole, increasing illumination. The light will also illuminate adjacent translucent components, such as the outsole if it is also made from a translucent material. Light from the illumination system can be blocked, such as by an opaque outsole or colored mold injection, and used to form an illuminated design or logo. By blacking out or covering sections of the translucent midsole, shapes and letters of visible light can be created in the negative space of the obstruction sections. This allows illuminated designs to easily be incorporated into footwear.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a machine for filling a trench. The machine comprises a tub, release assembly, and a hopper. The tub mixes a material to be filled into the trench. The release assembly releases the material into the hopper and the material flows from the hopper and into the trench. The machine moves parallel to the trench as the trench is being filled. An operator controls the movement of the machine from an operator station on the machine.

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 foldable greeting card and method of making the card, with a polygonal base with hinged lobes attached to the edges of the base, with the lobes foldable inward to the center of the base. The lobes overlap neighboring lobes. The card is made by affixing at least two separate units to each other, so that each hinged lobe overlaps by a neighboring lobe and is overlapped by a neighboring lobe. A message or graphic may be placed on the lobes or the base.

Abstract: The invention relates to an advertising device that includes: a base having a lower support surface and a longitudinal channel in the upper part thereof for mounting and attaching an advertising poster, three-dimensional advertising designs made of a flexible shape-memory material, a means of attaching the advertising poster to the base, and a means of attaching the base to the ground.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing an accessorizable frame system comprising a display plate, a frame plate, and an attachment, which selectively and releaseably holds the display plate away from the frame plate, are disclosed. In some cases, the attachment that connects the display plate to the frame plate includes a clip that extends from the display plate and which is configured to be received in a corresponding opening within the frame plate. In some instances, to accessorize the frame system, a user adds an aligner, a liner, a back cover, and/or any other suitable component to the frame system.

Abstract: Methods and assemblies are provided for displaying a plurality of images, which can be minor images of each other. The method includes providing a first display object having a first image on it and providing a second display object having a second image on it. The first and second images are mirror images of each other. The first and second display objects are positioned such that the images are displayed in a first mirrored registration. After doing so, the first and second display objects are repositioned such that the first and second images are displayed in a second mirrored registration. Assemblies can include at least one mount, a first display object having a first image disposed thereon, and a second display object having a second image disposed thereon, the images being minor images of each other. The first and second display objects are movably attached to the mount.

Abstract: A remote-operable firing pin safety catch is provided. A mechanical firing pin safety catch is supplemented by a further electrically remote-operable safety catch device, wherein it is basically the case that firing is possible only when the safety catch of a firing pin has been both locally mechanically released and also electrically released by means of a remote controller. As an electrical firing pin safety catch, an electric actuator is incorporated into the mechanical firing pin safety catch.

Abstract: An angled pistol grip for a user's trigger hand , mounted on an automatic or semiautomatic rifle. Said pistol grip oriented asymmetrically from the centerline of the rifle body thereby reducing the stress on the shooter's wrist of the trigger hand said pistol grip while firing. Thus allowing the shooter to correctly position the weapon, relative to the shooter's body, for accurate aiming.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an ergonomic handguard that supports rail mounted weapon accessories in a variety of different orientations. The handguard includes sides and bottom surfaces that are ergonomic. The stem includes modular sections of picatinny rail that can be attached to various locations on the handguard as needed to provide a mounting structure for rail based weapon accessories.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sporterized firearms stock ensemble configured to be coupled to a long firearm having a pistol grip interface. The firearm stock ensemble includes a cheek-rest and a gunstock assembly. The cheek-rest is configured to be coupled to a recoil buffer tube of the long firearm. The gunstock assembly includes an inline grip portion, a butt-plate and an elongated support section configured to couple the grip portion to the butt-plate.

Abstract: A forearm-gripping stabilizing attachment for a handgun that has a support structure extending rearwardly from the rear end of the handgun is provided. The forearm-gripping stabilizing attachment includes a body having a passage longitudinally extending therein. The support structure of the handgun is telescopically receivable by the passage to secure the stabilizing attachment to the handgun. The body is further configured to receive and grip a user's forearm such that the support structure extends along the user's forearm. The stabilizing attachment is particularly useful in aiding a physically disabled user with handling the handgun because the handgun essentially becomes an extension of the user's forearm such that the user may actually release his or her grip from the handgun to relax the user's hand between firing while still maintaining proper control of the handgun at all times.

Abstract: An electric decoy apparatus has a base, a motor unit mounted to the base, a support arm extending from the motor unit and a decoy cover on the support arm. The support arm follows a cam that is rotated by a motor in the motor unit. The support arm moves from a first position, to a second position and back to the first position and then to an intermediate third position before returning to the first position. The motor also rotates an eccentric weight which causes the motor unit to move relative to the base.

Abstract: A fishing lure for fishing in a body of water including a head having a proximate end and a distal end, the head having a chamber therein communicating with an opening in its distal end and a hook through the proximate end of the head. A hook extends through the chamber from the proximate end of the head and through the opening of the distal end. The hook has an eye for connecting to a fishing line. Artificial bait is disposed on the hook and extends into the chamber in the head. The head is shaped for imparting oscillating side-to-side movement to the head relative to the bait and hook as the lure moves through water.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a fishing rod proximate to the arm of a user comprises a strap sized to extend around an arm of a user, a block extending from the strap and a finger extending substantially tangentially from the strap proximate to the block, the finger having a free distal end overlying the block wherein the protrusion and the block form a void sized to retain a fishing rod therein substantially parallel to the arm of the user.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to adhesive-based pest traps that can be used to trap pests (e.g., rodents such as rats or mice, cockroaches, spiders, snakes, etc.) trying to escape from a toilet or the like. For example, a trap may be disposed in, over, and/or around a toilet's bowl. The pest traps may be supported in the toilet's bowl by a plurality of arms and/or legs. An adhesive may be provided to one or more surfaces of the trap, e.g., so that pests traversing such surfaces are likely to become stuck thereon. In certain example embodiments, the adhesive may be baited to attract one or more particular types of pests. A poison also may be targeted to one or more of these particular types of pests in certain example embodiments.

Abstract: A system for killing pests in an affected area of a structure comprises a heat pump unit placed within an affected area. The heat pump unit comprises an evaporator component, a condensor component, and a compressor component. The evaporator component is configured to receive a flow of water from a faucet, and transfer heat from the flow of water to a refrigerant. The condenser component is configured to receive the refrigerant from the evaporator component, and generate heated air by transferring heat from the refrigerant to air flowing through the condenser component. The heated air being emitted into the affected area is in order to raise the temperature of the affected area to a target temperature greater than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The compressor component is configured to return the refrigerant from the evaporator component of the heat pump unit to the condenser component of the heat pump unit.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a manhole cover, comprising: an upper transparent disc; a lower transparent disc coupled to the upper disc; and means for emitting electromagnetic radiation at a predetermined wavelength that is narrower than full spectrum, the means for emitting electromagnetic radiation operably coupled to the lower disc, wherein: the upper disc has a diameter larger than the lower disc, and the predetermined wavelength is configured to inhibit vermin from inhabiting the volume irradiated by the means for emitting electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A method for killing pests in an affected area of a structure, comprises positioning a heat exchanger unit within an affected area, coupling a first end of an inlet hose to a faucet, and coupling a second end of the inlet hose to an inlet port of the heat exchanger unit such that the heat exchanger unit may receive a flow of water from the faucet. The heat exchanger unit generates heated air by transferring heat from the flow of water received from the faucet to air flowing through the heat exchanger unit. The method continues by positioning an electric heater proximate to the heat exchanger unit, the electric heater operable to further heat the heated air emitted by the heat exchanger unit to a target temperature greater than 120 degrees Fahrenheit, the further heated air being emitted into the affected area.

Abstract: A wax comprises a metathesis product and/or a product that resembles, at least in part, a product which may be formed from a metathesis reaction. The wax may be used to form articles for example, candles (container candles, votive candles, and/or a pillar candles), crayons, fire logs or tarts. The wax commonly includes other components in addition to the metathesis product.

Abstract: The present invention is a polymer having structural units, units of formula I, units of formula II and units of either formula IIIa or formula IIIb: The polymer improves the low-temperature properties of fuel oils from petroleum sources and especially from vegetable or animal sources.

Abstract: A method for evaluating thermal plasticity of coals and caking additives includes packing a coal or a caking additive into a vessel to prepare a sample 1; arranging a through-hole material 2 having through-holes from top to bottom surfaces, onto the sample 1; heating the sample 1 at a predetermined heating rate while maintaining a constant volume of or while applying a constant load onto the sample 1 and the through-hole material 2; measuring the permeation distance with which the molten sample has permeated into the through-holes; and evaluating thermal plasticity of the sample using the measured value. Alternatively, a method involves heating the sample 1 at a predetermined heating rate while maintaining the sample 1 and the through-hole material 2 in a constant volume; measuring the pressure of the sample that is transmitted via the through-hole material 2; and evaluating thermal plasticity of the sample using the measured value.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for reducing moisture in coal, particularly coal fines and other coal streams comprising small diameter particles, using a granular drying material. The invention also relates to novel coal products and intermediates useful in connection with the process. The method and system reduced moisture by contacting the coal with the granular drying material. The granular drying material is selected to be readily separated from the coal fines using a size separation technique such as a sieve screen. The granular drying material is the regenerated, preferably using a process involving heat exchange and cross-flow air. The granular drying material is preferably capable of regeneration and recycling in a continuous process with minimal attrition.

Abstract: The quality of the briquettes granulated by a briquetting machine is improved. A briquetting machine control device samples the briquette that have been produced to measure an apparent density and a crush strength of the sampled briquette (step S10), and controls each operation set value adjusting unit (4, 6, 7) of the briquetting machine so that the actual measurement values come closer to predefined briquette quality target values (step S20 to step S60).