Abstract: A razor includes a handle and detachable blade cartridge. The end of the handle has a pivot sphere upon which the blade cartridge is rotatably mounted, with freedom to pivot around three axes of the handle, and otherwise holds its orientation relative to the handle. The blade cartridge is held to the pivot sphere by a clevis having recesses defined in at least the inner side surfaces of its legs. The recesses, together with the clevis, are sized to admit the pivot sphere between them and to hold the sphere therein once admitted. The clevis and/or the pivot sphere can be formed of a resilient injection molded plastic. The range of motion of the blade cartridge can be limited by forming one or more stops on the pivot sphere to interact with the clevis and thereby interrupt its free rotation.

Abstract: Certain embodiments include archery bow sights which incorporate pin adjustment mechanisms which can be set to automatically arrange sight pins in appropriate proportional spacing for various target ranges based on the spacing of two initial points. In certain embodiments, a first pin on an archery bow sight is calibrated at a first reference distance to define a first reference point on the sight. The bow and sight is then used at a second reference distance to determine and align a second reference point for a second sight pin. As aligned, the mechanism controls one or more additional sight pins to correspond with additional reference distances. In certain embodiments illustrated herein, the pin adjustment mechanism arranges pins within a vertically aligned orientation.

Abstract: An improvement in workpiece-engageable devices for accurate workpiece angular formation including a plurality of spirit vials and an engager of a workpiece which establishes an intended bending plane. The plurality of spirit vials includes formation-angle vials adjacent to one another and supported in a respective plane parallel to the intended bending plane and in an orientation corresponding to a respective one of intended angles with respect to a base plane. At least one control vial is supported in a body of the device and aligned in a plane parallel to the base plane. The formation-angle vials may include four formation-angle vials each oriented at one of angles 10°, 22.5°, 30°, 45°, 90° and in some embodiments 60° with respect to the base plane.

Abstract: An articulated arm coordinate measurement machine (AACMM) that includes a noncontact 3D measurement device, position transducers, a camera, and a processor operable to project a spot of light to an object point, to measure first 3D coordinates of the object point based on readings of the noncontact 3D measurement device and the position transducers, to capture the spot of light with the camera in a camera image, and to attribute the first 3D coordinates to the spot of light in the camera image.

Abstract: A device for measuring the depth of concrete comprising an elongated spine, a stepped blade attached at the distal end of the spine and having a plurality of bi-lateral steps having a predetermined width and height tapering toward the distal end of the spine, a depth probe slidably mounted longitudinally within an internal channel of the spine and including an indicator; and a scale aligned with the indicator. The depth probe may have a pointed or beveled distal tip which is useful for penetrating concrete or other aggregate materials. The stepped blade is provided into concrete and comes in contact with the top of the rebar grid, with the steps measuring the depth of the concrete cover over the rebar. The depth probe is plunged into the concrete until the tip reaches the bottom. The scale measures the distance between a distal tip of the depth probe and the leading edge of the blade.

Abstract: A lever-type measuring machine swinging around a supporting point includes a stylus measuring a shape of a measured object, an arm having a first end connected to the stylus and a second end connected to the supporting point, and a balancer having a first end connected to the supporting point. The balancer is formed of a material having high specific flexural rigidity. The lever-type measuring machine enables more accurate measurement.

Abstract: A drill pipe measuring system for efficiently and safely measuring drill pipe on an oil derrick. The drill pipe measuring system generally includes a main member, a tongue member extending outwardly from the main member, a retaining member having a groove that slidably receives the tongue member to secure a measuring tape adjacent to the tongue member and a securing member that is movably attached to an upper end of the main member to selectively retain a hook piece of the measuring tape. The securing member includes a pivot pin that the securing member pivots about and a locking member. When the locking member is in a released state, the securing member is allowed to move with respect to the main member. When the locking member is in the locked state, the securing member is prevented from moving with respect to the main member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a measurement marking device for attachment onto a measuring tape or ruler; wherein the attached measurement marking device may slide/travel along the measuring tape or ruler, and set measurement(s) marking(s) onto the measured object at desired measurements/locations/sizes/lengths.

Abstract: A food processing apparatus has a housing, a basket supported in the housing for rotation about an axis of rotation, and a drive mechanism supported by the housing for rotating the basket to process food in the housing, for example, spinning off water from the food. The drive mechanism has a manual operating lever, a gearwheel rotated by the lever and coupled to the basket for rotating the basket, and a centrifugal clutch between the lever and the gearwheel for transmitting a rotational drive force from the lever to the gearwheel. The food processing apparatus includes a brake mechanism supported by the housing for braking rotation of the basket, the brake mechanism having a braking member frictionally engageable with the gearwheel to stop rotation of the basket.

Abstract: A multiple product belt drier having a first air permeable conveyor belt on which the materials to be dried are poured to form a first drying path; at least a second air permeable conveyor belt to assure at least a second drying path for drying the materials after the first one; an air blowing mechanism; an air heating mechanism for heating the blown air to dry the materials, and a drying air distribution circuit for distributing the drying air towards the materials and the belts; the drying air circuit being provided so that the drying air circulates downwards through the materials to be dried and the belts, and an air reheating mechanism is provided between the two paths to reheat the air which has passed through the layer of materials on the first belt, before it passes through the layer of materials on the second belt.

Abstract: An optical module is provided, including a substrate (1) of a defined shape, the substrate having two surfaces (1a, 1b) opposite from each other and an edge (1c). A layer (2) covers at least one of the surfaces (1a, 1b) of the substrate (1). The layer (2) includes a transparent polymeric material and has at least one optical element (3) which scatters rays of light originating from the substrate and passing through the optical element (3). A design feature for at least one of mounting and aligning (4, 5) the optical module is provided in a mounting region of the layer and is the same material and the same part as the layer (2).

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments or implementations are disclosed of systems for providing heat for use inside a structure and control apparatus and methods relating to material drying systems. In an exemplary embodiment, a control apparatus for controlling heat and/or humidity inside a structure selects one or more heat sources from a plurality of heterogeneous heat sources. The heat sources include a heat storage reservoir and a heat pump system between which heat is selectively transferrable via a fluid of the heat storage reservoir and a refrigerant of the heat pump system. The selecting is performed based on sensor input(s). The control apparatus controls the selected heat source(s) to provide heat inside the structure.

Abstract: The present invention of a method for producing a porous membrane including a solidification step of forming a porous membrane, and a heating step of drying the porous membrane, wherein the heating step includes at least a water reduction step of the porous membrane, the water reduction step uses a heating medium, and the temperature of the heating medium (Tgh) satisfies a relation of tgh>Td, when Td represents the heat deformation temperature of a membrane material. The present invention of a drying device of a porous membrane including a water reduction unit, and a final drying unit, wherein the drying device includes a membrane-surface-temperature measurement means for measuring the surface temperature of the porous membrane and the final drying unit, and a control means for controlling the temperature and/or the flow speed of the heating medium of the water reduction unit.

Abstract: A wig drying apparatus and method are provided, the apparatus being adapted to support a wig and which may be used to direct air currents upward such that a wig may be dried quickly and easily without damaging the wig or unduly altering the wig's outer appearance, comprises, a stand adapted to hold a wig, the stand comprising a main body member comprising a base and a neck member, and upper members comprising a central member and side members. The neck member comprises a base tube comprising a base opening. The base opening is adapted to accept a hose/outlet portion of a dryer. In the preferred embodiment, the device's shape is generally that of a human head and neck. In one embodiment, the central member and base tube are removable and may be used to dry a wig not supported by the remaining portions of the stand.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole. The sole has an upper sole member, a lower sole member, and at least one inflatable bladder disposed between the upper sole member and the lower sole member. The at least one inflatable bladder has an inflated state and a deflated state. A distance between the upper sole member and the lower sole member is greater in the inflated state than the deflated state. Varying the inflation of the inflatable bladder varies the amount of cushioning in the sole and the thickness of the sole so that the shoe can serve as a multipurpose shoe for activities requiring different amounts of cushioning.

Abstract: An insole for an orthopedic device includes a top portion including at least one top layer. The top layer defines a top surface arranged to be substantially adjacent a plantar surface of a user's foot. A bottom portion is connected to and arranged opposite the top portion. The bottom portion includes at least one bottom layer. At least one removable element is arranged for removal from at least the bottom portion for defining at least one opening below the top surface. The top surface continuously spans over the at least one opening arranged for off-loading one or more affected areas of the plantar surface of the foot.

Abstract: An article of footwear including an upper incorporating a knitted component having one or more monofilament areas is described. Monofilament areas are formed by knitting with a monofilament strand. The monofilament areas are formed of unitary knit construction with the remaining portions of the knitted component. An inlaid tensile element can extend through the knitted component, including portions of the monofilament areas.

Abstract: An adjustable shoe having an extendible heel and flexible sole section is provided. In some embodiments, the flexible sole section can comprise one, two or even three or more layers. Where multiple layers are included, the sole can comprise a flexible spacer layer comprising neoprene or other flexible material(s), and another layer including an accordion-like material that can collapse or extend depending on desired arches.

Abstract: A material that includes at least one layer made of an auxetic structure and articles of footwear having soles comprising the materials. When the material is under tension, it expands in both the direction under tension and in the directional orthogonal to the direction under tension. The articles of footwear have soles that have at least one layer made of a material that has a pattern of geometrical patterns with polygonal apertures. The geometrical patterns have hinged polygons that rotate with respect to each other when the sole is under lateral or longitudinal tension, thus increasing the lateral and longitudinal dimensions of the sole.

Abstract: A material that includes at least one layer made of an auxetic structure and articles of footwear having soles comprising the materials. When the material is under tension, it expands in both the direction under tension and in the directional orthogonal to the direction under tension. The articles of footwear have soles that have at least one layer made of a material that has a pattern of apertures to provide the auxetic structure. The apertures are surrounded by sole portions that can rotate or pivot to change the size of the apertures.

Abstract: A device for removable securing decorative objects to a thong type sandal and a sandal system incorporating such a device.

Abstract: A ventilation system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The ventilation system may be configured to direct air from outside the article of footwear to the inside of the article of footwear. The ventilation system may include a sole layer and a sockliner configured to lie on top of the sole layer. One or more paths may be formed within the sole layer to provide a pumping mechanism during the normal course of providing cushioning for the user. The paths may be activated by forefoot or heel based pressure to force air from the exterior of the article of footwear to a sockliner directly above the sole layer. An air inlet extending through a sidewall of the sole layer may allow air to enter the path from outside the article of footwear. An opening in the sockliner may allow air inside the path to enter inside the article of footwear.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a road deicer, comprising a magnetron connected to a power supply device through a power transformer, an antenna chamber connected to said magnetron through a waveguide tube, and a microwave emitter arranged inside said antenna chamber, wherein at least one slot is formed on an emitting end of the antenna chamber facing the road. The deicer of the present disclosure generates microwave energy through a magnetron, transmits the microwave energy through a waveguide tube, and then radiates the microwave energy through a microwave emitter and slots, thereby melting the ice through microwave heating. The road deicer of the present disclosure has higher deicing efficiency, and it won't damage the road, nor pollute the environment. The present disclosure also provides a road deicing system which has high deicing efficiency and can avoid damaging the road and polluting the environment.

Abstract: Manual pump for a household appliance such as an iron, with an activation button that moves between a resting position, to which it is returned by a return mechanism, and a depressed position, into which it is moved by pressing the button to produce a pumping effect, characterized in that said pump has a stopping mechanism exerting a force against the movement of the button toward the depressed position when said button is in the resting position, said stopping mechanism being adjusted so that the force necessary to move the button into the depressed position is greater when the button is in the resting position than when it is not in said resting position.

Abstract: A display folder including a front panel and a rear panel pivotally coupled to the front panel, the rear panel having generally the same size and shape as the front panel. The display folder further includes a pocket positioned on at least one of the front or rear panels, and a collapsible support panel coupled to both the front and rear panels. The display folder is movable between an expanded configuration wherein the front and rear panels form a first angle therebetween and the support panel is generally not collapsed, and a compact configuration wherein the front and rear panels form a second angle therebetween smaller than the first angle and the support panel is collapsed.

Abstract: Equipment for manufacturing a display item slide having a predetermined length is provided. The equipment includes a first feed arrangement for feeding sheet material, in use, from a roll thereof that has a width substantially equal to the length of the display item slide, a parting means for parting a narrow strip of material from a free end of the roll, and a forming arrangement for forming the strip to a predetermined profile. Further according to the invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a display item slide having a predetermined length, which includes providing a roll of sheet material that has a width substantially equal to the length of the display item slide, parting a narrow strip of material from a free end of the roll, and forming the strip to a predetermined profile. Still further the invention extends to a display item slide which has been manufactured by means of the equipment of the invention or in accordance with the method of the invention.

Abstract: A display card holder for use on support surfaces, such as golf carts includes a display card retaining sleeve and a sleeve holder. The sleeve holder includes an entrance slot having inwardly extending retention ridges which deform and thereby reduce vibration of the retaining sleeve. The sleeve holder may further include a mechanical locking mechanism for securing the sleeve in the sleeve holder.

Abstract: Document display systems including an enclosure including a first surface, a second surface spaced from the first surface, a top edge connecting the first surface and the second surface, a bottom edge opposite the top edge and connecting the first surface and the second surface, a first lateral side connecting the first surface, the second surface, the top edge, and the bottom edge, a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side connecting the first surface, the second surface, the top edge, and the bottom edge, and a cavity bounded by the first surface, the second surface, the top edge, the bottom edge, the first lateral side, and the second lateral side; a light source mounted within the cavity; and a fastener removably attached to the first surface and configured to selectively fasten the enclosure to a window of a vehicle.

Abstract: A license plate frame comprising a license plate frame body defining a centrally located substantially unobstructed registration plate viewing area therethrough. The unobstructed viewing area is defined by a continuous interior peripheral edge. In one embodiment, a license plate peripheral support wall extends rearward from a mounting or rear surface of the frame body. The peripheral support wall is sized and shaped to nest with a peripheral edge of a registration plate. The peripheral support wall may be setback from the interior peripheral edge forming a plate surface retention lip. One or more retention tabs extend inwardly from the support wall, each forming a gap between a tab exterior surface and the retention lip or the continuous peripheral edge. The registration plate is positioned between the tab exterior surface and the retention lip. The assembly is affixed to a vehicle by inserting fasteners through apertures in each of the registration plate and the retention tabs.

Abstract: Custom LED light panel displays (20, 20a, 20b) are provided, equipped with transparent media covers (22), replaceable, image-bearing media sheets (24), and support and illumination assemblies (26) having backing panels (38) supporting the sheets (24). The sheets (24) are located between the covers (22) and the backing panels (38), and can be readily replaced without disassembly of the displays (20, 20a, 20b). The displays (20, 20a, 20b) are illuminated by means of peripheral LED lights (86) disposed about central panel sections (50) forming a part of the backing panels (38). The LED-emitted light may be4 scattered or changed in color to achieve different illumination patterns.

Abstract: A rotatable banner support assembly comprises upper and lower plates spaced by at least one spacing fastener and each defining a passage for circumscribing a support member, a plurality of brackets mounted on one of the upper and lower plates to frictionally engage the support member at least one of the brackets being radially adjustable, and a rotatable annular disc disposed between the upper and lower plates and circumscribing the at least one spacing fastener, the rotatable disc configured to retain a banner arm.

Abstract: A picture frame assembly includes a body having a recess for receiving an item for display and backing member to be positioned behind the item to retain the item within the recess. The retainer includes a head portion having one or more engagement members projecting from a surface thereof and a tail portion extending from the head portion that is pliable with respect to the head portion and able to be moved between a first position and a second position with respect to the head portion. The engagement members of the head portion engage with a surface of the body of the picture frame assembly, so that when the tail portion is in the first position, the tail portion does not substantially extend into the recess of the picture frame assembly to enable placement of the backing member within the recess.

Abstract: A system for tracking weapon health includes a low frequency networked radio tag coupled with a firearm, said radio tag configured to receive and send data signals; a reader configured to be in operative communication with the tag antenna; and a display configured to display data relating to weapon health. The radio tag includes a shot sensor, a shot count register for tracking the number of shots fired and cadence registers for tracking the intervals between shots.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for intentionally slowing the speed at which detachable ammunition magazines can be interchanged in a firearm receiver. A magazine catch assembly includes a latch adapted to engage a recess of a standard magazine in the magazine well. A hand-activated crank interacts with threads of a push-rod portion of the latch so that manual rotation of the hand crank in one direction (e.g., counter-clockwise) displaces the latch after a sufficient number of turns. Reverse rotation of the hand crank returns the latch to its engaged condition ready to automatically re-engage the next magazine inserted into the firearm receiver. Alternatively, viscoelastic foam or other mechanical time-delay feature can be used instead of screw threads to introduce a mechanically transmitted dwell period before the latch is actuated.

Abstract: An ammunition magazine follower comprising:—a main bottom member defining an upper and lower surface, where said upper surface comprises a substantially flat portion and a parallel ridge portion, where said flat and ridge portions are arranged in a longitudinal direction of the main bottom member;—guide means on the lower surface for guiding said follower in the magazine;—means for accommodating urging means, which urging means in use when the follower is installed in a magazine urges the follower away from the magazine bottom; wherein the guide means comprises at least one end wall projecting substantially perpendicularly away from said lower surface of said main bottom member, where said end wall comprises a moveable tap, where an upper part of said tap, by biasing means in use projects at least partly above said upper surface of the main bottom member.

Abstract: Embodiments of a magazine 10 for storing cartridges 30 for use with a firearm are disclosed. The magazine 10 may include a stack divider 50 that creates at least two spaces for stacks of cartridges 30. The magazine 10 may also include feed lips 40 that have an entry point 41 sized to allow the cartridges to be loaded with a single straight-in motion.

Abstract: The present folding stock adapter can be used with many types of military-type assault rifles that typically comprise a receiver extension, buffer and action spring. The present folding stock adapter can be used to add a folding capability to a standard stock allowing it to fold against a rifle's receiver when the weapon is not in use, thus reducing the overall length of the weapon. This reduction in length can facilitate its maneuverability, storage and transport in cramped quarters. The present device can also allow for the quick unfolding of the stock in order to allow the weapon to function and be fire normally.

Abstract: The proposed invention relates to small arms, specifically to charging devices for charging magazines with cartridges and to meters for cartridges in box magazines. The technical result consists in providing a universal charging device and meter for cartridges in box magazines which makes it possible to achieve rapid charging and discharging of cartridges to and from said magazines and visual and tactile monitoring of the number of said cartridges in box magazines which have been withdrawn from and inserted in a weapon. The device has a minimal weight and can easily be built into any box magazine of an automatic machine gun or a pistol having a spring-loaded cartridge feed mechanism.

Abstract: Self-locking chambers for magazine speed loaders is disclosed. A self-locking chamber features a chamber, comprising of two parallel walls, that engages with an alignment wall and a locking block, the alignment wall and the locking block configured to work in conjunction with one another in restraining the lateral mobility of cartridges placed in between them. Cartridges positioned in between the two parallel walls and in between the locking block and the alignment wall are restrained from lateral movement and serve to restrain the lateral mobility of the chamber, hence locking the chamber in linear alignment with a feed opening of a magazine that is coupled adjacent to the locking block and alignment wall.

Abstract: A firearms attachment system for installation on a firearm with an integral rail system is provided with a riser assembly that secures to the weapon and a mounting base assembly. The riser assembly has a riser and two retaining bolts that secure it to the rail system by passing through the slots between the ribs of the rail system. The riser assembly has a central groove that receives the rail and shoulders that fully hold the rail when slidably engaged. The retaining bolts maintain the desired orientation. The mounting base assembly is comprised of the base and the locking assembly. The base has a groove to receive the riser. When the riser assembly is affixed to the rail assembly, the weapons system can be slidably engaged with the mounting base assembly. The lock assembly impels a retaining bolt into the bottom of the riser, to prevent removal of the weapon.

Abstract: A body-mountable firearm support assembly that is mountable to the body of a user to support a firearm in a stable configuration in use includes a first elongate support that is supportable, in use, at a first support zone on the body of the user in an operatively forwardly projecting configuration and a second elongate support that is supportable, in use, at a second support zone on the body of the user. The second support zone is lower on the user's body than the first support zone. The second elongate support is connected to the first elongate support at a third support zone spaced, in use, from the first and second support zones along the first and second supports. The assembly also includes an anchoring formation that is wearable, in use, by the user such that it provides the second support zone.

Abstract: The invention has a curved board. The curved board is formed into a shape that curves in a curving direction corresponding to an expanding direction of a net opening in a towing state, from a front-side end section that is a front side in a towing direction in the towing state towards a rear-side end section that is a rear side in the towing direction in the towing state. At least one of a projecting structure having a projecting surface, a top board, and a bottom board is formed in the curved board.

Abstract: The “Karpela cont” container for the delivery and distribution of the lure or food or pharmaceutical substance for fish or for the dissolution of the substance in the aquatic environment, comprises a casing made of water-resistant, predominantly, polymeric material, which consists of at least, two parts (1) connected with one another by split connection, creating an internal cavity. Each part has, at least, two holes or groups of holes (7). The holes are located on the opposite surfaces of the casing, moreover, the total area of holes makes up from 5% to 50% of the total area of the container's surface.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a fishing lure including an elongated body and bill, wherein the lure body includes a concave portion. According to an exemplary embodiment, the bill extends away from a head portion of the body at a downward angle and the concave portion smoothly transitions to a top surface of the bill.

Abstract: A fishing sinker consisting of a cloth bag which is open at the top. The bag is partially filled and then the upper part of the bag is gathered together and closed by means of an eye pin and rubber band attached to the eye of the eye pin. The eye pin is laid across the gathered fabric then the rubber band is pulled around the gathered fabric and over the end of the eye pin to provide closure. The bag can thus be emptied and retrieved by pulling firmly on the fishing line, which is also attached to the metal pin, which is tethered to the bottom of the bag.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the detection of insects. The apparatus includes a chamber that includes an attractant to lure the bed bug to the chamber, a detector to detect the presences of an insect in the chamber, an indicator to alert the user that an insect has been detected, and a control circuit to process the signal from the detector to the indicator.

Abstract: A method for reducing aqueous phase separation of an emulsion comprising ethanol-based fuel and a lubricating oil comprising molybdenum ester amide complex, comprising the step of adding to the lubricating oil a dispersant polyalkyl (meth) acrylate (DPMA) in an amount from about 0.01 to about 0.5% by weight of the lubricating oil, such that the weight ratio of molybdenum to DPMA is about 2.05 or less.

Abstract: An alcohol product composition is provided that may be used directly for blending with existing fuel sources. More specifically, the alcohol product composition includes ethanol and organic compositions which act as a denaturant.

Abstract: High energy (e.g., ultrasonic) mixing of a hydrocarbon feedstock and reactants comprised of an oxidation source, acid, and optional catalyst yields a liquid hydrocarbon product having increased cetane number. Ultrasonic mixing creates cavitation, which involves formation and violent collapse of micron-sized bubbles, which greatly increases reactivity of the reactants. Cavitation substantially increases cetane number compared to reactions carried out using conventional mixing processes, such as simple mechanical stifling. An aqueous mixture comprising water and acid can be pretreated with ozone or other oxidizer using ultrasonic cavitation prior to reacting the pretreated mixture with a hydrocarbon feedstock to promote cetane-increasing reactions. Controlling temperature inside the reactor promotes beneficial cetane-increasing reactions while minimizing formation of water-soluble sulfones.

Abstract: A generally pillow-shaped charcoal briquet having a convex upper surface and a convex lower surface, wherein at least one of these surfaces contain an enhanced surface feature comprising one or more grooves. When two or more grooves are located on one or both convex surfaces, the grooves are generally parallel to each other and to two opposing sides of the briquet, and generally perpendicular to two opposing sides of the briquet. The briquets have improved ignition characteristics and enhanced burn phase properties.