Abstract: An air brush marker includes a marker barrel having a first end and a second end, with a pump disposed at the first end of the marker barrel and a hollow nib disposed at the second end that is configured to absorb ink. A filter is disposed within the marker barrel, is configured to absorb ink and is positioned in contact with the nib. A tube is disposed within the marker barrel and provides an air passage extending from the pump to the nib. The pump is configured to supply a burst of air through the tube and the nib such that ink particles are sprayed out of the marker at the second end in a generally dispersed pattern.

Abstract: Traffic information, including flow information and incident information, obtained through a traffic management system for providing and facilitating the exchange of traffic information between a remote location and a vehicle may be used in route calculation by a navigation device. The navigation device may recalculate a route based on anticipated user error. Alternatively, the navigation device may recalculate a route using received traffic information triggered by the receipt of a traffic information update, or triggered by the passage of an amount of time. The broadcast rate of traffic information updates may vary temporally (providing more frequent updates during peak commute times) or geographically (providing more frequent updates to metropolitan areas with increased traffic information needs). If route calculation is triggered by an elapsed amount of time, the amount of time may vary to be shorter during peak commute times.

Abstract: A backpack with a self stabilizing shoulder strap system is disclosed. The backpack includes two shoulder straps, an intermediate member, and a bag. The bag is configured to pivot about a first connector associated with the intermediate member. The shoulder straps are configured to pivot about connectors associated with the intermediate member. The configuration of the shoulder strap system allows for the bag to remain substantially vertical during motions as the shoulders are raised and lowered.

Abstract: A system for custom fitting athletic shoes to an individual wearer includes a foot measurement device, an adjustable footform and an infrared activation chamber. Shoes of a single width for each length size have at least a portion of the upper made of heat malleable material to be custom fitted for width. Foot measurement data is used to calculate length size, width size and a number of custom adjustment factors. After the length size is calculated, the appropriately sized shoe and last are assembled together and subject to infrared radiation until the heat malleable material becomes plastic. Adjustments are then made to the last in accordance with the adjustment factors to provide custom width sizing. After further heat treatment to set the shoe upper and cooling, the shoe is complete. In this manner, if used in a retail setting, shoes are custom fitted to the wearer in a matter of minutes.

Abstract: A garment includes a first side, possibly corresponding to a user's front. The first side includes left and right portions that each have a free mating edge. Fastener elements are attached to or formed in each of the right and left portions of the garment. One of the two portions includes a two layer placket. Some of the fastener elements include a portion on the outer layer of the two layer placket. At least one interstitial fastener element is positioned only on the inner layer and is between two other fastener elements that include a portion on the outer layer. The at least one interstitial fastener element may be positioned at a wearer's chest or waist region to minimize or eliminate gapping of the shirt in areas of larger girth.

Abstract: A pad element may include a base member, a pair of cover layers, and a plurality of beads. The base member defines a plurality of apertures. The cover layers are secured to opposite surfaces of the base member and extend across the apertures. The beads are located within the apertures and between the cover layers. As examples, the base member and the beads may be formed from polymer foam materials, and the cover layers may be formed from textile materials. The pad element may be utilized to attenuate impact forces and provide one or more of breathability, flexibility, a relatively low overall mass, and launderability.

Abstract: A hood system with a plurality of hood hinges is disclosed. The hood hinges associated with the hood system include a hole configured to receive a removable fastener. By inserting a fastener in the hole when the hood is in a fully open position, a protrusion on the hood hinge can rest against the removable fastener to maintain the hood in the fully open position.

Abstract: A conveyor belt is made with a series of spaced apart buttonless rods. The buttonless rods are connected to each other with a plurality of links. The buttonless ends of the rods are welded or otherwise affixed to the links so that the ends of the rods are substantially coplanar with the outer surface of the links. This forms a relatively smooth link surface, which is readily cleaned and sanitized. Additionally, wear and tear is reduced on driving grip surfaces that frictionally grab onto the links.

Abstract: The device comprises a body (2) and placed therein a needle assembly (1) and a push button (3) located in the upper portion of the body (2), whereas the needle assembly (1) has in its lower portion a sheathed piercing needle (5), and the push button (3) has in its upper portion a press surface, and between the body (2) and the needle assembly (1) a return spring (27) is placed. The push button (3) is coupled with the needle assembly (1) by means of abutting surface elements (15, 44), whereas during the movement of the push button (3) and after resting the needle assembly (1) on the element (20) of the body (2) and after performing the full-depth piercing, one of the abutting surface elements (15, 44) bends, releasing the needle assembly (1) from the thrust of the push button (3), whereupon the needle assembly (1) retracts to the inside of the body by means of the return spring (27).

Abstract: A method of customizing an article of footwear that is configured for self assembly is disclosed. The method includes steps of applying customized designs to pre-cut portions, and packaging the pre-cut portions with a lace and a set of instructions into a kit of parts. The kit of parts can be taken home and assembled by the customer.

Abstract: A system for custom fitting athletic shoes to an individual wearer includes a foot measurement device, an adjustable footform and an infrared activation chamber. Shoes of a single width for each length size have at least a portion of the upper made of heat malleable material to be custom fitted for width. Foot measurement data is used to calculate length size, width size and a number of custom adjustment factors. After the length size is calculated, the appropriately sized shoe and last are assembled together and subject to infrared radiation until the heat malleable material becomes plastic. Adjustments are then made to the last in accordance with the adjustment factors to provide custom width sizing. After further heat treatment to set the shoe upper and cooling, the shoe is complete. In this manner, if used in a retail setting, shoes are custom fitted to the wearer in a matter of minutes.

Abstract: To provide an image display device of the type that presents ages in a certain part of the field of vision in which the image display device can be used for prolonged periods of time. An image display device 1 includes a main body having a shape of a glasses frame, a right-eye display device 20R and a left-eye display device 20L. Each of the right-eye display device 20R and the left-eye display device 20L is for displaying a predetermined image and is provided in such a manner that it is not very clearly visible for a user when the user wearing the main body 10 on his or her head looks straight ahead and that it becomes clearly visible for the user only when the user moves his or her forward-looking eyes away. The user can get a forward field of vision and can see the images displayed on the right-eye display device 20R and the left-eye display device 20L when he or she looks at 45 degrees down.

Abstract: A system and method for fuel tuned variable valve timing is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of cylinders, each cylinder being further associated with at least two exhaust valves. A first exhaust valve operates according to a first valve lift curve that is tuned for combustion of gasoline. A second exhaust valve operates according to at least two different valve lift curves that are tuned for E85 fuel. The second lift curve is associated with high engine speeds and the modified second lift curve is associated with low engine speeds.

Abstract: A pack with a hydration system is disclosed. The hydration system includes a reservoir and a hose. The reservoir comprises a front side and a rear side that maintain a fixed cross section as liquid is filled and/or drained from the reservoir. Also, as the reservoir empties, the rear side contracts towards the front side, which displaces the center of mass of the reservoir closer to a wearer's back.