Abstract: A combination hand tool for cutting flexible duct and the like, which tool has both (i) a blade-holding mechanism which enables safe, quick and convenient replacement of a utility knife blade for cutting material requiring relatively low cutting pressure (e.g., the insulated portion of flexible duct) and (ii) a replaceable cutting tool having a cutting edge moveable against a cutting surface to enable the user to generate relatively high cutting force on a piece requiring such high cutting force (e.g., the metal or plastic wire component of flexible duct). In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the aforementioned blade-holding mechanism includes two similarly-shaped, overlying plates which are both pivotably moveable to enable separation of the plates and replacement of the utility knife blade positioned therebetween. Also, the aforementioned replaceable cutting tool is held in its operating position by a holding mechanism for releasably securing the cutting tool.

Abstract: An improved locking mechanism for a cutting tool (1) is disclosed. The locking mechanism includes a locking block (15) transversely located through or on one handle (12) of the cutting tool (1). The locking mechanism incorporates a shaped spring (18) adapted to restrain the locking block (15) in either the locked or unlocked position.A cutting tool (1) having a pair of handles (11,12) operable to move at least one cutting blade relative to a second cutting blade or anvil and including the locking mechanism described is also disclosed.

Abstract: A clamping device for mounting an alignment head to the hub of a vehicle which comprises a frame; a shaft upon which the head is mountable connected to the frame; a first clamping member connected to the frame and comprising a first groove for engaging at least a first bolt of the hub; and a second clamping member movably connected to the frame and comprising a second groove for engaging at least a second bolt of the hub.

Abstract: A sighting instrument includes a sighting tube mounted on a base, which is attached to a rifle for sighting the rifle by the user with his eye positioned along the optical axis of the instrument and elevation and windage adjustment controls rotate the tube with respect to the rifle about axes transverse to the rifle, one horizontal at the front of the instrument for elevation adjustment and the other vertical at the rear of the instrument for windage adjustment, the elevation adjustment control being at the rear of the instrument and providing the windage axis, the windage adjustment control being at the front of the instrument and providing the elevation axis and both controls: are carried by the base, are flexibly connected to the tube and can be manipulated readily by finger without a tool; and are readily accessible by the user's while the user is sighting the rifle.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a tilt sensor including a container having a bubble on a surface of the conductive liquid as the conductive liquid is filled in the container, an electrode to provide a current to the conductive liquid in the container, and terminals to output the current provided from the electrode through the conductive liquid, thereby outputting a tilt sensing signal by the presence of an electric connection between the electrode and the terminals.

Abstract: A level indicator for a child seat equipped with a rotatable carrying handle rotatably attached thereto, and having a housing in a hub of said pivotal handle with a wall defining an interior region of said hub and an indicator member having an indicator surface. The indicator member is movably received in the interior region and the wall is formed to include a transparent window defined by an edge formed in the wall, the edge being arranged so that the indicator surface is visible through the window when the level indicator is level, with the indicator member moving entirely away from the window edge when the level indicator is not level so that the indicator surface is not visible through the window. The indicator member is disclosed as being a gravity ball that freely rotates in a curved track or a pendulum rotating in the handle.

Abstract: The solid-state oscillator, preferably a watch crystal (1/2), is mounted with its direction (S) of vibration at an angle to all three measuring directions (x, y, z) of the coordinate measuring apparatus. The oscillator circuit of the solid-state oscillator is connected to an electronic circuit which generates two different contact signals. Both measures make it possible to reduce the dependency of the contact uncertainty of the measuring direction.

Abstract: An axial flow, turbofan gas turbine engine, generally, has a fan section, a compressor section, a combustor section, and a turbine section. An axially extending flow path for working medium gases extends through these sections. The compressor section includes an upstream low pressure compressor and a downstream high pressure compressor. The high pressure compressor is formed by a stator assembly and a rotor assembly. The rotor assembly has a plurality of airfoils or blades which extend radially outward from a rotor disk. During operation, the fan section draws in the working medium gases, as well as, sand. The sand abrades the blades and causes the blades to erode. In an effort to determine the service life remaining in a blade after erosion damage has been done, the present invention relates to a method and a gauge for measuring the service life remaining in a blade.

Abstract: A fixture for positioning and supporting parts for measurement on a measuring machine, the fixture presenting a number of reconfigurable supporting elements, each presenting a first portion positionable on the reference surface of the machine, and a second portion positionable in relation to the first portion in a direction perpendicular to the reference surface; and a reference tool positioned automatically by the machine, and presenting a three-dimensional reference for the second portion of the supporting elements; the supporting elements being moved manually over the reference surface so that the second portion contacts the reference tool, and being clamped in the position so defined.

Abstract: Disclosed is a unit, for removing rainwater from umbrellas, that can easily, effectively, and quickly remove rainwater from umbrellas. This unit comprises an umbrella insertion portion into which an umbrella that is wet with rain is inserted, a rainwater collecting portion where rainwater is held and from which it is discharged, and, with some configurations, a fan compartment from which warm air is driven into the umbrella insertion portion. With another configuration, the unit comprises a cylindrical external frame that has a handle and multiple brushes that are provided on the internal wall of the external frame. With these arrangements, the unit according to the present invention can easily, effectively, and quickly remove rainwater from wet umbrellas.

Abstract: A limiting orifice through-air-drying apparatus for papermaking or other absorbent embryonic webs. The apparatus has a first zone and a second zone. The first zone is maintained at a differential pressure less than the breakthrough pressure, while the second zone is maintained at a differential pressure greater than the breakthrough pressure. The residence time of the embryonic web to be dried with the apparatus is maintained at preferably less than 35 milliseconds on the first zone. Using the dual zone system described above, the overall energy required to run the apparatus can be reduced.

Abstract: The position of the exhaust air flap of a through-flow dryer, for example, a screen drum dryer, is adjusted to determine the moisture content of the exhaust air. This is advantageously accomplished as a function of the desired drying temperature of the goods or their moisture content when the good leaves the dryer. Provision is made according to the invention to measure the temperature of the air after passing though the web, at least in the vicinity of the outlet of the dryer, to relate it to the temperature of the ambient air and thus to determine the temperature of the goods and hence their moisture content, since in the residual drying range, the moisture content of the goods is a function of the temperature of the goods. The exhaust air moisture content can then be regulated with this measured value.

Abstract: A footwear sole construction has a cavity. The footwear sole construction includes pods disposed on the medial and lateral sides of the heel region of the sole. The pods may be formed independent from the sole or integral with the sole. In addition, the pods may be disposed on the forefoot region of the sole, as well as, around the entire periphery. The placement of the cavities directly control the degree of shock absorption. The pods may be disposed such that at least one of the cavities may be disposed to have an open end on one of the medial and lateral sides of the sole and another open end on the lower surface of the sole. The cavities also may be formed directly in the sole material. In such case, a support piece can be disposed in the cavities or a reinforcement piece can be disposed on the bottom of the sole. The cavities also may be formed in a support element disposed in the sole.

Abstract: An athletic shoe has a sole with a rearfoot strike zone segmented from the remaining heel area by a line of flexion which permits articulation of the strike zone during initial heel strike of a runner. The line of flexion is located to delimit a rearfoot strike zone reflecting the heel to toe running style of the majority of the running population. In addition to allowing articulation of the rearfoot strike zone about the line of flexion, the sole incorporates cushioning elements, including a resilient gas filled bladder, to provide differential cushioning characteristics in different parts of the heel, to attenuate force applications and shock associated with heel strike, without degrading footwear stability during subsequent phases of the running cycle. The line of flexion may be formed by various ways including a deep groove, a line of relatively flexible midsole material, and a relatively flexible portion of a segmented fluid bladder.

Abstract: A shoe and shoe sole insert having a heel portion slanted downwardly at a small acute angle from the medial side to the lateral side relative to the horizontal support surface, a forefoot portion slanted downwardly at a small acute angle from the lateral side to the medial side relative to the horizontal support surface, and a diagonally crossing ridge from the heel portion, across the midfoot portion to the forefoot portion. The heel portion has a central, resilient, compressible, calcaneal pad which is substantially unslanted, preferably with an air cavity therebeneath. The calcaneal pad protrudes upwardly above the upper surface of the heel portion. The metatarsal head pad extends upwardly above the upper surface of the forefoot portion. The pivot point or crossover point between the heel portion and the forefoot portion is preferably located a distance from the rear end of the insert equal to the insert length divided by 2.4.

Abstract: A highly flexible item of sports footwear in which the bottom of the toe portion of the upper and the toe portion of the sole member define a free space in the form of a wedge-shaped gap which is sealed by a bellows extending around the periphery of the toe portion of the upper. The toe portion of the sole member has a unidirectional articulation enabling displacement of the toe portion of the sole member upwardly out of coplanarity with the plantar articulation portion of the sole member.

Abstract: A device for guiding at least one tool or auxiliary device has a base part, at least one boom articulated with the base part in an articulation and having at least two members connected with one another by a connection and also having an end supporting the tool. The connection of the members with one another and the articulation at the base part have hinge points formed for swivelling movements in at least one plane. At least two elements accommodate the at least two members and fastened to one another by pivot connections situated between the hinge points.

Abstract: An edgelit illuminated display system has a transparent medium having first and second opposing surfaces and at least one edge operable with a light source for illuminating the first and second surfaces. A matrix of dots on each of the surfaces is arranged to allow interaction of light between the surfaces. The matrix of dots on at least one of the surfaces substantially covers the entire surface for providing an even increased illumination throughout the surface, wherein when a graphic image is supported over the surface the graphic image is evenly illuminated.

Abstract: A display stand for display placards includes a support base formed of a preferably flat bottom wall, upstanding opposite side walls, and an interior partition wall defining between them two generally upwardly opening channels separated by the partition wall, and a cooperating pair of resilient transparent normally flat plastic sheets having their respective lower margins engaged in the channels with most of the remainder of their area in face-to-face planar contact for receiving the placard sandwiched therebetween.

Abstract: A safety mechanism for use with a firearm having a hammer wherein the hammer has an elongated, vertically extending recess formed therein, a transfer bar traveling within that elongated recess between an extended position and a retracted position. When the transfer bar is in the extended position, the bar is interposed between the hammer and the firing pin allowing discharge of a cartridge within the chamber. When the transfer bar is in the retracted position, a portion of the recess is exposed. The exposed recess is larger than the portion of the firing pin which protrudes from the receiver. Thus, inadvertent firing is prevented as the hammer cannot contact the firing pin. A transfer bar carrier pin located on the hand assembly initially cooperates with the trigger cam and the transfer bar to elevate the bar into the extended position.

Abstract: The sear includes a first tang adapted to cooperate with the searing surface of the hammer. A second tang of the sear projects towards the firing pin. The firing pin has a sleeve like portion of an increased diameter defining an abutment surface. In the cocked position of the hammer the first tang of the sear contacts the searing surface of the hammer, and the end of the second tang is located in front of the abutment surface of the firing pin. Thus, when the gun is accidentally dropped, the firing pin cannot move for instance due to forces of intertia units own into the firing position striking unintentionally a loaded round.

Abstract: A gun is provided with an electronically fired cartridge. The cartridge includes a primer cap with a heat sensitive primer therein. A fuse wire of appropriate electrical resistance extends through the primer, and a pair of contacts are affixed with a gun to provide a voltage to the fuse wire in order to cause a flow of current through the fuse wire to ignite the primer. An electric circuit is provided on the gun body for supplying electric power to the contacts. The circuit includes a switch, a battery, and first and second contacts which are in electrical communication with the fuse wire when the cartridge is in the gun.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder for a boat. A plurality of spring biased spools are fixedly mounted to the boat and have retractable belts which may be pulled outwardly. The distal ends of the belts have headed members which are releasably lockable into cavities provided on the boat and spaced apart from the spools. Fishing rods may be secured to the boat by extending the belts from the spools across the fishing rods to the cavities.

Abstract: A fishing pole holder shell is attached to a stem that extends between the planks of a dock with a cross piece supporting the stem against the upper surface of the dock and either a cross piece or a bent portion supporting the stem against the bottom surface of the dock.

Abstract: A combination of a fishing lure, such as a plastic worm, and an interchangeable, flexible appendage is disclosed in which the appendage is made of suitable synthetic resin or other suitable material and into which the lure is inserted whereby the performance of the lure is enhanced. Various appendage sizes, shapes, colors and color patterns are utilized. Various hook arrangements are also utilized.

Abstract: Improved fishing lines, and specifically fly lines, and methods of manufacture and use thereof are disclosed. The line includes a core line portion and a coating portion, the coating including a copolymer of olefin and acrylic material, the olefin preferably being ethylene. The lines provided include a clear floating fly line having a nylon core and ethylene acrylic acid copolymer coating.

Abstract: An upper housing portion having a closed upper end and an open lower end. The upper housing portion has a front wall, a rear wall and two side walls. The upper housing portion has a trapezoidal configuration with the open lower end having a greater width than the closed upper end. The upper housing portion has a tail portion extending at an angle outwardly from the rear wall thereof. The device contains a lower housing portion having an open upper end and a closed lower end. The lower housing portion has a front wall, a rear wall and two side walls. The lower housing portion has a trapezoidal configuration with the open upper end having a greater width than the closed lower end. The lower housing portion has a tail portion extending at an angle outwardly from the rear wall thereof. The lower housing portion and the upper housing portion together form a lure protecting cavity when in a closed, cooperating relationship.

Abstract: A crab trap is described that is movable between an erect condition and a collapsed condition. The crab trap includes top and bottom panels each with a plurality of edges. A pair of opposing side panels are pivotally and hingedly connected to a corresponding one of the edges of the bottom panel. A pair of opposing end panels are also pivotally and hingedly connected to a corresponding one of the edges of the bottom panel. Each of the panels is comprised of a mesh material. Each of the upper edges of the end panels is releasably secured against a corresponding one of the edges of the top panel. The side panels are pivotally movable between a closed position wherein the side panels extend substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom panels and an open position wherein the side panels extend substantially parallel to the top and bottom panels when the crab trap is in the erect condition.

Abstract: A plant packaging system comprising a combination of a protective sleeve portion and a decorative cover portion having a base and skirt for packaging a potted plant. The protective sleeve can be detached from the decorative portion of the package system once the protective function of the sleeve has been completed, thereby exposing the decorative cover and allowing the skirt portion to extend angularly from the base. The protective sleeve and decorative cover components may comprise a unitary construction or may comprise separate components which are attached together by various bonding materials.

Abstract: An automatic door opening safety system particularly for use with garage doors is provided. The garage door includes a leading edge that moves from the open position, where the leading edge defines the top of the opening and a closed position, where the leading edge contacts the ground. A controller is provided for controlling movement of the door. An activation member provides an input to the controller to initiate movement of the door. A non-contact detector detects whether an obstruction is in the path of the door. The non-contact detector is positioned in front of the leading edge of the door, such that obstructions are detected at a predetermined distance in front of the leading edge of said door.

Abstract: A composite window assembly for use in an automotive vehicle includes a composite guide plate. The composite guide plate is molded from a polymeric material. The guide plate has a plurality of guide structures. Furthermore, a molded polymeric composite sector gear has an integrated extension arm. Moreover, a molded composite window mounting plate is provided. The present invention also provides a guide, retention means and ball bearing construction. A method of manufacturing the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A frameless self-supporting articulated dome is constructed in two opposing halves that overlap at the domes meridian to form a sealed hemispherically shaped closure when the dome is in a closed position. The dome includes a plurality of overlapping flat and flexible fins which are progressively sized and rotatably pinned at their ends along a common horizontal axis whereby said fins are in a stacking relation on opposing sides of the horizontal axis when the dome is in an open position. The dome further includes measured lengths of flexible cord fastened to the center trailing edge of each fin in series for holding the plurality of fins in their relative positions when the dome is in a closed position and further additional lengths of the same flexible cord are fastened to the center leading edges of the top most fins of each half of the dome for manually opening and closing the dome.

Abstract: In an anchoring device to be driven into the ground, important features are that it be dismountable, safe and easy to manipulate. In this invention, the anchoring device is provided with a cross with two sliding members, two rods with pointed ends and a head, the heads being equipped with superposable eyelets that may be padlocked. The eyelets allow the anchoring of an object which one wants to insure the stability of and even its protection against theft. The anchoring device may comprise two angle irons, a first of which allowing the anchoring of a tridimensional object and a second comprising a tube to receive and orientate one of the two members of the cross.

Abstract: An anchor for anchoring a structure to the ground includes an anchor shank (10) having a connection point (18) at which a connecting member is coupled to the anchor shank (10). An anchor body (12) is pivotally connected to the anchor shank (10) at a point (14) remote from the connection point (18).

Abstract: A dock plank assembly formed from at least two elongated polymer plastic plank having a first support end, a second support end, a top surface for walking on, and an integral longitudinal web therein for providing rigidity and support to the planks with the webs having an opening therein for receiving a free-span rib with the free-span rib spaced from the support ends of the planks and extending transversely through the opening in the webs of the plank to provide rigidity and additional individual support for each of said planks and for providing coactive support for the planks as a unit to thereby maintain adjacent planks in surface walking condition with respect to one another to prevent a user from tripping over protruding edges on the planks.

Abstract: A building material manufacture (20, 21, 22, 64, 70, 81) forming an openway (23, 24) in a building (26) and to which wet cement or stucco trim or the like (40) is applied. One embodiment (20) includes base (28) and side (29) segments having staggered slots (31) and beads (30b) coextensive in length thereto for determining the depth of plaster or stucco to be applied, and with mounting flanges (35,36). Another embodiment includes a tiered arrangement (45) of base/side segments and mounting flanges. Another embodiment is fabricated out of a skeletal configuration (51) of a reticulated foraminous sheet of metal connected to a pair of spaced flanged members (48). Another embodiment (64) is formed of wires, longitudinally and transversely oriented to each other, and including flange-like elements for connecting it to a building formation for an openway therein.

Abstract: A method of making and erecting a framed structure, preferably single level, by milling standard pieces of lumber that are joined into a sturdy, rectangular frame is disclosed. Opposed Side Beams having dado cuts at their opposite ends are joined to opposed Face Beams having complementary dado cuts at their opposite ends. Floor joists connect opposed sidebeams and support subflooring or decking, and, to accommodate certain larger dimensional floorplans, Center Beams are built into the frame. The frame can rest on a periphery foundation or be erected over posts.

Abstract: A support assembly for a roadside or traffic signpost includes a mounting socket cylinder (13) fixed in the ground for receiving a support post (12) therein. A resilient support means in the form of a pair of O-rings (16) is interposable between the post and the mounting cylinder. A reinforcing collar (15) prevents deformation of adjacent (1 to 11) portions of the mounting cylinder and the post.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for defining a mold to allow the pouring of a concrete wall therein is disclosed along with a method of use thereof wherein two identically configured panel members each define slots therein which receive flanges of a connecting member. The connecting member is designed to be placed into the slots in the panel members at the site of construction thereby allowing shipment of the panel members as well as the connecting members to the construction site collapsed or packaged in a compact manner. The connecting member includes a central spacer mid section which can be configured having various lengths in order to accommodate forming of concrete poured walls of different thicknesses based upon the decision made at the site of construction.

Abstract: This invention provides an interlocking ground covering element, the shape of which is an abstraction of the shape of the state of Texas. The interlocking of multiple adjacent elements is obtained by the inherent projections and recesses comprising the element's shape. The elements can be used to cover horizontal surfaces as in paving or vertical surfaces as seen in retaining walls.

Abstract: A multiple panel assembly which is an improvement in the panel assembly of U.S. Pat. No. 3,430,997 in which the four parts of said patent forming the hanger bracket and connector assembly mounted on the opposing edges of two adjacent panel edges is replaced by a unique one-piece hanger bracket/connector strip. Such strip is substantially less costly to manufacture and install on the panel. Within a more narrow aspect of this invention, the wedging members that draw the panel edges toward each other are uniquely configured to accommodate use of the hanger bracket/connector strip with the hanger bracket and connector assembly of U.S. Pat. No. 3,430,997.

Abstract: A corner piece is used with siding trim. At corners where strips of siding trim meet, the trim may be square cut and a corner piece inserted between the two square cut ends to finish the corner without using a miter or butt joint. The corner piece has a facing block that fits between the ends of two adjacent trim strips and two connector strips that project from two sides of the facing block to engage in the channels of the two trim strips. The coupling strips are preferably designed to snap fit into the trim strips.

Abstract: A support member for a concrete structure comprises a Y-shaped hollow insert defining an internal channel having a Y-shaped cross-section. A V-shaped nut is inserted in V-shaped portion of the internal volume and end caps are placed over the ends of the insert to fully enclose the internal volume. The insert is then placed within a form for a concrete structure such that the base surface of the Y-shaped insert will be coplanar with a surface of the concrete after the concrete has been poured into the form and set. The base wall of the insert is then removed, thus exposing the internal volume. The distal end of a bolt can be inserted into the insert and fixed to the nut. The proximal end of the bolt extends out of the insert and beyond the surface of the concrete to be attached to equipment or another structure which is to be supported on the concrete structure.

Abstract: A self-drilling anchor installable in a wall by means of a screwdriver, the anchor being adapted to receive a threaded fastener serving to hold a fixture against the wall. The anchor includes an externally-threaded shank section having a head engageable by the screwdriver and a longitudinal bore threadably to receive the fastener. Integral with the shank section and extending axially therefrom is a drill section having at least one cutting member and guide means therefor, whereby as the anchor is turned in to the wall by a screwdriver, the cutting member then bores a round hole therein whose bank is engaged by the guide means to ensure circularity of the hole. And as the anchor continues to turn, the shank section enters and taps the hole until its head engages the outer surface of the wall to complete the anchor installation.

Abstract: A blank of a bracket, a bracket, a system using a bracket and a method for mutually securing two or more of a header, a joist and a base, for accurately positioning a header with respect to a base, and for stiffening the webs of a header and a joist to thereby prevent crippling or bending of the webs and to thereby prevent the joist from rolling from side to side. A metal blank can be formed into a bracket which can be used in a system having a header, plural joists and a base whereby the bracket is secured to the header, joist and base for stiffening the webs of C-shaped and/or Z-shaped headers and joists and for aligning and mutually securing the header, joist and base.

Abstract: A box beam has an interior and an exterior. Fire resistance is obtained by preventing the rapid progression of fire from the exterior to the interior. Fire resistant covers for the web elements and sufficiently sized wood flanges protect the interior of the beam, thus giving it improved fire safety. In some instances, longitudinal reinforcement elements embedded in protected areas of the flanges are desirable to provide additional stiffness and strength.

Abstract: A composite beam including an elongated metal shell and a pierceable insert contained within at least one end of the elongated metal shell.

Abstract: A box-shaped, self-supporting building unit, a plurality of which may be arranged juxtaposed and/or superposed for the construction of a building, the unit including a self-supporting floor element and a self-supporting ceiling element, both having a supporting structure, and two pairs of opposite wall elements as well as a supporting, vertical column of sectional iron in each corner, the column rigidly connecting the supporting structure of the floor element with the supporting structure of the ceiling element.

Abstract: A roofing system that provides a safe, long lasting, leak-free and maintenance-free insulated roof for flat roof applications. More particularly, a sandwich panel comprises an inner foam core, a fiberglass skin fully encapsulating and surrounding the core, and a gel coating surrounding the skin. The panel has two substantially parallel surfaces and a peripheral edge having a step edge. A plurality of panels having two different shapes and relative dimensions are alternately secured to purlins to form the roofing system so that half of the panels can be easily removed without affecting the rest of the roof.

Abstract: A packaging arrangement for packaging products, such as contact lenses, in packages such as blister packs. The packaging arrangement includes a rotary index table defining on its upper surface a plurality of identical, radially-oriented support pallets, equally spaced apart around the rotary index table. Each support pallet is designed to support an array of individual package bases thereon, and is sequentially rotated to stop at angularly spaced radial positions in the rotary packaging machine. At a first radial position, the rotary packaging station receives blister package bases, each having a product deposited therein, and places the package bases in the support pallet then at the first radial position.