Abstract: A method (60) for molding (67) a component (73) including a free floating insert (11). The method includes steps of providing an insert (11) including one or more weakened regions (23) coupled to a removable leader (20) and molding (67) a moldable compound (25) about the insert (11) and a portion of the removable leader (20). The method (60) further includes a step of pulling (69) on the removable leader (20) to fracture the weakened regions (23) and thereby detach the removable leader (20) from a molded component (73) including the insert (11) therein. The molding step (67) desirably includes a step of injection molding (67) a thermoplastic material (25) about the insert (11) and the portion of the removable leader (20).

Abstract: A method of making a magnetic head which includes first and second pole tip layers separated by a nonmagnetic gap layer includes making the pole tips of a high magnetic moment material. The right side walls of the first and second pole tips are vertically aligned with each other. Similarly, the left side walls of the first and second pole tips are vertically aligned with one another. The side fringing flux from one pole tip to another is substantially reduced resulting in a magnetic head capable of writing data tracks with well defined boundaries. The possibility of the pole tips operating in magnetic saturation is reduced because the pole tips, formed of high magnetic moment material, is capable of accommodating high coercive force. The magnetic head can be fabricated as an inverted head or a non-inverted head capable of writing on magnetic media with high coercivity and at a high data transfer rate.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic door flusher which uses one floating urethane flushing block, at least two tractor elements for urging the flushing block toward the body and urging the door toward the floating flushing block. The tractor elements can be pneumatic suction cups.

Abstract: A synchronizer for a gear change box comprising a hub, a sleeve axially slidable on the hub and a cone clutch comprising an inner friction ring axially coupled to the hub, an outer synchronizing ring axially displaceable relative to the inner friction ring by the sleeve, and a double bevel ring disposed between the synchronizing rings, freely rotatable relative to the hub and frictionally gripped between the rings when the cone clutch is engaged, is assembled by a device comprising mounting stops for the outer synchronizing ring, the mounting stops being axially fixed with respect to the hub and distributed over the periphery thereof, a mounting stamp for axially loading the inner friction ring, means for axially loading the mounting stamp, means for controlling the loading means, and a load-sensing means for sensing the axial bias of the cone clutch, the load-sensing means being arranged between the outer synchronizing ring and at least one of the mounting stops, and the controlling means being responsive to

Abstract: An electronic device package in the form of a ball grid array package is formed adding a single layer of conductive material including circuitry having trace lines, wire bond pads, and solder ball pads electrically coupled together. Thin film circuitization techniques are used on a polyimide laminate substrate to accommodate greater than 100 input/output contacts of an electronic device on a single layer. Thus, the package will not have vias or other conductive type through holes as in multiple conductive layer ball grid array packages.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a high-performance printed wiring board assembly, and the resulting product, utilize a substrate component that has a reinforcement material embedded in a condensation-reacted and thermally-crosslinked nadic end-capped polyimide resin electrically conductive lamina component pathways directly adhered to the substrate component resin and high-temperature soldered or otherwise attached connections that electrically join the conductor leads of included electrical devices to the lamina component conductive pathways.

Abstract: A connecting end portion of a planar circuit body and method of making same in which an end portion is directly formed into a terminal thereby improving conductivity and simplifying the connection. According to one embodiment, a connecting end portion of a flat cable is formed by laminating a rectangular circuit conductor with an insulating cover material, a terminal member is fixedly secured to the planar circuit conductor at an end portion of the circuit conductor with a conductive adhesive agent, and plated metal layer is formed thereon.

Abstract: A terminal crimping device is composed of an elevating crimper for crimping terminals onto the exposed conductors of cables and an anvil positioned opposite said crimper. The crimper is caused to ascend and descend by means of drive means including a servo motor. The controlling of the terminal crimping operation is done by monitoring the height of the crimper at the time of terminal crimping and the load applied to said drive means and comparing a detected load to the height with the preset reference data to determine whether the terminal crimping performance is good or not. Thus, a reliable determination whether the terminal crimping performance is good or not is performed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing piston rings from a tube blank includes cutting a longitudinal slot in the tube blank, applying a force to the tube blank so that the slot is at least partially closed and the tube has a stressed shape, securing the stressed tube such taht the tube remains in the stressed shape upon removal of the force, laterally slicing the stressed tube to form a plurality of individual stressed shape piston rings, and releasing each of the individual stressed shape piston rings such that each of the piston rings returns to its unstressed shape.

Abstract: An apparatus assembles a heat exchanger core having first and second side plates. The first and second side plates cooperate with first and second end plates to sandwich a plurality of layered tubes and fin plates therebetween. The apparatus includes a lifting mechanism for stacking the tubes and fin plates with respect to one another to define a layered stack having opposite sides and opposite ends. A side plate assembling mechanism associates the first and second side plates on opposite sides of the layered stack. An end plate assembling mechanism associates the first and second end plates on opposite ends of the layered stack.

Abstract: A heat exchange unit for a heat exchanger which includes a first tube with an outer surface and extended surface members located axially along the outer surface. Each member has a tube engagement surface and are axially Positioned. There is also taught a heat exchange fin block having a heat exchange unit with a second tube interconnected to the first tube by the extended surface members, wherein the extended surface members being tube fins at predetermined axial spacings. A tube finning machine is disclosed which includes a base with clamping means mounted thereon, carrier means movable relative to the base, and drive means for moving the carrier means. The clamping means clamps a portion of the first tube, and the carrier means transports at least one fin to an axially predetermined position adjacent the portion.

Abstract: A pressure vessel housing that can be brazed and leak tested before adding desiccant material, eliminating the risk of damaging desiccant bags during assembly. The desiccant is added to the housing of the pressure vessel through an existing inlet opening in the top of the accumulator housing, thereby eliminating the potential for damage to the desiccant and the desiccant container while maintaining the integrity of the housing because no additional openings in the housing are required to access the desiccant material. A screen permanently mounted inside the pressure vessel supports the loose desiccant material and another screen removably attached to the inlet opening provides access to the loose desiccant material housed within the pressure vessel. A method of making the pressure vessel allows the accumulator assembly to be leak tested before the desiccant is added, reducing scrap and allowing repair of accumulator assemblies.

Abstract: A method of using a wire twisting tool for making jewelry, in which a T-shaped tool having a handle is attached to a shaft. The handle has an aperture for receiving the end of a wire and the handle is used to twist the wire about the shaft to form a curled, coiled spring type formation. The first spring type formation is then removed from the tool and a second wire is attached to the tool and curled within the first spring type formation to form jewelry and other items.

Abstract: A method of repairing a vehicle axle housing comprising the steps of enlarging a center passageway in the axle housing by, for example, boring, providing a stepped elongate sleeve having an outside diameter greater than the diameter of the enlarged center passageway of the axle housing, heating the axle housing to further enlarge the center passageway, inserting the sleeve in the center passageway and securing by, for example, welding, the sleeve to the axle housing. Typically, the axle housing will be broken into two sections and the above steps will be performed on the sections as well an additional step relating to trimming, by grinding or other suitable process, the opposed ends of the axle housing sections adjacent the fracture.

Abstract: A method of joining two vehicle frame components made from dissimilar materials includes providing a first frame component, and providing a second frame component made from a material which is dissimilar to the material used to make the first frame component, where one of the first and second frame components is a metallic component made of a metallic material. A portion of one of the first and second frame components is positioned within a portion of the other of the frame components in an overlapping manner, thereby forming an overlapping portion. A metallic band is disposed around the overlapping portion, and an inductor is positioned around the metallic band. The inductor is energized to generate a magnetic field for collapsing the band about the overlapping portion at a velocity sufficient to magnetic pulse weld the band and metallic component to each other, thereby securing the first and second frame components together.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tune-producing feeding utensil, such as a spoon or a fork. In the case of a spoon, the spoon mainly includes a metal bowl portion, a plastic handle portion, and a metal back cover. The handle portion is provided with compartments for receiving a circuit board and two serially connected button cells, as well as a shallow groove around the compartments for receiving a gasket. When the back cover is fitted onto the handle portion, the circuit board and button cells are sealed in the handle portion and the gasket is tightly pressed against the shallow groove to make the handle portion watertight. When a baby uses the spoon to feed itself with one hand holding the handle portion at the back cover and its mouth contacting with the bowl portion, an integrated circuit on the circuit board is actuated to cause a tune-producing device attached to the back cover to send out music or voice. The music or voice is helpful in encouraging the baby to enjoy feeding itself concentratively.

Abstract: A distal end cutter having a flush cut and hold feature. The distal end cutter includes a pair of jaw members having respective cutting surfaces for cutting a wire, such as an archwire of an orthodontic appliance. Disposed adjacent to one of the cutting surfaces is a flat, resilient jaw portion which holds a cut off segment of the archwire. As the flat, resilient jaw portion may be disposed directly adjacent to the cutting surfaces during the wire cutting operation, very small wire segments may be cut and held by the device to prevent ejection of such wire segments into the mouth of a patient. In the preferred embodiment, the resilient jaw portion is a spring plate removably mounted to one of the jaw members.

Abstract: A straight knife with an interchangeable, pivoting double-ended blade. The knife includes a handle forming a blade channel in which the unused end of the blade is stored. A pivot pin and a locking pin are provided for engaging a pair of through-openings in both the handle and the blade to allow the blade to be secured in an operative position. The pivot pin and the locking pin are connected to a gripping member by a linkage. The gripping member is provided to allow the pins to be quickly and easily removed using one hand, even when wearing bulky gloves. A locking mechanism on each of the pivot pin and the locking pin engages the handle to secure the pins in the handle. The lock pin is be removed to allow rotation of the blade around the pivot pin. Both the lock pin and the pivot pin are removed to exchange one blade for another.

Abstract: An art designer blade device has a first hollow casing, a second hollow casing coupling with the first hollow casing, and an end cover covering the first hollow casing and the second hollow casing, a lower seat disposed between the first hollow casing and the second hollow casing, a blade holder disposed in the art designer blade device, and the blade holder holding a blade.

Abstract: A chisel with a removably mountable blade is provided which consists of a handle for the chisel having a head region formed with a detent to provide a space for receiving a first cutting edge of the blade, while the other opposed cutting edge of the blade is arranged for a cutting operation. The space provided by the detent in the head region is constructed and arranged to prevent the cutting edge in the detent from contacting the handle portion during a chiseling operation, thereby preventing dulling of the edge prior to it being pivoted into position for a subsequent cutting operation. The blade is provided with a transverse axis at opposed sides of which are arranged a cutting portion and a rake, which cutting portion and rake are asymmetrical to the cutting portion and rake at the opposite side of the transverse axis of the blade.

Abstract: A new meat scraping tool for easily dislodging meat by pressing a button. The inventive device includes a handle. A plurality of generally cylindrical stationary blade members arranged in a concentric configuration are included. The stationary blade members have coextensive end portions extending inwardly of an end of the handle. The stationary blade members each have a blunt upper edge and a sharp lower edge. A plurality of generally cylindrical pivoting blade members each are positioned in an abutting relationship with an interior surface of respective stationary blade members. The pivoting blade members have coextensive end portions extending inwardly of the end of the handle. The pivoting blade members each have a blunt upper edge and a sharp lower edge. The pivoting blade members are pivotable with respect to the stationary blade members.

Abstract: A sheetrock panel cutting device that is attachable to the end of a conventional metal tape ruler and uses that same tape ruler to not only measure the opening but to also guide the cut of a sheetrock panel while accomplishing both these functions without removing the tape ruler therefrom. A utility knife is inserted into a preformed slot in a base plate which causes the blade of the knife to be aligned juxtaposed to the right angle clip of the tape ruler. The blade protrudes through the base plate and which is directly mounted against the right angle ruler end clip. The device is used to cut a rectangular panel of sheetrock of predetermined size from a full sheet by holding the utility knife, which is positioned in the device, against the sheetrock paper surface with one hand while grasping the metal tape ruler surface, at a previously measured position on the tape, with the other hand against the edge of the sheetrock panel.

Abstract: A storage canister for a rechargeable electric razor and related shaving items including a base having an upper surface with a plurality of recesses formed therein for receiving and stably supporting an electric razor and a plurality of shaving items and a vertically extending cover or enclosure removably mounted on the base for enclosing the electric razor and shaving items when the cover or enclosure is in place on the base and providing easy access to the razor and shaving items when the cover or enclosure is lifted off the base. The storage canister base includes a bottom surface which can be placed on any convenient supporting surface adjacent to or contiguous with a bathroom lavatory sink such as a countertop surface. A recess in the bottom surface of the base includes a stationary spool on which excess DC power cord connecting a recharger with contacts in the razor receiving recess can be wound.

Abstract: A holder for a wet shaver has a base having a holding device for the wet shaver. The holding device has a recess with a rim and also has an upwardly extending support for the wet shaver that is connected to the rim of the recess. The recess is shaped complementary to the free end of the wet shaver handle.

Abstract: A cuff measuring device for tailors, including a thumb cap, an elongated portion and a slide, the thumb cap sized to receive the tip of a person's thumb, the elongated portion including indicia for measuring and being joined to the thumb cap and the slide providing a cuff rest and a chalk carriage, the slide being slidably mounted to the elongated portion to adjust the cuff rest against a garment cuff, the chalk carriage, including chalk providing a sliding mechanism for marking the garment for folding or cutting.

Abstract: A sewing auxiliary tool used for the creation of garment patterns. The sewing auxiliary tool is constructed from a flat plate and has incorporated around its edges curves and straight line shapes. The geometric shapes of the sewing auxiliary tool's edge are used to create basic sewing curves; such as, the hip line, sleeve cap line, armhole line, neck line, and crotch line. Additionally, the sewing auxiliary tool can have both metric and English units of length measurement incorporated along the straight edge sections of the sewing auxiliary tool. The combination of the curves, straight lines, and length measurement capabilities provide the user with a single device with which to create garment patterns.

Abstract: The front sight comprises an A-shaped support whose top is formed by a cross-member between two raised side plates for protecting the front sight which is adjustably mounted in the cross-member. A knob is housed to rotate freely in the cross-member and is provided with an axial tapped hole. The front sight is constituted by an end in the form of a rod for aiming purposes and by a threaded body received in the tapped hole of the knob, said body being provided with a pin for preventing it from rotating, the pin being slidably received in two slots of the hole in the support that freely receives the body of the front sight. The knob projects sideways a little from the support to be accessible to the fingers, and it includes indexing means.

Abstract: A dual usage level marking instrument is provided that includes a leveling rod. This rod has a dotted-type laser device fixed at one end and a straight-type laser device fixed at the other end. Leveling elements are installed on this rod. The dotted-type or straight-type device installed on the both ends emit dotted or vertical/horizontal marking lines. The instrument is used on construction sites for marking measurement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring pelvic symmetry to aid in diagnosing and treating lower back pain. A first angle is measured between the horizon and a axis extending between a left ASIS and a left PSIS and simultaneously compared against a second angle corresponding to the angle between the horizon and an axis extending between a right ASIS and a right PSIS. The angle of a line extending through points bisecting each of the axis and the horizon is also measured. The angles are then compared against prior measurements or norms to assess posture and pelvic position in order to document progress of lower back pain treatment.

Abstract: An electrical box setting apparatus for positioning electrical boxes on wood or metal wall studs. A back plate includes a pair of slidably adjustable blocks and a spacer bar between the blocks. The thickness of the spacer bar is chosen to match the thickness of sheet rock to be installed on a wall constructed with wood studs. To install an electrical box, the sliding blocks are positioned to the vertical elevation desired for the electrical box, the apparatus is positioned so that the blocks straddle the stud and the spacer bar abuts the stud, and the electrical box is placed on one of the sliding blocks and attached to the stud at that position. For metal studs, the spacer bar is removed or the adjustable blocks are relocated to the opposite face of the back plate.

Abstract: A gage mechanism for a blood pressure measuring device or other similar apparatus includes a supported shaft member having one end in contact with an inflatable bellows. A pointer is attached at an opposite end of the shaft and a helically wound spring is attached to the shaft and a supporting structure. As the bellows inflates, the shaft is axially displaced and causes rotation due to the constraint of the helical ribbon spring, causing a corresponding angular deflection of the attached pointer relative to an indicating scale. The mechanism includes a first adjustment member for allowing the pointer to be preset to a zero or calibrated position, and a second adjustment mechanism that controls the amount of angular rotation of the shaft and pointer for a displacement of the bellows.

Abstract: A centrifugal force salad green spinning system is improved for use with delicate fruits and vegetables such as strawberries and delicate herbs by inserting a secondary receptacle basket with reduced diameter sidewalls into the primary rotary spinning receptacle basket thereby to reduce the magnitude of centrifugal force exerted upon contents of the secondary receptacle basket.

Abstract: A device and method for use with an automatic laundry dryer for conditioning laundry articles during the drying cycle. The device comprises a carrier impregnated with microencapsulated fluid, for use with an automatic laundry dryer for dispensing said fluid during the drying cycle thereby conditioning laundry articles. In the preferred embodiment, a polyurethane foam carrier is impregnated with a microencapsulated active agent fluid for rendering the laundry articles substantially static-free and/or for dispensing fragrance to provide the articles with a desirable scent.

Abstract: An improved apparatus, and related method of operation, is described for rapidly drying large monoliths of glass, ceramic and/or composite material, under subcritical conditions, while minimizing the risk of cracking the monolith during the drying process. The apparatus incorporates a pressure chamber for carrying the monolith to be dried, with no significant limitation on the size of the monolith relative to the size of the chamber. The monolith is initially immersed in a suitable drying solvent, and the temperature of the pressure chamber is raised to a predetermined value below the solvent's critical temperature, which raises the pressure to a predetermined value, likewise below the solvent's critical pressure. At a selected time during the drying process the pressure chamber is connected to a diffusion chamber, to draw away and condense solvent vapor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hair blower assembly comprising a hair blower comprising a barrel including a discharge portion having an outer surface, and a concentrator removeably mounted on the discharge portion and including an inner surface telescopically surrounding the outer surface of the discharge portion, and a pad of resilient plastic material fixed on the inner surface and grippingly engaging the outer surface of the discharge portion to prevent relative movement between the barrel and the concentrator in the absence of manual manipulation to remove the concentrator from the barrel.

Abstract: A machine and method for producing a material web, e.g., a paper or cardboard web. The machine includes a dryer group having a plurality of dryer cylinders and web guide rolls. A dryer (or guide) belt may guide the material web around the dryer cylinders and web guide rolls in a meandering or winding path. The dryer group may include a cooling device that cools the dryer belt by exerting an air current on the dryer belt after separation from the material web. The method may include drying the material web in a region of the dryer group in which the material web is held and guided between the dryer belt and each drying cylinder, and substantially preventing drying of the material web in a region of the dryer group in which the material web is transferred from one drying cylinder onto a subsequent one.

Abstract: A web to be heat-treated bears against a rotary cylinder containing a stationary complement of IR burner modules in an assembly that is axially removable from the cylinder. The IR burner complement extends all along--but only partway around--the cylinder, leaving an arcuate gap. An exhaust manifold in the gap has a configuration that precludes localized accumulation of high-temperature exhaust. The cylinder is heated primarily by radiant transfer from the IR burner modules and from heat shields, which fill any arcuate spaces not occupied by either the exhaust manifold or the IR burners. The arcuate extent of the IR burners is proportioned for developing prescribed heat output when the air/fuel mixture is supplied at maximum rate. The cylinder heat output may be reduced over a wide range, notably when the cylinder speed is adjusted during start-up and slow-down of operations. The IR burner modules heat annular bands around the cylinder to develop a temperature profile along the cylinder, i.e., across the web.

Abstract: A dryer (10, 200) is provided for use in drying freshly printed substrates such as corrugated sheets (14). A plurality of infrared heating lamps (28) are positioned below the travel path (16) of the corrugated sheets (14) and the heat lamps are physically separated from the corrugated sheets by glass panels (108, 110). Provisions are made for cooling the heat lamps by air flow. A plurality of air bars (40) are also provided with pressurized air to discharge air through ports (42) in the upper surfaces thereof for discharge against the corrugated sheet. Air discharged against the corrugated sheet and used to cool the heat lamps is collected and removed by a vacuum pump (48). This pump (48) is also used to remove moisture laden air which has been dislodged from the sheets by the combination of infrared heat and high pressure air.

Abstract: The device relates to a wood drying plant comprising a wood drying device and a purifying device which is arranged to receive a drying gas from the wood drying device, the drying gas comprising water steam and volatilized organic components such as terpenes, and to purify the drying gas from organic components and to recover the latter. The purifying device comprises at least one condenser which is arranged to separate relatively difficultly volatilized components containing organic components and relatively easily volatilized components. The purifying device also comprises a separating device which is arranged to separate said organic components and a rest material from the relatively difficultly volatilized components. The purifying device also comprises a transferring device which is arranged to transfer organic components present in the rest material to the drying gas introduced in the purifying device.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for drying material, particularly sludges, with indirectly heated driers includes a system for the thermal decontamination of exhaust air from the drier. Excess exhaust air from the drier loop is fed as secondary air to the heating boiler or furnace separately from the primary air for combustion of the fuel and to thermally clean the exhaust air from the drier. The exhaust drier gas from the drier remains in the furnace for a period to decontaminate the drier gas, after which it is mixed with the flue gases. The mixture is then removed from the furnace. The system is suitable for operation under normal operating temperatures and at low, below normal operating temperatures.

Abstract: A grate assembly for a fluidized bed boiler is provided. A number of parallel sparge pipes extending substantially in the horizontal direction and are provided with devices for supplying fluidizing air from within sparge pipes into a combustion chamber located above the grate assembly. The discharge of coarse material is effected through an aperture system between the sparge pipes into a receiver unit fitted below the grate assembly. At least some of the sparge pipes are provided with a cool medium circulation, wherein at least a part of the cool medium circulation is placed in the sparge pipes at the upper edges thereof, to extend so that it provides a limit to the edge of the aperture system in the upper part of the sparge pipe in the longitudinal direction of the sparge pipe. Devices for supplying fluidizing air comprise a tubular supply channel that is directed from the upper surface of the sparge pipe. The supply channel is provided with air nozzle apertures at its upper part.

Abstract: A footwear attachment device for releasable mounting on primary footwear, e.g., a boot or shoe, to provide enhanced traction. The primary footwear has an upper including a toe portion and a heel portion, a sole including a fore-foot portion and a heel portion. The attachment device comprising an integral member having a mounting ring, a forefoot-sole engaging portion, a heel-sole engaging portion, and plural connecting webs. The attachment device is preferably molded of a resilient material. The forefoot-sole engaging portion and the heel-sole engaging portion of the device are each a generally planar member mounted within the bounds of the ring by the connecting webs. The ring is stretchable to enable it to encircle the upper of the primary footwear to releasably mount it, so that its forefoot-sole engaging portion is engagement with the forefoot portion of the sole of the primary footwear, and its heel-sole engaging portion is in engagement with the heel portion of that sole.

Abstract: A sport boot having an external upper for protection against external damage, an assembly insole and an outer sole, and comprising an internal tightening system comprising two tightening quarters each having a lower end and being attached to said external upper only by that lower end. Internal lacing is arranged in the instep area. The external upper has a closed structure and with an opening only at its upper end and comprises external lacing for tightening the upper on the foot. The internal tightening system is substantially independent of the upper, a tongue element being provided beneath, but without physical connection to, the internal tightening system, and being attached to the upper at the front end of the boot and at a distance from the internal tightening quarters, so as to enable the tongue element to act as a lever for loosening the internal lacing.

Abstract: A foot strap assembly for wader boots is provided whereby a foot and leg may be more securely held within the wader boot preventing the boot from becoming stuck between rocks or mud which may cause injury to a boot wearer. The foot strap assembly includes an adjustable leg strap which encircles an upwardly extending portion of the wader boot, an adjustable foot strap which extends downwardly from the leg strap to underlie the bottom of the wader boot, an adjustable front strap which is tethered to the leg strap and which encircles the front portion of the boot. The foot strap assembly is positioned around the outside of the boot and adjusted to hold the foot securely within the boot. Adjustable rear straps extending from the leg strap to the foot strap, and beyond to front strap, may be used for further support.

Abstract: An improved soft style snowboard boot which is internally reinforced by a multi-piece boot support assembly that includes a rigid molded plastic shank portion, a semi-rigid molded heel cup portion, and a molded or die-cut plastic highback portion. The shank portion is designed to resist flex, and provide ergonomic support for the foot, and further includes molded-in features which permit positive mechanical fastening of conventional step-in binding attachment structure, to the outsole of the boot. A pair of length adjustable tensioning strap members are connected between the shank and highback portions and when tightened the straps induce a desired forward lean in the highback portion. The straps may be tightened independently of each other to provide a desired side bias, left or right, to the highback portion. In one embodiment, the straps are contained within the outer boot portion. In another embodiment, the straps are routed exteriorly of the outer boot portion for more convenient forward lean adjustment.

Abstract: A ski apparatus for attachment to a snowshoe is provided, the apparatus having a main ski body having a top surface and a bottom surface. The main ski body supports a snowshoe entirely above the ground. A securing mechanism secures a snowshoe closely adjacent the top surface of the main ski body.

Abstract: An air deflection system for a snow plow assembly mounted on a vehicle comprises an air stream guide member mounted on and overlying the upper surface of a snow plow blade. The guide member has a downwardly facing air inlet at a fore end positioned forward of the snow plow blade to intercept and capture without interruption an air stream which, by reason of forward movement of the vehicle, is directed toward the leading concave surface of the snow plow blade, then upwardly along that surface, and through a rearwardly facing air outlet at the aft end positioned aft of the snowplow blade. An air stream containment passage intermediate the air inlet and the air outlet is effective to receive the air stream from the air inlet and redirect it toward the air outlet from whence it is exhausted away from the snow plow blade and toward the radiator of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An improved single stage snowthrower includes a housing with an open front portion, the housing including two side walls, a rear wall therebetween and a discharge chute. The rear wall includes deflecting ledges that angle upwardly toward the discharge chute, inwardly toward the center of the housing and forwardly toward the open front. The deflecting ledges provide both an inward and an upward component to snow travelling in the housing. The snowthrower also includes an impeller having axial ends and a radial edge. The impeller is comprised of two molded identical body sections that are joined about a shaft. Each body section includes a central portion, two end portions and a pair of helical portions with one helical portion between each end portion and the central portion. A portion of the radial edge of the impeller includes a shovel-like projection that is oriented in a direction extending laterally away from the impeller in the direction of rotation of the impeller.

Abstract: A portable excavator having a tube to point a supersonic gas stream at a buried object. The excavator includes a movable member disposed within the conduit to pulse gas passing through the conduit and a supersonic gas nozzle at the exit of the conduit. Compressed gas delivered to the conduit exits the nozzle in a pulsed manner at two to three Hz. The movable member includes a piston which blocks gas from flowing through the conduit by the biasing force of a spring. When the force from the pressure differential across the piston exceeds the biasing force, the piston moves and allows gas to flow through the conduit until the force from the pressure differential across the piston is less than the biasing force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement in tooth of ore recovery buckets which comprises a single monobloc body 10 having an extreme posterior portion 1 with its upper face provided with an oblong undercut 2 provided with a pair of throughout round orthogonal holes 3 constituting the single body 10 definer of the tooth. Intermediately the single body 10 has a structural thickening 4 that extends itself downwards according to a prismatic shape providing a wedge 5 with a fluted anterior-inferior end 6. The entire surface of the upper inclined wall 7 and the lower horizontal wall 8 of this wedge 5 incorporates fluted transversal undercuts 9 parallel and spaced between themselves.