Abstract: A novel device especially useful in opening a tobacco can or the like which has an outer wrapper embracing the can's sidewall and lid flange. A primary force member, curved to have the curvature of a tobacco can, has a longitudinal cutting lug on its innerface; and an outward tab connected to the primary force member provides a tab for pushing the tool circumferentially while the tool is pressed against the outer wrapper of the can, thus achieving a circumferential slit of the can's wrapper.

Abstract: A cutting/scraping tool is disclosed, comprising a housing defining a longitudinal axis, a transverse chamber, and a blade chase adjacent a forward end of the housing. A cartridge is releasably retained within the chamber by detent lugs extending laterally from an outer surface of the cartridge in frictional engagement with a plurality of complementary detent recesses positioned on the housing. A blade within the cartridge is in aligned registry with the blade chase. A deflector is positioned beneath the blade. A transport mechanism is slidably mounted on the housing for substantially longitudinal movement between forward, intermediate and rearmost positions. An actuator projects from this housing to effect the sliding movement of the transport mechanism. The transport mechanism has a flexible, resilient tongue portion. A tab is formed on the tongue portion within the housing adjacent a forward end of the transport mechanism.

Abstract: A retractable knife with single-edged blade comprises a handle of flat shape having a resilient member provided thereon; a blade hinged to handle; and an elongate protective member raised on the handle extended from one end to the opposite end along an edge thereof; wherein blade is engaged with protective member when blade is received onto handle such that blade is placed in a position away from reach of a user. By utilizing this, many advantages are offered such as user being not susceptible of hurt by the sharp blade when grasping or carrying knife, other objects being not susceptible of damage by the sharp blade when the objects are put together with knife, and the blade being not susceptible of wear due to a collision with the objects.

Abstract: An eccentric pivot pin with two distinct centers of axis is provided for use with a folding knife to reduce the time to assemble the various components of the folding knife and the alignment between the folding knife blade and a blade locking mechanism.

Abstract: A locking-blade pocketknife includes an elongate handle having side margins that define a boundary of a side major surface of the handle. A blade is pivotally connected at its heel to a pivot end of the handle and adjacent the side major surface of the handle for movement between a folded position and an extended position. An exposed outer side of the blade remains exposed in die folded position. A cutting edge of the blade is located within the boundary of and in proximity to the side major surface of the handle when the blade is in the folded position to prevent a user touching the folded blade from being cut. A stop bolt mounted on tee handle limits the pivotal movement of the blade to approximately 180.degree.. A locking mechanism for releasably locking the blade in Ore extended position comprises a spring portion of the handle.

Abstract: A foot operated cutting device used to perform pruning, shearing, trimming, and similar operations includes a cutting head provided with a spring biased blade cooperating with a jaw, an actuating mechanism in a housing coupled to a foot actuating device. The foot operated cutting device generates power from a force input supplied by a user to the foot actuator.

Abstract: A saw blade clamp (1) comprises a body (3) defining a channel (13) for a saw blade (11), a retaining member (17), biasing means (19) for continuously urging the retaining member (17) towards the channel (13) to abut a saw blade (11) in use in the channel (13), and a release device (30) separate from the retaining member (17) and the biasing means (19). When activated the release device (30) acts on the retaining member (17) to move the retaining member (17) away from the channel (13) to allow a saw blade (11) to be entered into or removed from the channel (13).

Abstract: A dual-handle pump-action can opener that can be operated by either hand and cuts the exterior wall of the seam of a can, rather than the top lip of the can. The dual-handle pump-action can opener includes: (a) a housing having a first handle; (b) a cutting wheel associated with the housing and the first handle and having a cutting edge for severing the exterior wall of the can seam; (c) a traction wheel associated with the housing and the first handle and having a gripping surface for engaging the interior wall of the can seam; and (d) a second handle which is movable towards and away from the first handle. When the second handle is initially moved towards the first handle after the can opener is installed on the seam of the can, it causes the traction wheel to contact the interior wall of the can seam and the cutting wheel to contact the exterior wall of the can seam.

Abstract: A plumb system for construction projects having a laser module embedded within includes a spring or the like device acting as a connecting device to a tripod or the like apparatus for projecting a vertical laser beam to a vertical end point, from the floor to a certain top point. Conversely, a spring or the like device mounted to the opposite end of the laser module of the plumb can be mounted to a certain high point for projecting a top to bottom laser beam for determining an end point at the floor. An optional horizontal base designed to horizontally receive the plumb for projecting a horizontal laser beam. A horizontal level indicator mounted onto the horizontal base can ensure a true horizontal plane. An optional self standing horizontal block can be used to determine the intermediate points of the horizontal laser beam.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of using a power saw guide for use with a power saw having a sole plate with a fence-following surface spaced a set distance from a sawing plane of the power saw. The power saw guide comprising a long leg and a short leg that are mutually orthogonal legs defining an "L" shape. A permanently attached fence is located along the outer edge of each leg defining a sole-sliding edge to guide the fence-following surface of the saw. Each fence is located on opposite surfaces of the guide Opposite the sole-sliding edge of the fence, is a plank-contact edge that makes contact with plank edge and ensures the cutting of the plank is done perpendicular to the length. An apron gusset extends beyond the intersection of the legs in both mutually orthogonal directions. The apron gusset is aligned with the plank-contact edges of the fences. Since the set distance for each power saw is different, the apron gusset initially has a length that exceeds the set distance.

Abstract: A marking indicator template jig for marking a tile to be cut and positioned in an open area of a size smaller than a size of the tile. The jig includes first and second legs pivotally connected together. A first telescoping leg is pivotally connected to a second end of the first leg and a second telescoping leg is pivotally connected to a second end of the second leg. The first and second telescoping legs each have an adjustable length. The marking indicator template jig is movable between a first unextended position and a second extended and in use position wherein the first and second legs are positioned within an open area smaller than the tile and against adjacent tiles defining a first portion of the open area and the length of the first and second telescoping legs are adjusted to meet an obstruction defining a second portion of the open area such that the marking indicator template jig is of a dimension substantially equal to that of the open area for use in marking the tile for cutting.

Abstract: A clip system for accurately locating access openings in drywall panels for electrical outlets, junction boxes, conduit boxes, or other receptacles normally concealed within the wall. A plurality of resilient, disposable plastic clips are snap fitted to either the corners or the edges of various outlets, outlet covers, or similar structures requiring an access opening. Each clip comprises a resilient frame and a smaller, spaced apart, offset subframe that is yieldably deflectable. A deflectable wall connects the frame and subframe. A channel is formed between the frame and the subframe for captivating a portion of the outlet upon which the clip is forcibly inserted. Each clip supports a sharp, outwardly projecting prong that penetrates the drywall panel after installation. The clips occupy specific sections of the outlets, so that when the wallboard is installed, the tradesman may use the projecting prongs as a marking guide.

Abstract: A fixture adapted to set a decklid for an opening to a trunk of an automotive vehicle in an adjusted position such that when the decklid is closed relative to the opening a gap of predetermined width will be established between a side edge of a rim portion of the decklid and an adjacent side edge of the opening. The fixture includes a clamp body having a planar support surface and a clamping surface projecting away from the support surface. A clamp bar is mounted on the support surface of the body for reciprocal movement toward and away from the clamping surface to clamp the rim portion of the decklid and thereby secure the fixture to the decklid. A cam is mounted on the clamp body for moving the clamp bar. A blade is mounted on the clamp bar and extends along the side edge of the rim portion of the decklid. The blade is adapted to contact the edge of the opening when the decklid is closed.

Abstract: A device of utility in precisely setting the angular relationship of a circular saw blade of radial bench type power saw, which includes a special protractor defined by removing adjoining segments of the linear leg and the curved leg thereof, and a modified T-square including a head piece having a curvature matching that of the curved leg of the protractor and a connected ruler blade extending radially toward the center of said protractor, said T-square being improved in that the thickness of the head piece is greater than that of the ruler blade and the location of the ruler blade is such that the blade can be located on either face and still use an upper and lower lip for sliding contact with the circular edge of the protractor, whereby two T-squares are not necessary as in my prior U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,096.

Abstract: A device for attaching to a free end of a measuring tape includes at least two substantially plate-shaped parts which can be fitted together. The free end of the measuring tape is secured between the two parts. One of the plate-shaped parts should include a flat side corresponding with the zero point of the scale indication on the measuring tape and the device may optionally include a hook for gripping objects to be measured. The plate-shaped parts cooperate to secure and properly align the end of the measuring tape without deforming the tape, thereby increasing operating life.

Abstract: A dryer section of a paper machine including groups with single-wire draw that include a drying wire guided in a loop and reversing cylinders arranged in the drying-wire loop. Contact drying cylinders are arranged in gaps between the reversing cylinder and the drying wire is guided to press a web against heated faces of the contact drying cylinders. In addition to normal, small-diameter contact drying cylinders, one or more large-diameter contact drying cylinders (the diameter being greater than about 2200 mm and usually in a range from 2200 mm to 3600 mm), is/are used in one or more single-wire draw groups. An impingement-drying/ventilation hood is arranged above the large-diameter contact drying cylinders and extends on a large sector above the contact drying cylinder and above the drying wire and the web running over the cylinder. An impingement-drying/ventilation effect is applied to the drying wire through the impingement-drying/ventilation hoods on the large sector.

Abstract: A combined spray and rotary drying apparatus includes a spray dryer having a housing defining a spray drying chamber, an annular inlet and an outlet. A burner and atomizer sprayer are provided in the spray drying chamber. The outlet of the spray drying chamber feeds into a rotary drying drum. A raw material feed chute is also provided for feeding raw material of relatively low moisture content directly to the rotary dryer. Methods of drying a raw material and of processing raw animal parts are also disclosed.

Abstract: A drying apparatus and method of drying is provided for drying a semiconductor member mounted in a carrier that is placed in a processing tank through contact with isopropyl alcohol. An isopropyl alcohol liquid is vaporized in a bottom portion of the processing tank, and the resulting vapor is condensed in its top portion. A heater is disposed so as to heat the inside of the processing tank to keep the inside at a predetermined temperature range in a middle-layer portion, i.e., a drying portion, of the processing tank. The heater is covered with a heat insulating member.

Abstract: A process and system for treating sludge are provided. Sludge is dewatered by introducing pressurized air to the sludge, while the sludge is being moved continuously. The air strips the sludge of its water, thus increasing total solids captured with respect to time. The throughput of the system is therefore also increased. In addition, the pressurized air passing through the sludge support purges contaminants from the pores of the support, thus keeping them clean without the necessity to backwash same.

Abstract: In a method of drying a moist bulk material, such as sewage sludge, and treating the malodorous moisture-laden gas resulting from the drying process, the moisture-laden gas is introduced into waste water contained in a waste water clarifying basin of a waste water treatment plant. A system for carrying out the method includes a drying apparatus and at least one waste water basin of a waste water treatment plant, connected so that the moisture-laden gas emitted from the drying apparatus can be introduced, for example through an aerator, into the waste water. Thereby, the gas is cooled, demoisturized and deodorized, and moisture and volatile components are condensed and/or dissolved out of the gas into the waste water. The waste water is beneficially oxygenated, heated, and enriched with organic substances.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a cart (5) having a first vessel (10) which fits within a second vessel (90) is used to transport and store an integrated circuit substrate. The integrated circuit substrate is placed within the first vessel (10) and the door (18) of the first vessel (10) is closed and sealed against a door seal (24). The first vessel (10) is then purged with nitrogen to expel moisture and reactive gases from the interior of the first vessel (10). After purging, the first vessel (10) is then placed within the second vessel (90). The door (102) of the second vessel (90) is then closed and sealed against a door seal (104). The second vessel (90) is then purged with nitrogen to expel moisture and reactive gases from the interior of the second vessel (90). The cart (5) containing the integrated circuit substrate is then transported to the next manufacturing area. Integrated circuits and other articles may be manufacturing using the cart system of the present invention.

Abstract: A gravity assisted lint trap includes a housing having an inlet port formed in a lower portion and an exhaust port formed in an upper portion thereof. A lint collection screen extends within the housing to separate the ports so that air flowing from the inlet port to the exhaust port passes through the screen and deposits lint thereon. The screen is oriented in a non-vertical position within the housing, and located above lint collector, such that lint collecting on the screen will drop by gravity into the lint collector, for selective removal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling grain flow within a column of a grain dryer is disclosed. The grain dryer includes a metering roll positioned to contact grain advancing out of a discharge opening of the column. The grain dryer further includes a regulator member which is movable between a flow regulating position and a trash escape position. The regulator member contacts either the metering roll, or grain supported by the metering roll when the regulator member is positioned in the flow regulating position. The regulator member is spaced from the metering roll by a distance sufficient to enable a trash object to advance between the regulator member and the metering roll when the regulator is positioned in the trash escape position. A method of controlling grain flow within a column of a grain dryer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A thin orthotic insert having a rigid rearfoot plate and a flexible forefoot cushion which are joined together without requiring a separate top cover. A connection is formed by a slot at the forward edge of the plate which receives and holds the rearward edge of the cushion layer. The rearfoot plate may be formed as a laminated structure, with forward edges of the upper and lower laminate layers being separated to form the wall portions above and below the slot. To form the slot, a spacer is inserted between the edges of the layers and then withdrawn after molding/curing. Because the need for a top cushion is eliminated, very low thicknesses can be achieved, on the order of 1.5 mm. The device is particularly advantageous for use in women's high-heeled shoes, where interior volume is extremely limited.

Abstract: A ski boot consisting essentially of a comfort liner (8), a lower shell (1) and a cuff (2) articulated to the lower shell. The cuff is provided with a strap (62) in its upper part and a lower-leg band (61) made of a material which is more rigid than the material of the cuff, these being rigidly connected to one another on the side of the boot corresponding to the inside of the foot.

Abstract: Locking device for sports footwear such as ski boots, in which a lower leg envelopment (12) is hinged to a shell (10). The device consists of a support (20) fixed on an inner wall of the lower leg envelopment, in which there is mounted a cam (24) on which acts a rocker arm (35) that constitutes the relative complementary surface for the cam. The coupling of the cam to the rocker arm determines the skiing or walking attitude of the footwear, in relation to the rotations of the cam which are controlled by a lever (32) arranged beside it. This device is particularly compact and structurally strong. It can be produced in plastics material, and can be fitted directly to already assembled footwear, without requiring other operations for its utilization.

Abstract: A football boot has a plurality of studs disposed in a pattern which includes a part of at least one ring. The studs are asymmetric in that they provide grip along a first axis and permit sliding along another axis in a manner to encourage self cleaning. The studs are arranged with their respective first axes aligned along the locus of the ring and their respective second axes aligned transversely of the ring.

Abstract: An athletic shoe having basketball assembly including a flat backboard affixed to the athletic shoe. A rim is attached to the backboard and supports a flexible net.

Abstract: A composite panel material for the back-lit display of graphic and alphanumeric designs and color fields as disclosed which includes regions that appear metallic and highly reflective when front-lit but which when back-lit transmit a portion of the back-lighting to give a "see-through metal" effect. Panelling material according to the design comprises a transparent base medium, daytime design images which are visible when the panel material is front- but not back-lit, and a partially reflective metallized element which appears opaque and shiny when front- but not when back-lit, of a pre-selected degree of transparency to permit the viewing of one set of images and colors in front-lighting and a different set under back-lighting of the panel material.

Abstract: Viewing apparatus including a viewing surface having a viewing area, back-lighting apparatus for selectably adjusting the back-illumination of areas of the viewing surface, the areas having a given extent, the back-lighting apparatus including: a liquid crystal array of individually controllable liquid crystal light attenuators located behind the viewing surface, each element of the array being associated with an area of the viewing surface and including active elements having a controllable opacity over an area smaller than the given extent of the area with which it is associated, and inactive areas between the active elements, a light source behind the array of light attenuators and a plurality of light guides, each associated with an element of the array and located between the element and its associated area on the viewing surface for providing controlled illumination of the associated area including at least a portion of the space surrounding the active element.

Abstract: A changeable portable, solar powered message sign is disclosed which offers reduced power consumption and enhanced visibility to intended observers especially during the difficult hours about dawn and dusk. The system features character matrices and two independent types of pixel defining systems. The system also includes an automatic solar tracking and control system.

Abstract: A substrate upon which an advertising message may be printed is releasably attachable to the side of a truck in a way that prevents the substrate from flapping when the truck is moving at high speeds. The upper edge of the substrate is retained within a rigid frame mounted in a recess formed in the side wall of the truck, and is quickly insertable into or removable from such rigid frame. The forward edge of the substrate is wrapped around the forward corner of the truck so that wind cannot get under the substrate, and a plurality of front-mounted winches pull the forward edge toward them so that slack is removed from the substrate. The rearward edge of the substrate is wrapped around a rear corner of the truck so that the effective width of the truck is not increased by attachment hardware.

Abstract: A photograph retaining assembly is disclosed, wherein a backing substrate has an adhesive layer on one side and a plurality of retaining pockets on a second side. The retaining pockets formed to preclude perforation of the backing substrate.

Abstract: A photo receiving device includes four side rails with four corner members joining the side rails to form a rectangular frame, each of the side rails having a dove-tailed groove defined therein in which a plurality of pressing members and a hanger are movably and rotatably received. Each of the pressing members and the hanger has an ellipse shank which is sized to be movably received in or securely engaged with the dove-tailed groove by rotation. Each of the side rails has a flange extending from an inner side thereof so as to support a board mounted thereto which is pressed by the pressing members.

Abstract: A lure is shown for attracting game and the like. It is taken up when not in use by mechanical or automatic devices and stored in a substantially air tight area.

Abstract: Brightly colored translucent monofilament fishing leader line that only permits light in the range of around 500 to around 750 nanometers to pass through the line may appear to glow or shine in the water. When the length of such line is within the range of about seven centimeters to about one meter, a fishing rig using the line will attract game fish to the bait or lure attached to the leader.

Abstract: A folding fish and animal capturing net apparatus comprising three distinct hinges. An outer curvilinear lugged hinge is positioned in the frame. An inner lockable slotted hinge is provided for folding the frame in the manner of a resting butterfly's folded wings. A rod-shaped hinge in the handle is utilized for folding the handle between the folded sides of the frame.

Abstract: A fish strike indicator for signaling that a fish is striking or biting when fishing in the dark. The fish strike indicator includes a housing. A resiliently deformable clip extends through the housing for clipping onto a fishing line. The clip has generally J-shaped ends positioned adjacent each other such that a channel is formed therebetween. A width of the channel is less than an outer diameter of the fishing line. The clip is electrically conductive. A light bulb is positioned in the housing and is in electrical communication with the clip. The clip is biased towards a bottom of the housing. A contact member is in electrical communication with a power source and is positioned above the clip such that movement of the fishing line pulls the clip into contact with the contact member thereby closing a circuit and permitting electricity to flow through the light bulb.

Abstract: A crank bait lure is provided which can be adjusted to travel to a number of different depths, to cover a range including shallow, intermediate and comparatively deep levels of operation. The lure comprises an elongated body provided with a groove extending into its interior, and further comprises a lip member having a first portion which is receivable into the groove, and a second portion which extends out of the lure body, beyond the forward end thereof. The lip member is slidable along the groove to selectively vary the length of the extending portion, such length being related to the depth of operation of the crank bait lure. The lure further comprises a detent mechanism for releasably locking the lip member at one of a plurality of discrete positions, in order to adjust the extending portion thereof to the length required for the lure to operate at a particular depth.

Abstract: A battery operated storage container which is divided into two compartments, one for bait and a second for fish caught. It incorporates a pump for filling the compartments to a preset level and a pump to empty the compartments. It also contains an electronic control panel which allows the user to select which functions he/she wants to perform. These functions include filling, emptying, recycling, and aerating the water. The functions can be performed simultaneously or independently.

Abstract: An organizer to which fish hooks of various sizes may be removably attached includes two parallel edges, each having a sequence of notches into which the fish hook is pushed in a forced fit. This results in the hooks being held securely so that they do not accidently come loose. Successive hooks are pushed into successive notches in the series of notches, with the result that the fish hooks are juxtaposed for ease of handling. In one embodiment each organizer is provided with male and female connecting elements, thereby permitting two such organizers to be joined to form a combined organizer of greater capacity. The organizer may be supplied in unassembled form enabling it to be packaged in the same envelopes that are used for packaging the fish hooks for sale. Alternatively, the organizer may be formed as a one-piece article.

Abstract: A trap for rodents, moles, or other burrowing animals, comprising: a handle; two pairs of opposed legs rotatably mounted on the handle; a spring biasing each pair of opposed legs in a sprung position wherein the two legs of each pair of opposed legs are adjacent one another; means for rotating the two pairs of opposed legs about the handle to a set position wherein the two legs of each pair of opposed legs are separated from one another, thereby forming a passage for the animal; a latch for holding the two pairs of opposed legs in the open position; and a trigger for releasing the latch, whereby the two pairs of opposed legs will snap rapidly to the sprung position, thereby trapping and killing the animal.

Abstract: A soil covering medium of the mulch type or the like, constituted by vegele fibers having a cumulative weight of lignin and resin greater than or equal to about 25% by weight relative to the dry weight of the fibers and a length greater than or equal to about 0.5 mm as to at least about 70% of the fibers, the fibers being formed of individual filaments or fibrils.

Abstract: A molded fertilizer prepared by molding a fertilizer component, wherein the molded fertilizer has a secant line on the surface.

Abstract: A pivoting watertight door has at least one panel with two parallel bars mounted thereon by means of links. At least one link forms a catch for locking the door in a closed position. The links are mounted so as to pivot on the door panel and also on the parallel bars where the bars are connected together at their ends, in pairs, and facing each other. Two connecting links are mounted so as to pivot on the one hand on the panel and on the other hand on two facing ends of the bars.

Abstract: A door for a vehicle having an equipment mounting panel. The equipment mounting panel includes various kinds of door equipment to perform door functions. The door panel is mounted in the door by being introduced into a space formed between an outer panel and an inner panel through a rear end opening in the rear end of the door.

Abstract: A module structure toilet room (1) is disclosed. The toilet room is built from module parts (49-52) containing functional units in the form of a toilet bowl (8), a fecal tank (7), a heat exchanger (61), a water tank (13), etc. Each module has connection conduits with quick release couplings for interconnecting the functional units and means for direct mounting of the module parts on the bearing structure of the train wagon. The module parts also have fixed/releasable coupling means (78) for mounting the fitting elements in the form of wall coverings and the like.As the functional units may be built and tested before the final mounting in the train wagon (2), considerable savings may be obtained in the mounting time of the train wagon. Furthermore, the module structure enables the toilet room 1 to be used in several different types of train wagons (2). Furthermore, servicing may be accomplished easily as the functional units are built together and may easily be jointly replaced.

Abstract: A structural termination system includes a one-piece elongated structural member having an outer wall and a horizontal bottom wall defining a lower surface having substantially the same contour as an upper surface of an associated building wall, wherein the building wall is characterized by the absence of a wood nailer structure adjacent the upper surface of the building wall. The structural member further includes a drip edge extending downwardly from the outer wall such that the outer wall and drip edge cooperate to define an integral fascia. Structural adhesive is disposed on the lower surface of the elongated structural member and securely bonds the structural member directly to an upper surface of an associated building wall without a wood nailer structure or mechanical fasteners along the structural member.

Abstract: A raised floor panel is strengthened with a grated core. The working surface of the floor panel may be either solid or perforated. The floor panel is supported by a center pedestal that extends from a sub-floor. The angle of the panel can be varied by pivoting the platform of the pedestal that supports the floor panel. Two ventilation damping panels, surrounding the column of the pedestal, are connected together and may be positioned in several configurations to change the ventilation characteristics of the raised floor.

Abstract: A structure for housing a bed, for protection of a sleeper against serious injury or death from damage or collapse of the surrounding residence in an earthquake. The bed protection structure has two kinds of for this purpose: various structural integrity preservation, including means to both enhance the structural strength of the bed protection structure and to also allow the bed protection structure to respond to severe mechanical shocks resulting from impact of parts of the residence structure, while maintaining structural integrity of the bed protection structure; and anti-ballistic penetration, to resist ballistic penetration of residence structure debris fragments into the interior of the bed. The structural integrity preservation include an overall geometry of the form of a modified tetragonal anti-prism or MTAP; triangular spacing of structural members in the MTAP geometry; axially reinforced structural members; and vertical support members containing shock absorbing.