Abstract: A hair drying method that includes the steps of providing and installing a face shield including shielding elements for shielding the eye and ear canal areas prior to blowing hot air onto the hair to be dried.

Abstract: Nitrogen gas is jetted into a space on the liquid level of pure water in a drying chamber in which wafers are immersed. Simultaneously therewith, liquid-phase isopropyl alcohol is jetted at a temperature higher than the temperature of the wafers and in the vicinity of jetting openings for the nitrogen gas. When the wafers are exposed above the liquid level in the drying chamber, the pure water held on both front and rear surfaces of the wafers is replaced by the isopropyl alcohol of mist-form. The isopropyl alcohol is then evaporated, whereby the wafers are dried.

Abstract: Elliptically shaped reheater conduits extend downward into a portion of a flow path that extends through a lower chamber interior space of a kiln chamber. Each of the reheater conduits has opposite ends, defines a length that extends between the opposite ends and is perpendicular to the portion of the flow path that extends through the lower chamber interior space, defines a first cross-dimension that is perpendicular to the length and parallel to the portion of the flow path, and defines a second cross-dimension that is perpendicular to both the length and the portion of the flow path. The second cross-dimension is less than the first cross-dimension. Each of the reheater conduits defines outlets positioned along the length of the reheater conduit. Each reheater conduit defines a pair of vertices between which its second cross-dimension is defined, and the outlets are proximate the vertices.

Abstract: A cloth retention strip is folded to have two plies. The retention strip is sewn onto an oval shaped cloth panel along a border thereof. A draw string is retained between the plies. The draw string is operable to draw the panel over the toe and around the heel of a shoe that is worn by a user. The draw string may be held in place by fastening two cloth tabs on the draw string to each other or to a third fastener on the shoe covering. A non-skid material may be sewn, baked, or deposited onto the outside surface to provide a non-skid surface.

Abstract: A midsole assembly for an athletic shoe comprising a midsole and a corrugated sheet. The midsole is formed of soft elastic material. The corrugated sheet is disposed in at least a heel portion of the midsole. Either or both amplitude and wavelength of wave configuration of said corrugated sheet are made different either or both between a front end portion and back end portion, and between an medial portion and lateral portion of said heel portion.

Abstract: A midsole assembly for an athletic shoe includes a midsole and a corrugated sheet. The midsole is formed of soft elastic material. The corrugated sheet is disposed at least in the heel portion of the midsole. The front end of the corrugated sheet may extend from the plantar arch portion to the forefoot portion of the midsole. A sheet of fiber reinforced plastics or the like is bonded to the corrugated sheet and extends from the outer circumference portion of the heel portion to the plantar arch portion of the corrugated sheet or other cushioning. A meshed sheet portion having a lower modulus of elasticity than the corrugated sheet is formed in the center of the heel portion. Thus, lateral deformation of the shoes after contacting with the ground can be prevented at the outer circumference of the heel portion while providing a plantar arch portion having higher compressive hardness and improved running stability.

Abstract: A foot massaging shoe insole is made by forming a base into the general outline of a human foot, applying an adhesive in a pattern on the base, and adhering a plurality of discrete, shaped pellets of synthetic plastic material on the patterned adhesive. Upper rounded surfaces of the pellets massage the foot. The pellets are arranged in clusters that are spaced apart to form channels along which air is free to circulate to ventilate the insole.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprises a shoe in which the upper and base define a first total internal volume; molding of a standard inner sole made of a material which may be plastically thermoformed using a form, the inner sole having a second volume less than the first volume and, when inserted in a shoe, leaving a free volume, smaller than the total volume, inside the shoe; insertion of the standard inner sole in the shoe and fixing in place, so as to create a shoe-inner sole assembly in which, between the base and standard inner sole there is at least one space with an empty volume substantially corresponding to the difference between the first volume and the second volume; heating of the shoe-inner sole assembly made in this way to the preset temperature necessary for the thermoforming of the inner sole; insertion of a foot in the shoe, so as to shape the standard inner sole in the areas around the space according to the features of the sole of the foot.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a moldboard includes a pair of arms having resilient members which are received within a mounting member. The resilient members enable the arms and the moldboard to pivot about the mounting member in the event that an obstruction is encountered by the moldboard such as during snow and ice removal.

Abstract: A manual dozer comprising a frame having a front and a rear and wheels for supporting the frame and allowing the frame to roll, The frame includes a handle extending upwardly from the frame for pushing pulling and steering the frame. A container is mounted on the frame, the container having a closed rear end and an open front end. A scoop is pivoted on the frame adjacent the front end thereof and extending in front of the open front end of the container. The scoop normally assumes a down position wherein a front edge of the scope is proximate the surface over which the manual dozer rolls. An arrangement is provided for pivoting the scoop from the down position to a raised position in which the front edge of the scoop tilts back toward the opening in the container to move scooped material into the container.

Abstract: A method of excavating an underground continuous ditch by rotating a chain type cutter 4 while pressing the cutter horizontally against the ground A, with the cutter positioned underground. According to this method, when a lower ground portion is left unexcavated due to a deficiency in traversing force at the lower portion of the cutter particularly during excavation at a large depth, the rotating direction of the cutter 4 is changed from a rake-up direction in normal excavation to a rake-down direction and excavation is performed while the cutter is moved vertically, to excavate the lower ground portion (A1) left unexcavated.

Abstract: Power shovels include a dipper door which must be held shut to retain a load of material within a dipper and which must be allowed to open to discharge the load of material from the dipper. Such dipper doors are extremely heavy and, as a result, the opening and closing of the dipper doors must be dampened in order to prevent the dipper doors from banging against other components of the power shovels. There is provided a hydraulic assembly which is mounted to a dipper body and a dipper door of a dipper of a power shovel. The hydraulic assembly includes a restricted flow conduit to prevent unrestricted flow of hydraulic fluid between fluid chambers of the hydraulic assembly. Accordingly, as the dipper door opens or closes, as the hydraulic fluid moves from one chamber of the hydraulic assembly to the other, the restricted movement of the fluid causes the dipper door to open or close in a controlled manner thereby dampening the effect of movement of the dipper door.

Abstract: The present device provides a baggage tag attachable to the handle of a piece of baggage for displaying indicia of the identification and destination of a passenger owning the baggage. The tag has a first or base ply and a second tear-resistant ply or liner. The underside faces of the base ply and tear-resistant liner are arranged for engagement with one another. An adhesive is disposed between the base ply and the liner for releasably sealing them together. It is preferred that a release coating be applied to the underside face of the liner. This allows the removal of the liner from the adhesive layer, allowing the adhesive to remain with the base ply. The base ply and liner each have cuts proximate one end thereof defining a claim stub. Upon removal of the claim stub, a length of the underside face of the base ply adjacent the base ply cut is exposed with the adhesive permitting the two tag ends to be secured around a bag handle.

Abstract: There is provided a self-powered display unit for displaying at least two consecutively changing images to be viewed by a viewer, the unit including a housing having at least one window-like opening; at least one lenticular panel mounted in the housing behind the window-like opening, the lenticular panel having front and rear faces, the focal length of the lenses being substantially equal to their width; at least one displaceable, lightweight, substantially planar indicia carrier in the form of a replaceable film or sheet disposed inside the housing; an edge of the indicia carrier at least indirectly freely abutting against a cam; a high-efficiency, low-energy consumption, battery-powered DC drive including a DC motor coupled to the cam for periodically displacing the indicia carrier for a distance at least equalling the distance between two adjacent lenses of the panel, and a guide facilitating smooth reciprocating movement of the indicia carrier in juxtaposition with the rear face of the lenticular panel, w

Abstract: A door reminder for hanging on a doorknob for delivering a message comprising a hanger, a flap and at least one electronic device to be actuated by the flap. The hanger is provided with a hanger opening for hanging the door reminder on the shank of the doorknob. The flap is rotatably and horizontally mounted on the hanger above the hanger opening and the flap is provided with a flap opening such that the doorknob can pass through the flap opening when the flap is rotated towards the surface of the hanger hanging on the shank of the doorknob through the hanger opening with the hanger located between the door and the flap. The flap is maintained at an operative angle of approximately 30 degrees above the front surface of the hanger by an urging component when the flap is not moved. Preferably the door reminder includes two electronic devices, one light emitting and one sound emitting.

Abstract: A photo frame comprises a frame member, a mini-fan pivotably mounted on a side of the frame, and a battery case pivotably mounted on a position abutted against an opposite side of the frame for providing power to the mini-fan and supporting frame so as to enable pivotable adjustment of the mini-fan and battery case in response to a vertically or horizontally standing photo frame.

Abstract: A breech plug assembly for a muzzle loading firearm. The breech plug assembly is screwed into the back opening at the breech end of the barrel of the firearm. The forward end of the conical projection has a tapered or conical projection for supporting the end of a pre-formed explosive pellet.

Abstract: A firearm safety enhancement system is provided for enabling use of a firearm only by an authorized individual. At least one electrically activated preventer is provided having a first position for preventing use of firearm and having a second position for enabling use of the firearm. An electrical activation circuit is operatively connected to the preventer to move the preventer between the first and second positions. A portable power supply is carried in said firearm and is coupled to the activation circuit for providing power. A power signal transmitter is operatively connected to the power supply for transmitting an electromagnetic power signal at a regular frequency. A passive identification tag is mounted to a personal adornment to be carried or worn by an individual and is preprogrammed with an authorized identification code preselected from a large number of available identification codes.

Abstract: A clip loading tool is provided for loading cartridges into a clip of a gun. The tool comprises a digit securing means for accommodating a digit of the user and a protrusion to enable the user to exert downward force on the casing of each of the individual cartridges by means of the user's digit, usually the thumb, to facilitate the loading of ammunition into the gun clip or magazine.

Abstract: To provide a line guide ring which can be simply formed and which has a pull-out prevention structure which does not disturb a winding configuration of a winding thread. Micro-irregularities are formed on a top surface of an attachment leg portion of a line guide ring, the attachment leg portion is fastened to a fishing pole by using a nylon winding thread with a diameter of 0.1 mm-0.9 mm. A sufficient amount of a liquid reaction hardening resin adhesive is pasted on a surface of the wound winding thread, and the adhesive permeates into concave portions of the irregularities of the attachment leg portion.

Abstract: An artificial fly/lure includes a body mounted about the shank of a hook. The body is formed of an open mesh weave material secured to the hook. A plurality of open mesh woven material appendages are secured to the body. The appendages project outwardly from the body to a freely movable outer end. A flexible rod is interposed within each appendage. The appendages in several aspects form wings to enable the artificial fly/lure to be constructed in the shape of a naturally occurring fish or insert, such as a flying fish, mayfly or grasshopper. Additional appendages in the form of legs may also be provided on certain of the lures. In another aspect, the body has angularly disposed ends from a central portion which carries the shank of the hook to form the lure in the natural shape of a worm.

Abstract: A frame for converting any object into a fishing lure is formed from a length of wire bent at its center into two strands approximating a wishbone symmetrical about a longitudinal axis. The strands extend through a diverging segment, a converging clamping segment and a connecting segment looped for pivotal engagement on the converging segment. The converging segment is resiliently laterally expandable and the clamping segment is resiliently rotatively expandable with the pivotally engaged connecting segment to receive and hold the object to be converted into a fishing lure therebetween. A tension ring girdingly slidable on the converging segment limits resilient lateral expansion of the frame. Preferably, the wishbone has an eye for connection to the fishing line and a shank. A fish hook may be rigged on the tension ring. A bait hook fixed to the wishbone shank can be used to secure the object in place on the frame.

Abstract: A filament connector for fastening a fishing hook or a swivel to a fishing line, or for fastening two fishing lines together, includes a body provided with an internal cavity connected to the exterior of the body by an aperture, a pair of walls of the cavity converged towards the aperture, a wedge member positioned and movable within the cavity has part surfaces facing the walls of the cavity, whereby a filament can be formed into a bight within the cavity, around the wedge member and out through the aperture so that tension in the filament pulls the wedge member towards the aperture, the filament becoming trapped between at least one of the walls and the adjacent part surface of the wedge member.

Abstract: A leader line, hook and lure storage device comprising a unitary and homogenous geometrically shaped elastomeric spooling structure having formed therein a plurality of perimeter recesses each having located therein a peg which is anchored to the unitary and homogenous geometrically shaped elastomeric structure without a requirement for additional peg support. The anchoring provides the primary support for the peg.

Abstract: A net trapping system for capturing a robber immediately is used in a place of business such as a bank. The device looks like a storing box and is installed above the entrance of the business. When a robbery takes place and the system is activated, an infrared detecting device determines if a robber is in a zone beneath the storing box. A net, a curtain, and a plurality of barriers will drop down immediately and simultaneously. After a lifting motor is activated, the system traps the robber and suspends him above the floor.

Abstract: An insect bait station is disclosed which comprises a receptacle with an opening, the receptacle having a reservoir for an insect bait formulation; a cover with a plurality of gate openings sized to allow selective entry of insects; and a membrane with an opening providing access to an insect bait formulation. The membrane covers the receptacle with sufficient dimensional stability and structural integrity to substantially retain its position while an insect traverses its top surface. In a preferred embodiment, the insect bait station comprises a replaceable cartridge having a reservoir containing an insect bait formulation with a substrate covered by the membrane. Preferably, the membrane having the ability to retard evaporation of the bait formulation. The bait formulation may include an insect attractant and/or an insect poison material in solid, liquid or gel form.

Abstract: Arthropod containment devices are provided comprising a base plate having a first face, a second face opposite the first face, an outer edge between the first face and the second face; and a containment ridge protruding from the first face along at least a portion of the outer edge, the containment ridge defining a containment region proximate the first face. Also provided are arthropod containment devices comprising a base plate having a first face and a second face opposite the first face, a plurality of guide ridges that protrude from the first face and define at least one containment region, and an arthropod toxicant coated upon or positioned within the containment region.

Abstract: A plant guard is made of a sheet of material which is formed into a tubular shape. Side marginal edges of the sheet are secured together by a fastener. A flap is formed at one end adjacent one side marginal edge, the flap being folded, in use, over a supporting wire so that the wire passes in front of and adjacent the engaged marginal edges to prevent disengagement thereof.

Abstract: A drip type watering device for gardening use is disclosed; and more particularly it relates to a watering device which is inserted partially into soil to permit water, liquid fertilizer or chemicals for change of nature of soil of plants to be discharged drop by drop automatically without periodically watering by manual labor. It is made up of a container, an adjustment cap, a sealing lid and an insertion means. The adjustment cap adjustably engaged with the sealing lid is removably secured to the container is used either to precisely regulate the volume of water to be discharged with ease or to effectively seal a container associated with the watering device to prevent water from leaking out.

Abstract: A method for identification of trait loci using genetic marker loci and the use of genetic marker loci as a selection method in a plant breeding program is disclosed. The method comprises comparing genotypic survey data to phenotypic data collected from the same entries used to create the genotypic survey and identifying genetic marker loci that are associated with traits. The method allows new and superior plants to be identified and selected for in a plant breeding program by genotyping with identified genetic marker loci.

Abstract: This invention provides a plant growth sheet structure which includes a base web layer and a core layer integrally coupled together in this order, a base web layer, a plant seed holding layer and a core layer integrally coupled together in this order, or a base web layer, a core layer, a plant seed holding layer and a cover web layer integrally coupled together in this order, and is provided at its surface with plant protection projections, and also provides a natural turf sheet structure including a natural turf grown on the plant growth sheet structure.

Abstract: A container for hydroponic culture, a hydroponic culture system using such a container and a method for making such a container are described herein. The container has a semi-cylindrical body provided with longitudinal edges, edge clips mounted to the longitudinal edges and a semi-cylindrical cover removably mounted to the edge clips. The cover includes pot receiving apertures and may easily be removed from the edge clips for cleaning operations. End caps are provided to create a waterproof container.

Abstract: A rock planter apparatus includes a receptacle made from rock material. The receptacle includes a top receptacle portion and a bottom receptacle portion. A plant-reception well opens at the top receptacle portion and extends downward toward the bottom receptacle portion. The plant-reception well has a well diameter. A drainage channel extends from a bottom portion of the plant-reception well through the bottom receptacle portion. The drainage channel has a channel diameter, and the well diameter is greater than the channel diameter. Preferably, the receptacle is made from natural rock material. The plant-reception well can be cylindrical in shape, and the drainage channel can also be cylindrical in shape. The rock planter apparatus of the invention can be used for receiving plants directly or for receiving potted plants. A base member can be provided upon which the receptacle can be placed. The base member can include a drainage bevel in registration with the drainage channel of the receptacle.

Abstract: A solid body for growing plants, especially plant seedlings, which can be used for plants of any desired size, has a compact structure, and is highly advantageous with respect to storage and handling the solid body is made of coco peat having an insertion area for plants on its top side.

Abstract: A plant containerizing and watering device for containing a plant growing medium and facilitating irrigation of the growing medium by a liquid. The device includes a first container and a second container. The second has at least one venting aperture extending through its base wall. The second container is configured and sized so as to be at least partially insertable within the first container with their respective base maintained in a predetermined spaced relationship relative to each other. A trough extends outwardly from the second container. The trough has at least one trough aperture positioned between the first and second container base walls. A removable reservoir is inserted within the second container.

Abstract: A frame member having a centrally disposed opening, a plurality of louvers pivotally disposed within the opening of the frame member, a relief notch on the lateral edge of the louver, and a louver adjusting member attached to the plurality of louvers. The louver adjusting member is completely disposed within the relief notch of the louvers, thereby maintaining at least a flush profile on either the inner surface or outer surface of the window shutter when the louvers are in the closed position. The window shutter apparatus further comprises a hanging strip that includes pivotally attaching the frame member thereto, a compliance strip for attachment to the hanging strip, and a T-strip attached to either the hanging strip or frame member. The compliance strip adjusts for dimensional variations in the side surfaces of the window opening that leave a gap when the hanging strip is placed adjacent thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a watertight seal at the bottom corners of an entryway is provided. The apparatus includes a flexible pad at each of the bottom corners of the opening where the side jambs meet the threshold cap. The pads extend partially behind the weather strip and are formed with a projection that extends between the legs of the weather strip. The weather strip is thus reinforced and held firmly against the bottom corners of a closed door, the front of the threshold cap beneath the door, and the space therebetween. A secure watertight seal is thus created.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing blockage of a water flow path from a gutter of a building through a downspout includes a receptacle which is rotatably supported beneath the gutter. The receptacle is movable between a collecting orientation and an emptying orientation under the influence of the weight of water and debris conducted from the gutter to the receptacle when the receptacle is in the collecting orientation. The receptacle includes a compartment having an outlet through which water passes prior to collection of debris in the compartment. As debris collects in the compartment and at least partially blocks the outlet so that water also collects in the compartment, the combined center of gravity of the receptacle and the water and debris in the compartment moves from one side of a vertical plane containing the axis about which the receptacle rotates to the opposite side of the plane. As this occurs, the receptacle is rotated from the collecting orientation to the emptying orientation.

Abstract: A structure stabilizing system that includes a length of cabling and a number of joist and rafter reinforcing cable guides. Each of the joist and rafter reinforcing cable guides includes an L-shaped joist securing plate assembly, a rafter securing plate, and a cable guide tube assembly. The structure stabilizing method includes the steps of a) providing a number of joist and rafter reinforcing cable guides as described above; b) attaching one each of the joist and rafter reinforcing cable guides to a number of sets of ceiling joists and rafters along each side of the building; c) threading a length of cabling through each of the cable guide tubes of each of the attached joist and rafter reinforcing cable guides; and d) anchoring the ends of the cable to the foundation of the structure to be stabilized.

Abstract: Reversibly expandable structures are formed from loop assemblies comprising interconnected pairs of polygonal shaped links. Each loop assembly has polygon links with at least three pivot joints and at least some of the polygon links have more than three pivot joints. Additionally, these links lie essentially on the surface of the structure or parallel to the plane of the surface of the structure. Each polygon link has a center pivot joint for connecting to another link to form a link pair. Each link also has at least one internal pivot joint and one perimeter pivot joint. The internal pivot joints are used for connecting link pairs to adjacent link pairs to form a loop assembly. Loop assemblies can be joined together and/or to other link pairs through the perimeter pivot joints to form structures.

Abstract: A truss, having an integral hold down strap, which can be attached to a wall of a structure. The truss contains an upper and lower chord and typically contains web members that extend between the upper and lower chords to provide strength and rigidity. The lower and upper chord converge at the heel of the truss and are connected by at least one nailing plate. The hold down strap is an elongate piece of sheet metal which is smooth and free of teeth, and has a first portion which contains two opposing flanges that are bent such that the first portion has a generally U-shaped cross section. The hold down strap also has a second portion sized to extend from the first portion and into engagement with one of the other structural components of a wall. The first portion of the hold down strap is sized to engage the end surface of the lower chord with the two opposing flanges engaging the side surfaces of the lower chord.

Abstract: A multi-purpose, positioning and fastening strap is disclosed for use in the construction of building structures. The strap is made from a flexible, durable, non-stretchable material and has a high breaking load. The strap is usable for various construction applications, such as, the fastening or holding down of tar or felt paper on a roof, the laying down of shingles on a roof, the erection of a trussing structure for a roof, the construction of a floor, etc. The durability and breaking load of the multi-purpose strap are critical physical characteristics which are necessary for its use in the aforementioned various construction applications.

Abstract: A tubular skylight is coupled to rectangular opening of a ceiling support grid by an adaptor. The adaptor includes a ring-shaped tube segment, a rectangular-shaped ceiling segment, and a frustum-shaped intermediate segment connecting the upper segment and ceiling segment.

Abstract: A device is provided for protecting a window or door during severe storms. A panel, cut to fit in a window frame, is held in place by the action of the slide-arm-and-bolt assemblies described herein. A rubber gasket can be used along one side of the panel in place of some of the slide-arm-and-bolt assemblies. Different embodiments of the assembly are described for mounting along the sides or at the corners of the panel. A “clip-on” assembly is also described. Wind resistance is enhanced by tightening the assemblies until the panel bows outward. Optional security features are disclosed to prevent unauthorized removal of the panel.

Abstract: A threshold assembly comprising a sill and a pair of lateral brackets which are upwardly extending and oppositely facing. Each lateral bracket is attached at the lower, outside part of each jamb of a door frame.

Abstract: A quick-assembly corner protector including an extruded aluminum retainer adapted to be attached to the corner to be protected; decorative wooden panels laterally, slidingly engaged in the retainer adjacent the corner; and a co-extruded vinyl locking member adapted to hold the panels in place and provide a cushion at the corner.

Abstract: A structure support pier is used to support a mobile home or other similar structure. The pier has a base with a first flange and an optional second flange extending upwardly from the top surface of the base. A support pad is positioned on the top surface of the base. A shell member is positioned on the top surface of the base such that the outer periphery of the bottom of the shell member abuts the inner surface of the first flange. A support member, which may be a honeycomb structure, a plurality of tubular members, or other similar structure, has a first end resting on the support pad and a second end abutting the lower surface of the top of the shell member either directly or via a second support pad. The support member may be positioned within appropriate slits or depressions located on the support pads.

Abstract: Variable gaps between adjacent concrete panels are covered and sealed by a T-shaped body of extruded semi-rigid plastics material and which includes a one piece cover section and stem section of generally uniform wall thickness. The stem section has a set of parallel spaced flexible fins projecting from each side at an angle of 45° towards the cover section, and the fins increase in width from the distal end of the stem section towards the cover section. Each fin has parallel spaced triangular gripping ribs on its side facing away from the cover section for gripping opposing concrete surfaces defining gaps ranging generally from ½″ to 1¼″. In one embodiment, the cover section has a slightly crowned intermediate portion with tapered opposite edge portions, and in other embodiments, the intermediate portion is curved or configured to cover gaps defined within outside and inside corners formed by adjacent panels.

Abstract: A covering plate (5), for flooring in conveyances such as a railway car, is provided with a securing track (11) for securing seats, etc. The covering plate (5) is formed by a sandwich structure having a central core (24) arranged between an outer plate (25), which extends across the entire size of the covering plate, and second outer plates (26). The securing track (11) is formed in a profile (27) embedded in the sandwich structure so that a securing track (11) extends at a right angle to lateral edges (14) of the covering plate (5). As either end of the profile is provided with tracks (29) for receiving tight-fitting pins (30), a floor structure can be mounted easily and rapidly.

Abstract: Interconnectable formwork elements for casting vertical concrete structures adapted to interconnect to one another along their longitudinal sides to create a formwork for casting concrete to form a wall other vertical structure.