Abstract: An integrated recoiling tape measure with an integral marker secured thereto by a marker holder. The marker holder is uniquely designed to be attached to the side of the tape measure, and is angled in a first direction such that the pencil tip extends forward to the tape holder, and is also angled laterally inward toward the tape itself and proximate the graduations thereof for easy and convenient marking of the material proximate the tape graduations. The present invention achieves technical advantages by allowing a workman to measure and mark and a material with one hand, thus freeing the other hand for holding the material or other tools.

Abstract: A device for determining the range/height of distant objects using the triangulation method. The device includes a palm-sized housing having merely four main components; (1) a retractable tape measure; (2) a sighting slot; (3) a pendulum and (4) a calibrated graph. A reel is disposed on the rear wall of the housing to provide means for retracting the tape measure. The calibrated graph is imprinted on the face of a thin sheet, which sheet is attached to the front wall of the housing. A transparent cover is disposed to protect the face of the sheet. An offset portion on the sheet functions to prevent the pendulum from swinging freely when the device is not in use. The sighting slot is positioned at the top of the housing.

Abstract: A device attachable either removably or permanently, or installed as original equipment, on the outer free end of an otherwise conventional measuring tape for enhancing the ability of the outer end of the tape to grip and stay in place on the far side of a workpiece being measured. The device features a generally planar body expanse having perimeter structure disposed outwardly of the long axis of an associated measuring tape, with this perimeter structure being formed with a line-like array (curved or straight, and with or without corners) of tooth-like projection elements which are intended to face and engage and grip a surface in a workpiece being measured.

Abstract: A Breathing Shoes, comprising an upper and lining, socklining, insole, and outsole, wherein on the heel seat of outsole was put an airbag. The airbag was connected with an air pipe, which extends to the extension between inner layer and outer layer of upper. Portion of the air pipe on the upper was provided with air punching holes communicated with the atmosphere of in and out. The shoe could carry out circulation of air between interior and exterior of shoe for air purification and always keeping a dry and ventilating environment within the shoe.

Abstract: An anti-flap device is formed from double sided adhesive material. The device includes a first adhesive surface which attaches to an article of footwear and a second adhesive surface which attaches to the heel of the wearer. The device allows for increased walking stability and eliminates separation of the heel from the foot.

Abstract: A sole for a boot and the boot incorporating the sole. The sole provides the wearer of the boot with a level of protection from explosive devices triggered by the wearer stepping on or near the explosive device. The sole includes at least one layer of corrugated blast-resistant material. The corrugations provide channels that effectively channel blast gases generated by the explosion of the explosive device sidewardly and so away from the foot of the wearer of the boot. The sole further includes layers of blast-resistant material and a cocoon of material is also provided throughout the upper of the boot to provide a level of protection to the remainder of the wearer's foot.

Abstract: A snow grooming apparatus is adapted for being drawn by a towing vehicle on a snow surface such as a ski slope. A drawing yolk engages the towing vehicle and pivots on a main chassis of the apparatus. The main chassis rides on a pair of spaced apart runners and supports plural snow shearing blades which are angled for directing snow laterally with respect to the center of the apparatus. An hydraulic actuating system is adapted for vertically positioning a ski centered with respect to the runners and forward of the center of mass of the main chassis. Thus, when this ski is extended downwardly, the main chassis and the snow shearing blades are raised. A pair of wheels of a secondary chassis are movable such that the main chassis may be supported above a snow or road surface between the pair of wheels and the hitching means. Alternately, the pair of wheels may be drawn up, above the surface with the main chassis supported on its runners when the ski is raised.

Abstract: A hydraulic excavating mobile machine comprises a working implement at least two parts of which is operated by respective hydraulic actuators (hydraulic cylinders 2 and 3), pressure control valves 6 and 7 provided in pressurized fluid supply lines 4 and 5 to the actuators and connected to operating levers 11 and 12, respectively, pressure compensating valves 10 and 10a provided between the pressure control valve 6 and the one hydraulic actuator (the hydraulic cylinder 2) and between the pressure control valve 7 and the other actuator (the hydraulic cylinder 3), respectively, an operation mode selecting unit (a monitor 18) provided in a cab of the mobile machine, a controller 14 providing a control signal, and a variable pressure compensating value function storing unit provided in the controller 14.

Abstract: Trading cards for clothing and the like that include an integral removable gemstone applique (tattoo), or an integral removable temporary printed tattoo with gemstone adornments, both for body ornamentation purposes. The gemstone tattoo is formed on a multi-layer-paper backing that is attached to the trading card by special pressure sensitive adhesive. The tattoo also includes a water soluble slip layer, a waterproof film coating, and a plurality of gemstones bonded to the waterproof film and sandwiched between the film and slip layer. The gemstone trading card is a stimulating and eye-catching novelty that compels notice by potential customers.

Abstract: A banner display system including a system and method for the improved display of banners and other advertisements is provided. The banner display system includes a top banner cap, a bottom banner cap, and a banner wherein said banner includes a top sock for receiving a dowel and a bottom sock for receiving a dowel, said top sock resting against said top banner cap end stops and said bottom sock resting against said bottom banner cap end stops. The present invention provides stability and proper display for the banner as well as easy replacebility.

Abstract: A lighted sign housing is provided having a sign face with both light-transmissive portions and light-blocking portions; and a reflective film applied to at least a portion of the light-blocking portions toward the interior of the sign housing. A method of using the reflective film is also provided.

Abstract: A fishing device to assist is landing a fish which device comprises a net frame have a multiplicity of hinged members. A net engages the net frame, which frame is retractable into a hollow handle. A drive shaft is used to drive the hinged members of the net frame into and out of the handle, which drive shaft is comprised of a linear member dimensioned to fit within the hollow handle.

Abstract: An air-texturized dubbing yarn is provided for use in tying the body portion of a fly fishing fly. The dubbing yarn is formed in an air texturizing machine and includes a core thread and one or more effect threads that are air-entangled through and frayed about the core thread to present a fuzzy texture. The colors of the threads are selected to form a combined color scheme that mimics the natural colors of live flies. A method of tying a fly includes attaching one end of a length of air-texturized yarn to the shank of a hook and wrapping the yarn about the shank to form a fly body mimicking that of a live fly. Hackle and other materials may then be added to complete the fly.

Abstract: A live animal trap for capturing and restraining a small animal comprises a rectangular mesh cage having an open front sized to admit an animal to be trapped, and a trap door hingedly affixed to the cage and movable between raised and lowered positions, respectively, permitting entry to and preventing escape from the cage. Embodiments are disclosed of gravity and/or spring assisted latching and tripping structures for releasably securing the trap door in the open position and responsive to an animal seeking to get to bait in the back of the cage. In one, a spring assisted brace member is hingedly affixed to and drives the lower end of the trap door into the closed position. In another, a multipurpose guide collar locks and drives the trap door in and for movement between the raised and lowered positions, and assists in animal release and in resetting of the trap.

Abstract: An insect control station provides an analog signal to a speaker and delivers acoustic energy from the speaker to a resonator positioned in the path of the acoustic energy. The analog signal can be provided from a memory by way of a digital to analog converter, from a digital signal processor, or from a mechanical element. Preferably, the acoustic energy emitted from one or more of the control stations of any of these arrangements is simulative of at least a portion of a heartbeat. The control station can include a surface that supports a pesticide, a gluey substance, an attractant (e.g., a pattern), and can deliver one or more feeding stimulants such as acetone, lactic acid, octenol, heat, carbon dioxide or some other byproduct of respiration or digestion.

Abstract: An insect trap fitting adapted to cover an opening in a receptacle containing insect attractant. The fitting includes a cover plate with a first aperture in it and a first skirt extending downwardly from the periphery of the first aperture. A screen with a second aperture in it is located at the lower edge of the first skirt. A blade extends from the second aperture to a position above the first aperture in the cover plate. The fitting my also include a second skirt extending downwardly from the periphery of the second aperture, the blade extending from the lower edge of the second skirt to above the level of the first aperture in the cover plate. A fly trap includes the fitting and a receptacle.

Abstract: A new type of fuel oil with low cost and low viscosity made of heavy oil or residue oil. The fuel oil is low cost, low viscosity and low pollution and includes base oil formed by adding waste plastic disposal oil made through thermal decomposition to heavy oil or residue oil of high viscosity, thereby decreasing the viscosity. The base oil is then provided with water and emulsifier to form water-in-oil emulsion fuel oil. The emulsifier is formed by mixing caustic soda (NaOH) and the calcium chloride (CaCl2) and water. Substantial reduction in generation of pollutants in the exhaust gas is achieved when the fuel oil used in a combustion engine. The fuel oil is especially suitable for large and high power vessel engines.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tree staking system designed to support or provide supplementary bracing to a tree so as to maintain it in a substantially upright or other predetermined position when the tree is planted or replanted. More specifically, the subject tree staking assembly comprises at least one, but preferably two, or a plurality of support members. A tree strap assembly is used to removably, but securely, position the support members in spaced relation to one another about the circumference of a trunk of the tree being supported without actually encircling or girdling the tree. Consequently, the tree is not blemished or scarred. Advantageously, the assembly affords a system by which a tree can be supported in a predetermined, upright position by a single worker without the need for specialized parts or tools.

Abstract: A soil- and grass seed-less sod precursor containing a non-woven bio-cellulosic fiber mat and grass sprigs. The sod precursor can be used to produce a soil-free sod which is useful for manufacturing athletic fields, golf courses and lawns.

Abstract: A method of preventing defective germination or growth of a plant is provided, by which even plant seeds having small size can be sown easily and securely. The method of preventing defective germination or growth of a plant includes the steps of: encapsulating plant seeds in an aqueous gel capsule; refrigerating the plant seeds under the condition that the plant seeds do not germinate; and sowing the plant seeds.

Abstract: A method of forming a decorative cover, a sleeve or a preformed pot cover for a floral grouping or flower pot from a sheet of material having a printed pattern thereon wherein the printed pattern contains shaded and highlighted areas which provide the printed pattern with a visual perception of depth and thus a three-dimensional appearance.

Abstract: A cover for use with a flower pot having a floral grouping disposed therein. The cover includes a sheet of material having a sheet extension connected to an outer peripheral surface thereof. The sheet of material is formed into a pot cover for covering the flower pot and the sheet extension extends over the floral grouping.

Abstract: A method for operating a gas generation device, for example, for a fuel cell system, having at least two gas generation units through which a starting-material stream flows in series. The two gas generating units have a first and second rated power Prated—1, Prated—2 and a first and second predetermined operating temperature Trated—1, Trated—2, and the first gas generation unit has a lower thermal mass than the second gas generation unit. During a starting phase only the first gas generation unit is operated, with a power Pstart—1>Prated—1. After the end of the starting phase at least the second gas generation unit is operated.

Abstract: A door inner panel assembly including a door inner panel and a window regulator drive means, the window regulator drive means having a drive portion and an output shaft projecting from the drive portion, the inner panel having an abutment portion for co-operation with the drive portion and a shaft support portion for co-operation with a portion of the shaft remote from the drive portion, the abutment portion and shaft support portion being integrally formed from the same material.

Abstract: A method for making a polymeric blast media, and a product of this method. The first step involves blending a melamine compound with a cellulosic material and compression molding said first blend to produce a compression molded first blend. This first blend is then cooled and then ground. In the next step of this method, a urea compound is blended with a nano-clay material to produce a second blend and compression molded. This compression molded second blend is then ground to produce a particulate second blend. The particulate first blend is then blended with the particulate second blend. A blast media product of this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an aqueous dispersion for chemical mechanical polishing which can be polished working film for semiconductor devices and which is useful for STI. The aqueous dispersion for chemical mechanical polishing of the invention is characterized by comprising an inorganic abrasive such as silica, ceria and the like, and organic particles composed of a resin having anionic group such as carboxyl group into the molecular chains. The removal rate for silicon oxide film is at least 5 times, particularly 10 times the removal rate for silicon nitride film. The aqueous dispersion may also contain an anionic surfactant such as potassium dodecylbenzene sulfonate and the like. And a base may also be included in the aqueous dispersion for adjustment og the pH to further enhance the dispersability, removal rate and selectivity.

Abstract: A computer-mountable wall assembly includes a wall member provided with a space for mounting a monitor, and a monitor mountable space defined in the wall member to mount a monitor. The computer-mountable wall assembly may further include a cover hingedly mounted on the wall member to cover a screen side of the monitor mounted on the wall member, and a desk panel hingedly mounted on the wall member.

Abstract: A building for containing occupants, with at least one covering element to provide at least one roof portion, at least one wall portion, and at least one floor portion, to provide an interior space to contain and protect occupants from an adverse environment about the building or other structures. The building has an opening to permit occupants to ingress and egress, a window comprising at least one pane, comprising at least an outer pane disposed to contact the adverse environment about the building and at least one inner pane disposed toward the interior space of the building. The pane exposed to the environment about the building or structure comprises a glass material that has a minimized coefficient of thermal expansion. The building also has an insulation to protect occupants from adverse temperature and environmental conditions about the building and a heating apparatus to provide heat to the space provided by the at least one covering element, the window, and the insulation.

Abstract: The Universal Direction Post and Wall Panel Adapter consists of multiples of a single adapter to be installed on vertical round posts which when assembled on posts provide continuous vertical slots, in the desired position around the posts, in which plank like panels may be inserted one above the other, to provide the desired direction for continuing sagments of a fence or wall at each post location.

Abstract: An easily constructed, highly secure, walk-in vault uses pre-cast panels. A door frame is molded into one of the panels. The panels have interlocking joints with adjacent panels. The interlocking joints are protected with continuous, double burglary-proof seams situated in the interior of the vault. Abutting panels are securely held together by metal rods that penetrate the interlocking joints.

Abstract: An antiperch device for deterring birds from perching on undesired perch locations. The device includes various embodiments which are constructed of wires forming arcs and/or wires that are parallel to and spaced above an object such as a light fixture to be protected. The wires are sufficiently flexible and have a small enough diameter to prevent the birds from getting a secure footing thereon but are sufficiently stiff to keep the birds from reaching the object.

Abstract: Device (1) able to limit the amplitude of the relative movement of two elements of a civil engineering structure and for absorbing the deformation energy of this structure when the latter is subjected to an accidental stress. The device (1) includes: at least one portion able to undergo a plastic deformation at the time of the relative movement of the two elements of said structure, means for guiding the plastic deformation of the portion able to undergo a plastic deformation, the portion able to undergo a plastic deformation and the guiding means forming a single piece element.

Abstract: Installation of a basement window system by assembling the window system between a pair of novel window forms releasably secured thereto. This assembly is maintained during the erection of the foundation wall into which the window system is incorporated and the erection of above grade wall after which the window forms are removed.

Abstract: A window which comprises a hollow mullion plastic extrusion and a metal insert. The plastic extrusion is of a general T-shape having a hollow head portion and a hollow foot portion connected by a hollow stem portion which is open to both the hollow head and foot. The metal insert is of general T-shape having a head portion of the plastic extrusion, a stem portion to extend through the hollow stem of the plastic extrusion to support same and a foot portion to fit within and expand the hollow foot portion of the plastic extrusion.

Abstract: A stable window molding assembly for sealing a gap between a window glass and a frame includes a U-shaped fastener, which has a first hook extending inward from one wall and a second hook extending inward from an opposite wall. The window molding includes a window lip, which contacts an upper surface of the window glass, and a frame lip, which contacts the frame. An arm of the window molding includes projections that engage the hooks of the fastener. Grooves are respectively formed in the arm for facilitating elastic deformation of the projections.

Abstract: A panel door construction and a method of making it are disclosed, and the method relates to the provision of a generally rectangular board and cutting panel receiving openings in it. Beading strips are then secured to both faces of the board surrounding the openings, for clamping the marginal edges of a set of panels therebetween within the respective openings.

Abstract: An assembly and method utilizing a clip and pin configuration is provided for attaching insulation material in a building. A clip (25) having a pair of grabbing members (45, 50) with an aperture (55) defined therebetween receives a flange (20) of a frame member (15). A pin (80) is inserted into an opening (75) in one of the grabbing members (50), and is used to pierce the insulation material (110). A set of washers (100, 105) is connected to the pin (80) to retain the pin (80) in the opening (80) and to retain the insulation material (110) in the pin (80).

Abstract: There is provided a hip, ridge, or rake shingle, which includes a shingle panel and at least one rigid back member. The shingle panel has a substantially planar lower surface. The at least one rigid back member has a length substantially the same as or greater than the length of the shingle panel. The rigid back member is attached to the substantially planar lower surface of the shingle panel. The rigid back member includes a step in thickness in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the substantially planar lower surface and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rigid back member. In addition, the thickness of the rigid back member at the high level of the step is greater than the thickness of the rigid back member at one of its ends. There is also provided an asphaltic adhesive including from about 62% to about 99% by weight of an asphalt cement; from about 0.5% to about 15% by weight of a first thermoplastic having a glass-transition temperature in the range from about 190° F.

Abstract: This is a reinforcing apparatus that can be prefabricated for easy installation at the construction site. The reinforcing members must be properly spaced and supported for reinforcing the structure into which it shall be incorporated. Various spacing members are described for the apparatus. One embodiment folds into a collapsed structure prior to shipping and unfolds on the construction site. Another has a structure where the reinforcing members are snapped onto spacing members at the construction site, making for a quick assembly. Yet another has a structure in which the reinforcing members are clipped into place on the spacing member prior to use. The apparatus, once assembled or unfolded, can be self-supporting.

Abstract: A concrete form has a pair of opposed upstanding and spaced apart side panels. A space is defined between the side panels. Each side panel has a respective upper edge and a respective lower edge whereby a top opening is defined between the upper edges and a bottom opening is defined between the lower edges. At least one bottom soffit panel is coupled to the form and is movable between a first soffit position closing off the bottom opening and a second soffit position providing access to the space through the bottom opening. At least one transverse top beam is coupled to the form and is movable between a first top beam position across the top opening and a second top beam position providing access to the space through the top opening. A method of setting up the concrete form includes assembling the form, opening the top beam if closed, installing at least one steel reinforcing element within the forming space through the top opening, and closing and securing the top beam.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing a health-promoting construction material. The method includes processing a construction material by use of an adhesive to which a finely pulverized powder of stone generating far-infrared radiation and/or negative ions has been incorporated. The stone generating far-infrared radiation and/or negative ions is preferably quartz porphyry, granite porphyry, tourmaline, zeolite, or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides contoured crushable composite structural members and methods for making the same. The contoured structural members comprise composite materials sandwiching a support or stabilizing structure. The contoured structure can be provided by tube rolling (or roll wrapping) the composite materials and the support structure together and then, if necessary, bonding them or connecting them. The structural members are made crushable by incorporating an initiator into the structures of the members. With a contoured, crushable, and generally non-flat structure, applications for the structural members of the present invention are nearly limitless.

Abstract: Process for Sealing a Filled Sack Made of Thermoplastic Plastic and Provided with Gussets A sack made of thermoplastic plastic that has been provided with gussets is closed after being filled in that the open side of the sack is pulled tight and provided with a crosswise seal. In order to be able to produce the crosswise seal even when the region to be sealed is contaminated, the lateral regions of the crosswise seal are formed on the region of the sack, which is still lying flat, including the gussets and extending to the transitional region by means of a first sealing sequence, preferably by means of an ultrasound sealing process. After the sack has been filled, the middle region of the crosswise seal is produced by means of a second sealing sequence, preferably an ultrasound sealing process.

Abstract: A film extruding mechanism for melting and extruding a resin material as raw material of a film to be formed from a resin extruding outlet so as to form the film using extrusion technology is disposed adjacent to a tray that contains an article to be packaging. The article to be packaged is packaged as soon as the film is formed while the film extruding mechanism forms the film. Accordingly, the article to be packaged can be easily packaged without preparation of the film.

Abstract: The invention relates to cyclonic dirt separator comprising a dirt-collection assembly including a dirt tank having an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture, a cyclonic separator, at least one filter element, and a suction source fluidly connected with the dirt collection assembly. In one embodiment, the cyclonic dirt separator includes a separator plate cooperating with the housing to form a toroidal region of the dirt tank for aiding in the separation of dirt from a suction airstream developed by the suction source. The separator plate has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the dirt tank, creating a gap between the outer edge of the separator plate and the inner wall of the dirt tank. A further embodiment includes dual cyclonic separators fluidly connected through a filter assembly. A further embodiment includes a cyclonic separator in the form of a tangential helical ramp.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pleated filter made of a multi-layer filter medium, including at least one filter paper layer having area weights of 30-100 g/m2, a microfiber nonwoven fabric layer having area weights 5-120 g/m2 and a support nonwoven fabric layer made of synthetic, polymeric fibers having area weights of 10-120 g/m2. The layers of the pleated filter contain fused polymer areas by which the fabric layers are bonded to the paper layer, and by which the fabric layers are made firmer within themselves. When subject to a dust removal test at an initial pressure difference of at most 180 Pa, at a boundary speed of approximately 2.62 m/s and a flow speed through the filter medium of approximately 0.13 m/s, the pleated filter is able to separate at least 90% of particles greater than 0.3 &mgr;m, at least 92% of particles greater than 0.

Abstract: A cyclone dust collecting apparatus for a vacuum cleaner includes a hollow cylindrical cyclone body having an open upper end through which air and contaminants are drawn in and a dust discharge port located proximate a lower end of the cyclone body. The dust discharge port receives contaminants that have been separated from the air by centrifugal force and discharged from the cyclone body. The apparatus further includes a dust receptacle connected to the cyclone body for collecting the contaminants discharged from the cyclone body through the dust discharge port. A base member is connected to and closes the lower end of the cyclone body and the dust receptacle, and a cover is removably connected to the upper end of the cyclone body and the dust receptacle. The cover has an air intake channel for drawing in outside air and contaminants into the cyclone body and an air discharge channel for discharging clean air from the cyclone body.

Abstract: A cyclone type dust collecting apparatus for a vacuum cleaner includes a cyclone body having a cylindrical shape, open upper and lower ends and a contaminant outlet. Air and contaminants are drawn into the cyclone body through one open end of the cyclone body. The contaminants are separated from the air by centrifugal force and are discharged through the contaminant outlet, which is located proximate the other open end of the cyclone body. The apparatus further includes a contaminant receptacle for collecting the contaminants that have been discharged from the cyclone body. The contaminant receptacle has open upper and lower ends and surrounds the cyclone body. A base member is connected to and closes the lower end of the cyclone body and the contaminant receptacle, and a cover is removably connected to the upper end of the cyclone body and the contaminant receptacle. The cover includes an air inlet and an air outlet, both of which communicate with the cyclone body.

Abstract: A bagless vacuum cleaner having a chasse, an air blower and a dust extraction and collection unit is provided. The dust extraction and collection unit has an easily removable inlet chamber and an easily removable outlet chamber. The inlet chamber is substantially cylindrical, and the outlet chamber is disposed concentrically within the upper portion of the inlet chamber. Duct work within the chasse conducts air from the base of the chasse and into the inlet chamber in tangential fashion, such that air swirls about the inside walls of the inlet chamber. Air within the inlet chamber is then allowed to escape from the inlet chamber into the outlet chamber via a plurality of small holes disposed in the side walls of the outlet chamber. Air within the outlet chamber is exhausted to the blower via a top wall opening in the outlet chamber.

Abstract: A sturdy yet easy to assemble and disassemble T-shaped apparatus for ganging together a plurality of individually powered trail-behind mowers for towing by a tractor mower or other type all-terrain vehicle in cutting grass or similar vegetation. This design includes a tractor drawbar pivotally attached to a vehicle for towing having a pivot pin connected thereto at an opposite end to the vehicle, a center drawbar centrally attached to the tractor drawbar by a pivot hinge for connection with the pivot pin, and which is pivotally attached on either end by a left and a right mower drawbar attachment. The center drawbar also having a rear hitch centrally connected, as by welding, on an opposite side to the pivot hinge to pull additional mowers. The design features at least three pivot points to allow an even cut by a plurality of trail-behind mowers on bumpy, uneven terrain.