Abstract: A cosmetic pencil and sharpener comprises a cap and pencil portion having a sharpened head on a first end portion of the pencil, an elongated body and a second end portion. The cap includes a recess at one end to engage and cover the pencil head, an intermediate portion and a second closed end portion. The intermediate portion includes a raised angular section located adjacent a longitudinal slot in the cap wall. A blade is mounted to the angular section and extends downwardly into the slot. Rotation of the pencil sharpens the head against the blade while shavings drop outwardly from the slot due to a self-cleaning chisel point protrusion on the cap.

Abstract: A method for estimating a body weight of a ruminant with a skeletal structure including a cranial portion, a caudal portion, and hip joints located between the cranial and caudal portions including measuring a distance between hip joints of a ruminant and converting the measured distance to an estimated body weight of the ruminant.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a plantar contour of a foot of a user, the plantar contour having a height. The apparatus comprises an impression block having a thickness sufficient to form an impression of at least a portion of the height of the plantar contour. A method for forming an insole corresponding to a plantar contour of a foot of a user, wherein the plantar contour has a height. The method comprises the steps of (1) placing the foot of the user into an impression block having a thickness wherein the thickness is sufficient to form an impression of at least a portion of the height of the plantar contour (i.e., a portion or the full arch contour); (2) forming a digitized model of the impression; (3) extrapolating data from the digitized model of the impression to form a complete digitized model of the full height of the plantar contour; (4) providing the complete digitized model to a milling machine; and (5) directing the milling machine to manufacture the insole using the complete digitized model.

Abstract: A crop dehydrator is disclosed that includes a large hollow cylinder, openable at one or both ends, that is air-tight and connected to an air-pump or vacuum pump capable of maintaining a moderate vacuum in the cylinder. As the air is pumped out of the cylinder, the water in a crop in the chamber vaporizes and is pumped out of the cylinder.

Abstract: The invention described herein pertain generally to a process for drying and/or pathogen reduction as well as an apparatus effective for the same, the process comprising the steps of feeding a sample containing water onto a mesh conveyor belt; transporting the sample into a heated chamber having an air flow about, around and through the sample; exposing said sample to at least two sources of microwaves in non-parallel alignment to each other; and collecting the sample. The at least two sources of microwaves are from a split waveguide assembly, producing microwaves which are essentially 90° out of phase to each other. The heated chamber is between approximately 75° C. and 125° C. The convection heating supplements the microwave heating thereby both heating the sample from the outside in and also from the inside out. The microwave frequency is between 915 MHz and 1000 MHz, preferably approximately 915 MHz.

Abstract: A drying structure and process has a wet or damp mass to be dried in a container. Hot dry gas is fed into the container to flow over and/or through the mass to be dried, and the vapor-containing gas which is produced by contact with the mass is discharged from the container to the input of a vortex tube. The vortex tube separates the humid vapor into a liquid which may be discharged, and a dried gas which is recirculated back to the container for further drying of the mass.

Abstract: An athletic shoe comprising a sole, a top, a tongue and laces overlying the tongue for securing the shoe to the foot, said tongue being elongated and defining an upper portion projecting beyond the upper lacing point and connected to the main portion of the tongue by a hinge, pocket means defined in the tongue for providing means for inserting a replaceable indicia bearing card or the like.

Abstract: A picture frame with a frame (1, 2) has clamps (6, 7, 8, 9) for securing parts (3, 4, 5) inserted into the frame, such as a pane of glass, a picture, a rear wall, etc.. The clamps (6, 7, 8, 9) have a bridge (14) and a spring clip (15). On the inside (12) of the frame (1, 2) a projection (17) is inserted into a recess (13). On the end of the bridge (14) there is another projection (16) which is inserted into a recess (11) on the back (10) of the frame (1, 2). On the end of the spring clip (15) there is a third projection (18) which is inserted into a recess (23) on the back (21) of the rear wall (5). This enables very adaptable and reliable mounting of the parts (3, 4, 5) in the frame (1).

Abstract: An assembly for mounting a firing pin to a bolt assembly of a firearm is provided and includes a bolt assembly adapted for mounting to the firearm, a firing pin mounted to the bolt assembly for reciprocating movement relative to the bolt assembly, and a retaining member releasably engaging a portion of the bolt assembly and slidably engaging a rearward portion of the firing pin. The retaining member is shiftable between an engaged position in which the retaining member is secured to the bolt assembly and a release position in which the retaining member and the firing pin are removable from the bolt assembly. The retaining member is biased against the portion of the bolt assembly when the retaining member is in the engaged position.

Abstract: In order to judge range with the laser range estimation aid the lasers (1, 2 and 3) should be activated via the switch (8) and directed at the target of range desired. The lasers (1, 2 and 3) should produce a triangle pattern of dots. If there is an upright triangle (10, 11), then the target is below or closer that the zero range. If there is a single dot, then target is substantially at the zero range (12). If there is an inverted triangle (13, 14), then the target is above or further away from the zero range. Also, the size of the pattern produced can be found relative to the terrain which allows for further range calculation.

Abstract: An improved portable blind for hunting, wildlife watching or the like includes an umbrella like mechanism that is used to open and close a concealment web, which preferably is fabricated from a camouflage fabric and has a number of leafy flaps defined therein that will rustle in the wind for an enhanced camouflage effect. Templates are provided to enable a user to create additional cut out areas in the web for weapon access and/or observation purposes. The umbrella like mechanism includes a central shaft that includes structure that enables it to be mounted directly to a weapon such as a gun or a bow. In addition, the concealment web includes supplemental mounting structure for mounting a portion of the web to a second portion of the weapon for purposes of solidity and stability. A method of hunting utilizing the blind is also disclosed.

Abstract: The chemoluminescent bait container designed to illuminate live bait contained within the bait container. The bait container may be a portable bait bucket or a permanently installed live well, and is characterized in that at least a part is formed of a chemoluminescent material, such as formed by mixing a thermoplastic polymer with chemoluminescent particles.

Abstract: The invention is a looped lizard catching device having a camouflaged appearance to allow the device to have the appearance and texture of a weed or grass allowing the device to be hidden from view of the prospective catch while also including an attached lure to attract the reptile to the looped end of the device.

Abstract: A modular pest control system which includes structure that is specifically designed to capitalize upon the physiology and/or behavior of a wide assortment of pests to render the system more attractive to the pests. The system is modular in nature whereby it may be configured as desired or necessary to target any combination of one or more species of pests. The modular system preferably includes, at minimum, a first component in the form of a pest control device that may be releasably connectable to a second component. The first component may contain one or more materials or structural features for controlling any individual species or combinations of species of ground crawling pests, termites and rodents. The second component may be a releasable base for securing the first component to vegetation, building surfaces and materials, or targeted areas of soil.

Abstract: A garden enclosure kit is provided for protecting a planted area from frost and the like. The kit includes a frame structure arranged to be supported on the ground about the planted area. Sheeted material is supported on a roller arranged to be selectively coupled to the frame structure to define an enclosure. The sheeted material includes an elongate main sheet having a coupled end coupled to the roller and a free end arranged to be coupled to the frame structure spaced from the roller for defining a cover extending over the planted area. The sheeted material also includes a plurality of side sheets formed integrally with the main sheet which are arranged to be suspended from respective sides of the main sheet in an extended position of the sheeted material for enclosing the planted area. When the use of the enclosure is no longer required, the side sheets are folded across the main sheet so that the sheeted material may be rolled onto the roller.

Abstract: A tree brace applies corrective forces to a part of a tree, such as the trunk, to straighten undesired bends or other deformities. A turnbuckle device applies force at a desired point of application, and is held by flexible lines that extend to locations above and below the application point. The turnbuckle is adjusted as the tree responds to the forces exerted thereon. The tree brace does not require a pole or stake for support, and can be placed on a tree wherever a bend or other deformity needs to be straightened.

Abstract: A method for injecting fluid into woody plant is disclosed, and apparatus therefor, for delivering disease treatments and nutritional supplements.

Abstract: A method of producing treated seed for cotton planting comprising the steps of, in order:

Abstract: Method and apparatus for promoting by light irradiation the germination of seeds and the growth of plants generated by the seeds. The seeds to be treated are irradiated with radiation that is a simulation of the solar visible spectrum. The radiation may have a wavelength range from about 400 to about 700 nm. The irradiating light may be pulsed, for example at a frequency from about 10 to 150 pulses per minute, each pulses having a duration from 0.1 to 0.9 seconds and the intervals between pulses having a duration about from 0.1 to 6.0 seconds. The seeds may be cooled while irradiating them, such as to maintain the seeds at temperatures not exceeding 35° C. Cooling the seeds may be carried out by means of a stream of gas.

Abstract: A sleeve used to wrap items such as potted plants or comestibles. The sleeve has a closed curved bottom. The sleeve may also have an expansion element such as a gusset, pleats, random folds or elastic material for enabling the lower portion of the sleeve to conform to the outer and bottom surfaces of the pot to provide a decorative cover about the pot. The sleeve optionally has a detachable upper portion.

Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping comprising a floral holding material and a sheet of material. The floral holding material is constructed of a material capable of receiving a portion of a floral grouping and supporting the floral grouping. The sheet of material is extended about a portion of the floral holding material and a crimped portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the floral holding material to provide a decorative covering.

Abstract: A plant packaging method providing a tubular sleeve having excess material therein and attaching the sleeve to a potted plant via a bonding material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a potting system for use with plants, and in particular for using a rock material in a novel potting arrangement and method for improved water and nutrient delivery to potted plants. The present system has two general aspects: the standard soil based growing medium in which the root ball of the plant sits; and, a reservoir for fluid that is continuously supplied to the plant via capillary action. This fluid is contained in a layer of inert, pH neutral pumice volcanic rock that has preferably been thoroughly washed. Due to the porosity and pore structure of the pumice material, it exhibits strong capillary action properties. This layer of pumice rock sits beneath the root ball of the plant in the base of the pot which lacks drainage holes. An overflow hole may be added a distance above the base of the pot to prevent drowning the root ball. Alternately, the plant, soil and pumice may be housed in a meshed bottom basket which may be inserted within the pot.

Abstract: A device having a plurality of chambers for carrying out a solid-catalyzed reaction includes a common evaporation unit for evaporating liquid starting materials. The evaporation unit is in thermally conductive contact with a plurality of chambers. An area of the evaporation unit in which the evaporation substantially takes place is at least partially surrounded by the plurality of chambers.

Abstract: A non-contact sensor system controls movement of a door moving in a first direction by actuation of a device. The system includes a transmitter extending a predetermined distance beyond a leading edge of the door at a first door end for transmitting a signal toward a second door end. The transmitter is attached to the door by a first movable member which is capable of engaging a surface when the door closes and moving to a retracted position. The sensor system further includes a receiver extending a predetermined distance beyond the leading edge of the door at the second end in alignment with the transmitter for detecting the signal, and for generating an output signal when the signal is blocked. The receiver is attached to the door by a second movable member which is capable of engaging the surface when the door closes and moving to the retracted position.

Abstract: A storm resistant device for a window that has a window frame enclosing at least one sash slidingly and pivotally mounted therein. The sash has side rails and the frame has vertical jambs that engage the side rails of the sash to raise and lower and pivot the sash. The storm resistant device comprises a first elongated bracket having a substantially Z-shaped cross section with two end segments and a middle segment connecting the two end segments. The middle segment is connectable to the side rails of the sashes with one of the end segments extending outward from the sash toward an adjacent jamb. There is a second elongated bracket having a substantially L-shaped cross section with two legs, one leg of the bracket adapted to be mounted to the jamb with a second leg of the L extending toward an adjacent side rail of the sash.

Abstract: An actuator for operating a vehicle door includes a spring that is adapted to frictionally connect a wheel gear and an output gear upon actuation of an electric motor. The wheel gear and the output gear are operatively connected by the frictional contact of the spring relative to the wheel gear and the output gear upon actuation of the electric motor. The spring separates the wheel gear and the output gear to return the output gear to an initial position when operation of the electric motor is stopped.

Abstract: The device for electrically driving a cable-actuated window regulator comprises a casing, an electric motor driving an endless screw meshing with a toothed ring surrounding a conventional brake box connected to a cable winding drum disposed in the housing. The toothed ring presents a frontal wall obturating the opening of a cylindrical sleeve forming the casing of the brake box. The drum and the frontal wall comprise fingers capable of cooperating with the ends of a helical spring disposed in the cylindrical sleeve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a window regulator of an automobile vehicle quarter panel, which comprises a support plate having two cam grooves substantially offset in an oblique direction, a mobile carrier supporting a windowpane guided by the cam grooves, a cable winding drum connected to the mobile carrier by an upper cable passing over an upper return pulley and by a lower cable passing over a lower return pulley. The lower return pulley is arranged in height between the height of the lower ends of the two cam grooves. This allows the total height of the support plate to be decreased.

Abstract: A glass run for use in a motor vehicle, which is capable of preventing the increase in a sliding resistance against a door glass which is raised and lowered in the glass run. At least one inclined surface is formed in an inside surface of a side wall of the glass run from the position corresponding to a projecting end of a seal lip which extends obliquely inwardly from an opening-side end of the side wall, to a bottom wall. The inclined surface is defined such that the distance between the inclined surface and the door glass gradually increases toward a bottom-side end of the side wall. The inclined surface enables the projecting end of the seal lip which is pushed by the door glass toward the side wall to move smoothly therealong, thereby preventing the increase in the pressing force of the door glass against the seal lip.

Abstract: A security door (1) including:

Abstract: A door safety device comprises a cover (4) for the gap at the hinge side of a door (1) and door frame (3) combination. The cover (4) is a strip of a rigid material which is flexible about its major axis, the strip having attachment means at its long edges whereby each edge may be secured respectively to the door (1) and door frame (3). The attachment means being arranged such that one edge is firmly fixed to one of the door/door frame combination and the other edge is fixed to the other member of the combination in a way that allows some vertical movement of that edge. The cover (4) is formed with rigid portions and longitudinally-directed fold areas such that part of the cover may be supported against a vertical edge of the door when the door is in an open condition.

Abstract: A closure system including a closure moveable for substantially closing an aperture in use, and an actuator for at least closing the closure, the actuator being mounted by mounting means, the mounting means including one or more measurement cells for measuring, in use, parameters of the closure systems, in use the system being subjected to movement and being arranged such that it is possible to at least partially distinguish trap forces applied to the closure from acceleration forces applied to the closure as a result of the movement of the closure system by consideration of the measured parameters.

Abstract: A door module intended for fitting in motor vehicle doors has a system carrier, which is preferably molded in the shape of a plate from a plastics material and is formed for positioning a window lifter unit, preferably a cable window lifter. An electric drive unit of the window lifter unit bears a housing for the control electronics, which is partly fastened to the drive unit in a sealed manner and partly constituted by the system carrier. When the drive unit is positioned on the system carrier the housing is closed in one operation with a sealing action, with the drive unit being directly electrically connected at the same time by means of plug-in contacts and complementary mating contacts, which are engaged in an electrically conductive manner when the housing is closed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for fixing a window regulator on a frameless door of a vehicle equipped with a fixed front window pane and a mobile rear pane, the front edge of the mobile pane being guided by a slideway which extends between the panes and of which the lower part is fixed in the door. The window regulator comprises a front rail and a rear rail parallel to the slideway, on which slide sliders displaced by cables actuated by drive means. The front rail is rigidly connected to the slideway in order to ensure parallelism between these two elements.

Abstract: A sliding door for vehicles including a space frame formed from an extruded aluminum tube to which inner and outer aluminum door panels are attached. Hardware for operation of the door is mounted on the exposed inside surface of the door. The overall weight of the door is about 20 pounds and the door is about 35 mm thick.

Abstract: A new mounting system for elevating and supporting objects such as solar panels and satellite dishes upon a roof. The mounting base for attachment to a roof rafter incorporates a threadable elongated member or stanchion and only requires a single lag bolt which is positioned directly beneath the stanchion for fastening to a roof rafter. A guide tunnel is also provided on the roof mount for proper drill angle into the rafter.

Abstract: A safety stand for safely holding a heavy slab of material is provided. The stand is configured so that a heavy slab can be safely leaned against it. Once the slab is leaned against the stand, the top edge of the slab is in a position such that a lifting clamp or similar device can be attached to the slab. With the stand in place, one person can safely prepare the slab for lifting.

Abstract: A kiosk structure of hollow rotary moulded plastic counter modules having a body of circular segmental configuration with top horizontal surface, horizontal bottom surface, vertical front and back walls and at least two vertical sleeves at opposing ends of the body having a vertical bore through the top and bottom surfaces. A like number of vertical support posts within the bores have a bottom portion anchored within a granular beach sand or soil foundation layer. A variety of differently shaped arrays can be constructed of counter modules with a lintel spanning between a post of each adjacent counter module of the array. the posts and lintels can support a tubular frame roof with fabric extending across the frame providing shelter. The kiosk structure can be easily assembled and disassembled for temporary events or for storage in off season.

Abstract: A building board which is provided on the surface thereof with a concave and convex pattern, and opposite sides thereof with overlying rabbeted portions (2-1, 6-1, 6-2) and underlying rabbeted portions (3-1, 3-2, 5-1), respectively, wherein each overlying rabbeted portion (2-1, 6-1, 6-2) is constituted by one end portion of the convex portion (2, 6) of said pattern; each underlying rabbeted portion (3-1, 3-2, 5-1) is constructed to have an area bigger than the area of corresponding overlying rabbeted portion (2-1, 6-1, 6-2) bearing said convex portion and formed on the opposite side; and each of said opposite sides is provided on the rear side thereof with a linear contact surface (7-1, 7-2).

Abstract: A connecting arrangement for connecting hip rafters at the apex of a hipped roof comprises a plurality of hip rafter support members arranged sequentially around the apex of the roof. Each support member includes at least one outwardly extending member and a carrier member to carry the outwardly extending member. The outwardly extending members are pivotally attached to the carrier member. The outwardly extending member of each support member is adapted to support a respective hip rafter such that adjacent outwardly extending members on adjacent support members can support the same hip rafter.

Abstract: An assembled hip roof includes a plurality of roofing panels as well as the rafters of the underlying structure that support those panels. Ridge caps preferably extend over the panels at the hip rafters. In a preferred embodiment, a set of metal roofing panels is designed and shaped for use on a specific hip roof configuration, using a minimal number of separate panels. In a preferred embodiment especially suitable for larger area roofs, a plurality of the panels interlock with one another. The panels are preferably coated on one or both sides for protection against scratching during handling and assembly. One or more of the panels preferably include decorative relief, such as the appearance of overlapping wooden boards.

Abstract: A barrier implement intended for obstructing a route of travel of crawling arthropods along a passageway comprises a sheet configured to circumscribe a passageway along which arthropods crawl. A dimension of the sheet is sized or molded relative to said passageway. An arthropod deterring component associated with said sheet for deterring said crawling arthropods and impeding their route of travel along said passageway.

Abstract: This invention relates to an animal barrier device comprising a cylinder, preferably hollow, with a longitudinal hole traversing its length. The device can be used for mounting on a bird feeder support cable to deter animal passage. The device includes a cylinder, having a central hole for mounting on a cable.

Abstract: A shear wall panel for a building has a rectangular frame of vertical and horizontal members. Inside of the rectangular frame, at least four diagonal members are joined at their ends to create a multi-segmented assembly having at least three vertices and first and second ends and possibly forming a polygon, one of the at least three vertices secured to each of the vertical and an upper horizontal members, the first and second ends secured to a lower horizontal member. The members are preferably of wood and connected together with toothed plates. The panel is shear connected to a foundation or laterally stabilized wall or floor below the shear wall panel, possibly by a bolt between the foundation or laterally stabilized wall or floor below the shear wall panel and the intersections between the vertical members and the diagonal members. Upper strap connectors attach the upper horizontal member to a roof, floor or wall of the building.

Abstract: A disaster shelter for mounting under ground. The shelter includes an entranceway having at least one air vent and a substantially hollow paraboloid shaped shelter cell. The shelter cell includes a paraboloid focus portion attached to the entranceway and paraboloid base portion disposed opposite the entranceway. A gravity ring is attached to the paraboloid base portion and is dimensioned such that the shelter is constrained within the ground when the water table reaches ground level.

Abstract: A frame-attached window panel 10 wherein a frame member 11 comprises a base portion 12 attached firmly to a peripheral portion of a window panel 90 and a primary molding 15 molded integrally with the base portion, and the primary molding is made of a material different from the material for the base portion 12. The generation of noises can be suppressed by the presence of the frame member which can be formed at low cost.

Abstract: It is possible to easily trim a flash, to improve an exterior shape and to guide rainwater so as to prevent the rainwater from flowing dispersedly around.

Abstract: A factory layout includes a plurality of substantially triangle units provided in radial directions. The triangle units are combined so as to form a polygonal shape including a triangle shape as a whole. The empty regions with an air-conditioning facility are provided at a part of the central portion of the polygonal shape.

Abstract: The walls of a wooden log building are provided with vertical support columns acting upon horizontal logs within the walls. The support columns prevent the logs, or groups of logs, from moving downward due to log shrinkage. Each support column comprises a vertical stack of log supports. Each support comprises an elongated support element, such as a pipe, and a plate element removably secured to an end of the support element. The plate elements support bottom surfaces of the logs and substantially prevent such bottom surfaces from moving downward. The weight of the building is concentrated within the support columns.