Abstract: A mobile machine for determining information at a forestry site. The mobile machine includes a gimbal base mounted on the mobile machine, a rotating laser beam range detector mounted on the gimbal base so that the rotating laser beam maintains a horizontal plane, a position determining system mounted on the mobile machine, and a slope determining system located on the mobile machine and electrically connected to a set of gimbals on the gimbal base, the gimbals being adapted to sense a slope of the mobile machine.

Abstract: A compact optical calibrating apparatus includes: a housing having a base formed on a bottom of the housing, a horizontality calibrator universally pendulously mounted in the housing, a plurality of illuminators embedded or secured in a plumb pendulously secured to the horizontality calibrator, and a switch device pivotally secured in the housing for switching on or off a power source supplied to the illuminators and for braking or releasing the pendulous movement of the plumb; whereby upon embedding of the illuminators in the plumb, the height and volume of the calibrating apparatus is decreased for obtaining a compact optical calibrating instrument.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for aligning optical components. The apparatus may for instance comprise a light source providing an emission, an optical element for receiving the emission from the light source, and at least one of the light source and the optical element being mounted to a gimbal mount. Adjustment of the light source and/or the optical element mounted to the gimbal mount adjusts the angle of incidence of the emission from the light source on the optical element. This adjustment in turn aligns the optical components, A method is disclosed for aligning optical components. The method comprises generating an emission from a light source, adjusting a gimbal mount on at least one of the light source and an optical element, wherein the angle of incidence of the emission from the light source is adjusted on the optical element, and fixing in place the position of the gimbal mount on the light source and/or the optical element.

Abstract: An angle detection device with a data transmission path on an n·360° bearing assembly with at least one scanning disk (21) arranged on one of two components at right angles to the axis of rotation, and with electro-optical illumination and detection means on the respective components held together by the bearing assembly, for scanning the instantaneous angle of the scanning disk (21), wherein electro-optical data transmission means are provided on said scanning disk (21) and on a surface opposite said scanning disk (21).

Abstract: A three-axis physical model is used to numerically compensate for errors in measured magnetic field values in an electronic compass for operation at any orientation. This compensation method generates certain quantities that characterize the magnetic field of the Earth in the vertical plane. These quantities are used to monitor the accuracy of the electronic compass during normal operation by comparing their current values either with values obtained during the calibration procedure or with values obtained from historical averages. Significant departure from the calibration values or from the historical averages indicates a probable loss of accuracy of the compass, and the user is so alerted.

Abstract: Inclination measurement apparatus for measuring the inclination of a surface to the horizontal. The apparatus includes (a) a base plate for mounting the apparatus on the surface; (b) a ball bearing with i) a housing washer rigidly mounted on the base plate, and having a flat upper bearing surface, ii) a ball and cage thrust assembly set on the upper bearing surface, and iii) a shaft washer having a flat lower bearing surface set on the ball and cage thrust assembly, and being rotatable thereon between a first pair of diametrically opposite orientations defining a first measurement axis on the horizontal to the local gravity vector prevailing at the location of the apparatus; and (c) a first clinometer mounted on the shaft washer for obtaining an inclination measurement in each of the first pair of diametrically opposite orientations whereby the true inclination of the surface to the horizontal along the first measurement axis is determinable from the difference between the pair of measurement inclinations.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the trailing edge thickness of an airfoil in a turbine includes a plurality of tools; each tool having a main body portion and a forward end; an opening along a side edge and in proximity to a forward edge of the forward end, the opening including a slot of predetermined width adapted to engage the trailing edge of the airfoil; wherein each of the tools has a different predetermined slot width.

Abstract: A pipefitter's protractor is used to measure the angle between two separate pipes having an intersecting point. The protractor assembly includes a pipe attachment bar secured to the squared end of one pipe, with a protractor arm extending from the center of the pipe attachment bar and concentric with the centerline of the pipe. The protractor extends from the arm, with the arm and protractor rotating about the pipe attachment bar fitting to align the protractor plate coplanar with the plane defined by the pipes. The protractor is adjusted along the protractor arm to position the protractor origin at the intersection of the pipe centerlines, and a line is run from the origin to the center of the second pipe. The angle between the pipes and the distances from the protractor origin to the ends of each pipe are then used for fabricating an elbow to join the pipes.

Abstract: A stylus having a stem covered, at least partially, with a coating formed of an elastically or plastically deformable synthetic material.

Abstract: A registration mechanism has a datum unit and a bolster movable toward and away from the datum unit. First, second, and third pins are mounted to the bolster. At least one spring resiliently biases the pins outward from the bolster. A pallet is supported by the pins between the bolster and datum unit. The pallet has first, second, and third sockets aligned with respective pins. The pallet has a registering face-facing the datum unit. The registering face is disposed opposite the sockets. The pallet is movable by the bolster toward the datum unit from a lowered position. In the lowered position, the registering face is spaced from the datum unit and respective pins and sockets are spaced apart. In a first intermediate position, the registering face is spaced from the datum unit, and the sockets rest freely on respective pins. In a second intermediate position, respective sockets and pins are pressed together in partial counteraction of the resilient biasing.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for accurately and repeatably positioning metallic parts comprised of variable length extrusions and shaped sheet metal in a modular die system that forms a joggle in the metallic parts. The apparatus of the present invention is comprised of a standard joggle die system that is currently in use in the art. The apparatus further includes a movable back gage assembly that works in combination with the joggle die system to allow an operator to accurately position the workpiece between the joggle dies at a preselected position. The back gage assembly is movable in both the horizontal and vertical directions. The back gage assembly moves into a stored position away from the working area of the dies to permit the joggle to be formed in the workpiece. The back gage assembly can then move back into the working area to accurately position the next workpiece without the need for further adjustments.

Abstract: An apparatus for attenuating physical damage to a substrate, along with an attendant method, comprises as a first component a base plate having defined therein a location for receiving a substrate cassette. The apparatus also comprises a substrate retainer movably attached to the base plate such that when the substrate cassette having a substrate contained therein is positioned on the base plate at the location for receiving the substrate cassette, and the substrate is subjected to a mechanical force, the substrate retainer moves such as to retain the substrate within the substrate cassette with a retaining force. Both the apparatus and the method are particularly applicable for attenuating damage to a substrate when spin-drying the substrate.

Abstract: A hair straightener or straightening device is provided that includes a handle adapted to be attached to a housing. The housing has a heat transmissive plate surrounded by a cover formed by curved rings and teeth, which serve to guide and tension the hair along the heat transmissive plate. The heat transmissive plate is heated by hot air. The air is directed and diverted to heat the transmissive plate to a temperature hot enough to straighten hair.

Abstract: Roll and drying section of a machine for producing a material web and process for drying a material web. The roll includes ajacket having a plurality of throughput openings, a device for supplying gas through the jacket, and a second jacket located within the jacket being arranged to form a ring chamber with the jacket. The second jacket is gas tight to seal the ring chamber in a gas-tight manner from an interior of the second jacket.

Abstract: Integrated web dryer and regenerative heat exchanger, as well as a method of drying a web of material using the same. The apparatus and method of the present invention provides for the heating of air and the converting of VOCs to harmless gases in a fully integrated manner via the inclusion of a regenerative combustion device as an integral element of the drying apparatus.

Abstract: A disposable shoe liner that is formed from a first substrate, a second substrate, and discrete regions of a functional material sandwiched therebetween is provided. In particular, the first and second substrates contain are fused together at certain portions such that fused portions and unfused portions are formed. The unfused portions form pockets that contain the functional material. In some embodiments, for example, the pockets contain activated carbon granules to provide comfort to the foot and to absorb odors exuded therefrom.

Abstract: A water-resistant and floatable footwear and method of manufacture therefor are provided, the footwear comprising a sole including an outsole and insole, an upper member affixed to the sole, wherein said footwear is floatable in water. In particular, the insole of the footwear is constructed of the material “marine buoy;” that is, the insole has an inner structure and an outer coating, the inner structure being constructed of a thermoplastic resin and the outer coating being constructed of a vinyl polymer. The footwear is advantageously water-proof and provides buoyancy in water. The upper members of the footwear may also be constructed of the marine buoy material and they may be configured as a continuous strap or flaps that are detachably attached to each other. The outsole of the footwear may be configured in close conformity with the insole, or it may include a peripheral border extending upwardly and around said insole.

Abstract: A structural chassis includes a structural chassis and a foam chassis or sock liner sandwiched together to form an assembly that can be inserted into and substantially occupy a footbed of a shoe upper. Discrete sole elements are attached to a bottom side of the upper so as to expose certain portions of the bottom side therebetween. This absence of outsole material in those areas makes the upper collapsible about those areas since the outsole provides no support in those areas. Instead, the structure is provided by the chassis of the chassis, which is customized to the user's foot by placing one or more notches in strategic locations along the chassis where the foot naturally flexes. One such notch is located on the chassis in a position that allows the chassis to flex about a forward push-off axis of the foot that runs through the first and second MTP joints.

Abstract: A shoe having an upper and a sole, the sole including a wear sole and an intermediary sole. The intermediary sole includes an upper surface and a bottom surface, a rear zone provided to support the user's heel zone, and a front zone provided to support the user's forefoot zone. In the front zone, the upper surface includes a plurality of top protuberances and the bottom surface includes a plurality of bottom protuberances, each top protuberance of at least one portion of the plurality of top protuberances is vertically aligned with a bottom protuberance so as to constitute shock-absorbing cylindrical studs that are linked to one another only by their central portion.

Abstract: An insole of a sheet material of polymeric foam material having two openings therein corresponding to a portion of the heel and a portion of the arch. The openings are filled with a polymeric gel composition having a tacky bottom surface to assist holding the insole in place and for the removable attachment of a polymeric gel arch cushion.

Abstract: An embodiment of a snowboard boot with removable upper support includes a sole portion that cooperatively with an upwardly extending boot upper provides a volume for receiving a user's foot. The boot upper has a high back portion that includes an interior pocket adapted to receive a generally Y-shaped stiffening insert. The pocket is provided at the back of the upper, by attaching a back panel to the upper, the back panel having a front panel attached to the front side, thereby forming a pocket. Slots are provided at the top comers of the back panel that can slidably engage the upper tabs of the insert, thereby locking the insert in place.

Abstract: A snowboard boot (200) includes an upper boot (204) secured to an outsole (206). The boot upper includes a vamp opening (208) that is closed by a tongue (210) and a selectively securable vamp fastener (216). The tongue (210) carries a pocket (218) on a lower end (212) thereof, and first and second snap fasteners (222) on an upper end (214) thereof. A semi-rigid tongue stiffener (202) can be selectively secured to an anterior side of the tongue (210) utilizing the pocket and snap fasteners to selectively increase the stiffness of the boot and resistance to forward flexure by a predetermined degree.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a strap assembly (150) for a sports boot (100), that includes a first strap (151) pivotally connected at one end to the boot heel portion (130), and a second strap (161) pivotally connected to the opposite side of the heel portion. A clasp (159) is provided that allows the first strap to be adjustably connected to the second strap. One or both of the straps are attached to the heel portion with a slider mechanism (180) that allows the proximal ends of the straps to be selectively adjusted. The slider mechanism includes a slider plate (181) attached to the boot upper (120) having a medial channel (184) with an elongate slot (186). A nut plate (200) is slidably disposed in the medial channel, and a screw (210) connects the strap to the nut plate.

Abstract: A sole for a sports boot, such as for cross-country skiing, and, more particularly, a sole for a sports boot which makes it possible to improve the torsional stiffness, flexional flexibility, efficiency of the boot, durability, lesser weight, protection of the foot, cost savings, industrial workability. To this end, the sole has a front portion, a rear portion more rigid in longitudinal bending than the front portion, and a reinforcement. The front portion has a front half-sole affixed to the reinforcement, the rear portion has a rear half-sole affixed to the reinforcement, and the front and rear half-soles are assembled to one another in a junction zone, preferably by cementing and/or riveting and/or welding. In practice, the reinforcement is made of a composite material. The front half-sole is first fixed on the front portion of the reinforcement. The rear half-sole is then fixed by cementing on the rear portion of the reinforcement, such that its front portion overlaps the rear of the front half-sole.

Abstract: A spot mounder with an excavator mount by which the mounder can be supported which includes two concave discs with adjustable orientation and includes rearwardly extending tynes which can be swung around to be used to clear a site prior to any mound formation action.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cutting tooth for a trencher chain. The tooth includes a base portion aligned along a first plane. The base portion includes structure for allowing the cutting tooth to be connected to the trencher chain. The tooth also includes a distal portion that is generally obliquely aligned with respect to the first plane. A curved transition is located between the distal portion and the base portion. The curved transition curves away from the first plane and at least partially forms a cupped portion that extends from a leading end to a trailing end of the cutting tooth. The tooth also includes a hardened tip positioned at a region of the leading end that is located farthest from the first plane. The leading edge includes more than one effective configuration.

Abstract: A tool body is cold formed by inserting a blank into a die which defines a portion of the outer surface of the tool body after which a punch applies an impact to the blank causing the outer surface of the blank to conform to the contour of the die. The completed tool has an elongate hub with a cylindrical forward portion having a diameter sized to rotatably fit within the bore of a tool holder and a rearward portion with a diameter a little less than the that of the forward portion. The smaller diameter rearward portion facilitates the insertion and alignment of the tool in the tool holder.

Abstract: The present invention is a combination snowplow and bucket for attachment to a vehicle for the purposes of plowing, scooping, transporting and dumping snow. The present invention is a curved plow member having a concave plow face. The concave plow face has a center portion and first and second side portions extending from the center portion. The first and second side portions are inwardly bent toward the center portion. The present invention also has a generally planar bottom plate affixed to the plow member. The bottom plate has a scraper edge that extends from the first side portion to the second side portion. The center portion, the first and second side portion and the bottom plate collectively define a bucket used to transport the snow. Alternately, a wear plate can be affixed to the underside of the bottom plate.

Abstract: A holder for material to be sewn in the form of a buttonhole frame has a frame plate (18) and a movable clamping element (24) with passages (20, 30). The holder (10) for material to be sewn can be fixed in place on a displacement mechanism of a sewing machine, and the material to be sewn can be clamped between the frame plate (18) and the clamping element (24) with the aid of a pressure element (34). To make possible space-saving and assured clamping, a wedge surface (38) is provided which, in the course of the movement of the pressing element (34) into the position in which the material to be sewn is clamped, builds up a pressing force in the clamping element (24) against the frame plate.

Abstract: An identification tag includes a frame with a closed surface on a side and a peripheral flange is connected to the closed surface. A groove is defined between the closed surface and the peripheral flange. Two ventilation holes are defined through a first end of the peripheral flange and communicate with the grove. Two lugs respectively extend from an end of the closed surface and a second end of the peripheral flange. A slot is defined between the two lugs and the slot communicates with the groove so that a name card is engaged with the groove via the slot. Each of the two lugs has a hole so that a strip extends through the holes. Moisture or vapor escapes from the ventilation holes.

Abstract: A greeting card having adhesive on one surface and a jigsaw puzzle like card for releasable attachment to the adhesive. The pieces of the jigsaw puzzle are contained in a pouch attached to one edge of the card. A non-stick sheet is provided to prevent inner surfaces for sticking together.

Abstract: A foldable sheet member including a graphic image and being apt to be arranged in a self-supporting erect position The sheet member comprises front and back sheets (3, 4) superimposed one another and bonded together, said back sheet (4) integrating a flap (8) connected through a folding line (6) allowing said flap (8) to turn. A slit (7) adjoining folding line (6) defines a tongue (9). Front and back sheets (3, 4) are bonded together by means of at least one adhesive dot (11) or a stripe (21) being parallel to folding line (6) at a selected distance therefrom. Said flap (8) can adopt two stable positions; a first stable position in which flap (8) is coplanar with the rest of said back sheet (4) and superimposed on the front sheet (3), and a second stable position in which said flap (8) adopts an inclined position.

Abstract: The present invention is an RV license plate frame which has an integral holder for an RV sticker. In a preferred embodiment, the RV sticker holder is a horizontal, clear plastic cylinder removably enclosed in a housing which is connected to the license plate frame. To use, the RV owner removes the plastic cylinder from the housing, and inserts the RV sticker into the plastic cylinder with the display surface of the RV sticker showing outwardly through the clear plastic. Then, the owner replaces the plastic cylinder within its housing on the license plate frame. This way, there is provided an effective and economical means for displaying an RV sticker and vehicle license plate at the same time.

Abstract: A rotary card holder comprises a rotary card wheel, which at its respective opposite ends is non-rotatably secured to hand wheels, with a stationary axle, about which the card wheel rotates, extending through the card wheel and the hand wheels and having secured non-rotatably to its opposite ends respective end caps with which respective free ends of a wire support frame are non-rotatably secured. Each end cap carries a flexible polypropylene strip which has a free end extending from the periphery thereof to engage in a selected one of a series of grooves in the inside periphery of the hand wheels. In this way the card wheel is retained in its adjusted position each time it is adjusted and a ‘clicking’ indication is produced during adjustment.

Abstract: Nets are used in a variety of applications, including sports, mainly for protection. The present invention provides a method and apparatus for manufacturing nets which are imprinted with text or graphics on one or both sides. These nets serve the dual purpose of protection and advertising, without requiring any sort of appurtenance. The nets typically comprise single or multiple pieces of netting, engineered to fit the application, and are made of nylon or polynylon woven into a mesh configuration without standard knots. The front and/or back surface area of the net is printable with graphic or text messages by way of digital printing, silk screen, air brush painting, roller painting, airless spray painting, aerosol spray painting, dyeing, and other methods. The nets are placed on a platen having paraffin or similar substance, and then the imprinting is made. The paraffin prohibits or impedes the imprinted material from getting unintentionally transferred to the opposite side of the net.

Abstract: A vandal and weather resistant sign is disclosed including a support plate having a plurality of regularly spaced rectangular openings and replaceable tiles carried by and fixed to the plate. The plate is adapted to be fixed to a mounting surface such as a utility pole or the like with the reverse face of the plate against the mounting surface. The tiles are fixed to the reverse face of the plate wherein indicia on the obverse face of the tile is visible through the plate openings. The edges of the tile are concealed and protected by the plate so as to make the tile edges less susceptible to attack by vandals.

Abstract: An audible medical emergency system for a patient comprising a bracelet which is battery operated and is worn on patient. The bracelet contains about 60 seconds of audible information about the wearer's health, including warnings about allergies to drugs, medical conditions, doctor's name and phone number, health insurance infomation, next of kin, etc. Information is loaded by computer onto a chip in the bracelet. When a button is pressed, a paramedic or doctor or anyone rendering assistance can listen to the information to aid in helping the wearer in an emergency. The information repeats by pushing the button again after it has played. The medical information is entered into a computer from information provided by the wearer and the computer loads the chip or disk in about two seconds. The audio is in a computer generated voice, so that the audio is quite clear.

Abstract: A paint color card having a substrate with a surface coated with a layer of a colored coating composition formulated to have a dried color that is substantially similar to the dried color of a commercially-available paint composition. The paint color card has a plurality of perforations at least partially defining a chip section that may be detached or folded over to form a window.

Abstract: Modular storage units are formed for small, household articles so that the units can be stacked vertically one atop another. Each unit is formed with a box supported from beneath by a stand for rotation relative to the stand about a central, vertical axis of rotation. The stand has a base that covers a horizontal stand base area and supports the flat bottom of the box. The top of the box is flat and has a concave, upwardly facing recess at its center that has a shape configured to snugly received the stand of a unit stacked directly above. Any number of modular storage units can be stacked one atop another with the stand of each unit being centered and laterally confined by the stand receiving recess in the top of the box located immediately below. In this way all of the boxes are rotatable independently of each other about a common, vertical axis of rotation. The contents of the boxes may be accessed either by forming the box with an open side, or by forming each top of the box as a removable lid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for locking a gun. The apparatus includes a dummy round configured for insertion into a firing chamber of a gun, a locking component configured for coupling with the dummy round, and an elongated sleeve rotatably coupled with the locking component. The locking component includes a keyed head positioned within a longitudinal channel of the elongated sleeve. The locking component and elongated sleeve are insertable through the discharge end of a gun's barrel. An actuating mechanism, such as a key is insertable through the channel of the elongated sleeve to engage with the keyed head and rotate the locking mechanism relative to the elongated sleeve. Rotation of the locking mechanism effects a friction lock between the locking mechanism and the dummy round.

Abstract: A sighting device is provided for a grenade launcher of a firearm which includes an automatic weapon and a grenade launcher. The sighting device can be attached to either side of the firearm to facilitate left-handed or right-handed shooting. The sighting device includes a front sight and a rear sight. Each of the front and rear sights are mounted for pivoting movement between a resting or storage position and a sighting position.

Abstract: A rod for fly-fishing is disclosed. The rod has a flexural rigidity of a fly rod of a transverse direction right-angled in the direction to cast a fly line and fly toward an intended target is different from the flexural rigidity of the fly rod in the direction to cast the fly line and fly toward the intended target.

Abstract: A holder for isolating an article from a surface is comprised of a receiving member for retaining an article in a position removed from a surface. A crawling arthropod-deterring component is applied at least adjacent to lower periphery of the receiving member. A base situated below the receiving member supports and stabilizes the receiving member and distributes a load applied by the retained article.

Abstract: A candle which contains metallic particles 26A and 26B suspended in the wax 24A and 24B which visually flow continuously in the molten wax puddle 24B whenever the wick 20 is lit with flame 22.

Abstract: A splash-blendable, solubilized diesel fuel composition includes a diesel fuel, ethanol, a stabilizing additive and, optionally, an alkyl ester of a fatty acid and/or a co-solvent. The stabilizing additive is either a mixture of fatty acid alcohols, a polymeric material, or a combination of the mixture and the polymeric material.

Abstract: Coal-based cellular products that can be custom designed to have integral stiffeners or load paths, directed heat transfer paths, and/or directed mass transfer paths and methods for their production are described. Such design and production is made possible by the appropriate selection of starting materials, thermal treatment conditions and mold materials combined in at least some instances with segregation of different starting materials in different regions of a forming mold.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for applying a chemical, such as an herbicide, to a surface. A chemical reservoir stores a quantity of the chemical for dispensation to the surface. A flow control unit in fluid communication with the chemical reservoir has a conduit in which the chemical flows. The flow control unit is adjustable to control the rate of chemical flow in the conduit. At least one wiper assembly is in fluid communication with the flow control unit. The wiper assembly includes at least one wick sheet which receives and absorbs the chemical received from the flow control unit and applies the chemical to the surface via a wiping action.

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system including a flexible floral sleeve having a base portion and a skirt portion, and optionally an upper detachable portion which may be sized to surround a plant disposed in a flower pot. The base portion is generally made from two flat panels substantially free of overlapping portions and the skirt portion has a plurality of overlapping portions which allow the skirt portion to expand outwardly from the upper end of the base portion.

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system comprising a floral sleeve having a base portion and skirt portion. The sleeve may have an upper protective sleeve portion for enclosing a plant disposed in a pot and which can be detached once the protective function of the sleeve has been completed. The sleeve has an expansion element comprising a plurality of expandable folds for allowing portions of the base portion to expand to conform to the shape of a pot when a pot is disposed within the sleeve.

Abstract: A tray is provided for holding a plurality of flower pots during transport and display. The tray includes a supporting structure having an outer periphery and a plurality of pot receiving cavities formed therein. The pot receiving cavities are provided for receiving corresponding flower pots. An edge member extends about and is interconnected to the outer periphery of the support structure for discouraging the flexing of the support structure during transport of the tray.