Abstract: Two different eccentric shaft portions are formed on a secondary shaft. A contact plate has two different contact portions which are selectively brought into contact with two eccentric shaft portions of the secondary shaft. The contact plate is attached to a guide sleeve. A plunger is slidably coupled in the guide sleeve. A saw blade, attached to a front end of the plunger, causes an orbital motion according to a phase difference between two eccentric shaft portions regardless of attached direction (i.e., normal or upside-down) of the saw blade.

Abstract: A safety razor which features a pivot point that shifts from a center point pivot substantially on the shave plane, to a guard-bar pivot substantially on the shave plane, as shaving forces increase to help prevent nicks and cuts, and provide a smooth shave.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for ultra-precision positioning. A slide base provides a foundational support. A slide plate moves with respect to the slide base along a first geometric axis. Either a ball-screw or a piezoelectric actuator working separate or in conjunction displaces the slide plate with respect to the slide base along the first geometric axis. A linking device directs a primary force vector into a center-line of the ball-screw. The linking device consists of a first link which directs a first portion of the primary force vector to an apex point, located along the center-line of the ball-screw, and a second link for directing a second portion of the primary force vector to the apex point. A set of rails, oriented substantially parallel to the center-line of the ball-screw, direct movement of the slide plate with respect to the slide base along the first geometric axis and are positioned such that the apex point falls within a geometric plane formed by the rails.

Abstract: A bore path alignment system for accurately determining a desired bore pitch for a ground-boring device. The bore path alignment system includes a first pole, a first tube adjustably positioned upon the first tube, a guide tube with a pitch instrument pivotally attached to the first tube, a second pole, and a second tube including a spotter strip adjustably positioned upon the first tube. The user positions the first pole into the ground surface where boring is to begin and the second pole above a location where a specific depth is required. The user positions the second tube containing the spotter strip according to the depth in the second location. The user then adjusts the angle of the guide tube until the spotter strip is aligned thereby allowing the user to determine the required boring pitch by the pitch instrument.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning and cutting pipes to extract and install piping in industrial plants is characterized by the use of lasers on a ring for aligning the cutting tool. By adjusting the ring so that beams from the lasers strike specified targets at a remote location corresponding with a pipe end, a cutting location is defined so that the trimmed end of a first pipe will properly align with a remote pipe. When the pipes welded together, their ends will match, thereby minimizing stress in the pipe. A cutting tool can be provided directly on the ring so that the pipe can be cut without removing the ring.

Abstract: A laser beam irradiation device, comprising a light source for emitting a laser beam, a cylindrical lens, an optical system for entering the laser beam to the cylindrical lens perpendicularly with respect to a center line of the cylindrical lens, and a luminous flux rotating means for rotating the incident laser beam around an optical axis of the laser beam.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laser sighting device, which comprises a tilt detecting device having a liquid member for forming a free liquid surface and a fixed reflection member fixedly mounted, the tilt detecting device being used for detecting angular deviation between the free liquid surface and the fixed reflection member, a main unit for accommodating the tilt detecting device, and a laser beam irradiation unit removably mounted on the main unit.

Abstract: A surveying instrument assumes either a high-speed drive control mode for driving a surveying optical system at high speed or a low-speed drive control mode for driving the surveying optical system at low speed. A motor is continuously driven through a PWM control method in the high-speed drive control mode. Then, the low-speed drive control mode is selected to drive the motor so as to allow the motor to alternate acceleration and a virtual stop. As the surveying optical system approaches a predetermined position, a condition for next motor acceleration is set based upon the detected rotational angle of the surveying optical system. Thus, it becomes possible to stop the surveying optical system at the predetermined position with a high degree of accuracy.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for calibrating a tool, of the touch probe type, used on a contact type measuring machine, in order to take account of its dynamic geometrical features.

Abstract: A simplified light weight squaring tool used by pipe fitters in conjunction with templates or pipe fitters tables for laying out pipe intersect angles and geometry as required for cutting and joining pipe of various sizes at various angles.

Abstract: A method for aligning a cassette pod on the loadport of a process machine to an overhead hoist transport (OHT) system is disclosed. The method can be carried out by marking a first standard reference line on a clean room floor to which the OHT system is aligned, followed by aligning two plumb bobs at two points that are at least 5 cm apart to the first standard reference line on the floor with tips of the plumb bobs suspended over and positioned juxtaposed to the floor. A second standard reference line is then formed by interconnecting the two plumb bobs at an elevation above a top surface of the cassette pod, followed by aligning a center line of the cassette pod to the second standard reference line. The present invention novel method can therefore be executed utilizing simple mechanical equipment without the need of a sophisticated laser alignment system.

Abstract: A tape measure case with coiled measuring tape therein having a miniature builders square provided along one side wall, having a magnifying lens to magnify the numbers and markings on the measuring tape, having a rearwardly extending positioning member with a pivot hole around which the tape measure case and extended measuring tape can be pivoted to mark an arcuate line on a work piece, having a ripping guide member extendable downwardly from the case to bear against the side edge of a board on which a rip saw line is to be marked, having an end piece at the outer free end of the measuring tape that has a V-notch to receive the acute-angled end of a rafter or other work piece to thereby hold the outer end of the tape measure in position hands-free, having the outer free end of the measuring tape magnetized for retrieval of items that have fallen into otherwise difficult locations to reach, having a gradually tapering and thickening outer end portion of the measuring tape to gradually increase frictional engag

Abstract: A centrifugal dryer (10) for removing surface moisture from pellets of resin material having a diameter generally ranging between approximately 0.015 to approximately 0.25 inches received from an underwater pelletizer. In one embodiment of the present invention, the dryer is constructed with smaller dimensions enabling it to effectively operate at low volume rates and be easily assembled and disassembled to facilitate cleaning and replacement or interchange of components with its overall size enabling it to be effectively used in small applications. In other embodiments of the present invention, the dryer is constructed with larger dimensions enabling it to effectively operate at high volume rates for use in commercial applications.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for drying solvent-based ink is described, in which the ink is applied onto plastic cassettes for histological preparations and/or on glass specimen slides (17) for microscopic thin sections. The apparatus (1) comprises a hot-air blower (2) and/or a flash device (3) for drying the ink.

Abstract: A machine for processing semiconductor wafers and similar articles has an ozone remover connected to a processing chamber. The ozone remover has a light chamber surrounded by reflectors. Ozone and other processing gases and vapors flow out of the processing chamber and into the light chamber. Ultraviolet lights in the ozone remover flood the light chamber with ultraviolet light, converting ozone into oxygen. The amount of ozone released into the environment is reduced. A recirculation line receives the gases and vapors flowing out of the ozone remover. Oxygen and any remaining ozone are separated from other gas and vapor components and are recycled back to an ozone generator, to increase the ozone generator efficiency in supplying the machine with ozone.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously drying unpackaged food products, in particular vegetables, comprises conveyor means for conveying the products to be dried and circulating means for feeding dry air on the product to be dried and for collecting wet air coming from the products, and being characterized in that the apparatus further comprises means for dehumidifying the wet air, said means comprising an adsorption dehumidifier device.

Abstract: A photosensitive material is dried by radiating heat from a guide plate, having high emissivity, which is disposed along a conveying path and is heated by a ceramic heater. Further, the photosensitive material is dried by a warm air, which is heated by a heater, blown onto the photosensitive material from nozzles. In the drying, because the warm air is also heated by the heated guide plate, the warm air can be risen to a predetermined temperature efficiently. Accordingly, because transferring the radiating heat and the blowing the warm air are performed at a same position (a same member), the drying can be performed efficiently without enlarging the device.

Abstract: A boot that includes a sole and an outer upper having an impervious portion, with at least one outer reinforcing element assembled to the upper by cementing at least in the impervious portion thereof. Preferably, the reinforcing element includes a heel reinforcement and lateral tightening flaps.

Abstract: A supplemental tongue for an athletic or casual high top or low top lace up or loafer type shoe and referred to herein as a Phat tongue. The inventive Phat tongue includes a cushioned pad adapted for insertion into and removal from the shoe. The Phat tongue is designed for insertion into and removal from the shoe beneath a conventional tongue thereof. Consequently, the Phat tongue rests between the conventional tongue and a foot of a wearer. In the illustrative embodiment, the Phat tongue includes a shell made of cloth on which a decorative pattern is disposed on one side thereof. The cushioned pad is substantially planar and contoured to facilitate insertion into the shoe. In a first illustrative embodiment, the cushioned pad is hexagonal ball and a second illustrative embodiment, the cushioned pad is oval in shape. A loop is provided to facilitate insertion and removal and a hook and loop type fastener is provided to secure the Phat tongue in place against sock.

Abstract: Ski or snowboard boot (10) comprising a sole (11), shell (14) and shaft (15), the shaft (15) comprising a supporting shell (17) which butts against the lower leg on the rear side and is mounted in the ankle region such that it can be pivoted about a transverse axis (16) which extends approximately parallel to the sole (11) and approximately perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis thereof. The supporting shell (17) is coupled to the front sole (12) of the boot (10) such that a force acting on the supporting shell (17) or a torque acting on the supporting shell (17) is introduced essentially directly into the front sole (12) or vice versa.

Abstract: A joint protective shoe construction for preventing knee and hip osteoarthritis is provided. The shoe construction includes a midsole or insole having a body with medial and lateral sides. The height of the lateral side of the body is greater than the height of the medial side, thereby forming a lateral wedge. A cantilevered arch support is also provided for transferring forces from the weight of the body to the lateral side of the shoe and foot. The arch support is adapted to support the medial side of an arch of a wearer's foot at a height above the ground. The lateral wedge and/or the arch support significantly reduce the knee and hip torques during walking, running, standing, or other weight bearing activities including athletic endeavors.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for identifying compounds which disrupt the functional interaction of an intracellular receptor region of an &agr;-subunit of a voltage-gated ion channel and an amino-terminal inactivation region of an ion channel protein are disclosed. Compounds that disrupt the functional or binding interaction of these two regions have significant modulatory effects on ion channel activity, and thus are likely to be useful for treating and/or preventing a wide variety of diseases and pathological conditions associated with ion channel dysfunction. Such conditions include, for example, neurological disorders, cardiac diseases, metabolic diseases, tumor-driven diseases, and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: Snow track preparation machine with mill installed in a revolving manner and including a pump driven by a power source, a hydraulic motor connected to the pump on the delivery side and the return side, an actuator supported on the assembly frame and realized for rotation of the mill and driving wheels.

Abstract: The vehicle comprises, on its chassis (2), a device (3) for digging a trench using a trenching wheel (4) and a device (5) for sucking and collecting the spoil produced while the trench is being dug, and the trenching wheel (4) of the trench-digging device is mounted so that it can pivot about an axis orthogonal to the said chassis so as to occupy a working position projecting from said chassis and a transport position brought up onto said chassis.

Abstract: A multiple-chain trenching machine comprises a prime mover with a trenching head assembly operably connected thereto, the head comprising: a) a frame operably connected to the prime mover at a proximal end; b) one or more pairs of proximal and distal primary sprockets mounted on the frame; c) a primary endless-chain digging assembly engaged around each pair of primary sprockets; d) one or more pairs of proximal and distal secondary sprockets mounted on the frame; e) a secondary endless-chain digging assembly engaged around each pair of secondary sprockets. The primary chains are substantially wider than the secondary chains, and trenching head is adapted so that each of the secondary chains produces a relief slot in the leading edge of the trench. The primary chains are driven in a forward chain direction, while the secondary chains may be driven in a forward or a reverse chain direction.

Abstract: A clearing chain is mounted on a mobile track maintenance machine for excavating ballast material from a track bed. The chain is composed of shovel-type clearing members for gathering the ballast and intermediate chain elements positioned between the adjacent clearing members and connected thereto by means of chain joints, thus forming an endless chain. Each intermediate chain element comprises two chain joints spaced from one another in the longitudinal direction of the clearing chain. The chain joints are designed for receiving a hinge pin articulatedly mounted in the joint and releasably fastened to the clearing member.

Abstract: A acoustic card having a permanent magnet and a reed switch is provided. The acoustic card includes a first flap, a second flap, and a sound generator attached to second flap. The acoustic card divided by a fold into two halves, such as the first flap and the second flap, is unfolded in an opened position and folded in a closed position. The sound generator attached to the second flap includes a printed circuit board, a sound card containing a controller and a memory storing audio sound data, and a reed switch. A permanent magnet attached to the first flap does not directly contact the reed switch attached to the second flap. The permanent magnet moves away from the reed switch to be closed to activate the sound generator to produce audio sound and moves close to the reed switch to be opened to deactivate the sound generator to stop producing the audio sound.

Abstract: A three-dimensional label for a container and a method of forming the label is disclosed. The label includes a first portion flush with a surface of the container, a second portion extending away from the surface of the container, and graphics.

Abstract: A device for reading x-rays including mechanism for transporting a plurality of x-rays to and from a x-ray reading station; the transporting mechanism including a web and mechanism for securing a plurality of x-ray films to the web; the plurality of x-ray films may be spaced one from another along the web; the device including mechanism for controlling the movement of the web to sequentially transport the x-ray films to the reading station; mechanism for sensing the web and overlying x-ray film to identify the location of each x-ray film; sensing mechanism being disposed upstream of the x-ray reading station; mechanism for activating light sources behind the x-ray film and avoiding activating light sources behind the web portions not having overlying x-ray film; light activating mechanism disposed at the x-ray reading station whereby light is passed through said x-ray film and light is not passed through the web not having overlying x-ray film.

Abstract: A dynamic artificial landscape generator relates to a decoration, and more particularly to a decoration having a dynamic artificial landscape generator that can be placed on all kinds of tabletops. The technological solution is by using a tube with one of its end to cover the external surrounding of an air pipe at the bottom of a base, and the edge on one end of the pipe is porous, and said air pipe passes through the base and an end of the air pipe protrudes to extend into the tube, and the base is concave in shape. This utility model has the merits of its simple structure and dynamic feeling, especially suitable for the artificial aqueous landscape.

Abstract: A simulated fuel bed is provided for use in an electric fireplace. The simulated fuel bed has a first portion that is composed of a non-plastic material and formed to simulate a fuel source in a fireplace and a second portion that is composed of a plastic material and formed to simulate an ember bed for the fuel source. The second portion is formed to receive the first portion to resemble in combination a fuel source in an ember bed.

Abstract: A clipboard apparatus includes a compact integrated slide viewer. The clipboard section comprises a top layer, a middle layer and a bottom layer plus a document holding, spring loaded clip attached to the upper edge of the multilayered board. According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the middle layer includes a cavity for receiving a rotatable wheel. Indicia on the rim of the wheel are viewable through a transparent window in the top layer of the multilayered clipboard. The wheel extends through an aperture in the side of the board so that the wheel can be rotated and information read off of the indicia through the transparent viewing window. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the cavity is square and receives a rectangular slide that moves into and out of the cavity through a side aperture. Transparent windows on the top and bottom layers make it possible to view indicia on the slide from both sides of the multilayered clipboard.

Abstract: An aesthetically striking memento comprising an edge-lit translucent panel having an inscribed design, and a free-standing compact base unit with integral LED edge-lighting system. The compact base unit includes an LED light source for reflecting light upward into the translucent panel. The plaque generally comprises an acrylic panel inscribed with a reverse design on its rear face with text, logos and/or graphics and which seats within a recessed cavity in the compact base unit. A reflective material lines the floor of the cavity and surrounds a series of LEDs spaced lengthwise along the slot at the bottom of the cavity. An integral battery or A/C power receptacle provides power to the LEDs through a switch located in the compact base unit. When illuminated, the LEDs emit light upward into the translucent acrylic panel. The light is reflected forwardly from the inwardly-inscribed design and outward to a viewer, thereby accentuating the inscribed indicia carried on the panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for displaying messages, including bumper stickers. The invention includes means of adjusting the horizontal length to allow insertion therein of messages of varying lengths. The invention also includes means of removably attaching the device to other surfaces, such as the windows of cars. The invention is constructed such that the upper end is open allowing protrusion therethrough of messages of varying heights.

Abstract: A multiple component gripper extrusion for the gripping support of a poster display arrangement. The gripped extrusion comprises an elongated extruded back panel having a front face, a back face, a lower edge and an upper edge. An elongated extruded front panel with a panel leg at a proximal portion thereof and a channel at a distal edge thereof is arranged with the back panel. The front panel is integrally connected by a living hinge co-extruded simultaneously therewith. An elongated spring is adjustably disposed between the back panel and the distal edge of the front panel to permit controllable biasing of a poster supported on the back panel by the front panel.

Abstract: A frame panel apparatus for the ready presentation of flat media therein. The apparatus includes a flexible frame arranged to define a peripheral support for a display. An upper transparent panel having a periphery entirely enclosed by the flexible frame and a lower support panel having a periphery with a only a portion thereof supported by a shoulder member of the flexible frame support a display media therebetween.

Abstract: A plastic T card holder formed from molded plastic pieces permanently united face to face and defining between them a pocket which will snugly receive a thin rectangular card. The pocket has a long upper opening through which a card may be introduced and a narrow lower opening through which a knife blade, a stiff card or the like can be inserted to dislodge the card upwardly. The card holder has considerable advantages of economy of manufacture and provides improved protection of the card and is resistant to breakage as compared with the conventional card holders.

Abstract: A display device (10) includes a frame (12), reversible face (2) with symmetrical non-numeric clock indicia 30 thereon, backer (24), and clock (14) which are adapted so that the clock can be repositioned as desired relative to the picture displayed therein for more versatility.

Abstract: An emergency rescue device is provided which includes a plurality of launching tubes, a plurality of upper and lower fixing pieces, a plurality of upper and lower connecting moving pieces, a plurality of groups of tenon and spring units, a lighting device, a plurality of supporting poles, a plurality of upper and lower uniting pieces, a plurality of upper and lower spring holder portions, an outer cylinder and a lid, etc. A flare used in the emergency rescue device comprises a far upper and loaded with signaling powders; a second section loaded with pushing powders, below which lighting powders are loaded and are partially exposed to outside the circumference of the flare body; and a far lower end with a tail wing. The emergency rescue device of the present invention allows the flare to be fired immediately and consecutively at the sky for SOS signaling, enabling an immediate rescue for victims.

Abstract: A gunsight reticle defines a system of dimensioned indicia spaced at specific separations to improve aiming accuracy of a rifle. The indicia include perpendicularly intersecting center vertical and center horizontal hairlines, and four horizontal range-marker lines disposed at specific angular separations below the horizontal hairline in bisected relationship with the center vertical hairline. Spacing of the range marker lines below the center horizontal hairline is proportional to bullet drop at selected ranges, depending upon ballistic characteristics of bullet used. Relative lengths of said range-marker bars on each side of the central vertical crosshair are proportional to a cross-wind of 10 mph at target range reflected by respective range marker. The method involves employing this reticle to determine distance to target, and using distance thus determined to ascertain a precise aiming point on the reticle.

Abstract: An improved tool for the fabrication of dubbing loops which includes a base member and two vertically oriented opposed pedestal members, one pedestal member having a hook rotatably mounted thereon, the opposing pedestal member having a biasly mounted post with a thread engaging friction slot, there being pivotally mounted between the opposing pedestals, a dubbing platform pivotal to a horizontal plane such that the upper surface when horizontal is in the plane of a string which stretches between the rotatable hook and the post, dubbing material being laid over such thread on the dubbing surface, the thread then being returned to the rotatable hook on the first pedestal and secured which is then rotated so as to twist the thread and intertwine the dubbing material forming a dubbing loop.

Abstract: A flexible fish landing net for use from a substantially elevated position relative to the water line(10) is provided which includes a netting material(15), flexible rim(20) having reinstating force and a connecting rope assembly(30) for raising and lowering the net. During use the flexible rim material deflects inwardly under application of weight in the net thereby reducing the exposure of the net aperture.

Abstract: Ice fishing tip ups which comprise a support structure, a collar, a shaft, a spring, a stop, a spool and a signal device. When the tip up is set for catching fish, the spool can rotate about its axis a limited distance before the spring jerks the shaft upwardly to set the hook. The spool is generally restrained from rotation while the spring is jerking the shaft upwardly. The spool can freely rotate and pay out line after the spring jerks the shaft upwardly. The tip up structure comprehends a plurality of set positions, including a plurality of notches defining such set positions, and either rolling engagement or sliding engagement of a stop with respect to the notches. In preferred embodiments, the spring and stop are cooperatively sized, configured and mounted such that spring and stud freely move with ongoing interaction with each other without deleteriously impeding each other's activity.

Abstract: Improvements are described in the use of Sight, Sound, Vibration and Electric current that creates impulses to the fishes senses, and acts in a natural way as a catalyst through which attraction is made. This combination is utilized in a single package that is disposable after hundreds of hours of use. By placing the invention in the water (fresh or salt) the device begins to automatically send out the combination of alluring signals to the fishes +senses. The invention allows the fisherman to utilize several catalistic sense activators in one small inexpensive disposable package.

Abstract: A tubular fishing tool to aid in the cutting of fishing line is disclosed. The fishing tool comprises a tubular frame with material selectively removed to form a pivot point for closing the tube, upper and lower cutting blades, and a plurality of holes to minimize weight and provide a method for hanging the tool onto a fishing vest. Both the tubular material and cutting blades are a corrosion-resistant material. The additional benefit of this design is the replaceable design of the blades.

Abstract: A combination carrier used for holding a fishing rod and reel and fishing tackle. The combination carrier is made of lightweight, heavy duty fabric with padding therein. The carrier can be carried by hand or held on a shoulder using a hand and shoulder strap when fishing. The carrier provides for quick access to a variety of fishing equipment supplies. The combination carrier includes a flexible carrier member having a front cover integrally attached to a lower fold portion. The lower fold portion is integrally attached to a rear cover. The front cover, when folded upwardly on the fold portion and indexed with the rear cover, is releasably attached to the rear cover using hook and loop fasteners. The hook and loop fasteners are disposed along the length of three sides of the front and rear covers. The front and rear covers include a plurality of pockets inside and outside for holding fishing tackle.

Abstract: A system for use with fishing lures that allows partial release of the lure upon becoming snagged. The lure is attached to a fishing line at a head end and by way of a line extension leader at a hook end. The line extension comprises a heavy gauge leader extending the length of the lure. A fish decoy is permanently affixed to the line at a hook end, and releasably attached at a head end. A line attachment clip provides three attachment loops, one of the loops being a resilient, releasable leg. The line attachment clip has a line loop to which the fishing line is securely attached, a leader loop to which the leader is securely attached, and a releasable leg to which the head eyelet of a lure is attached. Upon application of sufficient force, the head eyelet is released so that the lure becomes inverted, allowing is to be freed from a snag and reeled in with the hooks in the opposite orientation.

Abstract: The invention is a fishing float and method of using the same that permits a positive attachment to a fishing line and that provides secure, easy and rapid attachment of the fishing line to the float and that allows the weight of the float to be readily changed thereby controlling the casting and float characteristics of the float.

Abstract: A live animal trap includes only two basic parts, an elongate hollow tube and a pivot support stand on which the tube is pivotally mounted. The tube has a first, closed end for holding bait and a second, open end. The tube is pivotally mounted on the stand for rotation about a horizontal pivot axis transverse to the tube axis. The pivot axis is located closer to the first end of the tube than the second end. When the stand is placed on a support surface, the longer end of the tube will be slightly heavier, so that the second end of the tube will pivot downwardly into a set position in which the tube is inclined upwardly with the second end contacting the support surface. An animal can enter the open second end of the tube and move towards the bait. When the animal passes the pivot axis, the first end of the tube becomes heavier and pivots downwardly, moving the second end upwardly, until the tube reaches a vertical, actuated position with the animal trapped in the first, bottom end of the tube.

Abstract: An insect trap with glue boards which are mounted inside a housing so as to be not readily visible when the trap is seen from various angles. The trap uses a lens with a roughened inside surface in combination with a reflector (preferably double parabolic) to enhance a UV light source mounted inside the trap. The housing of the trap has openings through which insects are able to enter an inside chamber. The walls of the chamber are lined with glue boards, which may be treated with chemical attractant so as to increase the tendency for insects to land on the adhesive area of the glue boards. The trap is designed to appear to be a simple wall sconce, and the angle at which the boards are mounted is such that the trap may be mounted at any orientation or any elevation without any significant likelihood that trapped insects will be seen by persons looking at the trap.