Abstract: A folding saw in which either the edge of the blade, the handle or both are curved, to prevent the edge of the blade from being exposed when blade is folded so that the saw can be handled safely. The protective cover in which the edge of the blade can be nestled is placed inside the housing groove of the handle having a semi-U-shaped cross section for housing the blade. The protective cover is retractable with respect to the housing groove, and when the blade is folded, projects out of the housing groove and covers the edge, which may be exposed. The protective cover is preferably energized by a spring so that it covers the edge whenever the blade is folded.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning an item that provides two-dimensional, independent orthogonal motion of a platform in a X-Y plane. A pair of master and slave disks engages opposite sides of the platform. Rotational drivers are connected to master disks so the disks rotate eccentrically about axes of rotation. Opposing slave disks are connected to master disks on opposite sides of the platform by a timing belt, or are electronically synchronized together using stepper motors, to effect coordinated motion. The coordinated eccentric motion of the pairs of master/slave disks compels smooth linear motion of the platform in the X-Y plane without backlash. The apparatus can be a planar mechanism implemented in a MEMS device.

Abstract: An archery bow rear sight adapted for use with any front sight, including a multi-pin front sight. The rear sight of the present invention comprising a flexible tension bearing member capable of retaining a sighting cross hair under constant tension. The rear sight of the present invention is attached to the archery bow using attachment means that allow convenient horizontal and vertical adjustment of the rear sight.

Abstract: A measuring and leveling device constructed with bubble vials for leveling which are movable to the precise point of application, with the measuring scale situated on a surface so constructed as to allow the scale to be located directly against and parallel to the surface to be measured. The device serves for both measuring and leveling tasks in one tool, and is constructed including a body portion provided with a ruler for measuring distances between points, in which the measuring scale is marked on a surface which tapers to a flat edge as in a conventional ruler. The body portion has two parallel tracks along its longitudinal axis, and two clamps situated on the body of the leveling device, each of which is held in place by tabs situated on the underside of the clamps and insertable into the parallel tracks, each clamp including a bubble vial mounting portion into which a bubble vial is fixedly mounted.

Abstract: A machine tool precision-measuring apparatus comprising: a first linear movement distance-measuring means 17 including a first slide shaft 11, a first slide bush 13 slidably attached to the first slide shaft 11, and a first distance sensor 15 for measuring a distance that the first slide shaft 11 relatively travels with respect to the first slide bush 13; and, a second linear movement distance-measuring means 18 including a second slide shaft 12 positioned across the first slide shaft 11, a second slide bush 14 connected to the first slide bush 13, the second slide bush 14 being slidably attached to the second slide shaft 12, and a second distance sensor 16 for measuring a distance that the second slide shaft 12 relatively moves with respect to the second slide bush 14.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the location of a wall outlet on wallboard prior to the wallboard being permanently secured includes a body portion that is releasably secured to the outlet box and a plurality of outwardly facing marking pins that form divots in the wallboard when it is temporarily placed in position over the outlet box. After forming the divots and removing the wallboard, the apparatus is then replaced in the divots to show the location of the outlet box on the wallboard from the position of the markings. The apparatus can be traced to show a cutting line for forming an opening in the wallboard to accommodate the outlet box.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for checking the shape of a part having a portion which is a cylinder of revolution around an axis and a reference end face. The apparatus includes a base and a support arrangement mounted on the base for receiving the cylinder portion and comprising two V-shaped pieces. A positioning arrangement is provided for positioning the part axially with respect to the reference end face. A mechanism is provided for driving the part in rotation about the axis. The positioning arrangement comprises a rectilinear portion with an hemispheric end providing an abutment for the end face. The rectilinear portion is mounted slidingly on the base along a direction which forms, with respect to the axis, an angle corresponding to the half of the angle of the V-shaped pieces. An adjustment means is provided for adjusting the position of the rectilinear portion in a manner which maintains the abutment point of the hemispheric end with the end face on the axis.

Abstract: A tape measure is described that is easy to handle, and capable of applying a brake on a winding drum and locking a measurement tape in an unwound condition by manipulation of a single flexible operating member (7) having a knob (4) thereon. A lock element (8) is provided on a forward portion of the operating member (7) and a brake element (9) is provided on a rear portion thereof. In a normal condition, the measurement tape (5) is freely unwindable, and after the tape pulled out, it is rewound by a spring (not shown). When the knob (4) is in a rearward circumferential position, and the knob (4) is pressed in during rewinding, the operating member (7) is deflected to cause the brake element (9) to contact an edge of the winding drum (6), thereby retarding the rewinding of the tape (5).

Abstract: A thimble (5) and a spindle (4) are rotated through a first constant-force device (70) by rotating an operation sleeve (6) integrally having a first operation section (61) and a second operation section (62). When a more than predetermined load is applied to the spindle (4), the first constant-force device (70) is actuated to spin the operation sleeve (6) idly. Since the operation sleeve (6) integrally has the first operation section (61) and the second operation section (62), both double-handed operation for holding the frame by left hand and rotating the first operation section (61) by right hand and single-handed operation for holding the frame and rotating the second operation section (62) with a single-handed are possible while retaining the same operability as in conventional operation during measurement.

Abstract: The process of mitigation of spacecraft surface charging using ionized water vapor is used, since it helps taking excess surface electrons away from a spacecraft surface, leaving practically no residue after complete evaporation.

Abstract: A quicker, safer, more reliable and more convenient way of connecting a dryer to an exhaust pipe extending from a wall therebehind is disclosed. An apparatus to facilitate connection of a dryer having an vent pipe extending from a rear side portion thereof, to an exhaust pipe extending outwardly from a wall, comprises: a pan portion having a bottom side portion having a peripheral edge portion and a lateral sidewall connected around and extending away from the peripheral edge portion and an inner side of the bottom portion; the lateral sidewall adapted to laterally and resiliently compress; and, a short tubular section having one end portion adapted to fit closely together with the dryer vent pipe, and an opposite end portion extending through and connected to the outer side of the bottom portion of the pan portion.

Abstract: A dryer uses a two-phase drying system having a brief water condensation interval, followed by impinging parallel laminar recirculating hot air jets which impinge on wet ink to increase the copy rate of inkjet printing and to increase the quality of the printed image.

Abstract: In a spray drying process utilizing a spray dryer having internal gas filters and an internal fluidized bed and comprising an after-treatment of the product in a separate unit outside the spray drying chamber, which treatment produces a particle-loaded gas stream, said particle-loaded gas stream is conducted from the separate unit to the spray drying chamber. The stream passes, together with the spent drying gas in the drying chamber, the filters integrated in said chamber. Several plant modifications are suggested for performing the process which involves substantial savings by making external particle collectors superfluous.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring a substrate that includes a cassette table capable of holding a plurality of cassettes, wherein the cassettes are capable of receiving a plurality of substrates. An atmospheric loader is arranged between the plurality of cassettes and two lock chambers, and an atmospheric transferring device is provided for transferring one of the plurality of substrates to or from a substrate process.

Abstract: Method and device for moisture profiling of fibrous material web to be dried in machines for manufacturing and/or refining of fibrous material web. Method includes subjecting fibrous material web to electromagnetic waves in the form of high-frequency waves. Device includes a fibrous material web support that supports travel of fibrous material web and a rotating cylinder. Rotating cylinder receives fibrous material web from fibrous material web support, and fibrous material web support is arranged outside fibrous material web in relation to the surface of the rotating cylinder. At least one electromagnetic wave transmitter is also included.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vacuum processing apparatus having vacuum processing chambers the insides of which must be dry cleaned, and to a method of operating such an apparatus. When the vacuum processing chambers are dry-cleaned, dummy substrates are transferred into the vacuum processing chamber by substrates conveyor means from dummy substrate storage means which is disposed in the air atmosphere together with storage means for storing substrates to be processed, and the inside of the vacuum processing chamber is dry-cleaned by generating a plasma. The dummy substrate is returned to the dummy substrate storage means after dry cleaning is completed. Accordingly, any specific mechanism for only the cleaning purpose is not necessary and the construction of the apparatus can be made simple.

Abstract: This forced ventilation system is composed basically by a plastic box located in the rear part of the sole connected with a flow-conveyor through one or more tubes joined to one or more pneumatic valves. Its essential role is founded on the principle that its compression every step generates a forced ventilation internally the sole and consequently internally the shoe. This system can be closed by a special cap, excluding this process.

Abstract: A shoe device for offsetting the affects of nerve injuries. The shoe device includes a sole having an upper surface, a lower surface, a front end and a back end. A peripheral edge extends between the upper and lower surfaces. The sole has a toe portion, ball portion and heel portion. The sole has a chamber positioned therein. An upper portion is attached to the peripheral edge of the hole for receiving a portion of the foot for removably securing the foot to the sole. A plurality of biasing members is positioned in the chamber for biasing the upper surface away from the lower surface.

Abstract: A removable cleat for a shoe is described. The cleat includes a ground-engaging structure for engaging the ground. An attachment structure is for removably attaching the cleat to the footwear. The attachment structure has a vertical axis, a base to which the top of the ground-engaging member is attached, and multiple extensions projecting radially outward from the base. The extensions are adapted for insertion into a cleat receptacle in the shoe to engage a receptacle attachment structure within the receptacle, so that when the cleat is attached to the receptacle, each cleat extension will be securely engaged above a receptacle restraining ledge.

Abstract: A golf cleat of the type having a base member and a plurality of outwardly angled traction teeth with the traction teeth having multifaceted design, and a mounting arrangement on the underside of the base member. The mounting arrangement includes a mounting stud having a multi-start thread and at least one locking post which coact with annular locking formations in the receptacle to thereby provide a stud having a multi-start thread complementary to the multi-start thread of the socket or receptacle whereby a simple quarter-turn of the cleat is fitted in its place with the locking formations on the thread engaged with the quadrant post to retain the cleat in the socket.

Abstract: An end gate for a grader blade includes a first body attachable to a grader blade. A second body is provided which supports a barrier member. The second body is pivotally secured to the first body for movement between a lowered operative position and a raised transport position. Upon the barrier member sustaining an impact when in the lowered operative position, the second body pivots to the raised transport position thereby reducing damage to the barrier member resulting from the impact.

Abstract: A temperature-compensated, long-period grating using a multi-cladding structure having an optical fiber including a core with a plurality of long-period gratings formed periodically thereon, and the core is doped with a first dopant to exhibit a positive coupling wavelength shift as the temperature increases; an inner cladding surrounding the core with a refractive index lower than the core; and, an outer cladding surrounding the inner cladding with a lower refractive index than said inner cladding, and the outer cladding is doped with a second dopant to exhibit a negative coupling wavelength shift as the refractive index of the outer cladding is increased with temperature so that the positive wavelength shift and the negative wavelength shift are canceled out.

Abstract: A steam iron including a soleplate, a steam chamber having an upper surface portion with a water inlet opening, a water reservoir having a bottom surface portion with a water outlet opening and a valve assembly for directing controlled amounts of water from the reservoir into the steam chamber. The valve assembly including a valve port member having a body formed of a matrix of material with a bore and hollow bypass conduit. The upwardly-facing surface of the valving portion including an opening for the hollow bypass conduit. The hollow bypass conduit having a lower end open along an inside wall portion of the valving portion of the bore, a valve element extending into the bore, rotatable about an axis for controlling the flow of water through the valving portion. The valving portion including first and second barriers such that rotation of the valving element allows the user to allow or prevent water from flowing to the steam chamber.

Abstract: A hitch receiver cover system is used with a hitch receiver of the type having a receiving opening. The cover system includes a decorative cover and a mount with a tube portion for insertion into the receiving opening in the hitch receiver. The tube portion has a cross section smaller than the receiving opening. The mount also has an attaching portion interconnected with the tube portion. At least one connector is provided for selectively interconnecting the cover with the attaching portion.

Abstract: A safety sign is provided which includes a collapsible tripod base that removably supports a hollow tube therein. The hollow tube stores a foldable fabric sign therein which includes pockets at the upper, left and right corners thereof and defines a mast for the sign. The sign is supported on the base by a vertical support rod and includes a horizontal cross member. The horizontal cross member is twistable independently of the base and mast wherein this free-floating arrangement facilitates assembly of the sign while also permitting the sign to twist during windy conditions and allow the wind to spill around the sign in order to prevent the sign from toppling over.

Abstract: The Less Lethal (TM) police baton invention, which is capable of firing projectiles, is presented. The baton has a front barrel body, a rear breech body pivotally coupled to the front barrel body, a handle perpendicularly secured to the rear breech body, a locking mechanism adapted to lock the front barrel body to the rear breech body. It also has a firing mechanism positioned inside the rear breech body and adapted to trigger explosions of the projectiles. It has a safety trigger mechanism coupled to the firing mechanism, the trigger mechanism being adapted to be positioned horizontally for locking. The trigger can be unlocked and positioned vertically for triggering wherein a pulling stop of the firing mechanism is adapted to be urged forward by the trigger mechanism for triggering the firing mechanism.

Abstract: A gun disabler includes a disabler block engaged with a hammer strut and a rebound slide block. The disabler block selectively engages the hammer strut and the rebound slide block in a locked position such that both the hammer and the rebound slide are prevented from movement. The disabler block is displaceable to an unlocked position that is disengaged with the hammer strut and the rebound slide. A locking mechanism coupled with the disabler block shifts the disabler block between its locked position and its unlocked position. The double locking structure thus prevents the trigger from being pulled and additionally prevents the hammer from being cocked. The locking mechanism is configured such that only authorized users can enable the weapon.

Abstract: A moving, floating waterfowl decoy propelled by a steam jet motor and used by hunters to attract waterfowl to the hunting area. The device is an addition to a standard commercial hollow floating waterfowl decoy of any species. The steam jet motor is powered by combustion of fuel and has no moving parts. The steam jet propulsion system provides lifelike natural movement, wakes, ripples and splashes to enhance attraction of a decoy set.

Abstract: A tip-down indicator apparatus, for signaling a strike on a fishing rig, includes a casing for housing a battery, and a normally open circuit disposed within the casing for placement in electrical communication with the battery. When supplied with a battery, the normally open circuit is completable by proximity to a magnetic field. The indicator apparatus further includes an electrically powered signal generator attached to the casing and connected to the normally open circuit for signaling a completed circuit. The signal generator may be a light or a buzzer. In a preferred embodiment thereof, the indicator apparatus further includes a magnet support member connectable in pivotal relation to the casing, a magnet attached to the magnet support member, and means for drawing the magnet and the casing into proximity in response to a fish biting a hook or lure. This first embodiment may include a fishing rig including a base and a rod-reel assembly which is pivotally attachable to the base.

Abstract: An angling device for recovering a lure and any fish hooked thereon said lure being connected to a first fishing line by coupling means whereby an extra line is connected to the coupling means, said device comprising: a tubular body with a central axis having an axial direction and with a first end and a second end in the axial direction, said body having an opening allowing said first fishing line to enter into a hollow center of the body, a fastening means for fastening said second line to the tubular body being provided adjacent to the first end, said first end being further provided with a catch for the coupling means.

Abstract: This invention relates to an insect trap having a receptacle with a rear wall the top edge of which is thin. The trap is placed on a windowsill so the thin top edge of the rear wall lies flush against the window, providing a substantially smooth transition between the rear wall and the window. The receptacle is partially filled with a mixture of water and surfactant. In use, insects flying down the window travel over the thin top edge of the rear wall and continue down and fall into the water and drown.

Abstract: A closed high-volume low-pressure pesticide delivery and recovery system including under building pesticide delivery tubing and a method of using the pesticide delivery tubing.

Abstract: A disposable liquid bait station is configured in the form of a syphon with a bulbous end portion and a stem portion having a passage extending from the end of the stem into the bulbous end portion for syphoning liquid bait from a bottle containing the liquid bait. The stem is cut-off and the remaining portion serves as the bait station. The bait station is then placed in a horizontal position at the desired locations for permitting the ingress and egress of the ants intended to being exterminated. The bait station is thrown away once it has served its purpose.

Abstract: A tamper resistant container and tag assembly is defined. The container includes a slit which may be in a juncture between an outwardly extending shoulder and the side wall of the container. The tag includes a coupling member which is capable of insertion through the slit, but resists withdrawal from the slit once engaged. When the slit is located in the juncture, a group of assemblies can be readily stacked with one another because the tag hangs flush against the side wall of the container without any bending of the tag, thereby offering nominal resistance to stacking. The slit is substantially closed when not being manipulated by a user, thereby preventing egress of dirt and moisture.

Abstract: A floral shipping container comprising a base portion, a tube and a lid. The base portion has sidewalls, an upper end, a closed lower end and a retaining space encompassed by the sidewalls, the upper end, and the lower end thereof. The tube is adapted to receive at least one or a plurality of flowers. The tube is supported by the upper end of the base portion such that the tube extends into the retaining space of the base portion. The lid is supported by the base portion such that the lid extends above the upper end of the base portion to encompass the flowers.

Abstract: A trapping protector (1) for disposition about an opening in a vehicle body such as a sun roof includes a hollow profile (12) for a power-operated closing device (14) for closing the opening. Terminals (16) are provided at one end of the hollow profile (12) and a function-checking arrangement (28) is provided at the other end of the hollow profile (12). The two ends (23, 24) are brought close together and are axially aligned along a longitudinal centerline and the function-checking arrangement (28) as well as the terminals (16) are arranged laterally offset from the longitudinal centerline (13) of the hollow profile (12) to thus achieve a trapping protector function along substantially the entire periphery of the opening.

Abstract: An air beam structure having reduced weight, increased rigidity, and lower inflation pressure requirements. The structure includes a closed tubular cylindrical shell of air impermeable fabric having at least one inflation valve. Fixed within the shell is an “I” beam envelope comprised of flexible, air impermeable walls sealed to the interior of the shell. The “I” beam envelope extends the length of the shell and defines at least four air chambers in communication with the inflation valve. A quantity of compressible material is dispersed throughout the interior of the “I” beam envelope. When subjected to compressive forces by pressurization of the air chambers, the material becomes rigid. The filled envelope is either vented to atmosphere or connected to a vacuum source. The air beam is used in groups and may be connected one to another by sheet materials to form a wall or roof structure.

Abstract: A composite gutter guard is adapted for being positioned at an opening of a longitudinally extending, generally U-shaped gutter used for collecting and distributing rainwater runoff from the roofs of residential homes and other buildings. The gutter guard includes an elongate polymer guard panel defining a plurality of spaced filter openings. The guard panel is adapted to extend laterally across the opening of the gutter and longitudinally along the length of the gutter. A polymer-coated mesh layer overlies the guard panel in an area of the filter openings and cooperates with the guard panel to capture and separate debris from rainwater runoff entering the gutter. A heat weld connects the mesh layer to the guard panel.

Abstract: An information display system is disclosed. A work environment providing a work area and a workstation including the information display system are also disclosed. The information display system includes a track system adapted to attach to a mounting structure and a plurality of display panels coupled to the track system for movement with respect to the mounting structure. The display panels are adapted to present information selectively for display by pivotal and translating movement of the plurality of display panels. The track system may include at least one rail. The display panels may be cantilevered away from the track system at a vertical elevation to provide clearance below the display panels for a seated worker. The information display system may include a plurality of containers coupled to the track system for movement with respect to the mounting structure, with each of the plurality of containers is adapted to include at least one display panel.

Abstract: A system for forming a safe room including a plurality of preformed concrete wall panels and a roof panel. Each panel includes an extension portion and a top beam which together define a shelf. The wall panels are interconnected to define a generally continuous perimeter shelf. The roof panel is positioned within the room perimeter and is set upon and secured to the generally continuous shelf.

Abstract: A burial monument having a memorabilia storage compartment incorporated therein. A monument is solid construction has a cylindrical boring removed to provide a compartment within the solid monument. The compartment is closed to form an airtight and watertight chamber by providing a cap with a gasket affixed thereto. The cap engages a threaded inner ring or is hinge mounted to the monument in alternative embodiments. A method for modifying burial monuments to provide a memorabilia storage compartment is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cable support apparatus for a raised floor system comprising at least one support member. The at least one support member is configured to be mounted to a pedestal of the raised floor system and connect with portions of cable trays. The support member, in one preferred embodiment includes a first member and a second member, each defining a slot for positioning on the support pedestal. The support member also includes a plurality of holes for the securing of the first member and the second member together as well as for connecting with cable trays. The cable trays are attached to the support member with an attachment mechanism such as a threaded stud.

Abstract: A container for a prefabricated building is disclosed. The container is formed from components of the prefabricated building. The container is built to substantially conform to standard shipping container sizes. Additional storage for some building components is preferably provided by attaching channel members to the top of the container. Supports and a covering for the additional storage space may be included. The additional storage space is preferably dimensioned to allow the container to substantially conform to standard shipping container sizes.

Abstract: A multi-paned fenestration unit in which the glass panes are manufactured directly into the support structure without first manufacturing an insulated glass unit. The support structure is designed to provide the structural support for the glass panes without a separate spacer.

Abstract: A surround molding assembly for a doorway or window of a structure such as a residential home or a commercial building. In one embodiment, first and second pilaster bases receive first and second cover plates in recesses, wherein the recesses have a lip along at least two sides and the cover plates are mounted flush with the pilaster bases and covering the lips. Further, a mantle base having a central portion comprising regularly repeating reinforced sectional structural receives a mantle cover thereover such that the mantle base in generally obscured from view. The pilaster and mantle bases each include decorative ends integrally formed thereon.

Abstract: A roofing system includes first and second pluralities of shingles, which include central planar portions. Shingles of each plurality are arranged such that their respective central planar portions are substantially co-planar. Each shingle of the first plurality is adjacent at least one shingle of the second plurality. The central planar portions of shingles of the first plurality are displaced with respect to central planar portions of shingles of the second plurality by a separation distance. Adjacent shingles may be installed such that opposite surfaces of their central planar portions are exposed to view. A surfacing shingle may include a central planar portion and several edge portions. The shingles may be used in a ventilated roofing system, which includes a surfacing structure coupled to a roofing substrate. The surfacing structure is elevated with respect to the substrate such that an airspace is disposed between the substrate and the underside of the surfacing structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transformable linked structure, a deployable diagonal structure, a plane stowage-type deployable truss and a line stowage-type deployable truss with high rigidity and reliability constituted by the above-described transformable linked structure and the above-described deployable diagonal structure, and also provides a plane/line stowage truss structure extremely approximated to a spherical surface using the two types of deployable trusses. The present invention discloses a module linked structure for linking deployable trusses securely and a holding/releasing mechanism for realizing reliable holding and release. Further, the present invention provides a modular deployable antenna with high precision even if it is large-sized which is realized by spreading mesh on the plane/line stowage truss structure.

Abstract: A bracket support for a ledger in order to secure the ledger to a wall in which a plate is temporarily attached to the wall, the plate including a shelf upon which the ledger is supported and a clamp removably presses the ledger to the wall until the ledger can be anchored to the wall by means of anchor bolts and grout.

Abstract: A unitary construction hanger constructed from a single piece of material and having a flange portion with a pair of top flanges and a pair of front flanges which are closely adjacent to one another and an integrally connected hanger portion, with the hanger being formed without the use of welding, a blank for forming the hanger of unitary construction and a method of making the hanger of unitary construction.

Abstract: An improved bracket assembly that provides support and repair when connected to sides of a structural member installed in a support structure. The bracket assembly includes one or a pair of brackets that are composed of angle iron base portions having flanges thereon, and having opposed base end sections extending along a longitudinal axis from a centrally positioned and outwardly displaced mid-segment. The outwardly displaced mid-segment of each bracket is positioned adjacent to, and spans across, an open section of the structural member through which one or more conduits pass, thereby providing structural support while allowing passage of conduits through the structural member. The opposed base end sections include a plurality of equally spaced apart holes drilled therethrough, for connection of each bracket with wood screws to each structural member without requiring the pre-drilling of holes into each structural member.