Abstract: A manual skiver for conveyor belts and the like includes a base with a flat bearing surface for engaging an associated belt face, and a blade receiving opening through the bearing surface. A handle is connected with the base to facilitate drawing the skiver across the belt face. A thin cutting blade is mounted in the base at a predetermined angle, and includes a U-shaped cutting edge defined by a flat central area and upstanding side areas at opposite sides of the central area. The U-shaped cutting edge extends through the blade opening, and is positioned a predetermined distance below the bearing surface to cut a groove in the belt face having a uniform depth.

Abstract: A portable bandsaw has a bandsaw blade extending around a plurality of transport wheels driven by a motor. The frame of the bandsaw supports these components such that the center of gravity of the bandsaw coincides with the cutting edge of the bandsaw.

Abstract: A circular saw (1) includes a base plate (2) and a saw blade assembly (3) which in turn includes a lower blade guard (9) for covering a saw blade (6). The blade guard includes a sleeve portion (10) rotatably fitted on a bearing box (8) coupled to the saw blade assembly and a sectoral portion (11) which extends radially from the sleeve portion in the rear of the blade. A connecting bar (13) projects radially rearward from the sectoral portion at a 40-degree angle to the base plate. A spring (14) is stretched between the top of the connecting bar (13) and a lower rear portion of an upper blade guard (4) close to the base plate. When not in use, the blade guard is rotated to the closed position by the torque generated as the product of the spring's tensile force and the perpendicular distance (S) from the line of action or the force to the axis of rotation (O).

Abstract: A system and method for sizing one's feet for shoes, and for the fitting of shoes. The system includes a computer having a fitting program, which receives foot data from a user, and shoe data for a selected shoe from a shoe information database and compares them, determining a fit indicator for each compared property. The foot and shoe data includes the length, the metatarsal length, the width and the heel width. A useful shoe length is calculated by the program based on the shoe length and several modifiers including the elevation of the heel, the thickness of the collar and the shape and height of the toebox. The program also receives a sock type indicator from the user, indicating a selected sock to be worn with the selected shoe, and accounts for the thickness of the selected sock when determining the fit indicator.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for longitudinally dividing sheet material, said apparatus comprising a cutter bar (1) that is oriented crosswise to the movement direction of the sheet material and is provided with a guide (7) on which knife holders (2) are positioned such that they can be displaced. The knife holders are respectively provided with a immobilizing brake (18), comprising at least one movable brake block (18.1, 18.2), which acts via at least one force means (21) upon a parallel braking surface (20.1, 20.2), arranged so as to extend in longitudinal direction on the cutter bar. The force means is designed to immobilize the knife holder to be positioned ob the cutter bar (1) during the operation, wherein the force exerted by the brake block is oriented in the guide plane defined by the guide. The device is further provided with a positioning device (10) that is guided along the cutter bar (1) for positioning the individual knife holders (2).

Abstract: An auxiliary appliance, known as a mitering device, for setting the cutting angle in miter-cutting operations prior to the cutting proper, comprising two arms (1, 2), which are pivotally interconnected by means of a hinge, each one of said arms having at least one orientation face, and an angle-indicating means (4), which is connected to the arm-interconnection hinge via a gear mechanism (5), said gear mechanism being adapted, upon relative pivotal motion of the arms, to transfer essentially half of said pivotal motion to the angle-indicating means relative to the arms.

Abstract: A device for measuring and marking lines and points on a steel I-beam includes a rib for contacting the outside of an I-beam flange along a line opposite the center of the beam web, a measuring blade that rests on the beam web and measures distances from the outside of the flange, and a bridge for connecting the measuring blade to the rib in a way in which the measuring blade is held perpendicular to the flange. The device marks I-beams faster and more accurately that was possible using prior art tools and techniques.

Abstract: The present invention describes a golf shaft measuring device comprising a base, a shaft alignment device attached to the base, an alignment plate also attached to the base and perpendicular to the shaft alignment device, a slide attached to the alignment plate and an indexing guide slidably attached to said base.

Abstract: A system and method to facilitate thickness measurement of bio-material workpiece, preferably a sheet, and to topographically map the sheet into similar thickness zones for later use. In particular, the system may include a three-axis programmable controller for manipulating a bio-material workpiece with respect to a thickness measurement head. The measurement head may include a plurality of sensors for simultaneous measurement of a plurality of points, with the sensors being adapted to contact the sheet or not. A robust human-machine interface is also provided for process control, preferably including a touch-screen monitor. A marking head may be provided for marking the zones or otherwise indicating the thickness in different areas. Two platens are desirably used in parallel for increased thoughput; the workpiece on one platen may be measured while the other is marked. The system and method are especially suited for assessing and marking pericardial tissue for forming heart valve leaflets.

Abstract: A torque sequence template includes a head gasket backing that is constructed and arranged to support a head gasket when packaged with the backing. The head gasket backing has a plurality of tightening sequence punch-outs arranged thereon in positions corresponding to head bolt locations. The cylinder head bolts are used to secure an engine head to the block. The head gasket backing has sequence indicators provided next to the punch-outs that indicate the sequence in which the bolts are to be tightened.

Abstract: A device and method for fitting a waistband is provided that is infinitely adjustable. The device permits the fitting of a waistband of an article of clothing to a very precise measurement without necessitating the ultimate wearer of the garment to have to try the article of clothing on.

Abstract: A locomotive air dyer air discharge conduit is configured to disperse a portion of the discharge air radially through one or more air dispersion openings in the side of the discharge conduit, thereby reducing the output velocity of the discharge air.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric hair treatment appliance (1) comprising an operating desk (2) that is fixedly connected to the hair treatment appliance (1) and serves for controlling operational parameters. Said desk (2) is provided with an operating and display field (3) which is configured as a circular surface (4) and is embedded in a recess (5) in such a way that said field can be axially rotated together with the circular surface (4).

Abstract: A cordless portable hairdryer that is being used with-out a line cord install to the electricity, using a rechargeable battery sandwiching in the handset, connected to a multiple speed control switch, joined to a motor; that turns the fan to blow air. The device includes a cordless charger. This circuit, charges the interchangeable battery until the battery is charged, then it reduces the corrent to a trickle rate. It will completely recharge a dead battery in several hours, and the device can be left in the charger indefinitely, also carries a Led as a visual indication of full charge. The present solution helps a user to easily carry the device anywhere to be used and the user is not limited to a confine area, since the present invention carries a re-chargeable battery with no memory, providing a long lasting life to the battery.

Abstract: A method and system for cleaning a metal article. The system is used to employ a method that comprises placing the article in a means defining a chamber; subjecting the article to a gaseous atmosphere in the means defining a chamber, where the gaseous atmosphere consisting essentially of carbon, hydrogen, and fluorine; and subjecting the article to the gaseous atmosphere at a temperature in a range from about 815° C. to about 1100° C. to clean the article.

Abstract: A breathable shoe including an upper assembly having a breathable upper, a membrane made of a material which is waterproof and breathable, and a sole made of perforated elastomer, which arc all mutually attached such that the membrane is arranged between the upper assembly and the sole. Further, the sole is sealed perimetrically to the membrane, in a manner to prevent moisture from entering into the upper assembly from the sole through the membrane, and to permit moisture to leave the inside of the upper assembly through the membrane and through the sole. In one preferred embodiment, the membrane is first attached to the upper assembly so that the upper assembly is a unitary upper assembly including the membrane, and such a unitary upper assembly is subsequently attached to the sole.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to facilitate the aged to shift in particular the body weight of the forelimb when he or she walks by sloping the toe region and the heel region of the sole of the shoes.

Abstract: A sole construction for supporting at least a portion of a human foot and for providing energy storage and return is provided. The sole construction includes a generally horizontal layer of stretchable material, at least one chamber positioned adjacent a first side of the layer, and at least one actuator positioned adjacent a second side of the layer vertically aligned with a corresponding chamber. Each actuator has a footprint size smaller than that of the corresponding chamber, and is sized and arranged to provide individual support to the bones of the human foot. The support structure when compressed causes the actuator to push against the layer and move the layer at least partially into the corresponding chamber. In one embodiment, the horizontal layer of stretchable material is at least partially enclosed by a wall the prevents horizontal displacement of the layer during compression.

Abstract: A method of construction a shoe is provided wherein the shoe includes an upper, a lower attached to the upper, and an outsole attached to the lower. In one embodiment, the outsole has a ground contacting surface which includes a first section and a second section, with the first section being formed of a first material and the second section having an outer later formed of a fabric material. The first section is formed free of the fabric material and is instead formed of other suitable materials, such as rubber, leather, etc. Preferably, the first and second sections are formed using a molding process.

Abstract: A ballast cleaning machine comprises a first machine frame and a second, trailing machine frame linked thereto. Ends of the machine frames are supported on the track by undercarriages for movement of the machine in an operating direction. A vertically and laterally adjustable endless excavating chain as well as a track lifting device is mounted on each machine frame. An upper layer of the ballast bed is excavated by the first excavating chain, the track is lowered to the remaining ballast bed layer, and the remaining ballast bed layer is immediately thereafter excavated by the second excavating chain. The excavated ballast is cleaned in a common screening installation, and the cleaned ballast is distributed at a trailing end of the second machine frame to the ballast bed.

Abstract: A driving or mining machine includes a pivotable cantilever arm that is hinged so as to be pivotable in the height direction to a pivoting mechanism capable of being pivoted about a substantially vertical axis and on its free end carries rotationally mounted excavation tools, in particular cutter heads. It further includes a traveling mechanism and a frame carrying the traveling mechanism, on which frame a haulage device and a suction device as well as anchor boring and setting devices are arranged. The frame carrying the traveling mechanism on its side facing away from the cantilever arm behind the pivoting mechanism is designed as a lowered platform. The anchor boring and setting device is arranged substantially in the longitudinal center of the frame above the platform and pivotally mounted on a rollover whose pivot axis crosses the vertical axis of the pivoting mechanism.

Abstract: A hydraulic shovel is provided which comprises a pair of left and right running/rotation pedals (3L and 3R) for running or rotating a vehicle, and a single running/rotation lever 7 which is installed separately from said pedals for similarly running or rotating the vehicle. The shovel allows the operator to run or rotate the vehicle by operating on the running/rotation pedals 3L and 3R, as well as by manipulating the running/rotation lever 7. Moreover, because the running/rotation lever 7 consists of a single lever, the operator can easily manipulate it by one hand, being relieved of complicated operations and inconveniencies encountered with the conventional machine, which ensures the improved operability.

Abstract: A plow trenching apparatus for a vehicle having a raisable boom and a trenching plow pivotally mounted at a distal end of the boom in a plow holder, to extend rearwardly and downwardly therefrom. The plow has an upper portion and a lower portion, with a forwardly protruding toe portion, and a forward facing cutting portion. The plow is pivotable in the holder about a pivot axis located behind the holder and behind the plow, as seen in the travel direction of the plow during operation. A pivoting motion is imparted to the plow by a vibrator arranged at the upper portion. The vibrator is arranged to impart vibrations generally in a vertical plane, so that the lower portion is pivoted generally back and forth in the travel direction. The vibrator can be located behind or in front of the upper portion.

Abstract: A quick-coupler for operably connecting a bucket or other implement to the arm or dipper-stick of an excavator, backhoe and/or other machine includes a first and second laterally spaced-apart rib assemblies. A first upper bearing plate is connected to the first rib assembly and a second upper bearing plate connected to the second rib assembly. A lower bearing plate is connected to both the first and second rib assemblies and is spaced from the first and second upper bearing plates so that a slot is defined between the lower bearing plate and the first and second upper bearing plates. At least one of the first and second upper bearing plates and the lower bearing plate includes a tab projecting outwardly therefrom that is inserted into a corresponding tab-opening defined in one of the first and second rib assemblies. A lock member is slidably positioned in the slot, and an actuator is located in the space between the first and second rib assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quick coupling for coupling a tool to the boom of a hydraulic excavator and the like with a quick coupling part at the boom side and a quick coupling part at the tool side which can be latched together via a pair of spaced latching axles and with a power circuit coupling, in particular a hydraulic coupling, for the automatic coupling of a power connector at the tool side to a power connector at the boom side, wherein the power circuit coupling has a power coupling part at the boom side and a power coupling part at the tool side which are arranged at the quick coupling part at the boom side or at the quick coupling part at the tool side such that they automatically couple as soon as the two quick coupling parts are pivoted together into their latching position about a first of the two latching axles.

Abstract: A steamer arrangement comprising a cordless steaming device (101) and a stand (1) for holding the steaming device, said steaming device having a water tank (103), said stand having an electrically heated boiler (3), said steaming device and said stand being provided with mechanical coupling means (13, 105) including valves (15, 107) for coupling the water tank (103) of the steaming device to the boiler (3) of the stand for obtaining a fluid communication between the boiler and the water tank when the steaming device is attached to the stand. When the steaming device is attached to the stand, steam flows from the boiler to the water tank, resulting in high-pressure/temperature steam in the water tank. Detached from the stand the cordless steaming device can be used directly for steaming. The cordless steaming device may be a cordless iron with the soleplate heated electrically, while simultaneously steam is charged when the iron is placed on the stand.

Abstract: A decorative device includes a plate having one or more partitions for forming one or more casings. One or more decorative members and a fluid may be received in each of the casings. The decorative members may float or may move in the fluid, such as the air or the colored liquid. The plate may be secured onto a bottom board or directly secured onto an object for enclosing the decorative member in the casings. The decorative device may include an adhesive material applied onto the bottom board for allowing the decorative device to be easily secured onto various kinds of objects.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying advertising. A movable medium displays an image thereon and moves within an exterior casing. A base structure enables vertical movement of the exterior casing to facilitate access to the apparatus. An interior frame is located within the exterior casing and includes adjustable bearings to secure, position, and guide the movement of the movable medium. A top portion of the exterior casing can be opened to provide access to the interior of the exterior casing. An object is disposed in front of the movable medium. The movement of the image in relation with the object creates the effect that the object is moving in relation to the image.

Abstract: An advertisement display device mainly made up a housing having an upper chamber and a lower chamber, a motor disposed in the upper chamber, multiple gears disposed in a bottom of the lower chamber, and multiple three-face hollow columns positioned in the lower chamber and rotatably connected with the multiple gears and the motor. The motor is actuated to drive the multiple three-face hollow columns to rotate, and when each column has rotated 120 degrees the motor and the columns then stop, and an advertisement display area is formed to demonstrate advertising for a short period until the motor is actuated again whereafter a different advertisement is displayed.

Abstract: A lighted article has a base with a receptacle and a display panel having indicia inscribed thereon and at least one orifice. The display panel is inserted into the receptacle and a lighting element having a light source protruding up from the receptacle is inserted into the orifice for illuminating the indicia on the display panel. The lighted article brightly illuminates the indicia without illuminating other parts of the display panel.

Abstract: A method and system for applying temporary tattoos or other surface indications in locations remote from a region of medical/surgical treatment is disclosed. The method/system allows medical/surgical staff to indicate treatment and/or patient information in a non-invasive but reliable manner through temporary application of a tattoo or other surface indication at a location remote from a medical/surgical treatment region. The tattoos may include verbiage and/or schematic depictions, and advantageously convey information derived with respect to the patient/individual, e.g., allergies, physical conditions and the like. Utilization of the method/system of the present disclosure minimizes the likelihood of medical/surgical errors by effectively communicating information concerning individuals/patients to surgical/medical personnel.

Abstract: Multiple magnetic decorative appliques are provided with each having a sheet of think and flexible magnetic material wherein one side of the sheet exposes magnetic forces for attraction to a metallic door, such as a garage door. The obverse side of each magnetic sheet is provided with a smooth layer on which painted or printed decorative matter is placed. The decorative matter may take the form of alpha/numeric indicia, graphic representations or other ornamental and decorative figures. The plurality of magnetic decorative appliques can be carried in a plastic bag with a cardboard header identifying the product and including instructions. A brush, paints or the like can be placed in the bag and the user can create his or her own decorations on blank applique sheets.

Abstract: The present invention resides in an ornamental holder for holding at least one image. The holder includes a first member having an outer surface and an image retention surface with a window defined between the outer surface and the image retention surface and a second member having a mounting surface, wherein the first member is pivotally connected to the second member to permit pivotal motion of the first member and the second member along parallel planes between a first position wherein the mounting surface confronts the image retention surface to hold the image at the window and a second position wherein the mounting surface is separated from the image retention surface to release the image.

Abstract: A firearm security mechanism for use with a firearm to prevent unauthorized use of the firearm. The mechanism includes a scanning unit having a camera that obtains unique eye characteristics of a user's eye and sends that data to a central processing unit. The central processing unit compares the data to data representing the unique eye characteristics of an authorized users eye stored in a memory storage device. If the obtained data and the previously stored authorized user data match, a signal is transmitted to a latch mechanism that unlocks the trigger mechanism enabling discharge of the firearm.

Abstract: Firearm and an anchoring elements for use with a firearm are disclosed. A disclosed anchoring element includes a connecting part which is dimensioned to be connected to a first barrel. It also includes a first mounting guide which is adapted to releasably secure a second barrel to determine a relative position of the second barrel with respect to the first barrel. The anchoring element further includes a second mounting guide structured to releasably secure a second module to the first barrel to determine a relative position of the second module with respect to the first barrel.

Abstract: A dual powered fiber optic sight for a gun, which can be illuminated either by ambient light or by a light source. The light source is preferably a light-emitting diode (LED). Ambient light and light from the LED are carried by a fiber optic rod to a target screen and the rod appears as a bright dot on the target screen on the front sight of the gun. An optional rear sight also receives light from the ambient light or from the light source.

Abstract: A waterfowl decoy with a self-retracting anchor line includes a body defining a closed interior space in which is disposed a spring biased anchor line reel. An anchor line is wound on the reel and trained out of the body through a port in the breast of the body. A spring biased manually actuatable lock member is disposed in a bore formed in the body at the breast and includes a passage through which the anchor line is trained and normally snubbed between the lock member and the decoy body. The anchor line may be paid out off of the reel through the lock member and the port in the breast of the decoy above the normal waterline of the decoy body and connected to an anchor. The anchor line is retrieved and retracted by digitally actuating the lock member to release the line for retraction by the spring biased reel.

Abstract: A lure and fish attractor includes a non-rotational rigid head assembly, a non-rotational rigid tail assembly, a rigid axle therebetween defining a longitudinal axis of the lure for securing the head and tail assemblies to each other. A solid hub-like cylindrical body portion having an axial channel therewithin is rotationally mounted about the rigid axle. Optical means such as mirrored strips or prismatic film are longitudinally adhered to an inner circumferential surface of the body portion. An outer circumferential surface of the body portion is radially secured to the inner surface and is substantially transparent. Rigidly attached to the outer surface of the cylindrical body portion are spirally slanted fins which induce rotation of the cylindrical body upon the axle reactive to water force impacting upon the fins when the lure is towed upon a fish line associated with a fishing boat.

Abstract: A yellow jacket and fly trap. The main body of the trap is produced from a screen and has a narrowing inlet passage with a passage defining an oblong inlet from the passage into a holding chamber. A bait receptacle is removably mounted within the passage.

Abstract: Surface ground kits for controlling arthropods such as termites, carpenter ants, fire ants, roaches, and the like, and combinations thereof. Embodiments can include mounting a chamber on a ground insertable member having an edible food source, such as a wood stake, and pressing the member into the ground until the chamber is against the ground surface. The chamber can be cylindrical disc shape having one closed end and closed sides, such as plastic cup, Petri dish, and the like. Optionally, the chamber can be non-opaque so that the interior contents can be viewed from outside the chamber. The lower open end of the chamber can be a layer of an edible non-toxic material such as a layer of foam, and the like. On top of the edible layer, can be a layer of a non-edible foraging matrix that contains the slow-acting non-repellent toxicant within the foraging matrix, and this layer can be visible through the top closed portion of the chamber.

Abstract: A triacylglycerol-based wax, which can be used in candle making, is provided. The triacylglycerol-based material is predominantly includes a triacylglycerol stock which has a fatty acid profile has no more than about 25 wt. % fatty acids having less than 18 carbon atoms. In addition, the fatty acid profile of the triacylglycerol typically includes at least about 50 wt. % 18:1 fatty acid and no more than about 25 wt. % 18:0 fatty acid. In another embodiment, the triacylglycerol-based material is characterized in part by an Iodine Value of about 60 to 75. For applications such as candles, the wax commonly includes a hydrogenated vegetable oil and palmitic acid. Candles formed from triacylglycerol-based material and methods of producing the candles are also provided.

Abstract: A method for enabling the use of heavy oil residuum by conversion to a useful product. The method, in one embodiment, involves the use of a heavy oil residuum which is substantially non flowable. The viscosity of the residuum is reduced and subsequently mixed with water such that the mixing is high shear mixing. This results in the formation of an emulsion of predispersed residuum in an aqueous matrix. The emulsion is formed such that the aqueous matrix is in a size distribution suitable for use as a combustible fuel.

Abstract: A method of improving the flow properties of a wax-containing crude oil and natural gas liquids containing a natural pour point depressant wherein a synthetic pour point depressant is added to the crude oil or natural gas liquid when at a temperature of not more than 20° C. below the inversion temperature thereof.

Abstract: A fuel for producing attractive audio and visual burning results is disclosed.

Abstract: A spike, drivable into the trunk of a tree, includes a hollow body which provides a storage chamber for a water soluble compound such as a pesticide or fertilizer. The spike has a generally pointed first end which facilitates driving the spike into a tree trunk. The hollow body is equipped with bleed apertures near the pointed end, so that when the spike is driven into the trunk of a tree, the storage chamber is coupled to the vascular system thereof. The spike is supplied with a resilient sheath that seals the bleed apertures during shipping and handling. As the spike is driven into a tree trunk, the sheath is peeled off the body, thereby exposing the bleed apertures to the tree's vascular tissue and forming a gasket between the spike body and the aperture created by driving the spike into the trunk.

Abstract: A display case that provides fresh water and a refrigerated environment for cut flowers while aesthetically displaying the flowers. The display case includes a watering system that provides fresh water to a plurality of troughs in a terraced relationship. The troughs included removable covers to provide easy and visible access for cleaning the troughs. Timers may be included to allow the display case to automatically freshen the water within the troughs.

Abstract: In order to avoid the poor root penetration and poor decomposition characteristics of a planter (FIG. 1)—consisting essentially of a coconut fiber fleece material with a fiber binding agent—if a known airtight deep-drawn dry fleece with latex as the impregnating binding agent is used, the invention proposes as material an air-permeable dried wet fleece (FIG. 2) whose holes permit unimpeded penetration by roots and that can be biologically decomposed without problems.

Abstract: A decorative utility item consisting of a lawn molding that can be installed around a house or other building, designed to eliminate the growth of grass around the building while adding a decorative touch. This molding is characterized by two perpendicular parts with a combination of two different angles, making the molding more waterproof The molding is also characterized by three braces behind a curved part, and a hook system to attach the molding on a long-term basis, thus eliminating the need for anchoring by screws, nails, or other objects of that type.

Abstract: A sleeve used to wrap items such as flower pots. The sleeve may have an open or closed bottom. When closed, the bottom may have a gusset for allowing expansion upon the depositing of the flower pot into the sleeve. The sleeve has a detachable upper portion. The sleeve may have a bonding material disposed upon an inner or outer portion of the sleeve for attaching the sleeve to the flower pot or other item.

Abstract: A reactor for the gasification of carbon-containing fuels, residues and waste by an oxygen-containing oxidizing agent in a reaction space designed as a fly stream reactor, at pressures of between ambient pressure and 80 bar, preferably between ambient pressure and 30 bar, the reaction space contour being delimited by a refractory lining within a pressure casing, wherein the temperature of the pressure casing can be regulated, the pressure casing having cooling ducts affixed to an outer surface thereof.