Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wheel rim for a motor vehicle comprises the steps of a strip of aluminum alloy sheet material having a predetermined cross-section suitable for forming into a wheel rim by extrusion molding, pressing the strip step-by-step lengthwise by an upper mold and a lower mold having complimentary profiles for causing the strip to have predetermined profiles as a hoop with a formed gap between the both ends, welding the gap to form an unfinished wheel rim, and annealing, shaping, heat treating, and polishing the unfinished wheel rim to form a finished wheel rim.

Abstract: Method for making diamond bearings and diamond bearing components. Some methods include sintering diamond feedstock and a substrate under high pressure and high temperature to create a sintered polycrystalline diamond compact with a non-planar bearing and articulation surface. Various machining, grinding and polishing methods for finishing the compact are provided.

Abstract: Shaving apparatus having at least one pivotable cutting unit (3) comprising an external cutting member (4) and an internal cutting member (6) which is drivable relative to said external cutting member, a drive mechanism (8) for driving said internal cutting member (6) into rotation, and a coupling member (18) having a coupling head (19) and a coupling body (20), which coupling head can be coupled to a coupling element (16) of the internal cutting member (6) in a detachable manner, said coupling body (20) being coupled to said driving mechanism (8). The coupling head (19) can be inserted into a cavity (21) of the coupling head (19). For driving said internal cutting member into rotation, the coupling head (19) comprises curved surfaces (25) for cooperation with surfaces (28) of said cavity (21).

Abstract: A folding tool such as a knife or multitool and the like has a resilient lever arm formed in a body portion. A blade pivotally connected to the body is movable between closed and open positions. A blade locking pin is carried on the lever arm, and in the normal resting position the blade locking pin engages the blade. When the blade is in the open position the lever arm biases the locking pin into locking engagement with a notch formed in the blade tang, thereby locking the blade in the open position. Actuating the lever arm disengages the locking pin from the blade, allowing the blade to be moved into the closed position. The blade may have a second notch or hole formed in the tang for engagement of the blade locking pin when the blade is closed, thereby locking the blade into the closed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting device with a retractable blade comprising a blade and a sleeve into which it is adapted to be retracted. It comprises: support means (16) for the blade (12), having means forming a drive abutment (36), adapted to slide along the axis of said sleeve (10), first resilient return means (19); controllable movement means (26) mounted on said sleeve (10), adapted to coact with said support means (16) and abutment means adapted to receive said support means (16) of the blade (12) in a second working position to block them in translation.

Abstract: A hand tool has an elongated blade having a longitudinally inwardly projecting tang having a longitudinal back edge formed with a plurality of transversely directed teeth, a longitudinal front edge, and an elastically transversely deflectable retaining formation. A handle forms a longitudinally open seat having one longitudinally extending side wall. A retaining lever has an edge formed with teeth and an elastically transversely deflectable retaining formation. The lever is displaceable between a closed holding position with the lever teeth meshing with the blade teeth and pressing the blade against the seat wall and the formation transversely engaging and bearing elastically against the blade retaining formation, and an open freeing position with the lever teeth out of mesh with the blade teeth and the formation out of engagement with the blade retaining formation.

Abstract: A composite utility knife blade and method of making such a blade involves butt joining a high speed steel wire to a front edge of a carbon steel backing strip. Electron beam welding the wire to the backing strip and, in turn, forming a composite strip defining a first metal portion formed by the steel backing strip, a second metal portion formed by the high speed steel wire, and a weld region joining the first and second metal portions. The composite strip is then annealed, and the annealed strip is straightened to eliminate any camber therein. Then, a plurality of notches are formed, such as by punching, in axially spaced locations relative to each other along the back edge of the first metal portion of the annealed composite strip.

Abstract: A pendulum scroll saw including a lifting rod (1) for securing a saw blade (2), and a motor-driven entrain member (3) for reciprocating the lifting rod (1) with the lifting rod (1) having a guide surface (4) connectable with the entrain member (3), and with a contact region of the guide surface (4) with the entrain member (3) having a curved profile that deviates from a straight line.

Abstract: A steering column module is proposed comprising a steering angle sensor, wherein the code disc (27) of the steering angle sensor (3) is disposed therein such that the space which can be used for a signal transmission case (1) is enlarged. The steering angle measurement is insensitive to inaccuracies in the steering column (5) and the steering wheel. The steering angle sensor can furthermore be mounted and its function can be checked outside of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for expanding the absolute angle measurement range in magnetic field sensors. Through the use of an evaluation circuit (12), various method steps are carried out; first, the ratio of two phase-shifted input values is determined, for example sine signals or cosine signals of the voltage (2, 3). The ratio of the phase-shifted input values (2, 3) to each other is combined with an offset C. The predeterminable offset C permits the expansion (9) of the angle measurement range of magnetic field sensors to a full 360° rotation (11) or a multiple thereof.

Abstract: A device for calculating the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) of a patient as a marker or renal function, which is user-friendly, portable, and provides a virtually instantaneous patient-specific calculation of the GFR. The device comprises a hand-held precision slide ruler instrument from which calculation of the GFR is obtained from a measured creatinine level in combination with body weight, sex, and age. In the preferred embodiment the device can give results for both males and females by providing gender-specific scales on either face of the instrument. An electronic version may be implemented in a portable or other processing device.

Abstract: A tape measure, also called a “tape rule” and a “coilable rule,” includes a coilable rule housing and a retractable measuring blade with a free end that extends out of the housing. A finger-protecting component connected to the housing provides a bearing surface beneath the measuring blade for a person to place against and slide along an edge of a sheet of drywall as the person uses the tape measure in combination with a utility knife or other cutting tool to make a longitudinally extending cut in the sheet of drywall parallel to the edge of the sheet of drywall. The finger-protecting component preferably includes a nail-receiving hole enabling the user to rotatably fix the tape measure at the center of a desired arc with a nail in order to use the tape measure in conjunction with the utility knife for purposes of cutting an arc of a desired radius in a sheet of drywall.

Abstract: A driving assistance device for a vehicle that includes a housing having a left rod, a center rod and a right rod extending from the housing attached to the vehicle. Each of the rods are parallel and having a light source at an end thereof. Electrical wiring is located within the housing and the rods for connecting the light sources to a power source for illuminating the light sources. When the right rod overlaps a lane marker of a road, the vehicle is too close to the lane marker. When the left rod overlaps the lane marker of the road, the vehicle is too far away from the lane marker. Additionally, when the center rod overlaps the lane marker of the road, the vehicle is in the proper position. Therefore, the driving assistance device allows a driver of the vehicle to properly align the vehicle on the road.

Abstract: A series of transparent rear bow sights having fiber optic of various configurations for adding to the bowstring having preferably at least four strands. The bowstring can be undivided or divided up to four strand groups for attachment of the bow sight. A battery can be attached to the bowstring with its cord acting as a guide equivalent to a rubber cord guide. The simplest form of a rear bow sight has a dark colored opaque base including a plastic fiber optic pin containing tritium and supporting an inclined or perpendicularly oriented circular apertured and transparent sight window with external notches for embedding the individual or grouped strands of the drawstring. Other embodiments include various arrangements of the colored fiber optic as a U-shaped tube, a singular straight tube, two parallel straight tubes, and a combination of a straight tube intersecting the U-shaped tube portion and parallel to its legs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a position error evaluating method of a moving device, which includes the following steps. Specifically, in a moving device which moves a movable body in two axial directions or in three axial directions orthogonal to each other, a straightness error curve indicating a state of change in a position error of the movable body along a uniaxial direction out of predetermined two axial directions is obtained by a sequential two-point method, the position error being related to a direction orthogonal to the predetermined two axial directions out of the biaxial or three axial directions. Then, the above step is repeated for the other uniaxial direction out of the two axial directions.

Abstract: The present invention is a cap bearing measurement indicia that may be used independently, in conjunction with, or integrated into a fingernail file or other instrument to determine the length of a fingernail. The invention is designed to allow the user to measure the length of the fingernails, and trim the fingernails to desired lengths according to the measurements taken.

Abstract: A touch probe system that includes a receiver and a probe head that has a probe element positioned in a work space and a transmitter that transmits signals to the receiver. A rotating mechanism connected to the probe head for rotating the probe head around an axis in case of a change of position of the probe head within the work space so that the receiver receives signals from the transmitter even after the change of position.

Abstract: A tape rule with an improved structure at the end of metal tape. The tape hook is secured onto the end surface of metal tape by three rivets, and said rivets are arranged in a shape of English letter “V”, such that the security of tape and hook is enhanced.

Abstract: A tape rule with an improved structure at the end of metal tape. The tape hook is secured onto the end surface of metal tape by five rivets, and said rivets are arranged in a shape of English letter “T”, such that the security of tape and hook is enhanced.

Abstract: A vacuum drying apparatus and a vacuum drying method are provided wherein it is possible to reduce the drying time of an object to be dried and the surface condition of the object to be dried after drying is extremely satisfactory. A vacuum pump is connected to an exhaust port of a vacuum chamber through a suction pipe, and a frequency converter is provided on the input side of an alternating current motor for driving the vacuum pump to form a vacuum drying apparatus. A substrate coated with coating liquid is placed in the vacuum chamber of the vacuum drying apparatus.

Abstract: A sheet material, a production method therefor and a drying apparatus is provided wherein a heating gas comprising mainly superheated steam is blown directly to reach the sheet internal water content via a permeable belt for restricting free shrinkage of the sheet, to give instantaneous evaporation (pressure flow) and form a porous sheet. A wet sheet 35 is clamped between an externally heated rotor 1 having heated gas blowing ports 19 for blowing heated gas from an outer peripheral direction, and a permeable endless fabric belt 36 which moves in synchronous with the rotor under a tension capable of restraining dry shrinkage of the sheet material, to thereby give rapid direct moisture evaporation and form a porous sheet.

Abstract: A drying station for drying printed sheets transported by a transport belt includes an irradiation device for irradiating the printed sheets, a deflection section located in vicinity of the irradiation device for guiding the transport belt away from the irradiation device, and a shielding device disposed between the transport belt and the irradiation device for shielding the transport belt against radiation from the irradiation device while the sheets are exposed to the radiation. A printing machine including the drying station and a method for drying printed sheets are also provided.

Abstract: A sports shoe sole having a cushioning layer, a frame and a tread, wherein the frame has openings housing corresponding projections on the cushioning layer; the tread has a number of rocking blocks located to correspond with the openings, and each having differently deformable portions located one in front of the other to provide uphill and downhill grip.

Abstract: A cushioning member for an article of footwear. The cushioning member is a flexible bladder having a fluidly interconnected heel chamber and forefoot chamber. The bladder is disposed above the sole and beneath the wearer's foot to provided added cushioning to the wearer. The bladder contains air at slightly above ambient pressure and can be formed by thermoforming or by welding two sheets of resilient, flexible material together. A connecting passage fluidly connects the heel chamber and the forefoot chamber. The connecting passage is narrow to control the flow of air between the two chambers.

Abstract: A first piece 6, a second piece 8 and a third piece 10 are formed of a rubber composition. These pieces 6, 8 and 10 are formed by means of separate molds, respectively. The pieces 6, 8 and 10 are set in a semivulcanization state. The pieces 6, 8 and 10 are put in a final mold 11. Furthermore, a rubber composition 12 is put in the final mold 11. The rubber composition 12 is used for a body. The first piece 6 has a silver color, the second piece 8 and the third piece 10 have an orange color, and the rubber composition 12 has a black color. The final mold 11 is clamped and is then heated so that the pieces 6, 8 and 10 and the rubber composition 12 are vulcanized and bonded.

Abstract: The present invention provides a critical design element for the sole (20) of a golf shoe that has been heretofore overlooked. This novel improvement is provided by precisely defining a previously unknown proper angle (26) of inclination at 4.5 degrees for the height of the heel area (24) of the sole above the ball of the foot area (22) of the sole. This better balanced “foot print” permits better traction during the golf swing by means of more of the sole being in contact with the ground. More importantly, the present invention defines an improved “platform” angle of inclination for playing golf that provides proper posture, proper balance, optimum body position versus the ball position, enhanced weight distribution for better traction, and better short game posture.

Abstract: The planting of individual sea grass plants or small bunches of sea grass plants is known in the prior art. In the prior art these plantings are made either manually or with appropriate machinery. This invention deals with the digging, transporting and planting of large slabs of sea grass. The process of the invention comprises the steps of digging a slab of sea grass, transporting the slab of sea grass to a new location, digging a furrow with the same apparatus that is used to dig the slab of sea grass and depositing the slab of sea grass in the furrow.

Abstract: An automatically operated shovel, which includes a power shovel and an automatic operation controller 50 for making the power shovel reproduce a series of taught operations ranging from digging to dumping, is characterized in that the automatic operation controller is provided with a positioning determination means 511 for determining whether or not the power shovel has reached within a taught position range predetermined based on corresponding one of positioning accuracies set for individual taught positions of said power shovel, and, when the power shovel is determined to have reached within the predetermined taught position range, the automatic operation controller outputs a next taught position as a target position.

Abstract: An elastic-bodied crawler, in which a ground pressure distribution is equalized and generation of local wear in use is prevented to provide for durability, and which is driven by drive power from driven projections provided on an inner peripheral surface of the crawler, comprises load propagating means embedded centrally of the crawler in a widthwise direction to extend over treads of rollers. The load propagating means causes pressing forces (ground pressure) of the rollers to act generally in the widthwise direction whereby a ground pressure distribution on a ground surface of the crawler is equalized, local wear in lug portions is eliminated to enhance durability of the crawler.

Abstract: The present invention is a clothing iron capable of lifting the iron, and thus the hot sole plate of the iron, away from a surface on which the iron rests when the iron is not in use, to reduce or prevent damage to the surface on which the iron rests. An important characteristic of the invention is that the sole plate of the iron is lifted in a direction including a vertical vector, with a plane of the sole plate remaining roughly horizontal. The elevation of the iron is accomplished through the use of an elevation mechanism including apparatus for extending at least one leg from the underside of the iron when the sensor indicates that the user's hand is not in contact with the iron.

Abstract: To provide an economical means for displaying images and text adequately resistant to deterioration caused by the passage of time, the weather and atmospheric conditions, requires the selection of an element naturally resistant, affordable and workable, from an array of readily available material, and the application of a combination of arts and sciences such as photography and photoengraving, the use of existing laser devices, and/or direct exposure of a light sensitive surface followed by deep etching, in order to render an image/text into this material and yet further enhance it for corrosion protection.

Abstract: An advertisement-display device (10) and method of advertisement is disclosed. The advertisement-display device (10) is intended for use in displaying advertisement information to passengers within an aircraft. In one embodiment, the advertisement-display device (10) comprises a substrate (77), adhesive (81) on a substrate bottom surface (103) and advertisement indicia (79) on substrate (77). The advertisement indicia (79) is oriented for viewing along substrate top surface (101). The advertisement-display device (10) is attached to a suitable information-display surface (65) on an aircraft tray table (11). The method of advertising includes providing an advertisement-display device (10) and adhering the device (10) to a suitable information-display surface (65) on a tray table (11) within the aircraft so that the advertisement information can be viewed by a passenger on the aircraft.

Abstract: A universal information tab for a garment hanger. The universal information tab having a U-shaped bracket. The U-shaped bracket having two legs extending substantially parallel to each other. The two legs are connected to a bridge. The U-shaped bracket defining an inner surface. The inner surface having an integrally formed flange projecting perpendicularly inwardly from the inner surface and an integrally formed gripper at a second end of each leg for preventing the information tab from slipping off the hanger.

Abstract: An advertising sign device comprising an abutment plate including receptacles arranged in a predetermined order each having a seat, a lamp assembly including a plurality of serially connected lamps mounted on the seats, a back plate, and a cover. Advantages, such as quick assembly and colorful scheme of lamp assembly, easy replacement of lamps, prolonged useful life, lower manufacturing cost, and safety are achieved.

Abstract: An accessory ball system for providing a versatile and visually appealing device that promotes allegiance to an entity. The accessory ball system includes a spherical ball having an upper portion and a lower portion, a plurality of streamers attached to a rear portion of the ball via a conventional fastener or partially secured within an aperture within the ball, and a lower opening for securing upon a pole structure. The ball is preferably constructed of a solid structure wherein the outer surface of the upper portion and the lower portion are comprised of different colors representing an entity such as a school. The plurality of streamers are preferably comprised of one or more colors to represent the entity the individual desires to show allegiance to. In an alternative embodiment, the lower opening extends completely through the ball into an upper opening for receiving elongated objects such as shoelaces.

Abstract: A merchandising aid in the nature of a combined label/sign holder wherein a sign holder is carried directly by the cover member of the label holder so that the label holder pocket can be readily accessed for insertion or replacement of non-adhesive labels therein without interference from the sign holder. Incorporation of sign holder-supporting members on the cover member of a label holder is shown as particularly advantageous in label holders having locking portions designed to preclude the accidental movement of labels carried thereby. Upper and/or lower grips may also be formed on the cover member to slidingly receive and removably retain additional labels and/or signs without interfering with other merchandise information members.

Abstract: Barrels, a breech structured to interact with such barrel(s), and firearms incorporating such barrels and breech are disclosed. The barrels include a cartridge chamber having an internal surface with a curvature. They also include a guide element located adjacent to and extending away from the cartridge chamber. The guide element is located at a point where a transverse movement of a cartridge being loaded ends during a loading process. The guide element has a surface having a circular shape whose curvature corresponds to the curvature of the internal surface of the cartridge chamber.

Abstract: A decoy and method of moving a decoy, the decoy having a body and a movement system for causing the decoy to move. The movement system comprising guide means connected to the body and drive means for driving the guide means so as to impart movement to the body in at least two directions simultaneously.

Abstract: An ice fishing device for increasing the effective radial fishing range beyond the radius of a fishing hole comprising a fishing rig with a vertical post and a generally horizontal extendable arm. The vertical post moves axially and rotatably relative to the fishing rig and the extendable arm extends radially from the axis of the post for increasing the effective radial fishing range beyond the radius of the fishing hole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of attracting a crustacean comprising generating a sound recording of a feeding crustacean. The invention also provides a device for attracting crustaceans by generating sound waves corresponding to the sounds of a feeding crustacean; a transducer for coupling the sounds to water, and a trap proximal to the transducer for entrapping attracted crustaceans.

Abstract: A battery-powered lighted fishing rod including: a handle having a forward end; a shaft extending from the forward end of the handle; an electroluminescent lamp secured the shaft; and a power source for supplying electrical power to the electroluminescent lamp. In one embodiment, the handle includes a housing which houses a battery and a DC-to-AC inverter for converting the relatively low battery voltage to a relative high AC voltage suitable for driving the electroluminescent lamp and a cover. The cover mates with the housing to form a gripping surface on the handle.

Abstract: An improved spinner bait features a unique double trailer (blade attachment) arrangement. The trailers attach, one behind the other, to a stiff wire leader with jig head. Each trailer features a clevis mounted spinner blade, a bearing bead mounted behind the spinner blade and a sleeve. Each trailer has a detachable latch for securing it to the wire leader/jig head or to another trailer.

Abstract: A fishing line sinker assemblage including a streamlined weighted body that is provided with a longitudinally extending, central bore; and a fishing line securement member that is telescopically received within the central bore of the weighted body for telescopic movement between a first extended position and a second retracted position. The fishing line securement member is constructed from a length of yieldably deformable stainless steel wire and includes a line eyelet that securely grips the fishing line upon movement of the securement member from the first extended position to the second retracted position. The assemblage is fishing line sinker of a configuration such that when it is in use nothing protrudes from the sinker, such as an eyelet or swivel as found in some prior art devices, that can become tangled with weeds, grass or other debris.

Abstract: A gravitational animal trap comprises a trap cage having a movable door, an upturned plate that can be adjusted in terms of different fulcrums thereof, and a sensing device that is pivotally jointed with the upturned plate to activate the door switch. When the prey enters the trap cage and steps on the upturned plate, causing the upturned plate to alter the state of equilibrium due to the gravitational force of the prey, the sensing device is activated to shut the movable door, thus achieving the object of entrapping the prey. A weight-adjusting balance device can be further installed with the present invention to effectively improve upon the sensitivity and timing for the shutting of the movable door of the gravitational animal trap.

Abstract: A method for selecting an effective removal agent and a method of removing drag reducer additive from liquid hydrocarbon fuels, preferably gasoline or jet fuel.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems for collecting excess water applied to crops, treating the collected water and reusing the treated water for agricultural purposes or delivering it to ground water streams with so as to achieve cost savings, healthier plants, and reduce the environmental burden. The cost of providing water to crops, the amount of herbicides and/or pesticides delivered to the crops and the quantities of nitrogen fertilizer required is significantly reduced by a) capturing as much as possible of the water provided to the planting area which is not taken up by the planted crops, b) treating that captured water with ozone and c) reapplying the ozone treated water to the crops. The quality and quantity of food stuffs produced is also increased by the process.

Abstract: A method for in-season fertilizer nitrogen application based on predicted yield potential and a nutrient response index. The inventive method includes the steps of: determining a nutrient response index for a field; determining the normalized difference vegetation index of an area to fertilize; determining a predicted crop yield for said area; determining an attainable crop yield for said area; determining nitrogen uptake for the vegetation within said area; and determining the amount of fertilizer nitrogen required by said vegetation. In one embodiment, the normalized difference vegetation index is determined by scanning an area to fertilize with a spectral reflectance sensor which provides reflectance values for red light and near infrared light. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) is defined by: NDVI=(NIR−red)/(NIR+red) where “NIR” is the reflectance value for near infrared light and “red” is the reflectance value for red light.

Abstract: A method for in-season macro and micronutrient application based on predicted yield potential and a nutrient response index. The inventive method includes the steps of: determining a nutrient response index for a field; determining the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) of an area to fertilize; determining a predicted crop yield for the area; determining an attainable crop yield for the area; determining the nutrient requirement for the area as the difference between the nutrient removal at the attainable yield minus the nutrient removal at the predicted yield, adjusted by the efficiency of nutrient uptake in the particular crop. In one preferred embodiment, processing requirements at the time of application of the nutrient are eased by generating a lookup table of nutrient requirement relative to measured NDVI prior to application of the nutrient.

Abstract: A method of modifying the growth of plant roots is provided in which the roots are grown in proximity to a membrane from which water is released during the growth of the roots, wherein the membrane is a hydrophobic porous membrane or a hydrophilic non-porous membrane. The method may also be used to collect materials exuded from plant roots by growing the plant roots in a growing medium that is surrounded by a membrane such that moisture is released into the growing medium from the membrane whilst materials exuded from the plant roots are retained within the growing medium by the membrane, wherein the membrane is a hydrophobic porous membrane or a hydrophilic non-porous membrane.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for growing a plant in a grower's container having an aesthetically pleasing appearance without the use of a decorative container cover when a grown plant contained in the grower's container is on display. The apparatus and method include providing a grower's container, cleaning at least a portion of the grower's container to provide a clean area on which a decorative sticker is applied, disposing growing medium and a floral grouping in the floral grouping retaining space of the decorative grower's container, feeding and watering the floral grouping until it matures to a size desired for marketing, and the decorative grower's container so that the decorative pattern disposed thereon is visible when on display.