Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a drip irrigation system includes a drip irrigation member with a connector and includes a length of tubing. The tubing has an end. A securing member is mounted on the end of the tubing. The end is slidably forced over the connector. The securing member is rolled along the tubing to a position at which the securing member elastically circumferentially compresses the tubing against the connector.

Abstract: A machining tool for manufacturing a radial bearing, and a manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing method using the machining tool are provided. The machining tool includes an inner surface finishing tool to finish an inner circumference surface of a bearing hole provided on a radial bearing. The inner surface finishing tool includes a tool shaft main body member that defines a hollow storage section provided within the tool shaft main body member, a rotatable core piece member mounted inside the hollow storage section in a manner to be rotatable within the tool shaft main body member, and a plurality of roll machining members each with a circular cross-sectional roll machining surface. The plurality of roll machining members rollably abut against the outer circumference surface of the rotatable core piece member. The plurality of roll machining members are in contact under pressure with the inner circumference surface of the bearing hole.

Abstract: A utility knife and various manufacturing methods for the utility knife. In one embodiment, the utility knife includes: (1) a body having a cutting face and (2) a blade-holding slide mounted for linear movement within the body and having a knife-holding head extendable through an opening in the cutting face. The opening has aparallel opposing sides that diverge toward a cutting direction of the utility knife. The knife-holding head has corresponding aparallel opposing sides that cooperate with the sides of the opening to cause a cutting force exerted on the knife-holding head to wedge the blade-holding slide within the opening and thereby stiffen the knife-holding head with respect to the body during operation of the utility knife. In one embodiment of the present invention, the blade-holding slide resiliently urges the knife-holding head to unwedge when the cutting force is removed therefrom.

Abstract: A safety ruler and guide used with a rotary cutter or the cutting tool for cutting fabric, the ruler designed to protect a user's first hand when holding the ruler on top of the fabric while the second hand is cutting the fabric with the cutting tool. The ruler has a vertical guard mounted exactly upright to a base guide, dividing the base equally into a first side and a second side. Each first side and second side display grids, ruler measurements and measuring scale to enable a right or left handed user to properly read and measure length and width of the fabric being cut. The first side and second side also include a ruler edge for measuring the length of fabric being cut, and serving as a guide and cutting edge for the rotary cutter. The user may then cut the fabric using the cutting tool without the cutting tool or fabric moving during cutting. In the event the cutting tool slips while cutting, the hand holding and applying pressure to the ruler is protected by the vertical guard.

Abstract: A kerf deflector for a circular saw is mounted by wedging the deflector between a mounting bolt on the saw and a lip on the table of the saw. The deflector is constructed of clear plastic sections enabling the user to align the advancing blade with the cut line on the board. One section scoops up air from the rotating blade and directs the air between another section and the board surface being cut. The narrowing construction of the air passage strengthens the stream of air on the basis of the venturi principle.

Abstract: A metal cutting circular saw is provided with an upper blade guard which includes a first sight window disposed in a first side surface and disposed in a plane angularly offset from a plane of the blade. The upper blade guard also includes a second sight window disposed in the second side surface of the upper blade guard. A light window is disposed in a front portion of the perimeter outer surface of the upper blade guard. The upper blade guard is made from metal and the first and second sight windows and the light window are integrally formed as a one-piece member. The saw shoe and lower blade guard are configured to minimize chip spray from contacting a user.

Abstract: A multipurpose tool for use by woodworkers or the like and which includes a body portion having end walls and first and second pairs of opposed side walls, with a plurality of level indicating means, at least one magnet recessed in the body portion, and a recess formed in one end of the body portion and extending between the first pair of opposed side walls, and a protractor arm having a longitudinally extending slot mounted in the recess.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring vehicle wheel alignment comprising a yoke having a pair of aligned center pins engageable with a transverse axis in the vehicle; a collimated beam projector connectable to the yoke and adapted to project its beam at right angles to the axis of the center pins, and longitudinally of the vehicle with reference to the transverse axis and a target for the beam so attachable to a wheel of the vehicle that alignment of the wheel can be measured. In one embodiment the target is a mirror and the projector is provided with a transverse scale for measuring the reflected beam. In the other embodiment the target comprises a set of scales hung or clamped to the wheel.

Abstract: A three-axis algebraic model is used to numerically compensate for magnetic errors in measured magnetic field values in an electronic compass for any orientation of the compass. This model is based on physical principles and uses a linear algebra approach that facilitates computation of the parameters needed for compensation. During a calibration procedure of the electronic compass, magnetic and gravity fields are measured in three axes at each of a variety of combinations of orientations and azimuths. This set of measured magnetic and gravity fields is used to calculate a matrix compensation coefficient and a vector compensation coefficient using a system of equations. These compensation coefficients are stored and then used during normal operations of the electronic compass to correct all subsequently measured magnetometer data to obtain corrected values for the Earth's magnetic field, from which the correct azimuth can be calculated.

Abstract: A tilt detector includes a magnet, a plurality of magnetoelectric transducers, a container, and a mounting member for mounting the magnet. The mounting member is rotatably supported within the container and the plurality of magnetoelectric transducers is mounted on the container. The tilt detector detects a tilt condition from signals generated by the magnetoelectric transducers due to changes in a relative position of the magnet and the magnetoelectric transducers as the mounting member rotates within the container.

Abstract: A level apparatus is provided with an elongate level and a support. The level and the support each have opposed ends, front and rear faces and top and bottom faces. The top and bottom faces of the support are substantially planar and parallel to one another, and the top and bottom faces of the level are substantially planar and parallel to one another. A central position on the support is pivotally connected to the level such that the rear face of the support is in opposed facing relationship to the front face of the level. The level can be used in a conventional manner without utilizing the support. However, the support can be pivoted relative to the level into an orientation where the top or bottom face of the support can be positioned on the upper face of a beam such that the level extends downwardly from the support and the beam. The level then can be used to define a plumb line to which other structural elements can be positioned or compared.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is utilized to measure relative rigid body motion between two bodies by measuring linear motion in the principal axis and linear motion in an orthogonal axis. From such measurements it is possible to obtain displacement, departure from straightness, and angular displacement from the principal axis of a rigid body.

Abstract: A form measuring sensor (33) includes a stylus (40), a body (60) for holding the stylus (40) through an adaptor (50), the adaptor (50) including a stylus attachment (51) for the stylus (40) to be attached, a body attachment (52) to be attached to the body (60), and an elastically deformable connector (53) for connecting the stylus attachment (51) and the body attachment (52), where the sensor (33) and a threaded hole (100) are relatively moved to cause an elastic deformation of the connector (53) allowing a displacement of the stylus (40) in accordance with surface configuration of the threaded hole (100), so that the elastic deformation of the connector (53) is detected by a strain gauge (71) to detect the displacement of a contact portion (42A) to collect continuous configuration data of the threaded hole (100) within a short period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the diameter of a measured object including a frame having a quick disconnect fitting that demountably couples to a sensor selected from a collection of different length sensors so that the measurement range for determining diameters is increased. Each different length sensor includes a sensor probe tip that is biased in an outward direction therefrom so that when a selected sensor is coupled to the quick disconnect fitting, the probe tip contacts the measured object. The sensor includes means to generate a signal indicative of its probe tip position, and a microprocessor is programmed to receive the generated signal and provide an output display that corresponds to the diameter of the measured object.

Abstract: A measuring cable travel sensor includes a housing accommodating a measuring cable drum and a rotary spring urging the cable drum in the direction of winding of a measuring cable thereon. At least one braking magnet is arranged either on the cable drum or on the housing to provide for magnetic control of the rotary movement of the cable drum at least in the cable winding-on direction. The cable drum may also carry holding magnets for holding the winding cable into close contact with the peripheral surface of the cable drum. The housing may also have a band extending at least in part around the cable drum for correctly positioning the cable thereon as it is being wound on.

Abstract: A multiple layer reflective polarizer 12 is described. This element is placed between and optical cavity 24 and an LCD module 16 to form an optical display. The reflective polarizer reflects some light into the optical cavity 24 where it is randomized and may ultimately emerge with the correct polarization to be transmitted out of the display.

Abstract: Freeze-dried products of high quality produced from materials to be freeze-dried in a freeze-drying apparatus comprising a sealed vessel enclosing a processing chamber provided therein with a rotary cage receiving a gas-permeable container containing one or more frozen products of the said material, prepared by freezing the said material with dry ice, and a heating device for heating the frozen product by radiant heat rays, wherein the freeze-dried product is produced by a process which can attain efficient sublimating removal of large amount of carbon dioxide gas evolved from dry ice and of moisture included in the material, while preventing adhesion of the frozen products to each other and while permitting reduction of the sublimation duration, wherein the frozen product retained in the gas-permeable container placed in the rotary cage is heated uniformly by the heating device under vacuum condition while holding it under rotational movement to thereby facilitate the sublimation of dry ice and of the frozen

Abstract: Freeze-dried products of high quality produced from materials to be freeze-dried in a freeze-drying apparatus comprising a sealed vessel enclosing a processing chamber provided therein with a rotary cage receiving a gas-permeable container containing frozen pieces of the said material, prepared by freezing the said material with a refrigerant, and a heating device for heating the frozen material by radiant heat rays, wherein the freeze-dried product is produced by a process which can attain, even when dry ice is used as the refrigerant, efficient sublimating removal of large amount of carbon dioxide gas evolved from dry ice and of moisture included in the material, while preventing adhesion of the frozen pieces of the said material to each other and while permitting reduction of the sublimation duration, wherein the frozen material retained in the gas-permeable container placed in the rotary cage is heated uniformly by the heating device under vacuum condition while it is being maintained under rotational mov

Abstract: A system for high-pressure drying of semiconductor wafers includes the insertion of a wafer into an open vessel, the immersion of the wafer in a liquid, pressure-sealing of the vessel, pressurization of the vessel with an inert gas, and then the controlled draining of the liquid using a moveable drain that extracts water from a depth maintained just below the gas-liquid interface. Thereafter, the pressure may be reduced in the vessel and the dry and clean wafer may be removed. The high pressure suppresses the boiling point of liquids, thus allowing higher temperatures to be used to optimize reactivity. Megasonic waves are used with pressurized fluid to enhance cleaning performance. Supercritical substances are provided in a sealed vessel containing a wafer to promote cleaning and other treatment.

Abstract: A sport sandal comprises a sole having at least one through hole, and a strap having at least one placing tape which is replaceably disposed in said through hole of said sole such that said placing tape is joined with said strap in various forms.

Abstract: An insole insert for application into a shoe, and which is formed as a laminar material of various layers of paper, polymer, stranded thermoplastic or thermosetting material, foams of select consistencies and texture, in addition to a felt or microfiber type of upper layer, to add to the cushioning and softness of the insert, when applied. The insert, when subjected to heat and pressure, particularly pressure applied by the foot, conforms to the contours of the foot, and sustains such, even after prolonged usage after application into a shoe.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a removable strap for a snowboard boot to preventing the rider's foot from lifting in the boot. The ankle strap enables a soft boot to be used with both a strap-less step-in binding system, and a strap binding system. Another aspect is a snowboard binding including a strap adapted to releasably secure the snowboard boot and constructed and arranged to avoid creation of a pressure point at an instep bone of the rider. A further aspect is an apparatus comprising a snowboard boot and a strap attached thereto. The strap is arranged to prevent the rider's heel from lifting in the snowboard boot, and is constructed and arranged to avoid creation of a pressure point at an instep bone of the rider.

Abstract: An athletic shoe attachment comprises a wedge-shaped shim adapted to be interposed between the bottom of a shoe and a ground engageable traction member. Any selected traction member may be removed and replaced by a shim, and the removed traction member may be mounted on the shim in ground engageable position.

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

Abstract: A money pocket adapted to be selectively fastened to the internal surface of a greeting card is provided. In a first embodiment, the money pocket includes a sheet of material having front and rear surfaces, a top edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of side edges. A continuous or discontinuous adhesive bead or strip is located adjacent the bottom and side edges. The adhesive strip is covered by a cover strip to prevent the adhesive from inadvertently becoming stuck to another object. In use, the cover strips are removed from the adhesive strip(s) and the back surface of the money pocket is secured to the inner surface of a greeting card. Since there is no adhesive adjacent the top edge of the money pocket, the top edge defines an opening to a pocket into which money or checks can be securely positioned. Alternately, the money pocket may include first and second sheets of material which together define a pocket.

Abstract: An illuminating display is provided a reflective panel having a graphical image formed therein. A laser is used to precisely etch the graphics pattern in an optically active surface, such as a mirrored surface. The graphical image is then reproduced on a paper carrier, and then brought into precise registration behind the laser-etched image. Upon backlighting, such as in a light box, the graphical image projects from the surrounding mirrored (reflecting) surface.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a portable display is formed of a plurality of assembleable panels, each of panels having a plurality of edge portions secured together with corner connectors to form a rectangular framework. Panelar sheet material extends over two side of the framework and polyurethane foam in injected into the interior space. Panel connector portions, either of the sliding type, or the peg or plug-in type secure the panels together to form the display. In a preferred embodiment, each panel has four corners each with corner components that engage with the edge portions, preferably by insertion into receiving openings in said edge portions. Said corner components having a receptacle exposed at each corner to permit either connection with plug-in components, for example, panel connectors for vertical stacking of panels or accessory brackets.

Abstract: A folding traffic-warning device includes an enclosure and enclosure base define first and second ballast compartments, which may be filed with sand, liquid or other material to provide stability during use. A circuit and a battery holder are carried between the first and second ballast compartments. The circuit provides power to a plurality of LEDs carried by a stationary light bar and first and second folding light bars. The folding light bars may be moved between an operational position and a storage position. An axle passing through the enclosure has an upper end attached to the stationary light bar and a lower end attached to a stabilizer bar. In an in-use or operational position, the stabilize bar is oriented perpendicular to the enclosure. In a storage position, the stabilizer bar is oriented parallel to the enclosure.

Abstract: A holder is made from flexible material and is held in tracks of a conventional reader board. The holder has upper and lower edges that lie in a common plane and are normally separated by a first distance. A middle region lies forward of the common plane. The middle region includes channels having downwardly converging surfaces for removably receiving a decoration with similarly converging sides in wedging engagement. At removal, a person uses a suction cup to grip the decoration. Force applied to the suction cup pushes the decoration and the holder middle region toward the reader board, causing the holder middle region to flex and increase the distance between the upper and lower edges of the holder, hence moving the edges farther into the reader board tracks. The holder lower edge is then unable to slide upwardly and come out of the reader board and fall on the person.

Abstract: An auxiliary display for displaying pictures and other material in connection with electronic display devices. The auxiliary display in made in a frame attachable to an electronic display such as a monitor, wherein the frame includes an outer member having an opening, a backing for the outer member for suspending a photo against the opening. The suspension can be against a trap door, which is closable by rotatable fasteners against the backing.

Abstract: An adjustable mirror frame removably attachable to a computer monitor. The frame has a base attachable to a computer monitor and a mirror frame removably attachable to the base in any one of three positions. The mirror frame may be pivoted about the base to provide a desired picture frame position relative to the base and computer monitor.

Abstract: A semi-automatic firing and disconnecting device for a non-hammer fired machine. A first trigger member coupled to the weapon's firing pin and a second trigger member adapted for engagement by a user of the weapon move relative to one another from a first position, in which the trigger members are operably connected to one another, to a second position, in which the trigger members are not operably connected to one another, and back to the first position as a result of firing the weapon. The configuration of the second trigger member, upon the trigger members' returning to the first position from the second position, is altered so that the trigger members are not enabled to fire unless and until the user releases and reengages the second trigger member.

Abstract: A safety catch is provided for firearms, such as pistols and revolvers, having a firing hammer (11) with a thrust spring (13) associated with a spring-holder rod (14) with a free end (16) of a noncircular cross section. The safety catch includes a safety pin (19), which is aligned with the free end of the spring holder (14) and is capable of axial, rotary translatory movements that can be controlled by a defined contour key (20) for a longitudinal blocking of the spring-holder rod (14), so as to prevent the arming and the action of the firing hammer when it is released and inhibits the functioning of the gun in the absence of the key.

Abstract: A firearm safety lock comprises a chamber insert and a muzzle insert secured together through the barrel of a firearm by an swiveling adjustable-length cable connection. The chamber insert is sized to fit within the breech of a firearm, and to prevent the loading of ammunition therein. The chamber insert receives a first end of a flexible cable, which is secured to the chamber insert by a swivel connection. The flexible cable extends the length of the firearm barrel, and is fitted, at the opposite end, to a lock receiving rod. The lock receiving rod includes at least one circumferential groove, and passes through an axial bore in the muzzle insert. The flexible cable length is adjusted such that a portion of the lock receiving rod is retained within the barrel, and a portion extends external thereto.

Abstract: A buttstock assembly has a buttstock that holds a plurality of removable and sealable tubes. The buttstock has a butt plate, an elongated body extending perpendicularly away from the butt plate, and a structural web coupled to the butt plate and elongated body. The elongated body defines a central cavity and an elongated cavity on either side thereof. Each tube is sealable and forms a sliding fit with one elongated cavity.

Abstract: A firearm assembly including a fluid deflector adapted to be connected to a discharge end of a barrel of a firearm, the fluid deflector including a first passage for flow therethrough of a fluid and a second passage in fluid communication with and angled with respect to the first passage for flow therethrough of the fluid.

Abstract: A barrel assembly (70) comprising a plurality of projectiles (75) axially disposed within a barrel (71) and associated with discrete selectively ignitable propellant charges (74) for propelling the projectiles from the barrel. The essence of the invention is the provision of a pressure relief valve, for example comprised by a port (73) and plug (76), associated with a chamber in which a propellant charge (74) is ignited. The pressure relief valve (73, 76) is designed to prevent catastrophic failure of the barrel (71) by exhausting via a chamber (72) in the event that the barrel is blocked by a projectile and detonation of one or more propellant charges (74) occurs.

Abstract: A portable folding stand for camouflage includes a generally flat base with a generally flat camouflage holder portion foldably hinged thereto. The camouflage holder portion is generally semicircular, with a straight attachment edge and a circular periphery having a series of branch holder sockets disposed therealong. The base includes a pair of opposed passages therethrough, for accepting a set of spikes or the like for anchoring the device to the ground. The hunter, photographer, wildlife observer, etc. deploys the present camouflage stand by inserting the two spikes through their passages and driving the spikes into the underlying terrain, unfolding the camouflage holder to deploy the holder generally perpendicular to the base, cutting a series of tree or shrub branches or the like, and inserting the freshly cut branches into the camouflage holder sockets to deploy the branches radially generally in a single plane, in a generally fan-like array.

Abstract: A waterfowl decoy anchor system and method for using the same. The anchor includes a bail secured to an anchor base, a band secured to the bail through a bore in the anchor base. A tether attaches the anchor to a decoy. The tether is wound about the bail and the bail is positioned over the forward edge of the decoy keel. The band is secured over the rearward edge of the decoy keel.

Abstract: Thermoplastic resin compositions are provided that possess improved acoustic reflectivity. The compositions are useful in preparing acoustically reflective fishing nets that can be used in a method of fishing to avoid the unwanted capture of cetaceans.

Abstract: In an intra-line fishing rod, a rod tube comprises a synthetic resin as a matrix, and is reinforced by reinforced fibers. A guide is formed integrally with and projects from an inner surface of the rod tube. A cushioning portion is formed between the guide and a body layer of the rod tube which is composed predominantly of axially-extending fibers, and cushioning portions are formed respectively at front and rear sides of the guide connected to the inner surface of the rod tube. The cushioning portions are smaller in bending modulus than a bulge portion region of the guide for contact with a fishline, and the inner surface is formed with a mirror-like smoothness.

Abstract: An animal trap includes a housing having a bottom wall, side walls, a top wall and a front opening in the side walls, opposing slots in the side walls adjacent the opening, and opposing channels in the side walls immediately behind the slots; a door slidably mounted in the slots for movement between raised and lowered positions to unblock and block the opening; a platform pivotally positioned on the bottom wall; levers pivotally mounted to the side walls adjacent the opening, each having a front end catch for engaging a lower end of the door to hold the door in the raised position, and a rear end; and lifters slidably guided by the channels for vertical movement between the rear end of the lever and one end of the platform, to cause pivoting of the levers and closing of the door upon pivoting of the platform.

Abstract: The invention relates to a non-chemical device for repelling flies from a covered area open to the outside, the invention hung from edges of the covered area. The device repels flies from such covered area using the prismatic effect of ambient light passing through the fluid contents of the transparent container without the use of pesticides, sticky films or residue which can contaminate and harm the environment. The device may also use mild chemical repellants to the liquid contents to prevent flying insects from entering the liquid contents deterring the laying eggs upon the liquid.

Abstract: A Drosophila fruit fly attractant composition including: a volatile short chain carboxylic acid, a volatile short chain alcohol, a volatile aryl substituted alcohol, and a nitrogen compound. The invention also includes Drosophila fruit fly attractant-trapant compositions.

Abstract: A housing is provided for a station or device adapted for monitoring and/or controlling termites or other insects, and which is adapted to be situated in or on soil or sand. The housing contains a substance attractive for termite exploration and/or termite feeding, and comprises at least one wall and at least one surface, which surface defines at least one path attractive to termites, such as a groove or a channel. The housing can be adapted to receive a second insect monitoring and controlling device.

Abstract: A flexible vase that is suspendible from a smooth surface is disclosed. The vase is formed by a watertight pouch that has an open mouth for receiving flowers. The pouch is formed by sealing the edges of two layers of flexible, watertight materials together. One of the pouch layers extends beyond the other at the mouth to form a flap. The flap has an oval button hole. The vase also uses a suction cup that may be mounted to a smooth surface. The back of the cup has a button and a shaft between the button and the back of the cup. The pouch may be removably suspendible from the suction cup by stretching the oval button hole over the button and onto the shaft. The vase may also have a transparent pocket for receiving a card. The vase may also be dispensed from a perforated roll of two-ply material such as polyethylene.

Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping comprising a floral holding material and a sheet of material. The floral holding material is constructed of a material capable of receiving a portion of a floral grouping and supporting the floral grouping. The sheet of material is extended about a portion of the floral holding material and a crimped portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the floral holding material to provide a decorative covering.

Abstract: A revolving door (1) comprising at least two operating sashes (2, 3) and at least three arc-shaped side walls (4, 5, 6), arranged opposite one or several entrance passages (7, 8) or exit passages (9, 10) at the drum periphery. The door is characterised in that it comprises a control mechanism acting on the operating sashes (2, 3) for extending or retracting the arc-shaped lateral walls (4, 5, 6) which open or close access to the passages. The door is applicable in particular to passenger traffic in airports.

Abstract: A utility pipe encasement collar for preventing water from weather related sources such as rain and snow from traveling rearwardly along the exterior surface of the utility pipe and into a building structure from which the pipe projects. In a first embodiment the collar includes a weather proof elastomeric sheet material having an opening therethrough sized to inherently huggingly accommodate a utility pipe passed through the opening, and a generally rigid support member extending laterally from the elastomeric sheet material. In a second embodiment the collar includes a first generally rigid weather proof sheet member having an upright generally U-shape opening therethrough and a second generally rigid weather proof sheet member having an inverted generally U-shape opening therethrough.

Abstract: A conduit housing for enclosing the juncture between a roof and an elongated conduit such as flexible cable or a pipe extending upwardly through the roof is disclosed. The housing may be installed while the conduit remains in situ and without disconnecting the conduit from an external utility to which it is connected. The housing includes first and second base sections, a hood, and a conduit opening extending through a side wall of the housing. The base sections are slidably engageable with each other around the conduit on the roof to form a base assembly. The base assembly has an open top and extends peripherally around an interior region containing a lower portion of the conduit. The hood is engageable with the base assembly to cover at least the open top of the base assembly. The conduit opening is sized to provide a passage for the conduit from within the interior region to an external region outside the housing, and it may extend through a side wall of the base assembly or a side wall of the hood.