Abstract: A measuring instrument includes a spindle (11) provided to a body (1), a sleeve (31) movable in the same direction as the spindle and stoppable at a desired position, a connector (41) for connecting the sleeve and the spindle and allowing relative movement of the sleeve and the spindle in the moving direction thereof by a predetermined stroke; a pressure spring (61) accommodated in the sleeve for biasing the spindle in a direction for the spindle to abut to the workpiece through the connector, and a biasing force indicator (71) for indicating the pressure spring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a grain roasting apparatus in which a blower is installed at one side of a body having a support at a lower portion of the same, a heated air flow path is installed in the blower, a heater is provided, a peel collecting port and a discharge port are installed at the other side of the body, rotation portions are installed in an upper portion of the heated air flow path and an upper portion of the discharging port, respectively, a rotary drum is installed in the rotation portions, rotation members are rotated together with the rotary drum, the rotary drum is inserted into the rotation members, the rotary is installed eccentrically about a rotation center, support portions are installed opposite each other at both ends of the same, a heated air flow port having a net and connected with the heated air flow path is protruded from one side of the support, the heated air inlet is inserted into an insertion portion of the rotary port, respectively, and is supported therein, a ring gea

Abstract: The helmet dryer described includes an electric fan mounted in a base having a stanchion for supporting a helmet. The dryer provides convenience in removing moisture from a helmet worn during strenuous activities. The electric fan delivers air through perforations in the stanchion which circulates along the inside of the helmet for drying purposes. The helmet is separated from the stanchion by spacers affixed to a dome to insure a proper, complete air flow along the inside of the helmet.

Abstract: A method for making wood with heartwood has steps of forming a wood log with a heartwood from a tree, pressure treatment to the wood log with the heartwood, drying the wood log and forming the wood log to a desired shape. The pressure treatment process is to apply a desired pressure to the wood log to reduce a moisture content of the wood log with the heartwood to an even level. This can avoid the wood log with the heartwood to split, crack or deform during the drying process. The utilization of a tree can be increased, and the process for gain a wood material is simplified.

Abstract: A vapor collection method and apparatus capable of capturing vapor compositions without substantial dilution. The method and apparatus utilize a material that has a surface with an adjacent gas phase. A chamber is positioned in close proximity to a surface of the material. The position of the chamber creates a relatively small gap between the surface of the material and the chamber. The adjacent gas phase between the chamber and the surface define a region possessing an amount of mass. At least a portion of the mass is drawn through the region by induced flow. The utilization of a small gap limits the flow of mass that is external to the chamber from being swept through the chamber by induced flow.

Abstract: The ventilated footwear comprises a lower part incorporating a sole, an upper part coupled to the lower part and shaped to receive a foot of a wearer. The upper part has an arch portion and is provided with an inside surface adapted to permit air circulation therethrough, and an outside surface provided with ventilation holes located in the arch portion of the upper part of the footwear. A waterproof and breathable membrane is sandwiched between the inside and outside surfaces in the arch portion of the upper part of the footwear across the holes. Furthermore, an insole is preferably disposed into the footwear. The insole has an arch portion adjacently located to the arch portion of the upper part of the footwear. The upper layer of the insole is adapted to permit air circulation therethrough. The insole has a bottom layer provided with transverse intersecting channels extending inwardly from a peripheral edge of the insole.

Abstract: Support is provided to the foot of a shoe wearer by an air cushion that includes a support chamber surrounding a collapsible pump operable by the foot of the wearer for directing compressed air into the support chamber and varying the firmness of the chamber. The support chamber is of a preformed three-dimensional configuration of sufficient rigidity to provide stable support to the foot prior to receiving compressed air from the pump.

Abstract: A new and improved shock absorption mechanism for shoes comprising a plurality of members defining an upper support planar surface and a lower support planar surface. The upper planar surface and lower planar surface are moveable toward and away from each other. A plurality of near-collapsible members are operatively connected between the upper and lower planar surfaces. The collapsible members are moveable between an extended position and a collapsed position. Each of the collapsible members has a spring associated therewith for urging the members into their extended position. The plurality of members and the collapsible members are connected and positioned within a collapsible heel of a shoe.

Abstract: A snowblower apparatus and a method of using the snowblower. The snowblower apparatus is self contained and portable and may be mounted on a prime mover. A turbine engine is located within a housing and discharges its exhaust to the desired area of snow or ice removal. The housing is rotatable and tiltable about orthogonal axes so as to allow the operator to direct the discharge nozzle to a desired location. A fuel tank may be mounted separately from the housing and turbine engine. An afterburner may be used to increase the exhaust temperature thereby to remove ice and otherwise dry the desired location.

Abstract: A winch attachment for a backhoe replaces a bucket normally carried on the backhoe boom to allow the backhoe to engage in winching operations. The winch attachment includes a winch bracket which is detachably secured to the mounting bracket on the end of the boom where the bucket is normally mounted. The winch bracket includes a pivotally mounted frame carrying the winch drum and cable so that the winch can be pivoted to the side when necessary. Quick connect hydraulic couplings are applied to the hydraulic winch motor to allow the backhoe hydraulic system to control the operation of the winch.

Abstract: A license plate frame (10) that includes a first horizontal section (14) having a pair of mounting tabs (22) and a second horizontal section (16) having a pair of indicia emblems (44). The-design of the frame (10) allows the frame to be attached to a vehicle license plate (80) in either of two selectable positions: in the first position the frame (10) is attached to the vehicle with the pair of emblems (44) located on the lower section of the frame; in the second position the frame (10) is attached to a vehicle with the pair of emblems located on the upper section of the frame.

Abstract: A cover with a top opening for a container having a container rim has a removable top cover. The cover may be used with a straw by piecing or removing the top cover. The top opening has a perimeter and at least a portion of the top opening has a perimeter treated with a bulb or fiber optics or flourescent material which glows in the dark after exposure to light or in reaction to an influx of power. The cover may be removable or permanently attached to the container along the container rim. A brand identifier may also be illuminated. A tab type lever may be used as the illuminated top cover. The flourescent paint may be sealed within a clear container.

Abstract: A trailer hitch display apparatus having readily attachable/detachable display panels. Generally comprising a housing, a display panel and a connecting assembly. The housing generally carries a left turn signal, a right turn signal, a left tail light, a right tail light, a brake light, a protective cover and the display panel, wherein the turn signals, the tail lights and the brake light are electrically connected to the wiring of the vehicle to allow another rearwardly traveling vehicle to observe through the trailer hitch display apparatus any traffic signals or tail lights. The connecting assembly comprises a trailer-hitch attaching member dimensioned to be received within the receiving trailer-hitch member of the vehicle. A plurality of throughholes is provided in the trailer-hitch attaching member for inserting a retention pin to secure the two members together.

Abstract: Described herein is a portable display system including a collapsible frame comprised of a plurality of box units defined by spaced hubs with pivotable members extending therebetween. In one aspect of the invention, a locking feature is provided between the members and the hub. In another aspect of the invention, a hook-type mounting between the members and the hub is described. More than one of these display systems can be mounted one to another with a clip that is provided between adjacent outward-most hubs of two different systems. A cage also is described, which permits assembly and disassembly of the collapsible unit into two separate packageable parts. A button also is disclosed which permits two parts of the display to be mounted removably to another.

Abstract: A display device for large scale billboard displays comprises a set of image carriers each defining a respective sequence of image frames and each having directional properties such that different image frames are viewable from different viewing directions relative to the image carrier. A support device supports the image carriers such that they together form a composite display and an adjustment device is provided operable to adjust the orientation of the image carriers relative to the support device such that corresponding frames of each image carrier are simultaneously viewable by an observer at a predetermined position relative to the display apparatus. The image carriers may be lenticular members in which lenticular lenses overlay interdigitated strips of image elements.

Abstract: A metal-can label is bonded to a metal can by heating. The label has a thermally stable transparent label substrate; and adhesive layer composed of a thermosetting resin; and either a printer layer or a deposited metal layer or both. These layers are formed between the transparent label layer and the adhesive layer. The label has, at its edge, a clear portion having a predetermined width in which the transparent label substrate and the adhesive layer are laminated without the interposition of either the print layer or the deposited metal layer. A can having rolled top covering the clear portion of the label is described.

Abstract: An improved identification holder suitable for use in environments conducive to sign deterioration, and having changing subject applications and particular viewing requirements, and that permits easy insertion, and intentional removal and replacement of a flexible information sheet, while substantially preventing intentional or accidental removal or displacement of the information sheet by either small children and the like or elements such as sleet, hail, wind, rain, and other such elements.

Abstract: An extruded holder for an electronic price label (EPL) includes a channel member defined by a base wall and first and second spaced-apart sidewalls that project outwardly from opposite ends of the base wall with respective first and second inner faces arranged in opposed facing relation. The base wall and the sidewalls define a C-shaped recess in the channel member. The sidewall inner faces each define a groove that extends parallel to the base wall, and an associated EPL is adapted for receipt in the recess with first and second projections of the EPL respectively positioned in the first and second grooves. A clip is connected to the channel member and is adapted for releasable connection to a wide variety of different retail shelf fixtures. The clip is defined by a base member and a back member interconnected to define an L-shaped cross-sectional shape, and the clip is further defined by a connecting arm that has a first end connected to the clip base member and a second end connected to the channel member.

Abstract: An information panel that is easily installed on a vending machine spiral in order to identify the product associated with the spiral. The invention comprises a convex channel, that nests with the concave surface at the end of a vending machine spiral, and a graphics surface integral to the convex channel and oriented in the vertical plane for viewing by a consumer of the vending machine. The invention can also incorporate a prior art kicker.

Abstract: A picture frame is comprised of a frame with open opposite sides for displaying pictures on both sides. Partitions in the frame define slots that receive picture holders. Entrances to the slots are arranged on one edge of the frame. Each picture holder is comprised of two transparent sheets joined along three edges. An open edge is arranged for receiving a picture. Offset notches along the partitions between the slots enable the holders to be grabbed more easily. A pin is inserted through tabs projecting from the partitions for locking in the holders. The frame is pivoted on a base, so that the frame can be pivoted back when reversed. A slidable arm is attached to the base, and is slid toward the side that the frame is tilted to improve stability.

Abstract: A changeable frame for supporting flat surfaced items such as pictures, posters, placards or the like, is provided, which includes a plurality of frame border strips which collectively form the border of the changeable frame. Each frame border strip includes a base profile member and a cover member movable between a closed item retaining position in which an item is retained by the changeable frame and the cover member partially extends over and exerts a resilient biasing force against the item and an open position. Each frame border strip also includes a pivot arrangement for pivotally mounting the base profile member and the cover member to one another. The pivot arrangement includes a fulcrum formed on the base profile member which is contacted by a counter stop surface formed on the cover member to prevent an overpivot movement of the cover member beyond its predetermined pivot travel.

Abstract: An improved firearm having a low creep, safety trigger. The firearm includes a frame, a barrel attached to the frame, a firing mechanism, a step having an adjustable step height, an over travel stop, and a sear and step trigger assembly with a secondary sear block. The secondary sear block is selectively movable between a first blocking position and a second non-blocking position.

Abstract: A butt structure for a pneumatic gun includes a butt frame, a sleeve, a pneumatic control means and an inner tube. The sleeve has a front end with the outer peripheral surface forming a screw section and a lateral side forming a first slot. The pneumatic control means includes an adjusting ring, a retain ring and a push rod. The adjusting ring is coupled on the screw section and has an inner peripheral surface forming a retain trough. The retain element is to anchor the push rod and has a pin located on the lateral side. The inner tube is housed in the sleeve and fastened to the rear end of the duct of the pneumatic gun and has the lateral side forming a second slot corresponding to the first slot. The retain element and the push rod of the pneumatic control means are housed in the inner tube. The pin of the retain element runs through the first and the second slots and engages with the retain trough of the adjusting ring; The front end of the push rod presses the retain rod of the cartridge firing mechanism.

Abstract: A dog blind including a hollow body shell having a neck extending therefrom and configured as a waterfowl. The hollow body shell includes a chest region having a door therein for selectively releasing a dog, such as a retriever, restrained within the shell.

Abstract: The apparatus includes three 1.5 volt D-size batteries and two electric motors with arms and/or shafts extending to the head and tail area. The apparatus is mounted inside a commercial duck decoy and provides vertical head movement and propulsion with resulting water splashing and rippling actions when the decoy is afloat. These motions enhance the attraction of the decoys to flying waterfowl.

Abstract: A fly rod reel seat butt protection device is comprised of a rubber body resiliently expandable for covering and conforming to shafts and rimmed butts of fly rod reel seats. The body has an axial bore at its front end and a conical exterior surface convergently tapering from the front end to a domed-shaped rear. An annular ridge and an inwardly projecting annular recess are formed about the conical interior surface of the body for receiving and attaching to an annular rim of the fly rod reel seat butt.

Abstract: Switchable mosquito expelling/killing device including a box body having a clip body for hanging the box body on a user's body. The box body is disposed with a pushing block, an electric mosquito incense mat insertion hole, gas releasing slots, DC socket and a switch. An oscillating circuit and a heater fixing seat, an electric heater and a cell for supplying power are disposed in the box body. The box body can be co-used with a transformer socket to be used indoors. By means of switching the switch outside the box body, the mosquito expelling/killing device can be switched between a mosquito expeller using the oscillating circuit to-generate a sound wave simulating the sound wave of male mosquitoes for expelling fertilized female mosquitoes and an electric mosquito incense device using the electric heater to heat electric mosquito incense mat for releasing mosquito-killing incense to kill the mosquitoes.

Abstract: An insect bait station is disclosed. The insect bait station includes: a reservoir for holding a liquid bait, the reservoir having a mouth and a closure for sealing the mouth such that the liquid bait is contained in the reservoir; a piercer for opening the closure of the reservoir such that a liquid wicking device positioned in the mouth of the reservoir may transport the liquid bait from the reservoir and through the mouth of the reservoir; and an activation member for moving the piercer into contact with the closure of the reservoir to open the closure, wherein the insect bait station also comprises an insecticide.

Abstract: Plastic bags are continuously formed and filled with sand, soil and gravel to fabricate flexible soft bricks of various shapes and configurations which may be laid on the ground to stabilize sand for growing vegetation or to prevent soil depletion due to water erosion or to grow vegetation in them. Protective housings made of plastic membrane material may be erected in dry or desert regions for growing trees and vegetation. The lower portion of the housing may be located below ground into a trench. Self operating knives are located in the housing to sever the plastic membrane material when the tree grown in the housing has reached a predetermined maturity. Tree planting bullets are provided to facilitate forestation by airplane to land inaccessible regions. The tree seedling is located in supported in an embryonic sack located in a depression formed in the rear portion of the bullet head.

Abstract: A plant container containing side walls extending from a bottom to a top opening so as to define a cavity, the top opening smaller than the bottom; means for introducing seeds of the plant into the cavity from the bottom.

Abstract: A device for turnable and slidable suspension of sheet elements including a coupling member (100) which is supported by a rail and has an elongate groove (101) in essentially the same direction as the rail, and a coupling pin which is non-rotationally arranged on the sheet element coinciding with its pivot axis and which is slidable in the groove of the coupling member. The groove of the coupling member has an inclined lateral cam surface (102) and at least one essentially part-circular recess (104), with a center axis (E) which is essentially parallel to the pivot axis of the sheet element, in the inclined lateral surface (102).

Abstract: A safety catch assembly is described in the environment of use of a vertical lift door panel. The preferred safety catch assembly in general includes: first and second brake members; an actuator assembly including a stay mechanism and a release mechanism; and, a biasing mechanism constructed and arranged to move the first and second brake members into braking positions, in response to a defined, selected, catastrophic failure. In general, the stay mechanism operates to maintain the first and second brake members in free or non-brake positions until the defined catastrophic failure occurs; and, the release mechanism operates to release the first and second brake members for movement into the braking positions, upon the defined catastrophic failure of the lift mechanism.

Abstract: A retrofit power door assembly for installation on a manual door assembly. One aspect is related to a retrofit power door assembly having an axial operator. Another aspect relates to a retrofit power door assembly having a clutch with a manually engageable release member.

Abstract: The window lifter comprises a window slider, a cable driving said window slider, a spring having a mobile cable tensioning portion and having a fixed cable return portion, both portions engaging the cable. This window lifter provides a simplified fabrication and a reduced number of parts.

Abstract: A motorized sliding door mechanism for a motor vehicle having a body structure having a door opening and door. The mechanism includes a motor and drum assembly mounted on the door and a cable system including cable runs anchored to spaced points on the body structure. One cable run is wrapped in one direction around the drum and extends to an anchor point proximate the rear edge of the door opening of the body structure and a second run is wrapped around the drum in an opposite direction and extends to a point at the rear end of a rear guide track for the door which is mounted to the body structure. The cable runs extend from the drum to the anchor points via a pivotal hinge and a guide block at the rear of the door for guiding the sliding movement of the door.

Abstract: This invention relates to a window regulator comprising a guide rail having a slideway of L-section and a window-bearing slider in which is made a notch adapted to allow fit of the slideway. The notch is defined by walls of which zones are in sliding abutment on the adjacent guiding faces of the slideway. The zones of abutment of the slider are formed by regular surfaces with generatrix parallel to the direction of displacement of the slider.

Abstract: In a vehicle door with a door body (10) and a support panel (20) for electrical components, a plug-in connector (22) is provided for electrically connecting said components to an external electrical line. The support panel (20) can be inserted into or can be mounted to cover an opening (18) of the door body (10) in a way which allows that the plug-in connector (22) is accessible from an outer surface of the door body (10) for a plug-in connection to said external electrical line. In order to simplify assembling of the door body and the support panel, the plug-in connector (22) is fastened permanently to the support panel (20) on its inward-facing side and its insertion port or mouth (22A) is oriented toward the outer side of the door body and, therein, toward an entry opening (24) for the plug-in end of the external electrical line.

Abstract: This connecting device applies to a sealed connection device in which, firstly, each chamber, respectively a stationary chamber “A” and a transportable chamber “B” has at least one access opening equipped with a door (2, 3) cooperating with a flange (4, 5) with the interposition of sealing elements (12, 14), one (2) of the two doors being articulated to its flange (4), and secondly, the two doors (2, 3) have an element to lock their respective flanges (4, 5) and complementary connecting elements which allow them to be connected thereby forming, through contact of sealing elements (12, 16), an internal space “C” isolating their faces (17, 18) opposite each other from the external medium.

Abstract: A rainwater collection and storage system to collect and store roof water, the system comprising water collection slots extending through roof sheets and spaced from the edge of the roof, collection means below the roof sheets to collect the water from at least some of the slots, and at least one tank wall to store the collected water, the at least one tank wall having a narrow section to approximate a wall thickness, and typically extending from a ground floor to adjacent the roof.

Abstract: A panel is provided, which is a building block, for a trade show booth. Each panel includes a support structure having rails secured to the edges. Each rail has magnetic fastening strips and metal guidance blades disposed in the lengthwise extending slots, which engage with similar structures in other panels or other rails. Separate rails have mutually engageable lobes and lobe-engaging openings to allow a plurality of panels to be placed in any trade show booth configuration.

Abstract: A blind for use by hunters, bird watchers, field observers and the like has at least three upstanding walls, a top cover and a bottom pan where at least one of the walls has an opening for ingress and egress and at least one of the walls has an openable and closeable window.

Abstract: A barrier against arthropods crawling along a surface comprises a soft pliable polymer collar portion adapted for tight and substantially continuous receipt against a surface. A mounting portion secures the collar to the surface and serves to preventing relative motion between the collar and the surface. A generally continuous flared skirt member extends from the collar and is comprised of a soft pliable polymer having a arthropod-deterring ingredient molded therein. The skirt defines an unobstructed access opening opposite the collar. The opening is defined by an end of the generally continuous skirt.

Abstract: A columbarium for cremation remains constructed of at least one unit which includes a generally planar bottom surface and at least five vertical outer sides with each side having a corner. A cover supported by a plurality of walls which, along with said outer sides and said bottom, form compartments. An opening in each outer side providing access to a compartment for receiving cremation remains.

Abstract: A pressure equalization valve enabling equalization of pressure between the between-pane space of an insulating glass unit and ambient pressure, and glass units containing such a valve. The pressure equalization valve generally includes a valve body having a cavity therein and opposed, open ends and an elongated valve plug received in said valve body and securably shiftable along its length between plugged and unplugged configurations. The valve may be secured about an aperture in a glass pane. The valve body has a shoulder at one end, and the pane thickness is sandwiched between the shoulder and a washer preferably press-fitted to the other end of the body.

Abstract: A photovoltaic building material comprises a substrate having one or more photovoltaic generating devices encapsulated thereupon. The substrate includes a body of contact adhesive material, preferably protected by a release layer. The material is readily installed onto a roof, wall or other portion of a building structure by use of the adhesive.

Abstract: A utility hub for post and beam furniture systems includes a housing defining an interior space, having a radially disposed notch adapted to laterally receive a vertically extending post therein, and including at least first aperture adapted to allow access to an electrical power receptacle and at least one second aperture adapted to allow access to a communication receptacle. The utility hub also includes a divider member located within the interior space of the housing and substantially dividing the interior space into a first section that includes the first aperture, and a second section that includes the second aperture, and a housing insert located within the notch of the housing, operably connected to the housing, and cooperating with the housing to define a central aperture adapted to receive the post therein.

Abstract: A combination partition screen includes at least two upright supports, each upright support having a plurality of longitudinal coupling portions in corners thereof and a plurality of spacers respectively mounted between each two adjacent upright supports to support partition panels, each spacer having a flat base wall, a flat bearing wall and a flat supporting wall respectively extended from the base wall, an upward stop flange extended from the flat bearing wall and adapted to hold with the flat base wall a partition panel on the flat bearing wall, a downward stop flange extended from the flat supporting wall and adapted to hold with the flat base wall a partition panel below the flat supporting wall, a downward locating flange extended from the flat bearing wall and defining with the flat supporting wall an elongated coupling chamber for hanging things, a flat positioning wall perpendicularly extended from an opposite side of the flat base wall on the middle, an elongated clamping wall extended from the fla

Abstract: A corner piece for covering a corner of a structure defined by two mating walls of the structure and for use in conjunction with siding panels attached to the mating walls includes an ornamented central portion having a first and second lateral edges and a first and second side walls. Each of the first and second side walls has an exterior face and an interior face. The first and second side walls are integrally formed with the ornamented central portion and extend from the first and second lateral edges, respectively. The first and second side walls cover a portion of the first and second mating walls of the structure, respectively, and overlap at least a portion of the siding panels when the siding panels and the corner piece are fastened to the structure.

Abstract: Blocks with internal capsules having superior thermal resistance, solar control qualities, projectile-resistant properties and/or sound-dampening properties are described. The blocks are comprised of a structural exterior that encompasses a capsule. The capsule may be segmented into chambers with dividers. The capsules may be designed to provide various benefits including, but not limited to, improved insulating characteristics, increased projectile resistance, and/or a range of visual, thermal and strength characteristics. Various types of blocks with internal capsules and assembled panels of block with internal capsules are disclosed, along with methods of manufacturing and use of the blocks and panels.

Abstract: An uncured, thermoset resin sheet is reinforced with oriented fibers and is slit to define a desired length for the fibers. A series of the sheets are cut and stacked to form integrated layers of the composite material for a structural panel. The panel has two outer layers that sandwich two shorter layers on each end, and syntactic or foamed resin layer in between. Each of the composite layers is formed from the same materials and by the same process, but may vary in the directional orientation of their fibers. The uncured panel is assembled into a flexible, substantially flat configuration is heated and formed to the contours of a tool having a undulated surface geometry. The panel is further heated to cure the combined composite and syntactic resins into a series of undulations that permeate each of its layers. In one embodiment, the undulations are in a smooth, sine wave-like pattern that allow the panel to maintain a planar configuration.