Abstract: The invention concerns a method for assembling plates (1) of a plate pack for a heat exchanger formed by a stack of plates. The invention is characterised in that it consists in producing on the edge of each plate (1) to be connected with the adjacent plate (1) a welt to form a first flange (7; 9); in producing on said first flange a welt to form a second flange (11; 13) of the adjacent plate; and in producing a continuous and sealed weld seam by melting the stacked second flanges (11; 13) of the adjacent plates (1).

Abstract: In a method of making a rotation-symmetrical gear member, an outer edge of a circular blank is shaped to form a concentric thickened area which extends in axial direction to thereby realize a ring structure. A remaining area of the circular blank is then shaped into a cap-like structure through application of compressive forces by means of a pressure roller such that the ring structure adjoins a sidewall of the cap structure and projects outwardly in radial direction. The ring is then formed with outer teeth in opposition to the sidewall.

Abstract: The specification discloses a device and method for manufacturing fluid bearings. The invention utilizes the electromagnetic forming method to manufacturing fluid bearings. The method uses a high speed plastic forming means to produce a dynamic pressure generating groove on the internal peripheral surface of the bearing. It further makes use of different thermal expansion coefficients for an internal mold and a raw sleeve to perform separation from the mold. Through the above-mentioned process, fluid bearings can be successfully made. This method can effectively prevent the problem springback and crease of the material during formation.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing outer and inner rings of a bearing, the method being characterized in that it comprises the steps of: cutting a cylindrical bar material to form a circular plate work of a predetermined width, forming on both plain sides surface of the work through cold forging operation a central circular recess provided around the axis of the work and an annular groove provided concentrically with respect to the recess, forming a central circular aperture by punching out the recess remaining material in the axial direction, punching out the groove remaining material in the axial direction to form an outer work for the outer ring and an inner work for the inner ring, and machining each work respectively through cutting, grinding and/or polishing operations to form ring raceways or to finish the surface thereof for manufacturing the outer and inner rings.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for machining, especially cutting tubular or round section bodies (1), said apparatus comprising a gripping mechanism (2), which is adapted to be braced on said machinable body (1) rotatably around the same and which gripping mechanism (2) is provided with a machining unit (3) fitted with adjusting means (4) for moving said machining unit (3) relative to the gripping mechanism (2) towards or away from the machinable body (1), and which gripping mechanism (2) includes a frame section (5) and first and second arms (6, 7) extending therefrom, the gripping mechanism (2) being adapted to brace against the machinable body (1) by means of bracing elements (14, 15, 16) mounted on the frame section (5) and the arms (6, 7). The arms (6, 7) are at one end articulated to the frame section (5) of the gripping mechanism (2) and the bracing elements (15, 16) included in the arms (6, 7) are mounted on the free ends of the arms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable surgical safety scalpel with a retractable blade inside a hollow handle with a novel locking and unlocking arrangement that enables easy use and ensures safety in pre-use, use, and post-use conditions.

Abstract: A pair of metal shears has a main body, a moveable blade and a moveable handle. The main body has a fixed blade and a handle. A notch is defined in the main body near the rear end of the fixed blade. The moveable blade is pivotally attached to the main body with a first pivot pin. A cutting edge is formed on the moveable blade and faces a cutting edge on the fixed blade. The moveable handle is pivotally attached to the moveable blade with a second pivot pin. A key is formed on the moveable handle and operationally engages the notch in the main body. Accordingly, the blade on the main body will pivot and close the cutting edge on the moveable blade by means of the transmission of the key and the notch. The structure of the pair of the metal shears is simplified.

Abstract: An angle measuring instrument having a device for determining a shaft angular position within one shaft rotation, and a device for determining a number of executed shaft rotations having a gear including at least one gear for converting the shaft rotary motion into rotary motion having a defined reduction ratio. The gear unit includes at least one gear wheel which rotates in a defined ratio to the shaft rotary motion. Devices are provided for generating sensor signals which are positionally dependent and are dependent upon the shaft rotations, in which the detecting device inductively scans reduced rotational movements of the shaft, and has alternating electrically conductive and electrically non-conductive graduation regions and a scanning device, movable relative to the graduation structure, including a device for generating a homogeneous electromagnetic field and a sensor device to scan the graduation structure and to transmit sensor signals which are dependent upon the shaft rotations.

Abstract: An aiming apparatus for a slingshot. The aiming apparatus comprises a light projecting device adapted to project a light beam. A mounting apparatus is adapted to support the light projecting device on the slingshot and disposes the light projecting device with the light beam directed toward a target of a user of the slingshot.

Abstract: A level includes a level vial device detachably secured to a casing without additional fasteners or tools. The casing has a hook engaged with one end of the level vial device and a spring biased latch for detachably latching the level vial device to the casing. A spring member may be used for biasing the level vial device away from the casing and for allowing the level vial device to be easily disengaged from the casing when the level vial device is released by the latch. The casing has two fences for vertically securing the level vial device to the casing.

Abstract: A straight line template has a piece of plate with an array of bulged members arranged equal-spaced in both rows and columns on a front side thereof. The space between the adjacent rows or columns of the bulged members is formed as a layout area for drawing horizontal or vertical straight lines therealong. When a user utilizes a writing implement to draw on a sheet of paper covered on the front side of the straight line template, a pen point of the writing implement is pressed on the paper and forced towards the layout area to stroke a straight line on the paper along the layout area in a horizontal or a vertical coordinate of the plane plate. Therefore horizontal and vertical straight lines are easily drawn on the paper by utilizing the straight line template without any additional tools.

Abstract: Compact disk titling stencil fits onto the surface of a compact disk for the drawing of lines for easy labeling.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an alignment device for perforating a sheet media with a punch comprised of a base member having a punch receiving area, an indicia receiving area, a sheet media receiving area and a longitudinal guide edge for aligning the sheet media. A template is provided which has a plurality of alignment indicia where the template is insertable in the indicia area of the base portion, so that when the sheet media is placed along the longitudinal guide edge and aligned with the first of the alignment indicia, the punch is aligned to punch a first hole. The sheet media is then moved to the second spaced indicia, such that the punch is aligned to punch a second hole.

Abstract: An improved retractable tape measure has, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a housing having a front and a top portion, an opening located in the front portion ad proximate the top portion, a retractable measuring tape with top and bottom surfaces, edges that turn upward so as to stiffen the tape from being bent downward by the force of gravity, a free end that extends through the opening, an end stop that is mounted on the tape's free end, top measurement indicia that are inscribed on the top surface of the measuring tape, and bottom measurement indicia on the bottom surface of the measuring tape, wherein the location of the housing opening is such that the housing can be held in close proximity to an overhead surface without having to bend the tape to move the housing away from the overhead surface

Abstract: The present invention provides a tape measure having a top wall, a bottom wall, a first spaced end wall and a second spaced end wall, with an opening in the first spaced end wall having a double-sided retractable tape extending therefrom; the double-sided retractable tape having a top side and a bottom side and marked identically on both sides with a graduated scale in metric or U.S. units of linear measure; the tape being normally retractably stored in the housing with the proximal end at all times exteriorly accessible of the opening; the proximal end of the tape including a double-tipped terminal end having an upper flange and a lower flange extending simultaneously upwardly and downwardly and positioned substantially perpendicularly to the tape, such that the terminal end can be seated on a lip or shoulder of a workpiece to releaseably retain the free end of the tape, while a remainder of the portion of the tape is played out from the housing.

Abstract: A hand-held laser device that stimulates hair growth. The device provides distributed laser light to the scalp while simultaneously parting the individual's hair to ensure that the laser light contacts the individual's scalp. A unique beam splitting reflector splits a single laser beam to ensure that energy from the laser beam is evenly distributed. The reflector is mechanically aligned with the laser source and has a zigzag structure which mechanically deflects portions of the beam as it passes over the peaks of the reflector. The portions of the laser beam form a line of laser beams that project toward the individual's scalp. Parallel rows of teeth are aligned with a central row of individual laser beams and part the individual's hair to form furrows in the individual's hair as the device is combed through the individual's hair. The furrows create an unobstructed path for the laser beam to reach the scalp of the individual.

Abstract: This invention provides a dried singulated cellulose pulp fiber product as well as an apparatus and a method for forming singulated and dried fibers. In accordance with the process a feed pulp is delivered to a jet drier. The jet drier singulates and dries the feed pulp. The singulated and dried fibers are collected from the jet drier. The feed pulp may be treated with a treatment substance. The jet drier may be maintained at negative pressure. The product fibers may have low knot count, a low fines count, as well improved kink, curl and twist. The apparatus for carrying out the process may include a pretreatment station for supplying the treatment substance, a pulp feed device designed for pulp, a pulp feed device designed for pulp and foam suspensions, and/or a fiber separation station having a vacuum conveyor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing an electronic component precursor comprising the steps of contacting a carrier gas with a process chemical stream to entrain the process chemical in the carrier gas thereby forming a fluid stream and injecting at least a portion of additional process chemical into the fluid stream to form a localized region of increased concentration of process fluid is provided. The methods and apparatus also provide injecting a portion of additional carrier gas into the fluid stream to form a diluted region of decreased concentration of process fluid is also provided. The methods and apparatus further provide controlling the concentration of process chemical in the localized region as well as in the fluid stream.

Abstract: A boot of the type having an upper equipped with a lacing zone, a tongue located under the lacing zone and a gaiter fixed to the upper edge of the upper. The gaiter is made of an extensible material, and it is fixed along the upper edge of the tongue of the upper. Advantageously, the tongue is equipped at its upper end with an extensible pocket for storing the lacing system.

Abstract: A double-layer shoe is provided with a removable shoe-model lining inside. The lining is a predetermined shoe-model corresponding to the inner space of the shoe. The shoe-model lining is provided with a hollow room in the top for receiving a wearer's foot, and it is made to be one-piece of soft plastic, cloth or other material. The lining can be various shoe models according to the sizes of inner space of various shoes so as to be suitably placed in various shoes and to be easily taken out for cleaning or replacement.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed having an upper, a foot-supporting member, and a sole structure. The foot-supporting member includes a heel region located at a greater elevation than a forefoot region, thereby defining a recess under the heel region. The sole structure includes a midsole that forms a protrusion on the interior of the footwear. The protrusion mates with the recess to provide support for the heel region. The foot-supporting member may also incorporate pronation control characteristics, including a downward cant from a medial to a lateral side of the foot-supporting member and a region of reduced support generally underlying the first metatarsal. To further reduce the rate of pronation, the sole structure includes a region in the rear-lateral corner that is more compressible than other areas of the sole structure.

Abstract: The present invention improves athletic performance by storing in a spring or elastic pad in the shoes, the energy expanded during the down-step movement of the athlete's leg; that energy is released subsequently, during the upward movement of the leg. It is shown that improvement of athletic performance takes place only when the rebound provided by the shoe is synchronized with the upward motion of the leg, i.e. when the period of oscillation of the spring or elastic pad, matches the frequency of up and down movement of the leg. The period of oscillation of a spring depends on the spring constant as well as on the compressing mass, and different sports activities require different periods of oscillation.

Abstract: A sole for a boot, as well as a boot having such sole, for walking on ice and/or snow having, in at least a central zone of the walking surface, a series of strips that are contiguous at rest, and crampons at its outer periphery. Each series of strips is interrupted by channels extending both in the transverse and longitudinal directions, and each crampon has a channel for evacuating water.

Abstract: A skate boot having a sole and an upper, the upper having a medial quarter and a lateral quarter and defining a first pair of parallel fastening rows around the front edge of each quarter, at least in the vamp area of the boot. The median axis of the rows extends between the third and the fourth metatarsal bones of the foot.

Abstract: Reinforcement element made of a composite material constituted of a layer of inextensible textile material and a layer of polymeric material assembled to the layer of textile material during a molding or vulcanizing step. The textile material is a woven or mesh material, and the textile material is a polyester, polyamide, polypropylene or glass fiber based material. The polymeric material can be a thermosetting material, such as rubber or silicone, or an injected thermoplastic, such as polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, or polypropylene. Advantageously, the polymeric material is at least partially transparent. The composite material can be incorporated in a boot or a binding using tightening straps. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such reinforcement element.

Abstract: An article of footwear provided with a ground engaging unit. The ground-engaging unit according to the present invention extends outwardly from a sole of the article of footwear, and has at least a portion that can be adjusted to present a varying height profile (i.e., a distance that the ground-engaging unit extends from the sole). The ground-engaging unit is preferably a single unit attached or otherwise fixed to the sole. It preferably includes a tip movably mounted on a base. The tip is selectively extendible or retractable with respect to the base. In one embodiment of the present invention, the tip and the base are threadedly engaged, such that the height of the tip is adjustable by rotating the tip relative to the base between predetermined positions. A locking mechanism may also be provided to fix the tip and base in a particular relative relationship.

Abstract: An article of footwear provided with snap-fit replaceable ground-engaging members, particularly snap-fit tips, and a kit and method for altering ground-engaging characteristics of an article of footwear such as an athletic shoe. An article of footwear according to the present invention includes a sole (and/or a footplate) having at least one ground-engaging member in snap-fit engagement therewith. In particular, the ground-engaging member is engageable under the application of a non-rotational force (especially a manual force). According to one aspect of the present invention, a clearly discernible feedback (especially an audible feedback, such as a click or a snapping sound) is provided to clearly indicate engagement between the ground-engaging member and the sole.

Abstract: In combination a mount frame adapted to be attached to a vehicle and a snowplow assembly. The mount frame comprises a pair of detachable receivers which receive a pair of horns extending rearwardly from the snowplow assembly. The snowplow assembly comprises an A-frame, a trunnion and a lift frame. A blade is attached to the front of the A-frame. A pair of spaced stand assemblies, each including a latching mechanism, support the snowplow assembly when the mount frame is separated from the snowplow assembly. The latching mechanisms secure the snowplow assembly to the mount frame.

Abstract: A lip assembly is disclosed. The lip assembly comprises a lip having an upper surface, a lower surface, a front portion, and a rear portion. A plurality of holes is disposed between the front portion and the rear portion. The lip also includes support members. Each support member is disposed adjacent to a hole within the plurality of holes and is positioned to inhibit movement of a tooth assembly coupled to the hole. A plurality of tooth assemblies extend away from the lip and are respectively coupled to the lip via the plurality of holes. The lip assembly may be used with an excavation bucket body.

Abstract: A device for ironing laundry, which device consists of a heated, semi-cylindrical bed and a roller arranged rotatably therein, the outer periphery of which lies some distance from the bed wall, wherein the roller periphery directed toward the bed is covered with a resiliently yielding layer of textile, wherein between the roller wall and the layer of textile are arranged resilient elements which are each formed by an elongate carrier with a number of parallel strip-like resilient members directed transversely thereof and held by the carrier at an angle relative to the roller wall, which carriers are held fixedly in axial direction on the roller wall, thereby ensuring a better resilience and a better attachment of the covering to the roller.

Abstract: A feed basket assembly is mounted to the loading end of commercial laundry spreader/feeder machine to facilitate the feeding of small articles such as pillowcases and napkins. The assembly includes a feed basket, a drawer slide, slide brackets for mounting the drawer slide to the spreader/feeder machine and means for moving the assembly from a stored position to an operational position and back. When not in use, the feed basket is stored in a first position, beneath the main feed of the commercial laundry machine, out of the way of the machine's operator. In use, the feed basket may be situated in a second position, contiguous with the main feed of the commercial laundry machine.

Abstract: A transparent card holder covers only a portion of a card while a portion of the card protrudes from the card holder allowing it to communicate with appropriate device interfaces. The dimensions and stretchy nature of the card holder provide a snug fit to prevent the card from falling out. A tab on the card holder allows it to be attached to a display device attached to a user's clothing to provide quick access to the card while minimizing the risk of loss.

Abstract: An adjustably locking stethoscope identification tag having a first body and a second body, the first body defining a first surface and a second surface, the second body defining a third surface and a fourth surface, a first leg positioned adjacent to the second surface of the first body and extending in a direction away from the second surface of the first body, and a first leg retainer positioned adjacent to the third surface of the second body and extending in a direction away from the third surface of the second body, wherein a space defined between the first body and the second body is increased by moving the first body in a direction away from the second body and is decreased by moving the first body in a direction toward the second body.

Abstract: A sign comprises a base layer and a transparent or translucent upper sheet over the base layer. An icon or indicia of the sign is associated with the base layer or is printed on the upper sheet. The upper sheet and base layer are releasably adhered together under pressure applied on the upper sheet which causes the icon or indicia to be displayed. When the upper sheet is released from the base layer, the icon or indicia is erased. In another embodiment, the icon or indicia is displayed when the upper sheet is released from the base layer, and is erased when the upper sheet is pressed to adhere to the base layer.

Abstract: A wrap-around advertising surface, system and method of advertising on railings or other hand support systems and for use on poles or support beams. The wrap-around advertising surface includes a skin layer permanently adhered to a 4-way stretchable material layer. The 4-way stretchable material layer is releasably adhered to a railing or other hand support system. A backing layer between the skin layer and the 4-way stretchable material layer can be inserted for support. The wrap-around advertising surface of the present invention is designed to be releasably attachable to the railing or other hand support system.

Abstract: A firearm barrel includes an elongate metal insert member and a rigid sleeve surrounding the insert member along a majority of the length of the insert member. A casing is formed around at least a portion of the sleeve, preferably by injection molding. Breech and muzzle portions of the barrel may be fitted against the sleeve and are preferably tightly connected by the casing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for loading cartridges into a gun magazine clip from a tray. The cartridges are arranged in tray cavities that hold each cartridge so the clip can be manipulated with one hand to load each cartridge in succession.

Abstract: A tool for passing a line through the eye of a fishhook comprising a fine wire fixed at the rear end thereof to a wire holder and having at the rear and front portions a linear portion and a diamond-shaped portion which can be linearly pressed respectively. A wire-covering tube, which is shorter than the linear portion and has an inner diameter capable of linearly pressing the diamond-shaped portion, is longitudinally movably fitted onto the wire.

Abstract: Mesh bars (35, 283) of a trawl (13, 263) include at least a portion having a corkscrew-shaped pitch which exhibits a hydrofoil-like effect. Such mesh bars (35, 283) are preferably formed from a material having a substantially incompressible cross-sectional shape. By appropriately selecting the lay and leading edge of mesh bars (35, 283), movement of the trawl (13, 263) through the water entrained environment creates a pressure differential and lift across that portion of mesh bars (25, 283) which exhibit the hydrofoil-like effect. The lift thus created increases performance characteristics of the trawl (13, 263) including increased trawl volume, improved trawl shape, and reduced vibration, noise, and drag. Obtaining the greatest improvement of trawls (13, 263) requires controlling a pitch range for twisted product strands (e.g. twisted ropes) (36, 37), and for straps (284) forming mesh bars (35, 283).

Abstract: A fishing lure with a movable weight system is provided to allow the angler to change the center of gravity of the lure depending upon whether the angler is casting or retrieving.

Abstract: A fishing lure comprising one or more pieces of rabbit hair, with or without attached rabbit skin, of size sufficient to noticeably move when saturated with water thereby attracting fish to the movement and causing them to bite the lure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an additive composition for a combustible fuel to produce improved combustion and reduced exhaust pollution of the combusted fuel, which additive composition comprises:

Abstract: A jet fuel and jet fuel additive are provided that include a plant oil extract, &bgr;-carotene, and jojoba oil. The jet fuel additive may be added to any jet fuel to reduce emissions of undesired components during combustion of the fuel, or to reduce the smoke point of the jet fuel. A method for preparing the jet fuel is also provided.

Abstract: A diesel fuel additive is provided that includes a plant oil extract, &bgr;-carotene, and jojoba oil. The additive may be added to any diesel fuel to reduce emissions of undesired components during combustion of the fuel. A method for preparing the additive is also provided.

Abstract: A two-cycle oil is provided that includes a plant oil extract, &bgr;-carotene, and jojoba oil. The two-cycle oil may be added to any suitable liquid hydrocarbon fuel to reduce emissions of undesired components during combustion of the fuel in a two-cycle engine. A method for preparing the oil is also provided.

Abstract: A gasoline additive is provided that includes a plant oil extract, &bgr;-carotene, and jojoba oil. The additive may be added to any gasoline to reduce emissions of undesired components during combustion of the fuel. A method for preparing the additive is also provided.

Abstract: It is possible to obtain natural and highly functional vegetables for human nutrition if the conditions are present of having a substrate that will provide optimal conditions specific to each so as to achieve a maximum use of all biotic and abiotic elements for optimal germination and growth of vegetable organisms. This is maximized by producing a species-specific biomass eclosor, herein called EBES, which is the live or latently alive set of chemical, biochemical, biological and other specific related ingredients of the species that induce eclosion or germination in addition to providing nutritional-alimentary support specific to each plant throughout its entire productive cycle. This invention is applicable to optimize germination, growth and production of any type of cultivable vegetable and is also applicable to the human world.

Abstract: A plant display comprises a transparent container and a plant receptacle. The transparent container has an inner surface that defines an interior volume, which is adapted to be at least partially occupied by a substantially transparent liquid. The plant receptacle is positioned at least partially within the interior volume of the transparent container. The receptacle is placed within the container in a manner so that at least a portion of the receptacle is below a surface of the liquid occupying the container. The receptacle has an outer surface with at least one recess, which is at least partially occupied by a substrate medium. The recess and substrate medium occupying the recess are adapted to hold a live plant growing therein. The recess is located in a portion of the outer surface of the receptacle that is at least partially below the surface of the liquid so that the plant is at least partially below the surface of the liquid.

Abstract: A soilless sod and a method of producing same are disclosed. The method comprises providing a growth mat with cotton and viscose fibers, providing grass seeds or grass sprigs to the growth mat, providing grass sprigs onto the growth mat, and providing a cover mat on top of the upper side of the growth mat. The soilless sod comprises a geo-textile mat being a growth mat, growing material consisting of any combination of grass seeds and grass sprigs, and a cover mat that is in touch with the upper side of the growth mat. The cover mat may be affixed to the growth mat by any of stitch bonding or punch needling or sewing or bonding.

Abstract: A fuel processor for rapidly achieving operating temperature during startup. The fuel processor includes a reformer, a shift reactor, and a preferential oxidation reactor is provided for deriving hydrogen for use in creating electricity in a plurality of fuel cells. A first combustion heater system is coupled to at least one of the reformer, the shift reactor, and the preferential oxidation reactor to preheat the component during a rapid startup sequence. That is, the first combustion heater system is operable to produce thermal energy as a product of the combustion of air and fuel in the form of a first heated exhaust stream. This first heated exhaust stream is then used to heat the component directly or by using a heat exchanger type system. The first heated exhaust stream is also used by a second combustion device as a source of oxygen or diluent.