Abstract: An alignment device provides one or more references, such as laser lines and planes in horizontal and vertical orientations. One version of the alignment device includes an optics mounting assembly situated in a pivot socket on a frame to provide an output beam. A spring system and one or more alignment assemblies align and secure the optics mounting assembly in the socket. As a result, the output beam has a desired orientation with respect to true level. The spring system holds the optics mounting assembly in communication with the alignment assemblies to reduce system backlash. One implementation of the pivot socket has a surface in the form of a sphere's interior surface. A set of support members on the optics mounting assembly rest on the pivot socket's spherical surface—causing the output reference beam to extend from the center of a sphere including the socket's spherical surface.

Abstract: A level is composed of a hollow section having two narrow sides, two wide sides and two end faces, wherein at least one of the narrow sides forms a contact surface. The level also includes at least one horizontal bubble and a vertical bubble for carrying out a horizontal and a vertical measurement. The vertical bubble and the horizontal bubble are located outside of the area surrounded by the hollow section and are mounted in side components attached to the end faces of the hollow section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an accuracy measuring apparatus which is capable of efficiently measuring the accuracies of a machine tool at low costs. The accuracy measuring apparatus (1) comprises a laser oscillator (2) attached to a spindle (15) of the machine tool (10) for projecting a light beam having an axis aligning with the axis of the spindle, a CCD camera (3) disposed in opposed relation to the laser oscillator (2) for receiving the light beam projected from the laser oscillator (2) and generating two-dimensional image data, and an analyzer (4) for analyzing the image data to determine the accuracies of the machine tool (10).

Abstract: Reference gauge for calibrating measuring machines whose reference dimension can be measured both on its inner size and by its outer size, thus making it possible to keep the reference dimension less than 15 millimeters, even for calibrating measuring machines equipped with probe tips having a diameter greater than that dimension. The calibration method with the aid of such a reference gauge comprises in certain cases the measuring of the calibrated distance between two outer surfaces of a protruding volume.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing nanometer precision motion are provided. According to the invention, a parallel kinematic micromanipulator is formed using at least three kinematic links. The kinematic links may include a high resolution, non-contact encoder to provide position information. Movement of the micromanipulator is effected using piezoelectric linear actuators provided in connection with each of the kinematic links. The combination of a parallel kinematic structure and piezoelectric linear actuators provides a micromanipulator capable of positioning components or instruments with high accuracy or repeatability. In accordance with the present invention, kinematics of three and six degrees of freedom may be provided.

Abstract: A handy type curve length measuring apparatus comprises a pen-holder like body (1), a castor (3) rotatably connected with the body so as to rotate around rotation axis (c) and having a disk (2) including slits (s), pulse generating means (7) and an indicator (6). When the disk (2) rolls on a curved line, the slits (s) provided on the disk move past a pulse generating means (7). Counting means (10) count the number of pulses and the indicator (6) displays the length of the curve based on the number of generated pulses. Since the apparatus can trace curved lines without rotating the body due to the castor mechanism, an accurate and easy measurement of length can be attained.

Abstract: Method enabling a command to switch the measure mode to be entered in a dimension-measuring column (1) provided with a probe tip (44). The command is entered by acting on the angular position of a turning control button, for example by pivoting it until a predetermined angular position. A tactile reaction is perceived by the operator when a predetermined threshold is reached.

Abstract: Column for measuring longitudinal dimensions (1) comprising:

Abstract: Column for measuring longitudinal dimensions (1) comprising:

Abstract: Height-measuring column comprising a supporting frame fastened to a base, said supporting frame determining the measuring axis, it being possible to regulate the perpendicularity between the supporting frame and the base.

Abstract: Column for measuring longitudinal dimensions (1) comprising:

Abstract: A baby bottle dryer and organizer is herein described. Said bottle dryer has hollow posts onto which baby bottles are placed and a blower/fan that blows drying air up into the posts, thus drying the interior of the baby bottles. Said bottle dryer further has a removable tray for drying baby bottle nipples and rings/caps into which are from the blower/fan flows. The bottle dryer also has a lid and a front door to protect the baby bottles, nipples, rings/caps from dust and debris.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus is proposed for drying stacked wood with the help of a drying gas guided in a circulatory flow. The stacks of wood (H1, H2) are charged zone by zone depending on the average moisture of the wood (u) in the respective zone with partial streams of the drying gas which differ with respect to their drying power.

Abstract: A drying system for drying a semiconductor substrate is provided. The drying system includes: a chamber for housing a vapor distributor and a fluid bath, said fluid bath being disposed in a lower portion of the chamber and said distributor being disposed in an upper portion of the chamber for distributing vapor for drying the substrate; and a fluid flow system for supplying fluid flow into said fluid bath for cleaning and drying the substrate and for draining said fluid from the fluid bath, wherein the chamber includes a plurality of exhaust vents disposed at the upper portion for venting the vapor.

Abstract: A slipper includes a sole body having a plurality of apertures defined through the sole body and a plurality of protrusions extend from a top surface of the sole body. A skirt flange extends from a periphery of the bottom of the sole body and a plurality of notches are defined in a lower edge of the skirt flange. A plurality of cylindrical rods extend from the bottom of the sole body and share a common axis with the protrusions on the top surface of the sole body.

Abstract: A removable and flexible anti-fatigue sole enhancer which is attached by a variety of integrated releasable securement apparatuses to the user's primary footwear. The enhancer is convenient and easy to use. The enhancer is interchangeable with a variety of footwear. The enhancer provides an alternative to anti-fatigue floor mats that are often impractical and or are too costly.

Abstract: A shoe having an upper, a sole and an adjustable heel assembly including a first heel member connected to the sole at a rear portion thereof and a second heel member arranged at least partially within the first heel member. The second heel member is movable relative to the first member between a first position in which the first and second heel members provide the heel with a first height and a second position in which the first and second heel members provide the heel with a second height greater than the first height. An improved locking mechanism is provided for releasably locking the heel members to each other.

Abstract: Improved footwear and accessory devices, such as crampons, are disclosed for enhancing the performance of footwear under different conditions and, thus, providing more versatile footwear. The footwear has an outsole flex zone in a forefoot region that flexes during hiking and climbing in various terrains. The footwear also includes toe and heel attachment points for installation of an accessory, such as a crampon and, additionally, includes a midfoot attachment point for mounting of the accessory. The midfoot attachment point is preferably located between the outsole flex zone and the heel attachment point. A forefoot contact mechanism may also be provided in the footwear outsole that interacts with a rigid forefoot contact mechanism of the accessory to enhance the rigidity of the forefoot region when the accessory is mounted. A crampon accessory device for mounting on the footwear is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved expandable shoe and inner assembly are disclosed. The expandable shoe includes an outer shell and an adjustable inner assembly is disposed within the outer shell. The inner assembly has a first board portion and a second board portion in overlapping engagement with each other and a control to adjust the position of the first board portion relative to the second board portion. The control includes a locking mechanism shaped to engage and hold one of the first and second board portions, a biasing mechanism to bias the locking mechanism into engagement with one of the first and second board portions; and an urging member having a proximal portion external of the shoe outer shell and positioned and movable transversely to a longitudinal direction of the shoe and in transverse alignment with the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A spike anchoring device is disposed in a sole of a golf shoe for detachably securing a spike to the sole, and includes a clamping member of a one-piece construction received in an accommodation space in the sole. The clamping member includes front and rear jaws connected to and urged toward each other so as to snugly retain a shank of the spike, and front and rear arms respectively extending from the front and rear jaws and urged toward each other so that when a spindle of an actuator extends into the accommodation space to pry into a clearance between the arms, the jaws will be moved away from each other so as to release the shank of the spike, thereby permitting the shank to be pulled out of the device.

Abstract: This unit for the collection, cleaning and calibration of electrolysis pots and, in particular, of the anodic orifices, as the anodes of an installation for the production of aluminium by igneous electrolysis are replaced, comprises two buckets (16, 17) hinge-mounted at the level of the lower end of a chassis (10) movable in vertical displacement, the lower edge (31) of each of the said buckets (16, 17) being liable to be bestowed with a circular movement by means of a closing and opening connecting rod assembly (14, 14′).

Abstract: A signboard structure includes a case and a face panel detachably connected to a front opening of the case by means of magnetic adherence. The case includes a back panel on which a plurality of light emitting elements are arranged to partially expose from through holes correspondingly provided on the face panel. A watertight and dustproof sealing material is applied into the case to seal joints of the light emitting elements and the back panel to protect the light emitting elements against moistures and dust. Magnetic elements are correspondingly provided on a front side of the back panel and a rear side of the face panel at predetermined positions, so that the face panel can be quickly and detachably assembled to the case to show different static pictures and/or texts painted on the face panel.

Abstract: A revolving decoration comprising a curve shade, a wave shape formed on the bottom circumference of the curve shade, a finial on top center of the curve shade, several curve blades installed surrounding the curve shade and centered around the finial, an air-conducting hole between every two curve blade, an top hole is beneath the finial. A heat source, light bulb or candle, beneath the present invention can generate hot air passes through the air-conducting holes and drives the curve blade to rotate.

Abstract: A mounting for a sheet that has a bead about its periphery includes frame members forming a rectangle with each frame member including mutually parallel multiple engagement surfaces defined on ribs. An elongate retainer includes an elongate flange with an interlocking surface which can selectively interlock with any one of the engagement surfaces on the frame. The frame also has a frame rail having a rail surface that faces away from a retainer rail surface on a rail of the retainer. A tool including pinch rollers squeeze the rail surfaces toward one another to place the sheet material held by the retainer in tension while the interlocking surface is engaged with the appropriate engagement surface.

Abstract: A claim tag assembly has a first layer of card stock and a second layer of card stock with a liner sandwiched therebetween. Score lines are cut through the layers of card stock and the liner to define a first identification portion and a second identification portion. A first identifier is printed on the first identification portion for conveying a first message and a second identifier is printed on the second identification portion for conveying a second message which is identical to the first message. The first and second identification portions can then be matched after separation. The score lines further defining a card with the card being separable from the first and second identification portions. The card has at least promotional indicia and/or a coupon printed thereon for providing a marketing aspect to the claim tag assembly. Preferably, the card has a plurality of mini-coupons which can be detached from the card.

Abstract: Accessory mounts for firearms, including a combined handgrip and accessory mount for a shotgun, as well as detachably securable rails and modified Picatinny rails for mounting accessories to shotguns and other firearms.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a rail cover for use on mounting rails typically, though not exclusively, use on personal firearms. The covers may be made to fit either Picatinny or Weaver type rails and feature a clipping structure on the cover's underside that grasps the rail while the tension in the cover body holds the cover in place. Two preferred embodiments disclose a solid cover and a low profile, ribbed cover that nests within transverse grooves in some rails. Alternatively, a restraining beam may be utilized to further restrain the clipping structure and retain the cover on the rail.

Abstract: A manually movable decoy device adapted for luring animals comprising a tail attachment member, a tail shaft with a pulling arm, a ground shaft, and a decoy attached to the tail attachment member selected from the group consisting of a tail-feather, an animal tail, and a first decoy body. The ground shaft, incorporating a spring mechanism, rotatably supports the tail shaft. A pull line is attached to the pulling arm. After inserting the decoy device into the ground, routing the pull line using guide shafts, and optionally inserting a second decoy body into the ground, the pull line may be pulled to produce a side-to-side motion of the decoy device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fish measuring device manufactured from environmentally friendly material and will reduce the manhandling of fish that need to be returned to the water as the fish can be quickly placed into the fish measuring device, an accurate measurement taken and finally, live released as required. The fish measuring device comprises a base member having top and bottom surfaces, first and second sides and first and second ends, side containment means and means for connecting the side containment means to the top surface of the base member, said side containment means providing a fish containment trough and a scale provided within said fish containment trough; and means for extending the fish containment trough to measure larger fish.

Abstract: A fish net, comprising a frame, and a net, attached to the frame, and including a length measuring scale disposed on the net, configured to allow a user to determine a size of a fish held in the net by visually comparing the fish with the length measuring scale. In one embodiment the length markings include a zero point near the bottom of the net, with two coordinated scales sharing the zero point and extending in opposing directions therefrom, such that a user may visually determine the length of the fish by aligning the fish with the length scale, and adding the numeral designations which are aligned with opposing ends of the fish.

Abstract: A fishing lure (10) includes a housing (14) in which a pair of fishing hooks (12) are enclosed. One end of each hook is secured to a spring (50) loaded plunger (40) held in a hook retracted position by a trigger (70). The trigger is activated when a fish bites on the lure. When the trigger is activated, the plunger is released and the spring drives it forward. The plunger drives the hook end (18) of the hooks into the sides of the fish's mouth to set the hooks. Because the hooks are rapidly set, the fish has no time to react and spit out the lure. Also, the hooks are driven into the fish's mouth with sufficient force they cannot now be dislodged by movements of the fish.

Abstract: A device capable of supporting an insecticide container in selectively actuating fashion for engaging an insect nest. The insecticide container is typically provided as a conventional aerosol insecticide spray which typically includes a depressible head. The device includes first and second elongated and telescopically attached members defining, in combination, a proximal end and a distal end. A handle is located at the proximal end of the telescopically attached members and includes an axial extending slot. A button projection from the first elongated member extends through the slot and permits the handle a limited degree of axial movement relative to the elongated member. A platform is arranged at the distal end of the elongated members and supports thereupon the insecticide container.

Abstract: Robotic apparatus for removing seeds contained in covered or uncovered containers and planting the seeds into selected planting chambers are disclosed. An exemplary apparatus includes a first vacuum-activated probe configured to pick up an entire seed population from a donor container. A seed-alignment trough is provided to receive the seed population from the first probe. The seed-alignment trough is configured such that seeds deposited in the trough become aligned or otherwise arranged. A second vacuum-activated probe is configured to successively remove individual seeds from the seed-alignment trough and to plant each removed seed in a selected planting chamber.

Abstract: Certain novel formulations of turf additives that act in such a manner as to permit proper amounts of moisture to contact root systems in order to reduce dry spots within highly managed turf areas and/or lawns. It is theorized that the accumulation of humic acid (and other natural byproduct deleterious compounds) at the topsoil surface in most cultivated grassy areas including sandy soils (such as, in particular, golf greens, pastures, lawns, and the like), as well as other non-grassy sandy areas in which such humic acid accumulation poses water repellency problems (such as beaches), results in the production of an effective organic waxy coating on the soil and/or sand components. Such a coating is hydrophobic in nature and thus dries out the soil itself.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for using microvariations of a biological living organism to generate a sequence of environmental changes perceptible through one of the human senses. The method includes the steps of transforming microvariations within a living organism into an analog electrical signal and generating the sequence of environmental changes perceptible through the human senses based on said analog signal. The sequence of changes can include the generation of music based on the signal, or the control of lighting, aromas, or air movement in the environment of the organism. One example application is the generation of music from electrical microvariations detected in a house plant.

Abstract: Certain novel formulations of turf additives that act in such a manner as to permit proper amounts of moisture to contact root systems in order to reduce dry spots within highly managed turf areas and/or lawns. It is theorized that the accumulation of humic acid (and other natural byproduct deleterious compounds) at the topsoil surface in most cultivated grassy areas including sandy soils (such as, in particular, golf greens), results in the production of an effective organic waxy coating on the soil components. Such a coating is hydrophobic in nature and thus dries out the soil itself. The inventive formulation thus permits removal of such accumulated humic acid (and other compounds) from the topsoil to the level necessary to provide effective moisture penetration for sustained grass growth therein (hereinafter referred to as “redistributes”).

Abstract: A perforated ventilation filter installed in a flowerpot to carry soil and plants in the soil, having an upwardly extended corrugated peripheral wall supported on the peripheral wall of the flowerpot and defining with the peripheral wall of the flowerpot a plurality of air passages for circulation of air between the space of inside the ventilation filter and the space outside the ventilation filter.

Abstract: A method of covering a flower pot with an oversized sleeve. The sleeve has an inner diameter which is greater than the maximum diameter of a pot disposed therein. The sleeve may have a detachable upper portion, a skirt portion, with a linear or non-linear upper end, or with or without gussets in the lower end or sides. In the method the sleeve is secured about the pot by a crimping a portion of the sleeve having a bonding material thereon, or using a banding element to form a crimped portion.

Abstract: A plant cover, comprising a base formed from a sheet of material, said base having an upper end, a lower end, and an outer peripheral surface, an opening intersecting the upper end forming an inner peripheral surface and a retaining space, a skirt formed from a sheet of material, said skirt connected to the upper end of the base, and expansion means formed integrally with the base, the expansion means comprising an excess of material, the expansion means permitting the base to expand and contract to both closely encompass and follow the contours of a pot. Methods of using a plant cover.

Abstract: A plant packaging system and method comprising a combination of a protective upper portion and a decorative lower portion having a base portion and a skirt portion for packaging a potted plant or a botanical item and a growing medium without a pot. The protective upper portion can be detached from the lower portion of the package system once the protective function of the upper portion has been completed. The sleeve may be provided without a detachable upper portion. The lower portion may have a skirt portion which has a non-linear upper peripheral edge. The lower portion may be tapered and may have a gusset in the lower end.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conversion of solid and liquid fuels to a synthesis gas, steam and/or electricity in which about 10% to about 40% of a solid fuel and/or a liquid fuel is introduced into a gasifier and gasified, resulting in formation of a synthesis gas. The remaining portion of the solid fuel and/or liquid fuel is introduced into a first stage of a multi-stage combustor, resulting in formation of products of combustion and ash and/or char. The synthesis gas is introduced into a second stage of the multi-stage combustor disposed downstream of the first stage and overfire oxidant is introduced into a third stage of the multi-stage combustor disposed downstream of the second stage. The ash and/or char from the multi-stage combustor is then recycled into the gasifier.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system wherein the door panel (2) is not provided with panel slide rails and at least one of the members guiding the sliding window pane (3) comprises part (4a-4b) of a standard framing glass run, arranged in the panel so that it covers in the usual manner a lateral edge of the sliding window pane (3).

Abstract: A elastic member of weatherstrip has a base portion with nearly U-shaped section, lips extending from ends of the base portion. An edge of a door glass is adapted to be accommodated in an accommodating portion provided in the elastic member. Each of the inner wall of the accommodating portion, and the inner walls and the outer walls of the lips is covered with a surface treatment layer having a predetermined film thickness. In contrast, the outer wall of the base portion is not covered. An embossing for obtaining a surface like a pearskin-finished one with a surface irregularity is preliminarily performed on the outer wall of the base portion and the outer wall of each of the lips, so that the surface has gloss and color close to those of the surface treatment layer.

Abstract: A sill assembly for doors and windows that provides a weep system for channeling water away from the sill assembly. The sill assembly includes an elongated frame member formed with a longitudinally extending upwardly open channel that defines a rear wall, a front wall and a floor that extends laterally and slopes downwardly from the rear wall to the front wall, and a sill that extends laterally from the front wall to a forward edge of the frame member. An end plug is securely mounted to one end of the elongated frame member and has a laterally extending drainage ramp disposed at a location flush with and immediately adjacent to the floor of the channel. The ramp leads to a drainage chamber which in turn has an opening closed by a hinged weep door.

Abstract: A process for metal coating diamond superabrasive particles involves heating the superabrasive particles in the presence of coat-forming powder of a metal compound under a common inert atmosphere. The metal compound contains a metal which can be thermochemically reduced by the superabrasive substance serving as the reducing agent. The process forms a chemical bond at the interface between the outer metal layer and the superabrasive particle substrate. The metal coated superabrasive particles can be hydrogen treated in situ and separated from excess coat-forming powder easily by filtration. The product particles are ideal for use in a wide variety of metal bonded cutting, machining, dressing and other abrasive tools, especially diamond film insert and single layer diamond tools.

Abstract: A modular lintel block includes a rectangular base member, a first rectangular side member, a second rectangular side member and a plurality of spacer members. The base member has a first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side. The first side member is coupled to the first longitudinal side of the base member. The second side member is spaced from the first side member and is coupled to the second longitudinal side of the base member. The plurality of spacer members are coupled between the first and second side members. A method of forming a lintel in a block wall is provided that includes the steps of constructing the block wall with an opening using a plurality of construction blocks coupled together by a cementing slurry. A modular lintel block is installed and secured into the block wall above the opening with the cementing slurry.

Abstract: A substantially preassembled modular frame system for erecting permanent school buildings. The system design, materials, and construction have been pre-approved by state inspectors. The system provides a roof that is extensible from a low position that is configured to permit the system to be transported on highways and fit under common overpasses and bridges to a pitched position that provides a sloped roof profile to improve insulation factors of completed buildings and better shed rain, snow, and debris. The system includes anchor assemblies that are rigidly connected to the frame to inhibit uplift forces acting on the building from distorting or dislodging the building from the foundation. The system also includes preassembled wall panels and a convenient mechanism for emplacing and securing the wall panels within the modular frames.

Abstract: A plastic cap is securable to a tubular fence picket or like construction component by a strong frictional fit when a tubular attachment portion of the cap is pressed into an open end of the construction component. An attachment portion of the cap is tapered to facilitate insertion of the cap, and lines of flexure permit a pair of walls forming the attachment portion to partially collapse without loss of structural integrity in order to allow the attachment portion of the cap to fit tightly inside the corresponding construction component. The lines of flexure include grooves formed in walls of the attachment portion and thinned and rounded corner regions of the attachment portion. Slit-like gaps separate the deformable walls from a decorative top portion of the cap, in order to allow walls of the attachment portion to partially collapse independently of the top portion.

Abstract: A base frame (2) for use with a base station in mobile communication (aerial, operating cabinet) comprising a first and second cross arm (3, 4), frictionally connected or clamped, and adjustably connected by means of stays (11, 12, 13, 14) to a supporting surface (1), whereby the first and second cross arm are arranged at a distance from the supporting surface (1), a first and second longitudinal arm (3, 4) adjustably frictionally connected or clamped to the first and second cross arm (5, 6), FIG.

Abstract: A heat transfer tile (1) of improved efficiency for beating or cooling a room, and a method for forming such a tile. The tile comprises a flat facing sheet (12), a heat exchange element and an insulation board (20), and the heat exchange element is a channelled member (15) comprising a first, flat plate (16) adjacent to the facing sheet (12) and a second, shaped plate (17) welded to the first plate (16), wherein the configuration of the shaped plate provides an elongated channel (18) between the plates (16, 17) for passage of a heating or cooling fluid through the tile.