Abstract: A process for producing a carbon foam heat sink is disclosed which obviates the need for conventional oxidative stabilization. The process employs mesophase or isotropic pitch and a simplified process using a single mold. The foam has a relatively uniform distribution of pore sizes and a highly aligned graphic structure in the struts. The foam material can be made into a composite which is useful in high temperature sandwich panels for both thermal and structural applications. The foam is encased and filled with a phase change material to provide a very efficient heat sink device.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing a mechanical basket (P) of substantially cylindrical shape for centripetal or centrifugal flow relative to an axis (R) and comprising rings (A) lying in planes perpendicular to the axis of revolution and wires (F) rigidly connected to the rings at regular intervals for the purpose of sieving a material is characterized in that assembling a wire (F) to a ring (A) comprises a first operation of putting said wire (F) into position in a corresponding notch (EN) in the ring, and a second operation in which the wire is welded to the ring by melting a shoulder (EP1) of the ring, without adding any filler metal. In the method, a mechanical basket is made that presents better mechanical characteristics so that its lifetime is increased, and its cost of manufacture is reduced compared with conventional mechanical baskets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel bearing assembly for motor vehicles with a bearing provided with an inner ring and an outer ring, the bearing being fitted with its outer ring into a bearing casing and the outer ring being mechanically supported in axial direction on a first side by a supporting surface provided on the bearing casing. Discrete and preferably evenly arranged stop protrusions are formed on the inner circumference of the bearing casing, the outer ring abutting thereon in axial direction on its second side, and the stop protrusions being formed by locally plastic forming the bearing casing.

Abstract: A razor cartridge is provided that includes a seat, a cap, one or more razor blades, and a relief centrally located in an aft face of the cap. The relief enables the user to get the cutting edges of the one or more razor blades in closer proximity to a feature (e.g., a nose) than is possible using currently available razor cartridges. In a preferred embodiment of the cartridge, a shaving aid strip is disposed in the contact face, positioned aft of the forward face of the cap and forward of the relief. The shaving aid strip preferably reflects the contour of the aft face of the cartridge that includes the relief.

Abstract: A cable stripping equipment and method for exposing conductors of a flat cable transports the cable in a transport direction with first and second cable advancing devices positioned on opposite side of a cutting station having a cutting unit movable in x, y and z directions. During the cutting process, the flat cable is tensioned by the cable advancing devices. A measuring wheel detects the movement of the flat cable which movement is converted by an encoder into an electrical signal to coordinate with the cutting unit. The flat cable is guided on both sides of the cutting station by an adjustable cable guide positioned at the front edge of the cable.

Abstract: The cutting tool, or folding scissors, has first and second knife blades and first and second handles, each of the first and second knife blades and first and second handles being positionable relative to one another. The knife blades and handles effect at least a scissors cutting function in at least one open position of the tool. In particular, the first and second knife blades and the first and second handles effect the scissors cutting function in each of a plurality of open positions of the tool. The tool also has a locking assembly that locks the first knife blade and first handle in at least one first position and that locks the second knife blade and the second handle in at least one second position, independently of the first knife blade and first handle. Combinations of the first and second positions respectively define the open positions of the tool.

Abstract: A spiral cut craft tool and method of making a spiral cut is provided. The spiral cut craft tool has a housing with a cutting guide in the housing. A cutting edge is provided that is projecting into the cutting guide. The cutting edge is coupled to the housing. The cutting guide is adapted to constrain a hollow straw having a centerline from lateral movement at the cutting guide while also allowing the straw to be rotated about the centerline. The cutting edge cuts a spiral cut in the hollow straw when the housing is rotated about the centerline of the hollow straw.

Abstract: A manually operated floor grooving tool is provided which has opposing front and rear ends with a seam-following roller at its front end and a groove-following roller at its rear end. The tool also employs a pair of grooving blades, one at the front end and one at the rear end. The front grooving blade is inclined upwardly and rearwardly with its cutting tip located just behind the forward axis of rotation of the seam-following guide. The rear-end grooving blade, on the other hand, projects rearwardly from the rear end of the tool and is inclined upwardly and forwardly and behind the groove-following roller. The front-end grooving blade is utilized to form a groove along abutting sections of flooring with the seam-following guide following the seam between the abutting sections and with the groove-following guide traveling in the groove formed by the front-end grooving blade.

Abstract: A handsaw includes a saw blade and a handle, wherein the handle comprises first and second handle halves. The handle halves are intended to be assembled together in connection with one end of the saw blade. The first handle half is provided with a first array of snap-elements on its inside facing the second handle half upon assembly, and the second handle half is provided with a second array of snap-elements on its respective inside facing towards the first handle half. The snap-elements of the first array engage with the snap-elements of the second array by means of a snap-action upon assembly. The handle halves are held firmly together solely through the medium of the snap-elements. Some of the snap elements may pass through holes formed in the saw blade, to secure the saw blade to the handle.

Abstract: A razor assembly is provided that includes a reusable handle and a replaceable cartridge. The reusable handle includes a grip portion pivotally attached to a cartridge seat. The replaceable cartridge includes a frame and one or more razor blades. The replaceable cartridge is fixedly attached to the cartridge seat of the reusable handle. The replaceable cartridge is selectively separable from the cartridge seat to permit removal of the replaceable cartridge from the reusable handle.

Abstract: The navigation device includes a compass module including a base, a permanent dipolar magnet mounted for rotation relative to the base so that the magnet tends to align with the earth's magnetic north, a disc having a display fixed with respect to the magnet, and a transparent cover fixed to the base and arranged over the display surface. The display surface has map indicia for a pre-determined geographic area, map indicia being oriented to define a direction of magnetic north with respect to the map indicia, the indicia being aligned with respect to magnet so that the direction of magnetic north with respect to the map indicia coincides with earth's magnetic north when the magnet is aligned with earth's magnetic north. The compass module is fixed in a housing having a slot from which a folded map of the pre-determined area can be withdrawn, one end of the map remaining fixed to the housing.

Abstract: A compass compensation system is provided for automatically and continuously calibrating an electronic compass for a vehicle, without requiring an initial manual calibration or preset of the vehicle magnetic signature. The system initially adjusts a two axis sensor of the compass in response to a sampling of at least one initial data point. The system further calibrates the compass by sampling data points that are substantially opposite to one another on a plot of a magnetic field and averaging an ordinate of the data points to determine a respective zero value for the Earth magnetic field. The system also identifies a change in magnetic signature and adjusts the sensor assembly.

Abstract: A monitor device for marking a reference location on a computer screen. The reference location can be, for example, a data point on the screen that a user needs to note. This would be advantageous, for example, when the user is checking a spreadsheet of data. Often when the user refers back and forth between a computer screen and a hard copy, the user loses track of the user's place on the screen. The monitor guide can be used to keep track of where the user is on the screen. The monitor guide features two rods that move with respect to the screen and intersect at a point used to mark the reference point.

Abstract: A method and equipment for measuring the tension of a moving web. The tension of the moving web is measured by means of a measuring element provided with a guide surface which the moving web is guided to pass such that the web forms an air cushion of the air it carries between the web and the guide surface. Measuring devices are arranged at a distance from one another in connection with the measuring element in the cross direction of the web for measuring a variable representing the tension of the moving web. The measuring element is moved back and forth in the cross direction of the web such that the tension profile of the web is measured at least on a part of the web width by means of the measuring devices arranged in connection with the measuring element.

Abstract: A template and methods of using the template to form an aperture in a planar member. The template comprises a thin material having a center aperture, written indicia on one side and an adhesive means on the other side. Other embodiments include at least one perforation means operatively formed at a predetermined distance from the center thereof, for allowing at least one portion of the template to be readily removed from the other portion. Further embodiments include a backing member operatively positioned in contact with the side of the template having the adhesive means for maintaining the effectiveness of the adhesive means until removal of the backing member from contact with the adhesive means.

Abstract: A material drying apparatus having a sealable chamber for receipt of wet material, such as clothing, and in particular fire-fighting outfits. In this embodiment clothing placed into the chamber is dried upon the evacuation of air from the chamber wherein moisture drawn from the clothes is condensed on a condensate coil placed in the chamber. Heating coils placed around the chamber elevate the temperature to enhance condensate operation providing an energy efficient material dryer requiring no make-up air. Condensed water is purged after the drying process although provisions provide for an interim purge should excess liquid be drawn from the material.

Abstract: A rotary dryer. The dryer includes a rotary drum and a dehumidifier. the rotary cylinder receives dry air and wet material, wherein The wet material is rotated by the rotary drum to completely contact the dry air so that The wet material changes to grains. the dehumidifier receives wet air from the rotary drum, dehumidifies the wet air, and introduces dry air to the rotary cylinder.

Abstract: A method for vacuum drying of a substrate which can eliminate not only the moisture adhered to the substrate surface but also the moisture impregnated inside of the films which form the devices in a shot time without deforming nor deteriorating the devices formed on the substrate in the drying. The method for vacuum drying of a substrate, concerning a method for drying a substrate by processing the substrate surface in a desired condition, cleaning the processed substrate with cleaning liquid, and drying the cleaned substrate, comprises the steps of heating the substrate surface to a predetermined temperature to vaporize the moisture of the surface as vapor and thereby detach the moisture from the substrate to outside, and vacuuming the detached vapor at a predetermined vacuum pressure to eliminate the moisture from the wafer.

Abstract: There is provided a method for drying wood which is capable of efficiently drying wood in a shorter period of time, by maintaining the concentration of a combustion gas contained in a drying room atmosphere for use in drying the wood to a high value and by maintaining the pressure of the drying room atmosphere to a high value. According to the method, wood fuels such as waste wood are put into a combustion chamber 4a provided in a lower area of a combustion gas generating furnace 4 and then the wood fuels are burned, followed by introducing the high-temperature combustion gas generated by the burning into an upper area of the drying room 1 housing the green wood, to thereby thermally dry the wood by the combustion gas. In this method, the thermal drying of the wood is carried out by maintaining the concentration of the combustion gas present in the drying room atmosphere to the high value and by maintaining the pressure of the drying room atmosphere to the high value.

Abstract: A high speed dryer section has single-wire draw drying groups (R1, RN). A paper or board web (W) is supported by a wire (F) as it meanders over drying cylinders (20) in an upper row and reversing cylinders/rolls (21) in a lower row. A first cylinder drying group (R1) has at least five drying cylinders. In the first cylinder drying group (R1) a runnability component (30) is placed in a pocket space defined by every two successive drying cylinders (20) and the reversing roll (21) between them and by the drying wire (F) for applying a high under-pressure of 1000-8000 Pa to an area (50Y) in which the web (W) separates from the drying cylinder (20), and by which runnability component (30) a lower under-pressure of 100-500 Pa is produced in at least part of the rest of the pocket space (T).

Abstract: A paper web drying apparatus and process is provided in which the heated air drying medium is replaced with between 10 percent to 100 percent of live steam. The addition of a steam component to the drying medium provides for a higher drying temperature to be supplied to the wet moving web. The introduction of live pressurized steam contributes to the load of force of the drying medium, thereby decreasing the energy requirements of blower motors. The introduction of pressurized live steam also lowers the free atmospheric oxygen content of the drying medium which reduces the burning or scorch hazard associated with high temperature drying of a cellulose web.

Abstract: A system and method for absorbing energy in shoes from an impact force. A variety of mechanical designs convert at least a portion of response of a first member in a direction of applied impact force, such as when a wearer's heel strikes a surface, to response of a second member in another direction. A mechanism absorbs at least some of the energy from the response in the other direction. A design method is also provided which allows a designer of shoes to select specific characteristics of the energy absorbing system, and precisely relate them to the impact load on the wearer. Modular components of the energy absorbing system can thus be produced having variations of the selected characteristic, for providing customizable selection of the energy absorbing system.

Abstract: Structure, associated with a motorcycle boot, which is designed to restrict, in the event of accidental falls followed by contact at high speed with the ground, the movements of the leg-piece (12) of the boot with respect to the axis of a heel-piece (14). First hinging means (16) which are angularly movable in a substantially unlimited manner and axially movable between two stopping means and second hinging means (18) which are movable only angularly in a restricted manner. Alternatively, the first and second hinging means can be formed by elements (176, 178) made of elastomeric materials.

Abstract: A climbing shoe includes an upper portion and an outer sole attached to the upper portion. The outer sole of the toe part has an edge area, a mid-area, and an interior area. The edge area will be made of rubber polymer with a hardness greater than the mid-area, and the mid-area will be made of rubber polymer with a hardness greater than the interior area. The edge area and mid-area will be substantially U-shaped along the toe part of the outer sole of the climbing shoes.

Abstract: A snowboard boot (200) includes an upper boot (204) secured to an outsole (206). The boot upper includes a vamp opening (208) that is closed by a tongue (210) and a selectively securable vamp fastener (216). The tongue (210) carries a pocket (218) on a lower end (212) thereof, and first and second snap fasteners (222) on an upper end (214) thereof. A semi-rigid tongue stiffener (202) can be selectively secured to an anterior side of the tongue (210) utilizing the pocket and snap fasteners to selectively increase the stiffness of the boot and resistance to forward flexure by a predetermined degree.

Abstract: A replacement outer sole and method for converting a non-spiked dress or sport shoe to a spiked shoe. The replacement outer sole includes an outer sole that supports a plurality of surface gripping devices in an outer periphery thereof. The replacement outer sole is coupled to the upper portion of a flat-soled shoe, converting the non-spiked shoe to a sports shoe having a surface gripping device such as cleats or spikes generally used for walking, running golfing or other activities.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a work implement having a ground engaging tool is provided. A swing command is supplied to a swing assembly to move the ground engaging tool in an arcuate path about a vertical axis. A crowd command is determined based on the velocity of the swing assembly and is calculated to generate a resulting net movement of the ground engaging tool toward a predetermined end point. The crowd command is supplied to a crowd mechanism to move the ground engaging tool towards the predetermined end point.

Abstract: A trencher includes a trencher frame mounting a chain bar in a cantilever manner with a safety guide overlying the chain bar. Both the chain bar and the safety guide are adjustable on the trencher frame between various laterally spaced positions with the safety guide being able to overlie the chain bar in the different laterally spaced positions. The chain bar comprises a mounting stub over which one end of an elongated boom may be inserted. The stub includes a central longitudinal slot for receiving bolts passing through the boom to secure the boom to the slot. The use of a longitudinal slot in the stub allows the height of the stub to be maximized relative to the height of the boom to provide a stronger and more durable mounting for the boom.

Abstract: A transparent liquid container bottle featuring a label with a uniformly solid color which contrasts with the color of the liquid contents of the bottle. The label extends from close to the base of the bottle to the base of the shoulder of the bottle. The width of the label is no greater than half the circumference of the bottle. This arrangement of the bottle imparts the color of the label to the liquid contents of the bottle,.

Abstract: A novelty item for marketing a product, and a method of its use is disclosed. The promotional item comprises as replica of a product being marketed, wherein the item has a secondary utility, such as for example, as a decoration, amusement device or specific utility, that is unrelated to the function of the product being marketed. The item is used as a unique, leave-behind item associated with a sales meeting. In any embodiment, the item encourages client interaction to develop product recognition, increase product loyalty, encourage product referral, and foster goodwill between businesses.

Abstract: A portable wet floor powered drier and attention getting warning devise that includes a power driven fan mounted on the lower end of housing and having a chute directing the flow of air therefrom in a curtain along the adjacent wet floor surface. Audible and/or visual signaling devices can be mounted on the device and can be activated by a motion sensor and the circuits therefore may include timer, delay and/or sequencing switches.

Abstract: The invention relates to a figurative print for a plane print carrier. In a preferred embodiment, the figurative print comprises a primary, a secondary, and a tertiary figurative element. Each of the three elements shows an angular displacement of between 0° and 90° in to a perpendicular view of the figurative print on the plane print carrier so that the figurative print appears with a special effect, when the print is viewed from an oblique position relative to a perpendicular viewing.

Abstract: A gun safety device includes a barrel plug assembly (A) which is installed in a barrel of a gun. The barrel plug assembly (A) has an expansion tube (14), a pair of compression members (12, 16) and a joining member (10). The expansion tube (14) applies a force radially outward when compressed longitudinally. The pair of compression members (12, 16) are arranged at opposite ends of the expansion tube (14) and are rotationally fixed with respect to one another. The joining member (10) operatively links the compression members (12, 16) together and selectively draws them together to longitudinally compress the expansion tube (14) therebetween. The gun safety device also includes a wrench assembly (B) which is selectively attachable and mated to the barrel plug assembly (A). The wrench assembly (B) operates the joining member (10).

Abstract: An electronic firearm comprises a barrel assembly and a handle assembly coupled to the barrel assembly. The handle assembly includes a grip portion defining a cavity and at least one opening disposed generally at a rear side of the grip portion, and a biometric sensing device disposed within the cavity and aligned with the at least one opening of the grip portion for scanning the skin of a portion of the user's hand opposing the opening to determine whether the user is authorized to discharge the electronic firearm.

Abstract: The underwater lighted fishing lure includes, in one embodiment, a transparent housing, two or more batteries and two LEDs of different color. Studies have shown that the use of two color LEDs in a single lure greatly enhances fish catch. Another embodiment drives the LEDs with a voltage at or above 3.3 volts. An additional embodiment uses lithium batteries. A further embodiment drives the LEDs at or above 150% the recommended voltage or current. Studies have shown that driving LEDs at higher voltages significantly increases fish catch. Additional features include a blinking circuit for the two color LEDs and a planar wing to either the battery powered fishing lure or a chemical luminescent fishing lure which causes the lure to turn based upon underwater flows and currents. This turning simulates a color ON and OFF cyclic operation.

Abstract: A device is provided for transmitting a sound signal to a fishing lure on a fishing line of a fishing rod. The device includes a vibrating element supported on the fishing rod to transmit vibrations to the fishing rod and means for coupling the vibrating element to a sound signal source to vibrate the vibrating element in response to the sound signal. The vibrating element is movable relative to the fishing rod at a frequency dependent upon a frequency of the sound signal and at an amplitude dependent upon an amplitude of the sound signal. The vibrating element allows sound to be transmitted to a fishing lure without the need of a complex and specially adapted lure. The sound can be transmitted to a conventional fishing lure through the fishing line in the form of vibrations within a range of frequencies audible to the fish. Furthermore, the vibrations can be completely random so as to simulate movements of live bait.

Abstract: A hollow telescopic fishing rod has a rod body made from resin and reinforcing fibers. The rod body has an inner circumferential surface, wherein concave surface portions and convex surface portions are formed in the inner circumferential surface of the rod body. The reinforcing fibers are applied to the convex surface portions in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: The trap (42, 82) is based around a spring mechanism (24, 60) comprising a substantially rectangular sheet of spring material folded to be substantially C-shaped in cross-section. In one embodiment (FIG. 6), portions (64, 65) of the spring mechanism (60) are adapted to be killing surfaces. In another embodiment FIG. 2), the spring mechanism (24) is provided with arms (28, 29) that support jaws (36, 37). A setting mechanism (53/54, 77) holds the spring mechanism (24, 60) in an armed position and the trap (42, 82) is triggered when a trigger mechanism (49, 75) is moved by an animal which in turn disengages the setting mechanism (53/54, 77) and allows the killing surfaces (portions 64, 65) or jaws (36, 37) to come together on the animal therebetween.

Abstract: A device for dispensing insecticide. The device includes a body, at least one crevasse and a plurality of protrusions extending out from the body. The body can have a circular, triangular, square or any other polygonal shape. The body can also be formed as an elongate member wherein the at least one crevasse extends along a longitudinal axis of this body. The body can also contain an internal chamber that is in fluid communication with the crevasse so that insecticide can be injected into this internal chamber and then flow into this at least one crevasse.

Abstract: The invention includes a process for converting biomass into C7-C10 alkylbenzenes useful as blending components for petroleum or petroleum derived fuels. The process includes a base catalyzed depolymerization of lignin within the biomass, followed by hydroprocessing of the depolymerized lignin to C7-C10 alkylbenzenes. The C7-C10 alkylbenzenes are useful for enhancing the octane level of petroleum or petroleum-derived fuels, such as gasoline. In addition, the C7-C10 alkylbenzenes are useful as intermediates in the production of numerous organic chemicals.

Abstract: Water repellent soil is treated with low concentrations of a blend of alkyl polyglycoside and EO/PO block copolymer in a weight ratio range of from 6:1 to 0.5:1 of glycoside to block copolymer in order to rapidly increase the wetting rate of the water repellent soil.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating seeds wherein seeds are treated with a solution containing at least one agent selected from the group consisting of a cationic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant, a biguanide compound, an iodine compound, and an alcoholic compound. The invention enables disinfection of seeds infected with plant pathogens and acceleration of germination of the disinfected seeds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plant growing system having a plurality of interconnected and elongated members for supporting growing plants. The system is preferably integrated with an irrigation system to provide a complete hydroponics system.

Abstract: Decorative grasses formed from a laminated material constructed of a layer of cloth and at least one layer of polymeric film wherein at least one surface of the laminate is provided with a decorative pattern or design. At least a portion of the layer of polymeric film is laminated to the layer of cloth, as well as methods for forming same, are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping comprising a floral holding material and a sheet of material. The floral holding material is a shape-sustaining support member having an open upper end, an open lower end and a peripheral sidewall defining an internal chamber extending between the open upper end and the close lower end. The sheet of material is extended about a portion of the floral holding material to form a decorative cover and the decorative cover cooperates with the shape-sustaining support member to define a reservoir for confining a liquid a securing element secures the decorative cover about the shape-sustaining support member and a crimped portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the floral holding material to provide a decorative covering.

Abstract: A plant packaging method providing a tubular sleeve having excess material therein and attaching the sleeve to a potted plant via a bonding material.

Abstract: A reactor for autothermal reforming of hydrocarbons that allows a reduction of excess-air factor &phgr; during the reforming without resulting in a reduced conversion of the hydrocarbons in an end region of the reaction zone. The reactor includes at least one reaction zone in which is arranged at least one catalyst structure for the reformation so that the educts involved in the reformation are converted while flowing through the reaction zone. A heating device is included for heating the end region of the reaction zone to accelerate the conversion of the hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of gasifying a biomass, comprising heating a fluidized bed reactor loaded with a catalyst represented by Rh/CeO2/M, where M represents SiO2, Al2O3 or ZrO2, to temperatures lower than 800° C., introducing biomass particles into the fluidized bed reactor from an upper portion thereof, introducing air and steam into the fluidized bed reactor from a lower portion thereof, and allowing the biomass particles to react at the surface of the Rh/CeO2/M catalyst so as to manufacture hydrogen and a syngas.

Abstract: A power closure control apparatus including a power operator for moving a panel along a travel path. There is also included a pinch strip that is in communication with the power operator. The pinch strip includes a lower portion mounted to the vehicle and an upper portion that is movably engaged with the lower portion. A spring mechanism is disposed between the upper and lower portions to maintain a positional relationship between the upper and lower portions. The upper portion has a first extended position and a second retracted position such that when a force is applied to the upper portion it moves to its second retracted position thereby causing the power operator to cease moving the panel along the travel path.

Abstract: A device for opening and closing a motor-driven part (10) on a motor vehicle includes a seal (28) arranged along a frame (14) of the part (10), a control unit (30), and clamping protection device. The clamping protection device recognizes an objected in the displacement path of the part (10) upon closing of the part (10) and relays a signal to the control unit (30) in order to stop or reverse the movement of the part (10). The seal (28) has at least one closed hollow section (16) with a defined cross-section (18), which is filled with a liquid or gas medium (34). The hollow section (16) is provided with a measuring device (30), with which at least one measured parameter of the medium (34) is measurable in dependence on a change of the cross-section (18).