Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing cerium oxide comprising rapid heating of cerium salts to a calcining temperature to calcine them, a cerium oxide abrasive containing the cerium oxide produced by the method and pure water, an abrasive containing a slurry in which cerium oxide particles having an intensity ratio of an area of a primary peak appearing at 27 to 30° to that of a secondary peak appearing at 32 to 35° (primary peak/secondary peak) in a powder X-ray diffraction chart of 3.20 or more are dispersed in a medium, an abrasive containing a slurry in which cerium oxide particles whose bulk density is 6.5 g/cm3 or less are dispersed into a medium, an abrasive containing a slurry in which abrasive grains having pores are dispersed into a medium, a method for polishing a substrate comprising polishing a predetermined substrate using the abrasive; and a method for manufacturing a semiconductor comprising the step of polishing by the abrasive.

Abstract: A door jamb square made of two extensions, a vertical extension and a horizontal extension. Both extensions are provided with bubble spirit levels and are attached forming a right angle, that can be fit into the corner of a door jamb to square that door jamb. The door jamb square is secured to the door jamb using a nailing plate, web plate and a bolt. The web plate is placed within the webbing of the door jamb square, covered by the nailing plate. The web plate and nailing plate each have an aperture aligned and fitted with the bolt. Additional sheetrock screws are used to secure the other side of the nailing plate and door jamb assembly to the door jamb.

Abstract: An angle detection device with a data transmission path on an n·360° bearing assembly with at least one scanning disk (21) arranged on one of two components at right angles to the axis of rotation, and with electro-optical illumination and detection means on the respective components held together by the bearing assembly, for scanning the instantaneous angle of the scanning disk (21), wherein electro-optical data transmission means are provided on said scanning disk (21) and on a surface opposite said scanning disk (21).

Abstract: A device having a pair of rails and a pair of guideline holders is provided. The rails are secured to the underside of the roof overhanging a gable. The rails define a slot within which the guideline holders are received. The guideline holders are slideable within the slot and may be releasably secured to any of a number of positions along the rails. A guideline is threaded within and releasably secured by each of the guideline holders.

Abstract: A method for determining the axis of rotation (AR) of an object (12) mounted to a rotary stage or platform (10) in a gauge measurement system by estimating a transformation (&dgr;) between multiple views or measurements of the object (12) obtained at different poses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for determining the circumference of a body.

Abstract: A template is disclosed for use in measuring and cutting a tinted film for attachment to a mirror to reduce dazzle and glare.

Abstract: A pneumatic hair-conditioner system has a vacuum pump (1, 4, 6, 30) attached predeterminedly to a hair processor (2, 25, 28, 29, 31) which employs airflow to the vacuum pump for predetermined hair processing by the hair processor. The vacuum pump and the hair processor can be either a dedicated-process conditioner with permanently integral attachment and pneumatic communication of a single select processor for predeterminedly limited hair-processing use or a multi-process conditioner with detachable attachment and integral communication of a plurality of select processors for predeterminedly multiple hair-processing uses. Optionally, the vacuum pump can be reversible for blowing instead of sucking air in pneumatic communication with the hair processor. For blowing, application of heat also is optional.

Abstract: The invention provides a mixer for mixing gases and other Newton liquids, with a flow channel and built-in surfaces arranged in the flow channel that influence the flow. The built-in surfaces are vortex-generating surfaces with free surging leading edges directed against the flow whose path, the surging leading edges having both a component running in the main flow direction of the gas and a component running transverse to it. To make mixing fast and the mixing distance short, several built-in surfaces of the same type are arranged in a row basically transverse to the main flow direction. Built-in surfaces next to one another overlap in relation to the main flow direction.

Abstract: A floor drying system that includes a housing have rollable wheels and a combination heater/blower mechanism for generating a heated air flow wherein ambient temperature air flow caused to enter the housing from the top, heated within the housing and forced to exit the housing through the four sides and bottom; the heated air exiting at angles directed toward the floor upon which the housing is supported; the top of the housing being provided with a caution strobe light which emits a strobe light action when the system is in operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying a fibre web of paper or paperboard is provided. The apparatus includes an adjustable heated press nip including at least one pressure device. The pressure device includes a roll, supporting one side of the web and at least two pressure shoes opposite the device and acting on the other side of the web. Each of the pressure shoes include means for providing an individual pressure respectively on the web. At least one intermediate conduit is arranged in-between the pressure shoes. The intermediate conduit includes means forming an additional individual pressure zone on the web.

Abstract: Liquid is removed from wafers for drying a wafer that has been wet in a liquid bath. The wafer and the bath are separated at a controlled rate as the wafer is positioned in a gas-filled volume. The controlled rate is generally not less than the maximum rate at which a meniscus will form between the liquid bath and the surface of the wafer when the liquid bath and the wafer are separated. The gas-filled volume is defined by a hot chamber that continuously transfers thermal energy to the wafer in the gas-filled volume. Hot gas directed into the volume and across the wafer and out of the volume continuously transfers thermal energy to the wafer.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for monitoring web breaks in a machine for producing a material web includes at least one impingement dryer. The process includes guiding the material web through the at least one impingement dryer, and monitoring the material web for web breaks in at least one of a region, viewed in a web travel direction, before an intake into the at least one impingement dryer, after an exit from the at least one impingement dryer and within the at least one impingement dryer. The process further includes at least partially deactivating the at least one impingement dryer when a web break is detected.

Abstract: A spikeless golf shoe includes an upper portion and an outsole portion which further includes a front portion and a heel portion. The outsole portion includes several rows of approximately trapezoidal shaped interconnected cleats designed so that the golfer is provided with stability and traction during a golf swing, traction while walking up an incline, stability while walking on a firm surface other than grass and increased flexibility and comfort. The cleats are also reduce or eliminate the spike mark problems to grass surfaces and reduce the accumulation of debris within the cleats. Several rows of cleats are positioned along the inner and outer periphery of the outsole portion and are oriented so that substantial traction is provided during a golf swing as well as allowing the golf shoe to roll during the follow through of a golf swing.

Abstract: A plow support assembly provides support of a plow assembly when the plow assembly is disconnected from a vehicle. The support assembly includes a support foot and is operable to move the support foot to a lowered, support position whereby the support foot engages the ground or support surface. The support assembly includes a control device which is operable to limit the downward movement of the support foot in response to a signal indicative of the support foot engaging the support surface, such that movement of the support foot is stopped once the support foot contacts a support surface or ground. The signal may be provided by a switch which is operable to communicate the signal in response to detection of a threshold position of the support foot, engagement of the support foot with the support surface, or a threshold hydraulic fluid pressure within the actuator, respectively.

Abstract: A loading machine and chassis for the same, of small size, with an excavator supplement, which can be used for loading, excavation, drilling, etc. in small spaces which were previously only accessible to persons. The operator sits astride the chassis with lateral support points for the operator's feet. A hydraulic system activates the excavator supplement coupled to a loader arm mechanism. Work tools are coupleable to the excavator supplement or the loading arm mechanism.

Abstract: A steam iron includes an iron unit and an evaporating unit. The evaporating unit includes a horizontal partition that divides a steam generating chamber into upper and lower chamber portions. Water is evaporated within the lower chamber portion so as to form steam that raises the partition, thereby permitting steam flow from the lower chamber portion into the upper chamber portion.

Abstract: A mailer for transmission from a sender to a recipient includes a front sheet having a perimeter and inner and outer opposed faces. The outer face of the front sheet is adapter to receive the address of the recipient. The front sheet is disposed in a first plane. The mailer includes a back sheet having a perimeter and inner and outer opposed faces. The back sheet is disposed in a second plane, which is spaced apart from and parallel to the first plane. A graphic display is disposed between the front sheet and the back sheet and adjacent to the inner face of the front sheet and adjacent to the inner face of the back sheet. The graphic display is disposed in a third plane parallel to the first and second planes. The graphic display includes projections extending within the third plane and outside the perimeter of the front sheet and outside the perimeter of the back sheet. The graphic display includes a plurality of irregularly shaped interlocking components.

Abstract: A beverage bauble comprising: (a) a glassware engaging member associable with a piece of beverage glassware, wherein the glassware engaging member comprises: (1) a primary aperture, wherein the primary aperture is releasably securable around a portion of the piece of beverage glassware; and (2) at least one structural configuration which releasably secures the glassware engaging member to the piece of beverage glassware; and (b) a primary identifier, wherein the primary identifier includes a connector which secures the primary identifier to the glassware engaging member.

Abstract: By providing any desired stationery product with a movable or removable panel member which cooperates with the surface or body of the stationery product, a unique indicia retaining and displaying system is realized. Preferably, the panel member is movably or removably mounted to the stationery product for ease of insertion of an indicia bearing member and secure retention thereof when the panel member is returned to its original position. In addition, the panel member preferably comprises a transparent zone, in order to enable the indicia bearing member to be easily viewed.

Abstract: A flame simulating assembly is provided having a simulated fuel bed, a light source, and a screen having a partially reflective front surface disposed behind the simulated fuel bed for reflecting an image of the simulated fuel bed and for transmitting light from the light source through the partially reflective front surface so that an image of flames is transmitted through the partially reflective front surface. The flame simulating assembly also includes a static reflector disposed in front of the simulated fuel bed and having an inner surface disposed opposite an outer surface. The inner surface is disposed adjacent to the simulated fuel bed and has a static reflective surface thereon. The static reflective surface is positioned for reflecting light from the light source onto the simulated fuel bed to simulate burning embers.

Abstract: A lighted article has a base with a receptacle and a display panel having indicia inscribed thereon and at least one orifice. The display panel is inserted into the receptacle and a lighting element having a light source protruding up from the receptacle is inserted into the orifice for illuminating the indicia on the display panel. The lighted article brightly illuminates the indicia without illuminating other parts of the display panel.

Abstract: An outdoor electrical display sign with an electrical resistance heating element on a transparent front panel thereof for removing condensation or for dissipating precipitation from the surfaces of the transparent front panel of the sign. The electrical resistance heating element can be adhesively secured onto a surface of the transparent front panel, taped onto a surface of the transparent front panel, laminated between the transparent front panel and an additional transparent polymer panel, photoscreened onto a surface of the transparent front panel, photo-etched onto a surface of the transparent front panel, or formed by pouring electrical resistance material into minute grooves formed in the transparent front panel. The electrical resistance heating element can be on either the inner surface or the outer surface of the transparent front panel, preferably the inner surface.

Abstract: An electrical panel cover and signage apparatus for protecting an electrical panel and indicating government installation codes. The electrical panel cover and signage apparatus includes a device for protecting an electrical panel and indicating government code. A cover member has a front wall having a peripheral edge. A peripheral wall is attached to and extends away from the peripheral edge. The front wall has a generally rectangular shape. Electrical construction code indicia are positioned on an outer surface of the front wall. The cover is positionable over the electrical panel.

Abstract: A display sign having a frame with a jointed hinge which allows the two display boards to be rotated 360 degrees to double the usable display area, the display boards can be removed and replaced, providing an unlimited array of sign combinations. The frames are opened via geared hinges until retainer straps are fully extended, this allows display boards to be viewed in an upright position, a strap socket is removed from a strap pivot post, and one frame is rotated approximately 360 degrees via a geared hinge. The retainer straps are then reattached to strap pivot posts, additional stability can be obtained by replacing end caps with ballast holders and ballast rods, alternately, the device can be mounted firmly atop a car via suction cups.

Abstract: Discloses a method of making scanning hooks with a release agent on the label attachment tab. Stock is formed by laminating a plastic sheet which will provide the main carrier body of the overlay and a thin film which has a release agent strongly bonded to its outer surface. The film is bonded to the main plastic layer, such as by an adhesive. Overlay blanks are cut from the resulting laminate stock as by die cutting. The overlay blanks then are bent and mounted on scanning hooks, with the tab portion extending essentially vertically and presenting an outwardly exposed release surface which provides ready appliability, removability and replaceability of merchandising labels which bear information related to the products supported on the hanger.

Abstract: A multi display mode picture frame is constructed to include a flat rectangular frame base and a back support. The frame base has a front side adapted for holding a picture, at least one first mounting hole and at lest one second mounting hole in a back side thereof, each first mounting hole being spaced between the center of the back side and the mid point of one short peripheral side, each second mounting hole being spaced between the center of the back side and the mid point of one long peripheral side. The back support has a first end detachably coupled to one mounting hole of the frame base and a second end forming with one peripheral side of the frame base a triangle that supports the picture frame on a flat surface.

Abstract: A frame panel apparatus for the ready presentation of flat media therein. The apparatus includes a flexible frame arranged to define a peripheral support for a display. An upper transparent panel having a periphery entirely enclosed by the flexible frame and a lower support panel having a periphery with a only a portion thereof supported by a shoulder member of the flexible frame support a display media therebetween.

Abstract: In a firearm having a trigger assembly with a trigger nose, a hammer with a sear hook and a trigger notch, a disconnector and an automatic sear, an improvement including a notched bifurcating the sear hook of the hammer for receiving the disconnector in a past-cocked position. Further improvements include the trigger notch being offset rearwardly from a center of the pivot point resulting in a slightly changed angle away from an acute engagement angle with the trigger nose.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement and to a method for rendering useless a weapon (100) that includes a breechblock, in the event of an unauthorized appropriation of the weapon. The arrangement (1) includes an expander (10) which has a cavity (13) or a recess and which is intended for insertion into the box (101) accommodating the breechblock of the weapon. An explosive substance (43) is disposed in the expander cavity (13) or recess. The explosive substance (43) is fired in response to an alarm being triggered, therewith deforming the breechblock accommodating space (101).

Abstract: A firearm includes a frame having a trigger guard defined by an upper wall, a lower wall, a rear wall and a forward wall, and a trigger pivotally mounted to the frame, the trigger having a hole passing therethrough. A trigger bar is disposed in the hole and is transversely slideable therein between a fire position wherein the trigger is pivotable with respect to the frame and the firearm may be discharged, and a safe position wherein the trigger bar and the upper wall of the trigger guard interfere with one another such that the trigger is not pivotable with respect to the frame and the firearm may not be discharged. Transverse movement of the trigger bar out of the hole is prevented by contact of the trigger bar with the frame as the trigger bar is pushed in either transverse direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sight for firearms, which sight comprises a sight house being applicable onto the upper side of a weapon and in this house a diopter provided unit turnably arranged around a horizontal axis, whereby a cylindrical sight unit is present in the sight house which sight unit comprises segmented extending diopter apertures turnably and horizontally arranged on a threaded bolt which runs between walls of said sight house.

Abstract: A range finder for hunting applications. In one embodiment, a range finder includes a cylindrical main housing, a range finder circuit, a display housing, a display and one or more brackets. The range finder circuit is contained in the main housing. The display housing is couple to a first side of the main housing. The display is received in the display housing and is in electrical communication with the range finding circuit. The one or brackets are selectively coupled to a second side of the main housing, wherein the second side of the main housing is opposite the first side of the main housing. In addition, the one or more brackets are adapted to couple the main housing to a portion of a hunting weapon.

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: An ice fishing net comprises an elongate handle having a gripping portion for grasping by a user and a net rim assembly attached to the handle. The net rim assembly includes first and second semicircular rim members with the first rim member fixedly mounted relative to the handle and the second rim member rotatably mounted relative to the first rim member and rotatable from a first position to a second position to form a substantially circular rim. A trigger assembly selectively allows the second rim member to rotate from a first position to a second position. Netting material is secured to the first and second rim members to form a net for receiving a fish therein when the second rim member is its second position. A biasing device forces the second rim member from the first position to the second position when released by the trigger assembly.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for fumigating at least one region with a nonflammable gaseous mixture including phosphine. A sensor senses the concentration of phosphine for atmosphere of the region and a flow controller controls flow to the region in response to the sensed concentration. A recycling passage removes a portion of the atmosphere from the region and returns the atmosphere to create a recycle flow through the region. In addition, a gas mixing system is provided to supply the non-flammable mixture by mixing phosphine from a phosphine source and an inert substance from an inert substance source.

Abstract: A modular pest control system which includes structure that is specifically designed to capitalize upon the physiology and/or behavior of a wide assortment of pests to render the system more attractive to the pests. The system is modular in nature whereby it may be configured as desired or necessary to target any combination of one or more species of pests. The modular system preferably includes, at minimum, a first component in the form of a pest control device that may be releasably connectable to a second component. The first component may contain one or more materials or structural features for controlling any individual species or combinations of species of ground crawling pests, termites and rodents. The second component may be a releasable base for securing the first component to vegetation, building surfaces and materials, or targeted areas of soil.

Abstract: An artificial pine needle used as a synthetic ground cover comprised of an extruded monofilament strand having a substantially C-shaped cross section. The artificial pine needle consists of a blend of polyolefin resin material, such as biodegradable recycled polypropylene, and additive for imparting proper color, luster, and effective resistance to ultraviolet radiation. Additional concentrates may be added for imparting scents such as pine or citronella, and coatings on the inward surface of the artificial needle may be applied to provide a means for delivering fertilizers or pesticides.

Abstract: A method of modifying the growth of plant roots is provided in which the roots are grown in proximity to a membrane from which water is released during the growth of the roots, wherein the membrane is a hydrophobic porous membrane or a hydrophilic non-porous membrane. The method may also be used to collect materials exuded from plant roots by growing the plant roots in a growing medium that is surrounded by a membrane such that moisture is released into the growing medium from the membrane whilst materials exuded from the plant roots are retained within the growing medium by the membrane, wherein the membrane is a hydrophobic porous membrane or a hydrophilic non-porous membrane.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for promoting by light irradiation the germination of seeds and the growth of plants generated by the seeds. The seeds to be treated are irradiated with radiation that is a simulation of the solar visible spectrum. The radiation may have a wavelength range from about 400 to about 700 nm. The irradiating light may be pulsed, for example at a frequency from about 10 to 150 pulses per minute, each pulses having a duration from 0.1 to 0.9 seconds and the intervals between pulses having a duration about from 0.1 to 6.0 seconds. The seeds may be cooled while irradiating them, such as to maintain the seeds at temperatures not exceeding 35° C. Cooling the seeds may be carried out by means of a stream of gas.

Abstract: A water-retaining support for plants comprising a hydrogel-forming polymer (A) having a calcium ion absorption of 0-100 mg per 1 g of the dry weight thereof, having a chlorine ion content of 0.07-7 mmol per 1 g of the dry weight thereof and having a water absorption magnification in ion-exchanger water at 25° C. of 1.0×101 to 1.0×102; or a plant body-growing water-retaining material comprising a molded product of a mixture of such a polymer (A) and a plant body-growing support (B). The water-retaining support for plants and the plant body-growing water-retaining material are those which have an excellent water-retaining property and they substantially do not cause inhibition of root generation or inhibition of root elongation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a planter comprising a plant container which opens upward and which has a bottom and sidewalls, as well as comprising an insert for insertion into the plant container. The insert is comprised of a basket which opens upward and which is provided for accommodating a plant culture, whereby the basket has a bottom and sidewalls. The planter additionally comprises a support which can be attached with an end thereof to the planter and can be attached with another end thereof to a fastening location. The planter is characterized in that the support consists of two retaining arms which can be attached to two opposing sidewalls of the planter, whereby each retaining arm can be fixed with a lower area thereof to an inner wall of a sidewall. The lower area of the retaining arm is provided with at least two holes in which the bolts mounted on the inner wall engage.

Abstract: A decorative cover formed from a sheet of material having forming indicia thereon is disclosed. The forming indicia permits an operator to form the sheet of material into the decorative cover without the use of a mold, such as a flower pot or potted plant. A method for forming the sheet of material into the decorative cover is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of plant growth units, and more particularly pertains to an apparatus for plant cultivation which conserves horizontal space and utilizes vertical space, while providing for the growth of plants which are cultivated in an indoor environment. The plant growth unit includes a plurality of growth sites, means for supporting the growth sites, and means for establishing a liquid nutrient flow. The growth sites may be radially supported about a central vertical longitudinal axis and the supporting means may define an internal space between the plurality of growth sites so that the growth sites generally face the internal space. The internal space may be adapted to accommodate a light source. The supporting means may have an upper portion and a lower portion, and may include one or more columns or one or more supporters.

Abstract: A planter system includes a pair of C-shaped wire baskets held together with connecting rods. The rods are L-shaped, and rotate between a storage position tight against their respective basket, and a use position where they telescopingly engage tube sections on the mating basket. A base engages the bottom of each wire basket, and can be inverted between low and high basket supporting positions, with connectors on the basket snap-attaching or magnetically attaching to the base in both positions. One corner of the basket has a hook shaped to engage another corner of the basket, such that several baskets can be interconnected to form a ring or long chain. An arching handle is provided that pivots down for storage and pivots up to a use position where it overlappingly frictionally engages (or magnetically couples to) the handle of an adjacent identical basket.

Abstract: A fire-resistant, aluminum, cementitious-material-free, insulation-free door adapted to prevent the spread of fire and heat passing therethrough, consists of: a door frame; a door hingedly mounted on the door frame, the door having a bottom wall, a top wall, and side walls, the bottom wall, top wall and side walls enclosing a hollow central core not containing substantial amounts of insulating material, the bottom wall having an outside surface, and the top wall having an outside surface; and a layer of intumescent material on the outside surface of the bottom wall. A heat-activated self-closing mechanism allows the weight of the door to close the door in the event of fire, by releasing gas from a supporting gas spring.

Abstract: A vehicle door cinching apparatus for assisting the final closing motion of a sliding vehicle door includes an electromagnet, a ferrous metal plate, a cinch drive and a controller. The electromagnet mounts on either an outer periphery of a vehicle sliding door or an inner periphery of a vehicle sliding door frame that's shaped to receive the sliding door as the door moves along a final inward cinching portion of a door path to a final closed position within the door frame. The plate is supported on the other of the outer periphery of the door and the inner periphery of the door frame in a position where the plate can magnetically engage the electromagnet when the door is disposed along the final cinching portion of the door path. Whichever of the plate and electromagnet is supported on the inner periphery of the door frame is also supported for lateral movement in a direction generally parallel to the cinching portion of the door path.

Abstract: A door trim 50 is made up of two divided trims of an upper trim 51 and a lower trim 52. A door elevating mechanism 27 composed of a guide rail 28, a motor 30, a step lamp 57, a speaker grille 56, are subassembled to the lower trim 52. In particular, the motor 30 is mounted on an extended attachment element 67 formed by extending the upper part of a pocket back cover 6 constituting a pocket 47 of the lower trim 52. The lower trim 52 configured in this manner is mounted to an inner panel 21. After a door glass 26 is installed to the door elevating mechanism 27, the upper trim 51 is mounted to the inner panel 21. Therefore, even if the area of an opening in the inner panel is not increased so much, the installation work of the door glass can be done easily, and a demand for increased size of the door glass can be met.

Abstract: Lock for a vacuum chamber which lock has a passage comprising an outer sealing element and an inner sealing element which outer sealing element can be maintained in the closed position under the influence of the pressure difference caused by the vacuum in the vacuum chamber, and can be opened against the force caused by the pressure difference, which inner sealing element under pretension can be maintained in the opened position and comprises closing element for closing the inner sealing element against the pretension, the closing element comprise at least one electromagnet.

Abstract: A grandstand seating arrangement having seating level members arranged in sequentially elevated relation to one another. A rigid frame that couples and surrounds the seating members has a lower frame coupled to the lifting arrangements and an upper frame coupled rigidly to the lower frame. A lower stop is disposed on each stanchion support and arranged at a height corresponding to the height of the associated seating level member. Seating level member supports support the seating level members, each of which is coupled to, and displaceable along, a respective stanchion support. The seating level member supports are supported by lower stops when the lifting arrangements are in the lower most position. When the lifting arrangements raise the rigid frame, the seating level member supports and the seating levels thereon are sequentially raised from the respective lower stops.