Abstract: A bend-angle measuring device used to measure the bend angle of bent tubular components. The bend-angle measuring device makes use of a combined linear and rotational motion of a movable arm to gain access to numerous bent configurations.

Abstract: The present invention involves building sheets with a plurality of grooves indented into a surface of the building sheet to provide a guide for cutting the building sheet along the grooves. Preferably, the grooves are arranged in a regularly repeating pattern and are spaced apart by a standard unit of measurement in order for a cutter to accurately size the building sheet to a precise dimension. A simple scoring knife is preferably used to score the sheet along the grooves, without the need for a straight edge, and the sheet is broken by simply bending the sheet of along the score mark. The grooves are preferably provided at a depth into the surface the sheet such that they do not substantially decrease the strength of the sheet or affect off-groove scoring. Thus, a score mark can be made between or across grooves without deflection of the mark into a groove and without breakage of the sheet along a groove when the sheet is bent.

Abstract: A mounting plate assembly for use in aligning electrical and plumbing components of a toilet flush valve installation includes a pair of rails having openings therein for use in attaching the assembly to wall studs of variant spacing. There is a plate with openings and fasteners on the plate and rails for variable mounting of the plate to the rails. The plate has an opening for installation of an electrical box and at least one opening for a water inlet pipe. A pipe locater is used to properly position a pipe within the plate opening. There are openings at upper and lower portions of the plate to insure its correct vertical alignment with a water drain from a toilet fixture.

Abstract: A tape measure magnet having a magnet coupled to the tab on the extendable tape end of a tape measure, allowing a worker to extend the tape measure in order to reach and retrieve small metal objects without leaving his or her work environment.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus, supporting racks and heating arrangement for heating and cooling work pieces such as magnet assemblies for rotating electric machines. Because of the closed oval path through which the work pieces are transported on the racks by means of a conveyor mechanism that does not have to support the weight of the work pieces, very high efficiencies can be obtained.

Abstract: A water purging system for a flexible diving boot, including a first layer of flexible material located adjacent the interior of the boot for placement in contact with the foot of the diver, the first layer of flexible material having formed therethrough at least one first aperture for passing a volume of water from adjacent the skin of the diver outward through the material, a second layer of material located contiguous and on the opposite side of the first layer of material from the interior of the boot, and the second layer of material, defined by opposed, inner and outer sides arranged in close, spaced-apart arrangement, having formed therethrough at least one second aperture for passing a volume of water from one side of the layer to the other side of the layer, wherein the first and the second apertures each assume a first configuration, out of mutual axial alignment to create a torturous path, to prevent an influx of water into the boot therethrough, when the diver's boot is suspended underwater, and e

Abstract: The Safety Strap will keep your sneaker are shoe from coming off after becoming Untied are loosen due to playing sports are exercise.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe (1) with side lacing (2), a lacing or tensioning element (13) being pulled in a zigzag alternatingly through eyelets of two rows (4, 5) of eyelets (4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 5.1, 5.2, 5.3) opposite one another, of which the first row (4) on the lace side (3) is on or above the sole (6), and the second row (5) likewise on the lace side (3), but opposite the first row (5) at a distance, is on a shield which runs over the instep (9), which shield has a location which can change relative to the instep (9). According to the object both quick closure and also quick loosening of this closure will be attainable. This is achieved in that the shield is a freely movable tension flap (8) which has an essentially stable shape, but which is flexurally elastic, and which on the side opposite the lace side (3), has a single pulling site (8.1 or 8.1.1) via which it is coupled to the shoe (1) with a tension connection (10) which can be locked and which is adjustable in its length (10.1).

Abstract: An inner lining for waterproof shoe includes a lining body made of waterproof material which has a full side wall forming a complete enclosure except for the top and bottom, the body being made to conform to the shape and size of the interior of the shoe; an insole board with its edge connected with the lower end of the side wall of the body; a bridging strip made of waterproof material having an upper end joined to the lower end of the side wall and a lower end that is turned back so that the strip encloses the seam of the body and forms a folded portion below the under side of the insole board; and the contact surfaces between the strip, the side wall and the insole board being sealed.

Abstract: A snowshoe binding has a body member which is molded from an elastomeric synthetic material which easily conforms to the contour of a wide range of boot configurations and incorporates a pair of ladder cinch buckles mounted on synthetic straps positioned over the instep of the boot, the buckles not being anchored to any supporting component on the body member and operating in opposite directions, the straps being permanently installed in the buckles, and secured against removal from the buckles by the placement of snap hardware on the straps.

Abstract: A football boot (1) has a ball controlling surface which comprises an elasticated frictional surface. Conveniently the elasticated frictional surface may be provided in the form of a plurality of pieces of frictional material (11a, 11b, 11c, . . . ) fixed to an elasticated surface (12). Alternatively the elastic material may be provided between adjacent pieces of frictional material. The surface may equally be provided in the form of a material which inherently has both elasticated and frictional properties. Optionally the ball controlling surface is provided with an additional layer (13) of confined fluid substance located beneath the elasticated surface (12).

Abstract: A method for installing a pile anchor into the sea floor that enhances the holding capacity of the pile anchor. The pile anchor is installed at an inclined angle with respect to the sea floor, with the top of the anchor inclined in a direction opposite the lateral load applied to the anchor.

Abstract: In a working vehicle which includes left and right traveling devices, a pair of hydraulic traveling motors are installed to drive the respective traveling devices, and a pair of hydraulic directional control valves are provided for the respective hydraulic traveling motors in order to control the traveling of the vehicle. A throttle valve is provided in a pilot oil-passage, and connected to a drain oil-passage after passing serially through the pair of hydraulic directional control valves below the throttle valve. A pressure switch for warning the traveling state is operated by a pilot hydraulic pressure which is pressure of oil within an oil-passage between the throttle valve and an upstream one of the left and right hydraulic directional control valves.

Abstract: A ripper attachment (22) for an excavation device (20) includes first and second support members (50, 52) configured for connection to the excavation device (20). In particular, first and second support members (50, 52) are adapted to connect to a coupling apparatus (30) of a tool coupler (28) so that the ripper attachment (22) is fixed relative to the coupling apparatus (30). A body (54) of the ripper attachment (22) is disposed between the first and second support members (50, 52). The body (54) has a ripper tip (60) disposed on a distal end (62) and first and second mounting sections (64, 66) disposed on a proximal end (68). The first and second mounting sections (64, 66) of the body (54) are removably attachable to an interface area (70) of the first and second support members (50, 52). A brace element (56) of the ripper attachment (22) is interposed between and couple together the first and second support members (50, 52).

Abstract: A control device for earth moving equipment comprising a bucket pivotal about a bucket pivot between a closed position and an open position, a thumb pivotal about a thumb pivot between a first position and a second position, wherein the thumb pivot is separate from the bucket pivot, and an extension plate fixedly attached to the bucket and attached to the thumb pivot, wherein rotation of the bucket urges the thumb pivot to rotate around the bucket pivot and urges the thumb to move. A retrofitting kit for retrofitting earth moving equipment so that the thumb is movable in response to movement of the bucket is also disclosed.

Abstract: An abrasion resistant metal earth working surface having a plurality of spaced hollow open ended cup-shaped abrasion resistant studs welded to the surface which collect particulate material in the hollow open ends of the weld studs, wherein the particulate material forms an abrasion resistant barrier limiting abrasion of the earth working surface. The size and shape of the cup-shaped weld studs and the spacing between the array of studs is selected to provide optimum collection of particulate material which reduces wear to extend the efficient operation and life of the earth working surface.

Abstract: A calendar having two or more months represented on the same graphic. In this representation, each month represented on a single graphic would begin on a same day, for instance January and October 2003 begin on Wednesday. The months may end on the same or different day. The calendar can be utilized to have months of the same year or different years, as well. The overlay calendar may also be combination overlay-memo calendar. In this embodiment, the overlay calendar has room for the user to write permanent or erasable memos on each of the areas that represent a day of the month. The calendar may be color coded or have other types of indicia and may be provided with indicia showing the end day for each month on the calendar.

Abstract: A key holder pendant, constituted by a head (2) which is connected, by means of connecting elements (4), to rings (3) which are adapted to hold keys, characterized in that it comprises a bent rod-like element (9) whose mutually opposite ends form teeth (8) which can be detachably engaged in seats (7) provided in the head (2).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel lighting display system for numerous uses. Consisting of the following members. An enclosure with a transparent front face, containing a channel along its length for locating and retaining an assembly of circuit boards with alphanumeric characters. The circuit boards have light emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged to form alphanumeric characters. The circuit board characters are connected electrically in series or parallel and can be arranged to form an illuminated message, word, or series of numerals.

Abstract: A device for displaying information in identification areas of traffic signs, signposts, billboards, license plates, etc. The identification area is provided with a surface having an artificially producible base structure and other structures or itself forms such a surface having a self-cleaning effect. The base structure has or develops a capillary effect in which the quotient of capillary work and adhesion work is greater than 1. The capillaries have a negative rise, that is, liquid is pressed form the capillaries, providing the self-cleaning effect.

Abstract: A method of indicating to emergency personnel where it is safe on a vehicle to affix equipment or cut the vehicle and where it is not safe to affix of cut so as not to deploy the airbags after a vehicle crash where the airbags did not deploy in the accident.

Abstract: A fluorescent label for a computer keyboard key. The label is adhesive backed, having two layers of plastic vinyl such as Mylar and is rectangular and corresponds with the size of the key face and the character or message on the key. A kit is a sheet, having a set of labels for the various sizes of keys of a computer keyboard and the character or message thereon removable from the. The first layer of plastic vinyl has adhesive for attachment to a key face having a peel off paper backing and having a printed luminescent paint or ink on its upper side. An indicia is printed on the background corresponding to the key. A second layer of transparent plastic vinyl covers the luminescent layer.

Abstract: A generally planar magnet contained in a traditional matchbook cover. The upper top portion of the cover folds over the front surface of the magnet and inserts between the lower portion of the magnet and the lower portion of the cover. The magnet includes a lower portion that is attached to the lower portion of the matchbook cover, and an upper portion that is detachable from the lower portion. The upper portion can include more than one detachable portion that can be individually removed. In other embodiments, the upper portion of the magnet is not detachable. The front surface of the magnet preferably bears one or more images, and is suitable for advertising or for displaying images.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for displaying information in particular, but not exclusively, comprising an upper horizontal stand section (11) and a lower horizontal stand section (12) spaced vertically from said upper horizontal stand section, a vertically extening rod (13) which is preferably adustable in the direction of its longitudinal axis and the other end of which is connected to the lower horizontal stand sections (12), wherein the stand sections (11, 12) form an upper and a lower limitation for a preferably flexible information carrier (14) tensioned there between.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for feeding cartridges (15) from magazines to small arms, in particular to rifles with a cartridge feed device (3-7, 25-29), which transports the cartridges from a tubular magazine (11) to the barrel (1) by means of a device, in particular a rocker/spoon (3, 25-29). Said device comprises a breech, which receives the cartridges from the cartridge feed device, slides them into the barrel and closes the latter. The rocker/spoon of the cartridge feed device can be removed from the intermediate chamber between the tubular magazine and the lock (13) and an interchangeable cartridge magazine (16) can be inserted in the empty intermediate chamber (21). In a first embodiment, the rocker (3) can be displaced from a front position into a rear position. In a second embodiment, the rocker (3) can be pivoted from an upper, approximately horizontal position into a lower, approximately perpendicular position.

Abstract: A light weight wrist brace for anglers of all ages that is inherently self-adjusting and shock absorbing by virtue of its use of a flexure formed as an arcuate resilient connecting member. The connecting member is intermediate a forearm rest or cradle and a fastener adapted for connection to the handle of a fishing rod. The invention can be simply and easily molded as a single part from well-known thermoplastic materials using skills and techniques well known in the arts of plastic forming.

Abstract: A fishing system is described that is mounted to a boat. The fishing system has a housing, a mast supported in the housing, and a first actuator connected to and rotating the mast. The first actuator is mounted on the housing. A second actuator is connected to and pivots the housing. By turning on the second actuator, the mast can be raised or lowered, as needed.

Abstract: An artificial fishing lure is produced by immersing a shaped material in the form of a gel including curdlan in a liquid containing propylene glycol and taking the shaped material out of the liquid. A method of producing an artificial fishing lure includes the steps of preparing a mixture containing water and curdlan, heating the mixture to form a gel and mold the gel so that a shaped material in the form of a gel can be obtained, immersing the shaped material in a liquid containing propylene glycol, and taking the shaped material out of the liquid. A lure making kit includes curdlan and propylene glycol.

Abstract: A scent releasing fishing apparatus such as a downrigger weight. The apparatus includes a body having a cavity formed therein providing a reservoir to hold an amount of scented attractant in liquid form. A nozzle may be removably coupled with the body and in communication with the cavity for releasing the liquid material contained therein. A wicking member may be partially disposed in the cavity and extend through the nozzle orifice such that it is partially externally located relative to the body of the apparatus. The wicking member is formed of an absorbent material and assists in delivering the liquid material through the nozzle through a wicking or capillary action. The apparatus may be formed of a dense material such as lead for easy submersion in a body of water.

Abstract: A fly trap includes a cylindrical side wall made of a mesh material; a bottom wall located proximate (i.e., “at or near”) the bottom end of the side wail; a top wall located proximate the top end of the side wall; a conical entry conduit extending from proximate the bottom wall and providing an entry path to the interior chamber of the fly trap; and a lure holding device for holding a fly lure composition beneath the bottom opening of the entry conduit. The entry conduit may include an extending flange member that forms at least a portion of the bottom wall of the trap. Preferably, the top wall and/or some other part of the fly trap includes a light reflecting device, such as a prism or reflector, to help attract attention to the trap in the daylight. Also, to help attract attention to the trap at night, one or more surfaces may be coated with or constructed from a material that glows in the dark (e.g. a powder containing a commercially available phosphorescent material).

Abstract: Monitoring and controlling termite activity is accomplished by use of a soil additive in conjunction with a termite bait station. A material is added to the soil adjacent the bait station to retain moisture in the soil. Retention of moisture in the surrounding soil causes the bait material itself to remain moist for longer periods of time while enhancing the attraction and lure of termites to the bait station for longer periods of time. As such, the use of the material improves the efficacy and accuracy of the bait station.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a composition and method for increasing the amount of cetane in fuel. More specifically, it was discovered that the amount of cetane in fuel can be increased by mixing a fuel additive comprising &bgr;-carotene that was prepared in an inert atmosphere.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for reducing combustion chamber deposits (CCD) and/or intake valve deposits (IVD) in spark ignition internal combustion engines. A succinic acid derivative (SAD) of this invention or a mixture with at least one additional component of this invention is added to a liquid hydrocarbon or liquid hydrocarbon-oxygenate gasoline each in an amount of about 0.0005-0.5 wt % of the gasoline. Preferably the gasoline is unleaded. The preferred additional components include polyethers (PE), polyolefin butyrolactam derivatives (BLD), butyrolactam alkoxylates (BLA), tridecanol alkoxylate derivatives (TAD) and polyisobutylene amine (PIBA).

Abstract: Procedure to generate biodiesel fuels with improved properties at low temperature by the transesterification of triglycerides with alcohols such as methanol or ethanol, optionally in the presence of methyl or ethyl acetates of fatty acids and an inert solvent, to produce methyl or ethyl esters of fatty acids, glycerine and, where appropriate, glycerine triacetate, followed by the separation of crude glycerine that is reacted with aldehydes, ketones and/or acetic acid or methyl or ethyl acetates to produce acetals, glycerine cetals and/or glycerine acetates. The acetals, glycerine cetals and/or glycerine acetates are mixed with methyl or ethyl esters of fatty acids in concentrations of approximately 0.5-20% by weight to obtain a biodiesel with improved properties at low temperatures.

Abstract: A fuel rendering composition, an alternative supplemental fuel and a universal fuel treatment. Halogenated hydrocarbon(s) and solvent(s), particularly terpenoid containing solvent(s), are combined to form a composition that when mixed with vegetable oil, crude or refined, renders that oil suitable for use in a diesel engine. Various hydrocarbons, solvents and related compounds are disclosed. Providing a metal-organic compound such as a cyclopentadienyl compound with a halogenated hydrocarbon and solvent at appropriate rates produces a universal fuel treatment.

Abstract: The use of dilute aqueous water-soluble fertilizer compositions are disclosed to enhance the rewetting of water, uniformity and nutrient retention characteristics of initially untreated plant culture media and soil.

Abstract: Manufactured seeds are disclosed that comprise a unit of totipotent plant tissue and a nutritive medium. The nutritive medium can contain a number of different components selected from the following: a gel solute, charcoal, a carbon source, urea, KNO3, NH4NO3, CuCl2, CuSO4, KI, KH2PO4, CaCl2, MgSO4, Na2EDTA, FeSO4, ferric citrate, MnSO4, MnCl2, H3BO3, ZnSO4, CoCl2, Na2MoO4, (NH4)2MoO4, thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, HCl, Ca-pantothenate, nicotinic acid, biotin, folic acid, and myo-inositol. The nutritive medium can also include any of various protein amino acids, any of various polyamines, any of various oxygen-absorbing compounds, any of various non-protein amino acids, and/or a smoke suspension.

Abstract: A method of enhancing and modifying the productivity of cranberry plants through commercial application of a plant-growth regulating composition to the plants during their bloom period to achieve a substantially consistent yield of miniature cranberries, and the yield of miniature cranberries that result therefrom. The method involves applying a plant-growth regulating composition, preferably gibberellin, to cranberry plants, most preferably during their mid-bloom period. The invention gives increased fruit set levels—80 % or even higher. In addition to higher fruit sets and, therefore, higher yields, application of the plant-growth regulator results in miniature parthenocarpic cranberries.

Abstract: A method of enhancing aquatic organism growth is provided. The method comprises the step of introducing an alkane into water containing the organism. The alkane can be introduced intermittently, either alone or with another gas such as oxygen. Nutrients can be introduced with the alkane or separately. The alkane can comprise a butane substrate and can include at least one of n-butane and iso-butane. The organism can be selected from the group of: fish, crustaceans, mollusks, algae and aquatic plants. Organisms grown by the method and systems for practicing the method are also included.

Abstract: A bracket having a support member that can be removeably inserted into a seam between adjacent wall-forming elements that have been stacked to form a wall. A hanger portion connected to the support member is shaped to support a planter, vase, sign, or other item to be displayed.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing an improved root structure for a plant, the apparatus comprising a base, a plurality of vertical anti-circling channels connecting to the base and extending upwardly from the base, air channels formed in the base, a plurality of base anti-circling channels formed in the air channels extending along the length of the air channels, and ventilation holes in the base.

Abstract: A miniature vaporizer for effectively vaporizing a process fluid (e.g., a liquid media) in small energy system applications, such as systems employing chemical reformers and fuel cells. The vaporizer of the present invention can employ a heating medium, such as a hot exhaust generated by a power system, as the heating source for generating steam or for evaporating a fluid (e.g., liquid chemicals or fuels). The vaporizer of the invention can optionally be configured to vaporize water thereby functioning as a miniature steam generator, to evaporate a process fluid thereby functioning as a miniature evaporator or heat exchanger, or to evaporate a process fluid and mix the fluid with another medium. This evaporator/mixer configuration can be used in reformer plants where a liquid chemical or fuel (e.g., gasoline, diesel, methanol, etc.) needs to be first evaporated and mixed with steam prior to the introduction of the resultant mixture to a converter (e.g., reformor or fuel cell).

Abstract: Feedstock delivery systems for fuel processors, and fuel processing systems incorporating the same. In some embodiments, the feedstock delivery system includes at least one pressurized tank or other reservoir that is adapted to store in liquid form a feedstock for a fuel processor. The delivery system further includes a pressurization assembly that is adapted to pressurize the reservoir by delivering a stream of pressurized gas thereto. In some embodiments, the gas is at least substantially comprised of nitrogen or other inert gases. In some embodiments, the gas is a nitrogen-enriched or a reduced-oxygen air stream. In some embodiments, the delivery system includes a sensor assembly that is adapted to monitor the concentration of oxygen in, and/or being delivered to, the reservoir(s). In some embodiments, the delivery system includes a pumpless delivery system that regulates the delivery under pressure of the feedstock from the tank to the fuel processor.

Abstract: This invention discloses improvements on previous inventions for catalytic conversion of coal and steam to methane. The disclosed improvements permit conversion of petroleum residua or heavy crude petroleum to methane and carbon dioxide such that nearly all of the heating value of the converted hydrocarbons is recovered as heating value of the product methane. The liquid feed is distributed over a fluidized solid particulate catalyst containing alkali metal and carbon as petroleum coke at elevated temperature and pressure from the lower stage and transported to the upper stage of a two-stage reactor. Particulate solids containing carbon and alkali metal are circulated between the two stages. Superheated steam and recycled hydrogen and carbon monoxide are fed to the lower stage, fluidizing the particulate solids and gasifying some of the carbon. The gas phase from the lower stage passes through the upper stage, completing the reaction of the gas phase.

Abstract: Methods for improving a gasification process for halogenated materials and in particular for producing useful end products such as anhydrous or highly concentrated hydrogen halides and/or synthesis gas, the methods including recycling water/hydrogen halide vapors and/or carbon dioxide to a gasification reactor.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically actuating and securing a door has been shown and described. The automatic door system non-destructively retrofits a conventional door to allow actuation of the door. The automatic door system integrates a lock mechanism and a door actuation mechanism. The automatic door system allows hands-free operation and is suitable for use with pets or humans. The automatic door system controls the arc of the door swing and duration that the door remains open based upon the requestor activating the automatic door system. The automatic door system provides additional security over traditional mechanical locks. Further, the automatic door system allows access profiles to be customized to the requestor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved vent stop for use in a sliding sash window assembly or a sliding door assembly. The vent stop has a housing adapted to be disposed in the recess. This housing includes a cavity with a bottom plate therein. Inside the cavity is a tumbler that may be in a retracted position and an extended position. When the tumbler is in an extended position the tumbler has a protruding apex at the top. The tumbler has at least one pivot means for pivotally securing said tumbler to said housing for movement between the extended position and the retracted position. In the extended position the bottom of the tumbler overlies a portion of the second sash to prevent movement of the lower sash past the tumbler. When in a retracted position within said cavity the sash or door can be raised and/or moved past the tumbler without interference. Also within the housing is a spring means for biasing said tumbler into said extended position.

Abstract: A window regulator for operating a window pane includes an attachment channel configured for attachment to the window pane, a regulator base plate, a pair of sector gears, and a drive motor. Each sector gear includes a plurality of external gear teeth, and a lift arm slidingly coupled to the attachment channel. The sector gears are rotatably coupled to the base plate and are disposed such that the gear teeth of one of the sector gears directly engage the gear teeth of the other sector gears. The drive motor is in direct engagement with one of the sector gears. Consequently, rotation of the drive pinion of the drive motor causes the sector gears to rotate in opposing directions and the lift arms to either raise or lower the window pane.

Abstract: A gate is constructed to include a casing mounted in the ground of a gateway entry, two hollow posts fixedly fastened to two opposite sidewalls of the gateway entry and connected to the ends of the casing, an inflatable shutter received in the casing, an air pump selectively controlled to pump air into/out of the inflatable shutter, and detector switch means adapted to drive the air pump to pump air into the inflatable shutter, for lifting the inflatable shutter between the hollow posts to stop the flow of water upon a flood of rain.

Abstract: A door for a RF shielded and acoustically insulated room. The door includes a door panel and door frame adapted to electrically and pivotally contact the door panel. The door panel includes a noise absorbing material and a noise insulating gap disposed between outer sections of the door panel. The door frame includes a noise absorbing material and a perforated region adjacent to the noise absorbing material. The perforated region includes a number of apertures spaced apart at varying distances along the door frame.