Abstract: A shock absorbing blade stop for a folding knife comprising; an elongated, cylinder shaped body, with o-ring grooves provided near its opposite ends. O-rings of a resilient material affixed to the o-ring grooves and the completed assembly located within the handle frames of a folding knife by means of location holes provided in the handle frames for that purpose. Location holes are of an inside diameter closely corresponding to the outside diameter of the mounted o-rings thereby producing a shock absorbing effect in response to the impact of a fast opening blade colliding against the blade stop. An enlarged center section of the blade stop is provided with an increased diameter slightly larger than the locating holes of the handle frames so as to capture the blade stop within the space between handle frames.

Abstract: A pruning device (10) for cutting the highest branches of a fruit tree or the like without the need to resort to the use of a ladder or elevated platform wherein the device (10) includes an elongated hollow shaft member (20) that slidably receives an even longer actuator rod (30) in a reciprocating fashion under the influence of a pair of actuator arm members (31) (32) pivotally associated with both the actuator rod (30) and the hollow shaft member (20); wherein a clipper member (40) is operatively associated with both the upper end of the actuator rod (30) and the upper portion of the hollow shaft member (20) to sever branches when the actuator arm members (31) (32) are brought toward one another.

Abstract: A hand tool which provides an alarm signal to a user as the tool approaches a live electrical wire is disclosed. The hand tool comprises a conductive tool head and a non-conductive handle. A non-contact voltage sensing circuit is provided in the handle of the tool. As the tool head approaches a live electrical wire, the non-contact voltage sensing circuit detects the voltage across the air gap between the tool head and the electrical wire, triggering an alarm circuit. The alarm circuit provides a visual or audio signal to the user.

Abstract: A trimming apparatus for variously trimming a sheet material is disclosed. The trimming apparatus includes a base for placing the sheet material thereon, a rail mounted on the base, a first trimming element for trimming the sheet material in a first manner, a second trimming element for trimming the sheet material in a second manner, a carriage movably engaging with the rail, having a first and a second portions coupled to the first and second trimming elements, respectively, and having a third portion for being exerted thereon a driving force to move along the rail, thereby carrying a selected one of the first and second trimming elements to cross over the sheet material.

Abstract: The v-cut knife of the present invention has a handle connected to a blade section comprising a blade with a proximal end, a distal end, a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface is formed into a sharp cutting edge. A generally v-shaped section is disposed between the proximal and distal ends of the blade. The v-shaped section is shaped and configured to cut away a waste portion of a plant from the useful produce portion. The knife is particularly useful for cutting the tail portion of a Romaine lettuce plant so as to maximize the amount of produce portion remaining after removing the waste core portion of the plant. When configured as described herein, the knife efficiently and safely cuts the tail section of a Romaine plant so as to leave as much produce behind as possible.

Abstract: A rotary position sensor for an rotating shaft includes a planetary gear set and a potentiometer. The planetary gear set is coupled to the rotating shaft. The potentiometer is coupled to the rotating shaft and the planetary gear set and is adapted to measure a rotary position of the rotating shaft and responsively generates a position signal. The planetary gear set is adapted to reduce multiple rotations of the rotating shaft to less than a full rotation of the potentiometer.

Abstract: A rotation member which rotates in cooperation with a steering wheel is provided with a cord board and a turning amount and a turning direction of the steering wheel are detected by the cord board and photo-interrupters. A first gear of the rotation member meshes with a second gear to turn a screw shaft, thereby moving a carriage in an axial direction of the screw shaft and also moving a slit of a douser mounted to the carriage relative to an LED and a two-piece photodiode. An absolute angle from a neutral position of the steering wheel is detected based on a change in an amount of light received by the two-piece photodiode which changes according to a moving position of the slit.

Abstract: A measuring tape radius marking tool includes a block having an open-faced slot. A cut-out is formed in the block generally opposite the slot for holding non-circular markers. An aperture is formed through the block between the slot and the cut-out so as to be aligned with the cut-out for receiving generally circular markers. A portion of a measuring tape corresponding to the distance to be measured from a center point to form a radius marking is disposed within the slot and secured in place. A marker is inserted into either the cut-out or aperture, secured in place, and the tool is moved in an arc to create the measured radius marking.

Abstract: A means is disclosed for marking one or more clean line on the absorbent tip of a cotton swab. The means comprises of a tool with a thin groove wherein at predetermined locations at the bottom of the thin groove, there are channels for directing ink into the thin groove from an ink source. A thin absorbent thread is placed into this thin groove to absorb and distribute the ink thereby allowing controlled distribution of the ink which results in the formation of a clean line when the absorbent tip of a cotton swab is rotated over the thin absorbent thread during the manufacturing of the cotton swab resulting in a clean line marked on the absorbent tip.

Abstract: To provide a template holder in which parts such as screws for mounting a template to a template mounting member is not lost. A template holder, in which in a state in which an elastic strut 94 is inserted into a holding hole 81 of a template 80, the template 80 is pressed and is caused to abut upon an end surface 91b of a base member 91a by the elastic strut 94 by operating a pressing strut 95, whereby while the template 80 is mounted to a holding member 91, the holding member 91 is departed from the template 80 by operating the pressing strut 95 to thereby enable the template 80 to be removed from the elastic strut 94 and the holdig member 91, wherein the pressing strut 95 and the elastic strut 94 are held by the holding member 91 when the template 80 is attached and detached.

Abstract: An alignment apparatus, system and method of alignment for motorcycle is disclosed. The apparatus typically includes an elongated threaded rod and two internally threaded cones that screw onto either end of the rod in opposition. The alignment system typically includes two fo the apparatuses, one to be fitted within the rear axle and the other to be fitted within the swing arm pivot shaft. The distance is measured between the ends of the rods on either side of the motorcycle and the rear axle is adjusted until the distances are equal. The rear wheel is then in alignment with the motorcycle.

Abstract: A surgical site marking system for marking, correlating, and verifying that the surgical site which is to undergo the surgical procedure has been identified as the correct surgical site. The system utilizes labels and a series of checks to associate the patient with the correct surgery and appropriate surgical site.

Abstract: A linear encoder for use with a guide assembly includes a scale (21), a head (22) for scanning the scale (21), and mounting elements (30) for releasably attaching the scale (21) to the guide rail (11) of the guide assembly, with the mounting elements (30) being arrangeable outside of the mounting surface (14) of the guide rail (11) and having stop surfaces (31, 32) extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X) of the guide rail (11) for a parallel alignment of the scale (21) along the guide rail (11) and encompassing and engaging reference surface (15, 16) of the guide rail (11).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for drying shoes, gloves or garments comprising a fan which produces an airflow and which is accommodated in a housing. The housing comprises two openings that are connected to two tube sockets which are arranged opposite one another and which are fastened to said housing. The tube sockets are connected to tubes for guiding the airflow. To this end, the tube sockets are angular and one end of each tube socket is rotatably connected to the housing while forming a swivel joint.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preserving wood, said process comprising the following steps: (1) a modification step in which wood is heated to the modification temperature and is maintained at that temperature for a specific time; (2) a cooling step in which the wood is cooled; characterized in that the wood is heated and cooled by means of heating elements which are positioned in-between the wood. Prior to the modification step, a drying step can be carried out. According to further embodiments, the process is characterized in that one or more of the steps takes place under vacuum in a sealed chamber. Preferably, a pressure is applied to the wood during the steps, with the option of varying said pressure during the process. The invention also relates to an apparatus for implementing the process.

Abstract: A sandal including a molded rubber outsole configured to support a lower surface of a foot including a heel, midfoot, and a forefoot; a toe cap extending from the outsole and configured to cover a top of at least a portion of the forefoot, the toe cap molded integrally with the outsole; and a plurality of sandal straps fixed to the outsole to retain the sandal on the foot, at least one of the sandal straps fixed to the toe.

Abstract: A shoe includes an ergonomic insole unit, and an upper with a bottom margin connected directly to a periphery of the insole unit. The insole unit has a heel part which includes a planar bottom face, a rear upward flange extending upward from the heel part and a concave inner surface which extends gradually upward and outward from a mid part of the heel part to the upward flange. The thickness of the heel part decreases gradually from the upward flange to the mid part and thus substantially conforms to the contour of the bottom face of the wearer's heel. The ergonomic insole unit contacts and supports sufficiently all part of the wearer's heel for better distribution of the weight of the wearer.

Abstract: A shoe includes an ergonomic insole unit, and an upper with a bottom margin attached directly to the insole unit via a lasting process. The insole unit has a heel part which includes a bottom face, a rear upward flange extending upward from the heel part and a concave top surface conforming to the heel of the wearer's foot. In order to permit the bottom margin of the upper to be lasted over the heel part, the bottom face is coplanar at least in a peripheral region which extends along a corner defined by the bottom face and the upward flange.

Abstract: A manual drive system is shown for moving trenchers and other small ground engaging equipment while in operation. A preferred embodiment of the system includes a pedal providing the mechanical advantage needed for an operator to apply sufficient thrust for such operations and a cleat for engaging the ground to provide the motive force in one instance or a ratchet engaging a transport wheel in another instance.

Abstract: A plow edge and a plow flap, for example, a snow plow edge and a snow plow flap, having improved durability and performance compared to prior art metallic or elastomeric edges or flaps. The plow edge and plow flap are fabricated from an elastomeric material, for example, a cord-reinforced elastomeric material. According to one aspect of the invention, the cord-reinforced elastomeric materials are elongated members fabricated from tire parts, for example, used treads from pneumatic tires. Tire treads having integral reinforcing cords, for example, metallic or polymer cords or belts provide enhanced strength and durability. The plow edges and flaps may be used on plows for transferring many types of media along a surface, for example, gravel, sand, water, or other liquids, but in one aspect of the invention, the edges and flaps are used for snow plows.

Abstract: A plow blade assembly is disclosed that allows the centerline of the plow blade to be moved transversely about the centerline of a plowing vehicle. The operator can extend the end of the plow blade past the side of the plowing vehicle and in front of the vehicle tires. By positioning the blade to one side of the vehicle, the operator can prevent snow from rolling off the end of the plow blade and coming into contact with the vehicle tires and provide a greater distance between the outside edge of the plow blade and the side of the vehicle, including any extending mirrors. The assembly can control the angle of the blade relative to the longitudinal axis of the plowing vehicle and control the position of the blade relative to the centerline of the vehicle. A controller in the vehicle allows the operator to independently position the blade.

Abstract: A gestation calendar for use by an expectant mother. A first disk has first indicia corresponding to days of a calendar year. A second disk is pivoted concentrically to the first disk and has second indicia defining successive weeks of a gestation term and associated information. The information includes imagined statements by a fetus representing its development during the time intervals, with corresponding information relating to prenatal health care for the mother. When the first and the second disks are positioned so that an index mark of the second indicia is aligned with a start date of the mother's last period in the first indicia, the development of the fetus at a certain date during pregnancy along with the corresponding prenatal health care information are conveyed by the information associated with that time interval which is aligned with the certain date in the first indicia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for highly customizing and personalizing a greeting card through the association with a digital recording media. The CD can include a writable track for recording the user's voice input and a writable track for recording other audio and/or video input. The CD can, additionally. be provided with a track prerecorded with words and music based around specific occasions, such as Mother's Day, Christmas, etc. and can be provided with a track on which is prerecorded instrumental music for use karaoke style. As a further option, the CD can be provided with a writable track for recording the user's voice merged with the music on the instrumental track.

Abstract: A mounting kit for securing a license plate removably to a vehicle includes a pair of fasteners having a tapered screw thread shank, a hand-turnable fastener head, and a grommet captured between the head and the screw thread portion. The grommet is installable in an associated fastener opening of a license plate to capture the grommet within the fastener hole and in turn to capture the fasteners within the grommet, while enabling the fasteners to be turned relative to the grommets and license plate for releasably mounting the plate on the vehicle.

Abstract: A front and/or rear plate-holder (1) for vehicles in general is provided with at least a supporting means (6, 6′, 8, 8′, 8″), either integral or fastened to said plate-holder and containing at least a seat (7) for the containment and fastening of apparatuses or devices (3), positioned on the outside of vehicle. The supporting means (8″) may be integral or fastened to an external frame (11) of standard size for the coupling to the plate-holder.

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

Abstract: A tamper evident ear tag system for preventing reattachment of an ear tag to a second animal that was removed from a first animal. The tamper evident ear tag system includes an attachment member that is permanently inserted into a receiving member wherein the receiving member is attached to an ear tag. The attachment member is comprised of a main shaft, a flanged portion, and a spiked end that is inserted into the receiving member. The receiving member includes a first opening that extending inwardly within an inner flange for catchably receiving the spiked end of the attachment member.

Abstract: A decorative device includes a cover secured to a housing for forming a water tight scaled chamber and for receiving a fluid or one or more decorative members. An agitator is rotatably received in the cover for agitating the decorative members or the fluid. A seat is rotatably received in the housing and secured to the agitator, and a cable is secured to the seat for rotating the seat against a spring or the like. One or more light devices or buzzers are attached to the housing, and can be energized alternatively by conductors in the seat and the housing.

Abstract: A trim cap for a sign cabinet such as a channel letter includes an elongated formable band along with a pressure activated adhesive layer that is connected to the band. The adhesive layer is conformable to facilitate adherence of the trim cap to the edge of a sign face of the light cabinet. Preferably, the adhesive layer comprises a pressure activated adhesive and a foam layer that includes a plurality of polymeric microspheres.

Abstract: Banner or picture support and display method and apparatus capable of displaying a banner, picture or other like object to the custom requirements of the object to be displayed or the user's requirements. The apparatus' design allows for it, and that which is to be displayed thereby, to be free standing, self contained and/or mounted to a “permanent” location as the user may determine. The inventions disclosed herein comprises at least one (1) support member and two (2) control means for purposes of engaging and holding taut that which the user desired to be displayed. Contained within the control means is a device capable of affixing the banner to the supporting member whereafter the banner may be customly and infinitely adjusted to the specific requirements of the banner or as the user may desires or deems appropriate.

Abstract: A shelf-front label holder is provided with a specifically improved form of auxiliary sign clip along its upper front edge. The label holder is formed of a relatively rigid plastic material, and the sign clip includes a downwardly extending portion overlying the upper front margin of the label holder to accommodate upward insertion of special sign tags. A thin, flexible tongue-like retaining element extends across a lower portion of the sign clip and is adapted to be easily deflected by upward insertion of a paper sign but thereafter lightly grips the sign to hold it in place. A new process is also disclosed for the continuous extrusion of the new label holder product, enabling the continuous co-extrusion of the soft, flexible tongue-like retaining element together with the main section of the label holder.

Abstract: A transparent divider to be used at checkout conveyors for separating one customers order from the next customers order. The divider is an elongate bar which has an open bottom for ease of stacking or sliding along a checkout rail. A slot is formed in the side walls of the divider into which a sheet of printed advertisement can be folded and slid. The advertisement is visible, preferably on all side walls of the divider. The divider is available in a number of different shapes and can be made as a single piece or as an inner divider with a transparent cover.

Abstract: A stock for firearms comprises slots or cutouts provided in the body of the stock and filled with material adapted to absorb energy, in order to reduce recoil and nozzle rise, upon firing.

Abstract: A barrel with an adjustable bore diameter for use with a paint ball gun allowing the gun to fire paint ball pellets of different sizes. The barrel need not be removed from the gun in order to adjust the bore diameter, but rather an outer sleeve of the barrel is rotated to facilitate the change in the bore diameter. In one embodiment, the barrel includes an inner-bore sleeve, a barrel body having openings and force elements received in the openings. The barrel body and force elements are located between the inner-bore sleeve and outer sleeve. One embodiment includes recesses on an inner surface of the outer sleeve to rotationally index the force elements in the outer sleeve.

Abstract: A method and device for causing earthworms to emerge from ground soil for harvesting, including providing a spraying device, having an inlet, an outlet, and a mixing chamber located intermediate the inlet and the outlet, wherein the mixing chamber is arranged to receive a worm lure composition for mixing with a mixing fluid coupled to the inlet to thereby provide a worm lure mixture, spraying the mixture from the outlet onto ground soil containing worms thereby causing worms to emerge from the ground soil, and collecting the worms. The device includes an inlet, an outlet, and a mixing chamber for mixing a worm lure composition with mixing fluid.

Abstract: A simulated-motion decoy has a lenticular device on at least part of its body, disposed so as to be visible to a passing bird or game animal and thus providing a changing image as the bird or game animal's viewing angle changes.

Abstract: A fishing lure utilizing a solid, resin-like body encapsulating electrical circuits, including an internal oscillating microchip, in a translucent bait shaped body. Several light emitting diodes are programmed to blink sequentially in a predetermined pattern, thus illuminating the entire lure body. An externally attached magnet is moved toward an internal reed switch to activate the LED's. The lure is disposable with no requirements for changing encapsulated battery.

Abstract: A Pivoting Rod Holder for securing fishing rods in a variety of positions while they are in use is described. A rod holder tube is a component of a pivoting rod holding system, which has as its additional components a base with a plurality of catch indentations, a collar, a retaining plate, and a plunger-operated locking mechanism at the base of the rod holder tube. A rod placed in the rod holder tube can be locked into any position along a 360 degree axis by simply pulling the rod holder tube up till it is parallel with the catch indentations in the base, spinning it into the desired position, and pulling back firmly on it. This pushes the plunger-operated locking mechanism at the base of the rod holder tube into one of the catch indentations in the base, where it is secured. To release, the rod holder tube is pushed on until the plunger-operated locking mechanism is popped out of the catch indentation in the base.

Abstract: A rigging harness for a fishing lure includes a single wire that includes an eye-loop and at least one loop. The loop is axially spaced from the eye-loop. The rigging harness is configured to be inserted at least partially within the fishing lure such that the eye-loop extends outwardly from the fishing lure when the rigging harness is secured to the lure.

Abstract: An article of terminal tackle including a shank portion has a line retaining appendage at one end so attached to the shank as to provide a open ended angle. The line gripping appendage has a nub at each of its ends. A tubular body surrounds the shank that is capable of encapsulating the shank, the line gripping appendage and line wrapped around the shank. The nubs on the line gripping appendage are capable of holding the tubular body in place until the line gripping appendage is purposely pressed into the shank at its open ended area.

Abstract: Multiple leaves and a binder which are particularly adapted to conveniently and accessibly store, organize, and display pre-tied flies and tippets. The flies are tied on a fishing hook which has a pointed end portion, and an eye to which the tippet is pre-tied in advance of active use. A first leaf comprises: a hook reception member having a thickness sufficient to receive the pointed end portion of the hook, and two opposite sides, one opposite side of which is adhered to a front side portion of the first leaf. The pointed end portion of the fishing hook may be first hooked into the thickness of the hook reception block, and then the tippet may be wound around the leaf.

Abstract: A pest control device (10), and a method of suppressing a pest, which can be discretely and easily placed, serviced and removed from the proximity of areas where pests, including rodents and insects, are likely to frequent, including the area near the floor-wall juncture (54) behind shelving (44) and/or products (52) or equipment. The pest control device (10) has a pest suppression device (18) having an ingress for the pest and an elongate arm (20) having a proximate end (24) and a distal end (26), the proximate end (24) of the elongate arm (20) connected to the pest suppression device (20) communicating with the ingress and facilitating a pathway for the pest from the distal end (26) of the elongate arm (20) to the ingress. The pest suppression device (10) may be mounted on a platform (12 or 14) and the elongate arm (20) mounted instead to the platform (12 or 14).

Abstract: An additive to a fuel oil for a Diesel engine having a Diesel particulate filter (DPF), which comprises a molybdenum compound and having the function of improving the combustion property of a particulate matter (PM) trapped with DPF; a fuel oil comprising the additive; a lubricating oil composition for a Diesel engine having DPF, which has a sulfated ash content of 1.0% by weight or smaller, a sulfur content of 0.3% by weight or smaller and a molybdenum content of 100 ppm or greater; and DPF for removing PM in combustion gas discharged from a Diesel engine vehicle by trapping and burning PM, DPF comprising a filter supporting a molybdenum compound. The combustion property of PM trapped with the filter of DPF is improved, PM is burned at a low temperature with stability, the efficiency of removal of PM is improved and the life of DPF is increased.

Abstract: A diesel fuel composition which improves the performance of diesel engine particulate exhaust traps comprising a diesel fuel containing a combination of 1-25 ppm of metal in the form of a metal salt additive and 100 to 500 ppm of an oil soluble nitrogen containing ashless detergent additive.

Abstract: A gas engine oil of enhanced life as evidenced by a reduction in viscosity increase, oxidation, nitration. TAN increase, and TBN depletion comprises a major amount of a base oil of lubricating viscosity and at minor amount of a phenolic anti oxidant and a viscosity index improver, but excluding amine type anti oxydants.

Abstract: A method of operating an energy integrated farm operation with recovery of animal feed from liquid food waste is described and claimed. The method involves extracting methane gas from animal manure and using the methane gas to power an electrical generator. The electricity from the generator and the methane gas itself may be used to operate a dryer. The dryer is used to dry a liquid food waste stream to yield a dry food product. The dry food product recovered has enough nutritional value to be useful as animal feed.

Abstract: A foldable garden frame has a first main rod, a second main rod, a first end rod, and a second end rod. The first main rod and the second main rod are connected pivotally. The first main rod and the first end rod are connected pivotally. The second main rod and the second end rod are connected pivotally.

Abstract: Adjustable landscaping ergonomic pads of various shapes adapted for covering the soil around the trunks of shrubs, trees, and garden plants to completely eliminate and retard the growth of weeds and other undesirable plants.

Abstract: A unitary device for securing the root ball of newly planted trees and/or shrubs into proper position, for stabilizing the trees and/or shrubs to prevent shifting or toppling while the tree and/or shrub root systems are first developing. The device includes a horizontal cross member, and a couple of prongs perpendicularly depending from the horizontal cross member, all formed from a single piece of rod or tubing material. At the time of planting, after the root ball of the tree is set into an appropriate hole and the tree is in proper position, the free ends of the prongs of the device are driven into the ground such that the outer prong is retained in the firm portion of the soil, and the inner prong engages the root ball. The outer prong is of a sufficient length to be held securely in the soil, and the inner prong is both arranged in position and sized in length to engage the root ball securely.