Abstract: A method for manufacturing an artificial leather reinforced with ultramicrofiber nonwoven fabric is disclosed. The method mainly includes the following steps. First, ultramicrofiber-forming fibers having an islands-in-sea type cross-sectional configuration are formed by blend spinning or conjugate spinning, and used as a major material of the nonwoven. Next, a porous reinforcement sheet of low compactness is formed from polyester, polyurethane or polyolefin by spunbonding, meltblowing or calendering. The reinforcement sheet has a thickness of about 0.01 to about 1.0 mm, has a weight per unit area of about 10 to about 200 g/m2 and has a mesh size of about 10 to about 150 mesh. Alternatively, twisted yam (100˜1000T/m) may be used to form the reinforcement sheet by a weaving or knitting machine. The ultramicrofibers are entangled with the reinforcement sheet by needle punching or spunlace to form the complex reinforced ultramicrofiber nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: A hand tool for expanding an end of a pipe to insert a fitting therein and for pressing a retaining sleeve over the pipe and fitting. The tool includes: (a) a replaceable, expandable head for insertion within an end of the pipe; and (b) a gripping and pressing member to grip the fitting and the retaining sleeve and to press the retaining sleeve over the pipe and fitting.

Abstract: A method of making combustion turbine transition duct bodies without longitudinal welds by hydroforming at least one in a hydroforming press. Ideally, two transition duct bodies can be made simultaneously with their exit ducts joined together, which can be cut after hydroforming. Apparatus for hydroforming transition ducts includes axial compression members and pressure intensifiers to impart highly detailed features into the work piece.

Abstract: An efficient method of forming a vehicle body side panel from a blank constructed to reduce wasted material and manufacturing time. The method includes connecting first and second opposing sheet members and first and second middle sheet members to form the blank. The sheet members being spaced from each other such that an opening extends through the blank. The opening having an original perimeter that is formed by the first and second opposing sheet members and the first and second middle sheet members. The method also includes removing a portion of one of the sheet members adjacent the opening to remove a section of the original perimeter of the opening and to enlarge the opening beyond its original perimeter.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf club head comprising a forged face cup, which comprises a hitting face and at least one sidewall, a cast member, and a stamped member, wherein the face cup, the cast member and the stamped member are welded together to form the golf club head. The hitting face and the at least one sidewall form a face cup. The hitting face may have a thickened central portion and a relatively thinner intermediate region. The hitting face defines a rectangular area of about 0.5 inch by 1.0 inch, and wherein initial ball speeds generated by the golf club head impacting golf balls are within 2% of a peak initial ball speed within the rectangle.

Abstract: A method of constructing a rotor for use in a high speed controlled-pole electric machine includes the steps of positioning an inner layer of remagnetizable permanent magnetic material over substantially an entire circumference of a rotor core exterior surface, and positioning a outer layer of remagnetizable permanent magnetic material positioned over substantially an entire circumference defined by said inner layer of remagnetizable permanent magnetic material. The inner layer of permanent magnetic material can have a first set of magnetic properties and the outer layer of permanent magnetic material can have a distinct second set of magnetic properties. The layers of remagnetizable permanent magnetic material can be formed from a plurality of magnetic blocks. The method can include the step of binding the layers of remagnetizable permanent magnetic material to the rotor using high strength wire.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the safe and easy installation of wall-mounted electrical outlets and switches utilizing a multi-functional tool. Two different but similar tools are provided, each in the form of an insulated handle that may be detachably engaged with either a wall socket or a wall switch. The wall socket device includes one or more prongs for temporary engagement with slots in the socket fixture, and may include testing circuitry. The wall switch device is temporarily attached to a switch fixture using one or more magnets. Both tools may also include built-in electrical wire measuring, stripping and bending structures.

Abstract: A method of making connections on a conductor pattern of a PCB comprises the steps of: a) Prepare a substrate with a conductive layer at a side thereof b) Form the conductive layer to a conductor pattern having first portions and second portions, wherein the first portions and a second portions have difference in height, and c) Provide an insulating layer on the substrate for sheltering the second portions of the conductor pattern but exposing the first portions of the conductor pattern. The first portions can plate Ni—Au layers on the exposed parts thereof to form interconnections to electrically connect the conductor pattern with another electronic device. The first portion also can be interfacial connections to connect the conductor patterns at different layers in a multi-layer PCB.

Abstract: A method of installing a driver for a plug and play device is provided, wherein the plug and play device includes a main function device and a storage device meeting a standard specification. The storage device stores a driver required by the main function device. The main function device and storage device may be connected to the host in two different ways after the plug and play device is installed to the host. The first way is to connect the two devices to the host simultaneously. The host loads a built-in standard driver for the storage device from the host to access the storage device, and then loads the driver required by the main function device from the storage device to gain freely access to the main function device. The second way is to connect the storage device to the host, and to cause the host to copy the main function device driver from the storage device to the host's storage device (e.g., a disk drive). Next, the main function device is connected to the host.

Abstract: A dummy piezoelectric element is disposed at least at one of the ends of an array of piezoelectric vibration elements. A region not including internal electrodes is provided in the vicinity of the outer side surface of the dummy piezoelectric vibration element to be formed. When the outer side surface of the dummy piezoelectric element is cut, a shift of a cutting line from a correct cutting line, which is due to high hardness of the internal electrodes, is minimized.

Abstract: A recording head for use with magnetic recording media has an improved structure, made by a simplified manufacturing process. The electrically insulating materials within the recording head are inorganic. The insulating materials are vacuum deposited, with no need to use a hard bake process that would be required for use of organic insulators. In one embodiment, the write gap is first masked, and then the coil is deposited on the write gap. A slightly larger area is then exposed within the mask, permitting insulation to be deposited over the coil. In a second embodiment, the coil and associated insulation are deposited and then milled to have a tapered configuration. This recording head also places the writing pole on a very flat surface, thereby allowing plated or deposited films to be easily manufactured to correspond to narrow track widths.

Abstract: A rapid-action dry shaver having a shaving head adapted to sweep over a broad skin path on the face of the individual being shaved to shear the facial hairs on the path. The head includes a trio of rectangular reciprocating shaver assemblies forming the legs of an equilateral triangle, the face of each assembly making contact with a corresponding area of the facial skin whereby the aggregate skin area engaged by the head is relatively large and facial hairs are intercepted by the head regardless of the direction taken by the sweep to quickly shear substantially all of the hairs in the path.

Abstract: A safety razor blade unit (2) has blade assembly (5) comprising a plurality of parallel blades (16) mounted on a razor handle (1) by a flexible support structure (4). Each blade (16) consists of an elongate blade element having a forward edge section (50) with a sharp cutting edge (17), and a planar blade section (54) extending rearwardly from the forward edge section (50). The forward edge section is upwardly inclined by bending a blade element blank between press tooling so that in the transition region between the forward edge section (50), which extends back from the tip of the cutting edge (17) by not more than 1 mm, and the planar blade section (54), the lower surface is convex and the upper surface is concave, with the plane (Pt) bisecting the tip being at an angle of 10° to 35° to the mid plane (Pm) of the planar section (54).

Abstract: A safety razor blade unit including a guard, a cap, and a group of first, second, and third blades with parallel sharpened edges located between the guard and cap, the first blade defining a blade edge nearest the guard having a negative exposure not less than −0.2 mm, and the third blade defining a blade edge nearest the cap having a positive exposure not greater than +0.2 mm.

Abstract: An adjustable head adapted to an electrical clipper has an engaging port adapted to be securely attached to a side face of a body of the electrical clipper. A trough is defined in the engaging port and cutouts are oppositely defined in two inner side faces of the engaging port. A connecting head is detachably received in the engaging port. The connecting head has a base with two protrusions oppositely formed on two side faces of the connecting head to correspond to the cutouts in the two tracks. Two slits are each defined adjacent to a corresponding one of the two protrusions to provide resilience to the corresponding protrusion and a hollow receiving port is formed on a side of the base. The receiving port is adapted to correspond to teeth of the electrical clipper and has through holes defined in a top face of the receiving port.

Abstract: A cutting tool for forming holes in plastic piping primarily intended for use in holing irrigation pipes for drips and sprinklers ranging from holes with diameter of 2-4 mm. The tool comprises of a blade element made of steel, preferably hardened and provided with a sharpened around cutting edge, and a body and handle made of high strength plastic material, with a lower jaw allowing the holing of pipes ranging from 12-32 mm in diameter.

Abstract: A razor extension handle having a lightweight, collapsible, telescopic extension rod that can be attached or is attachable to a disposable safety razor at one end for shaving body hair and a sponge at an opposite end for applying shaving cream, lotion or soap. The razor extension handle extends outward in a manner that facilitates shaving remote portions of the body when obesity or injury prevents adequate limberness to use a conventional disposable razor.

Abstract: Apparatus for the precise positioning of an object such as a work platform relative to a base, comprising, for each of three orthogonal axes, a flexure coupling between the work platform and the base, at least one of the flexure couplings having a rotary bearing and rotary positioning device where it connects with the work platform or the base.

Abstract: The invention relates to a targeting device including a casing which houses a wheel. The wheel is weighted and free to rotate relative to the casing. The wheel's absolute orientation remains stable, while the casing rotates with the weapon as it is aimed upward or downward. The casing has a window through which the wheel is visible. For any angle at which the weapon is positioned, a marker inscribed on the wheel aligns with a cosine or distance indicia indicating the cosine of the angle at which the weapon is positioned or the compensated distance to target.

Abstract: A trim installation tool includes a base with first and second ends, inner and outer faces, and opposite side edges. First and second clamp assemblies are mounted on the base in proximity to its first and second ends respectively. The clamp assemblies have engaged and disengaged positions for respectively clamping and releasing a wall edge adjacent to the wall opening. An elongated level with an orientation-display device is mounted on the base inner face and extends generally between the ends thereof. The orientation-display device indicates a level or plumb orientation of a trim piece clamped in position by the tool for attachment to the frame members surrounding the wall opening. In an alternative embodiment or aspect of the invention, a trim installation system and method are provided, which include a level and a trim piece spacer.

Abstract: An orientation sensor includes variable resistance elements within the sensor, the variable resistance elements forming an electric circuit with a conductive ball or drop of conductive material. The resistance of the electric circuit uniquely identifies the orientation of the apparatus. A method of determining the orientation of an apparatus includes measuring the resistance of a circuit completed between two conductive members in the apparatus, and determining the position of a freely movable conductive member in the apparatus from the measured resistance.

Abstract: An angle measuring tool for use in combination with a standard framing square, the saddle protractor having means for aligning a standard framing square with the angle measuring tool. Various incremental indicia on both sides of the saddle protractor depict angular measurements as measured from a pivot point on the saddle protractor. Pivot points on the saddle protractor also allow the saddle protractor to be used as a miter layout device to scribe various cutting angles on material having angular cuts.

Abstract: A hole center detecting apparatus for positioning the hole of a spool and a cord accurately by determining the coordinates of two points of intersection between the inner circumference of the spool hole and a virtual straight line to compute the coordinates of the center of the hole and by moving the cord according to the computed coordinates of the hole center. A straightness measuring apparatus for measuring the curvature of a cord automatically by detecting the coordinates of three longitudinal points of the cord. A measurement apparatus for measuring a residual torsion automatically by measuring the rotation angle of the end portion of the cord before and after clamped, electrically.

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

Abstract: An improved structure tape rule outer housing, wherein the outer housing of the tape rule is comprised of a left case half, a right case half, and metal case panels to increase gripping friction and usage comfort as well as enhance tape rule design versatility to thereby raise overall practical value.

Abstract: Drying wet carbon black pellets by physically contacting carbon black pellets with warm carbon black smoke.

Abstract: A lace tightening assembly on a footwear body includes a base mounted to the footwear body, a rotary member mounted rotatably on the base about a rotary axis, a rotary disc unit mounted co-rotatably on the rotary member, and a lace guiding unit mounted on the rotary disc unit and offset from the rotary axis.

Abstract: An anchoring assembly on a footwear body includes a stationary member, a pivotable member, a pivot unit and a releasable fastener unit. The stationary member is fixed on the footwear body. The pivotable member is provided with a footwear lace stringing part that is formed with at least one eyelet. The pivot unit is provided on the stationary and pivotable members to permit pivoting movement of the pivotable member relative to the stationary member about a pivot axis between a footwear tightening position and a footwear loosening position. The releasable fastener unit is provided on the stationary and pivotable members and releasably retains the pivotable member at the footwear tightening position.

Abstract: A lace tightening assembly on a footwear body includes a base, a spool, a pull string, and a restricting unit. The base is mounted to the footwear body. The spool is mounted rotatably on the base. The pull string has a fixing portion secured to the spool, an intermediate portion connected to the fixing portion and wound on the spool, and a connecting portion connected to the intermediate portion and provided with a ring unit. The restricting unit restricts rotation of the spool relative to the base.

Abstract: A sport boot that allows for a reduced resistance plantar extension coupled with a controlled, resistive plantar flexion motion. The preferred embodiments provide a one-piece boot made of a flexible material, such as leather. A triangular portion of the boot material, from a point just posterior to the ankle opening to a larger area anterior of the ankle on both sides of the boot, is cut out. One or more piston assemblies are attached to the boot material on both sides of the cut away portion of the boot. The piston assemblies provide resistance to compression during flexion of the boot but offer no resistance to extension during plantar extension.

Abstract: A coupler for coupling an accessory to a dipper arm and a control system for such a coupler. The invention concerns a quick hitch coupler for coupling an accessory to a dipper arm of a back actor such as may be used by an earth working apparatus. The quick hitch coupler comprises a body member adapted for coupling to the dipper arm, a fixed engaging means mounted on the body member for engaging a first one of a pair of coupling pins mounted on the accessory, and a moveable engaging means mounted on the body member for engaging a second one of the pair of coupling pins of the accessory. The invention also relates to a control system for controlling the release of an accessory from any quick hitch coupler coupling the accessory to a hydraulically operable arm of a machine, operated by a pressurized hydraulic system.

Abstract: A device and method for straightening earthen walls which allows installation of shoring and forms with minimal manual labor and risk to life. The device comprises a blade joined with two beams in a substantially U-shape all of which is attached to and works in conjunction with a backhoe bucket. The beams attach onto a backhoe bucket and allows the blade to cut earthen walls. An alternative embodiment directly attaches the substantially U-shape to the boom of a backhoe.

Abstract: The present invention includes an edging device for an earth moving machine having a bucket including at least one receiver detachably attachable to the bucket of earth moving machine. The receiver has a plate and an attachment member for engaging the bucket. The receiver can be sized to extend substantially the width of a bucket and the edge member can be substantially co-extensive in length with the receiver. The edge member is configured to be detachably attached to the receiver, where the edge member has a leading edge for contacting the earth.

Abstract: A sign comprises a frame (12) formed in the shape of a team or player logo, outlined by light rope (12) and fitted with suction cups (18) on the front of the sign. The rope light (10) is securely tied to frame (12) and connected to a cigarette lighter adapter (14) so that it can be provided with electrical power from a car battery and displayed from inside a car window.

Abstract: A lighting fixture is disclosed which projects light along the wall on which it is mounted. The fixture also illuminates a frontal, multi-colored informational and/or decorative display. The frontal display consists of a variety of sandwiched light transmitting colored elements such as marbles that permit creation of customized and adjustable illuminated signage/decoration.

Abstract: A self-illuminating street sign system comprises a base panel, reflective surfaces attached on each upper surface of the base panel, translucent boards supported by the base panel to incorporate a description including a street name. An ambient light from above the street sign system is reflected by the reflective surface and directed toward the boards to brighten the description.

Abstract: An edge protector (1) for protecting the edge of an article comprises a pair of interconnected, non-parallel, first arms (2, 4) which, in use, do not contact any part of the article, and a pair of second arms (10, 12) for contacting or at least being situated adjacent the article in use, one of each of said second arms (10, 12) being connected to one of each of said first arms (2, 4), each said first arm (2, 4) and its' respective said second arm (10, 12) may be arranged in non-parallel relations. Further, the edge protector (1) may be resiliently deformable to absorb the energy of an impact therewith.

Abstract: The apparatus is an internally illuminated message display, predominantly for an automobile, and is readily adaptable for any window display. The apparatus comprises of a cylindrical lightweight molded plastic housing, with an interior reflective paint or reflective material, a distal light socket and light bulb. A proximal snap on sleeve contains a slot for the insertion of a translucent disk; said disk contains various messages and/or art symbols. The sleeve has a proximal ceiling hinge connecting it to an adjustable oval transparent suction cup frame. The oval transparent suction cup attaches to the frame and spans the face of the display with the lip of the suction cup circumnavigating the outer edge of the frame. Hinged adjustment is made for attachment to an aerodynamic sloping automobile rear window, and is stabilized with a snap on rod from sleeve to suction cup frame. The gap created from adjustment between the sleeve and frame is covered with an opaque thin snap on plastic sock.

Abstract: A system for compiling a grocery list comprised of a thin, planar magnetic receptive sheet (20) and a multitude of thin magnets (30 through 40) with words or indicia printed thereon which are transferred to the sheet, and the sheet and magnets being transported to market as a reminder of what to purchase or what activity to perform in conjunction with a shopping trip.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering an instructional or motivational message to a person engaged in an activity requiring skill. The message is displayed on the upper surface of a message carrier, which is removably coupled to a message base, which in turn is attached to an article. The article can be a shirt, hat, golf club grip, golf club head cover, hat-clip, or other desired surface. It is preferred to provide more than one article, and to provide a message carrier that may be interchangeably inserted into more than one base.

Abstract: A display device for displaying a generally planar artwork display member such as a photograph or the like. The display device includes a foldable enclosure member which, when folded forms a structurally sound, frame-like assembly that substantially encloses and supports the artwork display member and also supports a generally planar scent emitting member such as a fragrant impregnated blotter.

Abstract: A motion waterfowl decoy. The preferred embodiment has a pair of wings mounted to an axle such that the wings rotate with the axle. The wings' undersides are preferably lighter than their topsides. A pull cord is wound about the axle so that unwinding the cord will spin the axle and wings. As the wings rotate, their lighter underside is alternately displayed, creating a strobelike effect resembling wings flapping. A biasing device such as a length of rubber or latex tubing or a spring is attached to the axle. Rotating the axle by pulling the cord loads the biasing device. When the cord is released, the biasing device will unload, causing the axle and wings to rotate in the opposite direction and rewinding the pull cord about the axle. The decoy preferably floats, and can be used to disturb the water's surface in imitation of landing or feeding waterfowl.

Abstract: The present invention is a rope severing apparatus for releasing a rope after continued tension. The first element of the apparatus is the base, which has elastic properties that permit the base to stretch when realizing tensional forces. The base may be a spring in one embodiment, although those skilled in the art would recognize there are other available elements with similar elastic properties that alternatively may be used. The base is connected to a first connection point wherein the first connection point is formed to admit the rope. Preferably the first connection point is a hole through which the rope can be run and tied off. Finally, the present invention requires a cutting edge connected to the base and slidably oriented with the first connection point. The cutting edge is arranged so that it will slide toward the first connection point and sever the rope when the apparatus realizes a tensional force.

Abstract: Claimed is a trolling device for use on a moving boat. The trolling device utilizes a continuous looped guide groove, which spirals around a driveshaft, and has a connecting loop that joins the first spiral with a second spiral that then travels back down the driveshaft to a second connecting loop. As the driveshaft continuously rotates in one direction, a travel pin with an attached fishing lure moves back and forth along the driveshaft. One or more speed change zones are incorporated into the driveshaft as regions of changed pitch in the spiral guide grove. The speed change zones result in the speed of the lure changing as it passes through the water, so that the lure will have an occasional burst of speed, and then slow down during its travel through the water.

Abstract: A fast burning, gasoline type composition for spark ignited internal combustion engines having a ASTM D-86, 90% distillation temperature of 310° F. or less and an octane number (R+M)/2 of 82 or less that can be used with a reduced spark advance in the engines to effect a reduction in NOx exhaust emissions. Also disclosed is a gasoline having low octane (82-87) which can be used interchangeably in engines having a reduced spark advance and in engines having conventional spark advance.

Abstract: A shielding apparatus secured to landscaping material is disclosed for shielding a plant from weed growth. The apparatus includes an elongate plate having a first and a second edge, the plate defining an opening which is disposed between the edges of the plate for the growth therethrough of the plant. A first rail removably cooperates with the first edge of the plate such that the landscaping material is locked between the first rail and the first edge of the plate. Also, a second rail removably cooperates with the second edge of the plate such that the landscaping material is locked between the second rail and the second edge of the plate.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for propagation of mimosa (Albizia julibrissin) and utilization of this plant species as forage for livestock, in food plots for deer, as a source of raw material for pulp and paper production, production of composite materials, and as a source of biomass for production of bioenergy.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a device for the measurement of the photosynthesis of a whole small plant, which comprises:

Abstract: A potting loudspeaker box is comprised of a box body having a plurality of through-holes surrounding the peripheral of the box body, a loudspeaker disposed in the box body, and a cover plate with a plurality of through-holes. The cover plate is covered on the loudspeaker, and the artificial bonsai made of a plurality of optical fibers are inserted into the surface of the cover plate. By virtue of this arrangement, enable the bonsai with decoration to have the effect of displaying resplendent lamplight and giving off sound.

Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping which includes a floral holding material and a sheet of fluid impermeable material disposed about the floral holding material. The floral holding material is a preformed shape-sustaining support member which is moveable between an expanded condition and a flattened condition. In the expanded condition the preformed shape-sustaining support member as an open upper end, an open lower end, a peripheral sidewall defining an internal chamber extending between the open upper end and the open lower end thereof and a groove disposed circumferentially about the peripheral sidewall. The peripheral sidewall is provided with creases to facilitate movement of the preformed shape-sustaining support member between the expanding condition and the flattened condition.