Abstract: A method of fabricating a micro-electromechanical systems device that is positioned on a wafer substrate that incorporates drive circuitry includes the step of depositing a first sacrificial layer of an organic material on the wafer substrate. The first sacrificial layer is etched to define a required pattern. A layer of a conductive material is deposited on the first sacrificial layer. The layer of conductive material is etched to define a required structure and at least one subsequent sacrificial layer of organic material is deposited on the layer of conductive material. The at least one subsequent sacrificial layer is etched to define a further required pattern. A structural layer of a dielectric material is deposited on the subsequent sacrificial layer. The structural layer is etched to define a further required structure. The sacrificial layers are removed to release micro-electromechanical structures defined by the layer of conductive material and the structural layer.

Abstract: Tools are provided for removing an inner tubular housing and/or outer casing of a pop-up sprinkler head and for purging an irrigation system of debris. The tools include a ring and disc used in conjunction to remove an inner tubular housing, a grooved cylinder and guide shaft used in conjunction to remove an outer casing, and the guide shaft and purge conduit with valve used in conjunction to purge an irrigation system.

Abstract: A bearing ring for a large roller bearing is formed with at least one annular race which is hardened by heating by juxtaposing that race with an inductor across a spacing which is maintained during the heating and then quenching.

Abstract: A utensil for neurologically impaired or immature persons that has a part to be introduced to the mouth of the person, and a vibrating handle operatively connected to the part and adapted to vibrate continuously while it is being used. In the preferred embodiment, the part to be introduced to the mouth is a food-holding utensil such as a spoon, which is preferably coated with a resilient, durable coating, or else made of plastic or the like resilient material. In the use of the preferred embodiment of utensil, the utensil is put within the reach of the person to use it, and caused to vibrate continuously, so that when the person touches the handle and feels the vibration he is stimulated to grasp the handle and guide the spoon or fork to his mouth. Alternatively, the handle of the utensil can be placed within the grasp of the person, who can then grasp the handle securely and guide the spoon or fork to his mouth.

Abstract: A retractable knife has a blade cartridge removably received in a cavity of handle. The cartridge comprises two clips on top and bottom sides, an elongate top slot, a rear slit two elastic members having top ends urged upward against a bottommost backup blade, a limiting protrusion engaged with a topmost backup blade for preventing it from moving out of rear slit incidentally, and a guide rail engaged with a second topmost backup blade for orderly guiding backup blades toward slot. In an operation, push a push button rearward to move the topmost backup blade out of the slit. Further, in another operation, push clips rearward for removing blade cartridge for replacement.

Abstract: A scraper includes a primary jaw having a first top edge, and a secondary jaw having a second top edge and a bottom tail. The top edges of the jaws are normally opposite to each other. The secondary jaw is connected to the primary jaw between the second top edge and the bottom tail in a relationship of being movable and slightly rotatable with respect to the primary jaw. A wheel screw is threaded engaged with the primary jaw and adapted to move the bottom tail of the secondary jaw away from the primary jaw. Therefore, a blade may be held tightly between the top edges of the jaws when the wheel screw is tightened.

Abstract: A tool for cutting rigid sheet material comprises a first shearing member having a first cutting edge; a second shearing member pivotally connected at one end to the first shearing member, the second shearing member have a second cutting edge engaged with the first cutting edge; and a pair of handles operatively connected to the shearing members for pivotally moving the shearing member relative to one another. The first shearing member is preferably a twisted, U-shaped member having two legs, with the second shearing member mounted between the legs. An opening or slot is provided above the second shearing member to accommodate movement of sheet material over both the first and second shearing members. The tool cuts both left and right curves and straight lines in rigid materials such as sheet metal.

Abstract: A tool device includes a pair of pivotal levers, and two handles having one end detachably and quickly secured to the levers with quick release devices without additional tools. A spring may be secured between the levers before the levers are secured to the handles. The handles may be detachably secured to the other pairs of pivotal levers. The quick release devices each includes a pin engaged in one end of a shank, and a bar having an oblong hole for slidably receiving the pin, and for allowing the bar to be rotated between a release position and a lock position.

Abstract: A cutter for vehicle safety belts or the like includes a body having a head in an upper portion and a handle in a lower portion. The head has a blade base surface for a cover plate to be put thereon. The blade base surface is formed relatively lower for receiving the cover plate thereon. The cover plate can be pried open for renewal of a blade. A first blade groove for placing a blade for cutting and a second blade groove for placing another blade on standby are provided parallel to each other in the head. The handle is formed with a small recess on an upper front edge and a large recess on a lower front edge and has a tapered projection positioned between the two recesses for enabling a user to stably hold the handle conveniently.

Abstract: A substantially circular slicer knife is provided having an interior base portion made of a first material and an outer edge portion made of a second material. The outer edge portion is metallurgically bonded to the interior base portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing a frame and related appurtenances incorporating, among other elements, four corner members slidably and releasably joined with height and width adjusters. The apparatus may be used in the plurality of assembly activities that require the assembly of a frame, including, but not limited to, cabinet making, furniture making, window framing, trimming, and installation, and door framing, trimming, and installation. Each corner member includes two sections that are substantially orthogonal to one another and may be foldable so that they are substantially parallel when in the folded position. Additionally, each member may be formed with a trim piece mounting ledge to provide a surface to abut a frame trim section to assure a uniform reveal, and stop, hinge, and strike templates. The apparatus frame members may be formed with a unique thickness, or may include trim setback members, to accommodate varying jamb material thickness and the desired reveal.

Abstract: A compass display or a low cost construction includes a display coupled to compass sensing and calibration devices to illuminate a portion of the display to indicate a specific heading. The display is mounted beneath a finish covering surface and includes indicia representing compass directional headings attached or printed thereon and the finish covering is supported by a substrate having a plurality of openings spaced relative to a center point and a plurality of light sources such as LED lights located in the holes of the substrate to be located behind the finish covering and aligned with the directional headings. When a light is illuminated, it is visible behind the finish covering to a driver or other occupant of the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, twelve openings and associated light sources are provided in the substrate and spaced at 30-degree increments to provide a more precise indication of the vehicle heading.

Abstract: The present invention provides a level including an elongated level body defining an exterior workpiece contacting surface thereon. A hanger structure is movably connected to the level body so as to be capable of being moved between a retracted position and a deployed position. The hanger structure includes a contacting surface thereon that, when the hanger structure is in the deployed position, is disposed outwardly from the level body to be engageable with a support surface and thereby enable the level to be hung.

Abstract: An angle cutting transfer tool for determining and delineating the midline axis of a joint onto a workpiece for cutting on a saw. The transfer tool includes two leg members pivotally connected together at one end. Pivotally attached to the inside edge of each leg member is a blade. During use, the two leg members are placed between two adjoining substructure surfaces upon which the two workpieces are to be joined. The transfer tool is then removed and one leg member is longitudinally aligned over a template. The blades are then rotated until they intersect at an equidistant point along one edge of the blades. A line is then drawn on the template from the center axis of the transfer tool to the intersecting point of the blades which delineates the midline axis of the joint. The miter or table saw is then adjusted so that the blade cuts along the line that delineates the midline axis of the joint. The workpieces are then selected and cut with the saw.

Abstract: A method and a gauge for measuring the sharpness of the tip of an object is provided. The method includes receiving the tip of the measured object in the end of a tube. The object deflects a plunger inside the tube a finite distance proportional to the sharpness of the object inserted in the tube. A measurement of sharpness of the tip of the object is derived by measuring the deflection distance of the plunger. The measuring method may be used to measure the sharpness of a number of objects in sequence by displaying the sharpness of the object, such as where the objects being measured are pins arranged in a matrix pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for measuring the physical strength and ability of a solid sample, to resist breakdown into fines after repeated cycles of hydration and regeneration of temperatures in excess of 100° C. The test samples are evaluated using an accelerated degradation apparatus that subjects the sample to a predetermined number of timed cycles of wetting/drying under heat and vacuum, and the weight-percent of any fines produced by the degradation of the sample are measured and recorded after a prescribed number of cycles. Specific values are used for predicting potential useful service life, in years of samples from different commercial manufacturers of the same class of product; the resulting data can be used by manufacturers for more effective quality control of production batches.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a uniform and heated series of air jets capable of drying a substantial portion of a human body surface in a uniform and efficient manner and using electrically activated and heated air blowers.

Abstract: Instead of desiccating articles of clothing by spinning the articles, the method and apparatus according to the invention removes moisture from these articles by pressing or drying them with the aid of hot air. Desiccation of the clothing articles occurs gently and with a low expenditure of energy by subjecting the articles to the action of at least one gas jet and, in particular, of a compressed air jet, which is not aligned parallel to the surface of the article of clothing to exert a force upon the article. Advantageously, the article of clothing is subjected to the action of gas jets on both sides.

Abstract: Apparatus for agglomerating and drying particulate material, including an agglomerator (4) for forming and discharging wet granules of a predetermined size or smaller, and a dryer (12). The agglomerator utilizes a rotary blade assembly (100) that repeatedly impacts and cuts the wet mixture of material to be agglomerated, which is forced radially outward through the blade assembly under centrifugal and air pressure force. Wet granules pass through an annular screen (104) where they reach a predetermined maximum size. The dryer has an inlet (50) for wet granules from the agglomerator, an outlet (78) for granules having passed through the dryer, and one or more baffles (64) within the dryer defining a spiral path through which the granules pass from the dryer inlet towards the dryer outlet.

Abstract: A foot protection kit includes a flat planar storage container for transporting and displaying a right foot protector and a left foot protector that are substantially identical in construction, each having a protuberance marker that facilitates proper footwear orientation. An instruction sheet is included in the kit for guiding a user relative to placing the right foot protector and the left foot protector in mirror image orientation so that they can be distinguished from one another for proper footwear orientation purposes. For assembly purposes after orienting the foot protectors in a mirror image orientation, the user lifts a foot hook portion of a foundation planar sheet upwardly from the sheet, bending it forward and away from a heel portion of the foot protector until the foot hook portion is parallel and slightly spaced apart from a platform area so that a slit in the foot hook portion is in alignment with a marker disposed in the platform area.

Abstract: An article of cleated footwear comprises an upper for holding a foot of a wearer to a sole having an outsole plate. The outsole plate includes a predetermined first metatarsal region that generally overlies the respective skeletal structure of a human foot. Several ground engaging members extend downwardly from the outsole plate to provide traction on a ground surface. The outsole plate includes a downwardly extending metatarsal head cradle located on a lateral side and a medial side of the first metatarsal region to reduce stud pressure and provide traction control. The outsole plate may include a distal phalanx region and a predetermined proximal phalanx region. A first ground engaging member is located in the distal phalanx region and a second ground engaging member is located in the proximal phalanx region for toe off movements.

Abstract: A non-cupping heel cushion for a shoe with one or more upper terraces with internal cavities with following lower terraces having a larger area than the one above wherein the upper terraces are subsumed sequentially by the lower larger terraces.

Abstract: Footwear, incorporating a reversible a tongue, wherein one side or the other of the tongue may be adhered for pivot to the upper central vamp portion of the shoe, to display that side during wearing of the shoe, or turned, to provide a variation in the styling of the shoe. The tongue may further contain a pouch or pocket, secured by any type of fastening device such as Velcro that allows ready access into the tongue, for deposit or removal of personal items. One or more of the surfaces of the formed pocket, in the tongue, may be formed of a transparent or clear material, to allow any personal item deposited therein to be readily viewed.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper for holding a foot of a wearer and a sole having an outsole plate. Several ground engaging members extends downwardly from the outsole plate to provide traction. The outsole plate includes a flex control member composed of a superelastic shape memory material or a nickel-titanium alloy. The flex control member can be coupled to an inside surface, or bottom surface of the outsole plate. The outsole plate may include a rearfoot region, a midfoot region, and a first metatarsal head region, in which the regions generally correspond to the skeletal structure of a human foot. The flex control member extends from a medial side of the rearfoot region through the midfoot region and into the first metatarsal head region of the outsole plate. The ground engaging members may be positioned to extend from the location of the flex control member.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole having a different performing lateral and medial regions. Ground engaging members, such as cleats, provide traction and one of the regions, preferably the lateral region, includes a stability member extending from the sole and spanning between a pair of adjacent ground engaging members in a heel to toe direction. The ground engaging members may have a body and a tip portion. Each tip portion may be integrally formed with all or a portion of its respective body. The medial and lateral regions include buttressing member having different characteristics and dimensions for strengthening the ground engaging members with providing enhanced flexibility.

Abstract: A stress reduction kit includes a display package holding a pair of perforated reflex pin holders each with a printed foot reflexology chart integrally formed thereon. To facilitate creating pressure points on the feet of a user, the stress reduction kit also includes a bag of reflex pins, where each pin is dimensioned to be received in a friction tight fit into any one of the perforations disposed in the reflex pin holders and a set of instructions that guide a user on the placement of individual ones of the reflex pins in respective ones of the reflex pin holders. In accordance with the method of the present invention, when the user inserts the reflex pins in selected ones of the perforations and places the reflex pin holders within his or her shoes, desired body responses are achieved relative to the pressure points created by the pins against the feet of the user.

Abstract: An arm assembly for an excavator includes an arm comprising a first hook including a first open mouth. The arm further includes a first pin capturing system that selectively obstructs the first open mouth. A link is movable relative to said arm and comprises a second hook including a second open mouth. The second open mouth is oriented toward the arm, and the link further comprises a second pin capturing system that selectively obstructs the second open mouth. The first and second pin assemblies of an attachment are selectively captured in the first and second hooks. The pin assemblies include a sleeve rotatably positioned on an attachment pin that extends between ribs of the attachment. The sleeve includes a bore that closely receives the attachment pin and the length of the sleeve is selected so that the sleeve fits closely between the attachment ribs, thereby allowing the arm assembly to pick-up various attachments with different pin diameters, ribs spacings and pin-to-pin distances.

Abstract: A stock locator system utilizes a first indicia to designate a bay within a retail environment, a second indicia to designate a shelf within that bay, and a third indicia to designate a location within that shelf. A user may thereby determine the location of a desired item by finding that item on a chart, determining the bay, shelf, and location within the shelf where that item is located, and proceeding to that location.

Abstract: A normal four sided drop box 10 is provided with with new panels 12 which are made from translucent material replacing the standard solid metal or aluminum side, front and rear panels currently employed. The panels are placed on the sides, rear and front of the drop box or receptacle. At least one internal light source 20 (LED, Incandescent, etc.) is placed inside the box to be visible through the translucent material applied in place of the solid metal covering. A consumer thus sees the illuminated panels from the outside of the drop box or receptacle. But the internal components 30 are unseen and hidden from view. In one embodiment the companies or individuals message, logo, script, 22 is backlit by the internal light source 20 makes the message visible at night. A power source battery 50 is preferably powered by solar panel 40.

Abstract: A placard holder that includes a body portion and a hook portion extending from the body portion. The placard holder is configured to receive a placard, and the placard holder is configured such that the placard is viewable through the placard holder when the placard is received by the placard holder. Preferably, the placard holder is made of a relatively clear or transparent plastic, and the placard is slidable into the placard holder. Preferably, a side of the placard holder is configured to receive the placard or the top of the placard holder, including at least a portion of the hook portion, is configured to receive the placard. Preferably, the placard holder is configured such that the placard does not protrude from the placard holder once the placard is inserted in the placard holder. Hence, the placard holder fully protects the placard which is contained in the placard holder. The hook portion is configured to engage a rear view mirror of a vehicle such that the placard holder hangs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a presentation display case for storing, displaying or preserving paper currency or valued memorabilia. The present invention is formed as a transparent, durable display case for sealing and preserving paper currency and memorabilia e.g. items that will be of monetary value when redeemed which can be displayed in trophy fashion in a casing that can stand on its base without the need for a stand.

Abstract: A game tag holder has a front panel and a rear panel connected by a living hinge. The two panels are preferably made of a transparent plastic (e.g., polypropylene) and have integral attachment hardware: protrusions and reinforced receptacles for closing the two panels and a barbed strip and aligned openings for securing the tag holder to the downed game.

Abstract: Multiple rail adapter system which enables the M-16 and AR-15 family of rifles or carbines fitted with “Picatinny” mounting rail, commonly referred to as a “Flat Top” receiver, to support multiple sighting accessory devices such as optical sights, fixed sights, flash lights and laser sights effectively without any changes or modifications to the weapon.

Abstract: A hunting blind allows the hunter to lie on his back in an inclined position. The hunter's head rests on a head rest. A gun rest is provided laterally across the hunter's body. A pair of flaps cover the hunter and are easily openable when the hunter brings his or her gun into a shooting position and/or moves to a sitting position. The blind is collapsible, requires no assembly in the field, and may be carried on the hunter's back like a backpack.

Abstract: A holding device for a fishing net which will hold a net portion of the fishing net to a pole section to prevent the net portion of the fishing net from becoming tangled and caught on items. The holding device has a body section having a first end coupled to the pole section. Fasteners are coupled to the first end and a second end of the body section. The fasteners are used for securing the net portion of the fishing net to the pole section and for releasing the net portion of the fishing net when pressure is applied to the net portion.

Abstract: A soft plastic bait for fishing is molded of thermochromatic coloring solution and plastisol resin and changes colors at different water temperatures. The soft plastic bait is made by providing a plastisol with plasticizer to create a plastic resin cold mixed with a chromicolor plastisol concentrate solution. The mixture is cooked and molded and cooled to form a soft plastic bait.

Abstract: The present invention provides an insect control coil that disperses an initial burst or quick release of a high concentration of insect active ingredient into the environment to provide a fast acting initial dose together with a sensory cue indicative of the release of the active substance. In order to accomplish this, the insect control coil includes a spiral-shaped body composed of a burnable material and having an insect control active substance as an ingredient thereof, a coating on the spiral-shaped body which contains an auxiliary amount of an insect control active substance which provides an auxiliary burst of active substance when burnt, and at least one of either the body or the coating further including a sensory cue indicative of the release of the reactive substance from the coating. The coating may be formed on the tip end of the body, or alternately, may be formed intermittently along the length of the body of the coil.

Abstract: A cleaner-burning liquid candle fuel including at least about 65 wt. % of a hydrocarbon fuel selected from the group consisting of C12-C22 alkanes and mixtures thereof, about 1 wt. % to about 25 wt. % isopropanol, and about 0.5 wt. % to about 10 wt. % methanol is disclosed. Also disclosed is a liquid candle that incorporates the candle fuel, which includes a combination of fuel, vessel, and wick.

Abstract: A method of improving the compatibility of a fuel additive composition comprising blending together the following components:

Abstract: A process for cultivating Morchella ascocarps using mycelium and a tree seedling, the tree seedling having a root system and a shoot system. The process includes the steps of inoculating the root system with the mycelium to produce an inoculated tree seedling; stimulating the mycelium to form sclerotia by severing the shoot system from the root system; and inducing the sclerotia to produce ascocarps by providing conditions conducive to the formation of ascocarps. Also, the growth of trees may be accelerated by inoculating the root system with the mycelium.

Abstract: A floral sleeve and method of using the floral sleeve to cover a pot. The floral sleeve may have an inwardly folded bottom gusset for forming a bottom in the sleeve which is concealed by the lower sidewall of the sleeve when the sleeve is opened and the pot is disposed therein. The sleeve may have a detachable upper portion for enclosing a floral grouping disposed within the pot, in particular a central upper support element.

Abstract: A floral sleeve and method of using the floral sleeve to cover a pot. The floral sleeve has an inwardly folded bottom gusset for forming a bottom in the sleeve which is concealed by the lower sidewall of the sleeve when the sleeve is opened and a pot is disposed therein. The sleeve may have a detachable upper portion.

Abstract: A window system comprises a frame having a top, a bottom and two sides, at least one slidable and tiltable sash disposed within the frame, and a locking device attached to each side of the sash. The locking device is pivotable between an unlocked position to permit tilting of the sash, and a locked position which locks the sash to the frame. In the locked position, the locking device prevents any air from infiltrating between the sides of the sash and the frame.

Abstract: Rapid-opening door.

Abstract: A dual function window security means for a double hung casement window includes an elongated hollow tube having spaced apart tube apertures along the elongated hollow tube; a hollow piston means having spaced apart piston apertures along the piston means, which is telescopically connected to the elongated hollow tube; a locking mechanism to interlock the elongated hollow tube and the piston means through the apertures; and an orientation sensor positioned inside the hollow piston means near one end. When in use, one positions the window to a desired opening, and places the window security means between the window panel edge and the window sash. Using this device, the window can be opened and locked at a desired level, which prevents an unauthorized entrant through the window from outside. If the window security means is tilted from a predetermined orientation, the orientation sensor activates and generates alarming signals.

Abstract: A weatherproofing assembly for sealing cracks between a door and a frame associated with the door, and a method of using the weatherstrip assembly. The assembly provides a flexible magnetic strip for sealing the cracks. The strip magnetically attaches to one of the door and the frame such that an overhang portion extends therebeyond. When the door is in a closed position, the overhang portion lies overtop of the cracks. Additionally, the strip may magnetically attach to the other of the door and the frame, thereby better sealing the cracks.

Abstract: A block set for assembling solid creations uses at least two types of cylindrical blocks. The cylindrical blocks are a thin cylindrical block and a thick cylindrical block. The thick cylindrical block may include a hole on a side face thereof for receiving the thin cylindrical block. A fabricating apparatus for fabricating the thin and thick cylindrical blocks has at least two types of rollers for rolling up paper, and a paper thickness notifying apparatus for notifying the user of the diameter of the cylindrical paper roll on a cylindrical paper roll up core.

Abstract: Fastening device, a clip-in shield, and a shielded gutter system are disclosed. The fastening device is configured to attach a gutter to a mounting structure, rigidly position and support the gutter, and rigidly position and support the shield over the gutter. Each fastening device maintains both the gutter and the shield in rigid positions relative to one another and facilitates both front and rear drainage from the shield. A plurality of the fastening devices at spaced intervals along the gutter and shield are used to provide the shielded gutter system. The first embodiment of the fastening device has the intermediate body portion extending substantially perpendicular from the front rearwardly to the base portion at the rear and the second embodiment has the intermediate body portion extending rearwardly and down at an angle to the back portion to provide for increased support of the gutter front wall.

Abstract: Mood regulation enclosures and methods of use thereof are disclosed. The mood regulation enclosures include an interior space to contain a user, a closeable aperture and physical barriers which effectively sensorily separate the user from the outside environment. A person observing the enclosure from outside is unable to ascertain an activity of the user within. The enclosure may be specifically configured for aggression release or for passive relaxation. The method of regulating a mood includes providing a mood regulation enclosure as described hereinabove, allowing a user to enter the enclosure so that the user is effectively sensorily separated from the outside environment and preventing a person observing the enclosure from outside from ascertaining an activity of the user within.

Abstract: A track and trolley system for a movable wall system including a plurality of wall panels, including a track mounted to a ceiling with the track including a pair of rails, and a trolley operatively engaging said track. The wall panels are disposed in an open space and are capable of being moved into one of a variety of positions to separate the open space into smaller spaces. The trolley includes at least four wheels and an elongate member projecting downwardly between the wheels and coupled to one of the wall panels; each wheel includes a circumferential groove having an arcuate cross-section sufficiently larger than the rails to define a lubrication zone between the rails and the wheels. The wheels and rails comprise a metallic material such as steel, for increased strain tolerances.