Abstract: A spectacle frame shape measuring apparatus includes a measurement element holding mechanism. The measurement element holding mechanism holds a measurement element in a substantially loadless state along a frame groove formed in the inner circumferential surface of a rim of a spectacle frame. The measurement element holding mechanism includes a rod, balance spring, and evacuating mechanism. The rod is vertically movable and has an upper end portion on which the measurement element is mounted. The balance spring pushes the rod upward to hold the measurement element at a loading position during shape measurement. The evacuating mechanism regularly evacuates the measurement element to an evacuation position, thereby performing three-dimensional measurement of a rim shape. A spectacle frame shape measuring apparatus holder is also disclosed.

Abstract: A meniscus inhibitor for an electrolytic tilt sensor having a metallic containment envelope having at least two apertures formed therein and an interior chamber, an electrolytic solution partially filling the chamber, and at least two electrodes, each electrode having an electrolytically active portion located within the chamber and a lead portion extending to the exterior of the envelope through a corresponding one of the apertures. The meniscus inhibitor is located within the interior chamber and is a nonporous, chemically resistant, high dielectric material which surrounds the electrodes and is in contact with a peripheral wall of the interior chamber.

Abstract: A dual axis flexible rule is predisposed to a curved configuration, but is adapted to be pressed more flat in use. The rule includes a curved portion and a substantially non-curved or flat portion, and enables transcribing straight lines onto curved surfaces.

Abstract: A system for measuring inner diameter of a tubular, e.g., but not limited to, a riser or a pipe, the system including at least one linear distance measuring device movable through a hollow tubular, a main body also movable through said tubular, the at least one linear distance measuring device mounted on the main body, and the at least one linear distance measuring device for producing a measurement signal indicative of a measurement of inner diameter of the tubular.

Abstract: An incremental offset measuring instrument is provided. The incremental offset measuring instrument includes a main base; a specimen seat mounted on the main base for resting a specimen; a measuring tool assembly for measuring the specimen; and a movable assembly mounted on the main base, wherein the movable assembly carries the measuring tool assembly, thereby achieving the goal of measuring the specimen.

Abstract: A device and system that measures the distance over which a cart, buggy or trolley travels, and that can be mounted easily on a wheel of the cart, buggy or trolley, in particular a golf cart, buggy or trolley. The device includes a housing with a counterweight attached to the lower end of the housing and a measuring device inside the housing. The device further includes an attachment mechanism for attaching the housing to the wheel. The attachment mechanism includes a rotary shaft passing through the interior wall of the housing and rotatable in relation to the housing. The counterweight stops the housing of the measuring device from rotating with the wheel, while the rotary shaft of the measuring device rotates with the wheel. The measuring device consists of magnets in the rotary shaft which generate pulses from sensors mounted within the housing when the wheel turns.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring distances on a surface according to a designated scale includes: (a) a distance indicating unit for indicating distance between a first locus and a second locus on the surface; (b) a calibration unit coupled with the distance indicating unit for effecting calibration of the apparatus to the designated scale; (c) a control unit for controlling at least the calibration; the control unit being coupled with at least the calibration unit; and (d) a display unit for displaying information relating at least to the calibration and the distance; the display unit being coupled at least with the control unit. At least the control unit, the distance indicating unit and the display unit cooperate to indicate the distance according to the designated scale after the calibration.

Abstract: A process for drying/heat-treating nonwoven webs in which the web is partially dried under tension in a first drying zone and further heat treated under low tension or in a substantially tensionless state a second drying zone. The process significantly reduces the occurrence of stretch-type defects in the nonwoven webs.

Abstract: Ventilating footwear provides air circulation under and around the foot. Apertures in the heel and/or sole and/or midsole communicate with an air compartment in the heel and/or sole and/or midsole, and as the wearer strides, the heel and/or sole and/or midsole are compressed, expelling the air from the compartment and into the footwear upper. The top side surface of the sole or midsole may also be provided with a plurality of air channels which direct and circulate air from the compartment around and underneath the wearer's foot. The footwear may also provide shock absorbence and energy return through the compressible heel and/or sole and/or midsole, and may have a rigid or semi-rigid midsole, which provides support, as well as cushioning below the midsole for comfort.

Abstract: An anti-balling system for a crampon (10) to prevent balling and snow accumulation during snow and ice climbing includes a plate (46, 50) attached to the bottom of the crampon. The plate can be rigid and can have a lower surface (54, 58) formed of a material configured to prevent sticking of snow or ice to the lower surface of the plate. The plate can include at least one loop (62) integrally formed at a front of the plate to receive a front point (38) of the crampon. The plate can have a loop or window (96 or 232) to receive the center strap (22 or 220) of the crampon. The plate can be attached with bail ends (222 and 224) of a bail (214). The lower surface of the plate can include a plurality of protrusions (100) extending therefrom forming a plurality of raised section (104) and a plurality of edges (108) forming a nonskid surface configured to prevent the lower surface of the plate from sliding with respect to another object.

Abstract: Application-specific midsoles and method of designing midsoles are described herein. The midsole includes a plurality of cells that extend generally upward from a generally flat support structure and provide the ability to selectively attenuate the ground reaction forces that result when one engages in activities associated with the application for which the shoe midsole is designed. The midsole comprises a plurality of zones. The shock attenuation properties of each zone is determined by the geometry of the cells in the zone and material composition of the midsole.

Abstract: Disclosed are footwear products incorporating the use of the hyper allergenic properties of metallic silver materials therein, and more particularly, disclosed are insoles, liners, and footwear incorporating metallic silver material arranged so as to provide total contact or proximity with a user foot or footwear itself in order to avail the user foot the antifungal and antimicrobial benefits of clean smelling feet, deodorization of footwear and the wearability benefits of silver's heat distribution capabilities. Elemental silver (Ag) preventing fungal and bacterial growth which can be used on or near a person's body. There is a need for a long-lasting and durable method to prevent the growth of odor causing bacteria and fungus in footwear products. The problem of odors from bacteria can be especially noticed in footwear.

Abstract: An elastic shoe-pad, comprising a cloth layer, an insole layer, an elastic layer and a net cloth layer, by from top to the bottom compacting, said elastic layer possessing a plurality of ventilative holes at the position excluding the area corresponding to the arches of the foot, said ventilative holes being settled a spring inside; said cloth layer and said insole layer, locating upper said elastic layer, possessing small ventilative holes respectively corresponding to the ventilative holes of the elastic layer; whereby achieves the functions of supporting, ventilation and cushion.

Abstract: A tamper resistant institutional shoe and method includes a clear outsole to discourage concealment of contraband in an institutional setting, such as prisons or correctional facilities. The institutional shoe can include an upper shoe and an outsole joined together to form a cavity to receive a user's foot. The outsole can be light transparent in at least a translucent manner. In addition, a colored insert advantageously can be fixedly disposed in the cavity on an upper surface of the outsole. The colored insert can be visible through the outsole so that tampering with the outsole or attempts to conceal contraband can be viewed through the outsole. The colored insert can include a light color to better reflect light through the outsole. A plurality of layers of different material can be disposed in the cavity over the upper surface of the outsole. The plurality of layers is adhered to adjacent layers to resist tampering.

Abstract: A lasted skate boot for ice skates or in-line roller skates, the lasted skate boot comprising an upper having an outer shell molded of synthetic material and an inner lining mounted inside the outer shell. The outer shell comprises a heel counter, an ankle portion, medial and lateral quarters and reinforcing elements provided on the heel counter, ankle portion, medial quarter or lateral quarter. Each of the reinforcing elements comprises a ridge formed on one of the inner or outer surface of the outer shell and a groove registering with the ridge, the groove being formed on one of the inner or outer surface of the outer shell. The outer shell may also comprise an ankle portion having an upper part and a lower part that projects outwardly with relation to the upper part, the lower part merging with the heel counter. The lower and upper parts of the ankle portion follow the rear profile of the Achilles tendon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lawn mower powered apparatus in which the apparatus has a base rollable over a surface, and the base has a top surface for receiving a lawn mower. The apparatus is provided with a rotating shaft operably connected to the base, and a blade coupler coupled to the rotating shaft. The blade coupler has a plurality of upstanding drive pins, each drive pin being independently movable between a raised position and a lowered position. Drive pins in the raised position project above the top surface of the base to engage the leading edge of the blade of a rotating lawn mower.

Abstract: A continuous ditch excavator includes an excavating auger rotatably mounted on a chassis in a centrally-disposed excavation work area defined by forward and rear portions. Two driving elements are rotatably-mounted in laterally spaced-apart relation to each other on the chassis. The auger is moved laterally between the first and second driving elements to permit adjustment of the position of the auger in relation to the first and second driving elements. In another embodiment, the auger is carried by an arm rotatably mounted to the chassis. In yet another embodiment, the excavator includes a plurality of excavating augers independently raised and lowered to vary the width of the ditch.

Abstract: A system for coupling excavation equipment components is provided. The system includes a retainer pin having first and second detents which are extendable axially from a surface of the retainer pin, in response to rotation of a valve seated at least partially within a cylindrical bore which extends at least partially through the retainer pin. In accordance with the particular embodiment, the valve includes at least one slotted portion configured to receive the detents at least partially therein, when the detents are in a retracted position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bit striking apparatus in an excavator capable of efficiently striking the entire area of the hammer bit under uniform pressure without exerting excessive load to the excavator so that the hammer bit may be free from damage owing to local concentration of striking force of the piston.

Abstract: Memos having a solid advertising effect include an upper and a lower cover and a plurality of memos packed between the upper and the lower cover. The upper cover and the memos respectively have printed advertising characters or designs, their rear ends glued together, and their front ends forming a sloped corrugated surface printed on with advertising characters or designs of coordinate colors with those of the upper cover. The upper cover and the memos combined together form solid beauty, having an esthetic appearance, extensive practicability and an excellent advertising effect.

Abstract: A message sign includes a panel having a plurality of ribs each defining an interior channel. The plurality of ribs are preferably spaced apart in parallel relationship. At least one lamp is secured through an opening in at least one of the ribs. In one preferred embodiment, the message sign includes a first and second panel, each preferably including a base web, wherein the ribs of the first and second panels extend outwardly from the base web of the respective panels. The base webs of the first and second panels are abutted with the ribs thereof extending outwardly therefrom in opposite directions. The first and second panels are oriented such that at least some of the channels of the first panel cross at least some of the channels of the second panel and form a plurality of junctures of crossing channels. Preferably, at least one lamp is secured through an opening in at least one of the plurality of ribs at one of the junctures. A method of manufacturing a message sign is also provided.

Abstract: A tamper-proof signage device is described which comprises a sign side support element, a sign plate (31) in the form of a channel with at least two members (34a, 34c) extending perpendicular to the plate (31), clipping legs (33) for supporting the sign plate (31) and for clipped retainment of the members (34a, 34c) and a securing device (40) for forcing the clipping legs (33) into close abutment with the members (34a, 34c). The securing device (40) is adapted to prevent unclipping of the sign plate (31) by preventing deformation of the clipping legs (33) when an unclipping force is applied to the sign plate (31).

Abstract: A mobile advertisement apparatus for vehicle is disclosed. The mobile advertisement apparatus for vehicle includes a container package for protecting inside of the container package; a plural of bridges for controlling height and parallel of the container package; a power generator for supplying the power; a rotator for rotating the mobile advertisement apparatus; a lift for performing raising and falling operations; an electronic display board for displaying images of advertisement by having a plurality of emitting objects on one side; an attachable tire; a supporter for bedding the container package to a ground. The present invention can increase an effectiveness of advertisement and economic efficiency by operating the mobile advertisement apparatus independently to the vehicle used as carrying the mobile advertisement apparatus.

Abstract: A decorative magnet having lens with a generally rounded upper surface, a generally flat lower surface, and a peripheral flange. An image is adhered to the bottom surface of the lens. The lens is mounted in a base having a central recess and a flange that interlockingly engages the peripheral flange of the lens. A small, strong magnet is positioned in the recess. The bottom wall of the base modulates the magnetic field of the magnet, providing a modulated magnetic attachment force.

Abstract: A kit for enabling one to make his or her own bumper sticker with a personalized message. The kit includes a bumper sticker (1) having a blank writing surface on a front layer (5) and an attachment surface (8) on the attachment layer, which may be magnetic, for attaching it to any surface, such as a metal surface, of a motor vehicle (12). The kit also includes a writing means, such as felt tip marker (2) for writing a desired message on the writing surface (5) of the bumper sticker (1). An optional stencil of alphanumeric characters (11) may be provided to serve as a guide for writing a message on the bumper sticker (1). When it is desired to change the message on the bumper sticker, the message can be wiped or washed off or when indelible ink is used by simply replacing the bumper sticker with a second bumper sticker on which a second message can be written.

Abstract: The present invention describes a sign system (1) which comprises a sign side support element (2), a plurality of clipping means (5) provided with clipping legs (8), and at least one sign plate (16) for being clipped on the clipping legs (8). The clipping means (5) form a hinging connection with the sign support element (2). The clipping means (5) may therefor be provided with a protruding member (9) co-operating with a tubular slot (4) in the side support element (2).

Abstract: A device for displaying a parking permit and attaching the permit to a rear view mirror of a vehicle. The device may include a hook and pocket formed of a single piece of substantially rigid and transparent plastic material. The hook may be formed as an open loop on a first end of the device. The hook may extend to the pocket to form a first planar wall. The second end of the device may be folded to form a second planar wall that is substantially parallel to the first planar wall. The parking permit may be positioned between the first planar wall and the second planar wall. The rigidity of the device prevents the device from falling off of the rear view mirror so that the permit can be seen through the vehicle windshield.

Abstract: The present invention provides security portfolios and apparatuses, which may be used to uniformly hold personal identification and travel or event information. In an embodiment of the present invention, a security portfolio is provided comprising a folded sheet having first and second panels defined by a fold portion, where each panel has an inside and an outside surface, and where the outside surface of the first panel includes an identification holder configured to receive a personal identification document related to security. In another embodiment of the present invention, a security apparatus is provided comprising an identification holder adapted to be fastened to a substantially solid surface portion, where the holder is configured to receive a personal identification document, related to security.

Abstract: An interconnecting frame assembly including a picture frame body supported by a hanging rail. A protrusion on the frame body slideably engages a recessed area on the hanging rail so that the rail supports the frame body. Each frame body contains a male protrusion and a female recessed area to permit a second frame body to slideably engage the first picture frame body This configuration allows multiple picture frame bodies to be attached together while being supported by the rail.

Abstract: An auxiliary display for displaying pictures and other material in connection with electronic display devices. The auxiliary display is made in a frame attachable to an electronic display such as a monitor, wherein the frame includes an outer member having an opening and a backing for the outer member for suspending a photo against the opening. The suspension can be against a trap door, which is closable by rotatable fasterners against the backing.

Abstract: A cloth-painting frame is constructed to include a piece of painting cloth, the piece of painting cloth having a planar woven writing surface for drawing a picture and writing letters and a fringe suspended around the periphery for decoration, and a frame adapted for holding the piece of painting cloth.

Abstract: The present invention is a modular stock system for rifles. The system replaces the rifle's buffer tube with a modified one containing a mount for a constant cheek weld and a rail track for adjustment. A stock module then mounts on the replacement buffer tube. The stock module is interchangeable depending on the user's needs. Various configurations of the stock module are discussed, including adjustable stocks, fixed stocks, and specialized stocks. The stock module may be made even further modular by the addition of rail system.

Abstract: A reticle incorporates an optical center and a plurality of measuring points. The measuring points are formed by a primary vertical line, a primary horizontal line intersecting the primary vertical line at the optical center, a plurality of dots intersecting the primary lines and evenly spaced at a predetermined distance along the primary lines, a plurality of secondary lines intersecting one of the primary lines and evenly spaced between the dots therein. The secondary lines are shorter than 0.2 mil. Alternatively, the reticle further incorporates at least one post on at least one end of the primary lines with post hash marks thereon. Each the intersecting lines forms one of the plurality of measuring points.

Abstract: A recoil dampening device for a gun sight includes a first rail member adapted to fixedly mount to a firearm, wherein the first rail member has an elongated body portion and a pair of mounting flanges extending outwardly from and longitudinally along the body portion, and a second rail member having an elongated downwardly opening channel that slidably receives the body portion and mounting flanges of the first rail member therein, wherein the second rail member is adapted to releasably support a gun sight thereon. The sight base also includes at least one deformable recoil absorbing member disposed between the first rail member and the second rail member, wherein the recoil absorbing member is adapted to reduce the recoil transferred from the firearm to the gun sight when the firearm is fired.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fixed/flying gaff that is easier to use, safer, and more effective for landing large fish than conventional types of gaffs. The fixed/flying gaff of the invention includes a gaff head that is detachably engaged with an elongated handle.

Abstract: A spring loaded fishing device couples a fishing line, extending from a fishing rod and reel, to a leader or bait line. The fishing device has a spring mounted in a cylinder. A shaft, coupled to the spring, extends from the cylinder. The spring biases the shaft to a withdrawn position, resisting extension of the shaft. As a fish nibbles on the baited hook the shaft is extended against the spring, increasing a reactive force tending to return the shaft to its original position. Thus, as a fish tugs on a lure or bait, the spring loaded fishing device pulls the lure or bait back away from the fish, causing the fish to make a more aggressive strike at the lure or bait. Several embodiments of springs for accomplishing the desired action are described.

Abstract: A fish attractant slug which can be easily placed on a fishing line in close proximity to a bait. The slug includes a center bore and an outside surface. The outside surface opens into a spiral groove which connects with the center bore. In order to install the device, the user wraps the fishing line around the spiral groove, then pulls it taut. The tension placed on the fishing line pulls the line inward until it rests within the center bore. In use, the attractant slug slowly dissolves to release the fish attractant it contains. The installation method means that a replacement attractant slug can be placed on the fishing line without untying the bait.

Abstract: The use of a black housing in an electronic trap utilizing light to attract flies to an access opening in the housing with disposable glue or adhesive fly paper sheets overlying the light source in the housing has been shown to attract and capture many multiples of targeted insects, particularly in a fully lighted room, when compared to a fly trap with a white housing.

Abstract: Novel clean fuels comprising selected nonlinear long chain saturated primary monohydric/dihydric alcohol derivatives and mixtures thereof; novel diols and/or diol derivatives; and processes for making clean synthetic jet fuels and/or clean synthetic diesel fuels as well as processes for making clean synthetic jet fuels and/or clean synthetic diesel fuels concurrently with making nonlinear alcohols for use by the detergent industry.

Abstract: A method of killing organisms such as an individual living thing as a person, animal or plant such as brush, weeds and unwanted plants on terrestrial terrain by selecting hollow capsules formed by a frangible or non-frangible membrane, filling such capsules with respective charges of chemicals known and register by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and labeled as liquid, fluid, solid powder, granules or gas of the type to which such organisms are susceptible to provide a supply of such charged capsules. Selecting a repeater capsule firing gun of the type incorporating a mechanism having sufficient propulsion to transmit a certain minimum muzzle velocity to such capsules in a repetitive manner, transporting such guns by automobile, truck, human or animals over such terrain. Shooting a quantity of such capsules at each organism from a range sufficiently close to cause the organisms to tear open and rupture upon impact to thereby penetrate and deposit the lethal toxin into the organisms.

Abstract: A barrier for protecting plants and crops from insects comprising a screen that reflects ultraviolet light toward the insects such that they are repelled from the screen. Also shown is an enclosure and a method for protecting plants and crops from insects including the reflecting screen.

Abstract: A floral container having a water-impermeable external layer for a floral grouping comprising a holding material and having a water-impermeable external surface layer. The holding material is constructed of a material capable of receiving a portion of a floral grouping, botanical item or propagule and supporting the botanical item, floral grouping or propagule. A sheet of material may be extended about a portion of the holding material and a crimped portion or bonded portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion or the bonded portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the holding material to provide a decorative cover. A bond or other tying device may also be used to bond the sheet of material to the flower pot.

Abstract: A liner for use in a horticultural planter contains an integral water tray which is located between inner and outer fibrous layers of a liner. The water tray extends from a bottom surface of the liner to a peripheral top edge. The water tray is integral with the liner and located between outer and inner fibrous layers. The water tray extends also from the bottom surface to a peripheral edge which is spaced apart from the peripheral top edge of the liner. An overflow region is therefore formed between the peripheral top edge of the liner and the peripheral edge of the water tray.

Abstract: Apparatus for cultivating plants comprises a vessel (15) for receiving a plant cultivating medium (10), the vessel wall having a number of apertures (30) which are substantially covered over by a water-permeable polymer (35) which controls introduction of aqueous media (25) into the vessel (15). The vessel (15) and polymer (35) sit in a reservoir (20) for the aqueous media (25). The polymer (35) may be water-swellable and may be a hydrogel and preferably is in the form of a film, membrane, layer or sheet having a thickness in the range 0.001 mm to 5.0 mm. The polymer (35) supports transport of the aqueous media (25) through the thickness of the polymer (35) by diffusion so that entry of aqueous media (25) into the vessel (15) by hydraulic or capillary flow is prevented. The diffusion rate is self-controlled by the plant species.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the descent of a moveable element pivotally attached to a rigid structure is described herein. The moveable element is directly attached to the rigid structure, and is then connected to a compressible strut, which is attached to a linkage connected to the rigid structure. The descent of the moveable element is controlled using a microcontroller and a motor attached to the linkage, and the control path for the linkage is selected based on a comparison of the angle between the linkage and rigid structure and the angle between the moveable element and the rigid structure.

Abstract: An initial tension device has a wire cable for connecting a drive unit and a movable member, a tension case fixed to an immovable member, a regular retainer engageable with an outer cable of the wire cable, and a slot formed in the tension case to extend in the longitudinal direction of the wire cable. The regular retainer engaged with the outer cable moves together with the outer cable by the tension applied to the wire cable through the length defined by the slot. The regular retainer is engaged with the outer cable in the state where a maximum tension is applied to the wire cable.

Abstract: A doorframe includes a header having a header jamb and a pair of header casings. The header has first and second ends. The doorframe further includes a pair of legs, each having a leg jamb and a pair of leg casings. Each leg jamb has means for connection with the respective end of the header, at least two recessed hinge placements on a first side of the leg jamb and at least two recessed hinge placements on a second side of the first leg jamb. Each of the recessed hinge placements are suitable for receiving a first side of a hinge. A pair of precut striker plate placements and striker holes are provided on one of the leg jambs for receiving a striker of a door when the doorframe is assembled and a door is attached to the recessed hinge placements on the other leg jamb.

Abstract: A retractable enclosure system for providing outdoor comfort to individuals adjacent to a building. The retractable enclosure system includes a housing attachable to a building structure, a foldable frame attached to the housing and/or building structure, and a covering surrounding the foldable frame. The foldable frame preferably includes a plurality of support members connected to one another by a plurality of lower extension members and upper extension members. A plurality of support cables are preferably dispensed from a cable reel within the housing adjacent to the upper portions of the support members for providing additional support to the covering. The covering is preferably comprised of a netting for allowing enjoyment of the exterior surroundings while preventing the entry of insects.

Abstract: A ceiling tile includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer includes first and second planar surfaces. The second layer is comprised of at least ten (10) percent fiberglass by weight and is joined adjacent to the first planar surface.

Abstract: Described herein is a curtain wall system for multi-story buildings that is highly resistant to the damage caused by multidirectional swaying motions in building frames during an earthquake. In a conventional curtain wall system, each story is connected structurally to the stories above and/or below it. Earthquake-induced swaying motions of the building frame cause significant load transfers from story to story and cause such a conventional curtain wall system to be susceptible to earthquake damage. Not only does this damage necessitate expensive repairs, but serious threats to life safety are imposed when debris falls from a damaged wall system. In contrast, each story of the earthquake-immune curtain wall system is structurally isolated (i.e., decoupled) from adjacent stories, which produces the beneficial effects of minimizing wall system damage and the attendant risks of falling debris (in the forms of broken glass, stone, concrete, etc.) during an earthquake.