Abstract: An inner cutter for a dry shaver has a plurality of blades 30 supported on a base 20 and is driven in hair-shearing engagement with an outer cutter 10 for cutting the hairs. The blades 30 are arranged in parallel with each other and are each provided on opposite sides at its top with cutting edges 32. The cutting edge 32 is defined between the top face of the blade and a rake fade 33 on the underside of the blade. The rake face 33 is inclined with respect to the top face at an angle of &agr; (°), while the cutting edge is rounded at its tip to have a curvature radius R (&mgr;m) which satisfies a relation that R≧−0.067·&agr;+4.7. With this result, the cutting resistance for cutting the hair can be lowered below a load necessary for bending the hair. Thus, the blade of the inner cutter can itself cut the hair without bending the hair, giving a flat cutting plane finish and enabling a close shave only with a fewer shaving strokes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a razor, which includes a handle and a head connectable with the handle. The head includes a series or set of blades directed laterally relative to the handle. The blades are arranged preferably in multiple sets in the head and the blades have a flat portion and a cutting edge. Each blade set is arranged so that the flat portion of the blades in a first set is non-parallel to a flat portion of the blades in a second set. The sets are preferably in an angular relationship relative to each other. In other cases the there can be two blade sets which are parallel to each other but are in an oppositely directed relationship to each other.

Abstract: A replaceable-blade knife useful as a carpet knife or utility knife, and having a handle with a spare-blade holder movably mounted therein, and a blade-clamping bar for securing an active cutting blade at one end of the handle. A locking means is provided to lock the holder in a protective closed position, and alternatively to release the holder to an open position by movement of the bar, and to enable ready access to blades in the holder.

Abstract: A barbeque fork comprises a base or handle, tines, biasing rod, at least one guide for supporting and sliding the rod and a cross-brace or bracket, wherein the rod is supported over and along the top surface of the handle by preferably two guides, the guides projecting outward from the handle and each defining apertures for receiving and guiding the rod when sliding it over the handle. One end of the rod is terminated by a stop or cap that prevents the rod from passing completely through the guides. The cross-brace is diametrically positioned at the opposite end of the rod and engages the food items when the rod is slid forward to support or remove the food items. In an alternative embodiment, the barbeque fork includes a thermometer device for reading the temperature of food items.

Abstract: This invention consists of a bias adjustable impact scraping tool that has a bias spring selectively positionable in a first region or a second region respectively for biasing or un-biasing a cutting blade for scraping material from surfaces when the surface is above or below the cutting blade. A ramming member for transmitting externally applied thrust forces to a scraping member is telescopically and slidably mounted to the scraping member which may be biased or un-biased relative to the ramming member by selectively positioning the bias spring. A removably mounted partition sleeve located within the ramming member partitions the ramming member into first and second regions. When the bias spring is held within the first region, the scraping member is biased by the bias spring to remain distally extended during a thrust cycle of the tool thereby urging the cutting blade to remain in contact with the surface.

Abstract: A knife is provided including a blade and an ergonomic handle attached to the blade. The handle may include a palm-engaging portion and a contoured belly portion with a stabilizing node. The handle may further include guide members disposed on opposing sides of the front end of the handle, wherein the guide members provide an engagement surface for a user's thumb and forefinger.

Abstract: A laser level with adjustable laser projection line comprises a support bracket, a housing, a switch, a laser generator which project a fanned laser beam to the surface of the work piece to form a line, and wherein a rotating mechanism is coupled to rotate the laser generator thereby causing rotation of the line. There is also a positioning device to position the laser level on an arbitrary surface.

Abstract: A self-contained line generating device uses a laser diode and a lens to project a fan-shaped beam of visible light. The lens is useful for receiving light and transmitting light in an asymmetrical planar beam. The light is useful for aligning objects in a vertical or a horizontal line. The generator also includes a substantially flat face and leveling devices for leveling and orienting the generator onto a flat surface. Retractable pins enable a user to easily mount the line generator onto a wall and align objects.

Abstract: A method for characterizing distortions in the earth's magnetic field caused by a vehicle having a magnetometer affixed therein is described. The method includes repeatedly measuring the distorted magnetic field utilizing the magnetometer and obtaining a three-dimensional orientation of the vehicle axes with respect to the earth at a time of each magnetometer measurement. The method also includes receiving undistorted earth magnetic field data for the vicinity of the vehicle relative to the earth at the time of each magnetometer measurement and characterizing distortions caused by one or more of the vehicle and magnetometer errors utilizing the magnetic field measurements, the orientations of the vehicle, and the undistorted earth magnetic field data.

Abstract: The compass system of the present invention utilizes an improved calibration routine in which a processing circuit of the compass recalibrates the compass each time three data points are obtained from a magnetic field sensor that meet predetermined criteria. One such criterion is that the three data points define corners of a triangle that is substantially non-obtuse. When three data points have been obtained that define a triangle meeting this criterion, the processing circuit calculates a center point for a circle upon which all three data points lie by solving the equation x2+y2+Ax+By+C=0 for A, B, and C, using the coordinate values (x,y) for the three data points and defining the center point as (−A/2, −B/2).

Abstract: A lighted fish measurement device. The apparatus comprises a connection to an outside power source, a backlight source, and circuitry to connect the outside power source to the backlight source. A generally clear rule face including graduations in American Standard and Metric measurements. A semi-transparent colored overlay, variable in length, is mountable over the backlit rule face highlighting user specific graduation lengths. A rugged waterproof enclosure, and a means to secure the lighted fish measurement device to a fishing vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a template book to assist an individual in drawing images or shapes on a drawing surface more accurately than if the individual were to attempt to draw the same images or shapes by freehand. A number of template pages are provided in the form of a template book wherein each template page includes a plurality of foldably attached template sheets which form a drawing template when folded out over a drawing surface.

Abstract: A siding tool is provided that enables a single person to install plank siding on a building. The main body of the tool is provided in the form of a flat elongated bar. The top end of a flat elongated bar is bent 180 degree to form a hook. The tip portion of the hook is tapered to facilitate insertion behind a previously installed plank of siding. The main body includes neck portion attached to the hook. The neck portion has a threaded aperture there through that is positioned a predetermined distance from the top end of the bar. The bar further includes two 30-degree bends resulting in the formation of an angled extension portion connected to the neck portion and a handle portion connected to the extension portion. A movable member is provided in the form of a short generally flat bar having two 90-degree bends therein defining a foot portion with a bolt-receiving aperture there through and a seat portion.

Abstract: A measurement marking mechanism that can be coupled to a tape measure includes a case and a marker. The marker is coupled to the case and is moveable. When the case is coupled to the tape measure, the marker is moveable relative to the tape measure in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction that the measurement tape is extracted from the tape measure, and in a plane that substantially parallel with, or substantially perpendicular to, the plane that the measurement tape is extracted from the tape measure. The marking mechanism may also be formed as part of a tape measure during the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A distance measuring device having a wheel, a frame, and a distance counter on the frame. The wheel has a radius and an exposed surface that can be rolled against a surface on which a distance measurement is to be taken. The wheel is mounted upon the frame for rotation around a first axis. The distance counter is actuated by the wheel. The frame has an elongate operating arm projecting away from the wheel. The frame has a mounting portion to which the wheel is mounted for rotation. The elongate operating arm is pivotable relative to the mounting portion between an operating state and a store state.

Abstract: An improved Depth Gauge Indicator for providing a ready depth measurement without requiring a standard tape measure. The operator can pre-set the intended depth of a hole before the act of digging begins. The depth gauge indicator provides a visible reference as to the depth of the hole. If several depths of holes are needed the operator is able to adjust the Depth Gauge Indicator without removing it.

Abstract: An electric blower includes an electric motor including a stator and a rotor. The impeller is rotated by the electric motor. An air guide having a plurality of guide blades is disposed around the impeller, and a casing encloses the impeller and the air guide. The casing is provided with a number of exhaust openings through which a part of an air stream suctioned by the impeller is discharged, and a circumferential length of each of the exhaust openings is substantially identical to a circumferential distance between outer peripheral ends of adjacent guide blades. Alternatively, the circumferential length of each of the exhaust openings may be less or greater than the circumferential distance between outer peripheral ends of adjacent guide blades.

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

Abstract: Disclosed is a high pressure processing method for subjecting a processing object to a high pressure processing using a high pressure fluid. In this method, the high pressure fluid is brought into collision with the surface of the processing object placed in a high pressure processing chamber, and then distributed along the surface of the processing object in an outward direction beyond the processing object.

Abstract: In drying the interior of an indoor unit, room humidity (Rh) is detected by a humidity sensor, and a drying operation cycle, in which after first heating operation, which is weak heating operation in which a compressor included in a refrigerating cycle is operated at a low rotational speed, has been performed for a predetermined period of time, second heating operation, which is heating operation close to air blowing operation in which the compressor is stopped, is performed for a predetermined period of time, is repeated a predetermined number of times according to the room humidity (Rh). Thus, the indoor unit's interior can be dried properly without occurrence of dew condensation therein.

Abstract: An over-voltage control device for a clothes dryer including an electrical heater coupled to an alternating current power supply is provided. The device includes a switch device adapted to connect and disconnect the power supply from the heater, and a micro-controller coupled to the switch device. The switch device is responsive to said micro-controller, and the micro-controller is configured to operate said switch to maintain an effective heater voltage below a predetermined threshold to avoid tripping of a circuit breaker.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clothes dryer, in which a fitting structure of a guide funnel to an inlet duct of a gas combustion device is improved for preventing the guide funnel from being fluid in the fitting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clothes dryer, in which a base structure is improved for increasing an air flow rate introduced into the gas combustion device for improving a combustion efficiency and a cooling characteristics of components as well as reducing production of hazardous gas.

Abstract: A fabric article treating device for use with a fabric article drying appliance. The fabric article treating device dispenses a benefit composition into a chamber so as to provide benefits to fabric articles contained within the fabric article drying appliance. The fabric article treating device comprises a thermal protection means for extending the operating life of one or more components of the device which are thermally sensitive.

Abstract: A fabric article treating device for use with a fabric article drying appliance. The fabric article treating device dispenses a benefit composition into a chamber so as to provide benefits to fabric articles contained within the fabric article drying appliance. The treating device includes a means of heating the benefit composition.

Abstract: A drier for objects, particularly for vehicle bodies, comprises, in a per se known manner, a housing in which is formed a drying chamber which accommodates the objects. In the said drying chamber, the objects are subjected to an IR radiation generated by at least one catalytic radiator. The drier can be used as a device for purifying air which contains pollutants, in that the intake air supplied to the drying chamber is routed exclusively via the catalytically active layer of the catalytic radiator, so that the organic impurities contained in the intake air can be catalytically oxidized there in a controlled manner. In this case, the catalytic radiator must be of heat-resistant design, such that it does not require air cooling. Both unpurified air, originating from another location, and the air containing organic impurities which is produced in the drier itself can be purified in the drier.

Abstract: A shoe is provided in which an external wrapper covers an outer surface of a midsole along at least a portion of a perimeter of the shoe. An upper assembly forms an external upper surface of the shoe. A wrapper locator abuts an inner surface of the external wrapper and includes an upper edge region extending above a top edge of the external wrapper. A lower edge region of the upper material overlaps the upper edge region of the wrapper locator. A lower edge of the upper material abuts an upper edge of the external wrapper. In this manner, the shoe construction is provided having a midsole wrapper that does not result in large ridges or bulky wrinkles.

Abstract: A sole construction for supporting at least a portion of a human foot and for providing energy storage and return is provided. The sole construction includes a generally horizontal layer of stretchable material, at least one chamber positioned adjacent a first side of the layer, and at least one actuator positioned adjacent a second side of the layer vertically aligned with a corresponding chamber. Each actuator has a footprint size smaller than that of the corresponding chamber, and is sized and arranged to provide individual support to the bones of the human foot. The support structure when compressed causes the actuator to push against the layer and move the layer at least partially into the corresponding chamber. In one embodiment, a plurality of actuators are provided that are made of a metallic material such as magnesium, titanium, aluminum or steel.

Abstract: A protective cage for footwear bladders is disclosed. The protective cage includes a cage base and a plurality of support members that extend outwardly from the cage base. The support members extend across the side wall of the bladder to protect the device from abrasion and to prevent fatigue. The use of the support members, which selectively bend and buckle under loaded conditions, control the amount of perimeter deflection of the bladder, while allowing for complete deflection at the center of the bladder.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed having an upper, a foot-supporting member, and a sole structure. The foot-supporting member includes a heel region located at a greater elevation than a forefoot region, thereby defining a recess under the heel region. The sole structure includes a midsole that forms a protrusion on the interior of the footwear. The protrusion mates with the recess to provide support for the heel region. The foot-supporting member may also incorporate pronation control characteristics, including a downward cant from a medial to a lateral side of the foot-supporting member and a region of reduced support generally underlying the first metatarsal. To further reduce the rate of pronation, the sole structure includes a region in the rear-lateral corner that is more compressible than other areas of the sole structure.

Abstract: A shoe includes a rear sole support for receiving a replaceable rear sole to provide longer wear. The shoe may also include a flexible plate supported by the rear sole support between the heel and the rear sole to reduce midsole compression and provide additional spring. A mounting member secures the rear sole to the rear sole support, and a locking member prevents rotation of the rear sole relative to the rear sole support during use. The replaceable rear sole and the flexible plate allow the shoe to be adapted to different desired performance characteristics depending upon the intended activity and terrain or playing surface.

Abstract: A footwear outer sole comprising a body having an end and a bottom surface, and a revolver provided at the end of the sole body and protruding slightly from its bottom surface. The revolver comprises a lower member supported for rotation relative to the sole body about a substantially vertical axis.

Abstract: An orthotic that supports the arch of a foot during and after extensive use and is flexible to allow a person to comfortably walk and/or run is provided. The orthotic comprises a bottom surface including a mid-plantar region having a perimeter that includes a front portion, a rear portion opposite the front portion, a left side portion and a right side portion opposite the left side portion, and a plurality of longitudinal and lateral ribs in the mid-plantar region. Each longitudinal rib extends toward the front and rear portions of the perimeter but not across the mid-plantar region. Each lateral rib extends from a respective longitudinal rib toward one of the side portions of the perimeter. To reduce the stress concentrated in the intersections of the longitudinal ribs with the lateral ribs when the mid-plantar region is flexed, the angle formed between the longitudinal and lateral ribs may be greater than 90° or the ribs may be curved.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for a backhoe is disclosed. The circuit includes first, second and third pumps driven by an engine, left and right traveling unit valve sections configured to receive pressure oil from the first pump and the second pump independently of each other, a front implement valve section configured to receive combined pressure oil including oil discharged from a center oil passage of the left traveling unit valve section and oil discharged from a center oil passage of the right traveling unit valve section, a swiveling valve section configured to receive pressure oil from the third pump and a parallel oil passage having a restrictor and disposed parallel to a center oil passage of said swiveling valve section. The front implement valve section is configured to receive also pressure oil from the center oil passage of the swiveling valve section and the parallel oil passage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-dimensional puzzle hanging ornament comprising a ring, a bolt, a hanging ornament body and a layer of puzzle pieces. The hanging ornament body is three-dimensional in shape and has a round opening with screw threads inside. The front end of the bolt has screw threads. The surface of the front end of the bolt is made of magnet. The surface of the hanging ornament body, onto which the puzzle pieces are attached, is magnetic. The present invention is portable, with pieces not easily fallen off and is convenient to play with. As the present invention is three-dimensional in shape, it has higher entertainment and aesthetic value than conventional two-dimensional puzzles. The present invention can serve as a dual-purpose entertainment and ornamental object, the appearance of which is attractive and decorative. This is in contrast to conventional puzzles, which only serve a single gaming purpose.

Abstract: A dynamic messaging sign that includes a plurality of display panels arranged side by side. Each of the display panels include a rigid front panel having an array of aperture holes formed therethrough, and a plurality of pixel modules arranged rearward of the front panel in alignment with the aperture holes for selectively generating indicators visible though the aperture holes. A sheet lens may be located between the planar central portion of the front panel and the pixel modules, extending over the aperture holes.

Abstract: A display device comprises a display device member attached detachably a display body including one of an advertisement, photograph, mark and doll; and means for linking the rotation of the display device member in connection with the rotation of a revolving body, attaching so as to be able to act the display device member so that it can pull many people's interest efficiently and give the impression strongly in the high state of utility value when it uses for the advertisement etc., and it makes interesting and has the play heart when the photograph etc. is decorated.

Abstract: A graphic display device mountable with a stretch releasing adhesive includes a back plate, a double-sided stretch releasing adhesive tape having an adhesive portion adhered to the back plate rear surface and a non-adhesive pull tab projecting beyond the back plate, a graphic display member arranged adjacent to the back plate front surface, and a cover plate including a viewing area for viewing the graphic display member arranged adjacent to the graphic display member and connected with the back plate. When assembled, the display device conceals the non-adhesive pull tab but when the cover plate is separated from the back plate, the pull tab can be manually grasped by a user to stretch release the adhesive strip from the surface and the back plate.

Abstract: A separable tag for bags or other containers, each tag comprising a laminar tag-like member having a series of layers, generally an upper and lower layer, the upper layer containing print material such as for functioning as a coupon, and it is adhesively applied but peelable from a bottom layer of the tag that is securely affixed to the packaged food product. The tags may be formed continuously, but pull free at a line of perforation, when applied manually or by machine to the bags.

Abstract: A lottery card reader has a clip made from two separate pieces that are assembled together and a transparent flap attached to the clip. The clip has a first and a second pair of arms attached to a pivot. The arms in the first pair are separated and the arms in the second pair are resiliently biased towards each other. Moving the first pair of arms together moves the second pair of arms apart. The transparent flap can cover games on a lottery card to which the clip is attached. When a lottery card is inserted between the second pair of arms under the transparent flap it is releaseably gripped by the second pair of arms.

Abstract: A method for utilizing a tie protector in promoting a business. The tie protector box may be embellished to resemble a greeting card and to have appropriate graphics for a particular occasion.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, a picture frame may include a holder disposed on the rear side of the frame so as to define a cavity to receive a card. The holder may have a second viewing window that is operable to display the card from the rear side of the frame. The holder may be substantially concealed from the perspective of a viewer exposed to the first viewing window in the front side of the frame.

Abstract: A gun suitable for games is disclosed for permitting an operator to recognize when a trigger is pulled. A target signal receiver receives a target signal sent from a target for causing the gun to recognize that the gun is opposite the target, and notifies a controller that the target signal receiver has received the target signal. Upon detection of a manipulation by the operator, the controller a forces shooting device to perform a shooting operation, and instructs an information generator to generate recognition information. The shooting device emits an optical bullet formed of a light ray. The recognition information generator drives a solenoid to bring associated members into impact against each other to permit the operator to recognize that the operation has been performed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for holding a reel and reel seat assembly on a fisherman cloth. The device comprises a reel seat holding device for holding the reel and reel seat assembly that is detached from the fly fishing rod and a waist holder adapted for releasably mounting the reel seat holding device on a fisherman garment. The disclosure also related to a fly fishing rod with a detachable reel and reel seat assembly.

Abstract: An improved fishing lure used for bait casting including artificial baits and leaders. The fishing lure comprises a wire body that may be formed of a superelastic alloy comprising not greater than about 20 percent of nickel and about 30 percent of chromium, with the remainder being titanium, or a semielastic alloy comprising 45 to 49% titanium, not more than about 42% nickel, and from about 8% to about 10% of other metals including copper at a concentration of about 5.5% to about 7.5%, iron at a concentration of from about one to about three percent, and less than about two percent of chromium. The wire body may have a bight and engaging divergent legs which extend from the bight. Preferably, the bight is in a generally R-shaped configuration. In one embodiment, the invention provides a fishing lure having a shape memory alloy wire body having contacting, generally flat wire surfaces to provide more rigidity to the lure, thus improving lure performance.

Abstract: A support for a trap, a combination thereof and a method of supporting a trap are disclosed. The support provides a mechanism for more stable support of a trap such that the chance of premature activation is greatly reduced, and increases trap activation speed. Since the support is not trap-size specific, it is capable of use with practically any body-gripping trap regardless of size. The support is also operational on any terrain including land, water or manmade structures, e.g., concrete bridge abutments or culvert pipes.

Abstract: An insect trapping apparatus and associated method attracts insects, such as mosquitos, by emitting a carbon dioxide gas as an insect attractant and producing a heat signature from the insect trap characteristic of a warm blooded animal and a blue light of a wavelength that attracts insects into the insect trap. The carbon dioxide gas is exhausted together with moisture through a vertically extending exhaust tube to minimize cooling of the carbon dioxide gas and minimize condensation of moisture while attracting insects through an inflow channel of an insect trap to trap the insects therein.

Abstract: Aqueous diesel oils are disclosed which may be stored over several days without separating out as a result of the added emulsifier mixture.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to linear compounds in the form of oligomers or polymers containing unsubstituted or substituted phenol units and unsubstituted or substituted salicylic acid units. These compounds are useful as additives for lubricants and fuels. Metal salts of these compounds are useful as lubricant additives. A process for making these compounds is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fuel additives, fuel compositions and methods of manufacture in which the additives are provided to impart desired properties to fuels. These properties include, without limitation, reduction of nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions from the exhaust stream of internal combustion engines using the fuels. Preferred embodiments of an additive form of the composition include a nitrogen-containing compound selected from the group consisting of urea, cyanuric acid, triazine, ammonia and mixtures thereof, a carrier blend comprising an alkoxylated alcohol, a polyalkylene glycol ester and an alkanolamide and water. The additive may be provided in a concentrate form by addition of a solvent or may be provided as a final form fuel composition. A method of additive manufacture and is disclosed.