Abstract: Methods and systems for realizing accurate coordinate measurement using a multi-joint measuring arm. A system includes a support member, a multi-joint measuring arm having a first end attached to the support member and a second end at which a probe can be installed, and a processor configured to produce a three-dimensional coordinate corresponding to a position of the probe based on an angle of each joint of the measuring arm. A parameter concerning a posture of the measuring arm is detected exceeding a prescribed value, and a user is warned in accordance with a result of the detection. The prescribed value has been determined, for example, in accordance with a probability that a measurement error due to a user action pulling the measuring arm away from the support member becomes out of an allowable range.

Abstract: A device and method is provided whereby application is made to at least part of the sole of a suitably positioned foot for inverting or everting the foot. The device (1) (FIGS. 1 and 2) comprises a member or plate (20) having a planar surface (21) for pressure application to the sole by a handle (28) and in one arrangement is hingedly mounted (22, 24, 26) about horizontal axes from a leg rest (10) which lies in use on a seat or couch for the patient. This enables the surface (21) to be brought against the sole and also tilted for required contact with the latter. The plate (20) is also shown mounted for angular movement about a vertical axis X for additional tilting of the surface (21). An electronic unit (30) on the plate (20) has an LCD display (32) for showing angles of tilt. With the surface (21) in appropriate contact the sole can be manually palpated or manipulated e.g. for contact of the surface (21) with metatarsal joints or points, and/or the subtalar joint palpated for the neutral condition etc.

Abstract: My railroad design templates depict a turnout of a given size by its exact frog angle so that the centerline of the diverging side of the turnout can be accurately drawn from the turnout point of intersection (TOPI). This methodology of using a template to depict a turnout of a given size by its exact frog angle has never been done before and should assist railroad track designers during the design of preliminary track layouts on a drawing. My railroad design templates also combine all the various degree of curves, various size turnouts, various scales and protractor all on one template. This unique combination of various track design elements on a template has never been accomplished before and should be a convenience to railroad track designers. My railroad design templates also allow the track designer to indicate the point of switch (PS) and last-long tie (LLT) locations on their drawings.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for spacing and aligning flutes to be routed in a workpiece is disclosed. The system includes a flute-spacing jig with spaced alignment holes, a workpiece aligner, and a fence guide. Additionally, the system can include a T-square with adjustable stop-blocks.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved structure of a tape rule housing composed of an upper housing and a lower housing. A snap catch is formed on the upper housing to be snapped into a corresponding retaining groove formed at the lower housing such that two housing can be coupled together. Besides, each housing is provided with two corresponding internally threaded hollow posts which are engaged by tightening screws inserted from tapped holes opened on the top surface of the upper housing thereby further firmly combining the upper and the lower housings together suing less hollow posts and tightening screws than the conventional tape rule housing so as to curtail fabrication cost and facilitate assembly work.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vacuum processing apparatus having vacuum processing chambers the insides of which must be dry cleaned, and to a method of operating such an apparatus. When the vacuum processing chambers are dry-cleaned, dummy substrates are transferred into the vacuum processing chamber by substrates conveyor means from dummy substrate storage means which is disposed in the air atmosphere together with storage means for storing substrates to be processed, and the inside of the vacuum processing chamber is dry-cleaned by generating a plasma. The dummy substrate is returned to the dummy substrate storage means after dry cleaning is completed. Accordingly, any specific mechanism for only the cleaning purpose is not necessary and the construction of the apparatus can be made simple.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vacuum processing apparatus having vacuum processing chambers the insides of which must be dry cleaned, and to a method of operating such an apparatus. When the vacuum processing chambers are dry-cleaned, dummy substrates are transferred into the vacuum processing chamber by substrates conveyor means from dummy substrate storage means which is disposed in the air atmosphere together with storage means for storing substrates to be processed, and the inside of the vacuum processing chamber is dry-cleaned by generating a plasma. The dummy substrate is returned to the dummy substrate storage means after dry cleaning is completed. Accordingly, any specific mechanism for only the cleaning purpose is not necessary and the construction of the apparatus can be made simple.

Abstract: An industrial dishwashing machine with at least one essentially closed water circuit in which washing water is circulated, and with at least one water inflow which makes rinsing water available which is received into the water circuit after a rinsing operation following a washing operation. An air circuit is provided for drying the batchwith the air circuit being dehumidified by means of the water of the water inflow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for extracting volatile natural substances, for example a plant oil, from biological material, for example from plants, wherein the biological material contains water. The extraction is carried out without the addition of a solvent. Microwave irradiation is used for heating.

Abstract: A multichamber timber drying kiln in which different conditions are maintained in each chamber and methods of drying timber using such a kiln. In one aspect timber is rapidly heated within a first chamber (2; 202; 207) and then transferred to a further chamber (3; 203; 208) for further drying. Timber may be transferred from the first chamber (2; 202; 207) when the moisture content of the timber approaches the fibre saturation point A preheating chamber (1; 201; 206) may be provided to preheat the timber before passing to the first chamber (2; 202; 207). A conditioning chamber (4; 204; 209) may be provided after the further chamber (3; 203; 208) to condition the timber. Energy transfer means (49-53; 54-58) may be provided to transfer energy between chambers.

Abstract: A substrate treating apparatus for performing etching treatment of a plurality of substrates by immersing the substrates collectively in a heated phosphoric acid solution. When the substrates are fetched from a container, a substrate counting mechanism and a substrate counter count the substrates to be treated collectively. A processing time determining unit determines a processing time according to a count of the substrates, by referring to a relationship between count of substrates and processing time stored in a storage unit. Since the processing time is adjusted according to the number of substrates in a lot to be treated collectively, variations in the amount of etching are suppressed even when the number of substrates differs from one lot to another.

Abstract: A safety system is for the clothes dryer. The safety system determines whether the flow of exhaust air is above a pre-set level, and causes an interruption of electrical power to the clothes dryer if there is not. The invention provides for more efficient drying of clothes and reduces risk of fires. The system may also include an interruption of electrical power for other malfunctions of clothes dryer. A non-restricting cover plate is adapted for use with a clothes dryer having a removable lint screen and an exhaust pipe. The cover plate allows air and lint into the exhaust pipe and prevent clothes from entering the exhaust pipe.

Abstract: A heat treatment apparatus for preventing quality defects of an object to be heat-treated even when sublimating components produced in heat treatment become solids and drop down in the heat treatment apparatus, wherein a gas generated when heating an object to be heat-treated, coated with a coating solution and placed on a stage is passed through a trap made of a permeable porous film and is exhausted from an exhaust port of a cover and wherein solids produced and dropping down when gas passed through the trap of the permeable porous film solidifies at a top plate of the cover are trapped by the trap.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a disposable inner footwear adapted for receiving a foot. The inner footwear is made from a plastic material and having a front portion, a heel portion, and an upper foot covering portion. The upper foot covering portion is adapted to be wrapped over the foot.

Abstract: A slipper or sandal-type footwear having two or more coupling devices for detaching the upper shoe part from the plastic sole. The coupling devices are distributed around the edges of the shoe upper and have teeth-like prongs which mesh with resilient tongues positioned within sockets that are embedded in the sole. Buttons are provided on the sidewalls of the sole for releasing the prongs from the sockets when it is desired to exchange the shoe uppers on the sole. Methods of manufacture are provided for molding the sole and preventing leakage of the injected plastic into the sockets that would interfere with the operation of the coupling device. The socket can be manufactured with a frangible membrane that seals off the button orifice, or with a cap that fit around and encloses the entire socket.

Abstract: An edge-folded steel head combined shoe insole has a groove defined in a front end and two sides of the insole. The insole is also provided with an inner welt downwardly extended peripherally thereunder, and is thickened gradually from a rear end to a front end. The depth of the groove is shorter than the thickness of the inner welt so that a folded edge of the steel head can be inserted in the groove. This avoids conflict of a sewing needle to the folded edge of the steel head when sewing the vamp onto the inner welt of the insole, thereby the steel head is well supported to have shoe's strength heightened.

Abstract: An upper/insole assembly for use in constructing an article of footwear includes an upper and an insole. The upper has an inner surface, an outer surface, a lateral peripheral flange, and a medial peripheral flange. The insole has a top surface, a bottom surface, a lateral peripheral edge, a medial peripheral edge, an arch portion, a phalangeal portion, and a heel portion. At least a portion of the lateral and medial peripheral flanges of the upper are stitched to the insole in the phalangeal and heel portions but they are not stitched to the insole through the arch portion. Additionally, the lateral peripheral flange of the upper is wrapped around the lateral peripheral edge of the insole in the arch portion and the medial peripheral flange of the upper is wrapped around the medial peripheral edge of the insole in the arch portion. Moreover, the lateral and medial peripheral flanges are secured to the bottom surface of the arch portion of the insole.

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 shoe sole is described that provides both cushioning and stability. The sole has a plurality of layers, including a transition layer which allows relative motion between the layers adjacent to the transition layer. The relative motion between the layers of the sole reduces the impact of horizontal shear stresses on the wearer's feet and ankles. One such transition layer includes pliable material and deformable holes within the pliable material. Another transition layer includes at least two rigid plates held together by less rigid grommets or sidewalls. The transition layer may be disposed beneath the entire shoe or only portions of the shoe, with either a more conventional sole structure or rigid support members completing the sole.

Abstract: Footwear, incorporating a reversible a tongue, wherein one side or the other of the tongue may be adhered to the upper central vamp portion of the shoe, to display that side during wearing of the shoe, and can be 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: In a process for making a waterproof shoe, an upper and a waterproof lining unit with open top and bottom ends are prepared. The lining unit is placed within the upper, and the top ends of the upper and the lining unit are interconnected. A cover member is then attached to the bottom end of the upper to close the bottom end of the upper. After an outsole is attached to the bottom end of the upper, the lining unit is pulled out from the upper through the top end of the upper so that the bottom end of the lining unit moves away from the upper. The outsole is then sewn to the bottom end of the upper, thus forming a reinforcing sewing line that interconnects the outsole and the upper. Thereafter, the lining unit is re-inserted into the upper.

Abstract: A traction system for use on conventional flexible footwear is provided that includes both toe and heel sections that are independently attached to a wearer's footwear and are connected with a flexible linkage. The flexible linkage allows the traction system to move with the normal movement of the flexible footwear so as to provide a natural walking and running movement. The traction system provides numerous benefits over previously available crampon and other spiked traction systems, including flexibility, light weight, practical usability with a wide variety of footwear types—including highly flexible footwear such as running shoes, compactability, and ready adjustability between different sizes and types of footwear.

Abstract: The sports boot has, on the one hand a first part (1) in a first material and a second part (17) superposed on said first part and in a second material, and, on the other hand, reinforcement means (10, 11, 12, 13). The reinforcement means are at least partly formed by at least one frame (13) in synthetic material reinforced with mineral or synthetic fibers and positioned at least partially between said parts.

Abstract: A snowshoe has a frame and a pivot axle assembly extending across an opening in the frame for pivotally supporting a boot binding assembly for limited front and rear rotation, a resilient pad is disposed between the pivot axle assembly and the boot binding assembly for permitting frontal plane, side to side movement of the boot binding assembly.

Abstract: A cleat is disclosed that can be inserted into and locked into a receptacle in a shoe bottom as locking members engage portions of the receptacle in the shoe bottom. The cleat can be easily removed from the receptacle with minimal force, by pushing a pin inward to disengage locking members, freeing the cleat from the locking engagement allowing for removal of the cleat from the shoe bottom.

Abstract: An ice resurfacing machine laser control is used to optimize the ice layer on an artificial ice track, such as an ice hockey rink and is adapted for use in ice resurfacing machines. The thickness of an ice layer is optimized with a beam for a laser transmitter. The ice resurfacing machine comprises a laser receiver and mechanisms to regulate the elevation of the scraper blade.

Abstract: A front equipment mount for attaching a piece of equipment to a front end of a wheeled vehicle having an independent front suspension includes a longitudinal frame and a transverse frame member connected to the longitudinal frame. The longitudinal frame has a forward and end which is positionable proximate the front end of the vehicle and a rearward end which is attachable to the vehicle rearward of the front suspension. The transverse frame member has opposed left and right ends connectable to respective left and right suspension members of the vehicle. The piece of equipment is attachable to the forward end of the longitudinal frame such that the weight of the piece of equipment is supported by the left and right suspension members as unsprung weight.

Abstract: In a power tilt apparatus in which an operation state of a cylinder apparatus is switched between an extension side and a compression side in accordance with an oil feeding direction of a pump apparatus by a switching valve apparatus provided in a pipe passage connecting the cylinder apparatus and the pump apparatus, where a sintered body filter is provided in the middle of the pipe passage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plough chain strand 50 with horizontal chain links and vertical chain links consisting of normal chain links 30, 40, the chain link legs of which are connected by means of chain link arcs and engage one another alternately in an intractable manner. In the chain strand 50 in front of and behind the chain connector link 10 is arranged in the same installation position as this at least one special chain link 20, the link legs of which comprise the same outer contour, especially the same width and the same thickness, as the outer legs of the connector link parts of the chain connector link 10. Due to the special chain links 20 preceding and trailing the chain connector link and having the same or a marginally larger contour as this, the wear of the chain connector link 10 of the chain strand 50 according to the invention is reduced or avoided if compared to known plough chains.

Abstract: A combination plow and claw assembly is provided which is attached to a vehicle. The assembly is used for plowing a surface and/or for clawing a surface wherein the function of the combination plow and claw assembly can be easily changed by an operator of the vehicle during operation of the assembly so that a plowing function can be obtained when the vehicle is moved forward and a clawing function obtained when the vehicle is moved backward. In one aspect, the assembly employs a rotatable pipe support member axially disposed within a first elongated horizontal support member wherein a plow and claw plate is fixedly secured to the rotatable member. In use, the plow and claw plate is rotated upward or downward depending on the function desired.

Abstract: A combination plow and claw assembly is provided which is attached to a vehicle. The assembly is used for plowing a surface and/or for clawing a surface wherein the function of the combination plow and claw assembly can be easily changed by an operator of the vehicle during operation of the assembly so that a plowing function can be obtained when the vehicle is moved forward and a clawing function obtained when the vehicle is moved backward. In a preferred aspect, a rotating plate (which can be a flexible rake tine or a serrated plate) is fixedly connected to a rotating shaft. A drive shaft is axially disposed in the rotating shaft and secured to the rotating shaft. The drive shaft extends through openings in support plates and is fixedly connected to rotating means. The rotating plate in combination with a stationary plate converts the assembly into a plow or claw depending on the rotation of the rotating plate.

Abstract: A ripper attachment (120) for an excavation device (20) includes a pair of spaced-apart, generally triangular-shaped plate members (122, 124) configured for connection to the excavation device (20). Each of the plate members (122, 124) has a first interface section, a second interface section, and a third interface section. A body (54) of the ripper attachment (120) has a ripper tip (60) disposed on a distal end (62) and first and second mounting sections (64, 66) disposed on a proximal end (68). The first mounting section (64) is removably attachable to the first interface section of each of the plate members (122, 124), and the second mounting section (66) is removably attachable to the second interface section of the plate members (122, 124). A brace element is interposed between the plate members (122, 124) and is coupled to the third interface area of each of said plate members (122, 124).

Abstract: An excavator bucket adapted to receive subsoiler shanks and an optional coulter blade enables multiple treatment of compacted soil. In a preferred embodiment, the shanks depend downward below the bucket and curve forward toward the bottom of the bucket. The shanks allow a single implement to be used for both excavating and subsoiling, and also for contouring sloping terrain. One application for such an implement is for decommissioning forest roads without the need for multiple pieces of heavy equipment or for multiple entries into the treatment area.

Abstract: A grapple rake adapted for receiving subsoiler shanks is useful for multiple post-timber harvest management activities. A pair of downwardly-depending, forward-oriented subsoiling shanks is mounted on the underside of the rake, allowing the implement to accomplish the tasks of (1) grapple piling to deal with post-timber harvest fuels reduction and (2) subsoiling to improve soil productivity by reducing soil compaction. The implement is optionally equipped with a coulter blade. This invention will be useful for decommissioning forest roads, skid trails, landings,. and harvest units with new and/or legacy compaction without the need for multiple pieces of heavy equipment or for multiple entries into the treatment area.

Abstract: An improvement in a piping arrangement for swing type hydraulic excavators is achieved. Piping is provided on a cylinder for an implement from a side of the swivel frame through the swing bracket, the swing bracket is formed on a side thereof with a piping hole, which extends outside from an interior thereof, and piping for that cylinder for an implement, which is disposed in the vicinity of the swing bracket, is performed from the interior of the swing bracket through the piping hole.

Abstract: A wall-hanging keepsake (10) made of a material having a first side (12) including a growth chart and a second side (30) that can be configured as either an interactive calendar, a count-down chart, or both. The first side (12) includes a measuring tape (14) that runs the substantial length of the keepsake (10), a marking surface (16) adjacent the measuring tape (14) for marking the height of a child on the growth chart, and foot numerals to indicate the foot markers on the measuring tape (14). The second side, when used as an interactive calendar, designates a month and a date. As a regular calendar, the keepsake (10) includes a plurality of pockets numbered 1-31 and a month holder (32) configured to hold a header card indicative of one of the months of the year. Additionally, the “Today Is” pocket card (56) is provided to mark the current date of the month. As a count-down chart, a holder is provided to hold a heading card (54) that is used to designate an event.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention provide a greeting card having a holder element on the front surface of the greeting card. The holder element is capable of retaining a prepaid gift card or the like. One such embodiment provides the gift-giver with an opportunity to retain the prepaid gift card to the greeting card without reducing the area on the inner surface for writing a personal message to the recipient.

Abstract: An article of manufacture such as a soft cover portfolio, desk folder, or similar article, includes a graphic image provided thereon by transferring an image from a source to a processor which is operable to control a printer to print multiple images on a sheet of polyvinyl chloride or the like. The printed images may be protected by laminating a transparent vinyl sheet over the larger image sheet and the images are then precut to final size. The final individual image sheets are applied directly to the article of manufacture or to a member of flexible material to be used in forming an article of manufacture by, preferably, RF sealing the image sheet to the member which will form a part of the article. The precisely cut image sheet may be supported on a debossing die or placed on the member which will form the article, then struck by the debossing die.

Abstract: A container includes an identifier portion capable of receiving an identifying mark for conveying information such as the possessor of the container, the contents of the container, a desired message, or a combination thereof. The container may be a drinking cup or a container for storing contents such as food and the like. The container may be rigid, such as a glass or a hard plastic, or flexible, such as a re-sealable flexible storage bag. The identifier portion may comprise text, graphics, raised lettering or symbols, color coding, aroma coding, or a combination thereof. The identifier portion may be integrally formed with the container or attached to a surface of the container. The identifying mark may be written on, drawn on, painted on, sprayed on, inserted into, extracted from, permanently formed on, the identifier portion; or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A digital message and display device for use on a vehicle having an interior and an external appearance comprises a processing unit including a memory storage device for location in the vehicle. A power connector connects the processing unit to a source of power. A data input mechanism is provided for inputting data comprising text and/or images to the memory storage device. A display screen located on or in the vehicle then displays the text and/or images received from the processing unit such that the text and/or images are formed and can be observed as part of the external appearance of the vehicle.

Abstract: A storage device (10) to hold and protect sheets of paper, cards, photographs and other flat items, while also providing a medium for advertising to the end user. More specifically the invention relates to both; the combination of two different flexible materials (12, 14) in their arrangement which makes an individual pocket (10) and creating an apparatus that has especially designed extended rear for displaying a visual message (15) and/or information. In most situations this indicia (15) would be of a promotional and/or advertising nature. The front (12) of the pocket is made from a thin transparent plastic that allows you to see the contents of the pocket while the rear (14) is of a thicker opaque flexible material. The design and materials allow for high-speed printing while remaining a flexible product that can be repositioned without damage. There are multiple methods of attachment, via the back of the rear panel (14), to the vertical surfaces.

Abstract: An identification label including a carrier that attaches to a manufactured good and holds identification information. The carrier attaches in such a way that it is difficult to remove when the manufactured good is closed, or operational, but can be removed with or without the use of a tool when the manufactured good is opened for service. The carrier can be mounted on a less visible surface of the chassis, in plain sight, or can be moved into a position where it is not visible during normal use, but readily available when needed by pulling it out, rotating it out or flipping it out.

Abstract: An attachment system is provided for attaching an auxiliary apparatus to a weapon having a frame, and in particular to a weapon frame in the area forward of the trigger guard. An attachment mechanism on the auxiliary apparatus is adapted to be engageable with a rail on the weapon to selectively attach the auxiliary apparatus. The weapon may include a transverse slot which can be engaged by a portion of the auxiliary apparatus to prevent the auxiliary apparatus from sliding relative to the weapon due to recoil forces associated with firing the weapon.

Abstract: A harpoon includes a handle to be grasped by a user for placing the harpoon and a shaft having a proximal end connected to the handle. A distal end of the shaft has a pin receiving passageway formed therein. The pin receiving passageway may include a releasing portion and a retaining portion in communication therewith. The manual harpoon may also include a harpoon tip having an open proximal end for being received over the distal end of the shaft, and a pin carried by the open proximal end of the harpoon tip. The pin may cooperate with the pin receiving passageway to retain the harpoon tip on the shaft when the pin is in the retaining portion of the pin receiving passageway, and to release the harpoon tip from the shaft when the pin is in the releasing portion of the pin receiving passageway.

Abstract: A simple device signaling the change in a preset slope of an arbitrary elastic angling rod clamped at the lower end, at a preset location indicating a possible fish biting a bait or a lure by a sound or light.

Abstract: A glueboard (10, 110) includes a base member (11, 111) and a quantity of rodent arresting adhesive (12, 112). A first quantity of securing adhesive (15, 115) is operatively connected to the bottom surface of the base member (11, 111), wherein the glueboard (10, 110) is attachable to a contact surface (201, 301).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting and/or controlling subterranean termites. A station at least partially receivable within a cavity has at least one opening therein to provide access by the termites to an interior volume of the station. The apparatus also includes an aggregation base attractive to the termites received within the interior volume of the station. The aggregation base includes at least one void for forming an aggregation site for the termites. The apparatus further includes a replaceable container received within the interior volume of the station and positioned adjacent the aggregation base. The container has at least one opening in a surface thereof facing the aggregation base to permit the passage of termites from the aggregation base to an interior chamber of the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a fuel additive and to the additive. It relates particularly to a lubricant additive that is highly suitable for use as an additive in connection with diesel engines. According to the method, saturated fatty acids with a high melting point are separated by cooling from a fatty-acid mixture, the said fraction of fatty acids with a high melting point being esterified and/or aminated to form a mixture of more than three esters and/or amines and the mixture thus obtained being re-mixed with that part of the original fatty-acid mixture from which the fatty acids with a high melting point were separated and the necessary amount of this last-mentioned mixture being mixed with fuel to form a lubricant. The separation of the saturated fatty acids with a high melting point takes place by passing the mixture through a cooling heat-transfer surface, to which the fatty acids adhere, and by removing the fatty acids from the surface by raising its temperature.

Abstract: Use of a liquid oxygenated product with a cetane number higher than 50, consisting of one or more compounds selected from dialkyl-polyformals represented by the formula

Abstract: A method for treating a marker material includes combining at least one treatment for a marker material, a foaming agent and a solvent to form a marker composition, foaming the marker composition to form a foamed marker composition, and applying the foamed marker composition to a marker material.