Abstract: A saw blade clamping arrangement for a power tool including a drive shaft and a saw blade releasably interconnected with the drive shaft for reciprocating motion along a longitudinal axis. The saw blade clamping arrangement includes a support mechanism interconnected with the drive shaft, the support mechanism configured to selectively receive the saw blade in first and second orientations, an actuator mounted on the drive shaft and rotatable relatively to the drive shaft between an engaged position and a disengaged position, the actuator including first and second locking cam surfaces, and first and second locking members operatively associated with the actuator, and movable between a locked position that selectively locks the blade to the corresponding first and second orientations and an unlocked position that releases the blade. The first and second locking members including first and second follower surfaces driven by the respective first and second locking cam surfaces.

Abstract: A box level including an elongate body, plumb vials, and spaced hand-holds having outer edges together defining first and second parallel application planes beyond first and second face planes of the elongate body, and further including hang openings in the elongate body near the opposite ends thereof and hang liners secured in the hang openings, each hang liner having first and second outer rims coplanar with the first and second application planes. The box level provides enlarged work application surfaces in a reliable manner not susceptible to dislodgement from long use and abuse.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises one or more pairs of mutually coaxial and opposing linear measuring devices including movable, biased fingers for simultaneously determining the thickness and warpage of a substrate such as a circuit board passing between the fingers. Each measuring device is calibrated to a zero point by bringing the ends of the movable fingers together and recording the distance or position thereof. Data for computation of substrate thickness and warpage measurements is obtained by recording displacement distances or positions of the movable fingers in contact with opposing surfaces of the substrate with respect to the zero point, the thickness and warpage then being calculated. The apparatus may be integrated with an assembly line, including incorporation with an existing piece of equipment, so that substrates exhibiting out-of-specification thickness or excessive warpage may be reworked, discarded or downgraded during the manufacturing process.

Abstract: My invention described is an electronic and mechanical tool used to measure jet line or string for the purpose of measuring electrical conduit lengths. This new process eliminates the manual labor required before calculating how long the conduit is and how much feeder lengths are required. With the use of a permanent magnet and magnetic switch applied with a sheave that works together and timing to give input to a four decade up counter, the system senses the total number of feet measured by the jet line or string passing around the sheave and displays the total count on the foot meter.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved footwear that overcomes many of the limitations of the prior art. A shoe according to the present invention, includes a sole member with an upper surface for receiving a user's foot and a lower surface for contacting a support surface. The sole member has a first sidewall and a second sidewall that are spaced apart and extend between the upper and lower surfaces. The sole member also has a slot defined therethrough, with the slot extending between the first and second sidewalls. A strap has a pair of opposed ends and a midportion therebetween. The midportion is designed to be received in and retained by the slot. The slot also has a closure member for joining the opposed ends. When the midportion of the strap is received in the slot and the closure member joins the opposed ends, the strap and the sole cooperate to form a shoe upper for receiving the foot.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to footwear where the tongue, or strap, may be reversed, in order to change the aesthetics, coloration, indicia, or other appearance of the footwear. A sandal has an outer strap that reverses upon manipulation by the wearer, where the outer strap turns to expose one surface, which may have a stylized and attractive finish provided thereon, or it may be reversed, so as to change the coloration, indicia, design, or other appearance aspects of the sandal. Alternatively, the outer strap joins to a strap designed to contact the instep of a foot. Rotation of the outer strap occurs without removal of a foot from the strap or the sandal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid-filled bladder and a method for making for making a fluid-filled bladder that include a core having at least one fusing filament. A portion of the fusing filament is positioned adjacent to the exterior surface of the core such that it engages and fuses to barrier layers of the bladder, thereby securing the core to the barrier layers without the need for an additional fusing agent therebetween.

Abstract: A plate support for supporting a wearer's foot. The heel support includes a flexible central plate joined at its periphery to one or more tubular portions. The heel support provides cushioning without the need for an air-tight enclosure in the rear sole of a shoe.

Abstract: Shoe having a rear attachment element (5) joined to a mobile support (6) that moves from an open position in which it is separated from the heel of the foot and a closed position in which it holds the heel piece, also connected to a mechanism housed in said heel piece (3), which mechanism can be actuated by applying pressure with the heel of the user's foot on the heel piece (3) to displace the mobile support (6) from the open to the closed position, where it is kept by first retaining-releasing means (10, 26, 50, 70, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160), while the other foot of the user acts on a member (24, 36, 51, 71, 91, 101, 111, 121, 131, 141, 151, 152) of the mechanism for moving said mobile support (6) from the closed to the open position, where it is maintained by second elastic retaining-releasing means (7, 25, 52, 72, 92, 102, 112, 122, 132, 142, 152, 162).

Abstract: A removable ball of the foot insert for placement into footwear at a position in correspondence with a forefoot portion of the footwear includes a substantially planar member made from a viscoelastic gel, the planar member including a lower surface and an upper surface, and a plurality of parallel, spaced apart, sinusoidally shaped spring walls formed from a viscoelastic gel and extending from the lower surface of the planar member at a predetermined area corresponding to a ball of the foot when the insert is inserted into the footwear, for separating bones of second and third metatarsals of the foot, the spring walls having heights that generally decrease outwardly from a center of the predetermined area, and the viscoelastic gel of the planar member having a hardness greater than a hardness of the viscoelastic gel of the spring walls.

Abstract: A protective sole plate for protective footwear having a number of sole plate bodies, optionally of an electrically and thermally insulating material, joined together with transverse hinged joint(s) whereby each sole plate body can rotate about the transverse hinge relative to other sole plate bodies thereby enabling flexing of the sole plate while maintaining puncture resistance.

Abstract: An arch support orthosis includes an arch curve being variably tensioned for supporting a user's arch and foot. The arch support orthosis includes a metatarsal curve, a curved heel portion and a continuous medial longitudinal arch curve. An anterior slope and posterior slope of the arch curve include varying thicknesses from the base of each slope to a crown of the arch curve. A greater base thickness of each anterior and posterior slope provides firm support of the respective anterior curve and posterior curve of a user's arch, with the crown being resiliently supportive of the user's arch during weighted and unweighted use. A means for tensioning having an adjusting means are connectable under the continuous arch curve between the anterior and posterior slopes, thereby allowing a user to adjust angles of the respective slopes and the tension along the arch curve for treating plantar fasciitis and other foot disorders.

Abstract: A snow removing machine includes a snow blower having a plurality of blades extending radially outwardly from a central shaft part. The blade has one pair of laterally spaced guide walls projecting from a distal end portion thereof in a direction of rotation of the blower. The guide walls extend divergently from each other towards a distal end of the blade.

Abstract: A snow removing machine which throws up snow collected by an auger with a blower and throws out the snow via a chute is provided. The chute is provided on a blower housing enclosing the blower. The chute is placed on the right or left of the blower housing in a body width direction, so as to receive snow thrown up by centrifugal force of the blower. In a dead space on the opposite side to the chute, a control unit for controlling rotations of electric motors and so on and a battery for supplying power to the electric motors are disposed.

Abstract: A self-propelled walk-behind snowplow vehicle includes a vehicle body, an engine mounted on an upper part of the vehicle body, left and right traveling units mounted on a lower part of the vehicle body at left and right sides thereof, and a muffler connected to the engine. To lower the level of exhaust sound and to provide obstruction-free field of forward vision to the operator, the muffler is disposed below the engine and located between the left and right traveling units.

Abstract: Illumination section is provided forwardly of an engine. Cover member collectively covers the engine and illumination section and includes a light transmitting section which passes therethrough light projected by the illumination section and has a through-hole for letting out hot air. Battery is positioned on a blower housing, and the illumination section is provided over the battery. Battery locking member for holding the battery in a battery holder is formed of an insulative resin material, and the illumination section is mounted on the locking member. The locking member is hinged at one end to the holder. Partition wall is provided between the engine and battery for blocking heat transferred from the engine toward the battery.

Abstract: An arrangement (10) for a combined greeting card (20) having a transparent receptacle member (30) dimensioned to slidably receive an audio/visual component (40) in the form of a contoured compact disc (41) having one face provided with a first decorative image (50) wherein, a second substantially identical decorative image (50?) is visible through the transparent top sheet (33) of the receptacle member (30) and may be operatively associated with the card member (20) or the bottom sheet (32) of the receptacle member (30) whereby the two decorative images can be aligned to produce a composite whole image identical to said second decorative image (50?).

Abstract: A label assembly having multiple viewing areas and indicia portions is disclosed. A label is affixed to a non-opaque container, such as a glass or plastic bottle. The container contains an opaque substance, such as a consumable beverage. In one embodiment, the label includes two vertically separated viewing areas through which indicia portions on the inward side of the label on the opposite side of the bottle can be viewed. Thus, as the beverage is consumed below a first level, the first indicia portion becomes viewable through the first viewing area. As the beverage is consumed below a second level, the second indicia portion becomes viewable through the second viewing area. The first indicia portion is optionally an inquiry or question, and the second indicia portion is optionally a response or answer which is logically related to the first indicia portion. Packages of such containers can be assembled having various configurations of categories of subject matter contained in the indicia portion pairs.

Abstract: This invention is a snow globe with enhanced viewing pleasure due to a significantly extended snowfall effect. The extended snowfall is achieved with the use of “snow reservoirs” at both the top and bottom of the snow globe. The simulated snow floats down out of the top reservoir at a restricted rate through holes into the viewed area of the snow globe and then into the snow reservoir at the bottom. After all the snow has settled into the bottom snow reservoir the snow globe can be turned horizontally 180 degrees to instantly begin the simulated snowfall again. The figure or scene in the viewed area is designed to always rotate into the upright position within the viewed area no matter what angle or position the snow globe is in.

Abstract: A decorative display which has mainly a support base, a decorative base, a stopper, a transparent housing, a power source, at least a first magnet, and at least a second magnet, in which the stopper without a central hole is provided. Furthermore, at least a first magnet is provided under the stopper and at least a second magnet is provided over the stopper.

Abstract: A holder for construction plans having a cylindrical rod rotatably mounted between a first perpendicular segment attached to the first end of a base and a second perpendicular segment attached to the second end of the base. A first end of the cylindrical rod passes through the first perpendicular segment and can be used to rotate the cylindrical rod. One end of the construction plans can either be folded and inserted into a longitudinal groove that exists in the cylindrical rod or retained by a linear segment which releasably attached to a primary section of the cylindrical rod rather than having a longitudinal groove. Optionally, a peg removably fits into an opening transversely located in the rod to prevent the rod from slipping from its intended position; and magnets may be attached to the bottom of the base to hold it releasably on a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A backlit sign with an LED module, with a housing that includes a top wall having a first length, a bottom wall having a second length, and a pair of opposing sidewalls each having a third length, wherein at least a portion of one of the sidewalls is translucent. One or more LED modules are mounted to the top wall and include a plurality of LEDs for producing light. The first, second and third lengths are selected to maximize illumination of the sidewalls by the produced light, and to minimize a width and weight of the sign. A mirror can be used to increase the reflectivity of the bottom wall.

Abstract: A sign assembly for mounting on a motor vehicle includes a first and second panel mounted to left and right rear doors, respectively, of a cargo storage compartment in a motor vehicle. The panels have substantially parallel inner edges positioned adjacent when the left and right rear doors are closed, an interface of the inner edges substantially aligned with an interface of the rear doors when closed. A plurality of spacers are positioned between the panels and the rear doors, and the spacers are sized to position the panels substantially parallel with the rear doors and sufficiently spaced therefrom to provide clearance for a vertical locking bar assembly integral with at least one of the doors.

Abstract: An outdoor display sign, and method of use thereof, the outdoor display sign having first and second panels carrying indicia thereon, wherein said first and second panels have at least one, and preferably two support rods passing through the plane of each panel. The support rods extend past the top of the panel, affording a location to secure a sleeve to the top of the support rods, wherein a sleeve is located at each end of a restraining rod, such that the restraining rod forces the panels into a right angular configuration. The positioning of the panels into a right angle permits viewing of the outdoor display sign from two different directions. Alternate embodiments comprise at least two panels with restraining rods to form square and/or angled signs, and to an insertion tool for facilitating insertion of support rods into a ground surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for supplying advertising space under, above or next-to adjacent to a road sign to allow businesses to advertise and allow drivers to see nearby businesses without taking their eyes off the road. The method would increase the safety of the motorists, while offering increased visibility for businesses and additional revenue to the municipalities where the signs are located in the form of rent for the advertising space.

Abstract: A tire display placard includes a belt, a bracket and a graphic holder panel. The bracket is adapted to be secured to a tire by the belt. The panel is releasably connected to the bracket. The panel may be rotatably connected to the bracket to allow written indicia on the panel to be rotatable around.

Abstract: A picture frame includes a substantially transparent support member adapted for supporting a picture such that one may view the picture through the support member. The support member includes a first side and a second side wherein the second side is opposite the first side. The picture frame further includes a first image formed along the first side of the support member and a second image formed along the second side of the support member. The second image is formed about an entire periphery of the second side of the support member so as to define a border shaped and dimensioned for positioning a picture therein for viewing from the opposite side of the support member. The picture frame further includes a picture support adjacent the second side of the support member in a manner permitting viewing of the picture through the support member.

Abstract: A display having configurable lettering includes a base, a plurality of tiles, and a tile carrier. The base includes at least one display window disposed inside a perimeter of the base and at least one recess portion, and the plurality of tiles have an upper side and a lower side. A top portion of the tile carrier retains the upper side of the plurality of tiles, and a lower portion of the tile carrier retains the lowers side of the plurality of tiles. The tile carrier is configured to be retentively engaged by the at least one recessed portion when the tile carrier is disposed therein.

Abstract: A support brace that permits the user to fire a rifle with one hand has a C-shaped rifle butt attachment that removably secures to a rifle butt by friction, and a forearm brace member, attached with or without a hinge. Left handed or right handed shooters can use the brace.

Abstract: Provided herein is a sight base useful to render military-style rifles equipped with battle sights to be retrofitted with telescopic rifle scopes. Use of a device according to the invention provides sporting use and accuracy to rifles originally conceived as weapons of war, in a quick and convenient method. A sight base according to the invention is readily attached and detached from a rifle, and provides surprising accuracy owing to the rigid means by which a scope may be affixed to a rifle through use of the scope base provided herein.

Abstract: A range compensator for a gun sight for an associated gun is provided. The compensator includes at least one Risley prism pair that is rotatable in opposite relative directions about a common axis; mounting means for mounting the Risley prism pair to the sight between the sight and a target at a distance; and, a respective rotator associated with the Risley prism pair for rotating each prism in the Risley prism pair about the axis that is generally aligned with the path. The prisms are rotatable between an unrefracted range finding position in which a “line of departure” required to ensure the projectile strikes the target is determined and a refracted firing position in which the path of light extending between the sight and the target is refractively deviated to maintain the target centered with the sight when the gun is positioned along the required “line of departure”.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nets, preferably for fishing, webbed onto a discharging device, a discharging system and a method for manufacture of such nets and discharging systems. The net, the system and the method make possible to determine the opening of the net's meshes by way of a mounting-line and a netting-device coupled with the mounting-line, which permits the mounting of longer nets onto shorter net ropes. The mounting line is attached to the mesh-cell or mounting mesh-cell of the net to maintain a fixed opening size of the meshes, during discharge and operation of the net.

Abstract: A cast net having a circular net portion the circumference of which is defined by a lead line. The cast net having a throw line one end of which is attached to the center of the net portion. The other end of the throw line comprises a flexible cuff which is adapted to be slipped over a human hand and engages a human wrist. The flexible cuff allows the throw line to disengage the human wrist by slipping over the hand. This disengagement can be effected simply and quickly in an emergency situation. The flexible cuff further adds a degree of comfort to the throwing process as it does not bind the wrist of the user.

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% nickel and about 30% chromium, the remainder being titanium, or a semielastic alloy exemplified by an alloy comprising from about 45 to about 49% nickel, not more than about 45% titanium, and about 8% to about 10% of one or more other metals, which may include copper (about 5.5 to about 7.5%), iron (about 1 to about 3%) and chromium (less than about 2%). 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: According to the present invention, a modular weight for a fishing lure having an overall specific gravity greater than that of water includes a head coupled to a first end of at least one protrusion The protrusion is selectively inserted at least partially into a fishing lure body independent of a fishing line, hook and/or any connecting hardware. During use, at least a portion of the protrusion extends into, and at least a portion of the head extends out from, an exterior surface of the fishing lure body. The resilience of the fishing lure body material tends to maintain the position of the protrusion during use. The modular weight may be selectively removed and repositioned or exchanged for a different modular weight having a different weight, shape or decorative appearance. Multiple weights may be strategically placed in the lure to further alter the lure's movements in water.

Abstract: A fishing lure that can be readily attached to clothing, fishing rods, and other objects is disclosed. The fishing lure has an alligator-style clamp that has an eyelet at one end of the clamp for receiving the fishing line and is additionally connected to a fishing hook. Skirts or dressings adaptive to fishing can be secured to the body of the fishing lure in order for the lure to attract different or additional fish. These dressings for the fishing lure are found in a variety of colors, forms, and designs. A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes the body of the fishing lure being shaped to resemble an animal.

Abstract: A splice system for linear connection of fishing lines includes a female connector and a male connector. Each connector has first and second opposite ends, a longitudinal axis, and a shaped exterior surface. The first end of the female connector is connected to a first fishing line section; the second end has a first opening; and the connector has a raised interior feature. The second end of the male connector is connected to a second fishing line section; the first end is configured for coaxial insertion into the first opening of the female connector, and the first end has a raised exterior feature. The connectors have a first relative position representing a disengaged state and a second relative position representing an engaged state. The first relative position and the second relative position are rotationally displaced about the axis.

Abstract: A fishing post cap that is configurable to dock posts of different cross-sectional areas. The post cap may have a carrying handle. Attached to the cap are a plurality of post cap accessories, such as cup holders, mini-tackle box, a fishing pole holder and gear hooks. The method of using the fishing post cap includes positioning the fishing post cap upon one post and then reconfiguring for another post if necessary. The method also includes the step positioning the fishing pole over water.

Abstract: A live bait container includes a flexible, cylindrically shaped fabric mesh body having a side wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and an interior storage space. A bottom hoop is positioned near the bottom wall. A first access port in one of the walls communicates with the interior storage space. The container also includes a fabric mesh pouch positioned on an outer surface of the side wall.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling pests found in the ground, in particular termites. The object is achieved firstly by determining nests located in the ground using a localization method indicating underground cavities and then by drilling a hole from the earth's surface to the localized cavity. An antenna connected to a microwave generator is then inserted in the drilled hole until it is approximately in the localized cavity, and then microwave energy is radiated via the antenna into the ground in the region around the localized cavity. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.

Abstract: An insect swatter includes an elongate rod with an elastic lash fixedly joined to a distal end thereof. The lash incudes a pair of annular bands knotted together for being stretched from the rod distal end to adjacent a proximal end of the rod so that release of the lash results in spontaneous contraction thereof for swatting the insect. In an exemplary embodiment, the swatter is in the form of a pistol, with the lash extending from the distal end of the rod to a latch operated by a trigger. Aiming the rod toward the insect and pulling the trigger releases the lash for swatting the insect.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of an emulsified fuel in combination with an engine oil that shows a synergistic effect in reducing emissions such as particulate matter, hydrocarbons and/or nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2, N2O, collectively NOx) and/or reducing wear from an engine.

Abstract: The colloidal dispersion of the invention is characterized in that it comprises an organic phase; particles of an iron compound in its amorphous form; and at least one amphiphilic agent. It is prepared by a process in which either an iron salt in the presence of an iron complexing agent or an iron complex is reacted with a base, maintaining the pH of the reaction medium at a value of at most 8 to obtain a precipitate, the iron complexing agent being selected from hydrosoluble carboxylic acids with a complexing constant K such that the pK is at least 3 and the iron complex being selected from the products of reacting iron salts with said acids; then the precipitate obtained or a suspension containing said precipitate is brought into contact with an organic phase in the presence of an amphiphilic agent to obtain the dispersion in an organic phase. The dispersion of the invention can be used as a combustion additive in liquid fuel or motor fuel.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing bio-diesel oil in the present invention uses single-carbon alkane compounds to reform into intermediate alkanes to achieve a synthetic alkylation matter. The synthetic alkylation matter is mixed with plant oil or mixed with alkyl fatty acid derivative from fatty acid of the plant oil into a mixture. Additionally, additives such stabilizer, preservatives, etc.

Abstract: A fuel oil containing a conductivity improving additive comprising the combination of: (a) a polymethacrylate, polyacrylate or polyfumarate polymer not prepared from a quaternary ammonium monomer and having a number average molecular weight of about 1,000 to 10,000,000 and either (b) a conductivity improver comprising (i) an olefin polysulfone and (ii) a polymeric polyamine reaction product of epichlorohydrin and an aliphatic primary monoamine or an N-aliphatic hydrocarbyl alkylene diamine, or the sulfonic acid salt of the polymeric polyamine reaction product or (c) a conductivity improver comprising a hydrocarbon soluble copolymer of an alkylvinyl monomer and a cationic vinyl monomer, wherein the copolymer has an alkylvinyl monomer unit to cationic vinyl monomer unit ratio of from about 1:1 to about 10:1, the copolymer having a number average molecular weight of from about 800 to about 1,000,000.

Abstract: Olefins and alcohols present in Fischer-Tropsch light naphthas are converted to dialkyl ethers of the formula: R—O—R? where R and R? are each primarily non-tertiary alkyl groups of more than four carbon atoms, via hydration of the olefins to alcohols followed by dehydration of the alcohols. Ethers may also form by direct reaction of olefins and alcohols. The ethers are separated from the remaining paraffins in the naphtha by distillation and added in an amount of 1-25 wt. % to paraffinic mid-distillate fuel components obtained by hydrotreating a Fischer-Tropsch product. The properties of the distillate fuel components such as lubricity and seal swell are improved by the dialkyl ethers. The removal of olefins and alcohols from the naphthas reduces refining and lead to a more salable product.

Abstract: The ash content of raw coals, lignite, and other carbonaceous materials is reduced by leaching the high-ash material with an aqueous acidic waste product produced by a Fischer-Tropsch reaction. The acidic aqueous waste is mixed with coal and process conditions are described. The claim takes advantage of using otherwise uneconomic coal, lignite or other carbonaceous material by upgrading the material to a suitable feedstock for combustion in a power plant or gasifier.

Abstract: A carrier for potted plants comprises at least one handle attachable through a drainage hole in a base of a plant pot to a tray for receiving a plant pot, in which the tray includes a support for at least part of the base of the plant pot and the support includes flow paths for draining fluid away from the base of the plant pot in use.

Abstract: The specification discloses a collapsible structure comprising at least one foldable frame element defining at least three corners of at least one wall element. A flexible material is connected to and extends about the at least one foldable frame element to define an interior space. The flexible material has integral fibers and at least a portion of the material allows the transmission of at least infrared and visible wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: The present invention is a revolutionary new concept which serves as a cover/entrapment system for all plant/flower pots. It discourages household animals and children from disturbing the earth contents, of the plant. The cover system allows the use of any fabric material, which permits watering, and fertilizing of the plant without removal of the cover. The chosen material, transparent, colored or patterned will cover the soil and cover the rim of the pot. This cylindrical fabric sleeve slips under the pot and is fitted around the rim by an elastic band. The remaining part of the sleeve is then pulled up and over the pots rim and soil to be adjusted with a drawstring and fastener to the base of plant or flowered stem.