Abstract: A folding knife having a blade and integral tang pivotally mounted to a handle with a cantilever spring fixedly attached at one end to the handle and extending to a free, terminal end having a lobed portion. A camming member fixed to the tang has a camming surface spaced from the pivot axis extending through the tang. The lobed portion of the spring contacts the camming surface when the blade is in the fully closed position and remains in contact throughout a first portion of the blade movement toward the open position. The spring is out of contact with the camming surface during a second portion of blade movement, from the end of the first portion to the fully open position. Momentum developed by spring force applied to the camming member during the first portion of blade movement is sufficient to move the blade through the second portion of its movement to the fully open position.

Abstract: A novel finishing tool includes a substantially planar, generally rectangular stiff blade having an axis, a straight front edge substantially normal to the axis, and a rear, an elongate handle having a front and an axis, an adapter connected to the front of the handle, wherein the adapter has sides and at least a portion of each side tapers upwardly, a bracket having first and second legs, wherein the first leg is generally parallel to the blade and connected to the rear of the blade and the first leg has a rear, wherein the second leg extends upwardly from the rear of the first leg and the second leg has sides and at least a portion of each side tapers upwardly and the second leg is connected to the adapter, wherein the front of the handle is attached to the adapter so that the handle axis is generally parallel to the blade axis and generally centered with respect to the blade, wherein each side of the adapter forms a generally continuous taper with respect to a corresponding side of the second leg.

Abstract: An improved flexible line rotary trimmer head of the type adapted to be bumped against the ground to effect payout of predetermined lengths of cutting line and which is secured to the trimmer by a drive bolt having a non-circular head portion and a depending shaft portion. The trimmer head housing defines a tubular portion depending axially from the upper housing surface and having a particularly configured upper portion disposed about and creating an interference fit with the head portion of said drive bolt and a lower portion particularly configured to create an interference fit with the head portion of the cam member of the line feeding assembly. A slidable push retainer is carried by the shaft portion of the drive bolt adjacent the line feeding assembly for securing the assembly to the shaft portion of the drive bolt.

Abstract: The invention provides a frame (12) of a hack-saw (10) and, particularly, the handle formation (14), defines shoulder formations (22) that define a linear edge (24) on opposite sides of the extension formation (16), the operative external edge (26) of the extension formation (16) extending perpendicularly with respect of the shoulder formations (22). As such, the frame (12) of the hack-saw (10) can be used as a conventional L-square.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising a flexible and non-elastic yarn divided by at least three retaining means fixed to predetermined locations and at least three fixing means adapted to support the retaining means and whereof the diameter of each fixing means is substantially equal to the internal diameter of the retaining means so as to position the yard along a direction perpendicular to that of the axis of the corresponding fixing means.

Abstract: A device which is attachable to the mast of a forklift for indicating to the forklift operator the tilt angle of the mast in a vertical plane centered on the forklift includes a pivotably supported weighted pendulum, and an elongated activating arm secured to the upper extremity of the pendulum. The activating arm operates a component that is slideably mounted to a base plate, and carries an indicating pointer. A cover member fits over the base plate, and contains a window which accommodates the pointer. Indicia on the cover member interact with the pointer to show the tilt angle of the mast.

Abstract: There is provided a quadrilateral insulating substrate, and plural magnetic sensors are provided on the substrate. An IC is provided on the substrate for supplying driving signals to the magnetic sensors and receiving magnetic detecting signals from the magnetic sensors to output magnetic information depending on strength of magnetism. The magnetic sensors and the IC are encapsulated by an encapsulation member to integrate the substrate and magnetic sensors and IC.

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

Abstract: A device for measuring and marking lines and points on a steel I-beam includes a rib for contacting the outside of an I-beam flange along a line opposite the center of the beam web, a measuring blade that rests on the beam web and measures distances from the outside of the flange, and a bridge for connecting the measuring blade to the rib in a way in which the measuring blade is held perpendicular to the flange. The device marks I-beams faster and more accurately that was possible using prior art tools and techniques.

Abstract: The drill bit and stabilizer gauge is a flexible, elongate strip that is wrapped about the circumference of a drill bit or drill bit stabilizer to measure the diameter. The strip has a rectangular tab at one end with a slot defined therein so that the opposite end of the strip can be inserted through the slot after being wrapped around the drill bit or stabilizer. A zero pointer is stamped on the tab adjacent the slot to ensure accurate measurement. A scale is imprinted on the strip with markings at each interval of ? times the dimensional unit and fractions thereof for reading the diameter directly. The gauge is made from spring steel, a thermoplastic material, or other suitable, inextensible, flexible material which has sufficient elasticity, but also sufficient stiffness, that the strip may be bent into a loop retaining a nearly perfect circular form.

Abstract: A method and a system is for evaluating the transmitted signals of a probe system, which has a probe element that is deflectable out of a rest position and which generates transmitted signals, which include a switch-on signal during a deflection of the probe element out of its rest position and which, together with interference signals, are transmitted to a receiving unit, in which the received signals made up of the transmitted signals and the interference signals, are compared to a reference signal. In this context, the reference signal is formed by interlinking information signals generated from the received signals, and the interference signals, and/or the received signals are differentiated by time, prior to the comparison with the reference signal.

Abstract: A position measuring device including a code having a first code element and a second code element arranged one behind the other in a measuring direction, wherein each of the first and second code elements includes a first partial area and a second partial area, which are complementary to each other and are arranged sequentially in the measuring direction. A scanning device including a plurality of detector elements that scan the first and second code elements and for forming a first scanning signal within the first partial area of the first code element and a second scanning signal within the second partial area of the first code element. An evaluation unit including a comparison device, which compares the first scanning signal with the second scanning signal and forms binary information for the first code element as a function of the comparison.

Abstract: A condenser of a condensing-type dryer is provided. In the condensing-type dryer, a hydrophilic film is formed on a heat emission plate by a plasma discharge. In the heat emission plate, an indoor air can be heat exchanged with a circulation air cycling in a drum. A contact angle of a condensed waterdrop formed on the heat emission plate is decreased through the hydrophilic film, thereby making it possible to decrease a flow resistance due to the condensed waterdrop.

Abstract: A countertop appliance and coffee roaster (10) with a roasting chamber containing at least one heating element (30), a bean container (12), and an exhaust duct (22) for venting said roasting chamber. The countertop appliance and coffee roaster (10) may include a cooling duct (42) for cooling the beans at the conclusion of the roasting cycle. The exhaust duct (22) may contain an exhaust fan (72), secondary heating elements (74), and/or exhaust duct vents (20).

Abstract: An oscillating hair dryer nozzle assembly attaches to a hand held electric hair dryer. An oscillating nozzle is pivoted back and forth by forced air generated by an electric motorized fan within the hair dryer. A propeller receives the forced air and rotates a propeller shaft which is coupled to a gear reduction assembly. The gear reduction assembly converts the rotational motion of the propeller shaft into repetitive pivotal movement of the oscillating nozzle. The oscillating nozzle automatically redirects the air flow in a plane. In one embodiment, the nozzle assembly is rotatably attached to the output barrel of a hair dryer body so that the oscillating nozzle can be rotated to pivot and redirect air flow in a different plane.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method and an installation or system for drying fibrous material. The method comprises the step of ventilating very moist air through the fibrous material located in a drying zone. The moisture content of the moist air is less than that inside the drying zone, its pressure is close to atmospheric pressure and its temperature is higher than that of the material to be dried. The method additionally comprises the step of recovering the heat of condensation of the water vapor extracted from the fibrous material to heat the moist air, providing leaks between the outside ambient air and the ventilation circuit upstream and downstream of the drying zone, making possible a mass and heat exchange. It is possible to ensure heat and mass balance without expelling large amounts of moist air into the ambient air.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for drying and/or subsequently treating thin layers containing organic semiconductors, organic conductors or organic colour filters. The method is used in the production of organic light emitting diodes (PLED's), organic integrated circuits (O-IC's), organic field effect transistors (OFET's), organic thin-film transistors (OTFT's), organic solar cells (O-SC's), organic laser diodes (O-lasers), organic colour filters for liquid crystal displays or organic photoreceptors.

Abstract: There is disclosed a washing/drying machine having a purpose of shortening a time required for a washing operation and improving an operation efficiency, and comprising: an inner drum in which things to be washed are accommodated and in which a washing operation of the things to be washed and a drying operation after end of the washing operation are performed; a water supply passage for supplying water into the inner drum and a drainage passage for discharging the water from the inner drum in the washing operation; a refrigerant circuit in which a compressor, a gas cooler, an expansion valve, an evaporator and the like are successively connected to one another in an annular form via a piping and in which carbon dioxide is used as a refrigerant; and a blower for blowing air which has exchanged heat with the gas cooler into the inner drum to allow the air passed through the inner drum to exchange the heat with the evaporator in the drying operation.

Abstract: A through-air drying apparatus is disclosed. The through-air drying apparatus includes a rotating drying cylinder over which a tissue web is carried and dried. A hood surrounds the drying cylinder leaving an open free end. In accordance with the present invention, an external baffle is positioned adjacent to the open free end of the drying cylinder to prevent external air from leaking in or infiltrating the drying cylinder.

Abstract: A shoe comprises a three-dimensional insole including a base, and a wall part extending upward from an outer peripheral end of the base, each of the base and the wall part being made of a sheeting material. The wall part is sewn to the outer peripheral end of the base to form a three-dimensional outline. An upper has a bottom open end connected to the wall part of the insole, and an outsole is connected to the bottom open end of the upper and the three-dimensional insole.

Abstract: A shoe includes a sole unit having a top face, a bottom face and a peripheral wall interconnecting the top and bottom faces. A reinforcement member is attached to at least one of the top face and the peripheral wall. An upper has a bottom open end stitched to the reinforcement member along the length of the reinforcement member. Due to the presence of the reinforcement member, the sole unit can be produced from a wide range of materials without being limited to any particular high tearing strength material.

Abstract: A flexible hinged cleat that is comprised of a base, a hinge section and a traction section formed as a one-piece mechanism. The flexible hinged cleat is capable of flexing upwardly or downwardly, depending on the direction of the applied force. Multiple flexible hinged cleats may be molded as parts of a strip and subsequently sandwiched between the outsole and midsole of a shoe.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a protective cover from the green of a golf course and for placing a cover on the green mounts to the front of a maintenance tractor on either the bucket of the tractor or the three point hitch of the tractor. The frame of the apparatus has two hydraulic motors mounted thereto are controlled and powered by the hydraulic system of the tractor. By mounting the roller bar to couplings on the motor with lynch pins a wrapped cover can easily be removed from the apparatus for storage.

Abstract: Devices and methods for air-assisted loading of soil in an earth-moving apparatus are disclosed. One aspect of a device includes a source of a current of air and at least one conduit for directing the current of air towards soil moved by the earth-moving apparatus. The device is configured to be operatively connected to the earth-moving apparatus. An earth-moving apparatus is also disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame having opposing sides, supported by at least two ground-engaging wheels, and a bucket having a floor and a pair of upstanding sidewalls. A cutting blade may be attached to the bucket or disposed between the opposing sides of the frame. An air supply system for delivering a current of air to soil moved by the earth-moving apparatus is also included. Methods for loading soil into an earth-moving apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: An arrow point hanger includes an elongated, flexible panel comprised of a woven material and having a front face extending between a first end and an opposing second end. A retention flap is connected to the first end of the panel. One or more arrow point badges are connected to the front face of the panel.

Abstract: A label for a multi-well plate is provided including a visually observable indicia in a predetermined position on at least an upper side of a portion of the multi-well plate. The indicia has a color in contrast to the multi-well plate and is substantially permanently affixed to at least the upper side of the plate. A method for orienting plates using the label and a system of labeling are also provided.

Abstract: A flame simulating assembly for providing one or more images of flames. The flame simulating assembly has a light source, a first screen, and a second screen. Each of the first and second screens is positioned in a path of light from the light source. Also, each of the first and second screens is adapted to receive light from the light source to form one or more images of flames transmittable through the screens respectively.

Abstract: Light emitting panel assemblies include one or more light emitting panel members each having at least one pattern of optical deformities that may be varied in size, shape, density, placement, angle, rotation and/or type to obtain at least one light output distribution having a form or shape of at least one of text, graphics, logo or image. At least some of the optical deformities may be shaped or oriented preferentially to cause different colored light propagating through the panel member in different directions to create a multi-colored light output distribution. Also, a plurality of panel members each having a different light output distribution may be placed in overlying relation to one another to produce a composite output distribution when viewed through the panel members or a display overlying the panel members.

Abstract: A method wherein an indicia is selected from one of diverse indicia sources that promotes an informational application, a holder may be selected from a holder source specialized for the given application, and a display is selected from a display source. The indicia is placed in a suggested manner in the display or the indicia and holder unit are placed in the display such that the desired information is displayed. The flap portions of the display are manipulated to expose or conceal releasable, reusable adhesive portions, to suit the carrying of the display appliance, as in a book or bag, or the display of the display appliance from either side in a vertical or horizontal position, as on a cabinet, or wall. An easel insert oir easel attachment allows for a standing position on a counter top or table.

Abstract: A keg topping device for emplacing an advertising component on top of a keg includes a flat disc surface with an opening therein to fit the device around the mouth of a keg. The opining in the disc forms an inner rim, the perimeter of which, can be fastened to the base around the mouth of the keg by an adhesive. The advertising component is disposed on a surface of the disc member, and in place on the keg, is exposed to view from above. The surface of the disc member, surrounding the opening, is a continuous surface that is free from perforations.

Abstract: An alignment device for a firearm, the alignment device being mountable on said firearm and being shaped to define, in at least one mode of use, a sighting aperture located adjacent a base of the device such that, when the base is positioned, in use, on a surface of the firearm, the sighting aperture is located adjacent said surface. The device comprises a body with an elongate aperture having a longitudinal axis extending in a first direction; and a cover mountable on the body and including at least one aperture that is at least partially in register with said elongate aperture during use. The body and the cover are slidable with respect to one another in said first direction. The device allows firearms, especially shotguns, to be correctly fitted to a user for various modes of shooting.

Abstract: Bead or weight holding tweezers which are engageable with beads and beads or weights and is formed from either metallic or polymeric material and includes a pair of substantially parallel legs that extend from a proximal joint end. One of the legs of the bead or weight tweezers is formed with an inwardly directed concave member which has a friction bearing surface that, together with a substantially flat surface of the other leg, will fixedly engage to a bead or weight. Furthermore, the tweezers are fitted with a locking slide that when moved in the distal direction, flexes said legs together and holds the bead or fishing weight between said concave portions. Thereby facilitating the ability to successfully slide the bead or weight onto a desired position on the hook.

Abstract: A counter-balancing apparatus for a fishing pole handle is provided. The apparatus includes one or more weight members configured to be received by a handle assembly of the fishing pole. The handle assembly includes at least one handle portion, wherein the handle portion is configured to removably receive the one or more weight members to cause a transfer of a center-of-mass of the fishing pole between different positions. The one or more weight members and the handle portion may have equal radii so that, upon assembly, the one or more weight members appear to be integrally formed with the handle portion. Other configurations are possible. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A fishing tackle device comprising a body which has a head and a tail and a valley located on a top side of the tail. The fishing tackle device further comprises one or more fingers protruding outwardly from the valley. A bait fish is able to be positioned on said valley such that the fingers are embedded within the baitfish and securely locate the baitfish on the valley.

Abstract: The vehicle roach trap is an economical and ergonomic paper or plastic cup insect trap containing a bait and which can be placed in the vehicle's cup holder(s). In a first embodiment, a paper cup trap has a lipped transparent plastic concave cover formed by an inverted dome with a small flap at its bottom that will fall open by the insect's weight. A second embodiment has a similar cover, but without the flap, and has at least a portion of the cup interior coated by a sticky, viscous substance. In the latter case, an alternative cover is substantially planar, having a plurality of concave depressions, each depression having a hole defined therein through which the roach may fall. The planar cover may also have resilient, pivotal flaps covering the holes. An adhesive sticker may be provided for sealing the hole(s) for disposal of the trap.

Abstract: A user activated, disposable insect bait station particularly adapted for use with liquid bait, including attractants and toxicants is disclosed. The bait station is formed as a sealed container fabricated from two primary parts, an upper half and a lower half sealingly connected along common peripheral edges. The bait station includes first and second internal chambers. The first internal chamber contains a liquid bait reservoir wherein all of the liquid bait is stored prior to use, and the second internal chamber is adapted to function as an entrance providing insects access to the second chamber. Manual manipulation of the bait station is required for activation whereby a frangible seal is broken placing the first and second chambers in fluid communication thereby allowing liquid bait to flow into the second chamber.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the operation of diesel fuel combustion systems in a combustion system includes supplying a fuel and additive that includes a manganese compound to a diesel fuel combustion system. The fuel is then combusted in the combustion chamber to produce at least one byproduct including the manganese compound. The manganese compound is supplied in an amount effective to complex with the combustion byproduct. The diesel fuel combustion system operation is enhanced by improving the attributes of lubricating oil loaded with the combustion byproduct soot particles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus preferably coupled to a boom on a truck which can simultaneously trim and chemically treat trees or other vegetation with a herbicide. The apparatus, in addition to have a standard saw blade assembly with limb clamping jaws, includes a sprayer assembly. The sprayer assembly includes nozzles which administer herbicides or other chemical treatments adjacent to the saw blades, allowing herbicide to be precisely administered to the tree limbs as they are cut.

Abstract: A ground cover for cultivation of plants includes a membrane strip having a side which in use is an upper side, and anchoring formations on the upper side of the membrane strip. The anchoring formations assist a plant in the vicinity of the ground cover to anchor itself to the ground cover.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) for arranging a bunch of flowers, in particular a twisted bunch of flowers. The device (1) comprises a top and a bottom grating (3, 4), each having grating openings through which the stems of flowers/twigs can be inserted. The top grating (3) is made up of two multiplicities of bars (5), each parallel to one another, at least one of the multiplicity of bars (5) being able to be moved back and forth in the longitudinal direction thereof in order to be able to break the grating structure for removal of the bunch of flowers formed. The top and bottom gratings (3, 4) can be turned relative to one another about a vertical axis of rotation to twist the stems of a bunch of flowers placed therein.

Abstract: A new trellis support structure and a method for its production for use in supporting vine borne crops. The support structure includes a metallic support member that is bent into a modified U-shape and attached to a metallic cross arm using a process that produces consistent results. The combination of the U-shaped member and cross arm is then attached to a vertical support post at two different locations: one attachment at the center of the U-shaped member, and the other attachment at the center of the cross arm in an axial alignment with the support post. The structure is extremely strong, capable of supporting considerable weight, not likely to shift, and less prone to failure from fatigue. The support structure is produced by first bending the central section of a metallic support member into a U-shape, placing the bent member on a specially designed adjustable jig, and attaching a cross arm.

Abstract: There are provided a biodegradable mulching-mat for preventing weed in rice cultivation having improved biodegradability to be completely degraded in several months, good mulching properties of preventing the growth of weeds, elevating soil temperature and increasing soil moisture capacity, and good strength and durability; and a method for manufacturing said mulching-mat by means of extrusion molding.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention concern tobacco having reduced nicotine and nitrosamines, which is used to manufacture consumer tobacco products, and methods to produce such tobacco. More specifically, embodiments include methods to reduce nicotine and nitrosamines in tobacco crops by applying auxin, auxin analogs, and jasmonate antagonists during the cultivation of such tobacco crops. Tobacco generated using said methods and consumer tobacco products obtained therefrom are also embodiments.

Abstract: A fuel gas-steam reformer assembly, preferably an autothermal reformer assembly, for use in a fuel cell power plant, includes a catalyst bed which is formed from a cylindrical monolithic open cell foam body. The foam body is preferably formed from a high temperature material such as stainless steel, nickel alloys and iron-aluminum alloys, or from a ceramic material. The foam body includes open cells or pores which are contained within the metal or ceramic lattice. The lattice is coated with a porous wash coat which serves as a high surface area substrate onto which catalysts used in the reformer are applied. The foam body has an inlet end into which a mixture of fuel, steam and air is fed to begin the reforming process. An inlet portion of the foam body may be provided with an iron oxide and/or noble metal catalyst and the remainder of the foam body may be provided with a nickel and/or noble metal catalyst.

Abstract: An electromechanical actuator for a window lift mechanism including a plurality of motors for driving an output shaft. The actuator may be incorporated into a window lift mechanism including a dual rack and pinion assembly, for driving the pinions along the racks. According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a variety of anti-back-drive mechanisms, e.g. clutches. A clutch according to one embodiment includes locking pawls that resist back-drive. In another embodiment, locking cams rotate relative to a carrier to resist back-drive. An actuator consistent with the invention may incorporate an impact mechanism including a flexible carrier. The carrier flexes to prevent impact forces at an output gear train from coupling to an input gear train.

Abstract: A window regulator to be disposed in a vehicle comprises: a first frame disposed on one side of the longitudinal direction of a door and extending in the directions for a door glass to go up and down; a second frame disposed on the other side of the longitudinal direction of the door and extending in the upward and downward directions of the door glass; an upper frame disposed to span the upper portion of the first frame and the upper portion of the second frame; a wire tensed in an annular shape along the first frame, the upper frame and the second frame and having a return portion for a backward run in the first frame; a first wire fixing member disposed on one side of the longitudinal direction of the door glass and retained by the return portion of the wire to move along the first frame; a second wire fixing member disposed on the other side of the longitudinal direction of the door glass and retained by the wire portion to move along the second frame; and a drum disposed on the inner side of the door pan

Abstract: A self-fastening window attachment clip is disposed within a cursor attached to a window lift mechanism. The clip includes a locking portion engaged with an attachment member secured to a window and received within a slot of the cursor. The clip includes a locking portion and a biasing portion that secures the attachment member within the cursor. The clip is disposed within the cursor and orientated such that insertion of the attachment member flexes the locking portion out or the slot. With the attachment member in contact with the biasing portion, the locking portion is free to spring back across the slot and engage a top portion of the attachment member. The locking portion engages the attachment member and prevents removal of the attachment member from the slot of the cursor.

Abstract: There is provided a weather strip embedding an insert 3 which comprises a resin made and roughly comb shaped insert body 4 having a plural number of tooth portions 4b. Gaps G formed between the tooth portions 4b of the insert body 4 is fully or partially filled with a filler 5 which is made of thermoplastic elastomer or thermoplastic resin having Shore A hardness of 20 to 90 (preferably 40 to 70). Thermoplastic elastomer or thermoplastic resin has an elongation after fracture of 300% or more.

Abstract: A seal and molding assembly includes a first seal portion attached to a mounting surface of a first flanged connection point on an automobile door to retain the first seal portion on the automobile door. The first seal portion has a first projection and a hook flange extending therefrom. The assembly includes a second seal portion attached to a second flanged connection point on the automobile door and having a second projection extending therefrom. The hook flange and the second projection engage to retain the first and second seal portions on the automobile door.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for planarizing or polishing a NiP, glass, ceramic or Glass-ceramic surface in the manufacture of a computer memory disk. The polishing compositions described herein comprise (a) a liquid carrier, preferably water; (b) an abrasive; (c) purified clay; and optional additives, such as (d) a chemical accelerator or oxidizing agent; and (e) a complexing or coupling agent capable of chemically or ionically complexing with, or coupling to, the NiP, glass, ceramic, and/or glass-ceramic material removed during the polishing process. The complexing or coupling agent carries away the metal, glass, ceramic and/or glass-ceramic particles removed during polishing, to prevent the separated particles from returning to the surface from which they were removed. Also disclosed are methods of planarizing or polishing a NiP, glass, ceramic and/or glass-ceramic surface comprising contacting the surface with the compositions.