Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic spring percussion mechanism comprising a driving piston moving back and forth in a housing of the percussion mechanism and a percussion piston, wherein a pneumatic spring is configured between the driving piston and the percussion piston. The movement of the driving piston can be transmitted to a percussion piston by means of said pneumatic spring. The driving piston can be driven by an electric linear motor and is connected to an aromatic of the linear motor, forming a single piece therewith. This arrangement makes it possible to eliminate the use of a conventional rotary motor and a crank mechanism to drive the driving piston.

Abstract: A two-position, quick-change hacksaw consists of a back member, handle structure adjacent a rearward end portion of the back member, and a swing arm adjacent the forward end. The free end of the swing arm and the forward end portion of the back member have coplanar blade-engaging elements thereon which serve to engage the forward end of the blade and which are commonly disposed on an arc that circumscribes a third coplanar blade-engaging element disposed on a coupling block of a tensioning mechanism for mounting the rearward end of the blade. Two coplanar sets of transversely paired engagement elements enable mounting of the blade both in a plane parallel to a medial plane of the frame and also in a plane disposed at a substantial angle thereto. In one configuration, with the swing arm in its inoperative position, the saw is adapted for cutting within a relatively confined space; with the swing arm in its operative position the saw is configured for cutting within a relatively unconfined space.

Abstract: A system and method for centered mounting of a rotating body upon a spindle shaft. The system includes a set of double low-tapers cones arranged and identified according to size. A guide is provided to identify an appropriate cone from the set for a given rotating body pilot hole diameter. To secure the rotating body upon the spindle in a centered manner with the selected cone, an infinitely adjustable mounting flange assembly is provided with a set of mounting pins to engage the rotating body in a predetermined spacing with a clamping force against the cone. The mounting flange assembly and set of mounting pins cooperatively provides for infinite adjustment to accommodate a range of symmetrical vehicle wheel lug hole patterns between a minimum radial dimension and a maximum radial dimension.

Abstract: A snap line for use in applying powdered material to a surface. The line comprises at least one strand of material that has been coated with water repellent material. The line may be used in conjunction with powder that has also been coated with water repellent material. The line and the powder enable a user to apply lines to wet or damp surfaces in a normal fashion.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring a three-dimensional object uses a number of elongate measuring members that can be displaced with respect to a base in response to a surface of the object. The displaced distances of the elongate measuring members due to the surface of the object are then determined. The displaced distances are measurements of the object surface.

Abstract: A surface profile measuring instrument for measuring a surface profile of a workpiece has: a probe having a stylus provided with a measuring portion for measuring a surface of a workpiece at a tip end thereof and a detector for outputting a detection signal which varies depending on a measurement condition between the surface of the workpiece and the measuring portion; a scanning mechanism for relatively moving the measuring portion along the surface of the workpiece; a memory (46) that stores a position information of the contact portion when the detection signal reaches a predetermined reference signal value; a vibration inclination angle calculator (51) that calculates a response variation factor (vibration inclination angle ?) that applies variation to the detection signal from the surface of the workpiece; and a profile processor (53) that corrects the position information to obtain an actual profile of the surface of the workpiece using the response variation factor.

Abstract: A method enables a component to be secured for inspection. The method comprises providing a tool including a first clamping member and a second clamping member coupled to a guide rail assembly, fixedly securing the first clamping member to the guide rail assembly, slidably coupling the second clamping member to the guide rail assembly such that the second clamping member is substantially parallel to the first clamping member, and securing the component within the tool between the first and second clamping members such that the first and second clamping members are fixedly secured in position with respect to the guide rail assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the height of a fuel injector in an engine assembly by providing a variable fuel injector height gauge, selecting a height on the gauge, setting the height on the gauge and adjusting the height of the fuel injector in accordance with the height of the gauge.

Abstract: A saw blade depth gauge having a body with a blade height scale and a flexible strip capable of conforming to a perimeter of a saw blade, wherein the flexible strip is connected to the body such that the flexible strip can bend around a perimeter of the saw blade when measuring to obtain a depth measurement on the vertical scale and return to an original position upon removal of the depth gauge from the saw blade. Alternatively, a rigid arc is connected to the body by spring biased posts.

Abstract: A guide with a measuring device has a guide base with a longitudinal axis, a runner guided on the guide base in a direction of the longitudinal axis, a measuring device which measures a position of the runner in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the guide base or a condition of the guide base and having a measuring head arranged on the runner and connectable with an evaluating circuit for sensing the measuring guide, and an adapter plate arranged between the measuring head and the runner.

Abstract: A securing device for transporting and mounting a measuring arrangement that includes a linearly extending measuring graduation, a support body for the measuring graduation, a scanning device for scanning the measuring graduation, and a mounting base for fastening the scanning device to one of two components movable with respect to each other. The securing device includes a base body which is longitudinally shifted along a guide track of the support body and which is on the one hand fixable to the mounting base and which is on the other hand fixable to the support body in order to maintain the mounting base in a defined nominal position with respect to the support body and an extended part protruding away from the base body and extending along the measuring graduation in an extension direction. A connector provided on the extended part which can be automatically brought into engagement with a connecting point of the mounting base.

Abstract: A depthometer for measuring a length of an elongate line. A main wheel is mounted upon a main body component and is in communication with a registering mechanism. Line guides are mounted upon a lower body component. An inner handle connected to the main body component is pulled toward an outer handle connected to the lower body component, in opposition to a spring-like force in the opposite direction, to open the depthometer and position a line within the depthometer. The main body component is automatically moved towards the lower body component via a spring-like force when the inner handle is released, thereby engaging the line in the depthometer in the installed position.

Abstract: A hand dryer 2 consists of an outer housing with a main fan 8 which draws air into the housing and out of a first outlet 12 on operation by a user. The dryer 2 also incorporates a substantially constantly operated second fan 22 which provides a substantially constant sterilising air flow.

Abstract: The invention is a drying cabinet for wet items that are dripping. The drying cabinet is installed in a opening of wall and hidden therein when the cabinet is closed. The front plate of the of the cabinet is hinged at its bottom to a brace in the opening of the wall. When the plate is opened into a horizontal position the inner surface of the plate exhibits a drainage tub having upstanding walls. Hinged braces keep the drainage tub in a horizontal position. When in a horizontal position, there are two forward and upstanding corner braces. The upper ends of the corner braces have a first connecting rod located therein and this connecting rod has rigidly attached thereto a multiple of drying bars whose rear ends are again rigidly connected to a second connecting rod. The second connecting rod is removably connected to a brace in the opening of the wall. This arrangement will keep the opened cabinet in a rigid deployment.

Abstract: A method for spinning a wafer to enable rinsing and drying is provided. The method includes engaging the wafer at a wafer processing plane and spinning the wafer. The method further includes moving a wafer backside plate from a first position to a second position as spinning of the wafer proceeds to an optimum spinning speed. The second position defines a reduced gap between an under surface of the wafer and a top surface of the wafer backside plate. The method also includes repositioning the wafer backside plate from the second position to the first position as the spinning reduces in speed. The first position defines an enlarged gap to enable loading and unloading of the wafer from the engaged position.

Abstract: A fabric article treating device includes an interior dispenser adapted for location inside of a fabric article drying appliance and a reservoir adapted to contain a benefit composition. The interior dispenser and the reservoir are adapted for fluid communication with one another. At least a portion of the reservoir is formed of a material comprising anti-microbial agent.

Abstract: A fabric article treating device includes a dispenser adapted for location inside of a fabric article drying appliance and a reservoir adapted to contain a benefit composition. The dispenser and the reservoir are adapted for fluid communication with one another. At least an exterior portion of the reservoir provides a scent suggestive of a scent provided by the benefit composition.

Abstract: A fabric article treating device includes an interior dispenser adapted for location inside of a fabric article drying appliance, a controller and a static sensor adapted for sensing static charge inside the fabric article drying appliance. The controller is configured to initiate dispensing of anti-static agent when the static sensor senses a predetermined amount of static charge.

Abstract: A laundry drying machine includes a cabinet and a laundry holding drum rotatably supported within the cabinet for rotation. The drum includes a wall that is circumferential relative to the rotation and a drum hatch that is a section of the wall. The drum forms an enclosure together with at least one stationary end surface centred on the axis of rotation of the drum. A motor is connected to drive rotation of the drum and a fan provides a flow of air through the interior of the drum. The drum includes an outlet opening centred on the axis of rotation and an annular filter screen extending from the periphery of the drum outlet and rotating with the drum. The annular screen is connected along one circumferential edge to the drum. There is an annular sliding seal between the other annular edge of the screen and the outlet duct and an annular sliding seal between the outlet duct and the drum external to the annular filter screen.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes at least one of a stretchable upper and an articulated sole structure. The upper may include an exterior layer and an interior layer. The exterior layer forms at least a portion of an exterior of the upper, and the exterior layer includes a plurality of incisions that extend through the exterior layer. The interior layer is located adjacent an inner surface of the exterior layer, and the interior layer is exposed through the incisions. The sole structure may include a connecting portion and a plurality of discrete sole elements. The connecting portion is positioned adjacent the upper and may extend along a longitudinal length of the upper. The sole elements extend from the connecting portion, and the sole elements are separated by a plurality of sipes that extend upward into the sole structure.

Abstract: A shoe formed from a shoe blank having first and second surfaces, wherein one end of the shoe blank is twisted with respect to the opposite end and the first surface of each end is connected together in face contacting arrangement so as to provide a shoe with a one-sided continuous surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shoe cover preferably useable with a cleated shoe to protect an athlete's foot. The shoe cover is preferably formed of a flexible plastic material and is generally “U” shaped to fit around the top and side portions of a shoe. The shoe cover preferably contains slits which appear on the side of the shoe cover. Straps are woven through these slits and between the cleats on the bottom of the shoe to provide loops for lacing the shoe cover to the shoe.

Abstract: A modular shoe system having interchangeable uppers and outsoles, comprising an internal support structure, a plurality of interchangeable first removable covers and a plurality of interchangeable second removable covers. The internal support structure includes a midsole, a heel counter and a toe box. The internal support structure has a front portion including the toe box and a rear portion including the heel counter. Each of the first removable covers includes a front upper and a front outsole. Each of the first removable covers is configured for being alternately removably attached to the front portion. Each of the second removable covers includes a rear upper and a rear outsole. Each of the second removable covers is configured for being alternately removably attached to the rear portion.

Abstract: A pivotal counter assembly for a shoe has a base, a pivot, a counter plate, a torsion spring, a push button, an engaging device and a biasing member. The pivot is pivotally mounted in the base with a pivot pin. The counter plate extends upward from the pivot. The torsion spring is mounted around the pivot pin to provide a recoil force to the pivot. The push button is slidably mounted in the base. The engaging device is mounted between the push button and the pivot to hold the counter plate at a desired position. The biasing member is mounted between the push button and the base to provide a restitution force to the push button. In such an arrangement, the user does not need to manually push the push button, and the use of the counter assembly is easy and convenient.

Abstract: A shoe, especially a boot, which has a protective function against toxic chemical agents, especially chemical warfare agents, and a multilayer layered construction, which has an outer layer, which faces away from the foot when the shoe is worn, and an inner layer, especially an inner shoe lining, which is assigned to the outer layer and faces towards the foot when the shoe is worn, wherein, in addition, an adsorption layer based on an adsorbent material, especially activated carbon, which adsorbs toxic chemical agents, is arranged between the outer layer and the inner layer. In this way, efficient protection against toxic chemical agents, especially chemical warfare agents is achieved, and a high degree of wearing comfort is achieved at the same time.

Abstract: A snow grooming apparatus is adapted for being drawn by a towing vehicle on a snow surface such as a ski slope. A chassis rides on a pair of runners and supports plural snow shearing blades which are angled for directing snow laterally with respect to the center of the apparatus. An hydraulic actuating system is adapted for vertically positioning a ski centered with respect to the runners. Thus, when this ski is extended downwardly, the chassis and the snow shearing blades are raised to accommodate the snow surface. A pair of wheels are movable to support the chassis above the surface for moving across roads.

Abstract: Jack for raising and lowering a working implement such as hydraulically driven snow blades or other utilitarian accessories. Actuation of the jack allows for proper vertical alignment of the lift assembly for engagement to a vehicle chassis. Once engaged, the jack can be actuated into an inoperative position until the lift assembly is to be removed from the chassis.

Abstract: A side plow assembly for use on a vehicle, including a plowshare, the horizontal and vertical positioning which can be controlled independently of each other. The side plow assembly also includes attachment means that allow it to be quickly attached to and detached from the plow vehicle. The front attachment means are specifically designed to minimize binding when the plow assembly's plowshare is raised or lowered.

Abstract: The deposit conveyance mechanism is capable of effectively conveying deposits. The mechanism comprises: a conveying tube 10 having a suction port 12, a vertical tube part 13, a horizontal tube part 14 horizontally extending sideward, the horizontal tube part 14 being held in the water so as to locate below a hydraulic gradient line and vertically moved so as to move the suction port 12 close to and away from the bottom face of the water storing place, by an elevating unit 38, in a prescribed cycle; a cup-shaped member 60 provided to the suction port 12 of the conveying tube 10, the cup-shaped member having a lower part in which the suction port 12 is capable of moving upward and downward; a steam supplying section 73 supplying steam into the cup-shaped member 60; and a compressed gas supplying section 74 supplying a compressed gas into the cup-shaped member 60.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile apparatus for earth moving and other operations, such as lifting and displacing loads. A frame is displaceable on wheels. An articulated operating arm is supported by the frame for carrying an implement, for instance a container, a digger bucket or wrecking hammer. One or more motors drive the wheels and move the operating arm. The operating arm consists of at least three articulations connected to each other for mutual pivoting on a lying axis. A control member such as a hydraulic cylinder is arranged between each pair of articulations. The third articulation has a greater length than the second one, such that when the articulations are folded against each other, the implement can be freely used at the free end of the first articulation. Thus, the last articulation can be transformed from an articulated arm into a single lifting arm.

Abstract: Backhoe digging teeth where the lower portion is made wide enough on each side to almost touch an adjoining wide tooth at mid-point between the teeth and certain other features produce a safety design for digging in areas where underground utilities are known to exist. Safety teeth have a thicker rounded blunt point with rounded outside corners to enhanse safety features. Safety teeth can be installed on the bucket shanks the same as standard digging teeth.

Abstract: A sensor/switching device configuration that includes a substrate and at least one element imprinted on the substrate containing an electroconductive material.

Abstract: A method for providing a label being suitable for being adhered about an object having a outer circumference once removed from a release liner, the label having a length greater than the circumference of the object and the release liner providing a mechanical support for the label prior to be adhered about the object, the method including: printing at least a portion of the label with indicia; printing at least a portion of the release liner with indicia; and, at least partially severing the printed portion of the release liner from the release liner such that upon removal of the label from the release liner, the printed portion of the release liner remains releasably adhered to the label.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improved orientation indication. Reference markers are applied to a display and are used to convey orientation information. A reference marker becomes visible when conditions of proper or improper orientation exist. Preferably approving facial expressions are used to indicate proper orientation and non-approving facial expressions are used to indicate improper orientation.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an illuminated sign is provided for identifying a geographic aspect. The illuminated sign includes a back plate and at least one symbol. The symbol identifies a geographic aspect. A solar panel is supported with respect to the back plate and includes a solar cell, a rechargeable battery, an activation device, at least one LED, and a control circuit. The control circuit is electrically connected with each of the solar cell, the battery, the activation device, and the LED. The control circuit is configured to detect the presence of sunlight and to facilitate selective recharging of the battery with power from the solar cell when sunlight is present.

Abstract: A display device and method of assembling the same is provided having a support structure and first and second support members. The support structure generally includes a plurality of legs and a cross bar. Each support member generally includes a staff portion and a spring element for biasing the staff portion in an upright position. The display device further includes a corrugated display card having a plurality of vertical channels therein for engaging the staff portions of the support members.

Abstract: A structure for supporting a sign board is disclosed. The structure includes: a post clamp having a pair of arched clamping bands which are hingedly coupled and joined to each other by a fastening element, at least one clamping band having a pillar; a hanger having a socket pipe joined to the pillar of the post clamp, a support bar inserted into the socket pipe and joined by a fastening element, the support bar having an axial coupling groove; at least one connector having a first coupling plate with a coupling bulge adapted to be fitted into the coupling groove of the support bar and with a first arched hinge holder, and a second coupling plate coupled to the first coupling plate having a second arched hinge holder; and a sign board having a coupling bulge and a guide slot through which the hinge holders of the connector pass.

Abstract: Label holders adapted to be mounted on a supporting surface formed of a grid of wire rods, such as a wire basket, a wire rack, a wire shelf or the like. The label holder includes a planar backing element supporting the label holder portion for viewing at a preselected angle, with a trapezoidal connector formed in the backing element to snappingly engage over a horizontally extending wire rod of the grid. The trapezoidal connector may include a plurality of flexible bumps or ridges for enhanced gripping of the wire rods of the grid. The remainder of the backing element rests against the vertically extending wire rods of the grid.

Abstract: A modular fishing rod holder comprising an elongated hollow body which extends between an open front end and an open rear end. The body incorporates a nose cone at its rear end. Means at the front end of the body is provided to mate with and is detachably securable to one end of a rod. The fishing rod holder also comprises a reel housing body. One end of the reel housing body and the rear end of the hollow body are releasably attached so as to hold within, in operational position, a spinning reel.

Abstract: A dual fishing rod holder for engagement to a horizontal surface. The dual fishing rod holder has a first rod holder comprising an elongate cylinder with straps at one end for rotatably fastening a first fishing pole. The first rod holder contains a downward bend at a point on the rod holder. Additionally, a second fishing rod holder is connected to the first rod holder at a distance from the first rod holder. A first fishing pole is secured to an end of the first rod holder in a substantially downward position while a second fishing pole is secured by the second rod holder in substantially upright position. The first and second rod holders are positioned at a distance such that the fishing poles and their lines do not become entangled.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a readily manufacturing a fishhook having the barb whose angles and shapes can be freely changed correspondingly to purposes of use. A method of manufacturing a fishhook according to the present invention is characterized by: applying machining process for providing a sharpened part at a tip of wire to constitute a fishhook; and applying pressing process for making into a plate-like shape a part in continuation to the sharpened tip part; and further applying simultaneously or sequentially in free order machining process for forming a stepped part at one lateral side of the plate-like part and machining process for cutting out a swollen portion produced at the other lateral side of the plate-like part, whereby forming a point part or a fishhook.

Abstract: Some fisher persons prefer to make their own sinkers. They use a rod of lead, pliers, and a nail to compress the lead and to place a passageway in the compressed lead to manually make a sinker. This is a slow and time-consuming process and the use of the pliers to compress part of a rod of lead is difficult for some people. The subject matter that is presented is for an apparatus and method for substantially simultaneously squeezing part of a malleable rod to compress part of the rod and to make a compressed rod and to form a passageway in said compressed rod for receiving a leader or a fish line or a spinner.

Abstract: The invention presented is a mechanical apparatus and method for protecting plants. The apparatus includes a surface which bugs and crustaceans will not crawl up and over. Additionally, the shield is coupled with a wall that extends beneath the surface of the garden and prevents the entrance of gophers and moles. The shield is preferably placed around the border of a garden or located on the surface of a plant pot.

Abstract: Tri- and tetra-substituted ethynylsilanes wherein the substituents are higher homologs of acetylene (e.g., substituted-ethynyl moieties having 3 to 10 carbon atoms) are described, Alkynylsilanes and, more particularly, high energy fuels and rocket propellants containing an alkynylsilane are also provided.

Abstract: A one piece fabric wrap has multiple elongated pockets sewn into an inner surface. A cylindrical rope light or heat tape is positioned within the multiple pockets and hook and loop material is attached to an outer perimeter of the inside surface to provide closure of the fabric wrap around frost challenged plants. A drawstring attached along a bottom edge of the fabric wrap secures the assembled foliage wrap around the base of the plant.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a maneuverable topiary frame for instant application to topiary related shrubs, trees, plants, and foliage. The embodiment allows for instant use to already existing plants thereby significantly reducing the time required for filling out the topiary frame as required of conventional topiary frames used for plants in their early stages of growth. The frame of the embodiment of the present invention is maneuverable, having extremities or extensions hinged about the frame to allow for opening and closing; and is thereby adapted to meet the needs of manipulating grown branches of mature plants or growing plants very easily within the frame to fill in extremities or extensions of the frame designs.

Abstract: The present invention circumvents inherent inefficiencies of photosynthesis by exposing chloroplast (or equivalents thereof) to light in a periodic manner during the organisms' “daylight” cycle. Optical, electro-optical, and/or electromechanical techniques are introduced to conventional farming methods to increase the conversion efficiency and farming yield many-fold. A module is provided that carries out the above benefits. The module includes: a solar distribution sub-system; and a structure having a plurality of growing levels configured and dimensioned to support a desired quantity of plant life and associated nutrient sources (e.g., soil, hydroponic, or an equivalent nutrient source).

Abstract: A horticultural growing medium comprises a diphenylmethane diisocyanate polymer foam material with a cation exchange capacity ranging from about 1.0 to about 1.5 and at least 50% by volume being pores ranging in size from between 10 and 200 microns.

Abstract: A container garden for producing seedlings for grazing by a pet, in particular a cat. The invention consists of a container and closure therefor and a sack formed from a mesh material, such as a nylon stocking material, that a mixture of a plant growing medium, such as mix of potting soil and vermiculite, and selected seeds, such as wheat, barley, oats, rye and catnip seeds, are maintained in, and the sack is closed into a pouch for fitting into the container that receives a lid fitted thereto. The container is to receive and hold water to sprout the seeds that grow into seedlings that pass through the mesh material openings.

Abstract: A floral sleeve and method of using the floral sleeve to cover a floral grouping and/or potted plant are disclosed herein. The floral sleeve has a skirt insert or skirt extension attached to first and/or second panels of the sleeve.