Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting system for splitting pipes. The system includes a main body and at least one blade and at least two blade mount assemblies by which the blade may optionally be connected to the main body. The first blade mount assembly, in a particular fitted state, holds the blade at a different distance from the longitudinal axis of the main body than the second blade mount assembly.

Abstract: A utility knife having a handle and a blade holder which is pivotally mounted on the handle for movement from an unfolded position to a folded position. The handle has a space adapted to receive the blade holder when the blade holder is in its folded position. The blade holder includes a main wall and guard wall pivotally mounted on the main wall to pivot from an open position to a closed position overlying the main wall. The main wall being adapted to hold a blade so that a blade is interposed between the main wall and guard wall when the guard wall is in its closed position.

Abstract: A hair trimmer includes a main body; a cutter block having a stationary blade and a movable blade, both of which are comb-shaped and are slidably in contact with each other, the cutter block being protrudingly installed at one end of the main body; and a comb attachment having a plurality of comb tooth-shaped sections and covering the cutter block, wherein the comb tooth-shaped sections are provided with cut-off hair deflectors to prevent hairs cut by the cutter block from outwardly scattering away from the comb attachment, cut-off hair deflectors located between two neighboring comb tooth-shaped sections are disposed at relatively inner and outer positions.

Abstract: A bagel scoop removes excess dough from a piece of baked goods, such as a bagel. The bagel scoop includes a handle, and a concave, preferably shallow elliptical spoon-shaped closed combined blade and scoop structure, having a downward curvature, to enable scooping and removal of dough. The outer distal end of the combined blade and scoop structure is preferably serrated, to allow for scraping and scooping of the bagel core dough at a leading edge of the blade. The combined blade and scoop structure is attached to a stem, which, in turn, is attached to the handle. A small auxiliary scraper is provided at an opposite end, for fine scraping and removing of excess dough residue not taken by the shallow elliptical spoon-shaped closed combined blade and scoop structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a crayon sharpener, which comprises a cavity to which a crayon is to be inserted, a stopper with a plane at one end, a blade which is fixed at an angle corresponding to the cavity and the stopper, and a connecting shaft which has a hole in it for installing in an electric or hand-operated sharpener. This invention can sharpen crayons smoothly and quickly without easily breaking them and the tips of the crayons will not be too sharp. This invention can be used alone or installed in an electric or hand-operated sharpener as a replaceable part to sharpen crayons and is more convenient and economical to use.

Abstract: A saw handle grip cover includes a molded shell configured to conform to an outer body shape of a saw handle. The molded shell is constructed of relatively stiff material. An outer layer, secured thereto to the molded shell, is constructed of a softer material than said molded shell.

Abstract: A dry shaver with a swingable shaving head which is capable of following a user's skin smoothly while keeping an optimum pressing relation with the skin. The shaver includes a grip and a shaving head mounted on top of the grip. The shaving head has a cutting face on its top and has a pair of support points through which the shaving head is supported to the grip. A linkage mechanism is provided to couple the shaving head to the grip for allowing the shaving head to swing relative to the grip. The linkage mechanism includes a pair of cranks each connected at its one end to each one of the support points and connected at the other end to each one of the anchor points on the side of the grip. A frame projects on top of the grip in an overlapping relation with the shaving head to give the anchor points which are positioned upwardly of the support points with respect to a height axis of the grip for suspending the shaving head on top of the grip by the frame.

Abstract: Disclosed is an encoder including a rotary member and a fixed member. The fixed member is provided with an electrode having A-channel, B-channel and C-channel patterns, the rotary member is provided with contacts which are to be opposed to the electrode. A-C state switches from OFF to ON at each rotation of the rotary member for one click angle from a stable click position in both CW and CCW direction. During CW rotation for one click angle, B-C state remains unchanged from OFF; during CCW rotation for one click angle, B-C state switches twice between ON and OFF.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wheel alignment of single track vehicles, particularly motorcycles and bicycles having front alignment unit (20) including an alignment strut (21), a laser target (25), and a laser module (23) disposed from the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle front wheel (1) to emit a rearward projecting laser beam (9); and a rear alignment unit (40) including an alignment strut (21), a laser target (25), and a laser module (23) disposed from the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle rear wheel (4) to emit a forward projecting laser beam (8). Alternately either the laser target (25) of the front alignment unit (20) or of the rear alignment unit (40) can be a reflective mirror surface, whereby the forward or rearward projecting laser beams (8,9) are reflected toward the target of the opposite alignment unit.

Abstract: A sight pin for use with a bow sight includes an elongate segment of fiber optic material used to form a sighting indicia at one of its terminal ends. The other end of the fiber optic member is wound upon a spool to increase the exposed surface area of the fiber optic material to increase light absorption and thus the brightness of the sight indicia.

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

Abstract: The Manual Stud Detector with Needle (aka: Acu-Stud) accurately detects the location of studs behind the wall so that the user can identify optimal locations to drive in nails/screws for hanging pictures, shelves, electronics, hardware, and the sorts. This device uses a thin needle, similar to the needle used for acupuncture, to punch thru the wall surface without damaging the drywall. Studs behind the wall surface can actually be “felt” with this device, as the structure provides resistance to the user. The needle automatically retracts, and the device is restored to its original position via the internal spring. The only limitation to this device is that the surface being punctured must be softer than the stud material behind the surface. Drywall and soft wood are the optimal surfaces for using this device.

Abstract: What is new is the interaction of this pivoting finger, to the dial indicator tip, utilizing all the benefits of the dial indicator to make this gauge work, and because the finger tips are 4-48 threaded, it uses all standard dial indicator tips and extensions. For virtually unlimited range.

Abstract: A tape measure comprises a main case having first and second sidewalls and a peripheral wall extending between the sidewalls; a flexible tape blade selectively deployable from the case; the tape blade having a generally curved cross-sectional profile when deployed from the main case and having a generally flat profile when retracted into the main case; a hook attached to a first end of the tape blade so as to be movable a distance along a longitudinal axis of the tape blade; the hook having a first section disposed generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and a second section connected thereto and disposed generally normal to the longitudinal axis, the hook having a weight factor of not more than about 0.60. The tape blade may advantageously be not more than about 1.10 inch in width and have a standout of at least 9½ feet.

Abstract: A method of determining the depth of equipment in an underground borehole, the equipment being suspended in the borehole by means of a cable extending from the surface into the well, comprises: (i) determining the amount of cable introduced into the well at the surface; (ii) dividing the cable in the borehole into a series of elements; (iii) determining the tension in each element of the cable in the borehole; (iv) determining the stretch of the cable in the borehole for the determined tension in all elements; and (v) determining the depth of the equipment from the determined amount of cable introduced into the well from the surface and from the determined stretch of the cable in the borehole. The method can be used for correcting a depth measurement or determining an error in a depth measurement made on the cable at the surface by determining a correction factor using the methodology described above.

Abstract: A dryer and a drain structure of the same are provided. The drain structure of a dryer includes a base, a condenser mounted on the base, and a drain concaved from front to rear of a condenser mounting surface, which is provided on the base and mounts the condenser thereon.

Abstract: A through-air dryer is disclosed. The through-air dryer includes a cylindrical deck made from a plurality of deck plates that support a throughdrying fabric. The deck plates are supported by opposing hubs. Each of the hubs is in communication with a bearing that is mounted to a stationary shaft for allowing the cylindrical deck and the hubs to rotate. The bearings are positioned so as to create a through-air dryer structure that remains stable during operation and allows for easy calculation of loads on the dryer.

Abstract: A dry-wet thermal management system for providing simultaneous spray cooling and dry cooling for a plurality of cards. The dry-wet thermal management system includes a chassis having a dry chamber and a spray chamber, a first opening within a rear portion of the chassis extending into the spray chamber, a second opening within the rear portion of the chassis extending into the dry chamber, and a main backplane secured and sealed to the rear portion of the chassis. Electronic cards may be electrically coupled within sockets of the main backplane within both the dry chamber and the spray chamber. The cards within the spray chamber are typically high heat flux components with increased cooling requirements and the cards within the dry chamber are typically low heat flux components with reduced cooling requirements. A spray cool system is within the spray chamber and a dry cool system is within the dry chamber.

Abstract: In a first embodiment of an insulation manufacturing system and method, the system comprises a curing oven tower for heating uncured or partially cured insulation mats. The curing oven tower includes a plurality of vertical oven zones comprising heat sources through which the insulation mats are moved. In a second embodiment, a insulation manufacturing system is provided including a curing oven tower for heating uncured or partially cured insulation mats. The curing oven tower comprises a heat source and a conveyor system for moving the insulation mats both vertically and horizontally through the curing oven tower in a serpentine path.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for controlling a washing/drying system including a washing machine and a dryer used in one pair. Since the washing machine can communicate with the dryer according to a wireless communication regulation, the dryer can operate more conveniently. According to the apparatus and method, convenience in using the washing machine and the dryer together is further enhanced.

Abstract: Cabinet for a home appliance including a front panel, side panels, and a base, wherein the base includes at least one reinforcing projection at a predetermined portion of the base for improving strength of the base, thereby providing a cabinet for a home appliance having a base with improved strength against load and vibration, to prevent deformation or damage to the base.

Abstract: Dryer section for drying a fibrous web supported by at least one drying fabric. The dryer section includes a plurality of heated drying cylinders, a plurality of guide rolls, and a plurality of dampening devices arranged at different locations relative to the fibrous web. Each dampening device applies a quantity of liquid to the fibrous web. In at least in one of the plurality of dampening devices, the quantity of the liquid is adjustable separately in zones transversely with respect to a web running direction. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A 3D air-pumping shoe having a first and a second chambers respectively on the rear and the front of the outsole; at lease one ventilation outlet being disposed on the side walls of both chambers for external connection; an air unit being each disposed in the first chamber and the second chamber, each air unit containing multiple laterally disposed air ducts that connecting through those ventilation outlets on the side walls of the outsole; and a waterproof air permeable film and a air permeable cushion being paved in sequence above the air unit.

Abstract: A dance shoe adapted for urging a foot into an arch shape includes a shoe upper and a sole attached to the shoe upper, the sole having a heel region, a toe region and an arch extending between the heel region and the toe region. The heel of the shoe defines a horizontally extending ground plane, and the arch is sufficiently curved so that the toe region is projected downwardly below the horizontally extending ground plane. When a dancer's foot is inserted into the dance shoe, the shoe upper and the sole cooperate for urging the dancer's foot to move into a point position.

Abstract: The tap shoe with an adjustable tap assembly facilitates changing taps and can be used to alter the sound of the tap. The tap shoe with an adjustable tap assembly is a tap shoe having a toe portion and a heel, two taps, two metal spacer plates, machine screws, and nuts. The nuts are embedded in the heel and toe portion of a tap dancing shoe. The spacer plates are attached to the heel and toe portions, respectively, with adhesive and nails. Machine screws then secure the taps to the nuts in the toe portion and heel of a tap dancing shoe, being inserted through holes in the spacer plates. Self-locking nuts are used to eliminate the possibility of the machine screws vibrating loose.

Abstract: A sole structure of working shoe has an upper and a sole bonded by a stitching. A front portion according to the toes and extended from the surface of the sole has an overall size which is smaller than the sole. A gadroon forms along the outer periphery of the heel portion of the sole, and the gadroon has a quite depth for stitching so that the stitching stitches the sole under the upper along the contour of the sole. Furthermore, the gadroon is filled up with a welt, and the welt covers the stitching in the gadroon.

Abstract: Devices and systems for providing dynamic foot support to a user are described. A device includes a heel support shelf, a foot support shelf, and a dampening device that allows relative motion of the heel support shelf with respect to the foot support shelf. When a wearer has on footwear that includes such a device, his or her foot is bent and flexed within the footwear during natural walking motion, thereby promoting blood flow, preventing stress, increasing comfort and reducing pain.

Abstract: Devices and systems for providing dynamic foot support to a user are described. A device includes a heel support shelf, a foot support shelf, and a dampening device that allows relative motion of the heel support shelf with respect to the foot support shelf. When a wearer has on footwear that includes such a device, his or her foot is bent and flexed within the footwear during natural walking motion, thereby promoting blood flow, preventing stress, increasing comfort and reducing pain.

Abstract: A multi-layer insole having a pliable, supporting heel cup layer; a high impact foam layer selected to provide about a 20% set; and an image foam layer selected to provide about an 80% set. An abrasion resistant micro fiber lining for transporting moisture and perspiration from the foot can also be provided on top of the insole. The layers can be secured to each other by flame lamination.

Abstract: A shoe upper, having an upper outer material (13) with a lower outer material end region (19) located in a lower upper end region, an upper lining material, which is arranged on the inner side of the upper outer material (13), incorporates a waterproof functional layer and has a lower lining material end region (21), the lining material end region (21) having a lining edge that is not covered by the upper outer material (13), and a connecting band (17), which extends in the peripheral direction of the upper end region and is joined on a first longitudinal side (23) to the outer material end region (19) but not to the end region (21) of the lining material, and is joined on a second longitudinal side to the end region (21) of the lining material but not to the end region (19) of the outer material, wherein at points of curvature of the lower periphery of the upper end region the connecting band (17) extends in an arc corresponding to the local radius of curvature, with the two longitudinal sides of the connect

Abstract: A shoe heel protector includes a middle portion, a first side portion and a second side portion. The semi-rigid middle portion substantially covers a rear heel portion of a shoe and is permanently attached to the shoe. The first side portion is integrally formed with the middle portion, and the first side portion partially covers a first side of the shoe. The second side portion is integrally formed with the middle portion, and the second side portion partially covers a second side of the shoe.

Abstract: A footwear insert may include a puncture-resistant layer and a cushion layer. The cushion layer may be adjacent a top surface and an outer perimeter of the puncture-resistant layer. The cushion layer may comprise a lip extending upwardly from a region proximate a bottom surface of the puncture-resistant layer and extending outwardly with respect to the puncture-resistant layer. In some implementations, the puncture-resistant layer may comprise steel and the cushion layer may comprise polyurethane.

Abstract: A climbing shoe with a tension support attached to the heel area and toe area of the sole to assist climbers in maintaining a curve shape in their foot. The tension support pulls on the heel area and toe area of the sole to assist the climber in maintaining the ideal curve shape to support their weight on small footholds. The tension support reduces the fatigue on the climber's foot and calf muscles. The curve shape of the foot with the toes pointing down is ideal when a climber must support his entire weight with his toes on small footholds. The tension support is made of an elastic material that can flex and allow the sole to flatten out on larger footholds.

Abstract: A three point step-in snowboard binding includes medial and lateral binding pin engagers that interact with corresponding pins in a boot. The binding latches the boot after the snowboarder steps into the binding, and remains latched until a release control is actuated.

Abstract: A method of modulating a boom assembly to perform in a linear manner. The boom assembly includes a boom and a stick. The method comprising the steps of sending at least one lever signal to a control device indicative of operator desired direction and desired velocity of the boom and the stick, calibrating the lever signals to provide a boom command signal and a stick command signal, applying an algorithm-to-the boom command signal and the stick command signal, which the algorithm uses command signal mapping, and providing a modulating factor to the control device as a result of the algorithm.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a New Year's celebrating device having a vertically standing support pole 16 having tracks 18 thereon upon which a movable ball 12 is slidably mounted. The ball 12 also has lights 14 there on. A New Year display sign 20 having lights 22 thereon. In operation, at a predetermined time, the ball 12 begins its descent from atop the pole 16. When the ball 12 reaches its destination at the bottom of the pole 16, the New Year display lights 22 light up and the ball lights 14 flash.

Abstract: A reflector 3 having a bottom section 4 and a slope section 13 surrounding the periphery of the bottom section 4 is provided, and an LED 5 is mounted on the center of the bottom section 4. A holder section 9 of a light control means 7 is detachably mounted to cover a lens 6 of the LED 5, while a circular plate section 18 of the light control means 7 is provided with a main reflecting section 11 and a reflecting transmission section 12. The main reflecting section 11 is designed to reduce the transmission amount from the LED 5, thereby causing most of the light to reflect on the reflector 3 side. On the other hand, the reflecting transmission section 12 permits a larger amount of transmission than in the main reflecting section 11.

Abstract: An ornamental panel includes a primary plate, an adhesive layer formed over a front side of the primary plate, a protecting film detachably stuck on the adhesive layer, and a magnet plate attached to a rear side of the primary plate; the adhesive layer has such a stickiness that a piece of paper can be stuck thereon, and detached from it without causing any damage to itself or the adhesive layer; the panel can be attached to a refrigerator or a steel cupboard at the magnet plate thereof for holding notes, posters, drawings etc. in position with the adhesive layer thereof.

Abstract: An O-ring is attached to a container such as a bottle or can which contains a soft drink intended for consumption by a single individual. The O-ring has an inner diameter less than the outer diameter of the container and is composed of material which resiliently deforms so that the O-ring may be stretched to encircle the container after which, when loosened, it squeezes into contact with the container and remains attached to it. The O-ring is provided with indicia such as a name-tag or a distinctive colour or combination or colours in order to distinguish the container to which the O-ring is attached from other like containers.

Abstract: An animal decoy apparatus made from a plastic shelled gamebird decoy converted to an animated decoy whereas the two wing-like appendages move up and down in a flapping motion. An electric actuator is mounted to the frame within the chamber formed by the body of the decoy. The electric actuator is battery powered. When the actuator is energized the actuator plunger moves downward forcing the distal ends of the appendages down also causing the proximal ends of the appendages upward. When the power supply is interrupted the plunger mechanism is forced upward by the weight of the appendages causing the proximal ends to come down. Between the battery and the actuator is an intermittant device causing an interruption in power causing the appendages to move up and down simulating the wing flapping movements of a gamebird.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder for use with an ice fishing hole is formed by a planar hoop member shaped and arranged to surround the hole for resting on the ice surface around the hole having at one location on its periphery an indented portion forming a bight arranged to extend partly across the hoop toward an opposite part of its periphery such that an apex of the bight is located approximately at a midpoint of the hoop for location at the centre of the hole. A sleeve with a pinched bottom end is located on the hoop member by wrapping of the bottom end around one peripheral portion of the hoop to allow rotation of the sleeve about the portion and location of the sleeve at an angle upwardly and inwardly for receiving the butt end of a fishing rod in an operating position inclined upwardly and inwardly of the hoop member.

Abstract: A transmitting control device is provided for a navigable fishing apparatus. The control device includes a fishing pole, a transmitter, and at least one input device. The fishing pole has a handle component. The transmitter is provided in the handle component. The at least one input device is supported by the handle and is electrically coupled with the transmitter to generate input signals from the transmitting control device for controlling a remotely-controlled and navigable fishing apparatus.

Abstract: An insect trap constructed in the form of a box having an open front end and a removable top. Disposed within the box is a ramp having an upwardly rising domain and a downwardly declining domain, the rising domain being disposed at an angle of between 125° and 165° from the declining domain. The box, removable top and ramp elements are fabricated from a material which provides a smooth and slippery surface. A traction-providing substrate is disposed over the rising domain of the ramp, thereby enabling insects to contact and crawl up the rising domain. In operation, insects enter the open front end of the box, crawl up the rising domain, slide down the declining domain and drop to the floor of the box where the insects remain trapped.

Abstract: The present invention is a composition comprising a three additive system for improving the cold flow properties of distillate fuel oils using certain copolymers or homopolymers in combination with at least two conventional cold flow additives, an additive concentrate, and a method for improving the low temperature properties of a fuel oil.

Abstract: The instant invention allows the reuse of the insert to replace old flower arrangements with new ones. The instant invention is comprised of foam that is fan folded with folded edges on the topside insert. This fan folded foam is firmly inserted into insert. Artificial flowers are inserted into the instant invention by placing floral stems between the foam layers that are capable of holding various sizes of floral stems and wooden or metal dowels for decorative ornaments such as flags. Artificial flower stems can be removed and reinserted into the foam layers without placing holes in foam layers making multiple reuse practical. The instant invention is superior to floral and craft foam which is traditionally used. The instant invention, medium and large sleeves, allows the vase insert to fit various sizes of memorial vases. The instant invention provides convenient and novel helium balloon holders.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for packaging a horticultural product, especially cut flowers, for transportation, one or more stems are inserted through a flexible foam block formed from a low density, low compression force material disposed in an opening of container such that the foam is compressed. The compression of the foam forms a water-tight seal around each stem to prevent water or other liquid inside the container from leaking during shipment of the horticultural product and insulates each stem from each other stem.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for packaging a horticultural product, especially cut flowers, for transportation, one or more stems are inserted through a flexible foam block formed from a low density, low compression force material disposed in an opening of container such that the foam is compressed. The compression of the foam forms a water-tight seal around each stem to prevent water or other liquid inside the container from leaking during shipment of the horticultural product and insulates each stem from each other stem. A tube may be placed in the foam block to provide fluid communication between an interior of the container and an exterior of the container.

Abstract: It was difficult to acquire a good CO cleanup efficiency in a hydrogen refining apparatus, for instance, when the start-up and stop operations are frequently repeated. A hydrogen refining apparatus, including a shifter having a shifting catalyst body containing noble metals and metal oxides, and a reforming section for supplying hydrogen gas containing carbon monoxide to the shifter, (1) the temperature of an upstream side of the shifting catalyst body relative to the hydrogen gas flow being substantially between 300° C. and 500° C. and (2) the temperature of a downstream side of the shifting catalyst body relative to the hydrogen gas flow being substantially at 300° C. or less.

Abstract: A chemical reactor is disclosed and which has a core composed of a stack of metal plates that are diffusion bonded in face-to-face relationship. A plurality of reaction zones are located within the core, as are a plurality of catalyst receiving zones, and both the reaction zones and the catalyst receiving zones are defined by respective aligned apertures in the plates. A first channel arrangement is provided in some of the plates for transporting a first reactant to and between the reaction zones, portions of the first channel arrangement that interconnect the reaction zones being formed over at least a portion of their length as heat exchange channels. A second channel arrangement is provided in others of the plates and is arranged to deliver a second reactant to each of the reaction zones.

Abstract: An eave lining system for buildings including an eave lining sheet pre-finished on at least one exposed surface and securing means for affixing the eave sheet to a support surface is provided. The eave sheet and securing means are configured such that minimal post installation finishing is required. In a preferred form, the system includes a pre-finished corner trim system for concealing and finishing the joint between the eave lining sheet and the adjacent building surface. The trim system can be a two-part system including an inner core element that is secured to the eave support structure or adjacent building surface, and an outer pre-finished clip on cover element. The cover element can be made of standard straight length sections and custom pre-formed corner pieces that sit over the ends of the straight sections.