Abstract: An apparatus for checking the diameter of crankpins of a crankshaft in the course of the machining in a grinding machine includes a Vee-shaped reference device, a measuring device associated with the reference device and including a feeler axially movable along the bisecting line of the Vee-shaped reference device, and a support device with a first arm rotating with respect to a support arranged on the grinding-wheel slide and a second arm rotating with respect to the first and carrying the Vee-shaped reference device. A guiding mechanism includes a limiting device, with mutually abutting surfaces and coupled to the support device, that guides the displacement of the reference device along a trajectory substantially parallel to the profile of the grinding wheel, allows the engagement of the reference device on a crankpin to be checked while the latter is orbitally moving, and does not interfere with the displacements of the support device caused by the orbital motion of the crankpin in the checking condition.

Abstract: A tape measure that incorporates a marking device for allowing an individual to measure and mark a wide variety of materials in a more efficient and economical manner, and for measuring and marking the beginning point of reference and the measured position point simultaneously. The tape measure has a housing, a coiled measuring tape, a tape tip, and a marker having a marking wheel mounted on an axle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing particles, the apparatus includes a solution source that supplies a solution, and a fluid source that supplies a fluid. The solution includes a solvent and a solute. A mixer receives the solution and the fluid from the sources, and mixes the solution and the fluid together to form a mixture. The mixture is supplied from the mixer to an expansion assembly at first pressure. The expansion assembly sprays and expands the mixture substantially simultaneously to form frozen droplets, and preferably to form a low-density powder of frozen droplets. A freeze-dry apparatus sublimes the solvent from the particles. A high mass-transfer rate and a uniform open-structure of the powder bed enhances the freeze-drying process. Solid particles having a controlled size distribution are obtained. The particles preferably have a hollow or porous morphology suitable for differing drug delivery applications to include aerosol formulations.

Abstract: A heating oven for use in dynamo-electric machine component manufacture is provided. The oven uses forced air heating to raise the temperature of in-process component subassemblies to suitable process temperatures. The heating oven includes a rotating drum mounted in a cabinet. A number of open-ended tubular cradles are disposed in circular arrays between the drum faces. Batches of component subassemblies may be individually loaded into the cradles for heat treatment. Air flow channels are set up in the oven cabinet to evenly distribute heated air through individual cradles. Heated air after passing over the individual in-process subassemblies, exits the cradles through side slots in the cradle walls into the interior of the drum. The exiting air is reheated and recirculated through the heating oven.

Abstract: There is provided a method for drying a ceramic formed body by hot air, the formed body having a peripheral face and end faces constituting a columnar shape, and at least one through-hole extending in an axial direction and open at the end face, the formed body containing ceramics and a heat-gelling binder. The hot air is blown to the formed body in a direction at an angle of 45 to 90 degrees with respect to the axial direction. The method can inhibit deformation such as a bending deformation or a torsional deformation generated in the ceramic formed body in the drying process and crack generation in the firing process after drying.

Abstract: A self-ventilating shoe assembly includes an upper, an outsole attached to the upper, and an insole located between the upper and the outsole. A resilient ventilation body is located between the outsole and the insole, and has an intake communicating with an exterior of the shoe assembly and an exhaust communicating with an interior of the shoe assembly. Upon application of pressure against the resilient body, air is discharged outwardly through the exhaust to the interior of the shoe assembly, thereby ventilating the shoe assembly. Upon release of pressure from the resilient body, air is drawn inwardly from outside of the shoe assembly through the intake as the body expands to its original form.

Abstract: Outsole for a sports shoe, especially a cross-country ski boot or telemark boot, consisting of a rear portion, which comprises a shoe heel, and a front portion, which is of slightly dish-shaped configuration, the outsole being produced so as to be continuously of relatively hard material, especially plastics, and being provided on the tread side, both in the region of the front portion and in the region of the rear portion, with a tread layer of relatively soft, especially rubber-like, material. That tread layer, together with the associated outsole portions of harder material, defines a predetermined overall sole thickness or sole height (h).

Abstract: A cushioning member for an article of footwear. The cushioning member is a flexible bladder having a fluidly interconnected heel chamber and forefoot chamber. The bladder is disposed above the sole and beneath the wearer's foot to provided added cushioning to the wearer. The bladder contains air at slightly above ambient pressure and can be formed by thermoforming or by welding two sheets of resilient, flexible material together. A connecting passage fluidly connects the heel chamber and the forefoot chamber. The connecting passage is narrow to control the flow of air between the two chambers.

Abstract: Systems for securing a foot in a housing such as a piece of athletic footwear, include: (a) a foot-housing member that at least partially defines a chamber for receiving the foot (e.g., a shoe upper and/or insole and/or outsole and/or midsole); and (b) a closure system for holding the foot in the foot-housing member. The closure system may include a mesh or braided panel that at least partially holds the foot-receiving device on the foot. The mesh or braided panel may conform to foot shape or position changes while still maintaining adequate pressure on the foot and/or adequately closing the chamber opening to hold the foot in the housing member. This closure system may operate in conjunction with a secondary closure system, such as a shoelace arrangement, a strap arrangement, a hook-and-loop fastener arrangement, a hook-and-eyelet fastener arrangement, an elastic band arrangement, a zipper arrangement, or the like.

Abstract: It is constituted on the basis of a tongue (1) which is conveniently attached to the boot, which is divided into a number of sectors (3), in which are some receptacles (5) which hold sheets (6) of material resistant to impact and ductile in order to facilitate the adaptation thereof to the form of the boot when closed. The sectors (3) are delimited by some lines of stitching (4) which facilitate the relative inclination between sectors (3) and therefore the articulation of the tongue (1) when the boot is flexed achieving greater user comfort.

Abstract: An alpine ski boot is provided that consists of a rigid sole and a shell-less substantially flexible upper portion that is attached to the sole. The upper portion is partially reinforced around the lower heel area by a semi-rigid plastic support piece that surrounds, on three sides, the lower heel region, excluding the anklebone areas. The support piece has a pivot point on each of two sides at opposite locations below the anklebone areas and two semi-rigid mid-foot region securing ears. The boot is secured to the wearer's foot by laces or buckles. The boot is further secured to the wearer's foot by closure of the semi-rigid mid-foot securing ears by closure means such as a lever actuated ribbed nylon strap attached to an adjustable buckle. The sole is comprised of rigid plastic and the heel and toe portions of the sole may be manufactured to conform to the requirements of ISO 5355 for ski boots.

Abstract: An attachment for a plow may be attached to the cutting edge of a plow. The attachment includes, a member having a surface with forward region that transitions into a lower contacting region, to thereby-allow the plow to ride over protruding obstacles without hanging up on the obstacles. The attachment may be retained to the plow by removable pins extending between the attachment and the plow, allowing convenient assembly and disassembly of the attachment to the plow.

Abstract: A one-pass bucket for digging a ditch by moving the bucket with its curved end down longitudinally of the proposed ditch, wherein the bucket includes a top wall, a bottom wall, a rear wall and a side wall diverging forwardly from the rear wall to an open front end of the bucket, the side wall being planar and defining a sharp acutely-angled corner with the bottom wall, the curved end wall, opposite the first side wall, extends convexly from the bottom wall to said top end at a forward edge thereof, and extending substantially diagonally upwardly therefrom at a rearward edge so that the forward edge of the curved end wall curves upwardly towards the plane of the top wall so as to intersect it non-tangentially and the rearward edge extends diagonally to intersect the plane of the top wall whereby a round bottom ditch is formed by rotating said curved end wall downwardly relative to the acutely angled corner and dragging the curved end wall through the soil longitudinally of the proposed ditch in a single pass.

Abstract: An embroidery sewing machine hooping device has an attachment bracket attached to a base formed to suit each size and shape of machine embroidery hoop. The base provides a stable platform while hooping material and is equipped with a non-skid or non-slip material limiting side-to-side slippage when hooping materials.

Abstract: A universal attachment system for attaching to a motor vehicle the license plate from a number of countries, even though the locations of the attachment holes of the license plates may be different from country to country. A right nut body has a first plurality of license plate attachment holes, a left nut body has a second plurality of license plate attachment holes, and an attachment panel which carries the left and right nut bodies.

Abstract: A magnetic mounting assembly includes a plate carried within the housing. The plate has a central opening and multiple apertures offset from the central opening with a permanent magnet carried within each of the apertures. A cover is compression fit with the housing for securing each magnet between inside surfaces of the cover and the housing , and within the aperture. A central opening is formed with the housing, the cover, and the plate for receiving a fastener when fastening the assembly to an object.

Abstract: A modular display panel is formed of a segmented symmetrical graphics panel having display pixels. The panel's interlock in for directions to allow forming larger electronic graphics panel. The preferred shape of the panel is square, defining a perimeter with for edge surfaces. Each of those edge surfaces includes an electrical connection thereon. A frame assembly forms the outer portion of the panel, thereby allowing providing of signals and power to the units.

Abstract: An address sign assembly, comprising: (a) a post, wherein the post comprises a bottom, ground-engaging portion, a top, non-ground-engaging portion, and a mid-portion positioned between the bottom, ground-engaging portion and the top, non-ground-engaging portion of the post; (b) a crown, wherein the crown is associated with the top, non-ground-engaging portion of the post; (c) an arm sub-assembly, wherein the arm sub-assembly comprises: (1) a side member, wherein the side member is secured to the mid-portion of the post in a substantially parallel orientation relative to the post; (2) a base member, wherein the base member emanates contiguously from the side member at a substantially ninety degree angle therefrom; and (3) a decorative member, wherein the decorative member emanates contiguously from the side member and the base member; and (d) a sign associated with the base member of the arm sub-assembly.

Abstract: A mobile comprising a frame, one or more mobile arms, freely rotatable connectors, and display members provide a self-centering and balanced mobile. Freely rotatable connectors can include a spinner assembly and spring clips. The mobile arms and display members can rotate a full and continuous 360 degrees to display items such as photographs on multiple sides of the display member. Display enclosures include balanced construction and thumb cut-outs for ease of access to items displayed in the enclosures. Such self-centering mobiles can be mounted on a variety of surfaces, such as on a table, from a wall, on office systems mounting surfaces, on shelving, and on computer terminals.

Abstract: The hangtags with pre-punched openings are supplied on a roll with adjacent tags connected end-to-end by one or more elements which space the ends of the hangtags a short distance apart. Each hangtag in turn is aligned with an article to be tagged. A plastic fastener is received through the opening in the hangtag and the article, to attach the hangtag to the article. The connecting elements are severed simultaneously to separate the attached hangtag from the next hangtag by pulling the article from the apparatus such that a pull force is perpendicular to the hangtag end and is transferred through the fastener to the attached hangtag. The connecting elements are formed such that the pull force necessary to separate the hangtags is less than the force necessary to tear the portion of the hangtag body surrounding the fastener receiving opening. A reciprocating mechanism holds the next hangtag, as the attached hangtag is removed. It may also sever some or all of the connecting elements as it moves into position.

Abstract: A framing device for two-dimensional (planar) and relief artwork that is functional and decorative, and can be used multiple times and in various ways for personal or professional exhibition purposes. The framing device is generally a wall support for planar and relief art and supporting materials, and is designed for any size artwork. Modular elements connect together and can be used in multiple combinations to provide a structure that supports an art package for display. An art package generally consisting of art and supporting materials generally rests between the corner unit lip and a back support structure. Corner units connect to each other or to extenders with adjoining hardware, and optional fasteners, dust masks, shims, risers, and support bars provide more adaptation choice. This support system frames artwork and makes it ready to hang for display. The framing system elements are variable, adaptable, and re-usable.

Abstract: A device and method for cleaning an inside barrel of a paint ball gun is provided. The cleaning device comprises a compressible cleaning tip configurable to have a smaller diameter than the inside barrel in response to a compression member, the tip being mounted to an end of an elongated tube. The inside of the paintball gun barrel is cleaned by inserting the cleaning device while compressed, and retracting it in its decompressed state.

Abstract: Where a super-elastic alloy is used as a core material, boundary separation can be prevented on substantial deflection. The super-elastic alloy is used as the core material, an outside layer made with fiber-reinforced resin is provided outside except the tip part region of said core material, and a resin-rich layer greater in resin ratio than said outside layer is provided between said outside layer and the core material so as to be adjacent to the core material.

Abstract: An article of manufacture for multiple, height adjustable rod holders, comprising: two bases which screw into pier, vertical support bars, height adjustable cross bar for ease of use by adults or children, and 3 or more rod holders on one platform. The rod holders will accomodate all varieties of fishing rods. The rod holder system is designed to be used specifically on piers with the possibility of use on boats. Adjustable in height without tools. Cross bar can be removed by pulling two pins and the vertical supports can be unscrewed by hand from the bases in under 30 seconds. This would leave only the ½? tall bases on the mounting surface (pier). This would leave the end of the pier completely open for swimming or boating activities. Additional bases could be purchased separately for multiple use of system on same pier or additional pier. Permanent mounting is an option.

Abstract: A fishing hook enclosure apparatus includes a first container portion which includes exterior rod ring attachment means and a first line access notch. A second container portion is attached to the first container portion by first-to-second attachment means which may include a hinge or a lid engagement flange. The exterior rod ring attachment means and the first line access notch are located at opposite ends of the first container portion. Preferably, the exterior rod ring attachment means are in the form of an exterior attachment hook. Once a fishing lure and fishing hooks are contained inside the closed container formed by the first container portion and the second container portion in a closed condition, the fishing lure and the fishing hooks are prevented from snagging or hooking into any person or object in the environment surrounding the closed container.

Abstract: A navigable waterfowl retrieving apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a body having a fishing line eyelet, a propulsion mechanism supported by the body, a steering mechanism supported by the body, and a waterfowl grappling mechanism supported by the body and configured to couple with a floating waterfowl carcass when engaged with the grappling mechanism via navigable movement of the body about a body of water. A method for retrieving waterfowl carcasses from a body of water is also provided.

Abstract: A fishing lure body includes a left-hand side and a right-hand side, the left-hand side of the body bearing a first decorative design and the right-hand side of the body bearing a second decorative design. The first decorative design is perceptibly distinct from the second decorative design. Utilizing the fishing lure body provides an effective way for an angler to place two designs or patterns in the water at the same time on one lure, since those fish situated on one side of the lure will perceive the first design, while those fish situated on the opposite side of the lure will perceive the second design.

Abstract: A holder for a fish handling tool includes a base, a jaw engaging member attached to the base and a trigger engaging saddle attached to the base. Another saddle may also be attached to the base.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are illustrated for a fly pack comprising an openable drum (A) including an interior and exterior drum surface; a fastening (B) for operably securing the fly pack in drum form; a fly nap (C) carried by the interior drum surface for releasably engaging the hook portion of flies; a band (D) carried by the exterior drum surface including at least one band tip overlapping the exterior drum surface; at least one end cap (E) affixed to a band tip overlapping the exterior drum surface for operably enclosing a drum end when in drum form; and an attachment (F) carried by the exterior drum surface for securing the fly pack to an angler, whereby the fly pack can be opened and accessed at either end or unfastened and opened entirely for access to the flies secured upon the fly nap.

Abstract: A rodent trap includes a cage and a cavity therein. The cage includes oppositely spaced end portions having a plurality of apertures for defining an entrance path respectively. The cage further includes a top surface having an aperture formed therein. The cage further includes a bottom surface including a door pivotally attached to the cage for allowing a user to access rodents trapped within the cage. The cage further includes a plurality of trap doors pivotally connected to the cage and adjacent the opposed end portions for causing rodents to enter the cavity and become trapped therein as the rodents move towards the bait. The plurality of trap doors includes a plurality of outer end portions and a plurality of spring members so that the plurality of trap doors will pivot downwardly.

Abstract: An aqueous fuel for generating hydrogen includes alkaline aqueous composition of about 17 to 37 mole percent of a sodium borohydride, and from about 0.001 to 1 mole percent of sodium hydroxide.

Abstract: A diesel fuel containing a soot dispersant additive which is a grafted and derivatized low molecular weight copolymer of ethylene and at least one C3-C10 alpha monoolefin is provided. Also provided is a method for improving the fuel economy of a diesel engine which comprises operating the diesel engine with a fuel composition comprising (a) a major amount of a diesel fuel and (b) a minor fuel economy improving effective amount of the soot dispersant additive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Compositions of fuels for transportation are disclosed, particularly organic compositions which are liquid at ambient conditions. More specifically, it relates to transportation fuels comprising suitable organic distillates, as a predominant component, and limited, but essential, amounts of a component comprising oxygen-containing organic materials, which materials are typically derived from natural petroleum. Beneficially, the oxygen content of these transportation fuels is at least 0.02 percent by weight. Preferably the oxygen content these transportation fuels is in a range from about 0.2 percent to about 10 percent by weight.

Abstract: A package for containing several distinct varieties of solid cooking fuels wherein at least two distinct compartments exists to accommodate solid BBQ fuels of different varieties and comprising a package 1 containing at least one divider 2 inside said package 1 and arranged in a predetermined manner inside the package so as to create at least two distinct compartments such as compartment A and compartment B therein.

Abstract: An improved charcoal briquet having combustion aiding surfaces is packaged in a compact boxed package. A charcoal briquet having improved burning characteristics and also improved shipping and retailing characteristics is thereby provided. An improved packaged charcoal product including a flat sided box adapted to hold randomly oriented briquets and be split open at its corners and at a lower portion for use in igniting the briquets and a grooved pillow shaped briquet are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel in the form of compacts containing plant material, characterized in that the fuel of a) straw or straw components and b) comminuted hardwood and/or cocoanut shells wherein both the straw and the straw component and also the hardwood and cocoanut shells are digested by microorganisms. The invention also relates to a method of making the fuel compacts.

Abstract: The present invention is a vertically stacking, autoclaveable culture jar suitable for use in the mushroom growing field. The present culture jar has a vessel member or container portion having an opening in its top end that is substantially as large as the cross-section of the container portion. The jar is closed using a stacking filter lid. The filter lid has an upper section configured to receive the bottom end of another vessel member, and a lower section configured as a screw-cap to engage and seal the top end of the container vessel. A filter section disposed between the upper and lower sections of the filter cap, and includes a filter housing and a ventilation chamber. The filter housing holds a filter element, and the interior space vents the enclosed volume of the vessel member to atmosphere through the filter element.

Abstract: Methods of increasing the amount of one or more functional compounds in medicinal mushroom biomass and mushroom mycelia by growing the mushrooms on a substrate that is high in the functional compound or compounds of interest is provided. More specifically, a method of increasing the amount of anthocyanins in mushrooms is provided. Mushrooms are grown on a substrate rich in anthocyanins, such as purple corn or other suitable red, purple or black-pigmented substrate, and incorporate the anthocyanins during growth. Mushrooms grown by this method, as well as methods of improving the growth rate and potency of mushrooms, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to landscaping fabrics, and methods of making and using landscaping fabrics.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of enhancing plant growth or yield, comprising exposing soil to hydrogen gas (H2), and growing plants in the soil. The H2 gas employed can be generated by electrolysis of water, produced by H2 evolving microorganisms, and/or produced by legumes. In accordance with the invention, soil can be exposed to H2 and plants then grown in it, or H2 can be applied directly to soil in which plants are already growing. In one embodiment, the invention comprises obtaining an aqueous extract from H2-treated soil, and applying the extract to soil, seeds, and or plant roots.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to procure medicinal plants for a patient with a valid medical prescription for a medicinal plant and meet current or proposed regulatory requirements. A self-contained medicinal plant grow environment allows an individual with a valid prescription to grow the medicinal plants to maturity at a selected location. A procurement method uses a broker to transfer a quantity of medicinal plants from a first patient to a second patient. A tracking certificate provides a document of the origin of a medicinal plant grown according to the apparatus and method of the invention. The invention provides for security and accountability for medicinal plants subject to government regulation and controls and can be adapted to situations relating to regulated possession quantity of medicinal plants and to government levied fees and taxes.

Abstract: A planter receptacle for suspension from the railing of a deck, porch, or patio. The planter receptacle hangs from the railing top and at least partially enwraps the railing balusters to stabilize the planter receptacle. The position of the planter receptacle can be adjusted to accommodate the vertical height of flowers and plants, and improve viewing from both sides of the railing throughout the growing season. The planter receptacle can be constructed and finished to coordinate in appearance with the railing or the structure to which the railing is attached.

Abstract: A collapsible and/or erectable shape-sustaining container having a substantially erect condition and substantially collapsed condition. The collapsible and/or erectable shape-sustaining container is provided with at least one condition modifying element to facilitate erecting and/or collapsing the container.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hydrogen generator system for generating hydrogen from water split reaction. The generator comprises a pressure container having a reactant water inlet, and a product hydrogen outlet. Pluralities of cells are vertically stacked inside the container; each cell contains a reactant compound comprising a mechanical mixture of metal and an anti-passivation material. The reactant compound produces hydrogen gas upon contact with water, and the cells are stacked such that water entering from the inlet can rise inside the container and sequentially activate each immersed cell to produce hydrogen gas.

Abstract: A PSA mechanism has a plurality of adsorption towers having inlet/outlet ends connected to respective valves that are connected to an off-gas discharge passage. The off-gas discharge passage is connected to an off-gas ejector of a residual gas supply. The off-gas ejector has a function to draw an off gas from the PSA mechanism with compressed air that is caused by an air compressor to flow from an off-gas discharging air supply passage into an off-gas passage.

Abstract: A fuel processing system is provided wherein heat is transferred from a reformate flow (32) downstream from a water-gas shift (38) to both a) a combustor feed flow (40) that is supplied to a combustor (25); and b) a water flow (26) that is supplied to a reformer feed mix (34) for a steam reformer (28).

Abstract: A method of producing hydrogen by reforming a hydrocarbon or an aliphatic alcohol. The method includes preparing a columnar catalytic member having many axial passages and containing a reforming catalyst, a shift catalyst and an oxidation catalyst; preparing a reformable gas containing a hydrocarbon or an aliphatic alcohol and water vapor mixed together; rotating the columnar catalytic member, while passing the gas therethrough transversely with respect to its cross-section such that the gas first flows along a forward path extending in one direction through a first portion of the axial passages and then flows along a backward path extending in the other direction through a second portion of the axial passages, thereby causing the gas to undergo reforming and shift reactions to form hydrogen for recovery, while the gas makes a round trip along the forward and backward paths; and introducing an oxygen containing gas into the forward path and/or the backward path.

Abstract: An improved system for upgrading new and existing gates or barriers to provide improved crash barrier rating. This system comprises a reinforcing attachment to the gate or barrier and improved reinforced bollards with catch hooks to absorb the energy of impact. The reinforcing attachment is an arrangement of cable and structural members that provide for increased reinforcement by ensuring that the load is distributed on the cable to minimize the risk of breakthrough as a result of cable failure. The bollards have been improved by strengthening the catch hook attachments and adding reinforcement positioning elements to facilitate proper assembly.

Abstract: A door leaf actuator includes a system carrier on which a door closer and other components are arranged. The door closer is arranged in such a way that its drive axle lies as close as possible to one end of the system carrier. In this way, a door leaf drive is provided which is constructed in a simple manner and is easy to service but which nevertheless has only small dimensions.

Abstract: A slider window assembly, comprising a one-piece slider frame and seal assembly and a window panel mounted therein; the one-piece slider frame and seal assembly comprising a multi-material core and sheath parts, allowing an increased fabrication precision and therefore an improved water-tightness.