Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for measuring the depths of many fine holes formed in the surface of a sample by etching. Positional information on a plurality of hole patterns is acquired by scanning with a stylus the surface of the sample in which the hole patterns are formed by etching, the depths of the plurality of hole patterns are measured by scanning with the stylus bottom faces of the plurality of hole patterns and the surface of the sample in the respective vicinities of the hole patterns on the basis of the positional information, and information on distribution of the depths of the plurality of hole patterns is displayed on a screen on the basis of information on the measured depths of the plurality of hole patterns and the positional information on each of the hole patterns.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for improving hair management devices, preferably portable devices, such as curling irons and hot air brushes by including novel heating elements and circuits. A novel elongated heat transfer hollow tube is formed of a metal that is preferable perforated with small holes and that heats and cools quickly such as copper, aluminum, or brass. The hollow tube has sufficient wall thickness for rigidity but is sufficiently thin to allow rapid heating and cooling. In addition, a novel heat source is formed with a light bulb, preferably halogen, located with said hollow tube that likewise heats and cools quickly. The light bulb is removable and replaceable in case of damage. A unique circuit automatically applies full power to the unit until it reaches the desired temperature and then allows a control circuit to automatically reduce the power applied to a value sufficient only to maintain the desired temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dryer enabling a stable and easy installation of a power supply unit. The dryer includes: a housing; a drum rotatably installed inside the housing and configured to dry laundry; a heating unit for generating hot air and supplying the drum with the hot air to dry the laundry; a discharge unit for discharging the hot air in the drum to an outside; and an installation assembly formed integrally with a rear wall of the housing and configured to install a terminal block of a power supply unit at the rear wall.

Abstract: The Shoe Cover is a shoe cover that is made of flexible material that encompasses the shoe in a manner that it allows no sand or foreign particles to enter inside of the shoe. The flexible material stretches to the bottom of the shoes exposing only the lower shoe and the heel to be exposed. The Web Strap keeps the two sides together, giving the Shoe Cover integrity to maintain its form. The Web Strap wraps under the shoe, stretching the flexible material over the top of the shoe, providing the seal required keeping out the moisture or foreign particles.

Abstract: A combination shock absorbing and ventilating apparatus for a foot bed of a shoe, comprises an air chamber having at least one flexible wall located in the foot bed of the shoe, an air intake to the air chamber, an air outlet from the air chamber, a one-way valve on at least one of the air intake or the outlet, at least one of the intake or outlet being connected to the foot bed of the shoe and operative to circulate air with the foot bed, at least one resilient member within the chamber operative to re-inflate the air chamber, and a turbine on a sidewall of the shoe, the turbine having a wheel, one of the air inlet or the air outlet being connected to the turbine for directing air flow to spin the wheel.

Abstract: A fluid-filled bladder is disclosed that may be incorporated into footwear or other products. The bladder includes a sealed outer barrier, a foam tensile member, and a fluid. The tensile member is located within the barrier and bonded to opposite sides of the barrier. The fluid is also located within the barrier, and the fluid is pressurized to place an outward force upon the barrier and induce tension in the tensile member.

Abstract: Foot-receiving devices, such as athletic or other footwear, may be modified to provide different aesthetic looks. Such foot-receiving devices may include: a housing member at least partially defining a foot-receiving chamber; a closure system for at least partially holding the foot in the chamber; a tongue member located between at least a portion of the closure system and the foot, the tongue member including a first engagement element; and a cover member for at least partially covering the closure system, the cover member including a second engagement element that engages with the first engagement element to removably engage the cover member with the tongue member. The user can freely engage or disengage the cover member to change the aesthetic appearance of the device, e.g., depending on personal preference.

Abstract: An article of footwear has a sole and a footwear fit system. The sole has a first side and a second side. The footwear fit system has a pair of fitting members that include a first base portion and a second base portion. The first base portion extends upwardly from the first side to support a first foot-bearing portion that extends laterally from the first base portion to a first terminus. The first base portion and the first foot-bearing portion together forming at least one resilient elongate finger that independently biases the first foot-bearing portion towards the sole. The second base portion extends upwardly from the second side to support a second foot-bearing portion that extends laterally from the second base portion to a second terminus. The second base portion and the second foot-bearing portion together form at least one resilient elongate finger that independently biases the second foot-bearing portion towards the sole.

Abstract: Footwear, such as a boot, having a vacuum release tube attached at the back of the boot along the lower part of the boot extending from the sole of the boot to approximately 10-30 inches above the sole of the boot. The vacuum release tube may be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible, and the length of the vacuum release tube may be chosen based upon the intended use of the boot. The vacuum release mechanism can be electro-mechanically or pneumatically enhanced.

Abstract: A binding for securing the boot of a user to a snowshoe has a semi-rigid base with integral boot toe and boot heel control members and flexible upper members of a softer and more compliant material then that of the base connected to the base for embracing the boot upper; toe stops are fixed to the boot toe control members for engagement by and proper positioning of the toe of the boot; a heel strap extends between the boot heel control members and embraces the boot heel for securing the boot to the binding; and a 3-point closure system with quick mid-point connect/disconnect interconnects between the flexible upper members for varying the pressure exerted by the upper members on the boot upper while permitting easy separation of the upper members.

Abstract: The invention is directed to intelligent systems for articles of footwear that adjust automatically in response to a measured performance characteristic. The intelligent systems include one or more adjustable elements coupled to a mechanism that actuates the adjustable elements in response to a signal from a sensor to modify the performance characteristic of the article of footwear. The intelligent system adjusts the performance characteristics of the article of footwear without human intervention.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a key storing pocket for an athletic shoe, and a method using thereof. The key storing pocket for an athletic shoe includes a sleeve, which has a first and second opening. The sleeve is adapted to embrace the grip portion of a key, and it is affixed to the heel portion of said shoe. The sleeve, further, includes the means for closing the first opening, which is adapted to receive said key. Furthermore, the second opening is adapted to receive the elongated active portion of said key, and it permits the elongated active portion to protrude from the sleeve.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an article of footwear having both one or more light sources such as LEDs, and a loudspeaker, which are activated either by a manual switch or an inertia switch. Indicia mounted to the shoe, or to the manual switches carried by the shoe, correspond to the sounds produced by the loudspeaker.

Abstract: A formation surface of electrodes and a formation surface of leads are imaged along an axis which intersects an XY plane at right angles. A projected image of the formation surface of the electrodes and the formation surface of the leads is obtained, the projected image being projected onto a plane which intersects the Z axis at right angles. A difference between an image of one of the electrodes and an image of one of the leads in the projected image is calculated. A deformation value of at least one of a substrate and a semiconductor chip due to expansion or shrinkage is calculated, the deformation value being necessary for eliminating the difference. A change in temperature of at least one of the substrate and the semiconductor chip is calculated the change in temperature being necessary for obtaining the deformation value. The temperature of at least one of the substrate and the semiconductor chip is changed based on the change in temperature.

Abstract: Domestic steam iron including an ironing element or plate, a vaporisation element or vaporiser which is fed with water coming from a reservoir incorporated within the iron, and comprising a vaporisation chamber where the steam is generated which passes through the plate via a front opening of the vaporiser, to emerge into the exterior through holes formed in the plate, and also comprising heat element for each of the plate and vaporiser assigned to the plate and the vaporiser, and thermostatic temperature regulators for each of the plate and vaporiser, and thermal fuses of each of the plate and vaporiser, associated with the plate and the vaporiser, wherein the vaporisation chamber is provided with a rear outlet communicating with the front opening of the vaporiser by way of a pair of deep channels that are integrated in the vaporiser and extend co-laterally to the vaporisation chamber itself.

Abstract: A light emitting diode light display is clamped to a card in a flower arrangement. The light emitting diode display contained within a housing consists of a plurality of light emitting diodes, a light emitting diode control circuit, an on/off switch, and at least one battery as a power source, all mounted on a printed circuit board. The front section of the housing has a plurality of apertures through which the light emitting diodes extend to emit light to illuminate the card and the flower arrangement. The back section of the housing has clamping means to removably secure the light emitting diode display to the card.

Abstract: A display aid comprising a user interface portion and a handle mounting portion, wherein said handle mounting portion is removably attachable to a handle of a cart by at least partially embracing a portion of the handle.

Abstract: A decoration with visual effects comprised of base, transparent cover, light permeable solid wax and transparent liquid; the cover provided a closed space to contain the liquid; the liquid containing the wax and sequins; the base at the bottom of the cover containing a heat source and a color light source; the liquid being heated to create convection for sequins to float around; wax being divided into multiple pieces; each floating piece of wax giving consistent and atomized light permeability; and the color light source projecting the light into the cover for floating pieces of the wax to present combination of colors and light with beautiful visual effect.

Abstract: A moveable animated display device for displaying a plurality of images with a pressure plate carrier, a pressure plate retained in relation to the pressure plate carrier, a plurality of coded images, a plurality of shutter elements slidably retained in relation to the plurality of coded images, and at least one biasing formation, such as a crease, in the pressure plate for inducing a biasing of the pressure plate toward the pressure plate carrier. The display device can have the pressure plate slidably retained relative to the pressure plate carrier, and the biasing formation can be parallel or orthogonal to a path of travel of the pressure plate in relation to the pressure plate carrier. The display device can comprise a card wherein a pivoting of a cover member relative to a base member induces animation as an animation layer slides in relation to the pressure plate.

Abstract: A multi-picture louvered advertising sign (10), using sign louvers (16) that move around individual tracks (14) in electromechanical synchronization. The synchronization mechanism utilizes sensors and a transmission mechanism that operates in response to control commands, such that the louvers come into an exposed position, at which point they temporarily rest, providing the required display. In sequential fashion, other louvers on the track are moved into the exposed position, so that the display is constantly updated. In a typical construction, each track has twenty louvers, with the faces of the louvers oriented generally perpendicular to the track that they traverse. Thus, per the louver mounting orientation of the present invention, an increase may be achieved over the prior art in the number of pictures that can be displayed. A recurring sequence may present animation of a set of still images.

Abstract: A color-changing information symbol includes a board, a bulletin portion formed on the board, and a lighting device having multiple optical fibers to connect with and illuminate the bulletin portion. The lighting device contains a light source projecting light to the optical fibers and a transparent color wheel rotatably located between the light source and the optical fibers to change the color of light. Thereby, the bulletin portion shows twinkling and varying colors to make the information symbol attractive and conspicuous.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying an advertising or promotional image or message provides the projection of one or more light patterns, and still or motion pictures within the light patterns, onto a visible surface or screen. The outline of the surface or screen may be identical to the outline of the projected light pattern.

Abstract: A hoisting, retention and removal apparatus for banners or signs, having two upper embodiments to be securely fastened to any vertical surface. They are designed to be mounted level with and opposite each other placed at a distance apart based on the need at a distance larger than the maximum length of sign or banner for which it will accommodate. Two lower embodiments are mounted directly below each upper embodiment within reach of the operator when standing on the ground or platform below the banner or sign display area. Four fiber ropes, each terminating with a safety snap device, are connected each to one corner of a sign or banner, routed through sheaves in the upper frame and are held taut by means of locking cleat in each of the lower enclosures. Position and tautness are achieved by adjustment of the fiber ropes in the lower enclosures.

Abstract: A display panel which is adapted to be mounted on an electronic apparatus, includes a first printed display layer, a transparent material layer that is provided on the first printed display layer, and a second printed display layer that is provided on the transparent material layer so as to correspond to the first printed display layer. The first printed display layer, the transparent material layer and the second printed display layer are integrally formed to each other. The second printed display layer is displayed from the first printed display layer side through the transparent material layer.

Abstract: A motion-detecting note holder is disclosed. Such a note holder includes a note retention member, a motion sensor, a note-waiting indicator, and a controller in communication with the motion sensor and the note-waiting indicator. The controller, upon receiving a motion-detection signal from the motion sensor, causes the note-waiting indicator to provide a human-perceptible indication that a note is in the note retention member.

Abstract: The picture/poster pal is a device designed to provide an attractive temporary display option for various 2 dimensional presentation pieces. The device eliminates the need to measure and try to cut perfect 45° angles.

Abstract: A frame assembly for displaying a print is disclosed. The frame assembly comprises a mounting area having a front surface and a back surface and a plurality of sides. Each of the sides have an edge portion and corners disposed between next adjacent sides. The edge portion comprises a first flap foldable about a first crease toward the front surface and a second flap connected to the first flap and foldable about a second crease toward the front surface. A pair of outer tabs is connected to distal ends of each of the second flaps and are foldable about a corner crease such that the outer tabs of the next adjacent second flaps abut when folded. The mounting area defines a plurality of access holes disposed in the mounting area next adjacent the corners for allowing access to the abutting outer tabs from the back surface for securing the outer tabs together to create a beveled appearance.

Abstract: Souvenir plaque for generating peer referrals for cruise ship services. The plaque can include an identifier associated with a cruise ship service provider disposed on a first portion of the plaque and an image of a particular cruise ship of the cruise ship services provider disposed on a second portion of the plaque. A photograph mounting structure can be disposed on a third portion of the decorative plaque. At least one retaining feature can be advantageously associated with the photograph mounting structure for securing a personal photograph to the third portion.

Abstract: A receiver is configured to receiver a tabbed magazine. The receiver includes a receiver well having a slot configured to accept the tab on the tabbed magazine. In operation, the tabbed magazine can be inserted into the receiver well without having to rotate the tabbed magazine into the receiver well. A magazine catch engages a locking feature in a rib of the tabbed magazine so as to support the tabbed magazine in the receiver well. Once the tabbed magazine is empty, the tabbed magazine can be ejected by pressing a magazine release button without the need to rock the tabbed magazine out of the receiver well. The magazine release button can be configured to allow the user to eject the tabbed magazine by pressing the magazine release button on either side of the receiver. Once a loaded tabbed magazine is placed into the receiver well, the user can press a bolt stop button to release a bolt stop.

Abstract: An adjustable fire control for firearms having as series of adjustable engagement settings between the sear and the trigger, including a trigger engagement adjustment including a preset engagement and an adjustable engagement for setting the amount of displacement of the trigger with the sear for firing the firearm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gun trigger actuator which converts a manual trigger to an optionally mechanical trigger in lever action rifles, such as the Winchester Model 94 lever action rifle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a fulcrum which is pivotably mounted on a pivot pin to the trigger guard portion of the rifle lever just below and forwardly of the tip of the trigger. The fulcrum pivots on the trigger guard from a passive off position to an active firing position and can optionally be employed to mechanically fire the gun by exerting force on the trigger, thereby actuating the trigger, when the lever is rotated to a closed position. The present invention may also includes a trigger shim which is installed in the receiver in front of the trigger to eliminate slack in the trigger and properly fix the trigger in position in relation to the fulcrum. The present invention may also include an enlarged finger opening in the lever in order to accept a user's wrist or arm.

Abstract: The hammer of a gun has a channel in its front face, making direct contact between the hammer and the gun's firing pin impossible. The tip of a transfer bar retained within the channel moves to fill the channel and thus permit firing of the gun, only when the trigger is pulled. This construction avoids certain types of accidental discharge.

Abstract: Portable firearms having identification marks and methods of making the same are disclosed. An example firearm includes a first identification number visibly located on the firearm; and a second, hidden or disguised identification number associated with the first identification number to facilitate identifying the firearm if the first identification number is destroyed, changed, or damaged.

Abstract: A gunstock incorporating one or more storage magazines for temporarily storing and retaining ammunition for easy access, the ammunition having a generally flat or recessed nose such as found for example in shotgun shells. The magazine has a port allowing insertion and removal of the shell and a biasing means whereby a single or multiple shells is pushed forward such that the recessed nose abuts against a projection member. The junction between the magazine bore and the magazine port is configured as a cornered edge on the interior side, and the distance from the cornered edge to the projection member is determined as a function of the ammunition to be stored, such that with a shell disposed against the projection member, the cornered edge will be located at least halfway up the annular brass base of the shell. In addition, the gunstock is provided with a pistol grip, which provides an improved means for grasping and holding the weapon while ammunition is being removed and loaded.

Abstract: A gun, such as a rifle, and especially a sports gun, is composed of a stock, a barrel, and a trigger and firing mechanism. To enable a precise and extremely stable connection of the stock and barrel with a reduced number of individual parts, the stock includes a buttstock and a forestock connected detachably to this buttstock, with the forestock being a one-piece profiled body with an integrated barrel jacket.

Abstract: A firearm includes a receiver further including a trigger and a trigger guard. The trigger guard comprises a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to mount to a first arm and a second arm of the receiver and is further configured so that a portion of the trigger guard extends below the first and second arm. The second end is configured to mount to a third and forth arm of the receiver. The first end and the second end extend at angles so as to provide additional room for the user's finger in the enclosure surrounding the trigger.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gun barrel in muzzle loading firearm with a breech portion that receives a cartridge case and a muzzle that receives a projectile and an opening that connects both. Also a gun barrel with an opening, or passage bore, that is smaller than the bore of the muzzle end of the firearm is disclosed. A firearm and method of using a firearm with this type of gun barrel is disclosed, as is a projectile system that entails a cartridge with a charge that loads from a breech end and a projectile that loads from the muzzle end of the firearm.

Abstract: A hand carrier for long arm firearms having a handle and a single strand of wire bent to form two saddles to grip and support the firearm with an open end of the wire detachably attached to the handle and a closed end of the wire being held in the handle for a closed carrying position and removed from the handle for an open position for inserting the firearm.

Abstract: A portable seat and platform support includes a shaft with a base mounted to its lower end to position the shaft to a generally vertical orientation. A removable platform can be attached to the upper end of the shaft, and a seat assembly is supported by a fastener assembly along the shaft for independent rotation about the shaft axis. The seat assembly includes a collar slidably attached to the shaft, a seat supported by the collar, and a bearing on the collar. The fastener assembly includes an adjustment device to support the collar at a selected location along the shaft axis, and a bearing portion supported by the adjustment device and journaled to the bearing on the collar.

Abstract: A convex cap (1) for removable attachment to a barrel (2) end of projectile (3) firing equipment such as the end of a gun barrel (2), purposed to protect the interior of the projectile (3) firing equipment from foreign matter such as dust, dirt, debris and moisture wherein the cap (1) is adapted to be in place on the barrel (2) end at the time of firing. A means of storing caps is also provided.

Abstract: A fishing lure enhancement including multiple flexible primary legs projecting from a central hub, each primary leg formed of two or more flexible secondary legs. Primary legs are adapted to protect the lure from entanglement with weeds and other obstructions as well as providing pulsed motion during intermittent retrieval. Secondary legs are adapted to flare during pulsed retrieval and provide individual secondary motion.

Abstract: A jig fish lure having a body and a hook attached to the body. An eye allows attachment of fishing line to the lure. The eye is located to the rear of the body, in a recess behind the body itself, with a cavity in front of the recess, so that fish line knotted to the eye is shielded by the body of the lure. The fishing line is led from the front of the body to the eye in the rear through a passage through the body. Weed guards may optionally be provided.

Abstract: A fuel in microemulsion form, particularly for Diesel engines, comprising a primary fuel constituted by mineral oils and/or vegetable oils, water, a lipophilic emulsifying agent (W/O) and a hydrophilic emulsifying/detergent agent (O/W), wherein the hydrophilic emulsifying/detergent agent (O/W) is a mixture of two or more polyol esters having different molecular weights.

Abstract: An fuel oil containing a conductivity improving additive comprising the combination of: (a) an oil soluble succinimide dispersant comprising a functionalized hydrocarbon reacted with an alkylene polyamine and (b) a conductivity improver comprising (i) an olefin polysulfone and (ii) a polymeric polyamine reaction product of epichlorohydrin and an aliphatic primary monoamine or an N-aliphatic hydrocarbyl alkylene diamine, or the sulfonic acid salt of the polymeric polyamine reaction product or (c) the combination of an oil soluble succinimide dispersant comprising a functionalized hydrocarbon reacted with a heavy polyamine and (d) a conductivity improver comprising a hydrocarbon soluble copolymer of an alkylvinyl monomer and a cationic vinyl monomer, wherein the copolymer has an alkylvinyl monomer unit to cationic vinyl monomer unit ratio of from about 1:1 to about 10:1, the copolymer having an average molecular weight of from about 800 to about 1,000,000.

Abstract: A composition comprising a major proportion of an oil obtained from methyl esters of animal or vegetable material or both or derivatives thereof, or its mixtures with petroleum-based oils, in admixture with an ethylene-vinyl ester copolymer cold flow additive having at least 17 mole % vinyl ester units and containing 5 or more alkyl branches per 100 backbone methylenes. The copolymer improves the low temperature properties of the oil.

Abstract: A method and system for a greenhouse includes a plant box for planting plants and seedlings, a structure for providing a water flow system proximate to the plant box. A water distribution system distributes water to the water flow system, and a system heats or cools the water distributed by the water distribution system to control the soil temperature in the plant box.

Abstract: A support system includes an end frame comprising a pair of uprights (20), and a cross member (22), each upright (20) being secured at its lower end to a base member (26), a diagonal strut (28) interconnecting the base member (26) and the upright (20).

Abstract: The present invention provides a biodegradable extruded netting. The netting comprises a plurality of interconnected strands with at least some of the strands comprising a biodegradable composition comprising polylactic acid polymer and biodegradable plasticizer. In at least one embodiment, at least 10% of the strands are made of the biodegradable composition. The present invention also relates to a method for making biodegradable extruded netting. The method comprises extruding strands of polymeric material to form a netting wherein at least some of the strands are formed of the biodegradable composition.

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 super-enhanced aquatic floating island plant habitat that is adjustably buoyant and optionally biodegradable. The first embodiment is comprised of a thermoplastic elastomer, a mat, soil/flotation chambers, apertures, nutrient channels, buoyant waterscape options, and a tethering system. The floating island can include monitors that measure water and atmospheric conditions, dispensers for fish food or chemicals, and a water agitation/oxygenation device. Another embodiment comprises a positively buoyant soil matrix contained within a water-permeable bag. Another embodiment comprises a flotation collar, an outrigger, and one or more water-permeable bladders containing negatively or neutrally buoyant bedding soil. The present invention also covers an aquarium-scale floating island and submersible planter, a plant containment bag made out of thermoplastic elastomer, and several methods of adjusting the buoyancy of a floating island.