Abstract: A plant or vegetation cutting device which comprises a rotary cutting head and at least one cutting filament or string extending radially from the head, such that upon rotation of the head, the string is extended by centrifugal force and cuts through the plants or vegetation. The string is profiled in a generally uniform manner along its length and it comprises a main body whose width/height ratio is between about 1.2 and 2. A co-extruded cutting appendage may be joined along the leading edge and/or the trailing edge of the main body.

Abstract: Ophthalmic surgical blades are manufactured from either a crystalline or polycrystalline material, preferably in the form of a wafer. The method comprises preparing the crystalline or polycrystalline wafers by mounting them and machining trenches into the wafers. Methods for machining the trenches, which form the bevel blade surfaces, include a diamond blade saw, laser system, ultrasonic machine, a hot forge press and a router. The wafers are then placed in an etchant solution which isotropically etches the wafers in a uniform manner, such that layers of crystalline or polycrystalline material are removed uniformly, producing single, double or multiple bevel blades. Nearly any bevel angle can be machined into the wafer which remains after etching. The resulting radii of the blade edges is 5-500 nm, which is the same caliber as a diamond edged blade, but manufactured at a fraction of the cost.

Abstract: For use as a law enforcement weapon, a saber is provided having an elongated blade and a hilt affixed to one end thereof The blade has a triangular cross section including a pair of concave sides converging to a sharp common edge. The third side in opposed relation to the sharp edge is convex The blade is tapered along its length from the hilt end to a point. The handle is oval-shaped, conducive to orientation using the convex side of the blade in a battering mode or the sharp edge in a slashing mode.

Abstract: A power tool, such as a band saw, is provided and may include a housing having a first handle and a second handle, a motor, a first wheel, a second wheel and a battery supported by the housing and electrically connectable to the motor for powering the motor, the battery is at least partially positioned at least one of between the first handle and the second handle and between a first wheel axis of the first wheel and a second wheel axis of the second wheel. In some aspects, a power tool may include a battery support for supporting a battery, the battery support being formed separately from a housing of the band saw and being supportable by the housing. In other aspects, a band saw may be operable with at least a 26 Volt battery.

Abstract: A motor chain saw having a light source positioned at the front of the brake release handle of the brake release positioned for illuminating the saw chain in operation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a reciprocating saw including a rotating handle. In embodiments of the invention a reciprocating saw includes a motor housing for containing a motor. A linkage is disposed in the motor housing for linearly reciprocating a straight cutting blade connected to the linkage. A rotating handle is pivotally coupled adjacent an end generally opposite the straight blade. Preferably, the handle is a generally D-shaped handle coupled via a series of interlocking ribs/grooves which may be included on the motor housing, on a connector mounted to the motor housing, or the like. Additionally, a securing mechanism is included for locking the handle in predefined orientations with respect to the motor housing.

Abstract: A plane such as a low angle jack plane having an adjustable toe that cannot inadvertently slide backwards in the plane body so that it contacts and possibly damages the plane blade. A threaded stop mounted in the plane body bears against the toe establishing the point to which the toe can slide back in the plane body. Rotation of the threaded stop moves the end of the stop by small, easily controlled increments, making it easy to change the width of the mouth while preventing contact between the toe and the plane blade.

Abstract: The present invention is a moisture absorbing collar for the handle of a safety razor. The collar is toroidal or tubular sleeve preferably made of a sponge foam rubber or similar moisture absorbing material. Water accumulating in the shaving head of the razor during shaving runs down the handle from the head and is absorbed by the collar. After shaving, water is removed from the collar by manually compressing the collar or by allowing the collar to air-dry.

Abstract: A signal sampling circuit of a tilt sensor, suitable to be used in a tilt sensor, is described. The signal sampling circuit has a signal-generating module, a sample and hold module, and a differential module. The signal-generating module regularly generates a plurality of level-measuring signals at equally timed intervals and unidirectionally and alternately sends them to the first input pin and the second input pin of the tilt sensor, respectively. Then, the tilt sensor sequentially outputs the corresponding first and second output signals. The sample and hold module alternately samples and holds the first and the second output signals and outputs the first and the second sampling signals, respectively. The differential module receives and differentiates the first and the second sampling signals and outputs a level-estimating-result signal to a micro-controller unit to derive the tilt information of one direction.

Abstract: A geomagnetic sensor which informs a user that information with respect to a distorted azimuth angle may be detected. The geomagnetic sensor includes a geomagnetism detection module including an X axis fluxgate and a Y axis fluxgate orthogonal to each other and detecting a predetermined amount of electrical signals corresponding to a geomagnetism of each of the fluxgates; a signal processing unit for converting the electrical signal output from the geomagnetism detection module to predetermined X axis and Y axis output values and outputting them; a display unit for displaying a predetermined warning message on a screen; and a control unit for determining whether the output values of the X and Y axes are distorted, and controlling the display unit to display the predetermined warning message upon determination that the output values are distorted. Accordingly, the possibility of a distorted azimuth angle may be detected and informed to a user.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing feedback to the operator of a portable coordinate measurement machine which comprises an articulated arm having jointed arm segments is presented. The apparatus includes sensing deformation of a portion of the articulated arm when the arm is placed under a load, the deformation being an indication of the magnitude of the external force being applied to the arm, and providing feedback to the operator of the CMM in response to the sensed external forces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ice-skate blade edge squareness verification device comprising an indicator element with a plurality of squareness indicia on its face and a verification element removably mounted across a skate blade's edges for verification of squareness of those edges in conjunction with the squareness indicia of the indicator element. The indicator element includes a mounting means comprising a magnet for removably mounting this element onto an ice-skate's blade such that the squareness indicia are perpendicular to the blade's side. The mounting means have a configuration allowing the indicator element to be easily placed and removed from the blade while the blade is held inside a sliding carriage provided to hold an ice-skate during sharpening. The mounting means also allows for continuous visual verification of squareness of a blade edge substantially along the entire length of the blade.

Abstract: An anchor bolt setting template is used to position an anchor bolt in a wall for attachment of a first plate or a second plate to the wall. The first and second plates having different dimensions from each other. The template includes a rigid washer plate having first and second ends and defining a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends. An opening is formed in the washer plate lying along the longitudinal axis. The opening is non-equidistant between the first and second ends and defines a first distance between the opening and the first end and a second distance between the opening and the second end. The first distance is established to position the anchor bolt in the wall to properly position the first plate for attachment to the wall, and the second distance is established to position the anchor bolt in the wall to properly position the second plate for attachment to the wall. The template can include a sleeve frangibly connected to the plate for receiving the bolt.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resin pellet dryer that can efficiently dry pellets, avoiding the above identified space problem, and prevent pellets from agglomerating when they are molten. In the resin pellet dryer, a pellet containing section formed by laying a plurality of tubes horizontally in parallel with each other and adapted to contain pellets in the inside, screw feeders arranged in the respective tubes, vacuum means for establishing a predetermined vacuum level in the inside of the pellet containing section, heaters arranged at the respective tubes so as to heat the inside of the pellet containing section to a predetermined temperature level, shutters arranged respectively at the uppermost tube and at the lowermost tube of the pellet containing section, and control means for controlling the actuators, the electric motors for screw feeders and the vacuum means for operation and the heaters for temperature.

Abstract: A boot accessory is provided having a wrap that is capable of covering at least a portion of an external surface of an upper leg of a boot. The wrap has first and second ends with at least one fastener located in proximity to the ends for removably securing the ends together. The wrap enhances the warmth of the boot and protects the upper leg portion from damage.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a flexible cover shaped to envelope at least a portion of a wearer's foot. The cover has a sole region with inner and outer surfaces, the inner surface positioned to face the sole of the wearer's foot and the outer surface positioned to face in an opposite direction. The cover also has a plurality of apertures formed in the sole region. The article further includes a removable outsole nested within the cover. The outsole has an upper surface positioned to face the sole of the wearer's foot, a lower surface facing the inner surface of the cover sole region, and a plurality of lugs on the lower surface which protrude into the plurality of apertures.

Abstract: A replacement outer sole and method for converting a non-spiked dress or sport shoe to a spiked shoe. The replacement outer sole includes an outer sole that supports a plurality of surface gripping devices in an outer periphery thereof. The replacement outer sole is coupled to the upper portion of a flat-soled shoe, converting the non-spiked shoe to a sports shoe having a surface gripping device such as cleats or spikes generally used for walking, running golfing or other activities.

Abstract: Reinforcement element made of a composite material constituted of a layer of inextensible textile material and a layer of polymeric material assembled to the layer of textile material during a molding or vulcanizing step. The textile material is a woven or mesh material, and the textile material is a polyester, polyamide, polypropylene or glass fiber based material. The polymeric material can be a thermosetting material, such as rubber or silicone, or an injected thermoplastic, such as polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, or polypropylene. Advantageously, the polymeric material is at least partially transparent. The composite material can be incorporated in a boot or a binding, such as a snowboard binding, in the form of a tightening strap. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such reinforcement element.

Abstract: The invention provides a plush toy and methods for associating the plush toy with a shoe having at least one shoe strap with hooks and loops on an interior surface of the shoe strap. To associate the plush toy with the shoe, the shoe strap is threaded through an entrance and an exit of the plush toy. Next, hooks and loops of the shoe strap are engaged to attach the plush toy to the shoe. If there is a second shoe strap, the second shoe strap is threaded through a second entrance and a second exit of the plush toy to attach the plush toy to the shoe.

Abstract: Active-response golf shoes are disclosed. The golf shoes include at least one sensor, a controller, and at least one active-response element. The sensor and controller operate to rapidly determine if a golfer is walking or swinging a golf club. Once this determination is made the controller and active-response element rapidly change the shoe's characteristics. If the controller determines that the golfer is walking, the shoe provides a soft and flexible walking platform. If the controller determines that the golfer is swinging, the shoe morphs or changes automatically to provide a stable hitting platform. The controller senses various predetermined conditions such as pressure under the ball of the user's foot to determine whether the golfer is walking or swinging. The active-response elements may be a sole adjuster, a lace adjuster, and/or an upper adjuster. Methods of determining the golfer's type of movement are also disclosed.

Abstract: The plate comprises a body (2) provided with securement holes (3) of the plate (1) to the sole of a shoe, and a first rear connection member (10) and a second front connection member (11). The first and second connection members have bearing surfaces (12 to 17) adapted to coact with a rear pivoting hooking member respectively with a front fixed hooking member provided on the pedal. All the bearing surfaces (12 to 15) of at least the first rear connecting member (10) are formed on an added member (18) of a material having a coefficient of friction reduced relative to that of the material of the body (2).

Abstract: An assembly mountable on a dipper stick of a machine having an implement pivotally connected to the dipper stick and means operatively interconnecting the dipper stick and implement for pivoting the implement relative to the dipper stick, generally consisting of an arm member mountable on an underside of the dipper stick for pivotal movement relative to the dipper stick, means for pivoting the arm member between and inoperative position and an operative position cooperable with the implement when the implement is pivoted relative to the dipper stick toward the arm member to grapple objects between the implement and the arm member, and means for detachably latching the arm member in the inoperative position including a first member mountable on one of the dipper sticks and the arm member having at least one recess and a second member mountable on the other of the dipper stick and the arm member having a yieldably biased protuberance receivable in the recess when the arm member is in the inoperative position.

Abstract: A sign or ornament comprising an etched or otherwise formed translucent light scattering design, lettering, or shape within a matrix contained in the body of a sign or ornament, said sign or ornament having included therewith at least one opening, said opening having contained therewith at least one light source and preferably a light-emitting diode, wherein light emerging from the light source and preferred light-emitting diode incident upon the light scattering translucent design lettering or shape of the sign or the ornament will be enhanced to a much greater extent than any light emanating from the transparent portions of the sign/ornament.

Abstract: A miniature sports logo display is disclosed. It allows a miniature sports team uniform, together with the team logo, the team color, a player's name and a player's number to be publicly displayed from a motor vehicle window. The invention is comprised of a miniature sports uniform having the described features and adapted to receive a miniature hanger, a miniature hanger inserted into the uniform for suspension of the uniform, and means, such as a suction cup, for securing the miniature hanger and uniform to a substantially vertical surface, attached to the hook of the miniature hanger. Optionally, the miniature sports uniform may be covered with a transparent cover. Preferably, the hanger is comprised of a hook connected to a suspension member by a flat wide neck having a groove for promoting a hinging action between the suspension member and the hook.

Abstract: A sign system is provided. The sign system has a hoisting mechanism for moving a sign between an access or servicing position near ground level and an elevated display position. The sign system includes a first set of guide members and a second set of guide members and a drive system. Each guide member is generally tubular. The guide members of each set are connected together for telescopic movement. Each set of guide members includes an outermost guide member and an innermost guide member, one of which serves as an anchor guide member and the other of which serves as a sign supporting guide member. The sign supporting guide member includes at least one connector for connecting the sign thereto.

Abstract: A display system, including a banner made of a flexible, non-rigid sheet material, and including a plurality of elongate sleeves; a frame system to support the banner, the frame system including one or more quick-release receivers to facilitate removal of the frame members therefrom, yet which sufficiently retain the frame members during use.

Abstract: The invention is a portable display such a name badge for presenting removable inserts which carry indicia such as letters providing personal information related to the bearer of the display. The display includes a base panel having a front and a rear and a face panel overlying the base panel and having at least one window through which the indicia are visible. A recess between the base panel and the face panel receives and locates therein the plurality of removable inserts carrying the indicia. The rear of the base panel has an access aperture such as a slot in communication with the recess through which the inserts can be selectively inserted and removed.

Abstract: An attachment structure for a label holder for removably securing the label holder to a supporting surface of a shelf or case. The attachment structure includes a J-strip member fixedly secured to the supporting surface to define a channel for receiving a locking strip that is integral with the label holder. The J-strip includes a flexible bead that engages the upper planar surface of the locking strip and includes an elongated slot that receives a flexible bead integral with the locking strip. The flexible bead of the locking strip engages the elongated slot within the J-strip to secure the locking strip, and its integral label holder, within the J-strip.

Abstract: A multi-leaf page for mounting substrate articles comprises an imperforate base leaf, a top leaf, and an intermediate leaf positioned between the top leaf and the base leaf. The base leaf, the intermediate leaf, and the top leaf are arranged in overlying parallel relation and are joined together at edges thereof such that the leaves can be pivotally separated from one another to enable the substrate articles to be mounted therebetween. The top leaf and the intermediate leaf include a pair of aligned windows for enabling a substrate article to be mounted to the base leaf and exposed through the aligned windows. The top leaf, the intermediate leaf, and the base leaf have imperforate regions overlying one another where no windows are formed in any of the leafs.

Abstract: An indicia for marking on an object, such as a cartridge case, for representing selected information, such as identification indicia identifying the firearm that discharged the cartridge, and methods and apparatus for generating, imprinting and reading the identification indicia. An indicia includes a multi-dimensional array of encoded marks, including encoded marks determined by spectral encoding variables representing the selected information wherein each spectral variable is spectrally distinguishable from others of the spectral variables representing variables, and an encoded pattern of the encoded marks is determined by algorithmic transformation of the selected information. An indicia may also include hologram related artwork. An indicia may be an encoded hologram multi-dimensional barcode, an encoded hologram or an encoded concentric circular barcode and may be formed of a single indicia or as an array of indicia.

Abstract: A breech of a repeater weapon has a chamber, which is guided so that it can rotate about its longitudinal axis in a chamber sleeve and can move in the axial direction in the longitudinal direction of the weapon, and which contains a sleeve. A percussion piece is arranged so that it can move in the axial direction in the sleeve. A tensioning device is provided for tensioning and relaxing a percussion piece spring exerting force on the percussion piece. To enable a fast and simple exchange of the locking head, the chamber contains an exchangeable locking head and a locking mechanism that can be relaxed by the tensioning device for holding the locking head on the sleeve.

Abstract: A firearm (10), in particular a repeating shotgun, comprises a stock (11), a barrel (30) which is supported in axially displaceable manner relative to said stock (11) at or in a linear guide (20), a cartridge seat (31) to receive a cartridge (P) being configured in said barrel (30), further a closing system (40) fitted with a closing head (41) to close the cartridge seat (31), said closing head (41) being axially affixable in place in the barrel end (32, 33) when the firearm (10) is being closed and being traversed centrally to the barrel axis (A) by a striker pin (18), and a locking system (80) to lock the firearm (10) in its closed position. The closing system (40) is substantially configured axially symmetrically and/or rotationally symmetrically to the barrel axis (A).

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a firearm cartridge clip is disclosed, in which the clip has an elongated housing extending from an open top end to an enclosed bottom end defining an elongated cartridge storage chamber. The clip has a cartridge support seat mounted in the chamber above a separate elevator element. A chamber compression spring is mounted in the chamber between a base at the bottom end and the elevator element to urge the elevator element upward. A separate movement-restraining means is associated with the cartridge support seat to resist downward movement of the seat from the opening at the top end. The clip has a loading facilitating means for selectively rendering the compression spring ineffective to urge the seat upward to thereby reduce the manual effort required to load the clip.

Abstract: A firing mechanism for a firearm having a spring pressed firing pin comprises a sear engagable with the spring pressed firing pin in its cocked position and releasable by the sequential release of a cocking lever and a sear release lever through an abutting contact of a portion of the trigger element with the sear release lever. The initial and final positions of the trigger, as well as the spring bias imparted to the trigger, are readily adjustable, without disassembly. All adjustments of the trigger positions, and the spring force on the trigger, are readily adjustable by screws which are accessible through the between of two horizontally spaced trigger housing plates.

Abstract: A firearm safety device for installation into an otherwise functional firearm for disabling the firearm with respect to chambering and firing a round of ammunition and thereby enabling the firearm to be used as a training firearm. The functional firearm includes, among other items, a removable barrel that defines the bore for firing a round of ammunition. The replacement barrel is a unitary, solid structure wherein the portion corresponding to the barrel bore is closed, thereby preventing the chambering and firing of a round of ammunition. The replacement barrel is constructed and arranged to accurately and precisely simulate the size and shape of the removable barrel so that once the replacement barrel is installed, all other portions of the firearm remain functional. This enables other aspects of firearm usage and safety to be explained while, at the same time, providing an absolutely safe firearm that is not capable of firing a round of ammunition.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for locking a trigger in a device that uses a trigger to operate. The trigger lock includes a locking shaft and extensions that extend into the device. The trigger lock includes a visible locking indicator. The locking shaft may either rotate or include a locking pin mounted in the locking shaft. A detent is also provided to prevent the locking shaft from inadvertently rotation.

Abstract: A motion sensing device is embedded in a firearm. A processor in the firearm senses the pattern of motion of the firearm, and on sensing a specified sequence of motions, the processor permits operation of the firearm. The operator would move the firearm in a prescribed fashion to “unlock the gun.” For example, the operator might trace out his or her initials with the muzzle of a pistol. Unlocking would stay valid until the operator released the gun handle or squeezed extra hard on the handle.

Abstract: A rifle, comprising a stock with a housing provided with a housing sheath and a barrel, the barrel having a barrel sleeve adapted to be removably received by the housing sheath of the housing of the stock, the housing sheath being provided with a slot extending longitudinally along said housing sheath, the housing sheath having parts for varying the slot width in the region of the slot, the diameter of the housing sheath being adjustable to the diameter of the barrel sleeve using the parts for varying the slot width, the barrel sleeve of the barrel being positively lockable with the housing sheath.

Abstract: In a low-cost firearm, the frame of the weapon comprises a laminated structure in which operative grooves and recesses having a base wall and one or more sidewalls are formed by laminating the sidewall to the base wall, so as to avoid the necessity for forming the grooves and recesses by performing expensive machining and finishing operations on a unitary frame structure. The sidewalls and the base walls are formed of separate materials that may be different from each other. For example one of the materials may be plastic, to provide light weight, while the other may be metal to achieve desired rigidity and/or strength. The laminations are coupled together by either mechanical members such as screws or rivets, or by bonding agents such as welding or high-strength adhesives or by a combination of both.

Abstract: A firearm safety device for installation into an otherwise functional firearm for disabling the firearm with respect to chambering and firing a round of ammunition and thereby enabling the firearm to be used as a training firearm. The functional firearm includes, among other items, a removable barrel that defines the bore for firing a round of ammunition. The replacement barrel is a unitary, solid structure wherein the portion corresponding to the barrel bore is closed, thereby preventing the chambering and firing of a round of ammunition. The replacement barrel is constructed and arranged to accurately and precisely simulate the size and shape of the removable barrel so that once the replacement barrel is installed, all other portions of the firearm remain functional. This enables other aspects of firearm usage and safety to be explained while, at the same time, providing an absolutely safe firearm that is not capable of firing a round of ammunition.

Abstract: A target grip for a firearm comprising fixed and removable trigger finger extenders for a side panel of the firearm for enabling the distal portion of a user's trigger finger to contact a trigger at an angle approximately perpendicular to the trigger for more shooting accuracy and consistency. Various size target grip trigger finger extenders are provided for the side panel of the firearm until the proper size extender is found by a user. In one embodiment, the target grip extender is secured by a locking device positioned within the extender. In another embodiment, the trigger finger extender is an integral part of the side panel. The side panel may be attached to the side of a firearm by screws or by an adhesive. In a further embodiment, the trigger finger extender is an integral part of a sleeve that slips over the frame of the firearm.

Abstract: A grip and bipod mounting device for mounting a bipod supporting grip assembly to a “picatinny” mounting rail structure as are often affixed below the forearm stock of a firearm such as a military rifle (e.g., as per standard MIL-STD-1913). In particular, the present invention is directed to mounting a Parker-Hale style of firearm bipod on a bipod supporting grip assembly including a contoured mounting block segment inletted to cover and attach to a picatinny rail affixed beneath the forearm stock of the firearm. A grip or handle depends transversely from the mounting block segment and has a plurality of evenly spaced circumferential band-shaped outwardly projecting surface features. The bipod supporting grip assembly is releasably attachable to a bipod frame by means of a quick release connector such as a bayonet lock or similar locking means.

Abstract: Accessories for firearms. They are designed to reduce the recoil felt by the shooter when a firearm is discharged. The accessories meet this goal by modifying the decay pattern of vibrations set up in the stock when the firearm is discharged. Kick may be further reduced by elastic compression and also by pneumatic compression of air in sealed pockets formed in and by accessory components.

Abstract: In an autoloading gun construction having the breach end of a barrel removably assembled to the forward end of a barrel extension which is positioned between and secured to wall sections of two opposing receiver plates of a receiver section, the improvement comprising an aperture formed thru each wall section, and a weld formed between edge portions of each aperture and adjacent portions of the barrel extension.

Abstract: A receiver and barrel assembly is provided. The barrel is readily removed from the receiver. Additionally, the head space of the assembly is readily adjusted. These features provide improved manufacturability and customized use of the rifle.

Abstract: Firearm(s) with a breech lock are disclosed. One such firearm includes a first pivoting lever which, when actuated, releases the breech lock and a second lever, which when actuated also releases the breech lock. The first and second levers are located on opposite sides of the weapon.

Abstract: A weapon that provides lethal force or non-lethal force at the discretion of the operator of the weapon includes a non-lethal implement attached by a support to the apparatus for lethal force. The support attaches to a picatinny rail and to a stop of the apparatus, such as a sight mounted on the barrel of the apparatus for lethal force.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a shotgun sling adaptor and method of installation. The shotgun sling adaptor and method of installation of the present invention allow a shotgun that does not have the capability for shoulder carrying to be outfitted with a shotgun sling. The shotgun sling adaptor and method of installation of the present invention do not require the permanent installation of any hardware and can be removed at any time.

Abstract: A firearm supporting apparatus suitable for use with shafts of varying diameters and lengths includes an elongated support member having a clamping surface and a firearm supporting surface; a collar connected with the elongated support member; and an adjustable mechanism connecting the collar with the elongated support member and adjusting the position of the collar relative to the clamping surface of the support member, the collar and clamping surface securing the support member to the shaft. In one embodiment the adjustable mechanism includes an elongated threaded member connected with the collar and the elongated support member and a fastening device associated with the threaded member. In an alternate embodiment, the adjustable mechanism includes an adjustable clamp connected with the elongated support member and integrated with the collar, which is a flexible band.

Abstract: A shooting device, including at least one of a barrel, a rail and a stock, and a clampable bipod. The clampable bipod includes a clamp which is releasably clamped to at least one of the barrel, the rail and the stock, and a first leg and a second leg connected to the clamp.