Abstract: An OCR system for matching wire harnesses and connectors facilitates precise registration of wire number strings, uses geometric modeling for character recognition, and restricts searches by region and character to ensure speed and accuracy. A string location algorithm is used to search for and identify the location of the beginning of a wire number string. The horizontal edges of the wire in the image are located, a diameter of the wire is determined, light intensity is confirmed, and the first character is found. The resulting coordinate is used by the algorithm for character definition. Geometric shapes are used for identification in order to overcome twisted wires, poorly printed markings, ink color variations, and contacting characters.

Abstract: A trailing edge coupon for the trailing edge of a airfoil of a turbine nozzle segment is welded to an airfoil section of the nozzle segment having a damaged trailing edge portion removed. The coupon includes film cooling holes spaced one from the other along a pressure side wall portion of the coupon and a plurality of radially spaced openings along the trailing edge. By welding the pressure and suction side edges of the coupon to the pressure and side edges of the remaining portion of the airfoil, the operating life of the nozzle is extended.

Abstract: A method for in-frame repairing of a thermal barrier coating (12) on a gas turbine component includes cleaning a desired surface portion (10) of the component without removing the component from the gas turbine. The method also includes roughening the surface portion in-frame, applying a bond coat (68) to the surface portion in-frame, and applying a ceramic topcoat (70) to the bond coat, in-frame. A system (28) for cleaning the surface portion in-frame includes an abrasive media (34) having a state change characteristic occurring at a temperature lower than an operating temperature of the gas turbine so that the abrasive media changes from a solid state to another state allowing the media to exit the gas turbine during operation. The system also includes an abrasive media sprayer (36) to direct a spray of the abrasive media at the desired surface portion.

Abstract: A heat pipe and manufacturing method thereof. A pipe is provided and shaped. A molding bar is inserted into the pipe. A wick structure is formed in the pipe. The molding bar is separated from the pipe. A working fluid is added and confined in a closed space of the pipe. The pipe is shaped before formation of the wick structure therein to prevent damage to the wick structure.

Abstract: The invention features, in general, a wet-shaving system including a housing, one or more blades mounted on the housing, an exfoliation member mounted on the housing, and a drive mechanism providing repeating movement to said exfoliation member.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening pistachio nuts includes a planar handle that includes a length that is greater than a width and a width that is greater than a thickness. The planar handle includes an area adapted for advertising. A protrusion that resembles a blade of a flat blade screwdriver is attached, where desired, to the planar handle and is used to pry open the pistachio nuts.

Abstract: A nutcracker comprises an upper endplate that includes a plurality of spaced apart apertures defining a central portion of the upper endplate and a lower endplate includes a plurality of spaced apart apertures defining a central portion of the lower endplate. A plurality of spaced apart apertures of the lower end plate is spaced relatively close together with respect to the apertures of the upper end plate. The elongated rods each have ends thereof pivotably mounted within a corresponding one of the apertures of the upper and lower endplates to define a tapered and compressible nut envelope. Each one of the rod members includes an inner end portion at at least one end thereof and includes a shoulder provided at a surface of the inner end portion for engaging an inboard face of a corresponding one of the endplates to limit axial displacement of the rod members.

Abstract: A tip for demolition and construction equipment has a discrete base with at least one recess therein to accept a replaceable insert. The insert has a projection that fits within a mating socket within the base. A threaded bolt may extend through a common bore within the insert and base to secure the insert to the base. The tip may also include a second opposing insert which is held within a respective recess by a common bolt.

Abstract: A combination utility and sporting knife includes a longitudinal knife handle, a utility blade carrier disposed within the handle and linearly movable within the handle, a utility blade carried by the blade carrier, a manual movable blade moving member operatively connected with the blade carrier, and a pivotally movable blade pivotally connected to the handle. The utility blade and the pivotally movable blade are extendable from opposite ends of the handle. The utility blade edge and the pivotally movable blade edge both are exposed towards the bottom portion of the handle when the pivotally movable blade and the utility blade are in operative positions thereof so that the bottom and top portions of the handle retain their relative bottom and top orientations for use of either the utility blade or the pivotally moveable blade.

Abstract: A lamina cutter includes a handle with a blade having a cutting edge mounted thereon. A guard member is affixed to the blade, and is positioned at a distance from the handle to establish a channel having a width “w” therebetween. The blade then extends between the handle and the guard member to present its cutting edge across the width of the channel. In use, a lamina (e.g. a sheet) having a thickness “t” (wherein “t”<“w”), is advanced through the channel and against the cutting edge to cut the lamina.

Abstract: A handheld electric-powered can opener has a body with a handle and a head. A battery and motor are provided within the handle. A gearbox is coupled to the motor and a rotational traction wheel positioned on the head. A rotational cutting wheel is positioned on the head and coupled to a lever for forcing the cutting wheel against a can rim. A switch is provided to operate the motor when the lever is forcing the cutting wheel against a can rim.

Abstract: A rotary ring for use in scale reading apparatus, comprises a flexible ring (10) which has scale markings (14) provided on a surface thereof. The rotary ring is mounted onto a machine part (22) by providing the machine part with a region of increased diameter (26) and stretching or shrinking the flexible rotary scale (10) over said region of increased diameter. The manufacturing tolerance of the rotary scale or differential e.g. thermal expansion is thus taken up by stretching or shrinking it into place. The region of increased diameter may comprise an annular protrusion or an O-ring, for example.

Abstract: An adjustment system for a vertically adjustable bow sight includes a plurality of fiber optic set points and one fiber optic alignment point that is movable relative to the plurality of set points. Each fiber optic point, including the set points and alignment point is comprised of a terminal end of a length of fiber optic material, such as plastic optical fiber material. By adjusting the alignment point relative to the set points, the sight is vertically adjusted so as to adjust the sight pin of the sight for a particular distance-to-target.

Abstract: A metrology system includes a laser, a position sensitive detector array, a first collimator, a second collimator, and a mirror. The position sensitive detector array and the first collimator are positioned at a reference point. The second collimator and the mirror are positioned at a point target at a distance from the reference point. A laser beam is alternately provided to the first collimator and the second collimator by optical fiber. The position sensitive detector array measures position data from a first laser crosshair generated by the first collimator and from a second laser crosshair generated by the second collimator. By alternating the activation of the first collimator and the second collimator it is possible to measure 5 degrees-of-freedom for the point target. A metrology system processing unit provides analog data processing. The metrology system that is suitable for, but not limited to, facilitating active compensation of large spacecraft structures.

Abstract: A measuring guide and measuring system includes at least one measuring gauge having at least one notch proximate an outer boundary of the gauge. A pair of opposing walls bound each notch and provide an alignment and measurement guide in use. Alternative embodiment include multiple measuring guides pivotally joined in a set allowing an individual guide to be pivoted for use and conveniently stored. Alternative embodiments also include replaceable parts allowing easy adjustability of the guide or the use of the guide members in a kit for convenient storage when not in use.

Abstract: A method for expressing disparate profilometer (20) measurements in a common coordinate system, comprises the steps of providing a work-piece holder (10) with at least two reference features (14) having surfaces and centers; fixing a work-piece (16) in the work-piece holder (10); scanning (S1) the surfaces of the reference features (14); and determining the centers of the reference features (14) in at least an x1, y1 coordinate system. The next steps are scanning (S2) a surface of the first work-piece (16) and obtaining a measurement result; and transforming (S3) the measurement result into an xg, yg global coordinate system. The next step is repeating the above steps for successive work-piece surfaces, or successive work-pieces or the same work-piece at different times. The final steps are combining (S4) the measurement results in xg, yg global coordinate system and computing desired output.

Abstract: Rotational motions between a displacement-measuring probe and an optical test surface define a spherical or near spherical datum surface against which measurements of the probe are taken. The probe has a measurement axis that is maintained substantially normal to the optical test surface during the course of measurement.

Abstract: The present invention provides tools and methods designed to aid in the placement of facet joint prostheses at virtually all spinal levels. One aspect of the present invention is a measurement tool for installing a cephalad facet joint prosthesis including a fixation measurement element and a support arm element. This measurement tool assists in the selection and/or configuration of a cephalad facet joint prosthesis for implantation in a patient. Another aspect is a measurement tool for installing a caudal facet joint prosthesis including a stem element and a trial caudal bearing surface element. This measurement tool assists in the selection and/or configuration of a caudal facet joint prosthesis for implantation in a patient. Yet another aspect is a measurement tool holder including a measurement surface connected to a holder element. This tool holder assists in determining the measurements obtained with the caudal facet joint prosthesis measurement tool.

Abstract: A device for assisting a wearer of the device to maintain correct posture or avoid the effects of drowsiness. The device comprises a tubular member which may be attached to an article of clothing or the body of a wearer, and the tubular member houses a ball, or a hammer, which impacts the wall of the tubular member so as to emit an audible sound or ping whenever the device is tilted from is initial position, to thereby warn the wearer of the tilted condition and so that corrective action can be taken.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a fixture for use in inspecting a product, which fixture includes: (a) a base including a first standing mechanism and a second standing mechanism; and (b) a clamp supported by the base which is adapted to secure the product on the base; wherein the first standing mechanism is adapted to support the fixture on a platform in a first orientation; and wherein the second standing mechanism is adapted to support the fixture on the platform in a second orientation.

Abstract: A radius gauge has a central slotted body with an indicator slide to indicate radii. The slide is connected by a scissors linkage to a fixed pivot adjacent a central fixed contact point. The scissors linkage has associated contact arms with movable side contact points. The central and side contact points can contact a surface, and uniquely position the indicator slide through the scissors linkage indicating the radius of the curve. The contact arms may be mounted on the scissors linkage for concave curves, or extend from it for convex curves. A variable arc can be attached to the contact points to fit existing curves.

Abstract: Device having removable probe system and a stylus instrument. The probe system is connected to the stylus instrument in a zero position by the attractive force of the permanent magnet. A mechanical lever system is provided, which comprises a spring and, when the probe system is pulled out, transfers the probe system together with a part of the stylus instrument from the zero position into a replacing position through a displacement motion. At the same time, the permanent magnet is spatially separated from the probe system and the attractive force which acts between the probe system and the stylus instrument is reduced.

Abstract: A bracket includes a fixing piece on a rotation element (3), said fixing piece comprising a body (22) in the general form of a ring, provided with an annular radial projection (23). The body includes an opening (33) which permits a variation in the diameter of said body (22) on assembly with engagement of the projection (23) in a corresponding groove (9) on the rotation element (3) to give a radial interference fit. A bar (28) prevents a variation in the diameter of the body (22) as above after the assembly thereof.

Abstract: A slider device (200, 800) according to the present invention includes a base (200); a running head (300) slidably provided on said base (200) along the direction guided by a prespecified guide mechanism (400); a rack (510) provided in the fixed state on either said base (200) or said running head (300) along the guide direction by said guide mechanism (400); a pinion (520) engaging with rack teeth of said rack and driven and rotated by a prespecified power source; a swing arm (540) rotatably supporting said pinion (520), having an oscillation shaft (550) parallel to a rotary shaft of said pinion, and coupled to either one of said base (200) and said running head (300) via said oscillation shaft (550) in the oscillation-allowable state with the line extending between said oscillation shaft (550) and the rotary shaft of said pinion substantially parallel to said rack (510) as the reference state; and a biasing mechanism (570) for biasing said pinion (520) toward said rack (510) via said swing arm (540).

Abstract: A tape measure is disclosed which has a spooled measuring blade mounted via a rotatable connection within a casing (100). The tape measure has impact-protection components. These components may be resilient means (46, 60, 62, 82, 108) arranged between the spooled blade and the case, such as at the rotatable connection. Further impact-protection components are resilient pads (112, 114) which are moulded into impact-vulnerable locations on the outer surface of the case.

Abstract: A slide caliper includes an elongated shaft defining a gaging surface for abutting against a first surface of an object to be measured. A first jaw is coupled to the shaft and defines a gaging surface for abutting against a second surface of the object. A second jaw is slidably coupled to the shaft and defines a gaging surface for abutting against a third surface or edge of the object. The second jaw along the shaft is adjustable between a first position where the gaging surfaces of the jaws generally abut each other to a second position where the gaging surfaces of the jaws are maximally spaced from each other. At least one of the jaws is adjustably pivotable relative to the shaft about a pivot axis coinciding with an intersection of the gaging surface of the shaft and another axis extending along the associated gaging surface of the pivotable jaw.

Abstract: A slide caliper assembly comprises a caliper including a shaft defining a gaging surface. A first jaw is coupled to and a second jaw is slidably coupled to the shaft. Each jaw defines a gaging surface. One of the jaws is adjustably pivotable relative to the shaft about a pivot axis coinciding with an intersection of the gaging surface of the shaft and another axis extending along the associated gaging surface of one of the jaws. A case houses the caliper, and has a plurality of side edge sections defining a periphery of the case. One side edge section and an adjacent side edge section form a non-right angle therebetween such that the shaft can abut the side edge section, the first jaw can abut an adjacent side edge section, and the second jaw can abut another adjacent side edge section for calibrating or demonstrating the use of the caliper.

Abstract: A drying system includes a drying cabinet having a plurality of horizontally heating plates, and a cleaning device which can be inserted into the interior of the cabinet. The cleaning device includes a carrier supported on the interior bottom of the drying cabinet and having a duct and a plurality of horizontal support arms with a cavity being fastened to the carrier, each cavity communicating with the duct. A support arm is arranged above each of the heating plates. Each of the support arms is outfitted with a spray arm which is rotatable horizontally around an axis A. Each spray arm has a quantity of nozzles. In addition, the carrier and the drying cabinet have means through which a cleaning agent can be supplied to the duct.

Abstract: A clothes drying machine having a temperature sensor that may be easily repaired or replaced. The clothes drying machine includes a housing forming an external appearance of the clothes drying machine, a drying tub rotatably mounted in the housing, a hot air introducing duct to introduce hot air into the drying tub, a hot air discharging duct to discharge the hot air out of the drying tub, and a temperature sensor mounted at the front part of the hot air discharging duct to detect the temperature of the hot air passing through the hot air discharging duct. The temperature sensor is mounted at the front part of the hot air discharging duct so that an operator has easy access to the temperature sensor. Consequently, repair or replacement of the temperature sensor may be easily and conveniently performed.

Abstract: A dryer assembly for use with a vehicle washing system that includes a plurality of individual blower assemblies in a generally inline configuration. As a vehicle passes beneath dryer assembly, the plurality of blower assemblies create an enhanced air flow across the priority areas of the vehicle. As the vehicle moves further relative to the dryer assembly, first and second movable blower assemblies move away from the center axis of the vehicle and into alignment with the first and second side of the vehicle to direct water off of the vehicle. Upon detection of a second priority area, the first and second movable blower assemblies move back into a center position to direct a maximum air flow onto the vehicle. The first and second movable blower assemblies each include sensors that allow the movable blower assemblies to locate the sides of the vehicle.

Abstract: A dryer assembly for use with a vehicle washing system that includes a plurality of individual blower assemblies in a generally inline configuration. As a vehicle passes beneath dryer assembly, the plurality of blower assemblies create an enhanced air flow across the priority areas of the vehicle. As the vehicle moves further relative to the dryer assembly, first and second movable blower assemblies move away from the center axis of the vehicle and into alignment with the first and second side of the vehicle to direct water off of the vehicle. Upon detection of a second priority area, the first and second movable blower assemblies move back into a center position to direct a maximum air flow onto the vehicle. The first and second movable blower assemblies each include sensors that allow the movable blower assemblies to locate the sides of the vehicle.

Abstract: In one embodiment a gaitor interface may be used to connect a gaitor to many different types of footwear. The gaitor interface provides a removable attachment between the gaitor and the shoe. One part of the gaitor interface comprises a track that can be mounted along the exterior of the shoe. The track includes a pair of elongated arms that define an interior flex track. Another part of the gaitor interface comprises a connector for attaching to the track. The connector has a bead portion that can be slid into the flex track. The interlock between the bead portion and the flex track provides a releasably secure connection between the gaitor and the shoe. In another embodiment, a convertible shoe having a removable shoe collar is provided. The removable collar may be reversible and may have different linings or covering for the inner and outer surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe with a built in micro fan located on the shoe covering, such as above the toe area, to provide air circulation and increased comfort to the wearer. The shoe is preferably adapted with one or more improvements, such as a protective cover that protects the fan from debris and damage on the covering, a small rechargeable power source, and an easy to use on/off switch.

Abstract: A wound-healing insole has a plurality of insole units. Each insole unit has a main body with raised posts on top face and bottom face, respectively. Sleeve bodies are provided at the periphery of the main body. The insole unit and the adjacent unit are connected with each other by plugging raised posts of adjacent unit into the corresponding sleeve bodies thereof. A plurality of insole units is thus assembled into a wound-healing insole. The insole units corresponding to the location of a foot wound can be dismantled to form an opening for relieving load on the wound. The insole units can be assembled or detached at will to form an insole with perfect fit for all foot shapes and sizes, and the opening for the foot wound can also be altered in shape, size and location. Besides, the wound-healing insole is recyclable and is used without any hand tools.

Abstract: A footwear closure assembly and method including multiple closure systems that may be selected from by a wearer including a first closure device having a removable cord and openings for receiving the cord to secure closure of the footwear; and a second closure device including a removable strap and slots for receiving the strap. The closure assembly is provided such that the wearer may select from among the various closure devices including the first closure device, the second closure device, or both first and second closure devices providing increased versatility for the wearer.

Abstract: An arch support device supports an arch of a user's foot. An arch member forms a substantial arc disposed under the arch of the user's foot, and formed of a resilient material defining a spring capable of deflecting under an applied force. An arch reinforcement member is disposed under the arch member, and is formed of a compressible and elastic material capable of compressing during deflection of the arch member.

Abstract: An insert for soccer shoes absorbs and store energy from the foot at foot-strike and return some of this energy to the object being struck. The insert may also cushion the foot, leg and body; provide foot stability and motion control; reduce fatigue; extend the float time of a runner and increase the jump height of the wearer. The insert is intended to absorb, store and return energy to the object struck, which would otherwise lost using the existing shoe components and inserts. The insert preferably extends around the periphery of the front of the shoe and extends longitudinally as well from the front of the shoe towards the back of the shoe, at least to about the middle of the shoe, and preferably proximate the heel of the shoe. The insert preferably also extends vertically.

Abstract: A heel has a body, a circuit board, multiple illuminating elements, an integrated circuit unit, a power source, a switch, a push button and a cover. The body is permeable to light and has a recess. The circuit board is received in the recess. The illuminating elements are mounted on the circuit board. The integrated circuit unit is mounted on the circuit board and is electrically connected to the illuminating elements. The power source is electrically connected to the illuminating elements through the integrated circuit unit. The switch is electrically connected between the power source and the integrated circuit unit. The push button abuts against the switch to actuate the switch when the push button is pushed. The cover is attached to the body and has a bore defined through the cover for the push button extending out from the bore.

Abstract: A cover layer for ironing stand includes an ironing stand made up of an ironing board, a foldable supporting stand pivotally mounted to the underside of the ironing board thereof, and a protective cover layer wrapped at the upper surface of the ironing board thereon. A securing piece is disposed at a preset lateral edge of the protective cover layer thereon, and an attachment piece is fixed at the upper edge of a bag member to be mutually engaged with the securing piece thereby. Besides, storage pockets are disposed at one side of the bag member for retaining daily-used articles (such as cellular phones, cordless phones, needle/threads, or buttons, etc.) therein.

Abstract: A display card with removable content has a transparent film layer having a face covered with an adhesive substance. The transparent film layer adheres to a first transparent self-adhering laminate layer, and this first transparent self-adhering laminate layer, in turn, adheres to a first face of a printed layer. This printed layer has a second face which adheres to a second laminate self-adhering layer, and, adhering onto the transparent film layer is the bottom part of a capsule wherein the capsule has a removable top part for accessing the contents of the capsule.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved government issued license plate and financial institution issued debit/credit card containing new identification indicia. The new identification indicia includes non-alphanumerics, mainly conventionally recognized symbols. The license plate and debit/credit card can either contain a combination of alphanumeric and non-alphanumeric identification indicia, or can solely contain non-alphanumeric identification indicia. The identification indicia can be embossed or computer generated, duplicating the alphanumeric placement process used on both motor vehicle license plates and debit/credit cards.

Abstract: A bottle identifier may be placed around the neck of a bottle so that the bottle may be readily visually distinguished from other bottles. The bottle identifier has a body with an opening into which extends one or more resilient tabs. The opening receives the neck of the bottle with the tabs deflecting to assist in retaining the identifier on the bottle. A number of identifiers may be provided which are visually distinguishable from each other. For example, the identifiers may be provided in a variety of colours. Thus, the identifiers may be used to readily visually distinguish bottles of a number of different consumers.

Abstract: A quick reference guide in the form of a combination keychain and pocket-sized informational fandeck for easy and convenient carrying on a user's person. The fandeck with dimensions of approximately ¾-1¼ inches by 2-2½ inches by 0.08 to 0.12 inches is constructed of approximately 5 coated cardboard or plastic cards stacked on top of each other. Each card has a corresponding through-bore at one end. The cards are bound together at the through-bore by a single grommet and are rotateable about the grommet. Each card is printed or engraved with text, illustrations, logos, promotional matter or the like. A single key ring is attached to the grommet.

Abstract: Apparatus for visualizing images, comprising: (a) a housing; (b) a window of transparent material with multiple lens effect arranged in a wall of the housing for making visible an image to be placed there behind; (c) moving means arranged in the housing for moving reciprocally a holder arranged behind the lenses of the window for holding a card-like medium with two or more images.

Abstract: A moving-loop advertisement device has a rolling screen that surrounds a driving roller and a driven roller, where a position sensor is applied to detect labels formed on the rolling screen so as to pause the movement of the screen. A coil or helical ribs with opposite twisting directions is further provided on either or both the driving roller and the driven roller. When the rollers start to rotate, the rolling screen is moved upward or downward to sequentially present different advertisement information printed thereon. Meanwhile, as the rotation of the coil or helical ribs, tension forces with opposite directions occur and apply on the rolling screen to maintain the surface of the rolling screen in a smooth flat state.

Abstract: An apparatus for use on or adjacent to a doorway, door or window. The apparatus includes a mounting for location proximate the top of a doorway or window opening. The mounting has a fastener for downwardly suspending articles from the mounting. The apparatus includes an adjustable mounting bracket for affixing the apparatus to different sizes of doorways.

Abstract: A display unit (1) for mounting on a post (2) is described, the display unit (1) comprising a mount (21) mountable on the post (2) and a display carrier (41) for displaying aposterora sign. The display carrier (41) is movably coupled to the mount (21) and, in use, the display carrier (41) is located in a first position for displaying the poster or sign, and can be moved to a second position, lower than the first position, for changing the poster or sign.

Abstract: An advertising sign configured for use in combination with an upstanding security system having a detection apparatus. The advertising sign comprises a substrate with a generally rectangularly shaped outer edge configuration. The substrate further has first and second generally parallel and planar surfaces, with a multicolor advertising copy printed in a predetermined pattern across substantially the entirety of one of the planar surfaces with solvent inks thereby yielding protection to the substrate against exposure to atmospheric elements and thereby prolong the usefulness of the sign during use. The substrate also defines an opening spaced a predetermined distance from at least two edges of the printed substrate to facilitate alignment of the opening relative to the detection apparatus of the security system whereby allowing passage of a signal from the detection apparatus of the security system to pass through the substrate.

Abstract: The invention refers to an information band (1) for application around preferably the wrist of a wearer and containing actual information about the actual person and which consists of a clip (2) and the band (3). The clip (2) comprises a lid part (5) pivotably connected to an bottom part (4), at least one squeezing means (6) being formed within and between said parts (4, 5) and said parts (4, 5) are intended to fix the band (3) into position by aid of a strong squeezing force by a lockable, snappable co-operation between said parts in a locking device during application of said band, whereby when loosening of the clip (2) from its fixing position a two-handed grip is required thanks to the strong squeezing force of said squeezing means (6) after said snapping-together of the parts (4, 5) to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for presenting a decorative picture, for example a painting, mounted on a rotating base (2) which rotation axis (3) is perpendicular and centered relative to the surface of the picture, with one or more rotating flaps (4) attached to the surface of the picture and which rotation axis (5) are perpendicular but off-centered relative to the surface of the picture (1) and to the surface of the flaps (4), with the said rotating flaps (4) hiding different parts of the picture depending on the relative position of the flaps and the picture to create visual effects, wherein the rotation (6) of the picture is either manual or commanded and the rotation of the rotating flaps (4) is only the result of the gravity.