Abstract: A line generating device may include a housing having a bottom surface, a top surface, a front surface connecting the top and bottom surfaces, a rear surface connecting the top and bottom surfaces, and a side surface connecting the top and bottom surfaces, a support assembly mounted within the housing. In addition, the device may include a light source mounted on the support assembly, and a lens for receiving light and projecting the light in the shape of a fan within a plane. The light plane exits through the front surface. The device is disposable on a reference surface on the bottom, rear and side surfaces.

Abstract: A system comprising components which facilitate a one-man stake ribbon setting process for grading a plot of land. The components include primarily a pair of rule holders which precisely position a rule immediately in front of a reference stake which has already had a ribbon set to accurately indicate exact grade. The rule holders, which cooperate with that reference stake, position the rule directly behind and in line with the grade locating nail and where it can be readily used to set the precise position of the ribbon requiring a second worker to hold the rule. An additional optional component of the invention comprises a sighting scope rule guide which is advantageously employed at the next stake to further enhance the accuracy of ribbon setting. This guide attaches to the sighting scope using a scope adapter and has a rule guide with an attached pointer showing the single worker the precise rule measurement on the rule when his scope is precisely level in viewing the ribbon on the remote reference stake.

Abstract: A bolt hole marking device comprising a tubular body having a top and a bottom, an elongated base plate having a upper surface, a rod fitted within the tubular body having a gripping end and a pointed end and at least two discs rotatably mounted on the base plate one on each end. The upper surface of the base plate having two ends, at least two pegs positioned, one on each end and extending perpendicular to the base plate and at least one aperture at a predetermined distance between the pegs. The bottom of the tubular body is positioned over the aperture and affixed to the base plate. The pointed end of the rod may be extended beyond the bottom of the tubular body. The at least two discs having a plurality of recesses of different radii formed therein arranged about the periphery of the discs and a plurality of apertures able to receive the pegs for fixing the discs in position on the base plate.

Abstract: A novel method for determining whether substrates are correctly positioned on a substrate support in a semiconductor substrate processing or measuring tool for optimum processing or measuring of the substrates. The method includes providing a control substrate; providing alignment marks on the substrate; determining a homing position for the alignment marks on the control substrate wherein the position of the control substrate corresponds to a homing position for optimum processing or measuring of actual substrates; periodically testing the position of the control substrate on the substrate support as facilitated by the substrate transfer and/or substrate positioning equipment of the tool; and determining whether the position of the alignment marks on the control substrate, with respect to the substrate support, stray outside an accepted deviation range.

Abstract: A structure and associated method to accurately read an encoder tape in an encoder system. The encoder system comprises, a read head, a shoe structure adjacent the read head, and an encoder tape. The encoder tape is adapted to be read by the read head. The shoe structure is adapted to locally support the encoder tape and locally dampen a vibration of the encoder tape as the encoder tape is read by the read head.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus comprises a handle 22 having a tape-holder 26? and pendulum 24 attached thereto such that a measuring tape 30 can extend to a variable extent sideways out of the tape-holder with the pendulum hanging vertically downwards. In the preferred embodiment there are two tape holders 26?, 26? which are rotatable on the handle about the axis of the pendulum.

Abstract: Two rotors 18a, 18b each housing a honeycomb structure 25 carrying an absorbent is driven for rotation by a common motor 19. Partitioning members 17 define an absorbing zone S and a recovery zone U in the rotor depending on the angular positional relationship between the partitioning members 17 and the rotor corresponding thereto. In the absorbing zone S, the absorbent removes moisture and organic matters from air passing therethrough. In the recovery zone U, recovery of the absorbent deteriorated by absorbing the moisture and the organic matters is preformed by using heated dry air. Air sucked from a transfer space 10 of the processing system sequentially passes through the absorbing zones of both the rotors via a circulation passage 20, thereafter returned to the transfer space. A part of clean dry air having passed through the absorbing zones of both the rotors is supplied into an exhaust passage 21, and is heated by a heater, and passes through the recovery zones of both the rotors.

Abstract: The invention concerns an installation for drying pasty or powdery products such as in particular waste and more particularly sludge derived from wastewater purifying stations, in a chamber receiving the products to be dried and which is provided with means for turning over and driving forward said products. Said installation is characterized in that it comprises a greenhouse with translucent or transparent walls (1), erected on a slab or floor (2) whereon is deposited the bed (3) of products to be dried, said slab being equipped with means for turning over and driving forward the sludge and several wind machines (4) generating energy which is degraded in the form of heat which is restored in the slab (2) whereon is spread the bed of products to be dried (3).

Abstract: A clothes dryer includes a drying chamber, a heat pump mechanism, and an air circulation path. The heat pump mechanism includes a compressor, a heat radiator for radiating the heat of compressed coolant, a throttle unit for reducing the pressure of the high-pressure coolant, and a heat absorber for absorbing heat using the low-pressure coolant. An air circulation path circulates drying air from the drying chamber through the heat absorber and the heat radiator back to the drying chamber. The air circulation path is provided with an air discharge port at a position between the drying chamber and the heat absorber so that a part of the drying air flowing through the air circulation path from the drying chamber to the heat absorber is discharged through the air discharge port to outside of the air circulation path.

Abstract: A reusable, elastic shoe shield for protecting formal shoes from being stained by contaminants such as dirt, grass and mud is provided. The shoe shield is made of flexible, resilient and elastic material. The shoe shield has an upper portion and a sole portion. A zipper with a back pocket is provided on the front portion of the upper portion. The upper portion and the sole portion are sealed by a heat sealing method. Pluralities of grooves seasoned on the sole portion vertically against the long axis of the shield enables the shoe shield to roll up, compacting into a pocket size.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe or footwear item comprising a sole consisted of an outer face which is intended to come into contact with the ground and an inner face which is intended to come into contact with the foot of the user. According to the invention, the sole includes a dynamic support element which comprises at least two elastically-deformable elements and which is used to store and release energy when said sole is subjected to later stresses. The dynamic support element is positioned in the sole such that it expands at least partially beneath the area corresponding to the front part of the foot. In this way, a dynamic interaction is produced between the two elastically-deformable elements when the sole is subjected to stresses and two corresponding lateral ground support points are obtained, which are located on either side of the longitudinal axis of the shoe.

Abstract: A sports shoe, particularly for motorcycling, comprising an upper with which a sole is associated; at least one receptacle is formed in the sole at least at the outer region of the plantar surface of the foot. One or more outsoles can be accommodated detachably within the at least one receptacle and are thicker than, or as thick as, the at least one receptacle; the sole and the one or more outsoles are detachably associable by way of connecting layers of temporary dry grip material.

Abstract: An conditioning article of footwear for heat to toe exercise, strength training, or physical therapy having a foot support platform with either straps or an upper shoe portion or the like to engage the foot, a sole having front and rear ends corresponding with the toes and heel of the foot, respectively, and a medial area there between, the sole having a spaced medial support portion having floor engaging surface generally parallel to the foot support platform, the medial support portion situated generally under the ball and (generally) arch of the user's foot. Situated forward the medial portion to the forward tip of the sole is an angled area having an angle of between, for example, 20-60 degrees. Situated behind the medial portion is a short angled area terminating in a thinner rear sole area running generally parallel with the foot platform, but having about fifty percent of the thickness of the medial area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a snowplow system. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a system for snowplowing with an all terrain vehicle. The system includes an all terrain vehicle, at least one control member, a latch, and a blade. The latch is configured to lock the blade at a particular horizontal rotational orientation. When the latch is released, the blade is coupled to the all terrain vehicle in a manner that allows for horizontal rotation. The at least one control member is coupled to the blade and positioned on the all terrain vehicle such that a user can horizontally rotate the blade from a sitting position on the all terrain vehicle. This allows a user to efficiently remove snow from an area.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a snow plow blade gate apparatus and method in which the gate is pivotably attached to an end of a snow plow blade. The gate can be pivotable between a deployed position in which the gate blocks snow from exiting the snow plow blade to a stowed position in which at least part of the gate is moved to a location behind the snow plow blade. In some embodiments, the gate pivots about an axis skewed with respect to a substantially vertical plane. Also, some embodiments of the present invention have an actuator that can be actuated to secure the gate in a deployed position.

Abstract: An electronic sign includes a frame, an illuminated body disposed on the frame with edge portions and at least one face, an illuminating member disposed along at least one edge portion of the illuminated body for illuminating the illuminated body, and readable indicia disposed opposite the one face of the illuminated body. The electronic sign may further include at least one panel with light emitting diodes disposed proximate the illuminated body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an illuminating display device adapted for enhancing amusement for a recipient thereof. More particularly, the device includes a portable case having at least one compartment. The device also includes at least one illuminating source received in the compartment. A stencil is attached to the case for permitting light emitted from the illuminating source to be transmitted therethrough in a predetermined pattern. The device is equipped with a dispersion layer for dispersing light emitted from the illuminating source.

Abstract: A first aid prompt tag includes a main member, which has label sides, a compartment and a hanging bole. The label sides are marked with first aid notice for being attacked suddenly and personal information of the patient such as name, phone number, address, blood type and case history and name and phone number of the emergency contact person. The compartment contains first aid medicine and the hanging hole for being passed through with a hanging thread. The hanging thread can be hung on the neck or hand of the patient so that the first aid prompt tag can be carried to help the patient himself or others beside the patient performing necessary first aid best help to the patient.

Abstract: A Hang Level Suspension System, hereafter known as Suspension System, for articles such as frames for pictures, mirrors, or other articles to be supported on a wall in a level attitude. The Suspension System for the frame includes two hangers, which are attached to a wall in a level attitude, two suspension elements comprising two washers, two equal lengths of chain and two eye-screws. These two suspension elements are mounted, one on each side of the frame, at a precise distance from the top of the frame. Two hangers are spaced apart, on the wall in a level attitude, the same distance as the suspension elements attached to the back of the frame. When the Suspension System is completed, a washer of the Suspension System is placed on the corresponding hanger on the wall. The suspended article will hang level at all times.

Abstract: A recoil dampening assembly includes a sleeve and an elastomeric member received within the sleeve. A piston and rod retain the elastomeric member within the sleeve, and the elastomeric member includes a plurality of cone-like wall portions that form inner and outer annular ring surfaces. When the elastomeric member is compressed, the outer annular surfaces frictionally engage the sleeve, and the inner annular surfaces frictionally engage the rod to thereby dampen a force generated during discharge of a firearm.

Abstract: A roller sear/hammer interface for a firearm. The sear has a roller rotatably mounted between two side plates forming a portion of the sear body. As the trigger is moved, a linkage connecting the trigger and sear causes the sear to pivot rearward such that the roller engages a notched surface formed in the hammer. This rolling action releases the hammer to strike a firing pin to fire a round of ammunition. When the trigger is released, the sear roller rolls downward into an engaged and locked position within the notch formed in the hammer.

Abstract: A pistol with a magazine disconnect mechanism that disables the pistol's discharge capability when the magazine is removed. The pistol may generally include a frame that holds a magazine, a hammer pivotally mounted to the frame, and a sear engageable with the hammer. The sear is operable to hold the hammer in a cocked position and further to release the hammer from the cocked position to discharge the pistol. A locking member may be provided that is movable into and out of engagement with the sear in response to removing the magazine from and inserting the magazine into the pistol. The locking member engages the sear when the magazine is removed to prevent the sear from moving and releasing the hammer while held in the cocked position by the sear. A trigger interlock is also provided in which the trigger prevents the magazine from being removed when the trigger has been partially pulled by a user.

Abstract: An ignition arrangement for a barrel assembly (10) including a barrel (11) having a plurality of projectiles (15a, 15b, 15c) axially stacked within the barrel (11) together with respective propellant charges (20) for propelling the projectiles sequentially from the barrel, said ignition arrangement including a fuse (21, 22) disposed in a cavity (27) provided in a body (18) of each projectile, wherein the cavity (27) communicates both forwardly (28) and rearwardly (29) of the projectile body (18); whereby in use, said fuse (21) burns at a controlled rate in the cavity (27) and causes ignition of the propellant charge (20) associated with said projectile (15a), which in turn ignites the next following fuse (22) associated with a trailing projectile (15b).

Abstract: A firearm support system is provided to support a firearm or a portion of person that in turn holds the firearm to make a steady shot. The firearm support system is particularly adaptable for use in a tree stand or tree. The firearm support system can be attached directly to the tree stand or tree and is pivotable thereto, allowing for a wide field of view and use. The firearm support system is collapsible, either by folding or telescoping, making for a more compact unit that can be easily carried to the hunting location.

Abstract: A light assembly having a pre-defined shape is provided to be removably attached to a guide provided on a weapon. The light assembly comprises a housing provided with a reflector having a lamp at one end thereof and batteries for powering the lamp through a switch. The housing has a pair of lateral members which are movable between a retracted position and an extended position so that, when the members are in the retracted position, the light assembly has the above-mentioned pre-defined shape and when the members are in the extended position, they are adapted to engage the guide. Means for preventing the longitudinal movement of the light assembly on the guide are also provided with the light assembly. The light assembly can thus be easily mounted and used as an aiming device with a weapon or be readily used as a separate and independent entity.

Abstract: An accessory device for being mounted to a longitudinal rail carried by a firearm and accommodating longitudinal rails of different configurations. A preferred embodiment comprises a light beam generator including a housing, elongate members removably secured to the housing and complementing the rail for enabling the housing to be retainably slid along the rail, a latch plate pivotally and removably secured to the rail, and a replaceable ambidextrous tail cap switch.

Abstract: An animal scent composition includes a liquid animal scent component and a carrier composition. The scent component can include animal urine, other animal glandular secretions and/or gland materials. The carrier composition can include sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, baking powder and/or cornstarch, along with silicon dioxide. The resulting mixture is dried. The dried mixture is fed into a milling device and broken into small pieces and fine powder. The resulting small pieces and fine powder are fed into a sifter, where the milled dry mixture is sifted and possibly further processed to collect a fine powdered animal scent composition. The resulting fine powdered animal scent composition is then placed into flexible bottles and capped with a cap, such that compression of the flexible bottle causes a fine aerosol or suspension of the fine powdered animal scent composition to be ejected from the flexible bottle into the surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: A combination of a cylindrical, typically tubular, fishing pole holder and a fish warning device. The fish warning device is a bracket with a pair of depending legs spaced apart sufficiently to enable the legs to straddle the walls of the fishing pole holder. The bracket of the fish warning device also includes a circuit having a biased open switch, a battery and an alarm, the bracket adapted to receive the circuit in the fishing pole, such that the button faces the fishing pole as the fishing pole rests in the tubular, typically cylindrical fishing pole holder.

Abstract: An undulating fishing lure frame that maintains its horizontal disposition while sinking. The lure frame includes a bent, cupped blade that may have an attachment eyelet for securing a fishing line at the fore end, a hook fastened to the aft end of the blade, and a weighted material at the aft end of the blade. Soft-bodied baits, both natural and artificial, of various shapes, sizes, colors, and actions can be attached to the hook portion of the lure frame to further enhance the lure's visual and/or mechanical appeal to fish.

Abstract: A jig head, to which a fishing lure may be attached, that can pivot on a fish hook or clip to attract fish as it is pulled through the water on a fishing line. There is a channel through the jig head, through which the fish hook or clip is inserted, so that the jig head (and the attached lure) can pivot on the hook or clip. As the fish hook is not permanently attached to the jig head, it will be easy to replace a worn or damaged hook, while reusing the jig head with a new hook. There may be a second channel through the jig head, through which water can flow, to further attract fish by the sound of the water flowing through the jig head and lure, and optionally to help disperse an attractive scent from the lure into the water.

Abstract: A method of exterminating organisms is provided utilizing heated circulating air. First, a determination is made as to which enclosed areas of the building or other structure are to undergo extermination. This step defines an application zone. Next, a desired elevated temperature limit is established for heated air that is to be circulated through the application zone. Heaters are provided in airflow communication with the application zone, and circulation fans are positioned throughout the application zone to move the heated air for proper heat distribution. The heaters utilize an amount of recirculated air already present in the application zone to cut down on the amount of energy needed to raise the air temperature within the application zone towards the desired elevated temperature limit, and to eliminate the need for high CFM airflow heaters to achieve air temperature elevation.

Abstract: A pest control method includes at least providing pest control dispensers (110), having at least one user-perceivable characteristic associated with a climatic season of the year; and providing a pest control agent (114) in the pest control dispensers, the amount of the pest control agent substantially having a useful life equal to a climatic season when the pest control agent is activated; wherein the changing of a climatic season and the characteristic of the dispensers combine to suggest to a user that a dispenser should be operatively replaced. Also, a pest control kit (250) includes a plurality of the pest control dispensers (110) described above.

Abstract: Hand-held insect exterminating device comprising: a hallow cylindrical housing including a passage therein having a forwarding disposed air inlet and an air outlet; a suction creating mechanism for drawing a stream of air, including insects entrained in the stream of air, directly into an electrically charged screen thereby killing the insects and outwardly therefrom through said outlet.

Abstract: An insect capturing device includes a body defining an interior space, a nozzle for disposing proximate an insect victim and being in fluid communication with the body interior space, and a mechanically generated, momentary vacuum being selectively generated to substantially instantaneously draw the insect victim into a capture space, the capture space being in fluid communication with both the nozzle and the body interior space. A method of capture is further included.

Abstract: An ignition system for flammable materials such as charcoal is provided. The ignition system includes a flammable paper tray that is infused with a non-petroleum palm oil wax accelerant. Substantially pure charcoal pieces are positioned in the tray at several predetermined charcoal positioning areas. The tray is ignited using multiple wicks.

Abstract: The present invention provides an incubation method for obtaining solid culture of Zang Zhi (Antrodia camphorate) comprising the steps of: incubating a stock strain of Zang Zhi in a PP bag for growth of mycelia, followed by an incubation in the air for fruiting the Zang Zhi body. The invention also provides the solid culture of Zang Zhi obtained by the incubation method, and the products processed therefrom and the use thereof.

Abstract: A method of cutting a stem to be whip grafted, comprising: securing the stem in a bore of a hand-held grafting tool that includes an angled end, with a portion of the stem extending out from the angled end; drawing a knife across a face of the angled end to thereby cut the stem; and removing the cut stem from the grafting tool. In one respect the hand-held grafting tool comprises a housing having a bore and at least one angled end, a holding member, and moveable connectors attached to the holding member, wherein the moveable connectors protrude through and bisect the housing.

Abstract: Biodegradable fibrous support for soil mulching, characterized in that it is coated with an aqueous solution based on biodegradable natural latex from the rubber tree.

Abstract: A biodegradable fibrous support for soil mulching, characterized in that it is provided with a reinforcing means in the form of a grid, which is either maintained on the whole or part of at least one face of the support, or incorporated into the whole or part of the mass of the support.

Abstract: A device for supporting a plant or other items on a cemetery memorial having a vase secured thereon, the device including a staff inserted into the vase and the staff having an support member having a cross-sectional dimension that is slightly less than a diameter of the vase so an outer edge of the support member wedges against an inside surface of the vase supporting the staff in an upright position, and the staff having a hooked top end for attaching the plant and/or other item elevated above the memorial.

Abstract: A devise for watering vegetation has a cylindrical tube that can be laid flat and rolled up. The tube has a watertight seal about 2 to about 6 inches from each end, which leaves a flap at each end. The flaps can be attached to stakes that can be driven into the ground. There are one or two openings along the length of the tube through which water can be admitted into the tube. At or near the bottom of the tube is at least one drip emitter from which water can leave the tube. Two or more tubes can be joined together using a single stake though the flaps of the tubes. The tubes can be arranged in a line, a circle, or other arrangements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cotton seed suitable for planting and the process of making the same. The polymer coating allows the cotton seed to be used in conventional seed planting handling equipment.

Abstract: This invention provides methods, devices, and kits for growing a plant or germinating a seed into a plant; methods and devices for delivering oxygen to a plant or a seed which will germinate into a plant; methods and devices for delivering liquid to a plant; methods and devices for increasing the dissolved oxygen concentration in a liquid to be delivered to a plant; methods and devices for increasing the dissolved oxygen concentration in a liquid within a hydroponics device; terraced oxygenators; aspirators, downdraft venturis, net baskets; germination caps, sets of germination caps; methods for increasing the likelihood of germination of a seed; seed-bearing support media; methods for germinating a seed; and smart garden devices for hydroponics growing systems.

Abstract: This invention provides methods, devices, and kits for growing a plant or germinating a seed into a plant; methods and devices for delivering oxygen to a plant or a seed which will germinate into a plant; methods and devices for delivering liquid to a plant; methods and devices for increasing the dissolved oxygen concentration in a liquid to be delivered to a plant; methods and devices for increasing the dissolved oxygen concentration in a liquid within a hydroponics device; terraced oxygenators; aspirators, downdraft venturis, net baskets; germination caps, sets of germination caps; methods for increasing the likelihood of germination of a seed; seed-bearing support media; methods for germinating a seed; and smart garden devices for hydroponics growing systems.

Abstract: Modular, double walled plant pot which facilitates excess plant water evacuation and root and earth ventilation, with supports-brackets for joining the lengthwise modules, those with or without reinforcement, angular ones preferably with angles of 90° or 135°, and closing covers on the ends of the modules, forming a whole assembly of a single plant pot, easily assembled by way of screws with a solid and leak-proof structure in which self watering systems can be installed.

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

Abstract: A wrapper for wrapping a flower pot and/or floral grouping. The wrapper is constructed of a sheet of material having an extension attached to a portion of the sheet of material. Preferably the extension has a lace pattern thereon. When the wrapper is formed about a flower pot to form a decorative cover, upper edges of the sheet of material and extension cooperate to form a skirt portion preferably having at least two separate edges providing a “two-sheet” effect in the decorative cover. The wrapper may have extensions on opposing ends of the sheet of material and may having one or more additional overlapping extensions.

Abstract: A method of covering a flower pot with a floral grouping disposed therein. In the method, a cover having an upper extension is formed about the flower pot. The upper extension is formed about the floral grouping to a position wherein the upper extension extends about a portion of the floral grouping to provide a protective covering. The cover is secured about the pot and floral grouping via an adhesive or cohesive bonding material disposed on the cover.

Abstract: A air root pruning container for plants includes a side wall made of a plurality of segments extending in layers above a base wall with each segment having a larger radius as measured from a central axis than the subjacent segment and with the segments being separated from adjacent segments to provide air root pruning openings between the segments; each segment includes outwardly curved wall portions so that the interior wall surfaces will guide root development to an opening.

Abstract: A cable tensioner includes two cams mounted to face each other that pivot about a common spindle. A torsion spring is centered on the spindle. The torsion spring includes a first end in abutment with a first cam and a second end in abutment with a second cam. The torsion spring applies a torque onto each of the cams to reduce an angular distance between the cams when a cable exhibits insufficient tension. The cable tensioner is placed in a window regulator mechanism to simultaneously tension a lower cable and an upper cable of the device. Furthermore, the tension of one cable through the cable tensioner is reversible since the tension of each cable is balanced with the tension of the other cable.