Abstract: The wheel rim of a vehicle wheel is fitted onto a cylindrical positioning portion 19a, and in this condition, fixed to the hub 8a using bolts which are threaded into the screw holes 11a in the rotating flange 10a, and tightened. As the hub 8a rotates, the runout in the radial direction of the outer peripheral surface 20a of the cylindrical positioning portion 19a is controlled up to 15 ?m, to suppress the runout of the vehicle wheel. With this construction, running performance such as riding comfort and diving stability is improved.

Abstract: Scissors are provided in which each blade 1, 2 has a handle 3, 4 and respective finger rings 5, 6, all formed from metal sheet. Each handle 3, 4 and finger ring 5, 6 has moulded thereover a relatively hard plastics material 9, 10 and at least the portion around the finger rings 5, 6 has moulded thereover a relatively soft plastics material 11, 12. With this arrangement the scissors' mechanical strength is primarily derived from the metal sheet, the relatively rigid plastics material is moulded thereover, following which the relatively soft plastics material then provides a soft covering which is protected from the metal part of the finger ring by the layer of relatively hard plastics material.

Abstract: A nail cutting device which consists essentially of two pairs of scissors connected together by a special mechanism which allows them to cut in two opposite directions, the angle between the two directions of cut can range between 180 to 90 degrees with an option to be adjusted. The device has one pair of handles and one holds and operates it in the same way one uses regular scissors. This way, one can cut one's toenails in two directions, left and right, without changing the grip on the scissors handles, using the same finger movements and avoiding any uncomfortable twisting of the hand or other part of the body.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention a laterally folding knife is described incorporating an actuator mechanism permitting the knife blade to be moved from open and closed positions without the need for a user to touch the blade. Further, the folding knife can be quickly opened or closed using a single finger or thumb. The knife blade is automatically locked in place in either open or closed position and therefore does not require a separate blade locking mechanism.

Abstract: A utility knife includes a handle having a passage to slidably receive a blade carrier which has a space to receive a knife blade and to move the knife blade into or out of the handle. The blade carrier includes a spring limb having a latch to engage with and to anchor the knife blade to the blade carrier. An actuator device may selectively disengage the latch of the spring limb from the knife blade, to release the knife blade from the blade carrier. One or more spare blades may be received in the handle, and one spare blade may be biased into the space of the blade carrier when the blade carrier is moved into the handle and when the space of the blade carrier is emptied.

Abstract: A shoe assembly for a power tool comprises a shoe portion including a cast and a sole plate adapted to engage a workpiece. The cast has a raised portion having a series of recesses on an interior surface thereof. The shoe assembly also includes a mounting portion for mounting the shoe portion to the housing of the tool. The mounting portion includes a resiliently displaceable ball bearing in a housing mounted to a clamp plate for engaging the recess on the raised portion of the cast in order to selectively releasably hold the shoe portion in one of a plurality of predetermined orientations relative to the mounting portion.

Abstract: A method for forming a topographical image of the heterogeneous variations in a surface of a material has a first machining step and a second scanning step. The preferred machining step uses a preselected scribing tool to scribe a plurality of adjacent grooves in a selected material surface at a preselected constant force. This machining step produces a machined surface whose local elevations relative to a datum plane are dependent on the local hardness or wear resistance of the surface. Then the scanning step shifts the scribing tool across the surface in contact with the surface, and measures the elevation of the tool at a plurality of selected surface coordinates. The measured elevations allow formation of a topological map depicting sub-micron structural features of the surface.

Abstract: A marking system that may be configured to achieve a variety of marking devices. The marking system includes a main body member and a plurality of downwardly directed marking members.

Abstract: A laser reference device includes at least one planar or flat surface and an internal laser light source for generating a laser light beam. A lens inside the device may convert the laser light into a fan-shaped beam, and project the beam adjacent the planar or flat surface of the housing. The fan-shaped beam thus projects along that surface of the housing. If the laser leveling device is placed with the flat surface on a table or floor, for example, the fan-shaped beam will be in a level plane. This allows a user to place the laser leveling device on a surface and generate a laser light to align surfaces or objects, such as objects on a wall.

Abstract: A method is designed for measuring a magnetic offset of a geomagnetic sensor equipped in a portable information terminal apparatus having a storage. The geomagnetic sensor has a magnetic sensitivity to a geomagnetic field and is affected by magnetization to cause the magnetic offset. In the method, an output of the geomagnetic sensor is measured to successively provide measurement data of the geomagnetic field from the output of the geomagnetic sensor. The measurement data is stored in the storage. The measurement data is read out from the storage when a number of the measurement data stored in the storage reaches a predetermined number, and an offset value of the magnetic offset is estimated based on the predetermined number of the measurement data read out from the storage.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a series of workpieces including a calibration step in which calibration data are obtained by measuring a reference workpiece in a high accuracy measuring device in laboratory conditions, a mastering step in which mastering data are obtained by measuring the reference workpiece on a measuring machine in production conditions, a workpiece inspection step whereby workpiece inspection data are obtained by measuring another workpiece from said series of workpieces on the measuring machine in the production conditions, and a compensation step in which measurement results obtained in the workpiece inspection step are corrected by using the calibration data and the mastering data.

Abstract: A measurement probe (5) which comprises a housing (16) for mounting on an arm (6) of a coordinate positioning apparatus (2) and a stylus (10) mounted on a stylus support member (28). The stylus (10) and the stylus support member (28) are deflectable with respect to the housing (16). A first transducer system (40-48) measures movement of the stylus support member (28) relative to the arm (6) of the coordinate positioning apparatus (2). A second transducer system (38) measures movement of the stylus tip (12) relative to the stylus supporting member (28). A measurement of total stylus deflection is achieved by combining data from the first and second transducer systems.

Abstract: A gas dryer or condenser utilizes a two-stage insert, each stage containing a different moisture-removing material such as a combination of lava rock, gravel and a felt material, housed within a pressure vessel, to dry a stream of gas, such as air from an air compressor. Moisture-laden compressed air passing through sequentially through each of the two stages releases liquid in the air onto the surfaces of the materials and the separated liquid drains into a liquid collection area in the bottom of the pressure vessel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing garden furniture from locust wood, including a one process step in which the locust wood is treated, the locust wood being steamed such that a color change of the locust wood from a yellowish to the brownish shade takes place.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fluid processing a workpiece are described. A gas can be used to agitate a fluid to improve cleaning and/or rinsing of a workpiece surface. The gas can reduce surface tension of the fluid to promote improved contact of the fluid with a surface of the workpiece. The surface of the workpiece can be dried by flowing gas along a portion of the workpiece surface during or after draining of the fluid.

Abstract: A device for continuous drying of a pulp web, particularly a tissue web, with a drying drum (1) and an air circulating system, where the drying drum (1) has a cylindrical shell (9) designed as a honeycombed body with an annular, flexible transition profile (13) at the edges of the shell and connected to the end covers.

Abstract: A steam box for applying steam to a moving web comprising a housing having a leading end and a trailing end positionable above and proximate to a moving web; a supply header within the housing, said supply header in communication with a steam source; at least first and second steam chambers aligned with said leading edge in the direction of movement of said web, said first and second steam chambers able to receive steam from the said supply header to apply steam through respective first and second steam discharge points to the moving web, and a screen plate securable to said housing, said screen plate including a horizontal plate; and a first descending barrier positioned between said first and second steam discharge points, said descending barrier having a first trailing side adjacent to said-second steam discharge point to protect said second steam discharge point from stock flung from the web.

Abstract: The combination of the sole (1)—equipped in the upper front-middle portion with the broad shaped cavity (2) and with the thin duct (3) therewith said broad shaped cavity (2) is brought in communication with the outside through the unidirectional valve (4)—of the stretching structure (5) with high change in volume implemented with flexible material with high elasticity, and of the insole (6) made of waterproof material equipped both with deformation (7) apt to cooperate with the broad shaped cavity (2) in the sole (1), to originate, under the action of the stretching structure (5), a pad-like projecting shaping, both with one or more holes (8), at said deformation (7) and in a position so as to be clogged by the foot during walking.

Abstract: A shoe sole includes a chamber defined in an underside of the heel portion and an air-permeable member is received in the chamber. An air escaping area including a plurality of passages is defined in the underside of the body and communicates with the chamber. A plurality of holes are defined through a top of the boy and communicate with the air escaping area. A bottom piece is attached to the underside of the body and cover the air escaping area and the chamber. The sole is made by way of molding and by foam material.

Abstract: A sole construction for supporting at least a portion of a human foot and for providing energy storage and return is provided. The sole construction includes a generally horizontal layer of stretchable material, at least one chamber positioned adjacent a first side of the layer, and at least one actuator positioned adjacent a second side of the layer vertically aligned with a corresponding chamber. Each actuator has a footprint size smaller than that of the corresponding chamber, and is sized and arranged to provide individual support to the bones of the human foot. The support structure when compressed causes the actuator to push against the layer and move the layer at least partially into the corresponding chamber. In one embodiment, dual action energy storage and rebound is provided by using a plurality of actuators that move both upwardly and downwardly into corresponding chambers.

Abstract: A footwear system has a sole unit with a number of cavities formed between a midsole and an outsole. The cavities are complementary to one another to form groundward oriented air bulges in the outsole that are connected by a passage formed in the midsole. The passage permits movement of air between the cavities during use of the footwear system in a shoe.

Abstract: The present invention provides a 3-D fabric with a plurality of channels. Loops in the channels distribute force over the fabric.

Abstract: An improved closure system for athletic footwear, comprises a plurality of lace supports attached to the medial and lateral quarter panels of a boot. Each lace support has a holding unit at a first end and an attachment portion at a second end. The holding unit comprises a tube for holding a shoe lace. The attachment portion preferably comprises two legs which are fastened to a panel of the boot. The legs are fastened to the panels by at least one row of stitching extending traversely across the legs. The lace supports preferably are manufactured of a semi-rigid material, such as plastic, which creates a low-friction surface to pass the lace over. When embodiments of the lace supports are incorporated into athletic footwear, they result in boots that are easy to lace and that provide a secure fit to the user's foot.

Abstract: An article of footwear and a method of making it wherein a woven region is integrated with a lacing system. The woven region preferably is located in the forefoot/vamp region of the upper. The woven area may be formed by a diagonal weave or an alternative suitable weave. Lacing components extend from the woven region and are used in a lacing system. The lacing system further includes a pair of series of lace holding elements, such as eyelets or lace loops, on opposing sides of the upper. The lacing components are routed through the lace holding elements and may be adjusted to affect the fit of the upper to the user's foot.

Abstract: Variable tension footwear lacing systems and methods permit and facilitate adjustment of selected zones by a user. In an embodiment, stop devices are used with a footwear lacing system to prevent opposing closure edges of a footwear article from advancing towards each other. The stop device includes a stop guide configured for fastening to a portion of the footwear article, and a stop element. In an implementation, the stop element includes a stop head and a releasable affixing member. The stop head is configured to be manipulated by a user to releasably secure the affixing member to a selected position across the length of the stop guide. The stop head is operable to contact a first closure edge of the footwear article. In an embodiment, during use first and second stop devices contact first and second opposing closure edges of the footwear article and prevent them from advancing towards each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a secure shoe, comprising a shoe casing and a payment slot in communication with the shoe casing for receiving funds. The secure shoe of the present invention may comprise a chamber disposed within the shoe casing, a removable sole in communication with the shoe casing and various locking components. The secure shoe may further comprise an indicator light and an electronic card reader in communication with the payment slot. A method of using the shoe for secure payment wherein a payment card is swiped through the payment slot of the shoe is also provided.

Abstract: An athletic shoe comprising a sole, an upper toe and heel portion, a U-shaped panel having a series of holes for a shoe lace, a transparent panel extending from the U-shaped panel to the sole on both sides of the panel and open at its upper end adjacent said panel to define a pocket wherein the panel lies adjacent the open end of the pocket, a replaceable insert of a size and shape to fit in said pockets having a variety of designs and colors and including at least one hole in its upper edge to secure the insert in the pocket when the shoe lace is in place.

Abstract: A wear assembly that includes a wear member and a boss to define an opening for receiving a lock forward of the front edge face of the lip which can mount the wear member in a stable and balanced manner without a through-hole in the lip. The wear member includes an aperture and a rib to define bearing faces on opposite sides of a central plane of the lip. The boss includes rails to hold the wear member in place, and a brace at the rear end, which supports the rails on the boss, abuts the rear of the wear member to reduce the loading on the lip, and deflects earthen material away from the wear member under reverse loading.

Abstract: An advertising display apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a printed material display portion and a presentation portion. The display portion includes a plurality of printed material holders for holding printed materials. The presentation portion includes video means for displaying visual images. In use, the visual images can be viewed by passers-by and the printed material holders are positioned such that passers-by can conveniently peruse the information on the printed materials held by the holders and draw printed materials therefrom as desired.

Abstract: A foldable bib display apparatus for holding and displaying a bib comprises two or more foldably connected means for holding respective portions of the bib, a hanger means in the form of, for example, a “J”-shaped opening or a hook for positioning the foldable bib display apparatus holding a bib in a folded condition in a display space, and a frontal area for displaying information, such as an illustration. When folded, the foldable bib display apparatus holds a bib in a folded condition, thereby minimizing the display space for the bib. The present invention also permits repeated un-folding and re-folding of the bib to facilitate prospective customer's inspection of the bib in its unfolded condition and return of the bib to the display space by the inspecting prospective customer or a shop employee.

Abstract: An advertising system including at least one tabletop, the tabletop includes advertising material viewable from a position above the tabletop and at least one food carrying tray through which the advertising material may be viewed when the tray is resting on the tabletop.

Abstract: The invention is a customizable lenticular display unit. The display unit comprises a supporting frame, a transparent lenticular panel, an indicia carrier printed with lithographic interlaced images, and drive means for periodically displacing the indicia carrier relative to the lenticular panel. The supporting frame has one or more openings in its back surface that can be closed by detachable covers. The indicia carrier comprises one or more windows corresponding to the size, shape and location of the openings in the supporting frame. A non-interlaced simple print or photo image selected by the end user is positioned onto the detachable cover/s resulting in a customizable display. When the motor is activated, the display will comprise animated visual effects that have been professionally and industrially created in advance and a static image that will have special meaning for the owner of the display unit.

Abstract: A changeable message display system comprises a magnetically attractable signboard, a plurality of signs, and a sign support. The signboard has an outer perimeter that defines a generally planar sign-receiving surface. Each of the signs is formed of a unitary piece of flexible magnetic sheet material. Each of the signs has dimensions that are substantially the same as the sign-receiving surface of the signboard. Each of the signs is adapted for removable connection to the signboard by magnetic attraction in a manner so that, when connected, the sign is generally co-extensive with substantially the entire sign-receiving surface of the signboard.

Abstract: A Fish Handling System For Big Game Tube Fishing is a single unit comprised of both a landing net and raised tabletop/inch incremented measuring board supported by a platform mounted atop two pontoons. Landing net access is obtained by lifting the hinged table/measuring board. The fish handling system has an adjustable multipurpose handle, when drawn taut it acts as the handle, when loosened it is used to attach the fish handling system to the float tube's D-rings using quick release clamps of preference. Thus providing a stable workstation and hands free landing net within comfortable reach of the float tube fisherman.

Abstract: The line cutter suitable for fitting to the body of a fishing rod is made as a single piece obtained by cutting out and stamping a metal plate. It comprises firstly a main body with a front portion, a rear portion, and two side portions, and secondly two longitudinal prongs extending the side portions of the main body rearwards. The plate is cut out and stamped in such a manner that, when the line cutter is mounted on the body of the fishing rod, the longitudinal prongs and at least the front portion of the main body are in contact with the body of the fishing rod, the rear portion of the main body being raised so as to allow the line to be pass thereunder, and in such a manner that between the rear portion of the main body and the longitudinal prongs, a cutout in the shape of an acute angle on one side defines a cutting zone, while on the other side there is provided a jamming zone for jamming the fishing line.

Abstract: A fish hook construction is provided which comprises a hook shank, a hook barb attached to the hook shank by a hook elbow and a sleeve attached to the hook shank. A wing construction shaped to be asymmetric about a vertical axis of the hook shank is attached to the sleeve. A hydrofoil also is attached to the sleeve.

Abstract: A pathogen-proof and humane rodent trap that asphyxiates the rodent inside of a small airtight compartment so that the dead animal cannot act as a source for production or distribution of infectious organisms, and can be safely disposed of. Two embodiments are shown, one comprising two telescoping tubular members compressed together by a rubber band or the like, and a break-away bait stick is lodged between the two tubular members to hold them apart. When a rodent chews the bait stick it breaks away, compressing the tubular members together and sealing off the entrance aperture. In another embodiment, a single cantilevered tubular member is used, and it rests on a central fulcrum to allow tipping one way or another. A trap door is folded under one end of the tubular member and it snaps shut when the tubular member is tipped. Both designs are humane and sanitary, simple to use, effective, child and pet safe, small, disposable, and inexpensive to manufacture.

Abstract: Ways to provide control of mosquitoes in the vicinity of human beings by leading mosquitoes into a strategically designed maze for capture. The maze takes advantage of the natural tracking instincts and flight patterns of mosquitoes. These tracking instincts consist of mosquito's natural ability to follow, to the source, detected body movement, body scents, odors, and gas emissions discharged from living people and other living warm-blooded animals. The maze also takes advantage of the natural flight patterns, habits and flight weakness of mosquitoes. Taking advantage the mosquitoes tracking instincts and flight patterns the maze has a series of precisely set openings, textured surfaces, a flight maze, and screen that passively lore's and captures mosquitoes. 4506473 March 1985 Waters 43/114. 4765090 August 1988 Kuan et al. 43/127. 4833818 May 1989 Beta 43/132.

Abstract: A biodegradable outdoor insect bait station for offering a toxic bait to a target insect. The bait station includes a bait matrix together with a housing for holding the bait matrix. The bait matrix has a core of toxic bait material and a biodegradable coating. When placed outdoors, moisture permeates the coating and liquifies the bait core making the entire matrix a food source for the target insect. The housing for holding the bait matrix may also be made biodegradable.

Abstract: The present invention provides an animal test chamber that has one or more side walls, a ceiling, and a floor to define an internal space in which animals can be housed and exposed to a chemical agent, a door, a port for introducing animals, an exhaust port, and one or more of the following four features. The first feature is a projector for projecting an image onto the chamber floor to assist in the counting of the knocked-down animals. The second feature is the capability of automatically washing/cleaning the chamber after a test. The third feature is the capability of simulating real life insecticide application conditions. The fourth feature is the capability of automatically dispensing the contents of an aerosol can into the chamber.

Abstract: Fuel additives, fuel formulations, and processes for their preparation and use are provided. The additives improve the combustion properties of hydrocarbon fuels. The enhanced combustion indicates reductions in certain emissions.

Abstract: A material for breaking up a xylene cluster formed by using mylonite and thus able to physically modify a liquid fuel with no additive. When crushed mylonite was actually packed into a bag, inserted into a gasoline tank, and immersed in the gasoline for a few hours, when the automobile is driven, the carbon dioxide in the exhaust gas was reduced by a vehicle average of 10%, the carbon monoxide was reduced by a vehicle average of 79%, the hydrocarbons was reduced by a vehicle average of 82%, and the black smoke (particulate matter) was reduced by a vehicle average of 48.5%. Gasoline contains a large amount of xylene. Xylene clusters are hard to break up even by mass spectrometry (ionization step) by a gas chromatography mass spectrometer. Mass spectrometry of pure xylene before immersion and after immersion of mylonite showed the clusters (polymers) were broken up and the monomers were greatly increased in weight ratio and number ratio.

Abstract: A decorative preformed flower pot cover having a texture or appearance simulating the texture or appearance of cloth disposed on or visible through at least a portion thereof is disclosed. The decorative preformed flower pot cover includes a preformed base, and the decorative preformed flower pot cover is formed from a polymeric material. At least a portion of one surface of the decorative preformed flower pot cover is modified to provide a texture or appearance simulating the texture or appearance of cloth. The decorative preformed flower pot cover may further include a decorative border extending outwardly from the preformed base.

Abstract: A reformer for a fuel cell and a fuel cell system including the same are shown. The reformer includes a heat source for providing heat to evaporate a mixed fuel and having a predetermined flow path length through which the mixed fuel passes and a catalyst layer lining the internal surface of the flow path, and a reforming reactor for generating hydrogen gas from the mixed fuel through a chemical catalytic reaction by the heat and having a predetermined flow path length through which the mixed fuel passes and a catalyst layer lining the internal surface of the flow path. Either the heat source, or the reforming reactor, or both are formed from an alloy of a barrier layer forming metal and a mechanical strength enhancing metal.

Abstract: A shutter panel apparatus having a shutter frame with a pair of stiles, spaced apart and generally parallel to one another, and a bottom rail and a top rail, each connected to the stiles. A plurality of generally parallel louvers are rotatably connected to the shutter frame such that each louver is rotatable along a longitudinal axis. The top rail is non-linear in shape and has a back face and a front face, the back face of the top rail having a recess therein for receiving the first end of an upper louver, the first end of the upper louver rotatably connected to the top rail. The invention has several embodiments and allows for the rotation of an upper louver or louvers where the top rail is arched, semi-circular or elliptical. The invention further allows for rotation of an upper louver or louvers where the shutter frame is circular, hexagonal or the like, and where the top rail is angled with respect to the stiles.

Abstract: A sliding window arrangement has an upper and a lower horizontal guide rail and a vertical rectangular window which is mounted between the guide rails and displaceable along the same. The window has at each upper corner a guide means which engages the upper guide rail, and at each lower corner a guide means which engages the lower guide rail. The lower guide rail has a stop means which is positioned so that the window, when on displacement towards a displacement end position it reaches this position, abuts against the stop means in its lower front corner and, owing to its kinetic energy, is tilted to a tilted position about an imaginary tilt axis extending perpendicular to the window. In the tilted position, the guide means located in the lower rear corner of the window is disengaged from the lower guide rail.

Abstract: An upper articulation device for windows and doors openable with swivel wing which include a fixed frame and a movable frame, comprising: an articulation device including a support element to be fastened to the fixed frame, a guiding element to be fastened to the movable frame and provided with a guiding groove and with an articulation seat, an arm having a first end connected in articulated fashion to said support element of the articulation device and a second end slidably articulated in said guiding groove, and a scissors lever having a first end articulated to the arm and a second end articulated around a fixed axis in said articulation seat of the guiding element. The second end of the scissors lever bears an articulation pivot pin which engages in snap-on fashion the articulation seat of the guiding element.

Abstract: A drive and lock assembly for driving a window shutter includes: (a) a first rail assembly including a slidable slide rail, the slide rail being attachable to the window shutter panel; (b) a first drive assembly including a rotatable drive shaft and a drive wheel, the rotatable drive wheel being attached to a first end of the drive shaft, the drive wheel contacting the slide rail; and (c) a mounting bracket assembly for mounting the drive shaft, the drive shaft extending through an aperture in a mounting bracket of the mounting bracket assembly adjacent the drive wheel; wherein the first drive assembly actuates movement of the drive wheel and therefore the slide rail, thereby moving the shutter panel between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: The specification discloses a pocket door assembly having a notch or recess in a pocket portion of the frame that allows for use of a protruding handle, such as a doorknob, to be used on a door portion of the assembly. In a second aspect, the specification discloses a latch mechanism for use with pocket doors that may utilize rotary handles, such as standard doorknobs.

Abstract: A door element or wall element having lower castors (12) which are movable on a runner (13) is equipped in the region of the castors (12) with a securing member (28) which, by entry of securing hooks (31, 32) into the runner (13), prevents the castors (12) from undesirably lifting off from the runner (13). The securing member (28), which is designed as a simple plastic part, is mounted movably, namely rotatably, on a castor axle (23) of the castor.