Abstract: A probe (30) for use in surface measurement equipment such as a profilometer. The probe includes a holder (32), a head member (35), and a connecting member (37). The connecting member has a first end and a second end. The holder has a first recess (33) at one end thereof for receiving the first end of the connecting member. The head member has a second recess spanning from an outer surface to a central portion thereof for receiving the second end of the connecting member. The first end of the connecting member has a similar shape to the first recess of the holder and is fixed in first recess by adhering, welding or doweling. The second end of the connecting member has a similar shape to the second recess of the head member and is fixed in the second recess by adhering or welding.

Abstract: A template for locating the placement of the vents for an HVAC system is provided. The template includes a body defining a first set of parallel edges. Further, the body defines longitudinal and latitudinal walls of a rectangular aperture. The longitudinal walls run parallel to the first set of parallel edges and the latitudinal walls run perpendicular to the first set of parallel edges. The rectangular aperture is useable to define a location of a vent for an HVAC system on at least one of a floor or wall. At least one adjustment aperture is defined by the body beside at least one of the latitudinal or longitudinal walls to accommodate the defining of a location for a vent having at least one of different width or length than provided by the rectangular aperture.

Abstract: A dipstick that measures and externally indicates the temperature and level of a fluid within a fluid reservoir. For example, in one embodiment the dipstick measures and externally indicates the oil temperature and oil level of oil within an oil reservoir of a motorcycle or other vehicle. The fluid temperature and level are indicated on an externally viewable portion of the dipstick, such as an exposed end or cap. The viewable portion indicates the fluid level when the fluid temperature is within guidelines recommended by the manufacturer or when the fluid temperature reaches a minimum threshold temperature.

Abstract: A tubular measuring device is disclosed having measuring indicia disposed on an outer surface thereof, wherein the measuring device is bendable to facilitate obtaining a measurement of a distance having a complex and an irregular shape and an efficiency in the measuring thereof is maximized.

Abstract: A measuring device includes a spool mounted in a housing having opposing front and rear ends. A string is wound about the spool, and has an end is attached to a marker located outside the housing. The string winds and unwinds relative to the spool upon rotation thereof. A rocker arm, which carries a first reference mark, is pivotally attached to a support attached to the housing at the front end thereof. The rocker arm carries a second reference mark, which can be aligned with the first reference mark by pivoting the rocker arm. A brake is mounted in the housing, which moves between a first position against the spool inhibiting its rotation, and a second position away from the spool permitting its rotation. The brake is biased for movement in its first position, and a handle is provided for operating the brake.

Abstract: A braking structure of measuring tape, including a housing, a tape rule contained in the housing and a braking mechanism, characterized in that: a push button is formed onto the housing, by pushing the push button into the housing to keep it at a lower position; a braking plate of the braking mechanism would effectively suspend the movement of the tape rule, and after that, if the push button is pushed downward again, the braking mechanism would push the push button upward and return to its higher position, and the braking plate of the braking mechanism would separate the tape rule and the movement of the tape rule would not be suspended.

Abstract: The invention described herein includes a dryer device comprising: a flexible main body comprising one or more flexible sheets, wherein the main body defines a plurality of slits; and a static eliminating patch portion of the main body.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for treating sludge such as sewage, waste water, etc. using micro-wave and hot air, wherein an energy required for the treatment of the sludge can be reduced and the efficiencies of reuse and treatment of the sludge can be improved by using the micro-wave and the hot air especially with heat-absorbing material to decompose and solubilize the sludge and to reduce a quantity of the sludge.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for reducing or eliminating electrostatic charging of wafers during a spin-dry step of wafer cleaning is disclosed. The method includes rinsing a wafer, typically by dispensing a cleaning liquid such as deionized water on the wafer while spinning the wafer; and spin-drying the wafer by sequentially rotating the wafer in opposite directions. The apparatus includes a wafer support platform that is capable of sequentially rotating a wafer in opposite directions to spin-dry the wafer.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a dryer that uses a high speed blower (12) producing high velocity air, a heater (14) and an optimized air outlet (16) to generate both optimal force and temperature at the user's hands. The air outlet is sized and shaped to maintain direction of air flow, and to entrain a sufficient amount of air so as to increase the force of the airstream while not entraining too much air in the core region of the airstream which otherwise would significantly reduce the airstream impact force and temperature. These result in reduced drying time and in-process comfort and comfort afterwards.

Abstract: A cyclone condensing apparatus having a structure in which air of high-temperature and high-humidity sufficiently contacts cooling water, and condensed water is efficiently discharged to the outside, and a washing/drying machine having the cyclone condensing apparatus. The cyclone condensing apparatus includes an air inlet connected to the upper part of a casing having a conical shape along a tangential direction; an air outlet disposed along the central line of the casing, and a plurality of cooling water spray nozzles disposed along the circumferential direction of the casing. A spiral groove for guiding condensed water downwards is formed in the inner circumferential surface of the casing, and a water-collecting container for collecting the condensed water is connected to the lower end of the casing.

Abstract: A double head sleeper structure mainly comprises a shoe body and two crossing shoestrings. The shoe body appears semicircular at both ends and a little concave in the middle of two sides. The size of shoe body varies to meet different user's need. The shoestring length is four fifth of the shoe body length. The two shoestrings cross with each other at the center of shoe surface of shoe body. The two ends of the shoestring attach the two opposite sides of shoe body at a position two third of the shoe body length from the shoe end. Such a design allows the user to put feet in shoes without need to watch for the shoe head direction. Particularly, when the feet are in shoes, the crossing point is forced to move a little forward, so the shoes look just like traditional design to cover the feet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a comfortable shoe structure capable of preventing relative displacement between the shoe pad and the shoe, so as to make the walk comfortable. The shoe structure includes: a sole assembly comprising a big sole and a mid sole integrally formed with the big sole; at least a comfortable block fixed between the big shoe and the mid shoe and partially protruded out of the mid shoe; a vamp, a lower edge of which located between the big sole and the mid shoe.

Abstract: A removable insole for footwear that provides increased comfort through cushioning, and restores balance to the heel and rearfoot through a graduated thickening of the insole from the center of the foot either outward towards the outside of the foot or inward toward the instep of the foot.

Abstract: A method of making an insole includes the steps of (a) providing a base sheet material having through holes, (b) immersing the base sheet material in a filling material for enabling the filling material to fill up the through holes, (c) baking the base sheet material to cure the filling material, (d) splitting the base sheet material to a desired thickness, (e) bonding a fabric layer to one side of the base sheet material, (f) cutting the base sheet material into semi-finished insole, (g) stamping the semi-finished insole into a finished insole where the filling material protrudes over the top and bottom sides of the base sheet material, and the fabric layer has raised portions supported on the protruded filling material corresponding to the through holes.

Abstract: An article of footwear having an upper, a sole, and a tightening system, the tightening system having a tightening plate arranged in the area of the instep zone of the article of footwear, the tightening plate having on each medial and lateral side, respectively, at least one channel for the passage of a tightening cord/lace, the sole and/or the upper having on each medial and lateral side, respectively, at least one guide arranged in the vicinity of the sole and adapted to the passage of the tightening cord/lace, the tightening cord/lace having at least one strand running along an alternating path between each guide and channel of the upper/sole and tightening plate, respectively, a blocking mechanism being associated with each strand of the cord/lace, the tightening plate being displaceable at least vertically in relation to the sole by traction on the cord/lace.

Abstract: An article of protective footwear in the form of a boot (10) protects a foot (12) of a user against effects of a landmine explosion. A composite sole volume (16) between an outer sole (18) and an inner sole (20) incorporates shock wave guide elements (28) of a material having a high acoustic speed, in the form of glass strips which extend spatially from the outer sole (18) obliquely laterally outwardly to a side of the sole volume. The strips (28) are surrounded by liquid. Above the strips (28) and below the inner sole (20), there is provided a barrier of material having a low acoustic speed, e.g. vermiculite. Surrounding the foot (12), opposed to the sole of the foot, there is provided a fluid having a high acoustic speed, e.g. glycerin to ensure effective transfer of any shock wave component entering the foot, away from the foot.

Abstract: The golf shoes spikes are made of a single piece of molded plastics and are easily attached to and detached from the sole of golf shoes using coins or a spike wrench. The golf shoes spikes in accordance with the present invention are attached to or detached from the sole of golf shoes and consist of the following parts: the tongue in the upper part that are screwed into the attachment nut at the sole of golf shoes; the lower part formed by four active protrusions placed in equal 90 degree angles; four protrusions lower in height than those described in the immediately preceding segment; concave straight-line groove connecting a pair of diagonally placed lower protrusions that prevent slipping and anchor the center of weight, which can be used to screw or unscrew the spike units using coins; and the pair of holes to jibe with a spike wrench placed in the pair of lower protrusions which do not have the concave straight-line groove described in the immediately preceding segment.

Abstract: The footwear sole includes: a base plate (1) having a plurality of pressure rods (2) engagedly inserted from the base surface; through holes (3) disposed on the front portion of the base plate for retaining pressure rods (2) penetrating through a resilient compression plate (4) with which the back surface of the base plate (1) is backed, being covered with a bottom plate (5).

Abstract: A modular proprioceptive orthopedic sole for re-establishing and/or preserving the correct dynamics of running or walking. The sole is made of an elastic material, and includes elements (1) on the upper surface thereof for activating the articular receptors disposed between the astragalus and the calcaneum as soon as a step is habitually initiated by the heel, and elements (3,4,5) guiding the foot when it becomes engaged on the physiological axis of walking; and on the lower surface thereof at least one removable correction element (11,23,13,14) which can result in an abduction or adduction when a deficient or too large step occurs and/or which can correct a varus, valgus, supination and/or pronation.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an excavation method is provided that includes the steps of: (a) contacting a rotating powered cutting head 440 of an excavator 400 with an excavation face 452, wherein, at any one time, a first set of the cutting elements is in contact with the excavation face and a second set of the cutting elements is not in contact with the excavation face, the cutting head excavating the excavation face in at least a first direction; and (b) during the contacting step, using an elongated support member 404 extending from the excavator 400 to a powered device 118 to apply a force to the excavator 400 in at least the first direction to provide at least a portion of the cutting force. The powered device 118 is located at a distance from the excavator 400.

Abstract: In one, aspect of the present invention, a plow protection device is disclosed. Such a device may, for example, protect a plow against substantial damage from impact with an obstruction such as a utility cover. In various embodiments of the present invention, the plow protection device multiplies velocity, distance, and kinetic energy at the point of impact between the plow and the obstruction to lift the plow's cutting edge up and away from the obstruction and the road or other plowing surface. By actively lifting the cutting edge over the impacted obstruction, embodiments of the present invention thereby limit the duration and severity of impact and minimize the resulting stresses. In another aspect of the present invention, a wear protector is provided to protect one or more components of the present invention and/or plow from wear due to friction with the plowing surface.

Abstract: A hydraulic excavator is equipped with one or more downsizing scheme including at least one of: (i) a bubble removing device for removing bubbles in hydraulic fluid, (ii) a hydraulic tank including a main tank and a variable capacity tank arranged separately from each other, and (iii) a variable capacity tank or hydraulic tank which is fitted to the rear surface of the upper cover of the seat-side block. Thus, the lateral section of the seat can be ultimately downsized to provide a large space around the seat. Then, unlike the prior art, a canopy or a cab of a larger hydraulic excavator can be securely arranged on the upper swing body of a small hydraulic excavator. Since such large parts can be commonly used with large hydraulic excavators, it is possible to significantly reduce the cost of the hydraulic excavator.

Abstract: An impact tool is provided for applying impact energy to a material, the impact tool comprising a fork portion having a first tine, a second tine, and a base portion; an exciter component at one end of the first tine, configured to excite the first tine to resonate at a given frequency, the second tine configured to resonate sympathetically with the first tine; and a striking surface on one or both tines, the striking surface configured to contact the material so as to apply impact energy to the material. A method for applying impact energy to a material is provided, the method comprising raising the tines away from the material; actuating the exciter component to cause the tines to resonate at a given frequency; and positioning one of tines to strike the material so as to apply impact energy to the material.

Abstract: A demolition claw has a support, a pivot pin mounted on the support and centered on and extending along an axis, and two jaws each having a hole through which the pivot pin extends so that the jaws can pivot on the support about the axis. The jaws have adjacent the respective holes confronting flat faces. An arcuate formation fixed on one of the faces adjacent the respective hole projects axially therefrom toward the other of the faces and is generally centered on the axis. A retaining formation fixed on the other of the faces adjacent the respective hole projects axially therefrom toward the one face, is radially offset from the arcuate formation, axially overlaps the arcuate formation, and surrounds the arcuate formation. Structure is provided on one of the jaws for preventing axial separation of the jaws.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating to locate a missing person comprising a body containing a writing surface, wherein the body containing the writing surface has a front side and a back side, indicia relating to a missing person and an area for an autograph portion. The apparatus also has an area for a reward portion and sponsor portion. The present invention also is a method for assisting to locate a missing person using the above-described apparatus.

Abstract: A pocket card including at least one pocket as fastened to one or more covers or other pockets for allowing a variety of inserts to be stored therein.

Abstract: A LED sign includes a figure sign, a light guider and a plurality of LED illuminators. The light guider is shaped corresponding to the figure sign, and has an illumination channel. The LED illuminators are spacedly disposed within the illumination channel of the light guider for generating lights towards the illumination channel in such a manner that the lights are accumulated within the illumination channel to form a continuous illumination effect along the illumination channel.

Abstract: A neon sign arrangement includes a supporting frame, a displaying cover, and a neon light unit. The supporting frame has a first displaying side and an opposed second displaying side. The displaying cover has a displaying character mounted on the first displaying side. The neon light unit includes a neon light tube which has a character sign portion and is supported by the supporting frame, and a power controller which is electrically connected to the neon light tube such that when it is powered up, it forms as a light source to highlight the displaying cover as well as generate a neon light effect at the second displaying side.

Abstract: A sign assembly for attachment to a supporting surface. The supporting surface is preferably a portion of a vehicle. The sign assembly preferably includes a display member having indicia formed thereon, a flexible member and an anchoring member operably associated with the display member for anchoring the display member to a portion of a vehicle. The flexible member allows the display member to move relative to the anchoring member to compensate for forces exerted on the display member.

Abstract: A portable safety traffic controller station is provided having a base unit having a rear base support, a front base support, and at least one transverse brace joining the rear base support and the front base support; a seat secured to a seat mounting frame, the seat mounting frame secured to the base unit; a rotationally movable sign pole supported by the base unit; a shading pole releasably mounted to the base unit; and means for shading releasably secured to the shading pole.

Abstract: A menuboard system provides curvable mounting rails formed of laminated elements that may slide with respect to each other to accept a curve and then be tightened together to resist straightening after the curve is set. Display panels may be hung from the mounting rails by angled mounts allowing flexible orientation of the display panels as held by the curved mounting rails.

Abstract: A tab for attaching to sheet material comprises a substrate, a cut and an adhesive. The substrate includes a front side and a back side opposite the front side, and the substrate further includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The cut through the upper portion of the substrate forms a flap. The adhesive is along the lower portion of the back side of the substrate, and the upper portion of the substrate is free of adhesive.

Abstract: A tab for attaching to sheet material comprises a substrate including a front side, a back side opposite the front side, an upper portion, a middle portion, and a lower portion. The tab includes a cut through the middle portion of the substrate to form a flap, an adhesive along the upper portion of the back side and along the lower portion of the back side of the substrate, and a fold-line through the middle portion which allows the substrate to be folded. When the substrate is folded along the fold-line, the flap extends beyond the fold-line and the back side of the upper portion faces the back side of the middle portion.

Abstract: A decorative assembly for decorating a thin panel display screen having a frame is provided. The decorative assembly comprises a decorative frame having a rear surface. In addition, the decorative assembly further comprises a decorative fabric material sleeve affixed to the rear surface of the frame. The fabric material fits over each corner of the thin panel display screen to secure the decorative frame over at least a portion of the thin panel display screen frame. Lastly, the decorative frame and the decorative fabric material of the decorative assembly each provide a decorative effect to the thin panel display screen to which the decorative frame and the decorative fabric material sleeve are attached.

Abstract: A multi-variable, multi-parameter projectile launching and testing device includes; a.) an elongated hollow acceleration tube having a firing end and an exit end; b.) firing mechanism functionally connected to the firing end of the elongated acceleration tube to create sufficient force to accelerate a projectile through the elongated acceleration tube; c.) a heating mechanism for temperature control of a projectile; d.) rotation means functionally connected to the elongated acceleration tube for rotating it; e.) a first control mechanism for variable control of the firing means; f.) a second control mechanism for variable control of the heating means; and, g.) a third control mechanism for variable control of the rotation mechanism. A user may accelerate a projectile through the elongated acceleration tube with a pre-selected force, at a pre-selected temperature and with a pre-selected rate of rotation using the first, the second and the third control mechanism.

Abstract: Compliant mechanisms whose dominant modes of vibration match the desired kinematics for locomotion in a given environment are used to mimic motions of a living animal. Mechanisms are simple and mechanically robust. They may have as few as one actuator, which excites the compliant portion to vibrate in a natural mode that results in motion that mimics a living animal. Additional actuators may drive directional elements such as flippers. Models for compliant mechanism bodies were derived and used to identify actuator, material, and geometrical properties of the required mechanisms. The design and fabrication techniques of mechanisms implementing these ideas is also presented. Experiments found that important features of fish-swimming kinematics can be captured qualitatively by compliant mechanisms. The resulting mechanism swimming performance was ? of the real fish performance, comparable to current robotic fish.

Abstract: A casting spinner lure having a screw-like connector, retainer, and leader line with attached hook or artificial bait. The screw-like connector and retainer supports the leader line to minimize the hook or artificial bait from becoming tangled with the fishing line or lure itself The screw-like connector permits exchangeability of the hook or artificial bait.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shaped article of manufacture formed from a vegetable-based composition comprising a combination of vegetable-based compound(s) and insect wax wherein the combination of ingredients provides enhanced release properties and unique and desirable aesthetic characteristics.

Abstract: An additive composition comprises at least one colloidal metal compound or metallic species and a stabilising component, wherein the stabilising component comprises the product obtainable by the condensation reaction between: (i) at least one aldehyde or ketone or reactive equivalent thereof, and (ii) at least one compound comprising one or more aromatic moieties bearing at least one hydroxyl group and at least one further substituent chosen from a hydrocarbyl group, —COOR1 or COR1, wherein R1 represents hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group. The composition may further include at least one lubricity enhancer. Compositions of the invention tend to resist haziness, cloudiness and phase separation at relatively low and relatively high temperatures, and in the presence of lubricity enhancers and fatty acid methyl esters (FAME).

Abstract: The system is a self-oxidation internal heating steam reforming system for conducting self-oxidation of a raw material gas under the presence of oxygen and conducting steam reforming to generate a hydrogen-rich reformed gas. The system includes a steam generator including a combustion section for combusting an air-fuel mixture obtained by mixing a combustion air with a fuel, thereby heating water using a combustion gas generated in the combustion section to generate hydrogen; a first sucking-mixer for sucking the raw material gas into a steam stream coming from the steam generator to obtain a raw material-steam mixture; and a reformer for oxidizing the raw material gas in the raw material-steam mixture by an oxygen-containing gas supplied from outside, thereby conducting steam reforming of the raw material gas using the reaction heat of the oxidation to generate a hydrogen-rich reformed gas.

Abstract: An autothermal reformer or a catalytic partial oxidizer (19) receives flow of desulfurized hydrocarbon fuel from a hydrogen desulfurizer (HDS) (15) through an orifice (13a). A differential pressure transducer (13b) provides a signal (24a) to a fuel-flow differential-pressure schedule (13c) to provide a fuel flow signal (24b) which is (25) subtracted from fuel command (26), to provide a valve position signal 30a from a proportional/integral gain (29), being linearized (58) to control the fuel valve (12). The minimum (59) of actual fuel flow (24b) and fuel flow command (59) is applied to an air/fuel schedule (33). The resulting air flow command is compared with actual air flow (41b) to provide an air flow control signal 48a which is linearized (60) after proportional/integral gain (47) to provide air flow command (48b) to a blower (49). Differential pressure (42b) across an orifice (42a) is provided to a schedule (42c) which converts to the actual air flow feedback (41b).

Abstract: A gasification furnace and a combustion furnace are integrated with each other to form a single fluidized-bed gasification and combustion furnace in which unburned char generated in the gasification furnace is combusted in the combustion furnace, and the thus generated heat of combustion is utilized as a heat source for gasification. The fluidized-bed gasification and combustion furnace (1) comprises a gasification furnace (3) and a combustion furnace (4) which are divided by a first partition wall (2). In the gasification furnace (3), a revolving flow of the fluidized medium is formed by diffusion devices (32, 33) provided on furnace bottoms, and an upward flow of the fluidized medium partly flows in the combustion furnace (4). The combustion furnace (4) is divided into a main partition wall (5).

Abstract: A rotating barrier for a gateway (5) has a rotatable blocking element (2) having a single blocking arm (1) which blocks the gateway (5) in the blocking position and is rotated between the blocking positions by 360° in each case. Further provided are an access authorization reader (7) and a people sensor (8) whose detection area (9) is located in front of the blocking arm (1) in the blocking position thereof.

Abstract: A pin having an enlarged head is fixed to a lower end portion of a sliding rear side door. The pin is disposed at a point corresponding to a door slide opening formed in a side sill, and the enlarged head of the pin is goes into a box member incorporated in the side sill through the door slide opening when the sliding rear side door is closed. A lower rail having a downward-opening U-shaped cross section is welded to a top plate portion of the box member. A lower roller unit fixed to the sliding rear side door fits into the lower rail, whereby the lower rail guides the sliding rear side door during opening and closing operation thereof. A vertical wall portion of the box member is welded to a first reinforcement member which passes generally vertically through the side sill.

Abstract: Various improvements to windows are described including a better way to fit window glass to a surround frame which does not result in any unsightly projection and which allows different thicknesses of glass to be accommodated. Another improvement enables larger commercial windows to be fitted to a track from the inside of the building.

Abstract: A method and device for closing sliding doors are presented. The device includes a U-shaped channel having a carriage disposed therein. The carriage includes a plurality of wheels and side and bottom bores. The bottom bore is adapted to receive a portion of a connecting element and the side bore is adapted to receive a portion of a bolt. An electromechanical unit partially expels the bolt into the side bore, thus locking the sliding door.

Abstract: A weather strip adapted to be mounted on a door of a vehicle: the weather strip has a mount base part including an interior-side engagement portion and an exterior-side engagement portion which are engageable with a pair of engagement recesses provided on a mount portion of a door. A neck portion extends from the interior-side engagement portion. A hollow seal part includes a bottom wall portion extending from the neck portion substantially linearly and substantially in parallel with the interior-side engagement portion of the mount base part. A predetermined space is formed between the bottom wall portion and the interior-side engagement portion. A seal wall is provided on a side of the bottom wall portion which is opposite to a surface of the bottom wall portion facing the interior-side engagement portion.

Abstract: A vehicle door assembly for a motor vehicle including a door frame, a trim panel secured removably to the door frame, and a carrier plate positioned between the door frame and the door trim panel. The vehicle door assembly further includes a door component fastened to both the door frame and to the carrier plate. Preferably, the door frame structurally carries at least 50 percent of the weight of the door component. An assembly including the carrier plate, the door component, and the door trim panel may be delivered as a unit to an assembly line of the motor vehicle for mounting to the door frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aqueous composition useful for polishing nonferrous metal interconnects on a semiconductor wafer comprising oxidizer, inhibitor for a nonferrous metal, complexing agent for the nonferrous metal, modified cellulose, 0.01 to 5% by weight copolymer of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, and balance water, wherein the copolymer of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid has a monomer ratio (acrylic acid/methacrylic acid) in the range of 1:30 to 30:1 and the copolymer has a molecular weight in the range of 1K to 1000K.