Abstract: A pointing device includes hall elements that detect inclinations of a magnet in first, second and third directions, and a control unit that determines a pointing direction with output voltages of the hall elements depending on the inclinations of the magnet.

Abstract: Orientable probe (10) comprising a probe feeler (6) capable of being oriented along a plurality of indexed directions around a rotation center (O), thanks to two mobile elements (4, 5) that can turn: the first around a first axis (B) and relatively to a fixed support (3); the second around a second axis (A) and relatively to the first mobile element. The feeler (6) is fixed in a shifted position relatively to the rotation center (O).

Abstract: A probe head for a coordinate measuring machine has a replaceable, miniaturized probe system with a stylus. The stylus is rigid and forms a structural unit together with a membrane-type sensor system that is deformed in a predetermined way when a force acts on the stylus. The structural unit is permanently fixed to a probe holder and can be handled together with the probe holder when the stylus is being replaced.

Abstract: A device that enables speedier wall-stud assembly and accuracy by providing a multi center jig. Three common stud centers include 16?, 19.2? and 24?. The jig of the present invention comprises; two stud holding end members, a central extension portion having an inner and an outer tube, telescopically engaged to one another wherein each tube member is fixedly attached to a side portion of a stud holding end member. The stud holding end member also incorporates a plate tab, which ensures plate to stud alignment. A wall start setting is also provided for each of the above-mentioned stud centers. A button latch locks the two halves at the desired setting.

Abstract: An electrician's center point device to simplify placing conduit holes in electrical enclosures wherein a device is provided having a stamp to imprint the center point of the conduit to the electrical enclosure. Diametric lines are drawn through the center point to facilitate the positioning of a conventional knockout set on the sidewall of the electrical enclosure for pulling a hole for a conduit there through.

Abstract: A hand-held measuring device shaped like home plate holds a reel of line having color coded markings representing distances related to the dimensions of a variety of different sizes of baseball or softball diamonds. An end ring at the end of the line and an anchoring ring at the back of the housing can be staked to the ground. The device allows for a single person to create a competition or practice field with the proper dimensions of a baseball or softball diamond for various sizes of professional or amateur fields.

Abstract: An electronic measuring device is disclosed which includes a pair of wheels connected to an axle that passes through a drive gear. The drive gear is enmeshed to a second gear which, in turn, is coaxially connected to an encoder disk. The encoder disk has spaced-apart fins around its outer periphery. As the wheels turn and the encoder disk rotates, the fins and openings between the fins pass between an emitter and a receiver. The emitter and receiver are linked to a controller which calculates the distance traversed by the wheels based upon the number of fins that pass between the emitter and receiver, or with an active counting system (ACS). The controller also includes functions to establish start and stop points for a measurement and an easy means for dividing a measured distance into equal parts or segments and a means for marking the boundary points that define the segments when the measuring device is rolled back across the measured distance. The device can be used on both planar and non-planar surfaces.

Abstract: A multiple component, interactive growth chart assembled from a plurality of growth chart components. The individual components are preferably building block type, and have means for coupling one component on top of another. The components have a disclosed height, so that a user can calculate the height of a person who is positioned proximate a chart comprised of a plurality of assembled components. Preferably, the components have a heart shape. In one embodiment, coupling means are provided to permit lateral and/or other coupling directions, in addition to straight north-south coupling, so as to provide greater play flexibility.

Abstract: This invention discloses systems and methods for control of a gas turbine or a gas turbine generator, where the gas turbine is connected to a dryer vessel in which gas turbine exhaust gases are used to heat treat a material in the dryer vessel. The control system comprises one or more sensors for temperature, moisture and/or flow rate in the dryer vessel and/or of the material inside, entering and/or exiting the dryer vessel and a controller responsive to the sensor for controlling the fuel and/or air flow into the gas turbine. This control system and method enables providing the appropriate heat output from the gas turbine to meet the process heat required for the desired material treatment. Optionally, the gas turbine can be a liquid fuel turbine engine, or a reciprocating engine can be substituted for the turbine engine.

Abstract: A cabinet dryer door includes a truss attached to the door to establish seal compression for adequate sealing of the door against the drying cabinet. The inner door has spacers molded into the inner door. The truss cooperates with the spacers to bias the door against the seal. The drying cabinet may utilize a pair of doors with at least one having a truss that establishes a seal compression in both of the doors. The truss is joined to the inner door by a screw located in the center of the truss. The method has the step securing a truss member to the door and curving the door to create a biasing force.

Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus includes a wafer guide, and a wafer detecting system to determine whether a wafer is properly seated on a hot plate, by detecting temperature variations for the hot plate when the wafer is positioned onto the hot plate.

Abstract: A gypsum dryer/calciner (1) includes a calcining space (2), a first pipe (4) exhibiting an inlet connected to a source of hot gases (3) and an outlet emerging in the calcining space (2); a second pipe (5) exhibiting an inlet connected to a source of gypsum (8) and an outlet emerging in the calcining space, the second pipe being concentric with the first pipe; a force-feeding screw (6) positioned at least partially in the second pipe, the said screw carrying the gypsum along in the calcining space. A process for calcining gypsum and to the plaster capable of being obtained by this process.

Abstract: This invention discloses systems and methods for conversion of manure to novel fertilizer and/or soil builder products useful as input for organic farming operations. The equipment systems comprise a gas turbine generator unit (preferred heat source), a dryer vessel and a processing unit, wherein the connection between the gas turbine and the dryer vessel directs substantially all the gas turbine exhaust into the dryer vessel and substantially precludes the introduction of air into the dryer vessel. The dryer vessel receives the manure for contact with the turbine exhaust gases to convert the manure to a dry material, which is passed to the processing unit where it is formed into granules, pellets or other desired form for the final dry fertilizer product. The method comprises drying, heating and converting the manure to form novel self binding fertilizer and soil builder type products for organic farming and other uses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for drying a product using a regenerative adsorbent, more in particular to such a method which can be carried out in an energy-saving manner. According to the invention, the product is dried by bringing it into contact with an adsorbent, water being taken up form the product by the adsorbent. Subsequently, the adsorbent is regenerated with superheated steam, steam being obtained, which steam comprises at least a part of the mentioned water.

Abstract: This invention discloses systems and methods for conversion of high moisture waste materials to dry or low moisture products for recycle or reuse. The equipment systems comprise a gas turbine generator unit (preferred heat source), a dryer vessel and a processing unit, wherein the connection between the gas turbine and the dryer vessel directs substantially all the gas turbine exhaust into the dryer vessel and substantially precludes the introduction of air into the dryer vessel and wherein the processing unit forms the dried material from the dryer vessel into granules, pellets or other desired form for the final product. Optionally, the systems and methods further provide for processing ventilation air from manufacturing facilities to reduce emissions therefrom.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a lower sole portion which has at least a lower heel region, and an upper sole portion which includes a front end connected to the lower sole portion and a remaining part extending rearwardly from the front end above the lower sole portion. The remaining part includes an upper heel region which is spaced apart from and extends above the lower heel region. The upper sole portion is formed integrally as one piece with the lower sole portion and is resilient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite outsole consisting of carbon fiber and titanium. In particular, the outsole comprises a carbon fiber portion and a titanium portion. The titanium portion is molded to the carbon fiber portion using adhesives and the like. The titanium portion provides increased strength and ductility to allow for additional features in the outsole, such as, for example, air flow vents that increase air circulation for breathability and moisture management as well as reduce drag.

Abstract: A therapeutic device includes a supporting member that continuously and flexibly supports and bounds a plurality of small sized hard surfaced force members that support a user's foot during movement without clumping. The force members are slidable relative to each other and require no additional lubrication although dry or non-tacky liquid lubrication may be added. The support member is positioned on a support surface of a shoe sole and a shoe is constructed including the same. Alternative designs include structural members or positioning stitches relative to the supporting member minimizing undesirable movement of force members during use.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole assembly, an upper secured to the sole assembly, a heel counter secured to the upper, and a heel pad removably attached to an inner surface of the heel counter.

Abstract: An apparatus, in its first, second, and third embodiments, that is intended to be temporarily attached to the soles of ski boots, whenever the wearer is not attached to skis and desires the ability to comfortably walk or desires protection for the soles of the ski boots. The first three embodiments generally comprise of sandal-like soles made of a resilient, elastic, springy material, which aids in the natural walking action by alternately compressing and releasing, adding energy to the step, thereby aiding walking while wearing ski boots. A fourth embodiment is made by altering the ski boots themselves so that the heel (41) and toe (40) sections of the boot are hinged (42) to the underside of the boot, and contain a spring that adds energy to each step taken by the user. The hinged sections are pinned against the boot while skiing.

Abstract: A footwear insole that is put into a footwear when used includes an insole body put in the footwear, and a load-applying part installed on a rear portion of the insole body to apply load to a user wearing the footwear with the insole body. When the user uses the footwear insole of the present invention, since the weight of the footwear is increased, the user can obtain an effect similar to a case that he/she wears a sandbag or a lead jacket, thereby increasing the burning of calories and exercise effect.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a logo on a shoe. The apparatus can include a body having a logo disposed thereon. A clip can also be provided having a base attached to a surface of the body. The clip can be formed as a blade extending a predetermined distance from the base adjacent to the surface.

Abstract: A snowplow and mount assembly comprising a mount frame adapted to be secured to a vehicle, and a snowplow frame. One of the mount frame and the snowplow frame has first and second arms and the other of the mount frame and snowplow frame has first and second receivers, the first and second receivers receiving the first and second arms, respectively. Respective ones of first and second latch pins removably secure the first and second arms in the first and second receivers. A latch lever is operably associated with the first and second latch pins and simultaneously actuates the latch pins to latched and unlatched positions. The snowplow frame includes a jack stand movable to and between an extended ground contacting and snowplow frame supporting position and a retracted ground noncontacting and snowplow frame nonsupporting position.

Abstract: A lightweight, adjustable snowplow, able to be lifted, carried, and manipulated by one person, adult or teenager, of normal strength, designed to remove new-fallen or otherwise soft snow or slush. It has a minimum number of parts. A plurality of struts attaches the plow to any kind of towing vehicle, providing horizontal and vertical stability. No brackets, hitches, or lifting devices are needed on the towing vehicle.

Abstract: An envelope of felt (or other fabric resistant to snow adhesion) into which a regular eighteen—twenty-two inch size snow shovel may be inserted, folded over to enclose the shovel and temporarily clasped in place by snaps or Velcro—and reinforceable in the area where the shovel blade would rest so as to afford optimal protection against marring the finish of a car or sport utility vehicle when the shovel handle is grasped in pushing snow from off the vehicle.

Abstract: An excavating tooth has an adapter, a point and a locking device. The adapter has a forwardly protruding nose, a channel and a body. The body of the adapter is configured to be secured to excavating equipment. The point has a rearwardly opening socket for receiving the adapter nose therein, a forward digging member, and an ear extending from a side wall of the point, the ear having a recess. The locking device has a rigid body and a depressible protrusion. The rigid body is configured for receipt in the channel of the point and the depressible protrusion is configured for receipt in the recess of the adapter. The protrusion resiliently engages the recess for tightening the point to the adapter. The nose of the adapter has a plurality of tongues and the socket of the point has a plurality of grooves for receiving the plurality of tongues.

Abstract: A wear assembly for attaching a wear member to a support structure that includes a wear member and a lock. The wear member includes a pair of legs to straddle the support structure, each with a hole that aligns with a hole in the support structure for receiving a lock to hold the wear member in place. Each hole includes a recess with an engagement surface facing generally away from the support structure for receiving portions of the lock. The lock includes a wedge provided with a thread formation that threadedly engages a second thread formation in the aligned holes so that rotation of the wedge axially drives the wedge.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a steam generating device comprising a control circuit for monitoring the temperature and controlling water filling and heating and steam discharging, and a sealed container which is highly temperature resistant. An electric heating tube is mounted in the container and a temperature sensor is mounted on the outer surface of the container. The electric heating tube and the temperature sensor are connected respectively to the control circuit. On the top of the container there is installed a four-way electromagnetic valve, and on the wall of the four-way electromagnetic valve there is installed a water intake tube connected to a water supply. A steam iron using the steam generating device is also disclosed in the present invention, wherein the steam iron can be used together with the steam generating device and has the virtue of continuous water filling steam generation.

Abstract: A linking element for use in conjunction with silk screening. The linking element, which includes apparatus enabling securement to the screening fabric, is attached to a strip of fabric to be secured to the stretching frame, enabling the use of a smaller screening fabric and more control over the tension. The element may be used in tandem.

Abstract: A nail-free interchangeable canvas frame is provided, which is adapted to fasten a canvas for a user to work on the canvas. The nail-free interchangeable canvas frame mainly includes a plurality of brackets and a plurality of fixing parts. Each bracket has a front side and a corresponding rear side. Each bracket has a clasp structure. The brackets are connected to each other to form a frame body. The canvas is adapted to be disposed on the front side of the brackets that form the frame body. The periphery of the canvas is adapted to be flipped and folded to the clasp structure of the bracket. The fixing part can fasten the periphery of the canvas to the clasp structures.

Abstract: A linking element for use in conjunction with silk screening. The linking element, which includes apparatus enabling securement to the screening fabric, is attached to a strip of fabric to be secured to the stretching frame, enabling the use of a smaller screening fabric and more control over the tension. The element may be used in tandem.

Abstract: The invention concerns an ironing accessory and an ironing method. The ironing accessory comprises a roughly V-shaped insert for a pants leg. The ironing accessory is further comprised of an area that serves as a handle, is enabled for theft-deterrence, and has a visual guide for alignment with the pants seam or the middle of the pants leg. The front and back of the device is disposed for promotional, advertising or identification information. The methods are for ironing pants using the device.

Abstract: A structure with variable geometric pattern and appearance which comprises: a first element having a first aperture whose outline defines a preset geometric or fancy figure; a flap or patch of fabric or cloth applied on the rear surface of said first element; a second element associated with the rear surface of said first element on the back of said fabric so that the said fabric will result interposed between the first and second elements, the same fabric being able to partly project from the surface defined by said first element or said second element, the surface of the latter being provided, likewise the surface of the first element, with one or more apertures; the said one or more apertures defining one or more writings and/or figures intended to result inside the area delimited by said first aperture and visible against the light through the cloth.

Abstract: An innovative mindset group is a useful and safe invention consisting of top portions of flat material that have printing which is contrasting with the background to provide a clear innovative mindset to assist on a short term or continual basis with remembering tasks to be completed or occurrences to observe and a smaller bottom portion of strong material that allows for the top portion's adherence and for the said bottom portion's underneath to adhere to a chosen location.

Abstract: A greeting or announcement card includes integrated picture mailer and frame. An illustrative embodiment of the card is made by die cutting thick paper stock. The card includes front and back portions disposed side-by-side, and a middle portion disposed under the back portion. Adhesive strips cover the inside of the back portion or of the middle portion. When the card is assembled, it is folded along a line to bring into contact the inside surfaces of the middle and back portions, forming a holding pocket open on one side. A picture can be inserted into the pocket and viewed through an aperture in the middle portion. After insertion, the front portion is folded towards the pocket, and the card is mailed. The card's recipient tears off the front portion, and pulls on a precut tab in the back portion, forming a picture frame with an easel-like stand.

Abstract: License plate frames having recessed areas in the frame surface which form characters, words, and/or graphics, and having an adhered layer of material of contrasting color on the frame surface.

Abstract: A marking device for identifying an electrical conductor includes a planar generally annular marker body containing at least one opening for receiving the conductor, and a plurality of coplanar outwardly extending portions containing mutually isolated pockets for receiving planar indicia-bearing tags, respectively. In one embodiment, the body is deformable and contains at least two creased portions that permit adjustment of the size of the opening to correspond with the diametrical size of the conductor that is to be identified.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a combination memory disk and liquid ornament comprising a memory disk and a liquid ornament. The liquid ornament is coupled with the body of the memory disk. The liquid ornament has at least one liquid and a decorative structure.

Abstract: New and useful sign structure is provided, that is designed to be (i) efficient and cost effective to produce, (ii) easily and efficiently assembled, in order to change the message conveyed by the sign structure, and (iii) effectively rotated by the air movement in the vicinity of the sign structure. The sign structure comprises a support rod, and a sign comprising a specially formed panel that is rotatable on the support rod. A bearing surface is integrally connected with the panel (preferably formed in one piece with the panel) and extends along a predetermined portion of the panel. The bearing surface is configured to slide over the support rod and to rotate on the support rod, so that the panel is rotatable about the support rod. In a preferred form, the panel comprises a synthetic material having a corrugated configuration with at least one corrugation forming the bearing surface for the panel.

Abstract: A modular, thin profile backlit display menuboard provides multiple display panels supported at their rear edge against horizontal tracks which provide for support, leveling, and cable ways for simple interconnection of an arbitrary number of display panels to create a flexible menuboard system.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating an optical illusion in the structural opening of a building includes a flexible web having an image disposed thereon and a fastening mechanism integrally formed with the flexible web so as to operatively interact with the structural opening to selectively fasten the flexible web to the structural opening. An integral biasing mechanism is formed with the flexible web for biasing the flexible web in an unfurled manner.

Abstract: An adjustable support structure for temporary sign displays formed from a vertically oriented rigid panel having a plurality of length and angle adjustable support arms. Each arm has a distal end thumb screw attachment to a T-nut on the sign. The arm is adjustably anchored to the panel by a bolt extending from the panel through a longitudinal oval slot in the arm to engage a wingnut. Additional hardware prevents loss of movable parts. Sign stiffening battens are tethered to the panel. A stiffening tray parallely spaced apart from the back of the panel further bears against and secures the support arms.

Abstract: A label (201) has a grip tab in the region A and an embossing or other deformation (205), due to which the grip tab stands up in the edge region between deformation and tab edge. Through the deformation (205/305), a material tension is built up which causes the film layer (302) to stand up at the edge of the region A of the grip tab. A material tension of this type preferably builds up when using plastic films as the film layer (302). Either no adhesive is applied or the effect of an adhesive layer applied over the entire area is partially or completely canceled out by suitable agents (e.g., “adhesive killers”) in the region A of the grip tab. In any case, the adhesive effect on the bottom in region A is reduced in relation to the adhesive effect in the directly adjoining region.

Abstract: An adhesive shelf talker is provided with upper and lower end portions that are selectively separable from one another. The upper end portion provides non-promotional product information, while the lower end portion provides the promotional information for the product. A two-part release liner is provided so that the upper end portion may adhere to a shelf edge while leaving the lower end portion of the shelf talker, which hangs below the shelf, unexposed.

Abstract: Firearms having a barcode on an external surface and methods of providing the same are disclosed. An illustrated firearm includes a substantially even exterior metal surface that has a barcode formed therein. The barcode includes fine grooves or bars such that the exterior metal surface appears raised in an area of the barcode.

Abstract: A storage unit includes a nozzle unit, a storage space holding an active substance, an openable closure element sealing the storage space, a store output that includes the nozzle unit and a nozzle entry space having a circumferential inner wall arranged between a nozzle inlet and the closure element and a propellant charge and a firing charge for firing the propellant charge in order to force the active substance out of the storage space through the store output into a free environment, where the closure element is configured to remain attached to the storage unit and not interfere with the discharge of the active substance.

Abstract: This invention replaces a stationary handgrip with a repositionable trigger system which allows the user to quickly reconfigure the trigger system to offset the trigger to either the right or to the left. This allows the user to protect his shooting hand from return fire from the enemy. A previous design from the inventor was a minimal exposure weapon which protected all of the shooter, with exception of the shooter's firing hand, by allowing the shooter from behind a wall or a corner. The present invention complements the previous invention as well as other weapons by protecting the shooter's hand.

Abstract: An air gun trigger group in air sniper guns is mountable separately, the base and load applied to the trigger during fall of trigger being adjustable. The air gun trigger group has a safety device and is mounted to the gun afterwards. The air gun trigger group includes a trigger group case, catch, catch holder, catch releasing lever, trigger, catch spring, trigger spring, coupling screw, safety tail coupling pin, spring guide, safety sheet, safety tail, safety part, manual safety sheet, safety spring, safety part spring, case bush, trigger calibration bolt and a catch calibration bolts.

Abstract: An attachment for a firearm having a barrel with a barrel nut mechanism located around an aft portion of said barrel. The attachment includes a shield or supplemental mechanism which is positioned close to the barrel. An attachment mechanism having a first and second claw diametrically opposed to each other, are positioned to be accepted by the barrel nut mechanism secured to the barrel. In the preferred embodiment, the attachment completely encircles the barrel using an upper portion and a lower portion which is swivelly connected to said attachment mechanism at a first end and a locking mechanism securable to the upper portion of the barrel handguard.

Abstract: A buttstock for a firearm is provided and includes a buttstock frame and a buttstock accessory. The buttstock frame has a frame wall with an exterior surface. The buttstock accessory is supported on the buttstock frame along the exterior surface.