Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to calibrating a measuring device by comparing a set of master measurement data against a set of current measurement data. Adjustments are made to the measuring device based on the difference between the current measurement data and the master measurement data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surface roughness/contour shape measuring apparatus that can move a probe relative to a workpiece within an orthogonal X-Y plane while employing a relatively inexpensive construction. In the surface roughness/contour shape measuring apparatus (1), the probe (6, 7) and a driving unit (4) for driving the probe (6, 7) in one predesignated direction are connected together by a connecting member (8) capable of moving the probe (6, 7) in one predesignated direction relative to the driving unit (4).

Abstract: Device for cutting and marking a metal cable Device for cutting and marking a metal cable (16), comprising means (12, 18) for cutting the cable (16) and marking means (20) for marking the cable (16) with a mark at a predetermined distance (d) from the cutting plane (C), cutting and marking being simultaneous.

Abstract: A centrifugal pellet dryer including a stationary cylindrical screen, a driven elevating rotor in said screen elevating wet pellets inside the screen and imparting radial forces to the wet pellets to impact them against the interior of the screen to enable moisture on the pellets to be separated and discharged through the screen, a housing enclosing the screen and rotor and including an inlet for a slurry of pellets, an outlet for dried pellets and an outlet for water removed from the pellets. The side walls of the housing are constructed of a plurality of relatively large, flat panels made of plastic sheet material are supported in a metal framework to attenuate noise of the dryer produced by rotation of the drier rotor and impact of the wet pellets against the screen. A dewaterer in advance of the dryer also has walls made of plastic sheet material.

Abstract: A self-cleaning centrifugal pellet dryer and method for removing surface moisture from pellets and enabling complete removal of all pellets from the dryer after each drying cycle. By eliminating dried pellets retained in the dryer, contamination of different type pellets dried during a subsequent drying cycle is avoided. Air and water under pressure are discharged toward various pellet hang-up points in the dryer to remove retained pellets.

Abstract: A technique for end-grain creation is employed for obtaining rapid and uniform drying of lumber while simultaneously reducing warp. The stability-kerfing responsible for the improved drying of the lumber decreases the edgewise bending strength by less than ten percent, a loss readily recovered due to the ability of stability-kerfing to achieve lower and more uniform moisture contents than those realized in the contemporary drying of lumber. This overall improvement in moisture content greatly increases the edgewise bending strength for stability-kerfed construction lumber by comparison to that for contemporary construction lumber. Its improved moisture condition at the time of entry into the marketing stream also fosters future dimensional stability compared to that for contemporary lumber. The required stability-kerfing is easily accomplished by the specialized implementation of existing saw equipment and associated technology into the contemporary processing lines.

Abstract: A hair drying and shaping system is provided and has a vacuum channel connected to a vacuum source for containing hair disposed therein for treatment; a hot air channel connected to a hot air source and having communication with the vacuum channel for measurable delivery of heated air into the vacuum channel; and a control interface for determining, setting, and activating features and parameters thereof during operation.

Abstract: A vacuum dryer and method for drying granular or powdery material including at least one canister for holding said material being movable among a series of locations including material heating and vacuum drying locations, means for moving said canister among said locations, and means for directing heating air to a canister for delivery to said canister at a selected position on said canister for heated air passage though material in said canister in a selected direction corresponding to the selected position at which said heated air is delivered to said canister.

Abstract: A hopper for dehumidifying loose particulate material, of the type constituted by a container for the particulate material, which is provided, in an upper region, with a covering provided with a manifold for loading the hopper; an air dehumidification device being functionally connected to the hopper; an area for venting the air that is present in the container being provided on the covering and being functionally associable with the intake of the air dehumidification device. The hopper further comprises air filtering elements which are arranged substantially at the venting area.

Abstract: A fabric article treating device having a dispenser adapted for location inside of a fabric article drying appliance and a removable reservoir. The dispenser and reservoir are adapted for fluid communication with one another. The reservoir is configured to contain a benefit composition and to minimize leakage of the benefit composition during installation and removal of the removable reservoir. Corresponding male and female fitments establish fluid communication between the dispenser and the reservoir. The male fitment is adapted to pivot to aid in engaging the female fitment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a safety crampon with generality put on, which encircles front/rear/left/right sides of shoes around a spike pad to elastically press and grip them so that the crampon is not come off from the shoes, thereby ensuring safety. Also, the safety crampon has excellent wearing feeling and walking owing to characteristics of an elastic material, can be put on all kinds of shoes including mountain-climbing boots, high-heeled shoes, and rubber shoes, allows a user to safely climb a mountain and safely walk on a skiddy icy road of the ground, and has a conveniently portable advantage.

Abstract: A footwear sole structure for dynamically directing interacting forces between a user's foot and the footwear during a stride, including an inner sole located adjacent the user's foot, a mid-sole located between the inner sole and the footwear, and a rib ribbon force transfer structure located between the inner sole and the mid-sole wherein the rib ribbon includes a plurality of ribs spaced along and transversely to a spine axis and attached to a longitudinally extending spine. The rib ribbon resists flexing about an axis parallel to the spine axis and allows a relatively greater degree of flexing about an axis transverse to the spine axis and the rib ribbon is located along a path between the inner and mid-soles to dynamically direct the interacting forces between a user's foot and the footwear as the user's weight shifts from a heel to a toe position during a stride.

Abstract: A composite shoe sole, composed of an upper layer and a lower layer, wherein the upper layer is integrally formed of a soft material and the lower layer is integrally formed of a hard material, the lower layer being formed with a notch at a location corresponding to a right side of thenar, or right-side region of phalanx, the upper layer being formed with a projection at a location corresponding to the notch, such that the upper layer and lower layer are joined to each other by means of engagement between the projection and notch to form a shoe sole having a soft upper layer with elastic and shock-absorbing effects for relieving foot pressure, and a hard lower layer for providing upward support to the soft upper layer so as to prevent cave-in, thereby providing good bottom support, elastic air cushioning and shock-absorbing effects.

Abstract: An upper has a front shell portion and a rear shell portion which includes a rear wall part, a front wall part, left and right wall parts that cooperate to confine a receiving space to receive the leg of the wearer. A leg support member is attached to an inner surface of the rear shell portion and extends from the rear wall part to the left and right wall parts. At least one of two end portions of the leg support member extends forwardly and outwardly from the rear shell portion and is manipulatable to tighten the leg support member around the wearer's leg so as to support and comfort the wearer's leg.

Abstract: A bicycle shoe includes a shoe sole, a coupler member attached to bottom of the shoe sole, and a protective device attached to the coupling member, for contacting with ground, and for preventing the coupler member from being directly contacted with the ground, and for preventing the coupler member from being worn out. The protective device includes a lock notch formed in each of the front and the rear portions, and the coupler member includes a front portion and a rear portion for engaging into the lock notches of the protective device, for attaching the protective device to the coupler member. The protective device includes a retaining member for selectively attaching the shorter coupling members.

Abstract: A shoe includes an outsole with a vamp or a strap connected to a top thereof and a heel is connected to an underside of the outsole. A chamber is defined in the heel so as to receive a decorative piece therein. The outsole has recesses defined therein and decorative pieces are respectively received in the recesses.

Abstract: A shoe includes an outsole with a strap or a vamp and a heel is connected to an underside of the outsole. A chamber is defined in the heel which is made by transparent material and liquid is received in the chamber. A space is defined above the liquid in the chamber and a plurality of floatable pieces float on or in the liquid which generates waves during walking and the floatable pieces moves along with the movement of the liquid.

Abstract: A call display and vibration-sensed light emitting shoe heel comprises: a shoe body; a shoe heel having an opened receiving portion at a bottom of the heel. A vibration detecting circuit board with an light emitting diode (LED), a battery portion for supplying power to the circuit board, a frame body for receiving the battery portion, an adjusting body, and a cover are sequentially arranged in the receiving portion from the upper side to the lower side of the receiving portion. The adjusting body serves to conduct the circuit board to the battery portion by the length of the adjusting body inserted into the frame body. The adjusting body has a releasing portion for rotating the adjusting body. A magnetic wave sensor is installed to the circuit board for receiving magnetic waves of incoming phone calls. The releasing portion is one of a straight hole and a cruciform hole.

Abstract: A footwear orthotic is disclosed having a plurality of removable inserts. The removable inserts are preferably provided in the metatarsal region and/or in the heel region. The inserts are designed to gradually train the user's feet to become comfortably accustomed to orthotic support. Each insert preferably has a different profile than the others. The user can select the insert with the most appropriate profile and securely position the insert in the footwear orthotic for use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hanger devices to secure a tablet to a post-like support member on an upright support surface. The hanger device includes an elongated header portion, a flat panel potion extending therefrom, and an attachment element to secure the tablet. The header portion includes an opening such as an elongate slot or a plurality of bores. The support member is selectively positionable along the length of the slot or in the bores such that the tablet is suspended under the force of gravity in a skewed orientation relative to the support surface. A pouch may be securable to the panel portion so as to be interposed between it and the tablet. The present invention also relates to a calendar assembly that incorporates the hanger device as well as a calendar having a header portion allowing it to be supported in a skewed orientation.

Abstract: A greeting card is comprised of a front panel and a rear panel interconnected in juxtaposition by a fold line. The front panel has a design printed on an outer surface thereof. The rear panel has a monetary value delineated section die-cut therein. The delineated section is detachably secured to the rear panel from an inner surface of the rear panel. Instructions are printed at a convenient location on the front or rear panel for the removal of the delineated section. The greeting card is dispensable in a secured manner to prevent the panels from being separated from one another along the fold line prior to the point of sale of the greeting card.

Abstract: A floating decoration includes a floating board, a decoration, and a container. The decoration is detachably assembled on a top of the floating board and composed of a plurality of panels made of plastic or foam materials. The container is detachably connected to a bottom of the floating board and is provided for containing a certain weight to prevent the floating board and the decoration from overturn while floating.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an edge-lit panel for emergency lighting using dual mode illumination. The panel includes active lighting by the own light source of the equipment and passive lighting by photo-luminescent pigments coated on various surfaces of the panel. Thus, this edge-lit panel provides an improved and extended visibility of electrically energized edge-lit emergency signs during power failures.

Abstract: The illuminated message sign comprises a light emitting device, a translucent retro-reflective film arranged to be illuminated by said light emitting device, and indicia, wherein said indicia are arranged in front of said translucent retro-reflective film. The indicia comprise at least an active part adapted for dynamically displaying variable information and may further comprise a passive part adapted for displaying invariable information.

Abstract: A semi-opaque vehicle sign adapted for at least partial placement in the window of a vehicle. One can view through the sign from the vehicle interior. The sign includes a first indicia visible from outside the vehicle that the vehicle is for sale, for rent or for lease. A second indicia uniquely identifies the vehicle sign within a population of vehicle signs. The second indicia can be used in some embodiments to make an inquiry to an information exchange for information about the vehicle.

Abstract: A collapsible yard sign having a top arm sleeve and bottom arm removably connected to a post member, wherein after removal the post member is inserted into the top arm sleeve. A flexible sign is removably attached between the top arm sleeve and the bottom arm member, the sign and bottom arm member being stored within the post member in the disassembled state. The post member is provided with a ground anchor insertable into the ground.

Abstract: An electronic shelf label (“ESL”) holder attachable to a merchandise display. The ESL holder includes an attachment portion and an integrally-formed display portion. The holder is formed of plastic sheeting. The display portion is an opening extending through the plastic sheeting that defines gripping elements to receive and support the ESL. The plastic sheeting is of substantially rigid PVC and the opening is a die-cut opening. Various gripping element embodiments are provided, including a linear edge, tabs, and flexible flaps. The attachment portion can include a sled for interengagement between product cases, loops, and rings.

Abstract: A three-dimensional display frame assembly for displaying planar display material in respective multiple planes. The frame assembly can be provided as a single-sheet preform and can be self-standing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for displaying a three-dimensional object under a transparent rigid surface. The present invention relates more particularly to the use of a deformable plastic film for displaying a three-dimensional object under a transparent rigid surface, such as a pane of glass. The present invention can be used very advantageously to display three-dimensional objects without any difficulty in installing the back panel or risking damaging the elements in the frame or the object to be displayed.

Abstract: An adjustable cartridge chambering mechanism for a lever action rifle. The cartridge chambering mechanism provides a lifting arm and the lifting arm provides an adjustment screw which adjustably speeds up the operation of the cartridge chambering mechanism by adjustably shortening the arc length of the required lever action.

Abstract: The invention relates to locking devices preventing the unauthorized use of firearms. The invention provides a block, shaped partly as a normal magazine or a magazine or other shaped member which can be inserted into a firearm to block the magazine housing thereof or the barrel and which can be removed therefrom only by transmitting relevant biometric data to said block, said data corresponding with biometric data digitally stored in the block memory.

Abstract: The invention relates to a recoil-reducer that reduces the recoil felt by users of rifles and shotguns. In some embodiments, the recoil-reducer is comprised of a resilient plate that increases the area over which the recoil force is distributed, thereby reducing the force per unit area, and a compressible element that cushions the user from the force of recoil. Further recoil reduction is achieved through the inclusion of a third recoil reducing component: an inertia member that provides substantial inertia that must be overcome by the recoil force before such force can be transmitted to the user.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a telescoping cleaning staff that can be expanded to an elongated configuration for use within artillery (e.g., cleaning and maintenance of artillery) and collapsed to a reduced-length configuration for travel. The cleaning staff of the present invention is light weight, easy to expand and collapse, and can fit conveniently in a backpack or other sack, which is easily transportable by an artillery operator. When expanded, the telescoping cleaning staff can support at least about 150 pounds of force in tension or compression and thus is an effective tool for maintaining artillery.

Abstract: A sled for supporting a decoy, comprising a rod defining a first runner and second runner separated by the midpoint of the rod. The first runner and the second runner have a mid section substantially parallel to the horizontal plane, and a front section angled at least 20 degrees from the horizontal plane. A support comprising a first end, a second end, and a midpoint is also disclosed. The first end of the support is fastened to the mid section of the first runner and the second end of the support is fastened to the mid section of the second runner. A post is fastened to the support and an animal decoy is supported by the post. A first string spans from the animal decoy to the midpoint of the rod. A second string is attached to the midpoint of the rod and allows for remote movement of the sled.

Abstract: A fishing rod is configured for use as either a decorative and functioning vehicle antenna or a fishing rod.

Abstract: A reconfigurable fishing lure has a relatively thick solid metal wire body onto which are mounted various lure components such as weights, spinner brackets, spacer beads and the like. A pair of holes are drilled though the body proximate each end and removable fasteners are secured in each hole to hold the lure components on the wire body and to allow the components to be removed and changed. The wire body and fasteners are sufficiently sturdy to withstand the force of a hooked fish.

Abstract: A multipurpose mosquito trap lamp base includes a base that admits light, a holder frame mounted in the base and holds an induced-draft fan at the front side and an ultraviolet lamp at the rear side, a hollow shell coupled to the rear side of the base for trapping mosquitoes, a filter cap capped on the rear side of the hollow shell for removing dust from air passing through the hollow shell, and an ozone generator mounted inside the base for generating ozone to sterilize air passing through the base and the hollow shell and the filter cap.

Abstract: An insect trap having a rear cover attached to a wall which is connected to a separate and removable front cover. The front cover can be primarily round in shape with a plurality of slats and a shiny exterior appearance. An adhesive member, such as a sticky board, can be attached to the rear surface of the front cover. A light bulb is disposed within a ballast/socket member attached to the front of the rear cover. Once plugged in, light from the bulb is primarily and substantially retained within the trap by its capture in view of the rounded ends of the rear cover. The light illuminates the trap itself to attract insects to the area between the rear and front covers where the adhesive member is positioned.

Abstract: An insect attractant and elimination device comprising a base, reservoir and shield, each of which cooperates to house, protect and provide a liquid bait which is dispensed from the reservoir to the base in a selected quantity for the consumption by targeted insect groups. The reservoir is made cooperable with the base by an adapter which may be easily removed from each thereof so as to facilitate replenishment of the bait supply and otherwise servicing the device, and to permit use of third party containers, with or without bait included, and containers of varying capacity and shields and bases of different configurations accommodating differing insect control applications.

Abstract: A security grille for a security institution has an air inlet face, an air outlet face, and zigzag channels extending from a point adjacent the inlet face toward the outlet face. The zigzag channels are defined by slats which are bent at least twice in alternating directions. The zigzag channels are divided into segments each having a cross-sectional width. The segments adjacent the air outlet face have a cross-sectional width less than any of the other segments along the channel. The slats are bent at certain angles with are larger than those of conventional security grilles. Corners are created along each slat as a result of bending the slats in alternating directions. The corners are rounded.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for the preparation of biodiesel from triglyceride oils through transesterification, particularly the fatty acid methyl ester of oil mechanically expelled from whole seeds of Jatropha curcas, a plant with potential for cultivation on wastelands in India and other countries, all unit operations being carried out at ambient temperature.

Abstract: A device (1) for driving the movement of a gate (2) which swings on a fixed supporting structure (3) comprises a gate (2) driving part (4); and a sensor (5), for detecting the angle of rotation that the gate (2) describes between its open and closed end positions. The location of the sensor (5) is independent of the driving part (4) and the sensor is directly supported, and without distinction, by the gate (2), or by the relative fixed supporting structure (3). The device (1) also comprises a linkage (6) which connects the sensor (5) and the gate (2) and which, when the gate (2) is operated, correlates the travel of a sensor (5) sensitive element to the actual angle of rotation of the gate (2) relative to its fixed supporting structure (3).

Abstract: A sliding window panel assembly for a motor vehicle. The assembly includes a stationary window panel having an opening formed therein, at least one guide rail coupled to the stationary window panel below the opening and above a bottom edge of the stationary window panel, a shoe slidably received within the guide rail and configured to slidably move within the guide rail, a movable window panel mounted onto the shoe such that the movable window panel slidably moves with the shoe. The movable window panel can slidably move with respect to the stationary panel along a movable panel path. The lead screw drive unit engages the shoe and is adapted to move the shoe and the movable panel along the movable panel path within the guide rail.

Abstract: A frame/filling combination, particularly in the form of a window or door, is provided for closing an opening in a wall that is to be closed and is delimited by a rough opening. The combination has a filling, for example a laminate glass pane, which is directly or indirectly accommodated in an opening of a frame under normal circumstances. In order to prevent the filling, in particular, from flying about uncontrollably from the effect of a pressure wave on the filling, the laminate glass pane is held in connection with the frame by a retention device, even if the laminate glass pane has burst out of the opening of the frame, as the result of a pressure effect, particularly an explosion-related pressure effect. The frame filling can be removed by the effect of pressure only if a connection device that holds it in the frame in the normal state is destroyed.

Abstract: PCD materials of this invention comprise diamond crystals that are bonded together with a catalyst/binder material. The PCD material is prepared by combining diamond grains with a catalyst/binder material either as a premixture or by infiltration during sintering. The PCD material comprises 15 percent by volume or less diamond grains sized 20 micrometers or less. The diamond grains are pressurized under elevated temperature conditions to form the desired PCD material. PCD materials of this invention can constitute the exclusive material phase of a PCD construction, or can form one or more material phase in a multi-phase material microstructure, wherein the multiple material phase can be arranged in an ordered/oriented or random fashion. PCD materials of this invention display improved properties of impact and fatigue resistance, and functional toughness, when used in complex wear environments, when compared to conventional PCs materials comprising intentionally added fine-sized diamond grains.

Abstract: A polishing composition contains an abrasive such as colloidal silica, at least one kind of compound selected from imidazole and an imidazole derivative, and water. The polishing composition preferably further contains an alkali compound, a water-soluble polymer, or a chelating agent. The polishing composition is suitable for use in polishing an edge of an object such as a semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a structure having an outer shell and an interior, designed for preventing forced entry and providing protection from ballistic projectiles for the occupants, wherein the outer shell includes an outer layer formed of a metal or metal alloys, an intermediate layer formed of a relatively low-density material which aids in slowing incoming ballistic projectiles and absorbing their energy, and an inner layer of lower density than the outer layer but greater density than the intermediate layer, wherein the inner layer has elasticity and is designed to deform upon impact with a ballistic projectile. The structure may include other features, such as additional doors and exterior conduits to admit ducting, wiring or water tubing.

Abstract: This invention relates to capped gutter systems and more specifically the bracket which supports the gutter cap and onto which the gutter is mounted and affixed to the roofline. No gutter cap or screen can completely eliminate the introduction of debris into the gutter channel. The present invention meets the long felt need for a gutter system that inhibits the introduction of debris into the gutter channel and helps flush out debris that manages to accumulate in the gutter. The present invention utilizes a gutter bracket which pushes the front of the gutter down, thus forcing water and debris to collect along the front bottom edge. The act of creating a low point along the forward bottom edge of the gutter concentrates the debris in this low point and accelerates the flow of water due to the decrease in volume, thus increasing the amount of energy available within the channeled water for debris removal.

Abstract: An improved gutter bracket assembly attached to exposed rafters for supporting a gutter provides increased strength as well as flexibility in attaching to various types of rafters by including a pair of flanges that attach to lateral sides of a rafter. Thereby, greater attachment strength is achieved than typical at the open grain of the rafter end. Attachable front and back clips provide secure attachment after initial placement of the gutter is made.

Abstract: A drip edge and fascia system according to the invention comprises a drip edge adapted to be nailed to the roof, and a fascia cover mounting bracket adapted to be nailed to an adjacent fascia board. A fascia cover is snap fit to the fascia cover mounting bracket, but remains slidable relative to the fascia cover mounting bracket so that it will not buckle with temperature changes. All components can be formed of the same material as conventional siding, e.g., extruded vinyl with matching color.