Abstract: A lateral-cutting can opener has a body with a handle. A cutter is mounted with the body and is rotational about a first axis. A traction wheel is positioned on a shaft rotational about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The shaft is moveable in a direction lateral to the second axis between an inoperative position for receiving a rim of a can between the traction wheel and cutter, and an operative position for engaging a rim of a can between the traction wheel and cutter.

Abstract: This invention relates to an articulated iron cap for a hand plane. The iron cap has a means for pivotally mounting to a hand plane and an articulating means for tensioning an iron in the hand plane whereas the articulating means is further configured as a chip breaker. The iron cap for the hand plane is configured to mate to either a beveled down iron or a bevel up iron. One embodiment of the invention has a chip breaker configured with a three dimensional axis for engaging a plane iron. In addition, the chip breaker is configured to pivot approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hand plane. Furthermore, a nose piece on the chip breaker is configured to pivot so as to align with the grind angle on the iron. This invention places a large mass chip breaker towards the cutting edge of the iron which allows for preloading the iron and dampening vibration of the iron. In turn, this all creates a smoother more accurate cut and requires less effort to use.

Abstract: This invention relates to an articulated iron cap for a hand plane. The iron cap pivotally mounts to a hand plane and a means for tensioning an iron in the hand plane. The iron cap for the hand plane mates to either a beveled down iron or a bevel up iron. One embodiment of the invention has a chip breaker with a three dimensional axis for engaging the iron where the chip breaker pivots approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hand plane. A nose piece on the chip breaker may be configured to extend and pivot so as to align with the grind angle on the iron. This invention places a mass near the cutting edge of the iron which allows for preloading the iron and dampening vibration of the iron. In turn, this all creates a smoother more accurate cut and requires less effort to use.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing body hair. The apparatus comprises an elongated flexible handle having each of a predetermined length and shape, formed from a pre-selected material. The handle has a first end and a second end. The predetermined length is at least sufficient for reaching longer distances with minimal bending and stretching. A gripping means is disposed on the flexible handle. A connecting means is disposed on the first end of the flexible handle. The connecting means is detachably engageable with a shaving means, whereby potential back strain and injury to the user is reduced.

Abstract: A wheel angle determining device includes a position sensor being provided on a vehicle wheel assembly to directly measure a wheel angle. The wheel assembly having a first portion being fixedly connected to a vehicle and a second portion being rotatable about an axis formed in a plane substantially perpendicular to a vehicle travel direction. The second portion of the vehicle wheel assembly including a vehicle wheel. The position sensor having a first end operatively connected to the first portion of the vehicle wheel assembly and a second end operatively connected to the second portion of the vehicle wheel assembly.

Abstract: A bow sight having a support member with a sight unit disposed at one end and adjustable sight markers secured to the other end, a pointer associated with the rear end of the support member for alignment with one of the sight markers upon determination of the proper sight unit elevation setting.

Abstract: An archery peep sight system for mounting on a bow having a bowstring, a bow cable, and a front sight with front sight alignment pins. A peep sight is mounted on the bowstring. A flexible connector connects the peep sight to the bow cable, keeping the peep sight in alignment. A verifier lens is mounted within the peep sight. The verifier lens having a power to permit a far-sighted archer to focus on the front sight alignment pins while keeping the target in focus.

Abstract: A tool for assessing the position of an indicator mark disposed on a seat of a vehicle. The tool includes an arm adapted to contact an anchorage and a plurality of lasers adapted to project a set of beams toward the seat. The set of beams define an area indicative of a desired location of the indicator mark.

Abstract: A detector supporting mechanism comprising a first arm having its one end fixed on a mount linearly movable relative to a workpiece, the first arm having a rotation axis at the other end and a second arm provided on the first arm so as to be turnable on the rotation axis relative to the first arm, a detector being mounted on a tip of the second arm, wherein the rotation axis is provided on a plane inclined at an angle of 45° from the movement axis of the mount while being inclined at an angle of 45° from the movement axis of the mount in a projection on a plane which is inclined at an angle of 45° from the plane inclined at an angle of 45° from the movement axis of the mount, and which contains the movement axis of the mount, and wherein an axis of the detector mounted on the second arm intersects the rotation axis.

Abstract: A level assembly includes a housing having a level mounted within. The housing includes a first arm and a second arm slidably attached to the housing. The first and second arms are both stored in storage positions. Fastener locators associated with each arm are both stored in storage positions. During use the fastener locators are pivoted to an extended position. If additional distance between the fastener locators is needed the first and second arms can also be extended by sliding them along another axis relative to the housing.

Abstract: A burner for a gas dryer is made up of a mixing tube having an open end for admission of gas fuel into the mixing tube. At least one other opening proximate to the open end serves to admit air into the mixing tube for mixing the air and the gas fuel. A burner head is located at an end of the mixing tube opposite the open end for allowing a mix of gas fuel and air to be discharged and be ignited into a flame. A baffle is attached to the burner at the base of the burner head and extends radially outward therefrom to prevent disruption of combustion of the gas fuel and air mixture as a result of secondary air being drawn outside and along the length of the mixing tube from the open end thereof toward the burner head. An air heater assembly for gas dryer includes combustion chamber having an air inlet and an air outlet for allowing air to flow therethrough and be heated for being passed over clothes to be dried in a drum of a dryer.

Abstract: Provided, among other things, is a method of drying lumber comprising: igniting landfill gas to directly or indirectly create a heated gas or heat exchange medium; and directing the heated gas into an enclosure containing lumber to be dried or directing the heat exchange medium into a heat exchanger located within the enclosure.

Abstract: A method of controlling the pressure within a chamber (12) of a drying apparatus (10) from which air and vapour is removed by a pump (30), which is operated continuously during the drying process. If both of a vent valve (18) and a pressure control valve (32) is opened, air at atmospheric pressure is drawn by the pump (30) directly from the pressure control valve (32), and via the chamber (12) and a non-return valve (26) from the vent valve (18). When the pressure in the chamber (12) is to be reduced both vent and pressure control valves (18, 32) are closed to allow the pump (30) to remove air, gas and vapour from the chamber (12) via the non-return valve (26). After a required chamber pressure has been reached, the pressure control valve (32) is opened while the vent valve (18) remains closed.

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: A washing machine includes a drum and a condensing duct connected with the drum. The condensing duct includes an air inlet, an air outlet and a condensing unit. A condensation water spray member is disposed in the condensing duct and a condensation water dispersing plate is supported by a lower portion of an inside wall in the condensing unit, and formed with an air-passing hole connected with the air inlet in a center portion thereof.

Abstract: A cleaning shoe includes a foldable boot having a sole portion, a rear securing portion, and a front securing portion, an abrasive patch, and a cleaning solution packet. Fastening members connect to the rear and front securing portions. The sole portion has a waterproof layer positioned atop an absorbent layer, and a detergent pocket is situated therebetween. The foldable boot is constructed of a single flat sheet of material for manufacturability and is initially in an unfolded configuration. A wearer may position his foot atop the sole portion's waterproof layer, easily fold the rear and front securing portions in a predetermined manner, and quickly use the fastening members to secure the rear and front securing portions. The absorbent layer may absorb fluids from a floor surface. The abrasive patch may dislodge articles from a floor surface. The wearer may selectively cause the cleaning solution packet to exude a cleaning solution.

Abstract: A mid-sole is provided for footwear in order to reduce shock more effectively while providing stability. The mid-sole includes a cap, a plurality of connection elements and supporting elements, an elastic pad, and a cover. The mid-sole is fabricated in such a way so that it can function as the structure of beams and column, such that the ground reaction force will be transferred to the columns at the time of impact, instead of at the area directly under the foot as in most of the conventional shoes. The connection elements help to transfer force at the first impact of the shoe with the ground, and guide the direction of force along the force line of the shoe. The elastic pad makes the deflection smoother, thus making the shoe more stable, and the feeling of the foot more comfortable, during running.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe having an outsole with a bottom surface, an upper, a front surface, a reinforcer extending from the bottom surface along the front surface and to the upper, and where the reinforcer is made of a wear resistant material.

Abstract: A shoe having an upper, a sole and an adjustable heel assembly including a first heel member connected to the sole at a rear portion thereof and a second heel member arranged at least partially within the first heel member. The second heel member is movable relative to the first member between a first position in which the first and second heel members provide the heel with a first height and a second position in which the first and second heel members provide the heel with a second height greater than the first height. An improved self stabilizing second heel member with a beveled bottom surface is provided which has a first contact surface contacting the ground in the first position and a second contact surface contacting the ground in the second position.

Abstract: Footwear including removable and replaceable outsole members may include: (a) an upper member; (b) a midsole member, having an exterior surface not designed for performance use in direct contact with the ground, fixedly engaged with the upper member; and (c) an outsole member designed for performance use in contact with the ground removably attached over at least a major portion of the midsole member. The outsole member may attach to the midsole member and/or upper member in a variety of different ways. In use, the wearer may select a specific set of outsole members to use at a given time depending, for example, on the type of play surface, temperature, and/or other conditions. Worn outsole members may be replaced without the expense involved in also replacing the remainder of the footwear.

Abstract: An item of footwear, particularly a motorcycle boot (1), includes a rigid shell (4) which defines a body that is designed to surround the foot of the user. The body consists of a lower sole-forming part (20), an upper vamp-forming part (22), an inner lateral part and an outer lateral part, the lateral parts connecting the aforementioned lower and upper parts. The inventive item of footwear includes an opening (16, 18) in one of the four constituent body parts, which passes through the rigid shell and which is sealed by a flexible half-sole (12, 14).

Abstract: Fabric and other design panels are attached to wearing apparel such as shoes, boots and belts and in one embodiment, the design panels include various shaped panel configurations conforming to the shape of designated areas and surfaces on the wearing apparel. In another embodiment the panel configurations are placed under open shaped areas or surfaces. The design panels typically have a selected printed bandana design or indicia of selected color. In a preferred embodiment shaped bandana design panels are adhesively attached to selected areas and surfaces on walking and gym shoes and belts, as well as boots, wherein the various bandana design panels are configured to fit on or over the specific surface areas on the shoes and belts. Alternatively, the design surfaces are open to define a window and a backing panel having a bandana design is positioned under the open design surfaces.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper, a sole assembly secured to the upper, and a woven fabric of light elements forming a portion of the upper. In another embodiment, an article of footwear includes an upper, a sole assembly secured to the upper, and a light fiber forming a stitching line on a portion of the upper. In a further embodiment, an article of footwear includes an upper, a sole assembly secured to the upper, a powered element on one of the upper and sole assembly, and a power source operably connected to the powered element, with the power source received in one of the upper and the sole assembly and having a shape that conforms substantially to a portion of one of the upper and the sole assembly.

Abstract: This unit is based on the removal of snow from highways, streets, and city sidewalks. It is placed on a seventy foot truck trailer and is self sufficient. It is equipped with a full size compressor, two high powered steamers, an electrical outlet for power outages and a five hundred watt diesel generator. The hopper melts seven and half yards of snow in eight to nine minutes The unit is parked and stabilized while snow is scooped by trucks and dumped into the hopper which melts the snow and contains the new water up to sixty gallons. When the area is cleared of snow the trailer is moved to the next area to be cleared, until the hopper is full. The water is either discharged in city sewer or used to put out fires.

Abstract: The Invention is a memorabilia apparatus. Indicia are imprinted on a medallion using convention minting technology. An ice hockey puck or a model of a tire has a cavity adapted to receive and to support the medallion for display. The cavity of the puck or model of a tire exerts a pre-selected force upon the medallion over a pre-selected area, holding the medallion in place during handling while allowing a collector to release the medallion from the puck or model of the tire. Alternatively, resilient or spring retaining members releasably engage the puck or model of the tire and the medallion.

Abstract: A perpetual calendar wheel chart for determining the calendar for a particular year past, present, or future is comprised of two wheel members adapted to rotate about a common center. The first wheel member has in its center indicia representing the tens and ones digits of the year and has around its circumference indicia representing the day of the month. The second wheel member atop the first wheel member is generally transparent and has in its center indicia representing the hundreds and thousands digits of the year for aligning with the ones and tens digits of the year indicia of the first member and has around its circumference twelve transparent windows representing the months of the year that align with the day of the month indicia of the first member to indicate the calendar for a particular year.

Abstract: A slide-out card configuration is provided. A presentation section slides outwardly and laterally along the back cover of the card as it is opened. The card may be provided in a packaged form for use as a mailer to deliver advertising to specific recipients by mail. Alternatively, in card form, the present invention provides an integrated gift and greeting card.

Abstract: A card-like apparatus may be used as a card, a bow, a decoration, or other item, and is preferably made from a single sheet having an interior central region in the shape of a regular polygon defined by fold lines between the central region and a plurality of extremity panels. The panels fold across and beyond the central region, forming an outer perimeter that represents a flower, plant, holiday novelty, animal, person, or other object or living thing. Decoration such as paint, print, artwork, or a portion of a picture may be added to the panels so that the folded panels further represent the object or living thing. Methods have been developed to dissect a whole picture and then to lay or copy sectors of the picture onto distal portions of the panels, so that upon folding of the panels, the distal portions are visible, over and beyond the central region, in positions wherein the picture comes together again as a whole.

Abstract: A coaster or sleeve identifies the type of beverage within a container and also timely advertises a credit card prior to its use.

Abstract: A simulated fuel bed for simulating a combustible fuel in a fire. The simulated fuel bed includes a plurality of simulated combustible fuel elements, including one or more light-producing simulated combustible fuel elements. A body of the light-producing simulated combustible fuel element has one or more cavities therein, and one or more light sources positioned to direct light therefrom inside the cavity. The body includes an exterior surface and one or more light-transmitting parts extending between the cavity and the exterior surface. The light-transmitting part is positioned in a path of light from the light source. The light from the light source is transmittable through the light-transmitting part to the exterior surface for simulating glowing embers of the combustible fuel.

Abstract: An electronic white board with a built-in electromagnetic induction layer of wire lattice comprises: a writing input portion, a covering frame portion formed around the periphery of the electronic white board, and a control circuit. The writing input portion has multiple layers and is enclosed in the frame, and includes a surface writing layer, an underlayer, and an input induction layer which is formed between the surface writing layer and the underlayer, and is connected to the control circuit by its output. The input induction layer is a wire lattice winded and interlaced separately by wires along the X and Y axes, and the wires are insulated with each other at the crossing points. The area enclosed within each lattice unit constitutes one induction cell.

Abstract: A faceplate is provided for use in a multi-faced sign having a plurality of louvers, wherein each louver has a plurality of faces and a slot in each of the faces. The faceplate includes: a generally rectangular panel; a rib on the back side of the panel adapted to engage the slot in one of the faces of the louver and retain the panel on the face of the louver; and a groove adjacent each elongated edge of the front side of the panel, wherein each groove is substantially parallel to the front side of the panel and the grooves open toward one another. A method of using the faceplate is also provided, including the step of attaching the faceplate to a face of a louver and the step of attaching a rectangular sheet material to the front side of the panel of the faceplate by inserting the elongated pair of edges of the sheet material to slide between the grooves on the front side of the panel, whereby the sheet material is constrained between the grooves on the front side of the panel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a symbol illumination apparatus configured to have a symbol such as characters printed on a front surface of a transparent member, and to allow light from a plurality of light sources to pass through an interior of the transparent member from one side of the transparent member, to illuminate the symbol. A lens sheet and a diffusion sheet are inserted between the transparent member and the plurality of light sources in the symbol illumination apparatus. This configuration prevents a plurality of light rays from being seen on the bottom of the transparent member.

Abstract: A display with light elements comprises a substrate layer and a display layer. The substrate layer comprises a power source, a plurality of light elements interconnected to the power source, and a controller interconnected to the power source and light elements. The substrate layer may be formed of flexible material. The controller is operable to activate at least a first light element to a different illumination state relative to at least a second light element. The display layer is interconnected to the substrate, covers at least a substantial portion of the substrate, said contains text and/or graphics covering at least a substantial portion thereof. The display layer may be formed of flexible material. At least one of the light sources is visible through the display layer when the light source is activated. The power source may include a solar cell and/or a battery.

Abstract: A notebook-like display device includes a mounting panel, or pair of conjoined panels, mountable to a wall, a pair of guide brackets, and a set of display leaves, the leaves being mounted to the support brackets and manipulated by a demonstrator and like personnel with one hand, in a flipping manner, freeing the user's other hand to perform tasks related to use of the display device. The panels and leaves are generally planar, rectangular, and substantially rigid, such as of a high density polymer, composite, or fiberboard. The leaves are constrained by retention elements, received in the support brackets, for movement between first and second positions, respectively, wherein the leaf is revered but in superposed generally parallel relation with one and the other side of the panel and other of the leaves. Magnets or other holding devices operate between the leaves and panel(s) to retain the leaves in each position.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining and selectively tensioning a sheet material display on a billboard which includes a base plate, a handle connected to the base plate, a draw bar operationally associated with the handle, a spring detachably connected to the draw bar, and a chain with one end connected to the spring and the other end capable of being detachably connected to the sheet material display. The draw bar is selectively positioned about the handle in at least two different positions to exert a different amount of tension to the sheet material display when the handle is place in a sheet material display tensioned position.

Abstract: A display system and an advertisement system for a passenger loading apparatus having displays positioned on the interior surfaces of the loading apparatus is described. The displays may be stickers, panels, LCD screens, television type monitors, wall pockets or the like. The displays may take any shape and size. A plurality of displays may be used in the passenger loading apparatus that correspond to a particular theme.

Abstract: A yard sign includes a planar sign member and upper and lower trim members. The trim members are formed from complementary trim elements that are mirror images of each other and snap fit over the upper and lower edges of the sign. The trim members have openings in their distal surfaces which permit the sign to be supported by either a ground frame or hung from an overhead support.

Abstract: A real estate sign for advertising real estate that includes an extension arm to support attachment devices, such as additional placard holders or a brochure box, without any fasteners, permanent attachments, or other fastening devices in order to facilitate quick, easy and convenient use of attachment devices with real estate signs. The real estate sign is comprised of a frame having three or more sides forming a groove inside the frame for holding a main placard inside the frame to display advertising or other information. The real estate sign includes at least one leg attached to the frame that supports the frame when the leg is inserted into the ground, and at least one extension arm attached to the frame to support an attachment device without any fasteners. The attachment devices include a socket member that is adapted to fit onto the extension arm to securely attach the attachment device to the frame of the sign without fasteners or permanent attachment devices.

Abstract: This invention is intended to provide an identifiable bullet which is unduplicatable by a third party. The means is to place plural (two or more) kinds of identification codes onto or into a bullet and to make the identification codes mutually related. By this means the bullet remains identifiable. Next, the means is to make at least one kind of the identification code or codes ciphered. By this means the mutual relations among the identification codes become confidential to a third party, so that the bullet becomes unduplicatable. In one embodiment, each identification code is placed on a different kind of material, and this enables an investigator to detect and compare the identification codes more easily after shooting of the bullet.

Abstract: A firearm includes a receiver having an opening, at least one cartridge-containing cylinder rotatably disposed within the receiver, and a hammer displaceable between cocked and strike positions. A slide is movably coupled with the receiver so as to be linearly displaceable between a front position and a rear position and displaces the hammer to the cocked position. A rotator is movably coupled with the slide and releasably engages with and rotatably displaces the cylinder when the slide displaces toward the front position and alternatively disengages from the cylinder when the slide displaces toward the rear position. Preferably, each cylinder is rotatably disposed within a chamber of a housing removably disposeable within the receiver cavity and displaceable through the receiver opening. Most preferably, at least one cylinder has chambers for receiving cartridges of a first size and another cylinder has chambers for receiving cartridges of a second, different size.

Abstract: A trigger pull weight adjustment element for a firearm having a frame and a trigger spring. The adjustment element has a body with a connection element adapted to connect the body to the frame. The body has a number of spring engaging features each adapted to engage a portion of the spring. The spring engaging features are positioned at different locations such that a different spring force is provided based on which spring engaging feature is engaged. The spring engaging features may be angled with respect to a major axis of the firearm, and there may be only a single such feature, which is angled.

Abstract: A firearm safety system prevents an unintentional discharge of a firearm. A touch sensor is located on a front surface of the firearm trigger and has a conductive touch pad for sensing contact by a user of the firearm. A touch sensing electronic circuit is coupled to the conductive touch pad and trigger and prevents the firearm from discharging if contact with the conductive contact pad is not sensed. Additionally, the safety system can be configured to conserve battery power of electronic firearms by providing a signal to wake-up the system controller.

Abstract: A method for retrofitting a rifle having an integral trigger/disconnector. The method comprises the steps of: removing the integral trigger/disconnector; and installing an assembly comprising a spring-loaded disconnector and a trigger in place of the integral trigger/disconnector. The spring-loaded disconnector is able to move to the rear when contacted by the hammer to allow the hammer to pass, and then quickly return to its forward position so as to capture the hammer.

Abstract: A lock for a gun barrel has plugs insertable into the chamber and muzzle. The plugs impinge against existing stops on the barrel so as to limit travel of the plugs toward each other in the barrel. Once the plugs are in the barrel, a linkage connects them so that each stop prevents removal of the opposite plug from the barrel. Preferably the stops, such as the chamber diameter reduction and the muzzle choke seat, are inside the barrel and the length of each plug is coordinated with the distance to its in-barrel stop so that no part of the gun barrel lock is exposed to out-of-bore tampering. A lock prevents unauthorized disengagement of the linkage from the plugs. The gun barrel lock is of adjustable length and the plugs may have interchangeable diameter adapters to accommodate a variety of gun barrel lengths and calibers.

Abstract: Gun barrel construction with bore surfaces defined by different curvature surfaces which, in conjunction with dynamic fluid pressure, serve to confine a spherical projectile against lateral displacement. Rotation is imparted to the projectile in a direction contra to projectile travel to enhance range of the projectile.

Abstract: A casing configuration for revolver cartridge loader embodying a rotating shaft member; a packing member; a casing, an outer circumferential surface of which is configured with a plurality of successional arc-shaped grooves, and a shaft hole is defined central of the casing, moreover, a plurality of cartridge bores are equicicumferentially configured around the shaft hole. Configured side of the shaft hole is a locating hole, which provides for a spring and a ball bearing to be disposed thereinto, and two locating holes, which provide for two inserting pins to respectively penetrate thereinto and fix position. The shaft member is movably disposed within the shaft hole. The successional arc-shaped grooves thus allow for quickly grasping onto with fingers, thereby enabling rapid and convenient loading of cartridges into a cylinder of a revolver.

Abstract: A shell catcher for use with hand-held firearms adjustably detachably mounts on a side of the firearm for receiving and retaining spent shells expelled by the firearm. The shell catcher has a base, which mounts on a side of the firearm and a collapsible flexible housing, which is detachably pivotally mounted on the mounting base. The housing is stretched on a rigid frame that moves between a closed position when the shells are received in the housing and an open position allowing unobstructed view of the gun chamber. The spent shells are removed from the housing by means of opening the bottom of the housing or by removing the housing from the base.

Abstract: A tilt indicator for use on a firearm includes a signal to indicate if the firearm is level or out of level. The signal is located to be viewed by a user via the user's peripheral vision and his secondary concentration so the user can maintain his primary concentration on the target.

Abstract: A fishing lure is disclosed, having a soft body and internal cavity. Within the cavity is a replaceable sealed capsule comprising a battery and light-emitting diode (LED). A channel leads from the internal cavity to an opening on the exterior surface of the lure. The capsule can only be inserted or removed from the cavity when the channel is stretched.