Abstract: A housing with at least one elongate chamber for a hot dog, a series of transverse blades for slicing the hot dog laterally into a number of disc sections, and at least one longitudinal blade for slicing the hot dog lengthwise, for example into quarters. The housing includes two parts that rotate or otherwise move relative to each other to make the transverse slices. Preferably, the first part of the housing includes a hopper with a retainer surface and the second part of the housing includes a series of transverse blades that rotate to transversely slice the hot dog. Furthermore, the two parts preferably include alignable openings permitting the transversely sliced hot dog to fall into the chamber for longitudinal slicing. Preferably, a plunger pushes the hot dog into the longitudinal blade to slice the hot dog lengthwise.

Abstract: An art design knife that provides for enhanced manual gripping stability and safety comprised of a front cover, a rear cover, a hatch, a magazine feed spring, a blade transport component, and a blade magazine. In addition to blade replacement convenience, the blade magazine contains a quantity of spare blades to thereby increase art design knife utility and, furthermore, enhance the industrial practical value of art design knife structures.

Abstract: A portable handheld work apparatus includes a drive motor configured as an internal combustion engine (1). The work apparatus includes an air filter case (2) arranged in the intake channel of the engine (1). The work apparatus further includes a cover (3) and a locking device (4) for releasably holding the cover (3). An actuating element (6) of the locking device (4) is configured as a slider (7) which is guided so that it is essentially linearly movable.

Abstract: A portable handheld work apparatus includes a drive motor (1) and a vibration suppressor (2) which is rotatably driven by the drive motor (1). The vibration suppressor (2) compensates or absorbs translatory vibrations. The vibration suppressor includes suppression masses (4, 5, 6) for generating a targeted imbalance. The suppression masses (4, 5, 6) are arranged at a radius to the rotational axis (3) of the vibration suppressor (2). At least one suppression mass (5, 6) is mounted so as to be changeable in its position in dependence upon rpm.

Abstract: Abstract of the Disclosure A movable handle and a power tool. The power tool comprises a housing, a motor supported by the housing and operable to drive a tool element about an axis, and a handle supported by the housing for rotation relative to the housing about the axis. Preferably, the power tool is a circular saw. The circular saw further comprises a switch assembly supported on the handle for movement with the handle and means for connecting the switch to the motor to accommodate movement of the switch relative to the motor. The switch assembly is electrically connectable to the motor and selectively connects the motor to a power source, and the connecting means includes a wiring arrangement. The circular saw further comprises a locking assembly for locking the handle in a position relative to the housing.

Abstract: A battery powered circular saw includes a rechargeable battery removably attached to the housing and an adjustable shoe pivotally attached to the housing for controlling a depth of cut. A locking mechanism for preventing relative movement between the adjustable shoe and the housing includes a clamp that is located so as to permit the battery pack to be inserted to and removed from a rear end of the housing in a direction that is generally parallel to a plane in which the circular saw blade is disposed.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to a flush cut saw that is capable of safely making a flush cut. The saw comprises a handle having a thin, flexible blade extending therefrom. The blade comprises two elongated extensions running away from the handle. The extensions can each have external and internal edges, and are mounted in a spaced, opposed relation. The internal edges can be provided with teeth preferably oriented to allow for a pull cut. The external edges are dull, and may be curved to prevent injury.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that remains onboard a tractor and semi trailer vehicle for readily providing axle alignment instruction to an operator. The apparatus includes at least one indicator (28) for detecting an axle's thrust line relative to the vehicle's centerline. At least one sensor (40) for detecting the position of indicator (28) relative to the position of sensor (40). Upon axle deviation, indicator (28) position changes relative to sensor (40). Sensor (40) detect the change in the position of indicator (28). At least one signal is generated and transmitted to at least one receiver (68). Receiver (68) communicates the relation between indicator (28) and sensor (40) as alignment instruction of a particular axle (front or rear), particular side (left or right), particular direction in which to realign the axle (forward or rearward), and concludes when the axle's alignment is correct.

Abstract: A support frame for positioning a laser beam level includes a first support module having a reference element that can be positioned against a planar surface and elongated engaging elements that cooperate with a second support module that is displaceable relative to the first support module. A brace on the second support module supports a laser beam level. A motor drives a drive shaft of at least one element that is translatable along the first support module in both directions of rotation. The motor can be remotely controlled. The support frame can be positioned at different heights on walls and allows automatic positioning of the laser beam in a continuous and progressive manner.

Abstract: An adjustment-free tiltsensor for application in the fields of geodesy, geophysics and geotechnics, with a tilt angle measuring range greater than ±5° to ±10° and an essentially enhanced angular resolution better than 1 microradiant, in which an electrolytic liquid and a gas bubble are present in a closed spirit level, the spirit level is curved over an angle of up to 360°, a plurality of electrode configurations each having a plurality of electrodes are arranged along the spirit level for sensing the position of the gas bubble, the electrodes are in electric contact with the electrolytic liquid, and the electrodes are connected to a first electronic circuit, by means of which the electric quantities between selected electrodes can be measured.

Abstract: A level is provided with magnets spaced along the length of the level. The magnets function to secure the level to objects such as metal studs, metal beams, metal doorframes and the like when adjusting the attitude of such objects. A spring assembly is provided for each magnet. The spring assembly functions to absorb vibrations released through the object when the object is moved or jostled. The absorption of vibrations allows the magnet to remain in place for a secure attachment to the object.

Abstract: Disclosed is a three-axial displacement measuring apparatus. The three-axial displacement measuring apparatus includes: a fixation grip fixed to one surface of a hanger supporting a structure to be measured; a universal joint connected to the fixation grip which is capable of rotating by 360 degrees; a link section being connected to the universal joint and having at least one angle sensor; an angle sensor section connected to the link section, for measuring angles; and a three-axial displacement measuring section for calculating three-axial displacement values of the measured structure by using the angle values measured by the angle sensor section.

Abstract: A template system and column placement method which facilitates the placement of a column resulting in enhanced placement efficiencies for large scale column construction projects. In a preferred aspect of the present invention, a template for column placement can include a frame, at least one pivotal column engagement scaffold coupled to the frame and at least one docking collar extending from the pivotal column engagement scaffold and configured to secure a column to the pivotal column engagement scaffold. Additionally, a base can be provided in order to support the frame.

Abstract: A band saw includes a frame, which has a worktable and a saw blade extended through and movable relative to the worktable, and an aiming device, which has a casing moveably mounted in the frame, a light-emitting member mounted in the casing for emitting a light beam onto the worktable for linear cutting, and an adjustment unit for operation by the user to move the casing on the frame.

Abstract: A linear measuring device including a housing fastened to a first machine element and a scale within the housing, wherein the scale is fastened extending along the housing in a measuring direction. A scanning device for scanning a scale. A linear guide device including a guide rail, which is rigidly assigned to the housing; and a guide carriage, which is guided on the guide rail along the housing in the measuring direction, and includes a fastener to fasten the guide carriage rigidly on a second machine element. The housing is structured so that during measuring operations it is deflected perpendicular to the measuring direction, so that in the course of movement of the guide carriage in a direction perpendicular to the measuring direction the housing is taken along in the direction perpendicular to the measuring direction.

Abstract: A marking device for making layout marks an surfaces such as boards, panels, or walls including a tape measure with a plurality of holes disposed along its length is disclosed. The device also contains a reel for dispensing a chalk line wherein the chalk line is positioned over the tape measure. The chalk line may be tensioned and snapped to transfer chalk through the holes, thereby providing marks at predetermined intervals.

Abstract: A program-controlled laundry drier equipped with a rotary drum in which the material to be dried is inserted and moved during the drying process. The dryer comprising a heater for heating the drying air and a blower which guides the drying air stream into the interior of the drum. The axis of a current generator is mechanically coupled to the rotary drum and the output voltage of the current generator is applied to the excitation winding of a relay whose switching contacts switch the heating current circuit for the drying air.

Abstract: The ambient air clothes dryer is an automated device providing axial flow of unheated ambient air through the dryer drum. The dryer may include different drum drive systems, timer and/or humidity detector controls, and a configuration utilizing a separate, portable fan for temporary, removable installation with the dryer housing to provide airflow through the drum. The ambient air dryer greatly reduces energy requirements for drying laundry when compared to conventional heated air dryers, and is quite effective in warm and/or dry climates. The ambient air dryer is portable and may be used indoors or outdoors. The device may be configured to use twelve-volt power from a motor vehicle for use in camping. When used indoors, the device may be placed with a heat source (heat register, etc.) to draw warm air through the drum while humidifying the air as it passes through damp laundry in the drum.

Abstract: The present invention includes a nozzle insert for use in a drying machine of the type used in paper web drying. The nozzle insert of the present invention includes at least one intake having a central portion, wherein a pair of center vanes is disposed for directing airflow. The central portion is bounded by at least one turning vane adapted for directing airflow in a lateral direction. For each turning vane, there is at least one straightening vane adapted for curtailing swirling of the airflow. The vanes are oriented at optimal angles for directing the flow of the nozzle in a lateral direction, while permitting some air to penetrate the central portion through a series of ports. The intakes are bounded by a series of insulated bulkheads, which serve to direct airflow and contain heat-loss through thermal emission.

Abstract: A removably attachable decoration for footwear is provided. The decoration can be attached to any desired article of footwear, such as a shoe or sandal, at any desired location thereon. The decoration comprises a strand having beads or other adornments attached thereto. One or more elastic bands are provided for removably attaching the decoration to an article of footwear. A hook-shaped tool is provided for attaching the one or more elastic bands to the decoration and about a portion of the article of footwear to retain the decoration in position against the article of footwear. The hook-shaped tool, elastic bands, and decoration could be provided in the form of a kit that can be used with any article of footwear.

Abstract: An outsole has a layer of cloth, an adhesive layer mounted on a first side of the layer of cloth and multiple rubber lugs mounted a second side of the layer of cloth. Hence, the outsole can lighten the burden on a user's feet.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interchangeable shoe footbed cartridge system. The system includes a footbed such as a midsole, insole or a sockliner. A cartridge is inserted into or otherwise attached to the forefoot section of the footbed. Multiple cartridges of varying depths, widths and/or lengths may be provided. The wearer can select a cartridge to achieve a desired fit. Because right and left feet may be of different sizes, different cartridges may be chosen for each foot. Furthermore, the user may swap cartridges depending upon different conditions, or to change the stiffness of the cartridge. Additionally, a slipcover having a stretchable portion may be placed over the cartridge system. The cartridges enable a footwear manufacturer to produce fewer shoe sizes while fitting more of the population. This reduces manufacturing, shipping, warehousing and accounting costs. All levels of the supply chain, as well as the end customers, will greatly benefit from the method of supplying footwear.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interchangeable shoe footbed cartridge system. The system includes a footbed such as a midsole, insole or a sockliner. A cartridge is inserted into or otherwise attached to the forefoot section of the footbed. Multiple cartridges of varying depths, widths and/or lengths may be provided. The wearer can select a cartridge to achieve a desired fit. Because right and left feet may be of different sizes, different cartridges may be chosen for each foot. Furthermore, the user may swap cartridges depending upon different conditions, or to change the stiffness of the cartridge. Additionally, a slipcover having a stretchable portion may be placed over the cartridge system. The cartridges enable a footwear manufacturer to produce fewer shoe sizes while fitting more of the population. This reduces manufacturing, shipping, warehousing and accounting costs. All levels of the supply chain, as well as the end customers, will greatly benefit from the method of supplying footwear.

Abstract: A slipper member has a holder formed therein, and an interchangeable unitary assembly that is an alarm timer, is easily slid within the holder and is retained in between upper and lower layers of encircling slipper member that is conjoined with a fastening mechanism. The assembly comprises a micro battery timer with set timings and a on and off lever.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for allowing the use of a common lift assembly with both trip edge snow plow blades and full moldboard trip snow plow blades. A bracket is interposed between a lift assembly, which is adapted to attach directly to a trip edge blade, and a full moldboard trip blade. This bracket is pivotally attached to the lift assembly, so as to allow it to pivot about a vertical axis. It is also pivotally attached to the full moldboard trip blade so as to allow the blade to pivot about a horizontal axis. This allows a single lift assembly to be used in conjunction with both trip edge blades and full moldboard trip blades.

Abstract: The invention provides for the design of a dragline bucket of the type where there are separate front and rear hoist ropes attached to front mounting points and rear mounting points respectively. The front and rear hoist ropes can be independently operated to vary the horizontal attitude of the bucket. The bucket design methodology seeks to equalize the loads in the front and rear hoist ropes during the major phases of the operating cycle such as digging, hoisting and dumping, and this is typically achieved by providing a bucket with comparatively shallow side walls compared with the overall length of the bucket and the positions at which the front and rear hoist ropes ultimately join onto the bucket. The bucket typically has a flat floor and relatively shallow side walls which may in some embodiments taper downwardly from the rear section to the front section.

Abstract: An arm assembly for an excavator includes an arm comprising a first hook including a first open mouth. The arm further includes a first pin capturing system that selectively obstructs the first open mouth. A link is movable relative to said arm and comprises a second hook including a second open mouth. The second open mouth is oriented toward the arm, and the link further comprises a second pin capturing system that selectively obstructs the second open mouth. The first and second pin assemblies of an attachment are selectively captured in the first and second hooks. The pin assemblies include a sleeve rotatably positioned on an attachment pin that extends between ribs of the attachment. The sleeve includes a bore that closely receives the attachment pin and the length of the sleeve is selected so that the sleeve fits closely between the attachment ribs, thereby allowing the arm assembly to pick-up various attachments with different pin diameters, ribs spacings and pin-to-pin distances.

Abstract: A combined trouser press and ironing board assembly is disclosed. It comprises a heatable pad (14) against which a surface of a pressure plate (4) is clampable in a first position to sandwich a garment to be pressed therebetween. The pressure plate (4) is mounted by means which allow said plate (4) to be moved relative to the heatable pad (14) into a second ironing position in which the pressure plate (4) extends laterally outwardly relative to the heatable pad (14) so that the surface thereof which was facing the heatable pad (14) in its first position now provides the surface on which a garment can be placed for ironing.

Abstract: An adapter for attachment to an ironing board includes a housing that can be affixed to a rest plate for an iron. A means is provided on the housing for affixing a socket for the electrical plug of an iron.

Abstract: An information card that provide both motor vehicle information and motor vehicle insurance information. This information comprises a copy of the motor vehicle license plate, the motor vehicle year information, make and model informations, color, VIN number, insurance company information, insurance policy number and insurance agent phone number.

Abstract: A decorative element includes a first layer and a second layer. The decorative element is disposed on an article, both the article and the decorative element being biodegradable. The first layer includes a protective material and the second layer includes at least one seed embedded therein. The first layer is disposed adjacent the second layer. An adhesive comprising a biodegradable material secures the decorative element to the article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a communication device or promotional item, in which an elongated advertising messaging substrate may be manipulated into a circular formation suitable for displaying an advertising message about a cylindrical portion of an article. An exemplary use of this product includes a decorative piece, sales tag or advertisement article in grocery stores, retail stores, wholesale stores, franchise operations, merchandising outlets, welcoming or greeting memorandums, redemption pieces and/or coupons. The messaging substrate may be used as a notice and/or memo in parties, ceremonies, graduations, weddings, anniversaries, promotions, competitive wins, political victories, promotional and/or advertising campaign articles and as religious or scriptural publications.

Abstract: This invention is a product for identifying substances transferred into smaller containers from a larger container by using removable labels that are packaged along with the larger container's labels. The invention allows one to identify the substance once it is transferred into a smaller container and/or distinguish among smaller containers into which the same substance is poured. Several embodiments of the invention are particularly suited to the practice of wine tasting, where it is important to identify the wine poured into a glass as well as distinguish between the glasses of different tasters.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an inflatable display that has a plurality of inflation modules. The modules are inflated by a fan element. More specifically, a first inflation module is formed from a permeable material and configured to represent a predetermined shape or design when inflated, such as a snowman, Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, Uncle Sam or another seasonal or holiday character. The first inflation module is surrounded by a non-permeable material creating an enclosure around the first inflation module and forming a second inflation module. The first inflation module is formed with at least one exhaust port in its base, which has two purposes. First, the exhaust port acts to inflate the second inflation module.

Abstract: A display device for mounting on an inside surface of a cooler door has a mounting bracket for attaching to the cooler door, a top tube mounted on the first mounting bracket, and a bottom tube mounted on the first mounting bracket below the top tube. A display scroll is entrained about the top and bottom tubes so that the scroll is visible through the cooler door. As the scroll is rotated about the tubes, a display graphic on the scroll moves to attract the attention of potential consumers.

Abstract: The display device of the invention comprises a flexible display element that can be extended in rollable fashion between a first position and a second position. In the first position the element is present in a housing and in the second position it is at least partially visible. The display element is supported in its second position by foldable arms. According to the invention a foldable arm comprises means which facilitate the extension of the display from the first to the second position and from the second position to a further position. These means also counteract any tendency of the display to return by itself from the second or any further position to the first position.

Abstract: A dynamic advertising display device includes a housing having a number of rotatable rods and two followers attached to upper and lower portions of each rod, two transmission belts having projections engaged around the followers of the rods to couple the followers of the rods together, and two or more display panels coupled together to form an endless displaying member and attached to the belts, to allow the display panels to be moved in concert with the belts and to be moved around the rods. A driving device may drive the rods to move the display panels around the rods, for advertising purposes. The display panels may be detachably coupled together with hook and loop devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a display device of the type having: a sheet made of light-diffusing material; lighting elements positioned on either side of the diffusing layer; a medium made of transparent material with the image to be displayed applied to it; characterised in that the diffuser is constituted by a sheet of plastic with at least one surface which presents micro-grooves a few microns deep, so as to form a matt surface, and that the lighting elements are constituted by LEDs.

Abstract: A point of purchase display includes a frame having left and right legs and upper and lower cross-beams. Each leg has upper and lower portions joined at an angle. The right and left legs are parallel to each other and are joined by a center cross-beam and the upper and lower cross-beams. Upper and lower display inserts are connected to the frame and fitted in the voids defined by the center cross-beam and the upper or lower cross-beam, and the upper or lower portions of the right and left legs, respectively. Upper and lower retaining members detachably connect to the right and left legs for securing the upper and lower inserts to the frame. An electronic display unit with a multiple source power supply is mounted to one of the upper and lower display inserts. A connection assembly attaches the display to the truck bedside.

Abstract: A non-inflatable device for supporting a sign on water is described. A single float embodiment is the basic element. In a typical embodiment, two or more non-inflatable floats are separated at a predetermined distance by one or more spacing members that mate with a spacing member mount on the top of each float. The spacing member mount and spacing members of the invention enable the invention to be expandable, such that the number of floats and spacing members may be varied, depending on the application and need. The floating sign may be anchored or mobile. In a stationary embodiment, an anchoring system holds the floats in place. In a mobile embodiment, the system for anchoring the floats in place is replaced by a ballasting weight configured to improve its vertical performance during motion, whether the sign is towed or drifting, as in a pond. Sign supporting members are mounted onto the top end of the float in order to support a substantially planar sign portion.

Abstract: The invention provides a display frame comprising a backing and a cooperating flexible screen that are securable between a pair of channeled rails provided at the upper and lower edges of the backing. The lower edge of the screen is releasably securable in the channel of the lower rail to enable a poster to be easily inserted and replaced by another poster while the display frame is assembled. The backing is preferably flexibly resilient and curved outwardly from its upper to its lower edge by tensioning means secured between the channeled rails. The channeled rails will preferably include biasing means to secure the backing within the channels of the rails and the flexible screen and/or a poster against the backing. Where the backing is resiliently flexible, the tensioning means will preferably be at least one flexible elongate element which is releasably securable between the channeled rails.

Abstract: An improved sign post assembly (10) for roadway use is provided wherein a sign post (12) includes a lower section (16) adapted for anchoring to the earth, a mating upper section (20) and a magnetic coupling assembly (24) for maintaining the sections during normal use while permitting breakaway of the upper section (20) when the host (10) is struck by a vehicle. Preferably, the coupling assembly (24) includes a magnetic body (26) and a corresponding component (28) which is magnetically attracted to the body (26). In order to cause breakaway in a predetermined direction, the coupling assembly (24) has mating surfaces for the body (26) and component (28) which are in a stairstep configuration.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an inflatable display that has a plurality of inflatable compartments. A first inflatable compartment is continuously inflated by a first fan element and at least a second inflatable compartment is periodically inflated by a second fan element. The inflatable display may be produced from permeable material and configured to represent a predetermined shape or design when inflated, such as a witch and caldron, Santa Claus and a chimney, or the Easter Bunny and an Easter egg. Further, the inflatable display may include a string of lights enclosed within a plastic shell to avoid damaging the inflatable display material by heat or fire. Also, the period associated with the operational inflation/deflation may be controlled by a variable controller connected to the second fan element.

Abstract: A collapsible object is provided having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, with the material assuming the unfolded orientation of its associated frame member. A pole coupled to the panel to support the panel.

Abstract: The wet floor caution sign is either a cone-shaped or paneled sign. The surface of the caution sign has illuminated indicia displayed on it so that pedestrians may quickly become aware of the unsafe condition of the floor. The sign has indicia in the form of either a graphic image or lettering is illuminated by a light source(s). The light source(s) may include circuitry causing the light source(s) to flash.

Abstract: A label applied to produce is provided with a novel folded tab-lift allowing the consumer to easily remove the label. The folded tab-lift is twice as thick as the body of the label and has upper and lower surfaces free of adhesive. An apparatus and method are also provided for automatically forming the novel folded tab-lifts on an array of produce labels. A drum rotating about a first axis carries one or more resilient bands that rotate with the drum. One or more elongated label tapes with exposed label heads are drawn over a portion of the drum and, as each label tape approaches the surface of the drum, it contacts a resilient band and the exposed head of each label is partially folded through approximately 90°. Each resilient band thereafter moves against a rotating folding roller which momentarily compresses and deforms the resilient band to fully fold the head portion of each label as the label moves past the folding roller.

Abstract: A housing with a front frame which covers a housing opening, wherein the front frame is assembled from four frame legs and four corner elements. The corner elements connect the frame legs which meet each other at right angles at the corner elements, with each other. The corner elements can have two walls, extending at right angles in relation to each other, with fastening receivers for screw connections with screw receptacles in the front faces of the frame legs of the front frame. The outsides of these walls facing the frame legs have plug-in and/or snap-in elements, which can be introduced and/or snapped into the plug-in and/or snap-in receptacles of the frame legs. The walls are connected with an outer wall and a rear wall, which complete the outside and rear of the front frame, a simple assembly of the front frame and the rear wall or the basic housing structure is achieved.

Abstract: A trigger actuator having a substantially unitary structure with a measuring device mounted thereon to detect the application of force to the trigger. In response, the measuring device generates a trigger signal. A compensating system detects additional or undesirable effects applied to the actuator and generates a compensating signal to modify and compensate for such effects on the actuator.

Abstract: A scope for a firearm can be used for a gun sight. The scope comprises a main tube that contains imaging optics therein. In certain embodiments, the main tube comprises a single continuous tubular body extending uninterrupted from a widened proximal end portion through a narrow medial portion to a widened distal end portion. An objective is disposed in the widened distal end portion of the tubular body and an ocular is disposed in the widened proximal end portion of the continuous tubular body. A zoom selector ring is located about a circumference of the narrow medial portion of the continuous tubular body. The zoom selector ring can be used to provide optical zoom. In one arrangement, the zoom selector ring includes a plurality of segments arranged circumferentially about the circumference of the narrow medial portion. A flexible erector assembly that includes erector optics may be included in the main tube. This flexible erector assembly may flex to adjust windage and elevation.

Abstract: A scope for a firearm can be used for a gun sight. The scope comprises a main tube that contains imaging optics therein. In certain embodiments, the main tube comprises a single continuous tubular body extending uninterrupted from a widened proximal end portion through a narrow medial portion to a widened distal end portion. An objective is disposed in the widened distal end portion of the tubular body and an ocular is disposed in the widened proximal end portion of the continuous tubular body. A zoom selector ring is located about a circumference of the narrow medial portion of the continuous tubular body. The zoom selector ring can be used to provide optical zoom. In one arrangement, the zoom selector ring includes a plurality of segments arranged circumferentially about the circumference of the narrow medial portion. A flexible erector assembly that includes erector optics may be included in the main tube. This flexible erector assembly may flex to adjust windage and elevation.