Abstract: A laser sight for an archery bow is dimensioned and configured to be mounted on a mounting bracket for a conventional sighting pin. The laser sight is further configured to not interfere with the optional use of conventional sighting pins. The laser sight may include a pull switch that activates the laser sight in response to drawing the bow to provide hands free activation of the laser sight.

Abstract: A simple device for showing the sun/shade exposure of a place at any given time which includes a convex mirror reflecting the sky and a transparent flat screen inscribed with the path of the sun, with the screen balanced horizontally on the mirror so that when one looks down through the screen the paths of the sun at various times of the year are superimposed on the image of the sky and any shadow-causing obstructions. Horizontality of the flat screen is accomplished by its balancing on the convex mirror. North orientation of the flat screen can be found, if the sun is visible, by rotating the screen till the sun's image matches its path position for that time, or by using a compass if the sun is not visible.

Abstract: A leveling or plumbing device for indicating a line or a plane on a surface, such as wall or floor. The device includes a light beam generator that emits a light beam exteriorly of a body or housing. Level and/or plumb indicators, such as vials, are mounted to the housing for positioning the device in a predetermined orientation on the surface. The device includes a series of extendible and retractable engagement members, each of which defines an outer end having an adhesive. The adhesive engages the surface to releasably secure the device to the surface. The engagement members are biased inwardly toward a retracted position. The adhesive engagement of the engagement members with the surface maintains the engagement members in the extended position against the inward bias.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for aligning a vertical shaft or multiple axially coupled vertical shafts in a hydroelectric turbine generator or a similar vertical-shaft system, and for providing precise plumb inclination alignment of a vertical rotating shaft. Precision inclinometers attached to the vertical shaft measure plumb inclination. Proximity probe displacement devices mounted externally of the vertical shaft measure radial movement, throw, or run out at various shaft elevations as the shaft is rotated relative to a fixed point. Data acquisition devices and communication devices accumulate and transmit alignment data to a micro-computer which receives and processes such data. Methods of defining shaft plumb inclination in a static single rotational position and defining plumb inclination of the virtual centerline of a shaft's rotational throw position. A method of swinging, tilting, or adjusting a vertical shaft to a corrected or different plumb position relative to the earth's gravity.

Abstract: Motorized indexed measuring head for a machine for measuring three-dimensional coordinates. The orientable axes are actuated by motors rigidly supported on bearings or ball bearings. The rotation is transmitted to the re-orientable elements by transmission elements having sufficient play so that the indexing accuracy is not impaired.

Abstract: Motorized indexed measuring head for a machine for measuring three-dimensional coordinates. Includes a double-action actuator to pass from a locked state, wherein any rotation of the probe feeler is prohibited, to an unlocked state, wherein the feeler can be oriented along two axes by two servomotors. The locking and unlocking mechanism is independent from the gravitational force and can operate whatever the orientation of the measuring head.

Abstract: A gauge for connecting with a power tool and providing a system for determining structural factors of a workpiece to be operated upon by the power tool is provided by the present invention. The gauge including a probe connected with a sensor via a spring, wherein contact by the probe with the workpiece allows a reading by the sensor which may be utilized to determine the proper operational settings of the power tool based on the determined structural factors of the workpiece.

Abstract: A power tool comprises a spindle, a slide, and an alignment guide. The spindle is attached to the power tool and operably supported relative to a work piece wherein the spindle defines an axis of operation for the power tool. The slide is moveably attached to the power tool. The alignment guide is secured to the slide and has a first laser and a second laser. The first laser projects a first laser beam in a first plane and the second laser projects a second laser in a second plane. The first plane and the second plane intersect along the axis of operation.

Abstract: A marking tape measure having a marking applicator, which is selectively engageable, adjacent this applicator being a wheel or other directional guide for guiding the applicator generally perpendicular to the direction the tape measure's tape blade extends from the tape measure's case.

Abstract: Provided is a caliper extender (100), which fits over a tape measure blade (124), enabling accurate measurements to be taken of an inside dimension (142). Extender (100) slides along blade (124) and is positioned against one wall of the inside dimension (142). Blade (124) is then repositioned flat against extender (100) and a measurement reading is taken. A pointer (110) may also be incorporated into extender (100) to indicate a tape marking (202, 204, 206, 208 or 210) corresponding to an accurate measurement. In the alternative, a caliper extender (160) is incorporated into a tape measure (350) such that extender (160) can be disengaged from a casing (352) of tape measure (350), slid along a blade (190) and a measurement reading taken through a window (308) in a channel (304) through which blade (190) is installed.

Abstract: A method producing a homogeneous dried material from a mixture of foods, food extracts, herbs, herb extracts, or supplements is provided.

Abstract: An operation method for a combination dryer is disclosed. The present invention relates to a combination dryer, and more particularly, to an operation method for a combination dryer which enables air in a drying drum and a cabinet for drying the laundry to circulate continuously and enables condensed water generated in the circulation process to perform a refreshing cycle by using the water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hair dryer in which the direction of a palm of a user gripping the hair dryer is same as the direction of wind blown from the hair dryer. A blowing pipe is coupled to a case and has an air outlet at one end. A heater for heating air is provided inside the case. A fan for blowing air toward the heater and the air outlet is provided inside the case. A grip part, which is designed to be gripped by a human hand, is coupled to a portion of the case opposite to the air outlet. A handle is mounted to the grip part so as to prevent the grip part from being released from the hand.

Abstract: A reduced pressure drying apparatus includes a chamber that closes in an airtight manner during a reduced pressure drying operation, a stage on which a substrate is mounted; and an exhaust unit having an exhaust tube that opens at exhaust openings within the chamber. The stage is disposed within the chamber during the reduced pressure drying operation. The exhaust unit discharges atmosphere from the chamber via the exhaust openings during the reduced pressure drying operation to reduce the pressure within the chamber. The exhaust openings are formed such that a position of the exhaust openings is substantially the same as or no higher than a surface position of the substrate. The reduced pressure drying apparatus allows a film having a more uniform thickness to be formed on the substrate.

Abstract: A control system for controlling the utilization of heated waste streams for fluidizing particulate matter such as coal in a fluidizing bed dryer. The control system includes a number of graphic user interfaces that allow an operator to more easily monitor and/or control the various regulator devices. The control system controls coal handling or transportation, fluid handling or flow, and the discharge of discarded or separated coal from the dryer.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating particulate material has a process chamber for receiving and treating the material. A bottom is composed of a plurality of overlapping guide plates which are placed one above the other and between which annular slots for process air to pass through are formed. An annular-gap nozzle is arranged centrally in the bottom, the orifice of this annular-gap nozzle being designed in such a way that a planar spray pancake which runs approximately parallel to the bottom plane can be sprayed.

Abstract: A clothes drying machine, in which a connection structure between an air blowing case and a motor bracket is simplified so that the number of required components is reduced and assembly efficiency is improved, and the air blowing case is precisely connected to the motor bracket so that the generation of noise or vibration is reduced.

Abstract: An attachable sole for a foot comprises a substantially flat substrate, having an upper surface and a lower surface and an adhesive disposed on the upper surface of the substrate. The adhesive is adapted to attach the substrate to the bottom of a foot and to allow easy removal of the substrate from the foot. The lower surface of the substrate is at least somewhat resistant to slipping when in contact with a smooth floor.

Abstract: Impact-attenuating elements include a plurality of impact-attenuating members and a means for releasably securing the impact-attenuating element to at least one of the upper member or the sole member of a piece of footwear or other foot-receiving device. The impact-attenuating elements may be included in the footwear or other foot-receiving devices in a selectively removable manner so that a user, retailer, or another can customize and freely select an appropriate element, e.g., depending on user preferences, characteristics of the user, characteristics of the intended use, and the like.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole and an upper with an exterior and interior surface, and a bladder which comprises at least one of the exterior or interior surfaces. The bladder comprising sheets of polyurethane attached together via welding. The bladder includes a medial compartment and a lateral compartment attached to each other under the foot of the wearer. The article of footwear also includes a inflation mechanism for selectively introducing air to the chambers. The inflation mechanism is located under the foot of the wearer to be activated by the normal action of the wearer.

Abstract: A method of forming an upper for an article of footwear includes the steps of providing an exterior layer of an upper of an article of footwear having a layer of adhesive secured to an interior surface thereof, positioning an interior layer of the upper in contact with the interior surface of the exterior layer, applying heat and pressure to laminate the interior layer and exterior layer together, and cutting the laminated interior layer and exterior layer to a desired final form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to removable and/or replaceable liners for use in a wide variety of footwear. Liners may be permanently connected to the collar of the shoe, or may be semi-permanently attached for easy removal from the collar. The liners can be quickly removed from the interior of the shoe using any number of disengagement devices. Removing the liner from within the shoe permits rapid drying of the liner when it becomes wet due to moisture generated by the foot within the shoe or from external environmental conditions. Semi-permanently attached liners can be detached for cleaning or for replacement by another liner depending on the needs of the wearer. Disengagement means can be provided in conjunction with the liner, which enable the wearer to easily pull the liner out of the shoe.

Abstract: A clasp for securing an upper to the outsole of an article of footwear is disclosed. The clasp includes first and second releasably interengaging parts, one of which is attached to the upper and the other to the outsole. The part attached to the outsole includes a body defining a recess adapted to slideably receive the part attached to the upper. The recess has an opening through which the part attached to the upper is adapted to extend. The body has a centerline extending through the axis of the recess and the midpoint of the opening. That part also includes a base with a bottom surface adapted to be situated adjacent the outsole. The body is attached to the base such that the centerline of the body forms an obtuse angle with plane of the bottom surface of the base. The base has a top surface that is inclined relative to the bottom base surface. The clasp also has a spring-loaded detent mounted on one of the clasp parts.

Abstract: The invention relates to an attachment mechanism and system used to accessorize, customize and/or personalize footwear with interchangeable uppers or straps, especially open shoes and sandals. More particularly, this invention presents a safe, secure and easy system for the attachment and detachment of shoe uppers and straps to shoes and sandals. This invention allows both the manufacturer and wearer to promote and display fashion and theme material of their own choosing, with the freedom to change the material or message without having to change footwear. The invention comprises a releasable fastener that connects a retainer, secured with the sole of the footwear, to an upper or strap. The releasable fastener is comprised of an upper and lower bar or metal loop, each loop carried on a barrel, the barrels interlocking with each other in a sliding engagement and held in the closed or engaged position by a magnet or by a biasing member.

Abstract: A cleat receptacle for footwear. The cleat receptacle includes a cleat-engaging structure surrounded by a flange. The flange includes portions that are sloped with respect a plane perpendicular to the axis of the cleat-engaging structure. The receptacle is molded into a shoe outsole. Outsole material adjacent to sloped portions of the flange resists twisting of the receptacle as cleats are inserted into or removed from the receptacle. Paddle projections may be attached to the flange to further resist twisting of the receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a footwear system that is comprised of a pair of footwear with at least one transparent, semi-transparent or translucent special display area(s) (SDA) and system of innerliners. The system of innerliners can be comprised of either at least two user interchangeable pairs of innerliners or a single pair of innerliners that can provide multiple combined appearances from the footwear, when the innerliners are switched from one foot to the other, reversed or rotated on the foot. The innerliners are specifically designed and engineered to be displayed through the footwear, and the footwear is specifically designed and engineered to display the innerliners providing an emanating effect. The present invention provides a large number of user desirable combinations of footwear with SDA and innerliners that can be created by using a footwear system comprised of footwear with at least one SDA and a system of specifically designed innerliners.

Abstract: The present invention alleviates pain and discomfort from a limb of a patient by redistributing pressure on the limb. The present invention involves an orthopedic device for redistribution of pressure exerted on a limb of a patient. The device comprises a pressure-absorbing member and a breakable container disposed in the pressure absorbing member. The pressure absorbing member is contoured to cooperate with the shape of the limb. The pressure absorbing member has a pressure receiving cavity formed therein. The breakable container is disposed in the pressure receiving cavity and includes a reactant molding material. The breakable container has a predetermined elastic threshold to allow the breakable container to break at a high pressure area and to allow the reactant molding material to disperse from the high pressure area upon pressure exertion on the breakable container by the limb.

Abstract: This product is a mesh banner designed to be viewed from one or both sides. It can have designs and or text, printed on one or both sides with flexible electric lighting behind, in the case of a one sided banner or between two banners in the case of two Sided banners. These banners provide the capability of having visible designs and or text in daylight and illuminated text and or designs in the dark.

Abstract: A novel concept of using standard or modified traffic signs or icons for advertising purposes is provided. Symbols or graphics are added to or superimposed on the icons to create an effective advertisement for consumer products and services. Viewers of the signs are likely to respond positively to such advertisements due to the easily recognizable nature of traffic signs the viewers can associate with, and the semantic association provided by the traffic signs with activities.

Abstract: An identification labeling system having a faceplate with a recess and a label cover that may be retained within the recess. The label cover may have compartments for retaining identification labels. The label cover has latching legs and the recess has a complementary retention ledge. A lift slot may be provided to facilitate removal of the label cover. The recess may contain holes to accommodate individual molded identification icons. The recess may include tapered corners to accommodate strip labels of different widths and lengths, such labels being positioned by the tapered corners of the recess and the label cover. The recess includes end configurations that prevent a label from passing through the surface of the faceplate. The label cover has a thickness so as to be flush with the faceplate. The label may be the same color as the faceplate.

Abstract: A firing pin assembly is provided that includes a firing pin and a firing pin shaft. The firing pin is received in a slot of the end of the firing pin shaft to be retained therein with a spring retaining sleeve, a main spring, and a main spring sleeve. The firing pin is removable from the firing pin assembly and can be replaced to result in a prolonged use of the firing pin assembly. The firing pin assembly will operate as a one-piece unit when the spring retaining sleeve is oriented to hold the components securely in place.

Abstract: This invention relates to a gun lock, a device for locking a gun or parts thereof by securely situating the gun or parts thereof such as the trigger and the trigger guard between a gun lock base and a locking base. The gun lock base house a plurality of spring loaded pins for totally surrounding the gun or parts of the gun such as the trigger and/or the trigger guard when placed on top of the pins. The gun lock base pairs with a locking base housing a locking mechanism. The plurality of spring loaded pins covering the surface of a gun lock base immobilize the gun, trigger or trigger guard. The device can also be used to lock other objects in place aside from a gun or parts of the gun.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pre-packaged kit and a method for creating unique multi-toned custom patterns or camouflage on a surface, and in particular the surfaces of a firearm. The multi-toned custom patterns or camouflage are created by separating or peeling off pre-cut stencil/templates from sheet or roll stock adhesive backed masking material and applying the stencil/templates to a surface. The surface is subsequently sprayed with coatings, finishers and sealants. Additional layers of stencil/templates are then added and sprayed with various colors or tones of coatings, finishers and sealants to complete the desired effect on the firearm surface.

Abstract: An improved fishing lure is disclosed. The improved fishing lure of the present invention emulates a prey fish being hunted by a predator fish and comprises a prey fish lure having a connector line for attaching a predator lure to the improved fishing lure. The connector line is attached to a connector coupler on the prey fish lure and is used to attach a predator lure of the fishermen's choice to the prey fish. The prey fish lure further includes a leader coupler for connecting a leader line to the improved lure. The size of the prey fish lure and the length of the connector line are selected according to the fishing environment in which the improved fishing lure are to be used. The predator lure selected for use with an improved fishing lure of the present invention should be at least as large as the prey lure.

Abstract: An improved fishing lure is disclosed. The improved fishing lure of the present invention emulates a prey fish being hunted by a predator fish and comprises a prey fish lure having a connector line for attaching a predator lure to the improved fishing lure. In one embodiment, the connector line is attached through a hole in the prey fish lure and includes a loop on one end to attach a predator lure of the fishermen's choice to the prey fish. The connector line further includes a loop at the other end for connecting a leader line. The prey fish lure is allowed to slide up and down a portion of the connector line to further simulate the movement of a prey fish in the water.

Abstract: A portable livewell comprises a lined bag providing a volume adequate to carry a fish of an anticipated size and weight. Preferably, the bag retains a quantity of the water from which the fish was harvested while being moved. This allows the fish to be returned to its environment in relatively good health. The water is circulated by a self-contained aeration system, including a battery-powered pump.

Abstract: An improved crustacean, fish & animal trap comprising a collapsible hoop and mesh structure to minimize storage size. The invention is unique in that it collapses through the manipulation of flexible hoops to a size minimized in all three dimensions. The primary configurations would be for crab, prawns and lobster/crayfish; however, in slightly different configurations, can be used to catch or cage animals, fish and other crustaceans. Another embodiment of the trap would feature only one hoop and would be used as a “lift trap.

Abstract: Making candles, vases or ornamental articles, by rotating a mold in elevation and azimuth, pouring wax into the mold, allowing the wax to partially or completely harden, and repeating these steps to build up layers of wax in different inclined planes. Apparatus is described for carrying out this method, having a support rotatable in elevation and a mold holder rotatable in azimuth on the support. An alternative apparatus is described having a vessel that may be optionally temperature controlled and containing flowable material supporting a mold. Further apparatus is described having means to support a mold at a variable angles of elevation and azimuth. The apparatus and materials for carrying out the method may be supplied as a kit, with the apparatus either fully assembled or supplied as separate parts to be assembled by the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a continuous process for preparing additive mixtures for mineral oils and mineral oil distillates, comprising A) a cold flow improver for middle distillates, and at least one further component selected from B) and C): B) a further cold flow improver, C) an organic solvent, which comprises mixing cold flow improver and optionally solvent by means of a static mixer, the temperature of the additive mixture at the outlet of the static mixer being from 0° to 100° C.

Abstract: A fuel for a fuel cell comprises a mixed solution of water and methanol, and an organic compound represented by the following formula (I) dissolved in the mixed solution as an antifreeze: (OH)m—R1—R2—(OH)n??(I) where R1 and R2 each denote a radical having an indan or indene structure, which are either the same or different; and m and n are integers of 1 to 20.

Abstract: Use of a viscosity increasing component (ii) in provided in a composition (i) of a diesel fuel for the purpose of: improving the vehicle tractive effort (VTE) and/or acceleration performance of a compression ignition engine or a vehicle powered by such an engine, into which engine the composition (i) is introduced, or mitigating decrease in the vehicle tractive effort (VTE) and/or acceleration performance, in the case of a diesel fuel composition (i) to which an additional component (iii) is introduced for the purpose of improving the emissions performance, of a compression ignition engine or a vehicle powered by such an engine, into which engine the composition (i) is introduced.

Abstract: A method of using a fire starter includes providing a fire starter made of a calcium silicate hydrate with an inflammable liquid and a packaging at least partially surrounding the fire starter; removing a portion of the packaging to expose a portion of the surface area of the fire starter less than the entire surface area of the fire starter; and lighting the fire starter so that the inflammable liquid in the fire starter burns without significantly affecting the integrity of the fire starter and a flame burns from the exposed portion of the surface area of the fire starter.

Abstract: An energy product made from biomass, and a method of making an energy product from biomass. The energy product is made by processing biomass in a pressurizable reaction vessel with heat, pressure and agitation.

Abstract: A process and system is provided for briquetting particulate matter such as moisture-containing bituminous and sub-bituminous coal. This process includes partially drying the particulate matter and feeding, the partially dried particulate matter to a briquetting apparatus under conditions such that water vapour is released from the particulate matter during feeding. The particulate matter is passed through briquette forming rollers to form briquettes. The released water vapour substantially displaces or prevents the ingress of a large proportion of other gaseous components from the atmosphere surrounding an/or intermixed with the particulate matter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for cultivating a mushroom of a large size having an excellent shape and crunchy texture, and a mushroom fruit body having the above-mentioned characteristics obtained by the method. According to the present invention, a mushroom fruit body of very high commercial value having a large size, an excellent shape and a dense body, which has never existed, and a method for cultivating the mushroom fruit body are provided.

Abstract: A method for separating a lump piece of rosette plants. The method includes the steps of gripping a rosette plant and positioning it parallel to a longitudinal axis of an elongated holder which has a longitudinal opening at least along the longitudinal axis; introducing a part of the lump piece of the rosette plant into the holder via the mentioned longitudinal opening; cutting off the lump piece along a cutting plane parallel to the longitudinal axis, while closing the longitudinal opening, such that the introduced part of the lump piece is enclosed in the holder; and removing the enclosed cut-off part of the lump piece from the holder. The method includes the further step of cutting off a part of the rosette plant enclosed in the holder along a second cutting plane.

Abstract: An artificial plant designed to be placed adjacent to landscaping plants. The artificial plant partially shades the landscaping plants, forcing them to compete for light. The artificial plant is adjustable in height and may comprise a watering and feeding device and light filtering shades to only allow specific spectra of light to contact the landscaping plant being shaded.

Abstract: A landscape tent (1) having a flexible memory frame (2), a top panel (7) and numerous side panels (3) to surround various-sized plants (4), (9) and (11). The panels (3) and (7) are bordered by the memory frame (2), which is preferably made of wire, and filled in with an open-weave material to allow air to pass through the tent (1). Anchor loops (5) are located at the base (12) of the tent (1) to allow a user to secure the tent (1) to the ground. The use of the present invention will not only protect plants (4), (9) and (11) from the elements, such as wind, rain, snow, hail, sleet and frost, but will also not cause damage the plants (4), (9) and (11) because the tent (1) does not touch the plants (4), (9) and (11).

Abstract: A Christmas tree holding device that incorporates decor mental combustible fuel powered vehicle themes or motifs. A water level gauge will display the amount of water in a basin inside the base. This allows for the careful inspection of the water level so a fire hazard, like a dry tree, can be suppressed. A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter is incorporated in the base so tree lights and other decorative items can be plugged in and be controlled by a possible handset. A float switch is activated when the basin is emptied by the water being absorbed by the tree. The switch activates a gauge that will read empty and the sounder circuit will alarm by sending out a “chugging” noise like a vehicle running out of fuel. It is then time to fill the basin with water. Another float switch is activated when the basin is full. This switch activates the water level gauge to read “full” and a “vroom” sound is heard notifying that the basin is full and to stop adding water. Lighted gauges will give a desirable effect.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for mounting a device (10) for displaying individual flower arrangements. The device includes a base element (2) which may or may not be equipped with a raised ridge (4) over its entire circumference, and a sheet (5) which may or may not be watertight placed under base element (2) and which is gathered around the center top of the device (10) and held by an fastener (9) such as a ribbon (7) for keeping the sheet (5) sealed around the flower arrangement.