Abstract: A preferred method for electrically connecting a first and a second component includes inserting a wire pin through a through hole formed in the first component so that a first portion of the wire pin is located within the through hole and a second portion of the wire pin is located within a retaining feature formed at least in part by the second component. The preferred method also includes moving one of the first and the second components in relation to the other of the first and the second components so that the wire pin resiliently deflects thereby establishing a first contact force between the first portion of the wire and the first components and a second contact force between the second portion of the wire and the second component.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a segmented electrode assembly. An electrically conducting tube is coupled to an electrically insulating material. The tube is generally cylindrical and hollow and defines one or more gaps at a first axial position. The tube also includes one or more bridges located at a second axial position. The method includes removing at least a portion of the bridge resulting in a segmented electrode assembly having at least one segment. A number embodiments of making a tube are also provided. In another embodiment a method of manufacturing a medical lead using a segmented electrode assembly is provided.

Abstract: Additions of small but effective amounts of one or more of bismuth, indium, lead and/or tin to an aluminum casting alloy markedly improved the dry machinability of a casting made from the modified alloy. The added elements, which are softer and lower melting than the matrix alloy form as small globules dispersed in the microstructure of the aluminum casting. These globules do not adversely affect the strength or hardness of the casting but enable the casting to be machined without the use of a cooling and lubricating machining fluid.

Abstract: A pressure-energized, annular metallic seal is provided that includes a central annular portion and a pair of annular leg portions extending from the central portion. Each leg portion includes a convex sealing surface lying in sealing plane. One of the leg portions preferably has an annular flange offset from its sealing plane in an axial direction towards the sealing plane of the other leg portion. One of the leg portions preferably has at least one radially extending tab projecting further than adjacent parts of the seal. The seal is preferably manufactured by first cutting a first annular edge in a metallic sheet material, then bending the sheet material substantially into the shape of the seal, and then cutting a second annular edge to complete the shape of the seal. The second annular edge preferably defines the annular flange and/or the at least one tab.

Abstract: A method for weld repairing airfoils made from nickel based super alloy material is provided. The method includes removing a damaged portion of the airfoil by machining the airfoil to a relatively smooth surface. Powdered alloy material, such as IN-100 material is then fed to a plasma arc welding device. A plurality of weld beads are deposited along the damaged portion of the airfoil in a continuous bi-directional pattern by the welding device to eliminate abrupt thermal transients at the ends of the weld, thereby reducing the thermal stresses that cause cracking in susceptible alloys such as IN-100.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a track mounted in the inlet of a compressor. A manipulator is mounted for movement about the track and carries three modules, the last of which mounts a tool head for movement in a Cartesian coordinate system and about the track. A measuring head measures the location of the airfoil surface. An abrading tool mounted on the third module removes surface material from the airfoil. Subsequently, a shot-peening device, either a flapper with embedded shot or free shot is impacted against the abraded surface to strengthen the surface. Final inspection is performed by a light and camera head mounted on the third module.

Abstract: A method for producing a structured sheet-metal strip includes feeding a smooth sheet-metal strip to a shaping apparatus along a guiding direction. A primary structure is produced in the smooth sheet-metal strip through the use of the shaping apparatus, during which a number of separate shaping tools act upon the sheet-metal strip in a manner that is substantially perpendicular to the guiding direction. An apparatus for producing a structured sheet-metal strip can produce the structured sheet-metal strips with a particularly low ratio of corrugation length to corrugation height. Such structured sheet-metal strips are used, in particular, for producing purification components in mobile exhaust gas systems.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an inkjet recording medium comprising the steps of: applying a coating color containing a pigment and a binder as major components to at least one side of a base material using a transfer roll coater, subsequently drying coating layer to form an ink absorbing layer, wherein Hercules viscosity of coating color is 5 m Pa·s to 30 m Pa·s and pigment contains a synthetic silica having an oil absorption of 90 ml/10 g to 200 ml/100 g, a BET specific surface area of 45 m2/g to 200 m2/g and an average particle diameter of 1.0 ?m to 3.0 ?m and/or a precipitated calcium carbonate-silica composite having an oil absorption of 100 ml/10 g to 250 ml/100 g, a BET specific surface area of 5 m2/g to 150 m2/g and an average particle diameter of 1.0 ?m to 10 ?m.

Abstract: A method of forming tubing with integral fins oriented parallel to its length, and to a heat exchanger tube produced by such a method. The invention involves extruding a tube so that the tube has at least one internal longitudinal passage, an external surface having a cross-sectional shape in a plane transverse to the extrusion direction, and at least one integral fin parallel to the extrusion direction and extending in a direction away from the external surface of the tube. The tube may be one of a plurality of tubes assembled in parallel to a pair of manifolds, and such tubes are preferably oriented so that their integral fins are substantially parallel, with the fin(s) of a given tube extending toward an adjacent one of the tubes.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for realizing a high degree of humidity exchange efficiency at a low cost. The heat exchanger in which partition members respectively separated from each other by a spacing maintained by one of spacing members facilitate circulation of two different air flows, with total enthalpy heat exchange occurring between these two air flows via the partition members. The partition members comprise an air shielding sheet type material comprising a hydrophilic fiber and also including a moisture absorbent, and the air permeability (JIS P 8117) of the partition members is at least 200 seconds/100 cc.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wheel set which comprises two wheel disks and is placed upon several support and drive rollers of a movable wheel set machine. The wheel set axle is the received between lathe centers of two tailstocks which are supported relative to each other. The position of the wheel set relative to the center of the machine is identified. A tool for machining the tire of at least one of the two wheel disks of the wheel set if first adjusted in the Z direction of the machine according to the result of the identification, the wheel set being made to rotate by means of one of the support and drive rollers. The back of the tire is subsequently planed with the aid of the tool. The planed back of the tire is supported in the Z direction, and the supported tire is profiled beginning from the front face thereof by means of a tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a metallic dental implant, to a blank, an intermediate body and a binder for producing said implant. The inventive method consists in obtaining a blank consisting of a solid powder metaliferous mixture, in processing said blank in such a way that the intermediate body is produced, and in treating said intermediate body in order to obtain desired properties of the dental implant material.

Abstract: An electric hair cutting apparatus including a casing and a cutter unit secured to the casing.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a folding knife operable by one hand, comprising a handle and a blade. The blade comprises a point at one end along with the other end pivotably connected to one end of the handle and a latch pivotably connected to the other end, enabling the blade to be adapted to either lie within the handle by pivoting in one direction or pull out of the handle by pivoting in the other opposite direction and the latch to be adapted to lock with a detent of the handle for prohibiting the blade from pivoting when the blade is received in the handle in a closed position of the knife or the point is distal one end of the handle in an open position thereof.

Abstract: A locking tool includes a handle; an elongated tool blade having a body and a tang. The tool blade has a tang spline opening formed therein which defines an annular array of alternate spline teeth and splined slots. A transversely-extending lock member has a spline ring with an annular array of alternate spline ribs and spline grooves formed thereon complementary to the tang spline opening, and is translatable between a locked position and a released position. The tool blade is attached to the handle by the locking member such that when the lock member is in said released position, the tool blade is freely pivotable about the locking member. When the lock member is in the locked position, the spline ring engages the tang spline opening such that the tool blade is retained in one of a plurality of predetermined angular positions relative to the handle.

Abstract: A folding knife comprises a lock configured to more securely hold the blade in an extended position than conventional locks of conventional knives. The folding knife includes a handle, a blade movable relative to the handle to an extended position, and the lock that retains the blade in the extended position. The blade includes a cutting edge, and a tang that has a cavity and that is attached to the handle and pivotable about a pivot axis. The cavity includes a central axis parallel or substantially parallel with the pivot axis and that is located a distance away from the pivot axis that is greater than the distance between the pivot axis and the end of the handle. The lock includes a pin moveable relative to the handle and insertable into the cavity to retain the blade in an extended position.

Abstract: A pair of pliers includes two handles, two opposite connecting plates each pivotally mounted on the two handles, a limit post located between the two handles and encompassed by the two connecting plates, and two pivot shafts each extended through the two connecting plates and a respective one of the two handles so that the two handles are pivotally connected with the two connecting plates. Thus, the distance between the spring and the limit post is increased, so that the movement distance of the force arm of each of the two handles is increased, thereby saving the user's manual work.

Abstract: A vibration damping device that damps vibration produced during the conversion of rotational motion into reciprocal motion. The damping is performed using a simple structure, and the device can be easily downsized. A first converting mechanism and a second converting mechanism are symmetrically arranged with an imaginary plane as a plane of symmetry, a first rotating shaft and a second rotating shaft rotate opposite to each other at a constant speed, and the rotational motion is converted into reciprocal motion by a first crank rod and a second crank rod. As a result, forces in a horizontal direction balance. The total of mass acting on gravity centers of a first balancer and a second balancer is approximately equal to the total of mass reciprocally driven by a first driving shaft and a second driving shaft. Further, both gravity centers are positioned so as to be opposed at 180 degrees to the first driving shaft and second driving shaft across the axes of the first rotating shaft and second rotating shaft.

Abstract: A scissors includes first and second blades, each blade having a handle and a cutting edge, an inner surface and an outer surface. The first blade inner surface includes a boss disposed between the handle and the cutting edge and extending outwardly from the inner surface. A bearing raceway is circumferentially disposed around the boss. The second blade inner surface includes a circular recess disposed between the handle and the cutting edge. The recess receives the boss of the first blade. The circular recess includes a circumferentially disposed bearing raceway. A pluralities of ball bearings are disposed within the circular recess bearing raceway and the boss bearing raceway for pivotally coupling set first and second blades members.

Abstract: A cutting device in accordance with the present invention is deal for use in cutting pizza and other “flat-bread” like cuisine. For example, in accordance with various embodiments, a cutting device is provided which exhibits improved functionality and ease of use through the use of handle which directs the cutting force from a user in the most efficient manner to carryout the task of cutting, for example, pizza. Moreover, the handle may provide improved protection of the user from accidental injury during use as well as be suitably configured to retract in a manner which facilitates removal of the cutting blade.

Abstract: A power tool is provided including a housing and drive means for driving a component to perform an operation on a workpiece. A base plate is provided on a base of said housing and said base plate is brought into contact with the workpiece when performing the operation. The tool further includes storage means adapted to store at least one component when not in use. The storage means are formed at least partially in or on the base plate.

Abstract: Provided is a hacksaw comprising a front cavity in a tang of the frame, a resilient member having one end fastened in one side of the cavity, a handle for receiving the tang and a top opening aligned with the cavity, a pivotal lock lever disposed in the opening and comprising an arm and an end urging member (e.g., cam), a blade inserted through the cavity and the tang into the handle. A thin portion of the urging member is disposed proximate the resilient member and the resilient member is disengaged from the blade when the arm is disposed in a forward position. To the contrary, a thick portion of the urging member is pressed down on the resilient member for fastening a back of the blade when the arm is disposed in a rearward position.

Abstract: A device and method for marking or scratching a ceramic tile, to be laid adjacent to a boundary surface is presented. This tile is subsequently cut according to the mark generated by the device. In the first embodiment, said tile is placed upside down between a backup member and an etching member of the apparatus, both connected to a support member resembling a clamp. Said members place pressure on the said edge tile, while said tile is held in place with one hand of the user. The tile is consequently etched when the device is slid across the tile, and along the edge of an adjacent laid tile via a sliding means be constructed to engage the surface below the laid tiles. In the second embodiment, the apparatus resembles a marker with an angled marking point. On one end an adjustable guide wheel is attached and optionally, on the opposite end, a sliding means is attached. it operates in principle as the first embodiment.

Abstract: A method and device for measuring the geometric data of a rotationally symmetrical body, such as a disc or a wheel which can be rotated about an axis, uses a measuring frame to secure the wheel. A measuring carrier is arranged in front of the wheel and can be supported on the measuring frame. The measuring carrier can be linearly displaced and pivoted in relation to the measuring frame in three axes (x, y, z) and can rotate about an axis of rotation (x). The measuring carrier is aligned with respect to the wheel such that it is centered in relation to the axis of rotation (x). A distance sensor is used to measure the distance (a) between the measuring carrier and the wheel. The sensor is radially displaceable from the axis of rotation (x) of the measuring carrier. Servo motors displace the measuring carrier with respect to the wheel by linear and/or pivotal movements based on the measurements so that the measuring carrier rotates about its axis of rotation (x) in parallel with the body.

Abstract: A laser guided work device including a work board having a work surface, a line producing laser projecting a line on the work surface, and a linear motion device engaging the laser to the work board. The linear motion device translates the laser relative to the work surface along at least one dimension. The line is oriented perpendicular to the at least one dimension such that the line moves relative to the work surface when the linear motion device translates the laser along the at least one dimension.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a laser tilt apparatus and the method thereof. The present invention comprises an input device, a tilt sensor, a motor, a microcontroller unit, and at least a laser module. The input device is used to input a tilt value. The tilt sensor supplies a tilt signal to represent the levelness of the laser tilt apparatus. The motor, electrically connected to the tilt sensor, adjusts the levelness of the laser tilt apparatus. The microcontroller unit samples the tilt signal to judge the levelness of the laser tilt apparatus. When leveling, the microcontroller unit drives the motor to adjust the tilt apparatus until the tilt signal matches the tilt value. After adjusting, the power supplied to the tilt sensor and the motor is suspended. The laser module is used to transmit laser light.

Abstract: A laser guided work device including a work board having a work surface, a line producing laser projecting a line on the work surface, and a linear motion device engaging the laser to the work board. The linear motion device translates the laser relative to the work surface along at least one dimension. The line is oriented perpendicular to the at least one dimension such that the line moves relative to the work surface when the linear motion device translates the laser along the at least one dimension.

Abstract: Celestial object location devices with sensor arrays of having less that one sensor for each of three orthogonal components of gravity and magnetic field vectors. The accuracy of position sensing is enhanced by estimating “missing” sensor input based on input from two orthogonal sensors provided, or determined with limitations from the two gravitational sensors provided.

Abstract: With regard to the geomagnetic sensor 1, the control logic circuit 11 conducts control of the geomagnetic sensor 1. When the geomagnetic sensor 1 is installed in a cell phone device, the control logic circuit 11 reads the measurement values pertaining to the ambient magnetic field from the geomagnetic sensor circuit 12, obtains the offset value from the pertinent measurement values, and stores it in the fuse memory 13. At times of measurement by the geomagnetic sensor 1, the control logic circuit 11 reads the offset value from the fuse memory 13, and corrects the measurement values of the geomagnetic sensor 12 using the pertinent value. With regard to the temperature sensor 201, the control logic circuit 211 conducts control of the temperature sensor 201.

Abstract: A tilt sensor system (10) is provided comprising a housing (12), a magnetized region (13) within the housing (12), and a magnetized, articulated pendulum (14) magnetically coupled to the magnetized region (13) for suspending the pendulum (14) within the housing (12). In a particular embodiment, the tilt sensor system (10) is incorporated into a park brake system (50) including a park brake for securing a portion of a vehicle in a static condition, and a control system for actuating the park brake responsive to a tilt measurement from the tilt sensor system. In addition, the tilt sensor system (10) may be incorporated into (or functionally coupled to) other vehicle control systems adapted for receiving tilt-related information from the tilt sensor system for use in performing respective vehicle control functions.

Abstract: A folding rule includes a plurality of segments having length indicating indicia thereon, including a plurality of intermediate segments having a length to thickness ratio in the range of 40:1 to 60:1; the segments pivotally connected together and pivotally moveable between a collapsed configuration wherein the segments are stacked and an extended configuration wherein the segments are linearly aligned along a measurement axis, wherein at least one intermediate segment rotates by approximately 180° with respect to an adjacent intermediate segment to move between the collapsed configuration and the extended configuration; the segments formed of a generally homogenous electrically non-conductive mixture of wood and plastic. The intermediate segments may be substantially identical except for the length indicating indicia thereon, and at least the intermediate segments may be hydrophobic and be formed of a generally homogenous mixture of wood and ABS plastic.

Abstract: A t-bevel plumb tool configured for identifying and placing a plumb line has the components typical of a t-bevel, namely a handle and a blade that pivotally attaches to the handle, and a plumb indicator that, in one embodiment, removably attaches to one end of the blade. In this embodiment, a locking mechanism secures the blade to the first end of the handle and a plumb locking member attaches the plumb indicator to the second end of the blade during use as a plumb tool. When the plumb indicator is not being used for finding a plumb line, it attaches to an extension member at the second end of the handle. In another embodiment, the plumb indicator is incorporated into the locking mechanism that secures the blade relative to the handle and a separate level indicator is also incorporated into the handle.

Abstract: A centering ruler includes a first straight edge, a second straight edge, an angle ? therebetween, and a measuring scale, marked on both sides of the ruler, which divides the first straight edge into equal increments. To find the center of a straight side of a workpiece, one aligns a first edge of a first side of a ruler with the straight side, positions a second edge of the ruler at the approximate center of the straight side, measures a minimum distance from a first end of the straight side to the second edge of the ruler, marks a first line of an “X” using the second edge as a guide, flips the ruler over to the second side, aligns the first edge of the ruler with the straight side, measures the afore-determined minimum distance from a second end of the straight side to the second edge of the ruler, and marks a second line of an “X” using the second edge as a guide. The center of the “X” marks the center of the workpiece.

Abstract: Disclosed is a zero set scale for measuring linear travel of a machine table or spindle, the scale comprised of a support member and two opposed rollers mounted on the support member. A continuous belt having a numerical scale thereon is mounted on the support rollers, the rollers spaced apart sufficient to apply slight tension to the belt, the numerical scale extending in opposite directions from a zero point. An indicator is mounted in cooperation with the belt to permit the scale to be set to the zero point or required measurement. Fastener means is provided for mounting the zero set scale to a machine.

Abstract: A strengthened blade tape measure includes a tape casing, a retraction unit, and a ruler blade, having an inner end attached to the retraction unit and an outer end stopped at a guiding opening of the tape casing, adapted to slidably fold between a storage position and a measuring position. In which, at the storage position, the ruler blade is retracted to receive in the tape casing in a coil flattened configuration manner via the retraction unit, and at the measuring portion, the outer end of the ruler blade is slidably pulled to extend the ruler blade in a concave-convex configuration out of the tape casing through the guider opening, wherein the ruler blade is capable of standing out from the tape casing with a measuring length at least 10 feet in a self-sustaining manner so as to prevent the ruler blade from buckling by its own weight.

Abstract: A layer on a semiconductor substrate is scanned with a stream of heated gas to bake the layer. A baking apparatus includes a stage that supports the semiconductor substrate and a gas injector that expels the stream of the heated gas. The stage and the gas injector are moved relative to one another to scan the substrate with the stream of heated gas and thus, bake the layer that is disposed thereon. Fumes emanating from the layer are removed while the layer is scanned. To this end, the apparatus also includes a vacuum head that is fixed in position relative to the gas injector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an appliance comprising at least one sub-program step “drying”, which permits appliances comprising at least one sub-program step “drying” to be operated in the most economic manner possible and permits the efficient drying of items with a minimum energy consumption. To achieve this, during the sub-program step(s) “drying”, air is conducted from a treatment chamber via a conduit system, in which at least one Peltier element is located, and the air is then recirculated to the chamber. During its passage through the conduit system, the air is cooled, moisture is removed and the air is subsequently reheated.

Abstract: A method of making water absorbing resin according to the present invention includes a polymerization step for producing a water absorbing resin by reverse-phase suspension polymerization; and a drying step for drying the water absorbing resin obtained in the polymerization step. In the drying step, the drying is made by using a dryer (X1) which includes: an end wall (21), an opposite end wall (22), a circumferential wall (23) and a rotation shaft (24) between these end walls, stirring means (25) provided in the rotation shaft (24) for stirring the water absorbing resin while moving the resin from the end wall (21) to the end wall (22), and stirring means (26) provided in the rotation shaft (24) between the stirring means (25) and the end wall (22) for stirring the water absorbing resin while moving the resin from the end wall (22) to the end wall (21).

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a ventilation system includes a heat-recovery device for pre-heating make-up air with exhaust air from multiple drying chambers (e.g., dry kilns for drying lumber). The ventilation system includes ductwork connecting the drying chambers to the heat-recovery device in a parallel arrangement. Supply ductwork for supplying pre-heated make-up air from the heat-recovery device to the drying chambers includes a main supply duct, or conduit, in fluid communication with the heat-recovery device and plural branch supply conduits, each of which establishes fluid communication with the main supply conduit and a respective drying chamber. Return ductwork for delivering exhaust air from the drying chambers to the heat-recovery device includes a main exhaust duct, or conduit, in fluid communication with the heat-recovery device and plural branch exhaust conduits, each of which establishes fluid communication with the main exhaust conduit and a respective drying chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying particulate material in which the drying and discharge of the particulate material may be superimposed in such a way as to permit continuous drying of particulate material even when the supply is not continuous. The quantity of heat supplied to the particulate material is controlled as a function of signals (i; hi) from temperature sensors mounted in the particulate material, which signals represent temperatures detected locally, and also as a function of a preselectable residence time (Tv) of the particulate material at a temperature within a preselectable target temperature range (min, max) and a preselectable throughput of dried particulate material such that the particulate material discharged has a temperature within the target temperature range (min, max) at least during the residence time (Tv).

Abstract: The downtime of a vacuum processing apparatus due to wet cleaning is reduced. In a vacuum processing apparatus that requires aging for its chamber or process container after vacuum evacuation of the apparatus and before actual processing of a workpiece, when the chamber has been opened to atmosphere for the purpose of wet cleaning or component replacement, the apparatus comprises a high precision absolute pressure gauge for use in processing, a wide range gauge capable of measuring a wide range of pressures, and a controller, wherein the controller uses a pressure trend during vacuum evacuation to determine whether the vacuum evacuation is satisfactory, and starts aging upon determining that the vacuum evacuation is satisfactory even if the actual pressure is not below a prescribed value.

Abstract: A ventilating shoe pad includes a pad body made of plenty of elastic fiber that is loosely and separately interwound together, with numerous gaps formed among the interwound fiber. The pad body is formed by thermal compression with a protective edge slightly extending upward obliquely at the peripheral edge corresponding to the recessed portion and the heel of a user's foot. The ventilating shoe pad of this invention has good permeability and good elasticity, safe and comfortable in using.

Abstract: An insole with improved internal air circulation is provided, including a cover layer and a main body, where the cover layer is a thin membrane made of leather skin, cloth, microfiber fabric, or composite material, and the main body is made from foam rubber, thermoplastic rubber, or flexible foam plastic. The body of the insole is provided with mixed pattern of channels and nodes on the surface, and a plurality of air vents evenly distributed on the bottom surface corresponding to the recessed areas of the channels and nodes, so that the air is able to circulate under the feet to help reduce heat and moisture accumulation in the wearer's shoes.

Abstract: Sole structures for footwear are constructed to provide excellent air exchange, ventilation, and breathability. Sole plates used in these sole structures may include plural rib elements extending across the sole to define plural slat openings in the sole plate. By providing these slat openings adjacent openings in the midsole member, excellent gas flow communication to/from the footwear interior may be provided. Slat vented sole plates and sole structures containing such sole plates may be included in articles of footwear or other foot-receiving devices, and advantageously in athletic footwear and other articles of footwear in which venting and breathability are important.

Abstract: Described herein is a covering for an elasticized band for a shoe provided with a tongue; the shoe is of the type in which the upper, in a position corresponding to the instep of the foot, has a tongue contained between two sides flaps of the upper, and, inside the shoe, an elasticized band extends between the two flaps of upper in a position facing the tongue; the covering is constituted by a lining, which lines in bridge-like fashion the elasticized band from inside the shoe, and is fixed, on one side, to the upper, in the proximity of the edge of attachment of the tongue and, on the other side, to the end edge of the tongue itself.

Abstract: A footwear article (1), for practicing a sport, in particular, motorcycling, includes a rigid body (2), for housing the foot of a user, running in an extension direction (8), a rigid upper (4), for housing the leg of a user and running essentially in an elevation direction (10), a joint (6), permitting the rotation of the upper with relation to the body in a transverse direction (12), stop elements for limiting the rotation of the upper (4) with relation to the body (2) in the transverse direction (12) within a range of rotation limits over 50 to 70 degrees, damping elements (14), generating a torque which opposes the approach of the first and second stop elements, the damping elemnts having an inactive state when the upper and the body move relative to each other within a normal rotation range of 30 to 50 degrees.

Abstract: The invention concerns a securing device in the form of a strip (1) in open position, arranged to cover exclusively a shoe (4) lace (3) and comprising means to be fixed to said shoe (4) and a series of holes (2) for passing through the lace (3). The device is adapted to be folded down such that the left side is fixed to the right side. Moreover, the length of said securing device (1) is substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the shoe (4).

Abstract: By providing a unique, pre-printed housing within which a plurality of windows are formed and positioned for cooperating with a plurality of longitudinally movable arm members or sliders, a unique, hands-on, printed, visually exciting and interest generating advertising/promotional product is attained. In the preferred embodiment, each window incorporates a transparent panel for overlying the visual image contained in the window, as well as preventing the user from obtaining access to the visual information contained therein. By constructing each of the plurality of longitudinally movable arm members/sliders in an overlying manner, a unique construction is realized which enables the movement of one arm member/slider to effectuate a change in the visual display of a window element which is not directly adjacent the arm member or slider. In this way, a unique, surprising and interest generating result is attained.

Abstract: A display system may include a frame, column connection members connected to the frame, and column members rotatably connected to the column connection members. The display system may also include a magnetic drive assembly carried by the frame that engages the column connection members to selectively rotate the column members. The magnetic drive assembly may include a power source, energizing members connected to the power source, and column movement members connected to the column connection members. The energizing members may include an electromagnet, and the column movement members may be positioned spaced-apart from and overlying the energizing members. The electromagnet of the energizing members may be selectively energized to form a magnetic field between the energizing members and the column movement members to selectively cause rotation of the column members.

Abstract: An assembly (16) for covering a visual display means (10) which has an array of pixels (12) is described. The assembly (16) comprises an array of cells (18) with reflective walls and an opening at each end. A transparent cover sheet (20) is positioned adjacent the open end of the cells (18) on one side of the array. The array is dimensioned such as in use each cell (18) is aligned with one pixel (12) of the visual display means (10). In this way, large visual display systems with excellent optical performance can be provided which can be used both internally and externally and are capable of bearing loads and forming structural members.