Abstract: A calibration method is provided for calibrating a parallel kinematic mechanism that has an end effecter. The method includes setting an adjustment tool attached to the end effecter in predetermined postures in a reference coordinate system by taking coordinates of the posture of the adjustment tool each time the adjustment tool is placed in the posture and recording coordinates of driver shafts manipulated by a numerical control device in accordance with the inverse kinematics each time the adjustment tool is placed in the posture. The method continues by calculating kinematic parameters necessary for the kinematics of the parallel kinematic mechanism based on the taken coordinates of the postures of the driver shafts and the recorded coordinates of the driver shafts. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain accurate posture information of the end effecter and relative coordinates of the driver shafts.

Abstract: The invention provides an aspherical workpiece leveling method for leveling an aspherical workpiece mounted on a tilt correction table. The method comprises three-dimensionally measuring a surface of the aspherical workpiece containing an extreme value; deriving a secondary curved surface from the obtained three-dimensionally measured values to obtain an extreme value of the secondary curved surface as a temporary extreme value; obtaining three-dimensionally measured values at three or more points from the surround about the obtained temporary extreme value; obtaining a plane defined by the obtained three-dimensionally measured values at three or more points; and adjusting the tilt correction table for leveling the obtained plane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device on at least one rail (4) of a railway track for measuring the roundness (7) of an individual railway vehicle wheel (1) during running (3) thereof on the rail (4) as a difference (8 to 9) of the circumferential radius of the wheel flange cap (5) and the radius of the running surface (2) of the railway vehicle wheel (1) in a measuring plane (17). The measuring device consists of a plurality of measuring sensors, which respectively have a lateral distance from one another and are connected to the rail (4) in the measuring plane (17) along the axis of rotation (6) of the railway vehicle wheel (1) or the set of wheels and perpendicularly to the contact surface (10) of the respective railway vehicle wheel (1).

Abstract: A device is provided for measuring roundness of a mechanical object even if the mechanical object performs an orbit movement. The orbital movement and the surface roundness are separated. It is even possible to divide the orbital movement into an x component and a y component. The measurement is accomplished in a single measurement. After measuring it is possible to decide what to indicate: the orbit of the mechanical object, the deviation from a nominally round surface, or the combination of both. This is possible since once the data has been obtained it is then possible to use the data once or a number of times to indicate the orbit of the mechanical object, the deviation from a nominally round surface, or the combination of both.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of moving an articulating mechanism (22,410) for a measuring device, comprising the steps of: releasing two bodies (14,16, 410a,410b) which form the articulating mechanism allowing relative movement thereof; moving one of the bodies with respect to the other until a desired position is reached; and re-constraining the two bodies so they are relatively fixed, perhaps as part of a locking process, characterised in that relative movement prior to re-constraining at the desired position occurs under particular conditions. The particular conditions including moving from the same direction; and stopping, slowing down or maintaining the condition at a position adjacent to the desired position. Also disclosed is a method of positioning an articulating mechanism (22,410) for a measuring device which is controlled by a potentiometer and a controller (11) for a measuring device.

Abstract: A touch probe is provided, including a deflectable stylus with a rest position mechanism on which the stylus is arranged, and a housing in which the rest position mechanism is accommodated. The rest position mechanism comprises a stylus holder with carrying elements and seating elements corresponding to the carrying elements that interact with the carrying elements to arrange the stylus holder in the touch probe. The carrying elements and seating elements form a sensing circuit which is closed when the carrying elements are in contact with the seating elements and which is open when one of the carrying elements is not in contact with a corresponding seating element. The rest position mechanism includes a spring element, which urges the stylus holder against the seating elements to position the stylus holder. Setting means, which allow setting of the pressing force of the spring element, are provided in the stylus holder.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing and spacing a second truss to a first truss, wherein each of said first truss and said second truss comprises a top chord and a bottom chord, and wherein said apparatus comprises a frame for spanning the top chords of said trusses, a stop attached to said frame, and a latch attached to said frame.

Abstract: A device for marking the optimal placement of a picture hanging nail, or the like, on a wall when positioning a picture, or similar object, is disclosed. The inventive device includes a magnetic marking tip for use with smaller picture hanging hardware such as sawtooth hangers, D-rings, triangle hangers and other metal hangers, and a wire adapter device for providing tension on cord based hanger, as typically found on larger picture frames and mirrors. The marking tip attaches to the wire adapter, and comprises a magnet with a coaxially-aligned marker and a projecting tip attached to the opposite sides of the magnet.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a hand tool for the installation of elongated horizontally overlapping siding on a vertical framework.

Abstract: A way sensor arrangement (2) for detecting the displacement of a mechanical component in relation to another component. The way sensor arrangement having a sensor housing (4) that is firmly mounted to a first (gear case 6) of these two components and a sensor carriage (12) that interacts with the housing and can be coupled to the second component (shift rail 18). The invention provides that the sensor carriage (12) is mounted in the sensor housing (4) displaceably in the direction of displacement of the displaceable component (shift rail 18) and that mutually interacting coupling device (catch projection 14, catch recess 16) are provided on the sensor carriage (12) and on. the second component (shift rail 18), which can mutually engage with each other.

Abstract: A lay-out tool assembly includes a square having a base component with a straight edge and with trough structure in which a carpenter's pencil is seated, an abrasive area for sharpening the pencil, and wall structure on which a tape measure is mounted for use in cooperation with the base.

Abstract: A method (112) of loading an expandable medical device in a low vapor environment. The method includes placing the device in a loading chamber (114) at, for example, room temperature and removing (116) from the chamber any undesirable contaminants such as water vapor that can form condensation on the device when the device is cooled for compression into a transfer tube or delivery catheter. The temperature in the chamber is lowered (118) to a temperature below the transition temperature (martensitic finish) of the device. The device is compressed (120) below its' transition temperature and loaded (122) into a delivery or transfer device.

Abstract: A flat surface dryer (1) includes a sealed targeting box (2) with its replacement and exhaust air ports (12, 31; 20), and an air fan (3), the flat surface dryer (1) being an air circulating flat surface dryer, including an element (19, 21, 28, 30) for regulating the amounts of replacement air and exhaust air with respect to the total amount of air circulated by the air fan (3). Also described is a method for drying a flat surface (6) with the flat surface dryer (1).

Abstract: There is provided a hair dryer for quiet operative use that efficiently dampens noise created when fan impeller blades cut through the air and that acoustically insulates a motor to dampen vibrational noise generated thereby. The hair dryer of the present invention has a housing with an air inlet and an air outlet, a heater, an acoustically isolated motor, a fan operatively connected to the motor, an inner sleeve surrounding the fan and forming an air gap between the housing and the inner sleeve, and an outer sleeve surrounding at least a portion of the housing. In one embodiment, the inner annular sleeve has a plurality of guides for directing airflow. In another embodiment, the fan has one or more hubs with a plurality of propeller blades that cooperate with the housing and/or the inner sleeve to convert blade tip vortices into useful airflow, as well as to provide a noise dampening effect. In still another embodiment, the fan is positioned part-in and part-out of the housing.

Abstract: A dryer seal. The seal includes a first layer of fibrous material adapted to be disposed in contacting relation with a rotating dryer drum and at least one underlying layer held in melt bonded relation to a support structure.

Abstract: A clothes drying machine includes a blade member located in a hot air entrance space formed between a hot air entrance duct and an air entrance portion of a rear plate of a drying tub. The blade member includes a fixed portion fixed to the flange, and a blade portion vertically bent from the fixed portion for generating an air current. The blade member is installed outside the rear plate of the drying tub, and is rotated together with the rotation of the drying tub to generate a vertical air current, thereby dispersing foreign substances present in the lower portion of the hot air entrance space.

Abstract: A protective foot cover for use in dance, exercise, or athletic applications using strategically placed thicker protective pieces in ball and toe areas of the foot in connection with an elastic material in the sole structure to allow the foot to move freely and provide less of a barrier between the foot and floor such that a dancer can better sense the floor upon which they dance. The foot cover incorporates strategically placed protective patches that provide support, protection, and comfort to the ball and toe portions of the foot. The patches are spaced from one another so that the footwear is able to move more naturally with the expansion of the foot as pressure is applied to the foot. The foot cover may be used alone, whereby the toe and heel portions of the foot are exposed, or in combination with a dance shoe providing a stretchable sole running from the arch portion to the toe portion of the foot.

Abstract: A shoe includes a shoe upper made of flexible material, the shoe upper including a toe region, a heel region, a foot opening at the heel region, and an arch region extending between the toe region and the heel region. A split sole is secured to a bottom of the shoe upper, the split sole including a front sole under the toe region of the shoe upper and a rear sole under the heel region of the shoe upper, the front and rear soles being spaced from one another for defining a gap between the front and rear soles that extends along the bottom of the shoe upper.

Abstract: Footwear having a shoe upper and a sandal type sole are made from an upper having a lower marginal edge with a plurality of spaced fingers extending from the lower marginal edge, a footbed having a peripheral edge and a plurality of spaced slots therethrough adjacent the peripheral edge and aligned respectively with the fingers, the fingers being extended through the slots and folded over onto the lower surface of the foot bed, an outsole secured to the lower surface of the footbed and the folded portions of the fingers and securing the fingers between the footbed and the outsole, and a structural arrangement for concealing from view the lower marginal edge and the fingers of the upper. A mid-sole is optionally provided between the footbed and the outsole. A method of making the footwear is described.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a pumping device of a shoe 100 includes a cushion body (110) formed inside a sole of the shoe (110) and having front and back air chambers (120 and 130) formed therein in such a manner as to be disposed at the front and back portions thereof; an automatic pump (140) mounted adjacent to the back air chamber (130) in such a manner as to communicate with the back air chamber (130) and having a height (H2) higher than a height (H1) of the back air chamber (130); a suction valve (150) and a check valve (160) mounted at the front and back sides of the automatic pump (140); and a pressure adjusting valve (170) formed at a connecting valve (125) for connecting the back air chamber (130) with the front air chamber (120).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a removable modular heel assembly that is attached to a high heel shoe, which shoe may be adapted to accept the assembly, and which assembly is designed to increase the surface area of the heel or shoe to enhance stability, comfort, and/or balance for the wearer.

Abstract: A boot, such as a snowboard boot, having an outer shell including a flexible upper and a harness assembly disposed in the outer shell. The harness assembly wraps about a user's ankle, includes a plurality of cord keepers. A cord—for example, a lace or a stainless steel cable—slidably engages the cord keepers, for tightening the harness about the user's ankle. A tensioning mechanism such as a spool mechanism or a lace keeper is attached to the flexible upper and engages the cord, such that the user can releasably tension the cord. The cord extends through an aperture in the outer shell whereby the user can tighten or loosen the harness without removing the boot. In an embodiment, the tensioning mechanism is a lace locker fixedly attached to the shell tongue, wherein the tongue includes apertures disposed near the bottom of the lace locker to slidably accommodate the cord.

Abstract: A soccer training apparatus for teaching a user the proper technique to stop a soccer ball. The training apparatus includes a contact patch assembly having a contact region, and a strap mechanism configured to removably mount around a foot and shoe of the user in a manner orienting the contact region generally at an instep portion of the user's foot. The contact region, in one example, includes one of a hook or loop material. The training apparatus further includes a soccer ball having an exterior surface containing the other of a loop or hook material that is adapted to cooperate with the contact region of the contact patch assembly to promote attachment of the soccer ball to the contact region. Such contact and adherence indicates precision locational contact of the foot or shoe with the soccer ball at the instep portion thereof.

Abstract: A combination and methods of making and using the combination are disclosed. Preferably the combination includes at least: an ankle and foot covering; a detachable sole detachably attached to the ankle and foot covering; and a detachable sole storage rack attached to the ankle and foot covering for use in storing the detachable sole when detached from the ankle and foot covering. The detachable sole preferably includes at least: heel and toe chassis portions each formed from a baffled support matrix and overmolded with tread portions; and an over-center latch coupled to an attachment hoop. The over-center latch preferably incorporates adjustment features to accommodate varying sizes of the ankle and foot coverings. Upon latching of a properly adjusted over-center latch adjacent the ankle and foot covering, a holding force transmitted through the attachment hoop secures the detachable sole adjacent the ankle and foot covering.

Abstract: A combination that preferably includes at least: a ski boot; a detachable sole detachably attached to the ski boot; and a detachable sole storage rack attached to the ski boot for use in storing the detachable sole when detached from the ski boot is disclosed. The detachable sole preferably includes at least: heel and toe chassis portions each formed from a baffled support matrix and overmolded with tread portions; and a latch assembly for securing the baffled support matrix adjacent the ski boot. The ski boot preferably provides a contoured heel portion and the latch assembly preferably incorporates a catch configured to conform to the contoured heel portion, a catch support interacting with the catch; a chassis attachment member communicating with said chassis; and an adjustment member interposed between said catch support and said chassis attachment member to accommodate a snug conformance of the catch adjacent the heel portion.

Abstract: A combination that preferably includes at least: a ski boot; and a detachable sole detachably attached to the ski boot is disclosed. The detachable sole preferably includes at least: a chassis portion overmolded with a tread portion; and a latch assembly for securing the chassis adjacent the ski boot. The ski boot preferably provides a contoured heel portion and the latch assembly preferably incorporates a latch configured to conform to the contoured heel portion, a latch support interacting with the latch; an attachment member communicating with said chassis; and an adjustment member interposed between said latch support and said attachment member to accommodate a snug conformance of the latch adjacent the heel portion.

Abstract: The present invention concerning use and proceeding to effect more friction between footballshoe and football by attaching friction-increasing material or means, with good adhesiveness, to be applied by the user, for temporary or permanent use, on the outside of the football shoe, gives increased possibility to rotation of the football when kicking, and better control of the ball in play-situations.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an article of footwear or other article of clothing in which designs containing phosphors are located on the article is the path of ultraviolet radiation emitted from one or more black light LEDs causing the designs to glow.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steam iron (1) consisting of a heatable soleplate (2), a steam chamber (3), a multi-functional part (8) which forms both a heat shield and the skirt (85) of the iron. The invention is characterised in that the aforementioned multi-functional part (8) forms and houses the steam chamber (3) above the soleplate (2). Preferably, said multifunctional part (8) also forms the base of a water container (4).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a retractable self-leveling ceiling sign hanger. The apparatus comprises of a sign housing having an upper housing and a lower housing, a cord reel housing, and a cord that forms a continuous loop between the sign housing and the cord reel housing. The sign housing and the cord reel housing coact to transfer or extend cord between them to thereby raise and lower the lower housing in a level position for installing, changing, and hanging a sign. The sign housing utilizes roller assemblies and a cord lock mechanism. The cord reel housing utilizes a handle, a tool, a locking means, and a cord retracting means for moving the cord reel housing and transferring or extending cord to and from the cord reel housing. Magnets are also provided to affix the cord reel housing to the upper housing of the ceiling sign hanger.

Abstract: A security sensitive label is applied to a product to help deter theft. The label includes a label body having inner and outer surfaces with a substrate-damaging adhesive on the inner surface. The outer surface has seller identification and theft-deterring indicia. Theft of a product may be deterred by application of the security sensitive label to the product so that if the product is stolen, (1) removal of the label may damage the substrate to which the label is applied, or (2) leaving the label on the product will alert a subsequent purchaser to the origin of the product, so that in either case the product becomes less saleable.

Abstract: A removable and decorative bezel is selectively fixed to an item of footwear, for example, along the side of the shoe or along the tongue. The location to which the bezel is removably attached has a metal ring fixed to the shoe material. The ring is formed with an outer annular flange thereabout that is formed with a plurality of holes. The ring is sewn to the leather by stitching running through the holes of the flange.

Abstract: A frame for covering a rim of a computer monitor having a first and second side members and a coupler that interconnects and restricts relative movement between the side members. The frame further includes a face separable from the coupler that obscures (a) at least a portion of the coupler and (b) at least a portion of an end of each of the side members from a view of a user of the monitor. The side member also includes a decorative pattern, which shares a theme with an electronic image that can be displayed on the monitor.

Abstract: A variably-sized picture frame and method of use thereof, wherein a foam picture frame is provided for retaining and displaying a decorative article therewithin, wherein the foam frame may be customized to conform to the peripheral dimensions, shape, and thickness or depth of the decorative article to be displayed therein. Additionally, the lightweight physical properties of foam enable a user to quickly and easily mount even tremendously oversized frames to a wall surface without requiring large and/or numerous fasteners or undergoing strenuous and/or potentially dangerous lifting.

Abstract: A protective panel for framed illustrations, said panel being of the type intended to be positioned within a frame, forming a front surface, and optionally a back surface, for protecting the framed illustration, comprising a transparent glass plate characterized in that it comprises a flexible, transparent and self-adhesive sheet applied on one of the sides of the glass plate.

Abstract: A physical protection device comprises a receiving chamber having an inner tube. At least one bullet is placed in the inner tube. A front end of the inner tube has an opening. A top of the receiving chamber is installed with an emitting key. Each of two lateral sides of the receiving chamber is formed with a slot and a buckle. Two sides of the front end of the base have tenons corresponding to the slots and ears corresponding to the buckles. An interior of the base is installed with a push rod. An impact unit and a stud; a bottom of the push rod has a quick restoring spring. A rotatable handle is pivotally installed to a bottom of the base. One end of the rotatable handle resists against a front end of the impact unit and another end of the rotatable handle is a free end.

Abstract: A weapon system in accordance with the present invention includes a rifle, a thermal sight that is mounted to the rifle, a helmet and a remote visual display that mounted to the helmet. The weapons system further includes an interconnecting means that connects the remote visual display to the thermal sight. The interconnecting means includes a first cable that is semi-permanently connected to a video port on the thermal sight and has a free end that terminates at a jack. A second video cable is permanently wired to the remote visual display and has a free end that terminates at a plug. To sight the hand-carried weapon without having to look through the sight, the jack is inserted into the plug, to thereby provide video from the sight to the remote visual display. The user fired the rifle from behind cover by viewing the sight reticles through the remote display.

Abstract: An accessory device for being mounted to a longitudinal rail carried by a firearm and accommodating longitudinal rails of different configurations. A preferred embodiment comprises a light beam generator including a housing, elongate members removably secured to the housing and complementing the rail for enabling the housing to be retainably slid along the rail, a transverse rail latching device removably secured to the housing, and a replaceable ambidextrous tail cap switch.

Abstract: A system and methods for dispensing multiple scents into the environment, and for providing scent-containing articles of manufacture are disclosed.

Abstract: An alligator clip holder is provided for supporting and retaining at least one fishing rod on a support device. The holder includes a first clip member and a second clip member pivotally connected to each other by a pivot pin. A resilient member is disposed about the pivot pin with two opposite ends in contact against respective surfaces of the first and second clip members so as to permit clamping attachment of the first and second clip members to a support device. A retaining bar assembly is rotatably and slidably positioned on a top end of one of the first and second clip members for supporting and retaining at least one fishing rod thereon.

Abstract: A protective cover for a fishing reel attached to a fishing rod. The protective cover comprises an enclosure having an interior chamber with a middle region and a predetermined circumference. The enclosure also includes first and second opposing ends with first and second panels and first and second apertures, respectively, through which the interior chamber may be accessed. The first aperture has a circumference that is smaller than, and offset relative to the internal circumference of the interior chamber, and the second aperture is variable in circumference from a first circumference that is larger than the internal circumference of said interior chamber to a second circumference that is smaller than the internal circumference of said interior chamber. The first, larger circumference of the second aperture facilitates insertion of a rod and reel into the interior chamber. Upon insertion, portions of the fishing rod protrude through the first and second apertures.

Abstract: A lure has a body (10) provided with a recess (12), forming a decoy and defining a longitudinal axis (AA?), a connecting member (26) inserted into the body (10) via an inner end thereof, and attachable to a line (30) at the other, outer end. The point at which the connecting member is inserted into the body (10) defines the forward portion of the lure with a hook (24) positioned in the recess (12), and an attachment device (22) for securing the connecting member (26) and the hook (24) provided in the body (10). The attachment device (22) include a resilient member (23) at least indirectly attached to the body (10) at one end and to the hook (24) and the connecting member (26) at the other end, and a guide member (22c) for guiding the hook (24).

Abstract: The proposed invention is a mechanical, battery powered, swimming fish toy, incorporating a single motor and speed reduction gear assembly. Said swimming fish toy is controlled by an embedded electronic controller, making it capable of swimming in a truly random pattern within a fluid medium, independent of any external influence.

Abstract: A compound hook with forward facing hook tines and a conventional front end line attachment point is provided with a rear support structure defining a rear line attachment point. The hook is rigged with a first fishing line attached to the front line attachment point and a second fishing line attached to the rear attachment point. The second line has sufficiently greater length to remain slack while the first fishing line is tensioned to pull the hook forward. If an obstacle snags the hook, continued pulling on the first fishing line snap or slacks the first line, activating the second line to operate in non-slack mode. The second line then pulls the hook from the rear, turning the hook into a reversed position such that the hook tines face away from the forward direction of travel. The first and second fishing lines can be first and second leaders attached to a single main fishing line, wherein the first leader is weaker than the main fishing line.

Abstract: A flyswatter (10) having an elastically deformable swatting member (16) with a plurality of protrusions (20) formed thereon. The protrusions (20) are spaced apart on the swatting member (16), and have a height somewhat less than the height of the insect. When the swatting member (16) is struck on an object upon which the insect rests, the protrusions (20) contact the object, and the swatting member (16) elastically deforms and bows outwardly and strikes the insect without flattening or squishing the insect.

Abstract: The present teachings relate to fuel additives useful for reducing and/or preventing the formation of intake valve deposits. The fuel additives include cyclic Mannich products prepared by the reaction of (A) a substituted hydroxyaromatic compound, (B) a formaldehyde source, and (C) a primary amine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispersion of the type comprising particles of a rare earth compound, particularly a compound of cerium, an acid and an organic phase, characterised in further comprising an anti-oxidant agent which can particularly be selected from substituted derivatives of phenol, aromatic amines or tocopherols. Said dispersion may be used as additive for diesel fuel for internal combustion engines, in particular as additive for diesel for diesel engines.

Abstract: A fuel oil composition comprises a fuel oil in a major amount, which fuel oil has a mass % against n-alkane carbon number distribution curve characterised by: (i) a maximum negative gradient from carbon number 18 to carbon number 26 that is less than ?0.30; and (ii) a ratio of the mass of n-alkanes of carbon number greater than 22 to the mass of n-alkanes from carbon number 18 to carbon number 21 that does not exceed 0.

Abstract: A fuel composition comprising a major amount of a gasoline fuel having a maximum sulfur content of 150 ppm by weight and a minor amount of at least one gasoline fuel additive having detergent action or having a valve seat wear-inhibiting action, wherein this gasoline fuel additive has at least one hydrophobic hydrocarbon radical having a number-average molecular weight (MN) of from 85 to 20 000 and at least one polar moiety, and wherein the fuel composition also has a content of at least one lower alkanol of from about 5 to 75% by volume.

Abstract: A fuel additive composition including a Mannich product, a polyetheramine, and a friction modifier is disclosed. Also, disclosed are a fuel composition comprising the fuel additive composition, an engine combusting the fuel composition, and a method of preventing and/or forming deposits in an engine.