Abstract: A slider or a slide shoe for maintaining an interval between a scale and the slider is provided with inclined faces for excluding a foreign matter on a scale face or a sliding guide face at both ends of the slider in a moving direction thereof or at both ends of the slide shoe.

Abstract: An electronic measuring instrument includes a housing, a storage spool rotatably mounted to the housing, and a thin, flexible line provided on the storage spool and extendible from the housing for measuring distances. The storage spool is rotatable in a first direction for unwinding the line from the storage spool and a second direction for winding the line onto the storage spool. The instrument includes a rotatable drum in engagement with said line so that movement of said line causes movement of said rotatable drum.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for drying and conditioning sports equipment and apparel. A base contains an airflow generator, such as a motorized fan. Ambient temperature air is conveyed through a plurality of tubular members. Apertures in the tubular members allow for airflow to be conveyed to the surface of sports equipment or apparel. The sports equipment and apparel is maintained a distance from the apertures by pegs, pins or other support members. The base may contain a pad for conveying airflow with a fragrance or an antifungal agent.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a rotation type silicon wafer cleaning device to further raise the stability of a silicon wafer by providing a better hydrogen termination on the silicon wafer after completion of chemical and pure water cleaning treatments. According to the present invention, a rotation type silicon wafer cleaning device has a silicon wafer support/rotation driving mechanism inside the case body for cleaning the silicon wafer at the post chemical cleaning with pure water, drying and hydrogen termination treatments on the outer surface of a silicon wafer is performed by means of installing a silicon wafer drying device comprising a gas supply panel attached to a case body to supply a mixed gas of the hydrogen gas and inactive gas containing a hydrogen gas of more than 0.

Abstract: A method of initiating a regeneration event of an air braking system of a vehicle includes the steps of calculating the forward air volume in successive time intervals, tallying the total forward air volume and initiating a regeneration event at a saturation threshold of the dessicant material which may be varied in real time. The method also comprises calculating a reverse air volume, and ceasing a regeneration event at a dryness threshold of the dessicant material.

Abstract: An industrial dishwashing machine with at least one essentially closed water circuit in which washing water is circulated, and with at least one water inflow which makes rinsing water available which is received into the water circuit after a rinsing operation following a washing operation. An air circuit is provided for drying the batchwith the air circuit being dehumidified by means of the water of the water inflow.

Abstract: A sandal having a sole and at least one heel post attached to the sole is provided, with a continuous strap attached to the heel post and the sole. The strap has an instep portion located forward of the heel post and a heel portion located rearward of the heel post. The length of the continuous strap is adjusted with an adjustable fastener, and the lengths of the instep portion and the heel portion are independently and selectively adjusted with at least one cleat.

Abstract: An automated tightening shoe with crisscrossed laces and a tightening mechanism which operates in one direction to cause automatic tightening of the crisscrossed laces to tighten the shoe about a wearer's foot, and which can be released easily so that the shoe can be removed from the wearer's foot.

Abstract: Jack for raising and lowering a working implement such as hydraulically driven snow blades or other utilitarian accessories. Actuation of the jack allows for proper vertical alignment of the lift assembly for engagement to a vehicle chassis. Once engaged, the jack can be actuated into an inoperative position until the lift assembly is to be removed from the chassis.

Abstract: An agitator mechanism for a clothes finishing cabinet provides a pendulum mounted hanger bar that may reciprocate under the application of a periodic force by an actuator without rigid connection between the cabinet housing and the hanger bar. Quiet operation is obtained by mounting an actuator motor directly on the hanger bar to be isolated by sound absorbing hanger support materials.

Abstract: A lottery card reader has a clip made from two separate pieces that are assembled together and a transparent flap attached to the clip. The clip has a first and a second pair of arms attached to a pivot. The arms in the first pair are separated and the arms in the second pair are resiliently biased towards each other. Moving the first pair of arms together moves the second pair of arms apart. The transparent flap can cover games on a lottery card to which the clip is attached. When a lottery card is inserted between the second pair of arms under the transparent flap it is releaseably gripped by the second pair of arms.

Abstract: A camblock assembly with a camblock and a guide rod is employed in a firearm having a frame constructed of synthetic polymer material. The camblock has a front flange with flange surfaces that engage corresponding bearing surfaces of the frame to distribute forces and energy to the frame during recoil of the firearm. A shelf member is positioned at a front end of the camblock and a coiled flat wire buffer spring is positioned about the guide rod to resist movement of a reciprocating slide. A detent mechanism positioned within the camblock contacts a surface of a slide stop pin to hold the slide stop latch in place. The interior of the slide stop latch contains an elongated wire having an end that engages the frame such that the slide stop latch is biased in a down position.

Abstract: An attachment for a semi-automatic firearm converts the firearm into a weapon of rapid fire. The attachment includes a crank driving a cam assembly in which the cam is mounted for limited relative movement to the crank. A spring in the attachment acts to bias the cam assembly relative to a follower to a safe non-firing position. The follower is acted on by the cam assembly to manipulate a linkage for pulling a trigger of the firearm in response to rotation of the crank. The follower and cam are designed to minimize the time of maximum movement of the follower thereby maximizing the time allowing the firearm to reset. In one embodiment, a timing mechanism is provided to insure that the bolt of the firearm is in its chambered position before the cam is allowed to actuate the firearm trigger.

Abstract: A rifle, comprising a stock with a housing provided with a housing sheath and a barrel, the barrel having a barrel sleeve adapted to be removably received by the housing sheath of the housing of the stock, the housing sheath being provided with a slot extending longitudinally along said housing sheath, the housing sheath having parts for varying the slot width in the region of the slot, the diameter of the housing sheath being adjustable to the diameter of the barrel sleeve using the parts for varying the slot width, the barrel sleeve of the barrel being positively lockable with the housing sheath.

Abstract: A butt stock for a tactical weapon, rifle, shotgun or other firearm. The butt stock has a butt plate with two or more surfaces. One of those surfaces is generally perpendicular to the direction of the firearm. The other surface is angled to provide a more stable shooting platform for the firearm as well as a more comfortable use of the firearm in a tactical shooting position.

Abstract: Adjustable stock for rifle, characterized in that it is divided into two elements by cutting: element (1) remains integral with the barrels and is connected to element (2), which rests on the shoulder of the shooter, by means of pins (8) whose position can be adjusted by screws (10, 11, 12) which allow relative movement of the two elements both laterally and vertically, one in relation to the other, for accurate regulation of the aim on the target.

Abstract: A quick-release snag resistant fishing net retainer designed to securely hold a fishing net to a boat. The net retainer includes a compressive retainer and a mounting means. The retainer is formed with a resilient arm that is configured to create a neck between the resilient arm and either the retainer or a mounting means through which a rim of the fishing net may be forced. Once the rim has been forced through the neck, the resilient arm returns to its initial position thereby securing the fishing net. The mounting means releasably attaches the retainer to the boat and may include retainer bands or screws to attach the retainer to a post on the boat, or a flat surface mounting implement to attach the retainer to any flat surface of the boat. An implement guard may be incorporated to improve the snag resistance of the retainer and minimize tripping hazards.

Abstract: A fishers lure including a spine having a first eye on a first end of the spine adapted to attach a fishing line and a second end on spine adapted to receive a hook. A flexible body surrounding the spine such that the first eye protrudes from the front of the flexible body. A fisher can bend the spine and flexible body into a bent shape and the spine will retain the shape and hold the body in the bent shape. The bent shape will give the lure unique movement in the water that can be adjusted by the fisher re-bending the spine. The flexible body further includes a holographic film that can be molded into the body. A method of forming a plurality of lures from a single mold operation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mole trap has a pair of spring-loaded jaws. A platform is pivotally connected to the jaws to limit the travel of the trap into the ground and to stabilize the trap on the ground when it is set. A lever assembly forces the jaws open and sets the trap. An adjustable trigger mechanism is positioned on the ground above a mole burrow. The disturbance of a mole traveling beneath the trigger causes the lever assembly to collapse, thereby permitting the jaws to close and destroy the animal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mineral wool plant substrate comprising a coherent matrix of mineral wool and up to 20 volume % of an ion-exchange agent comprising a variable and/or fixed ion-exchange capacity of about 15, preferably 30 and most preferably 40 meq/100 g dry weight or more.

Abstract: A flexible sleeve for containing a pot and/or floral grouping and/or growing or retaining medium. The flexible sleeve has a body and a flap. The body has an outer peripheral surface, an inner peripheral surface and a skirt. The flap is connected to the inner peripheral surface of the body, preferably near the skirt. The flap is adapted to be positioned in: a storage position extending downward, a receiving position extending upward, and a deployed position extending substantially inwardly from the inner peripheral surface of the body when the body is in an open configuration. The flap can be a sheet, or may be folded or slitted. Water or other chemicals my be impregnated into the flap to aid in the maintenance of the floral grouping or growing medium. The flap may also be used to secure the sleeve about the pot and/or floral grouping and/or growing or retaining medium.

Abstract: A door system has a compartment formed with a first gateway and a second gateway opposed to the first gateway, and a barrier apparatus housed in the compartment. The barrier apparatus includes a swivel panel which swings back and forth between a first position where one surface of the swivel panel faces the first gateway, and a second position where the opposite surface of the swivel panel faces the first gateway. The barrier apparatus further includes a pair of door panels provided at the opposite ends of the swivel panel to move with the swivel panel. The door panels synchronously open the gateways when the swivel panel is at the first position and at the second position. Air sealing is provided between the compartment and the door panels.

Abstract: A vehicle door, wherein a drive unit for raising and lowering a glass plate is constructed so that a pluraity of pulleys across which wires are laid are provided at upper and lower sides of a base panel. The glass plate is moved up and down by driving the wires, the glass plate is prevented from moving in a vehicle inward direction when the door is closed. Wire fixing portions are prevented from being damaged by great upward and downward stroke movements of the glass plate. Furthermore, the wires are prevented from slackening when the wires are driven and stopped by a supporting rod along an upward and downward movement locus of the glass plate, and by a contact member which has no contact with the supporting rod. Trumpet-shaped guide portions are located at hole edges of the wire fixing portions, and the circumferential surfaces of a tensioner are V-shaped for eliminating slack in the wires.

Abstract: A glass holder for a jalousie window, including a body having two parallel side walls which define a slot, and two webs which extend substantially perpendicularly in opposite directions from a base of the slot walls. The body has a length and the webs each extend from a respective end of the body over a respective portion of the length of the body. Each web has an outer edge with a baffle that extends in a direction parallel the slot walls.

Abstract: A protection panel for a rain gutter that includes a top planar surface, a wall which extends substantially vertically downwardly from the top, a curved lower portion, and a flange which extends outwardly and forwardly from the curved portion is disclosed. The wall includes a plurality of apertures arranged in one or more rows where the apertures are staggered. The flange has a right end, a left end, and a length extending therebetween where each of the ends is raised above the length of the flange so that a gap is formed between the flange and the rain gutter when the panel is secured under the forward lip of the rain gutter.

Abstract: A gutter guard includes a first inclined section for insertion below shingles of a roof; a second inclined section; and a securing section securing a front end of the gutter guard to a gutter of the roof. A first S-shaped drainage section connects the first inclined section to the second inclined section, and is positioned above an open end of the gutter for draining water thereinto. A second drainage section connects the second inclined section with the securing section, and is positioned above the open end of the gutter for draining water thereinto. The drainage sections each include a forwardly facing convex surface around which water travels, and openings at positions below the convex surfaces through which water exits into the gutter. A heating wire is positioned in the S-shaped drainage section.

Abstract: A facia border for covering the periphery of a structure between the roof and a soffit includes mounting clips attached at periodic peripheral locations for slidably attaching facia trim at detented positions.

Abstract: Apparatus for illuminating the interior of a building through a roof of the building, the apparatus comprising a light transmissive panel 13 and a light directing duct 12. The panel 13 has an upper surface which is substantially identical in shape to an upper surface of a roof covering and lies in the plane of the said covering. The light directing duct 12 directs light from the panel 13 into the interior of the building. The invention also relates to apparatus for venting the interior of a building. The apparatus comprises a venting panel 32 having at least one venting channel 44, and having an upper surface which is substantially identical in shape to, and lies in the plane of an outer covering of the building. The interior of the building is vented through the panel 32.

Abstract: A window assembly (10) with its glazing frame that stays independently from lateral movement of building main structure (44) is disclosed. The window assembly (10) includes an outer retaining frame (12) and an inner glazing frame (14). The outer retaining frame (12) is attached to the building main structure(44). The glazing frame holds glass pane (20), and sits inside the outer retaining frame (12). Between the outer retaining frame (12) and the inner glazing frame (12) is a predetermined clearance space (X) and (Y), at their vertical edges and their top edge. The resulting window assembly allows the glazing frame to retain its shape, while the outer retaining frame (12) moves laterally with the main structure (44) during an earthquake or blast, thereby minimizing the chance of glass breakage. Application of glazing gasket (32) or sealant (54) provides watertight result to the window assembly (10).

Abstract: A doorframe includes a header having a header jamb and a pair of header casings. The header has first and second ends. The doorframe further includes a pair of legs, each having a leg jamb and a pair of leg casings. Each leg jamb has means for connection with the respective end of the header, at least two recessed hinge placements on a first side of the leg jamb and at least two recessed hinge placements on a second side of the first leg jamb. Each of the recessed hinge placements are suitable for receiving a first side of a hinge. A pair of precut striker plate placements and striker holes are provided on one of the leg jambs for receiving a striker of a door when the doorframe is assembled and a door is attached to the recessed hinge placements on the other leg jamb.

Abstract: Outer cables disposed in a box girder in the longitudinal direction of a box girder bridge to prestress the box girder each have a transparent sheath made of a transparent polyethylene resin, vinyl chloride resin, polypropylene resin or the like, thereby allowing the grouting condition in the sheath to be inspected reliably and easily. If a colored grout is filled, the filling condition can be inspected even more reliably and easily. In addition, it is possible to readily find a portion left unfilled after the grout has hardened and to refill it for repairing by using openings for injection and ejection made at each side of the void left.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for insulating a vertically extending wall (e.g., concrete wall). First and second supports are first attached to the vertical wall at respective first and second vertically spaced locations (e.g., proximate the top and bottom of the wall). After the supports have been attached to the wall, a blanket(s) of rolled fiberglass insulation (e.g., metal building insulation) is attached to the wall between the first and second supports. Then, a flexible sheet of vapor retarder is attached to protruding portions of the first and second supports so as to cover the blanket(s) of fiberglass insulation thereby causing the blanket of fiberglass insulation to be partially or fully hidden from view and retained in the cavity defined between the vertical wall and the vapor retarder.

Abstract: A composite profiled construction element has a pair of metallic, elongated, and transversely spaced profiles having inner faces spaced from and directed toward each other and a pair of elongated and transversely spaced connector webs bridging the profiles, having outer edges fixed in the profiles and inner faces spaced from and directed toward each other. The inner faces of the profiles and of the webs define a longitudinally extending passage. An elongated insulating body in the passage has a first outer face fixed to one of the inner faces and is formed with a longitudinal ridge operatively bearing on another of the inner faces. The body also has a second outer face spaced from and forming an empty longitudinally extending space with another of the inner faces.

Abstract: A multi-ribbed, standing seam structural roof panel with double ribs which can be attached directly to building framing to create a structural rated building panel with shear values which also serves as waterproofing panel.

Abstract: A terminal for use with a muntin bar or cross includes a muntin bar and a terminal plug. The muntin bar has an end and an outer surface. The end of the muntin bar includes a hollow space and an inner wall. The terminal plug is adapted to be inserted into the end of the muntin and includes a flange, a plug body and a longitudinal slot. When installed in the muntin, the flange engages the outer surface of the muntin. The plug body is designed to provide a press fit with the inner wall of the muntin by having at least part of the plug body being pressed against the inner wall of the muntin.

Abstract: The present invention is a mounting bracket for the construction of a deck. The mounting bracket has a separating flange, a joist-fastening portion, a support flange, and a plank-fastening flange. The separating flange and the plank-fastening flange are generally located in a first plane. The joist-fastening portion is generally located perpendicular to the first plane. The joist-fastening portion has a joist-fastening hole for securing the mounting bracket to a vertical joist. The support flange includes an access hole to provide access through the support flange to allow an installer to install a first fastener in the joist-fastening hole. The plank-fastening flange includes a plank-fastening hole for securing the mounting bracket to a horizontal plank.

Abstract: A wall organizer comprises a first slatwall member secured to a wall, the first slatwall member having a plurality of first grooves having a first center-to-center groove spacing between said first grooves; a second slatwall member secured to the wall above or below the first slatwall member, the second slatwall member having a plurality of second grooves having a second center-to-center groove spacing between said second grooves; and at least another first or second slatwall member secured to the wall above or below one of the first and second slatwall members.

Abstract: A connector for interconnecting two building members together. The connector, in one embodiment, includes first and second plates secured together. Each plate includes one or more elongated slots wherein the elongated slots of one plate are oriented at an angle of approximately 90° with respect to the slots formed in the other plate. Fasteners extend through the slots in the plates and connect the plates of the connector to two building members such as a horizontal building member and a vertical building member. Once connected, one of the building members is free to move with respect to the other building member while the connector is connected to the two building members. In another embodiment, the connector is slidable within a track. In this embodiment, a portion of the connector extends from the track and connects to one of the building members while the track connects to the other one of the building members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fabricating a decorative laminate panel, wherein the decorative laminate panel includes a decorative laminate layer and a core. The method is achieved by forming a decorative laminate of a predetermined size, placing the decorative laminate within a die cavity, injection molding the core within the die cavity while the decorative laminate remains within the die cavity to form a decorative laminate panel and releasing the formed decorative laminate panel from the die cavity. The invention further relates to a decorative laminate panel manufactured in accordance with the method defined above and a unitary edge profile member adapted for use in the fabrication of a compound injection molded decorative laminate panel.

Abstract: A packing method and system are disclosed which system includes a first platform having a product support surface for supporting a product and a second platform for supporting a box into which the product is to be packed. After a box is received on and secured to the second platform, the second platform is rotated so that the open top of the box faces the first platform and moved toward the first platform until the box substantially surrounds the product on the product support surface. The first and second platforms are then rotated simultaneously so that the product is transferred from the product support to the box, and the full box is discharged to a discharge conveyor.

Abstract: A product packaging system for receiving a series of products from one or more product transport lines. The products are loaded into a series of carriers and transported through a downstream inserter unit. Inserter assemblies moving in timed relation with the movement of the carriers through the inserter unit engage and urge the products out carriers and into a carton for packaging.

Abstract: A forming jaw for producing a succession of sealed packages from a tube of sheet packaging material filled with a pourable food product and fed in a direction parallel to its longitudinal axis is disclosed. The jaw includes sealing structure that seals a cross section of the tube; and forming structure that imparts a predetermined shape to the tube between two successive sealed cross sections. The forming structure has first and second surfaces for interacting with the tube and which extend respectively in a direction crosswise to, and in a direction parallel to, the axis of the tube. The first surface has a convex portion which exerts pressure on, to control filling of, the packages being formed.

Abstract: A method for carrying out and verifying substitution and/or adjustments of mechanical components in an automatic packaging machine (1) during the size change over, said machine (1) being equipped with a computerized unit (UCC, 2, D) for verifying and storing instructions related to the operations necessary to change over the size of the articles being processed. The operations include substitution of specific mechanical components and/or adjustment of the spatial positioning of specific mechanical components. Information elements relevant to the size change over are stored in the unit (UCC, 2D) and are recalled and transferred to a palm-size computer (3, E).

Abstract: Arrangements of containers, cases of container packages, and methods of packaging arrangements of containers are described. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of packaging an arrangement of containers includes producing a plurality of containers that each have a depiction associated with a common theme, selecting from the plurality of containers to form a first group of containers and a second group of containers, and packaging the first group of containers and second group of containers for commercial distribution. The plurality of containers include a number of different depictions, and the second group of containers includes containers with different depictions than the first group of containers.

Abstract: A packaging process line that compacts rolled products as they are packaged is disclosed. A firmness measuring device is used to measure the firmness of the rolls as the rolls, for instance, enter the process line. The roll firmness device is placed in communication with a controller, such as a microprocessor. The microprocessor is configured to receive information from the roll firmness device and control one or more elements within the process line that apply a compressive force to the rolls. In particular, the controller is configured to adjust any packaging equipment that applies a compressive force to the rolls so that a substantially uniform amount of force is applied to the rolls throughout the system. In this manner, the system is capable of automatically making adjustments based upon any variation in the product. Misfeeds, miscounts and the like are minimized for improving process efficiency and minimizing process downtime.

Abstract: A method and machine for wrapping an article, whereby the article is fed through a feed station, where the article is applied with a respective sheet of wrapping material which is folded into an L about the article, so as to have a free edge not contacting the article, and through a follow-up wrapping station, where the sheet of wrapping material is folded about the article to form a tubular wrapping by applying the free edge onto the article; between the feed station and the wrapping station, the free edge of the L-folded sheet of wrapping material is subjected to traction in substantially the opposite direction to the travelling direction of the article by subjecting the first free edge to suction, so as to smooth the sheet of wrapping material onto the article.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage, having a filling element of a filling machine with a rotary construction for filling bottles or similar containers with a liquid has, in a filling element housing, a liquid duct for the controlled dispensing of a liquid at a dispensing opening. The dispensing opening is located in a recess into which the respective container extends with its container mouth during the filling, and into which at least one additional duct of the filling element empties. During a cleaning or rinsing phase, the recess can be closed by a plate-shaped closing element.

Abstract: A method and system for selecting fold lines on a sheet to be inserted into a windowed envelope includes scanning the windowed envelope with a scanner to determine the location of the window on the envelope. The location of a data block on an insert to be inserted into the windowed envelope is also determined. The position of one or more of the fold lines on the sheet to be inserted is determined such that a data block printed in the determined location on the sheet will appear behind the envelope window when the sheet is folded in accordance with the determined fold line pattern and inserted into the windowed envelope. The efficiency and flexibility of the system can be enhanced by providing an operator with possible standard and nonstandard fold patterns that will enable proper insertion of the folded sheet into the envelope.

Abstract: A blister packaging machine comprises a forming station in which a plurality of cup-shaped depressions can be formed into a bottom sheet, a filing station, in which a product can be filled into the cup-shaped depressions, and a downstream sealing station, in which a cover sheet can be sealed onto the bottom sheet. The filling station comprises a brush box disposed above the bottom sheet, in which several rotatably driven roller brushes are disposed parallel to each other. The roller brushes are connected to a rotary drive which is received in a drive gearbox disposed next to the brush box. A magnetic coupling is thereby provided for transmitting a drive motion of the rotary drive to the roller brushes through a wall of the drive gearbox.

Abstract: A reverse implement option for a tractor or mowing vehicle is activated by moving the reverse foot pedal to an intermediate position. An arm linked to the reverse foot pedal pivots in response to movement of the reverse foot pedal to the intermediate position to actuate a reverse sensing switch. The reverse sensing switch is actuated before a transmission control rod, which links the reverse foot pedal to a hydrostatic transmission swash plate, enables reverse travel of the tractor or vehicle. The PTO operates during reverse travel of the tractor if both the hand operated bypass switch and the reverse sensing switch are actuated.