Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a hollow metal blade, comprising at least one side wall and a recessed tip cap, characterized in that: a) a hollow blade, which comprises at least one side wall and the tip of which is open, is manufactured by casting; b) a plate of a laminate, comprising at least the metal of the blade and a brazing material, is manufactured; c) the plate is brazed to the top of the side wall of the blade by pressing the plate onto the blade; and d) the recessed tip cap, comprising at least a bottom and at least a squealer tip, is machined in the plate. Thanks to the invention, since the blade is manufactured beforehand with an open tip, the core can be held in place, during the casting operation, by the top, thereby ensuring great precision in the positioning of the core and therefore in the thickness of the walls of the blade. The invention also relates to a method of repairing a blade.

Abstract: A fluid ejector, such as a printhead for an inkjet printer, comprising a substrate that includes a primary via formed therein, and a nozzle member overlying the substrate and including vertical nozzle chambers at least partially overlying the primary via and a corresponding fluid actuator (e.g., a heater) associated with the substrate.

Abstract: An electromagnet and associated apparatus and method are provided. The electromagnet includes a core and at least one winding disposed circumferentially about the core such that the winding extends at least one revolution around the core. The electromagnet further includes at least one spacer having channels defined therein and disposed circumferentially about the core and adjacent to the at least one winding. The channels facilitate cooling by directing fluid about the windings of the coil as fluid is introduced into the electromagnet.

Abstract: A collar for a fin-tube heat exchanger is provided. The collar extends outwardly from a thermally conductive plate in order to receive a tube. The collar generally includes a wall having a proximal end integral to the conductive plate, and a distal end defining an opening configured for receiving a tube. The wall includes a reflare portion at its distal end, with the reflare portion being curled into either the inner diameter or the outer diameter of the wall. Preferably, the reflare portion is curled into the inner diameter of the wall, and then further flared outwardly to form a double flare. A method for forming the double flare collar is also provided. The method involves progressively moving fin stock through a metal-stamping machine in order to sequentially form double flare collars.

Abstract: A method is provided for successfully rolling co-extruded tubing into drums of a boiler bank. First, a co-extruded tube is provided, containing a carbon steel base tubing with an outer layer of high alloy tubing. Next, the outer layer of high alloy tubing is removed by machining in the area of the co-extruded tubing that is to be rolled into the drum. Then, the co-extruded tubing is swaged using multiple swaging steps and annealing treatments. The co-extruded tubing is swaged to the required diameter and wall thickness. Finally, co-extruded tubing is inserted, rolled, and sealed into the drums.

Abstract: A roller assembly for an electric razor includes a generally cylindrical roller driven by a drive arrangement to rotate about a central axis. The roller supports a number of blades, each having a cutting edge externally exposed and extending parallel to the central axis. Each blade moves across the skin of a user so as to slice through hair projecting from the skin of the user. The roller assembly further includes at least one filament wond in a helical path around the roller such that a gap between adjacent portions of the filament along the cutting edges is no more than about 8 millimeters.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a razor cartridge includes at least three parallel razor blades, the three blades including a first blade adjacent a guard that is forward of the blades, a last blade adjacent a cap that is aft of the blades, and at least one middle blade positioned between the first and last blades; wherein the guard includes a skin-stretching member, and a lubricating strip that is located between the skin-stretching member and the blades, the skin-stretching member including a single, continuous protrusion that extends at least part way across the guard.

Abstract: An integrally formed food plate such as used for picnics or the like and includes integrally attached utensils therewith in combination. The utensils when manually manipulated are easily detached for use. However, the utensils each further include novel pinholes that allow for re-attachment onto the food plate when not in use. Furthermore, the utensils may be standard such as in the form of a spoon, a knife and a fork, or as an alternative the utensils may be in the form of chopsticks. Another option is to include a toothpick that is integrally formed with the food plate yet is also detachable as well.

Abstract: A cutter bar of a motor-operated hedge trimmer has a blade support and at least one cutter blade guided so as to slide oscillatingly on the blade support. The cutter blade has laterally projecting cutting teeth defining a blade plane. A cutter guard is mounted on the blade support and extends across at least a part of the cutter blade. The cutter guard has laterally projecting guard fingers covering the cutting teeth with oversize. The cutter guard is made of an impact-resistant plastic material. The cutter guard has a longitudinal support extending in a longitudinal direction of the blade support. The guard fingers are attached to the longitudinal support. The guard fingers are more bending resistant than the longitudinal support in a deformation plane that is perpendicular to the blade plane and to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A continuous feed line trimmer in which the spool or container of reserve cutting line is mounted independently from the trimmer. The trimmer having a set of gears or rollers that pull the cutting line from the spool or container forcing it through a hollow tube then through a hollow rotating shaft and then through a rotating cutter head to cut vegetation. By mounting the reserve spool or container of cutting line independently of the trimmer the footage of cutting line held in reserve is increased dramatically, thereby enormously reducing the downtime used to replenish cutting line. Trimmer can be mounted as a stand alone unit with its own power source or can be mounted as an auxiliary attachment on mowers, tractors etc.

Abstract: Provided is a knife holder comprising a flexible open containing member of substantially parallelepiped, the containing member comprising four bent corners; and a rectangular flexible member received in the containing member, the flexible member comprising folds substantially disposed in parallel with width of the containing member. The fold comprises two force exertion faces. Two opposite force exertion faces of two adjacent folds are adapted to clamp a blade of an inserted knife and the force exertion faces are clamped by the corners if the width of the knife is equal to or slightly smaller than the width of the containing member. In another embodiment, the flexible member further comprises projections or through holes formed on both surfaces thereof.

Abstract: A food chopping or slicing device preferably includes three primary components, including a lid, a blade tray, and a food reservoir. A trimming blade secures to an edge of the device to cut overlength food items. In some embodiments, a reservoir bottom is removable and the device includes orthogonal volumetric markings.

Abstract: A method of using a knife. The method includes providing a knife having a blade portion and a handle portion. The handle portion has a pivot point at one end of the handle portion and a knob defined by two cupped regions at the other end of the handle portion. The method includes placing a thumb in the pivot point and moving the blade portion of the knife.

Abstract: A knife having a handle portion operatively connected to a blade portion. The handle portion and the blade portion are positioned at an acute angle relative to each other.

Abstract: A knife handle covering having five stress points. The stress points are adapted to be grasped by a hand.

Abstract: A work table having a tool movable in a cutting direction. The work table includes a support surface having a work area for supporting a work piece and forming a cutting channel through the work area in the cutting direction. A guide bar is mounted with respect to the work area and extends along the work area in the cutting direction. The guide bar has a length along which the tool moves, a width and a height, wherein the width is greater than the height. A tool base including a saddle is positionable with respect to the guide bar and slidably movable along the guide bar with respect to the cutting channel. The tool is mountable on the tool base and has a blade aligned with the cutting channel.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a shaving implement that includes at least a razor cartridge and a mechanism. The razor cartridge includes at least one blade that has a sharpened cutting edge and defines a blade plane. The mechanism is disposed in the shaving plane and moves the blade in the blade plane during shaving. The mechanism may be either a vibration mechanism (i.e., a motorized spinning eccentric weight), or a dithering mechanism (i.e., a piezoelectric element). The cut force required to shave, when the blades are moving in the blade plane, is significantly reduced.

Abstract: The transmitter for projecting a beam of laser light includes a source of a beam of laser light, and a projection arrangement for directing the beam of laser light at a selected grade. The transmitter further includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of said transmitter, and a temperature correction circuit, including a look-up table, responsive to said temperature sensor, for adjusting said projection arrangement in dependence upon offset grade values that are stored in said look-up table for a plurality of transmitter temperatures. These offset grade values are separately determined on an empirical basis for each transmitter, such that temperatures induced errors in the direction of the beam of laser light are compensated.

Abstract: This invention relates to an automatic or self plumbing device and method for maintaining survey or data collection or reflection equipment in a vertical plumb position despite horizontal and/or vertical changes of position of the device or vehicle with the device attached thereto. The invention also provides a means for maintaining survey or data collection or reflection equipment in a vertical plumb position and at a constant height above ground or surface to be surveyed. The invention provides a means for mounting or attaching the device to a vehicle or other mobile prime mover and a means for remotely changing the position of the device mounted on the vehicle from within the vehicle for accurate, efficient, and timely collection of data while the device and vehicle are stationary or in motion.

Abstract: An assembly and method is described as employing a polymeric plug member. The plug member is used in the bottom portion of a photoreceptor drum to prevent leakage of the coating solution into the interior of a photoreceptor drum during dip-coating.

Abstract: A lean detector for a vehicle is capable of reducing the cost of the parts of a lean sensor and enhancing the waterproof property thereof. The lean detector also detects when the leaning of the vehicle body has reached a prescribed angle in the right, left, front or rear direction. The lean sensor is installed at a position above a bottom end of a baseplate of the seat of a saddle-ride type four-wheeled vehicle.

Abstract: In one disclosed embodiment, a bicycle saddle fit system comprises an impression pad of sufficient size to span the sit bones of an adult human, and a measurement gauge fixed to and extending along the impression pad. The measurement gauge is usable to measure the distance between sit-bone impressions made in the impression pad by a person previously seated on the impression pad. In another disclosed embodiment, a method of fitting a bicycle saddle to a human rider comprises measuring a sit-bone width of the rider, determining a preferred riding posture of the rider, and assessing a saddle characteristic suitable for the rider based on both the rider's sit-bone width and the rider's preferred riding posture.

Abstract: The present invention is a universal tape measure jacket with dual retractable marking means capabilities. The universal tape jacket with dual marking means when retrofit over conventional tape measures creates an affordable measure and marking system. The tape locking means on most conventional tape measures could also be modified to be able to link with either/or of the retractable marking means on the universal tape jacket; thus, the user has the option to lock the tape coil into a fixed position and then manually engage one or both of the dual markers independent of the tapes locking means or when linked with one or more of the retractable markers, make them work in conjunction with the tape measures locking means.

Abstract: A thermal displacement correction method includes the steps of: presetting the coordinate data of a fixed position of the workpiece on a table; finding an amount of displacement of the fixed position of the workpiece at a current cutting edge position based on the detected temperature, the coordinate data of the cutting edge position, and the coordinate data of the fixed position; computing the difference in the coordinate data between the fixed position of the workpiece and the cutting edge position; finding an amount of displacement of the workpiece between its fixed position and the cutting edge position based on the detected temperature and the difference in the coordinate data between the fixed position and the cutting edge position, and computing a sum of each amount of displacement to define an estimated value and correcting thermal displacement using an NC unit based on the estimated value.

Abstract: A drying apparatus and method are disclosed. The drying apparatus includes a drying compartment and a heating device that heats air to be provided to the compartment. The heating device includes a coil through which is conducted a heated liquid, and the air is heated as it passes along the coil. The heated liquid can be provided from a source internal or external to the drying apparatus and in at least some embodiments is heated water provided from a hydronic heating device located internal to the drying apparatus. In at least some embodiments, the heated air provided through the drying compartment is returned to the heating device and recirculated through the compartment. In at least some of these embodiments, the heated air emanating from the drying compartment passes through a condensing device that removes moisture from the air before it is returned to the heating device.

Abstract: A dehydrating device includes a hollow body a plurality of conveyors received in the body and the conveyors are arranged from a higher position to a lower position so that goods is fed into the body and conveyed by the conveyors. At least one heat source is connected to the body and provides hot air flows which flows in a direction that is opposite to a direction of the conveyors so as to evenly dehydrate the goods on the conveyors.

Abstract: The application concerns a method for drying a fibrous material by means of a process gas stream flowing through a pipe, including heating the process gas flowing through the pipe by means of a heater with controllable heating power, and conducting a portion of the process gas stream through a bypass pipe bypassing the heater, wherein the ratio of mass flows of process gas flowing through the heater and through the bypass pipe is adjustable, and is distinguished by the fact that the heating power of the heater is controlled according to the set ratio of mass flows of process gas through the heater and through the bypass pipe. The application further concerns a corresponding drying apparatus.

Abstract: A proximity member moves in a moving direction (?X) in a condition that an opposed surface of the proximity member is disposed in the vicinity of a substrate surface and that a liquid-tight layer is formed between the opposed surface and the substrate surface, and nitrogen gas is discharged toward an upstream-side interface of the liquid-tight layer from the upstream side (+X) to the proximity member in the moving direction. Thus discharged nitrogen gas is blown selectively and in concentration against an exposed interface portion, a rinsing liquid forming the exposed interface portion is blown away from the substrate surface and the liquid-tight layer, and a substrate surface region which corresponds to the exposed interface portion is dried.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a clothes dryer that uses a solid state switching system to disconnect components of the dryer, such as the motor, when the dryer is not in use. The solid state switching system also modulates the output of a heater. Modulation of the heater is controlled by a timer associated with modulation logic, and/or other timers and thermostats.

Abstract: A laundry drier is provided. The laundry drier includes a base, a drying drum, a front cover, a back cover, a top cover, and side covers. The base includes an air passage in the inside of the base, and at least one discharge port for discharging air that has flowed into the air passage. The drying drum is provided above the base and receives the laundry. The front cover is mounted in front of the drying drum, and the back cover is mounted in the rear side of the drying drum. The top cover is mounted above the drying drum, and the side covers are mounted in the lateral sides of the drying drum and have at least two discharge holes.

Abstract: A dryer assembly includes a blower unit having an inlet and an outlet. A restriction mechanism having a plurality of louvers is disposed generally at the inlet of the blower unit with the louvers being moveable between an open position and a closed position. An actuation mechanism is in communication with the restriction mechanism. The actuation mechanism selectively restricts air to the blower unit by moving the louvers into the closed position.

Abstract: A double-density elastic insert element is composed of an inner section and an outer section enclosing the inner section. The inner section and the outer section have different density, hardness and elasticity characteristics. Preferably, the inner section and the outer section are both made of polyurethane or ethylvinyl acetate (EVA) that is solidified at different molding conditions to obtain different density, hardness and elasticity characteristics. By varying the densities of the elastic insert element, the elastic insert element can be selectively modified to have more functional capabilities to satisfy different requirements.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elevated support matrix for a shoe, which may either form a sole, heel, or sole and heel combination. The matrix is formed of metal, or other high-tensile materials. To minimize the weight of the matrix, but still maintain the structural integrity of the matrix and properly support the wearer's foot, passageways are created in the matrix. The passageways result in void space and lattice, which have corresponding volumes. The increased volume of void space correlates with an overall weight reduction. A support matrix is thus provided that takes advantage of higher-tensile materials to create a reduced weight structurally maintained support matrix. Methods of manufacturing the matrix are also disclosed.

Abstract: A shoe upper (11) including one or more resiliently deformable protrusions (17, 19) extending from an outer surface of the shoe upper and positioned for contact with a ball, each said protrusion (17, 19) forming at least an inner contoured shape portion and an outer contoured shape portion, said outer contoured shape portion being deformable to promote engagement of said protrusion with said ball.

Abstract: A snow pushing assembly includes a pair of spaced-apart side plates. Front skid shoes are affixed to or integral with a bottom of the side plates. Mold boards and mold board cross supports interconnect the pair of side plates. The mold boards and mold board cross supports define an open front. Spaced-apart rear skid supports extend from one of the mold boards and the mold board cross supports and in a direction away from the open front. Rear skid shoes are affixed to and/or integral with the rear skid supports. A support plate is disposed between the rear skid supports, and is either affixed to or integral with one of the mold boards and mold board cross supports. Respective cross support tubes extending between and are attached to corresponding bottom box supports and respective sides of the support plate.

Abstract: A snow blower has an adaptive speed control, optionally an open carrier differential, which is optionally selectively lockable. The auger is preferably chain driven. The engine output shaft optionally has a first fixedly secured pulley and a second clutched pulley. The discharge chute can be guided in rotation by an idler wheel. The chute can be rotatably actuated by a cable assembly controlled by a rotatable handle.

Abstract: In a chain excavator including an excavation chain with links routed around a drive sprocket and an end idler with a base plate mounted to a link for supporting excavation implements, a stabilizing element extends rearwardly from directly behind the excavation implement in order to contact and be supported by its trailing base plate.

Abstract: A rack, adapted for drying heat-sensitive items such as textiles 14 or photographic materials, is made collapsible by providing an inflatable peripheral frame 10 which is secured to a peripheral edge of a netting 12, the netting being pulled taut when the frame is inflated. An impermeable liner 36 is also coupled to an interior edge of the frame 10, in order to collect any water or other liquid which drips through the netting or otherwise passes from the item to be dried. A drain 38 can be provided in the liner, to facilitate removal of collected liquid without having to move the rack. After deflation, the entire unit can be rolled into a cylinder for easy storage.

Abstract: A multi-function fastening device which includes a stapling function as well as a tape dispenser, further having an ergonomic design with contoured cushioned hand gripping portions and graphical or advertising imprinted material on its outer surface(s). The Tapeler may further include a clip for quick attachment to a belt or to another article.

Abstract: A motorized wall mount includes a base seat for secure engagement with a wall surface, an enclosure movably connected to the base seat so that a distance between the enclosure between the base seat and the enclosure is adjustable, a hollow head casing spaced apart from and connected to the enclosure via loops therebetween and resilient elements, an elastic support extending from the base seat to connect to a first pivot plate which is pivotally connected to a second pivot plate, the second pivot plate being securely received in the hollow head casing such that the hollow head casing is able to pivot relative to the enclosure and a power supply device operably connected to the enclosure and the hollow head casing to drive the hollow head casing to pivot relative to the enclosure.

Abstract: A system for accessing internal electrical components of an LED display panel assembly includes a case and a display panel having a plurality of LEDs on an outer surface and electrical components on an inner surface. A linkage assembly is coupled to an inner surface of the case and the inner surface of the display panel and configured for generally translational and generally rotational movement of the display panel from a closed position to an open position for accessing the electrical components.

Abstract: A moving-loop advertisement device has a rolling screen that surrounds a driving roller and three driven rollers to increase the quantity of the advertisements printed on the rolling screen. A position sensor is applied to detect labels formed on the rolling screen so as to pause the movement of the screen. A coil or helical ribs with opposite twisting directions is further provided on either or both the driving roller and the driven roller. When the rollers start to rotate, the rolling screen is moved upward or downward to sequentially present different advertisement information printed thereon. Meanwhile, as the rotation of the coil or helical ribs, tension forces with opposite directions occur and apply on the rolling screen to maintain the surface of the rolling screen in a smooth flat state.

Abstract: An illuminated display device having a menu board and a light source is provided. The menu board has translucent display members and a frame with substantially parallel frame members and at least one cross member connected to the frame members. The cross members are located between the display members and the lighting sources. The cross members may be offset from the display members so that the cross members do not cast a shadow upon the display members. The cross members may be disposed at various angles to the frame members and to other cross members.

Abstract: A media display permits customization/personalization of a golf cart. The media display comprises a body having a top and bottom surface, and media, such as graphics, lettering or numbering. The media is associated with the body, such as by being located on the top or bottom surface of or being located within, the body. The media display is selectively connectable to a golf cart, preferably at the front or forward portion thereof for displaying the associated media. In accordance with a method, a golf cart is customized by locating a media display at the front of the golf cart, or by replacing or switching media display bearing different media with one another.

Abstract: A lighted-sign stand comprises a body having a base supporting a sign on a horizontal surface. The body of the stand has a sign panel and a frame for holding the sign. The stand further comprises a light source and a control circuit. The control circuit having a sensor at the base of the stand for turning the light source off and on, respectively, turning the light source off when the base is supporting the sign on a horizontal surface and turning the light source on when the base is lifted off the horizontal surface.

Abstract: A display system for particular use on vehicle sides. The system includes an aluminum frame affixed to the vehicle, with non-elastic and elastic element interposed between an indicia display sheet or banner of vinyl canvas and the frame. The banner is kept in drum tight condition at all times. The system also includes installing tools and readily removable elements for facilitated quick change of display.

Abstract: A reminder display includes a small, transparent, plastic case, which case houses a pre-printed reminder note therein. The case is mounted on the end of a mounting device such as a suction cup. The mounting device can be removably secured to almost any planar surface (refrigerator door, cabinet wall, automobile windshield, etc.).

Abstract: A mobile sign carrier that mounts on a vehicle receiver hitch and method of use are provided. The mobile sign carrier has a base, a vertical piece and two cross pieces that fold down to form a cross shape. Four sliding brackets are provided, each having permanently attached a square, flat piece, which sliding brackets are mounted one each on each of the cross pieces and one each on the first end and the second end of the vertical piece. The sliding brackets are positioned and secured by means of a fastener to accommodate signs of different sizes. The mobile sign carrier provides a securing device for use on a vehicle with a tailgate. Safety chains further secure the vertical piece to the trailer hitch. A strobe light and night reflective tape are provided.

Abstract: A business form particularly adapted for generalized use, although it may be used in a medical or hospital environment includes in a first embodiment a wristband that is provided with a laminate backing including a tab portion at the opposite end of a free end, with the tab portion having a cinch slot through which the free end is inserted for securing the wristband about a person's appendage. Several self adhering labels are provided inboard of the tab and may be individually separated from the wristband. The labels and the wristband may each be imprinted with identifying indicia such as bar coding. A second embodiment of the invention includes a page sized form with one or more self laminating wristbands readily separable from a carrier with each wristband comprised of a layer of face stock and a laminate, with the wristband including a printable face stock region die cut into the face stock and a strap portion, a laminating portion, and a cinch die cut into the laminate layer.

Abstract: A cushioned wristband includes a carrier having a multi-layered band portion and a strap sewn to the back of the band portion of the carrier. The band has a surface with loop material and the strap has a surface of hook material, the hook and loop surfaces being intended to secure the band in place as it is wrapped about a patient's appendage. The strap is appropriately sized to insert through one or both of two cinch slots of a self-laminating hang tag which may be printed with patient information and separated from a sheetlet or page sized business form processed through a printer for imaging of patient information thereon. The band portion of the carrier includes a cushioned layer of soft foamy or spongy material for contacting a patient's skin to thereby substantially eliminate any possibility for abrasion, rash, or other irritation or injury to the patient through wearing of the wristband.