Abstract: An industrial roll includes: a substantially cylindrical shell having an outer surface and an internal lumen; a polymeric cover circumferentially overlying the shell outer surface; and a sensing system. The sensing system comprises: a plurality of sensors embedded in the cover, the sensors configured to sense an operating parameter of the roll and provide signals related to the operating parameter, wherein at least some of the sensors include an aperture; and a processor operatively associated with the sensors that processes signals provided by the sensors. In some embodiments the shell and cover include through holes that extend through the sensor apertures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for breaking separation of at least one bearing cap of a corresponding thrust block in the bearing assembly of engine cases provided with bearing bores which are arranged in-line, in particular crankshaft cases for alternative piston engines. The inventive method consists in introducing an extension mandrel comprising two half-mandrels into at least one bearing hole, said half-mandrels being distant from each other in order to produce breaking separation force between the thrust block and the bearing cap. Said invention is characterized in that the bearing cap is clamped in such a way that it is non-rotatable except in a limited manner in the direction of breaking separation between a corresponding half-mandrel and a fixing device.

Abstract: An optic disk opener includes an elongate stem having an end defining an interior space receiving a spring-biased sharp member that is extendible out of the space by being manually driven, against the biasing force, to physically engaging an optic disk pack that is wrapped with a plastic film, whereby when the opener is moved along an edge of the optic disk pack, the sharp blade breaks the film. Two spaced flanges are formed on the first end to receive the edge of the optic disk pack and guide the movement of the opener. An elongate member is pivoted to the first end and movable between an operation position where a soft layer attached to a surface of the elongate member is exposed to wipe and clean an optic disk and a stowed position where the elongate member overlaps the stem to shield the soft layer.

Abstract: A razor blade and support assembly is provided which flexes in response to shaving forces near slots in the blade support. A razor cartridge includes one or more of the aforementioned razor blade and support assemblies positioned in a housing. The razor cartridge may be permanently or removably coupled to a handle to provide a shaving razor.

Abstract: A folding knife having a blade-opening mechanism incorporated in the handle of the knife. The blade-opening mechanism in one form can be used to pivot the blade from the closed position to the open position by manually applying pressure to the blade-opening mechanism rather than to a portion of the blade. The blade-opening mechanism in one embodiment also can be adapted to function as a closing mechanism for pivoting the blade closed without applying pressure to the blade. In particular embodiments, the handle desirably includes a pivotable side portion that is coupled to the tang portion of the blade such that manually pivoting the side portion is effective to cause pivoting movement of the blade.

Abstract: A safety lock for a folding knife comprising a sliding safety button positioned in a slot formed in one side of the knife handle. The button includes a first portion extending outwardly from the handle for manipulation by a user, and a second portion having a beveled surface that is slidingly engageable with a pin protruding from the blade tang. The pin in the blade tang may comprise a pre-existing structure, such as that included in some assisted opening mechanisms, or may be specifically added to the blade tang of a conventional folding knife for the purposes of forming the safety mechanism of the present invention.

Abstract: A tape breaking device includes a ring (12) and at least one pointed protrusion (16) extending outward along an axis from an outer circumferential surface of the ring (13). The ring (12) has an inner dimension sized to fit over a user's finger. The invention also provides a taping kit comprising a roll of tape, a tape breaking device as described above, and a unitary package. The package comprises a substantially planar sheet member supporting the tape roll and the tape breaking device on one surface thereof, and an at least partially transparent cover disposed over the tape roll and the tape breaking device, and extending from points on the surface disposed about the tape roll and the tape breaking device.

Abstract: Tile nippers are provided with hardened teeth formed with a short radius curvature extending from substantially flat interior shoulders configured to be substantially parallel when used for gripping and breaking tile. A compound leverage assembly connects the jaws of the tile nippers to the handles of the tile nippers. A retractable cutter or scoring wheel may be provided in a free end of a handle. A nail puller notch may be provided on a jaw of the tile nippers to allow the tile nippers to be used for gripping and pulling nails without damaging the tips of the teeth.

Abstract: A cutter is coupled to a tip of a driven shaft rotatably attached in an operating arm as a main body of a bush cutter, and the other end thereof is provided to a driven side coupling portion selectively coupled with any one of a driving side coupling portion of an engine output shaft and a driving side coupling portion of a motor output shaft. To a driven side joint provided in the other end of the operating arm, any one of an engine output side joint of an engine and an engine output side joint of an electric motor is selectively detachably attached. An engine revolution regulator is connected to the engine through a cable, a motor revolution regulator is connected to the electric motor through an electric cord, and these regulators are detachably attached to a handle of the operating arm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spoon whose bowl is designed in order to enable the spoon to be used to effectively and efficiently empoty a cup containing, for example, food.

Abstract: A connection device includes a fixed locking member that is connected electrically to a conductive first frame of a post processor, and a conductive movable locking member that contacts an outer face of the fixed locking member and can slide. A conductive positioning pin that is connected electrically to a conductive second frame of a copying machine is inserted in a pin insertion hole and a large diameter portion in an unlock position of the movable locking member. When the movable locking member is further moved to slide to a lock position, the positioning pin is engaged and fixed to a small diameter portion, so that a conductive plate spring of the movable locking member contacts the positioning pin.

Abstract: A chainsaw kickback protection device includes a chain guard and a mounting bracket assembly. The chain guard includes an elongated guard body and a chain-engaging member. The elongated guard body has a channel extending along at least a portion of its length. The chain-engaging member is disposed within the channel extending at least partially along a length of the channel. The mounting bracket assembly includes a mounting bracket and a connection structure. The connection structure is resiliently and pivotably connected between the mounting bracket and the elongated guard body. The connection structure biases the elongated guard body to a non-displaced orientation with respect to the mounting bracket. The connection structure enables the entire elongated guard body to move from the non-displaced orientation to a displaced orientation with respect to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A method for determining a borehole azimuth in a borehole is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes acquiring at least one standoff measurement and a tool azimuth measurement at substantially the same time. Such measurements are then processed, along with a lateral displacement vector of the downhole tool upon which the sensors are deployed in the borehole, to determine the borehole azimuth. The computed borehole azimuths may be advantageously correlated with logging sensor data to form a borehole image, for example, by convolving the correlated logging sensor data with a window function. As such, exemplary embodiments of this invention may provide for superior image resolution and noise rejection as compared to prior art LWD imaging techniques.

Abstract: A telescopic system is provided and has a digital compass and a gimbal mechanism. The gimbal mechanism is formed of first and second gimbal suspension members and a base table side supporting member. The digital compass is held placed on the gimbal mechanism. The first gimbal suspension member has two crossing arm portions and is suspended on the base table side supporting member rotatably on the first rotary shafts. The second gimbal suspension member is suspended on the first gimbal suspension member rotatably on the second rotary shafts. In this arrangement, the digital compass can be always kept horizontal even when the gimbal mechanism is tilted.

Abstract: The level device includes a level body having a pair of orthogonal reference surfaces. A vial carrier on the level body holds the level vial such that it can be calibrated with respect to the reference surfaces by rotation about a pair of orthogonal axes, each of the orthogonal axes being perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the level vial. Adhesive fixes the position of the level vial with respect to the vial carrier and fixing the position of the vial carrier with respect to the level body. The vial carrier includes a vial support and a pivot for engaging the level body. When the vial is calibrated, it is rotated about a first axis perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the level vial, and about a second axis perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the level vial and perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: A level having a body with first and second operative walls interconnected by a web. The first wall having a first exterior operative surface and the second wall having a second exterior operative surface. The first surface and the second surface facing in opposite directions and being generally parallel to one another and the first exterior operative surface having an opening. The body further comprising a stop structure disposed between the operative walls. The level also including a level vial carried by the body and a magnet disposed in the opening and having one end abutting the stop structure. The magnet having an opposite end adjacent the first exterior operative surface for magnetically attracting a workpiece engaged with the first exterior operative surface. Another embodiment of a level includes a reinforcing wall disposed closer to the first operative wall than the second operative wall, with the reinforcing wall cooperating with the first operative wall to generally define a cavity.

Abstract: A headspace gauge for measuring the headspace of a chamber of a firearm. The gauge has a rear face for contacting a bolt face of the firearm and a curved front portion including a circumferential contact portion for contacting an angled surface of the chamber. The circumferential contact portion is spaced apart from the rear face by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A punch press alignment instrument has upper and lower cylindrical components that are associated for vertical displacement relative to one another. Both components have outer tool holder engaging surfaces which are to be aligned with one another so as to in turn align the tool holders of the punch press when the upper and lower components themselves are in alignment. Alignment elements, e.g., ridges and grooves provided on mating surfaces of the components confronting each other are brought into contact with one another to move the components of the instrument into mutual alignment. An alignment control member, e.g., a screw is preferably provided for progressively bringing the upper and lower components toward one another and an indicator such as a lamp, a dial indicator or an audible indicator is provided for denoting the spacing between the upper and lower components to thereby confirm the alignment of the tool holders.

Abstract: A measuring tape end piece (10) is disclosed having a support portion (28) and a grip portion (32). The grip portion is moulded onto the support portion. The support portion provides a keying interface on which the support portion is moulded. The keying interface includes at least one concave formation such as a hole or channel to allow the grip portion to be firmly secured to the support portion.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a housing, a rule blade coilable within the housing, and an edge guide coupled to the housing. The edge guide may be oriented in either a first position, in which the edge guide contacts the edge of a work surface, or a second position, in which the edge guide does not contact the edge of the work surface. The edge guide may be permanently or releasably connected to the housing. The tape measure may further include a laser assembly that generates a laser line intersecting the rule blade and the work surface and a calibration mechanism to adjust the alignment of the laser line. In use, the edge guide may orient the tape measure on the work surface such that the laser line is generally perpendicular to the work surface edge.

Abstract: A tubing counter for counting coiled tubing inserted into a well includes an outer housing having a through passage for receiving the coiled tubing therethrough. In some embodiments, pressure rated connectors at both of the ends of the outer housing sealably connect the outer housing in series between the coiled tubing injector head and the outer casing of the well. A plurality of counting wheels are rotatably supported within the outer housing for rolling engagement along coiled tubing inserted through the outer housing while a counting mechanism records a number of rotations of each counting wheel independently of the other wheels to minimize counting errors. Locating the counter below the injector head and below the tubing stripper ensures that the tubing is cleaner and less likely to slip in contact with the counting wheels while also accounting for stretching of the tubing for more accurate measurement.

Abstract: A hair dryer attachment is provided for use with a hand held hair dryer having a barrel with an outlet. The attachment has a substantially tubular body with a perforated sidewall having a generally uniform diameter. A first end of the attachment is configured for receiving the barrel, and a second end having an outlet is configured for dispensing air flow from the dryer. There are a plurality of openings along the length of said sidewall which are configured for permitting the radial ingress and egress of air flow to and from the attachment.

Abstract: An air knife apparatus for removing moisture from a moving web has a top tube, a bottom tube spaced parallel and at a fixed distance below the top tube to define a web path between the tubes, a connector permanently attached to a first end of the top tube and a first end of the bottom tube, and an air manifold permanently attached to a second end of the top tube and a second end of the bottom tube.

Abstract: A device for determining the conductance of laundry in a drier. The device comprises at least two electrodes (2) and means for dissipating heat from at least one part of at least one of said electrodes (2). The invention further relates to a drier comprising at least one area (5) for receiving laundry and at least two electrodes (2) for measuring the conductance of the laundry, at least one of the electrodes (2) at least partly bordering said receiving area (5). Means for cooling at least one part of at least one of the electrodes (2) are also provided inside the drier. Also disclosed is a method for preventing the formation of layers on electrodes (2) used for measuring conductance in a drier.

Abstract: An overshoe adapted to be worn over an active wear boot or shoe, such as a ski boot, hiking boot, climbing boot, ice skates and generally any outdoor shoe desired to be protected against the cold environment having a resistance heating element connected to an electrical energy source, said heating element being part of the overshoe, in such a manner as to provide a heat barrier between the overshoe and the active wear boot, conductive leads from the heating element connected to said electrical energy source, preferably a battery and most preferably a rechargeable battery, said energy source preferably having fastening means to fasten said energy source to said active wear boot or to said wearer.

Abstract: A footwear combination includes a releasably attached sock and shoe. The sock is adapted for covering a foot of a wearer, and has integrally-formed toe, top foot, heel, and sole portions. The shoe covers at least a portion of the sock, and has a shoe upper and attached sole. Hook and loop fasteners cooperate to releasably attach the shoe and sock together. The shoe and sock cooperate to form a stable, unitary outer covering for the foot.

Abstract: The present invention attempts to replicate in footwear, orthotics, and other products the naturally effective anatomical structures like a bare foot that provide superior flexibility, cushioning, and stable support compared to existing products. More specifically, the invention relates to a device for such products including a unitary internal sipe component, said internal sipe providing increased flexibility for said device. Even more specifically, the invention relates to footwear, orthotic or other products with an outer chamber and at least one inner chamber inside the outer chamber; the outer chamber and the inner chamber being separated at least in part by an internal sipe; and the internal sipe providing increased flexibility, cushioning, and stability.

Abstract: A variable footwear support system includes at least one rheological body within a sole of an article of footwear, control electronics within the article of footwear, and at least one E/M field generator coupled to the control electronics and arranged operably proximate to at least one rheological body. The sole is formed of a resilient material and the rheological body contains a Theological fluid having a viscosity that is variable in the presence of an energy field. The control electronics is adapted to generate at least one control signal. The at least one E/M field generator is adapted to generate an energy field corresponding to a control signal generated by the control electronics upon the rheological body.

Abstract: Shoe upper having a lower end of the upper, an outer material with a lower end (19) of the outer material, a waterproof functional layer (16), which has a lower end region of the functional layer with a functional layer zone (20) not covered by outer material, and a connecting band (17), which extends in the direction of the periphery of the upper, has a upper longitudinal side (23) of the connecting band, joined to the end (19) of the outer material, and a lower longitudinal side (25) of the connecting band, at least partially overlaps the functional layer zone (20) and consists of liquefiable sealing material or of material through which liquid sealing material (37; 41) can flow, the connecting band (17) having at points of curvature of the lower end (19) of the outer material an arcuate shape corresponding to the local radius of curvature, with different degrees of curvature of the two longitudinal sides (23, 25) of the connecting band, in such a way that, for an arc sector lying in the respective curvatur

Abstract: A heel counter for a shoe and method of making the same is shown and described. The heel counter includes a pair of sidewalls and a deformation member between the sidewalls.

Abstract: Footwear has been provided that has the option of being worn alone with its permanent upper or a reversible attachable upper can be added securely for two additional and completely different looks. The footwear has a permanent upper that has a suitable appearance to be worn alone. Additionally, the footwear will have a means of attachment placed below the upper on each side on the sole of the footwear. The means of attachment will have a satisfactory appearance and blend into the design of the footwear. The attachable upper securely sits on the permanent upper and is reinforced by the means of attachment. The advantage of this design is that it enables the user to not only wear the footwear by itself but also to create two new looks with one reversible attachable upper that does not compromise the stability of the permanent upper. This will not only save the user money but will also save on space when storing or traveling while at the same time proving the maximum diversity in style options.

Abstract: An excavator stump shearing device which is characterized by a blade assembly carried by various mount devices for attachment to an excavator bucket or to an excavator boom or bucket arm. In a first preferred embodiment the blade assembly is fixed to a blade mount drum which is removably gripped by the bucket and thumb of an excavator bucket to position the blade elements of the blade assembly for shearing a stump. In other embodiments the blade assembly mount devices are characterized by mount blocks, various blade mount boxes, a bucket tooth and tooth mount assembly and a bucket-engaging pad apparatus. The blade elements of the blade assembly include a bevelled shearing blade and a companion transverse wedge or stinger blade for engaging, splitting and shearing a stump responsive to operation of the excavator boom or arm and in some embodiments, the excavator bucket.

Abstract: An ironing board, includes a plate (2) which may be driven in rotation about an axis. The plate (2), mounted on a fixed base (4) housed directly below the plate (2) has an essentially circular form with at least one part essentially angular in form (3). The above is of application to ironing boards.

Abstract: A vivid three-dimensional (3D) illustrated card has a base, a printed ink layer and multiple 3D decorations. The printed ink layer is applied to the base and has at least one colored pattern and character. The 3D decorations are attached to the front surface of the printed ink layer on the base and correspond respectively to parts of the at least one pattern and character. Each 3D decoration has a U-shaped wire and a decorative element. The decorative element is mounted on the U-shaped wire and is colored to match the color of the corresponding part of at least one pattern and character on the printed ink layer. The illustrated card with the 3D decorations looks vivid and attractive. Furthermore, the 3D decorations are attached tightly to the printed ink layer on the base by using the tool set so the 3D illustrated card is more durable.

Abstract: A greeting card for holding currency includes (a) a print medium having a first and second side, wherein the print medium includes a first fold line; (b) means for securing the currency to the first side of the print medium to allow a visual indicia depicted on the currency to remain visible after the currency has been secured to the first side; (c) an opening defined within the print medium, wherein the opening allows the visual indicia of the currency to be visible therethrough when the print medium is folded along the first fold line; and (d) a first message printed on the second side of the print medium, wherein the first message is associated with the visual indicia. The first message is printed in a conversational balloon that is visually linked to the visual indicia of the currency.

Abstract: A large external LCD Monitor Sign for street-side display of gas station prices and any number of images, and prices, with audio, on products the manager of the gas station wishes to offer for sale that day.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for improving the appearance of a visual display, such as a television receiver or computer monitor, when not in use. A decorative surface is provided that is capable of displacement between a first condition in which it covers at least the display area when the display is not in use, and a second condition in which the decorative surface is displaced beyond the display area when the latter is in use. Various embodiments and improvements are disclosed.

Abstract: In yet another aspect of the present invention, a kit for constructing an article to display multiple photographs is provided and includes a frame member having a first window formed therein to permit viewing of a first photograph under a first condition and a second photograph under a second condition. The kit also includes a sliding mechanism attached to a back face of the frame member and across the first window for dissolving a presently viewed photograph to form and make visible the other photograph. The kit also includes a first frame guide and a second frame guide to assist the user in locating desired portions of the first and second photographs which will be visible during the first and second conditions, respectively.

Abstract: The multi-color illuminated sign displays an indicia or house address number in changing sequence of colors. The back lighting is provided by three groups of plurality of light emitting diodes. One group of the light emitting diodes is operative to generate a primary blue light, a second group of light emitting diodes is operative to generate a primary green light, and a third group of light emitting diodes is operative to generate a primary red light. Varying combinations of these primary lights produces a plurality of color back lighting which are reflected and refracted by various reflective and refractive patterns to enhance the visibility and aesthetic appearance of the indicia.

Abstract: A tactile guidance means (1) capable of being provided as part of or affixed to a supporting medium, said means provided with a first type of distinctive raised or indented tactile feature, said tactile features being capable of tactile interrogation when contacted by a sensory part of a person using the same for guidance provided to identify a doorway or passage to a user through which to proceed. Typically a second form of tactile features are provided to indicate a direction to the user in which to proceed subsequent to proceeding through said doorway or passage.

Abstract: A beverage delivery vehicle with a plurality of lateral side-accessible bays for transport of beverages and having a back wall to which a signage device attaches and having a plurality of discrete signage messages for selective display during travel of the beverage delivery truck. A method of display of signage messages during travel of a beverage delivery vehicle is disclosed.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a kit and a method for the modification, customization and/or personalization of scrapbooks, picture frames, boxes and the like is provided. The kit may comprise instructions, at least one cutting pattern, a main article comprising an adhesive on at least a portion of its surface with a removable protective layer covering the adhesive, and at least one covering portion having an adhesive on at least a portion of its surface with a removable protective layer covering the adhesive. The kit permits a user to make use of old materials to customize items, such as scrapbooks and picture frames. The kit also allows a user to better personalize items that may be kept or that may be provided to others as gifts.

Abstract: A magnetic display apparatus includes a magnetic board unit which includes a non-magnetic board base and a magnet attracting layer attached to the non-magnetic board base. The magnet attracting layer can be either magnetic or ferro-magnetic material. Magnetic clamp units, having a non-magnetic handle and a magnetic base, are provided for attaching non-magnetic articles to the magnetic board unit. A decorative layer can be attached to the magnetic layer. The magnetic board unit can have an overall decorative shape. A removable and replaceable decoration can be provided, and decoration attachment means can be provided for attaching the removable and replaceable decoration to the magnetic board unit. A stand can be provided for supporting the magnetic board unit. The stand can provide that the magnetic board unit is sloped backward when placed in the stand. A slip over cover having a decorative theme can be provided for slipping over the magnetic board unit.

Abstract: A kit for alerting emergency personnel that a person involved in an accident or in a medical emergency is an expectant mother. The kit comprises at least one of a medical alert bracelet to be worn on such expectant mother's wrist; an identification card to be carried by one of a wallet, a purse and a chain which will be worn around such expectant mother's neck; and at least one decal for attachment to at least one selected window of a vehicle.

Abstract: An identification device that combines an antimicrobial coating with a printable substrate. For example, the invention includes a wristband with a face stock supporting indicia which are applied on (such as through thermal transfer printing) or through (such as through direct thermal printing) an antimicrobial layer. The antimicrobial layer is preferably a coating or varnish that is applied as the outermost layer and can bind with thermal transfer printing ink or supports pass through of direct thermal printing on a chemically receptive sublayer. The antimicrobial varnish includes varnish compounds and antimicrobial compounds such as a silver zeolite ion that is configured to react to moisture with a controlled release of microbial disinfectant. Preferably, the wristband is a hospital wristband bearing on-site printed identification indicia for a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for providing illuminated signage in a public space. The system may have at least one window, each window having an exterior surface and an interior surface; at least one coat of a non-transparent coating in communication with the interior surface of the window; at least one projector which projects at least one reversed image on the inside surface of the window; and at least one host controller. The host controller may control the reversed images being protected onto the window. The image (in a non reversed manner) is then viewable on the exterior surface.

Abstract: A display device provides for the displaying of collectible cards on two side. The device includes a generally planar card support mat, a mat having a pair of opposed planar surfaces with apertures extending therethrough. The apertures are sized to support a collectible card therein. A pair of transparent plates overlie each of the planar surfaces of the mat allowing viewing of each side of the two-sided card. A frame bounds and supports the mat and encloses the cards in a tamper evident protective manner.

Abstract: A two piece ejection system for a shotgun includes a chamber portion having a first, second and third section of varying outside diameters and an extractor formed from a hollow cylindrical tube having a first and second end, the second end including a plurality of slots. The slots are configured to allow the extractor to slide over the circumference of the third section of the chamber portion and be in sliding engagement with the second section of the chamber portion. Interference means on the plurality of slots and the sections of the chamber portion restrict the travel of the extractor over the second section of the chamber portion.

Abstract: A muzzleloader firearm has a barrel with at least one lug retaining structure that includes an internal annular groove and an internal annular shoulder that is both adjacent the annular groove and positioned between the annular groove and the breech end of the barrel. Each annular shoulder is provided with lug entry cutouts, which are radially spaced about the shoulder. The firearm also has a breech plug that is provided with multiple lugs forming at least one discontinuous external shoulder. The lugs are spaced and sized so that they align with the lug entry cutouts. Preferably, the number of external shoulders on the breech plug match the number of internal annular grooves in the barrel. The breech plug is installed in the barrel by aligning the lugs with the lug entry cutouts, and then rotating the plug so that the lugs are no longer aligned with the lug entry cutouts.

Abstract: A firearm includes a frame and a slide. A firing mechanism for the firearm includes a striker-type firing pin, a trigger, and a trigger bar. A sear inside the frame is pivotally balanced about a central fulcrum, and is biased in a first pivotal direction by a spring. In this position, a rear portion of the sear engages the firing pin. Actuation of the trigger causes the trigger bar to move rearwards for engagement of a forward portion of the sear. This pivots the sear in a second pivotal direction, against the spring, which releases the firing pin. The spring then causes the sear to pivot back for reengaging the firing pin when it returns to its rear position. Movement of the slide to a retired position causes the trigger bar to disengage from the sear (preventing discharge of the firearm) until the slide returns to a battery position.