Abstract: A laser level with temperature control device (2) and the temperature control method thereof are disclosed. The temperature control device includes a thermal insulation chamber (22), a thermoelectric cooler (25), a control unit (21), and first and second temperature sensors (23, 24). The second temperature sensor is received in the thermal insulation chamber together with a tilt sensor (12). The control unit controls operation of the thermoelectric cooler according to the external and internal temperature signals respectively output by the first and second temperature sensors, so as to adjust the internal temperature inside the thermal insulation chamber to be a calibration temperature point close to the external temperature. Accordingly, the temperature drift problem can be addressed, and the working temperature of the tilt sensor can be maintained in a stable range. Further, the acceptable ambient temperature range within which the tilt sensor works can be expanded.

Abstract: A shoe drying rack to fit a dryer's drum, comprised of an open container divided into two mirror imaged halves joined together by an adjustable connector arm. In one embodiment, the adjustable connector arm is a telescopic arm, allowing for the sizing of the shoe drying rack to fit different size drums of a clothes dryer. A strap and holding posts located in each of the half cylinders keep one or more shoes in place during drying. A shoe drying rack in which the two containers are mirror-imaged half cylinders fits best within the round dryer drums, allowing for a large surface area of contact for stability and balance during drying.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to easily and securely perform the removal operation of contaminant or the like from a wafer housed in a FOUP. To achieve the object, a purging apparatus of the present invention removes contaminant or the like from a wafer by moving a gas supply nozzle along a direction in which wafers are superimposed at the front of an opening while a lid of the FOUP is separated from a body and spraying clean gas on each wafer from the gas supply nozzle.

Abstract: A drying apparatus, and in particular, a hand dryer that comprises a first compartment and a second compartment. The first compartment comprises an inlet for allowing air to enter the first compartment and a germicidal tube mounted in the first compartment for sterilizing air in the first compartment; while the second compartment comprises a heating element for heating sterilized air in the second compartment and a blowing unit for causing sterilized air in the second compartment to rapidly exit the second compartment and out of the hand dryer. A fan is provided for causing sterilized air to leave the first compartment and enter the second compartment. In this way, the sterilized air that exits the second compartment and out of the hand dryer is at least essentially free of airborne microorganisms.

Abstract: Misted/fogged Thermopane (T.M.) windows have dry air, which may be heated, pumped through the window cavity, to remove the moisture, and to fill it with dry air, followed by insertion of porous plugs that permit the outward transfer of moisture from the cavity, while resisting any reversed moisture transfer into the cavity by way of a hydrophobic plug end portion that encloses the cavity aperture. The drying apparatus receives compressed air, passes it through a dryer, filters the air, reduces the pressure to a safe value, and passes the air (which may be heated) to an air gun equipped with a nozzle hose, for passage as a purging medium within the window cavity by way of ventilation access holes that are drilled at the bottom and the top of the window.

Abstract: An dual path kiln is provided that includes a kiln having one or more chambers and at least two lumber charge paths adapted to convey lumber through the kiln in opposite directions.

Abstract: A laundry dryer is provided. The laundry dryer includes a drying drum to put laundry in, a base, and a condensed water storage. The base forms a passage to exhaust water vapor passing through the drying drum to the outside. The condensed water storage stores moisture contained in the water vapor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for removing contaminating moisture from a deposition chamber prior to use. Dry air, preferably hot dry air, is blown into the deposition chamber where it absorbs and removes moisture. This is done by connecting a desiccation system including a blower and a dryer to the deposition chamber. The deposition chamber is also provided with a vacuum source; this may be connected to the deposition chamber using the same line as that used for the desiccation source, or may be connected through a separate line. The dry air may re-circulate through the chamber during this flushing method, or the dry air may flow through the deposition chamber continuously. A heat exchanger may also be provided to efficiently reuse hot air used to recharge the desiccation system. The desiccation system and method are particularly suited for decontaminating a magnetron sputtering deposition chamber.

Abstract: A system and method for drying cavities loaded with high level waste (“HLW”) is devised. The invention utilizes a non-intrusive procedure that is based on monitoring the dew point temperature of a non-reactive gas that is circulated through the cavity. In one aspect, the invention is a method comprising: a) flowing a non-reactive gas through the cavity; b) repetitively measuring the dew point temperature of the non-reactive gas exiting the cavity; and c) upon the dew point temperature of the non-reactive gas exiting the cavity reaching and remaining below a predetermined dew point temperature for a predetermined time, discontinuing the flow of the non-reactive gas and sealing the cavity. In another aspect, the invention is a system designed to carry out the method.

Abstract: The invention provides a drying device for use in drying carpets, rugs after flooding or cleaning by a wet process. In addition, the drying device may be utilised for drying the fabric of dwelling, viz, the floors, walls, ceilings and under floor cavities after flooding. To these ends, the drying device, in one format is made up of opposed sheets (4, 6) of flexible material, e.g. plastic sheeting, co joined along peripheral edge portions (8, 10, 12, 14), one, or both, sheets being provided with a multiplicity of small apertures (24) over the whole, or substantially the whole area thereof The sheets (4, 6) are joined internally by apertured webs (18) extending along the drying device to form channels (20) between the sheets. Provision is made along the peripheral edge portions (8, 10, 12, 14) of the sheets (4, 6) to attach at least one air blower (26) and to attach further drying devices (2a, 2b) using a connector means (30, 38).

Abstract: A clothes drying appliance has a moisture sensor and a signal acceleration processor coupled to receive and monitor a moisture signal from the moisture sensor. The processor determines signal gradients in the moisture signal and detects either minimums or maximums in the moisture signal when a sign change occurs between two successive signal gradients. The processor uses the detected local minimum or maximum information and the gradient preceding the detected local minimum or maximum to extrapolate a predicted moisture signal value for the clothing articles. The generation of the predicted moisture signal compensates for sensor response time.

Abstract: A triple pass tunnel finisher for finishing fabric. The finisher includes a side module, a front module, and a rear module. The side module includes an entrance for receiving a fabric piece to be conveyed through the apparatus, and a steam injection chamber downstream of the entrance for treating the fabric piece with steam. The front module communicates with the side module to receive the fabric piece conveyed therefrom, and includes first and second hot air chambers, and an exit downstream of the second hot air chamber. The rear module communicates with the front module to receive the fabric piece therefrom, and includes a heating apparatus for heating the fabric piece, and a U-shaped intermediate hot air chamber downstream from the first hot air chamber and upstream from the second hot air chamber for receiving the fabric piece from the first hot air chamber and for delivering the fabric piece to the second hot air chamber.

Abstract: An article of athletic footwear having an air-filled bladder disposed in a sole structure is disclosed. The air-filled bladder is in fluid communication with ambient air through a filter that permits ambient air to enter the bladder but restricts liquids and particulates from entering the bladder. In operation, the filter and bladder may be portions of a bladder system that absorb shock when the footwear contacts a playing surface. Alternatively, the filter and bladder may be portions of a bladder system that ventilates the interior of the footwear. The filter may be formed of a material such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene that is attached to a carrier.

Abstract: A sole for a shoe with a foot guiding mechanism which has the particularity that the sole comprises a sole body which has, on an outer face thereof, at least one protrusion. The at least one protrusion is flexible in order to produce a desired movement of the protrusion which is suitable to force a guided sequence for a foot, wearing the shoe sole, from when the heel section initially contacts a ground surface to when the front edge of the sole breaks contact with the ground surface.

Abstract: An ice rink surface building and resurfacing device has a water tank (175) mounted on a chassis (100), wherein the water tank is adapted to receive snow to be melted; a heating mechanism (107) mounted in heat exchange relation to the water tank; and a fluid disperser (290) connected to the tank for distributing a layer of water onto an ice rink surface. This device is well suited for ice rinks with various forms of ice surfaces in residential areas, in backyards, on remote terrain, and in community parks.

Abstract: A snow removal vehicle and system is disclosed. The system allows for snow captured by the vehicle to be melted and heated into a heated liquid and thereafter sprayed to remove snow to the sides and rear of the vehicle. Methods of removing snow are also disclosed.

Abstract: A ground-clearing apparatus for mounting on a vehicle, comprising a housing containing a rotatably mounted cylindrical drum, the cylindrical drum being provided with a plurality of teeth, and a door in the housing pivotably connected to the housing and openable in a direction away from the vehicle. Preferably, the vehicle is a track vehicle; the housing is bi-directional, containing vertically-disposed fracture boards, and is pivotable to selectively enable engagement of the plurality of teeth with the ground surface; and a V-shaped push bar is pivotably mounted on the housing. The apparatus preferably further comprises height-adjustable skid shoes on the housing for adjusting the vertical distance between the drum and the skid shoes.

Abstract: Disclosed is an excavating machine, representatively a tracked excavator, having a boom stick portion on which both an excavating bucket and a hydraulic breaker are mounted for hydraulically driven pivotal movement between first and second limit positions. The bucket may be operated independently of the breaker for digging operations. Similarly, the breaker may be operated independently of the bucket for refusal material-breaking operations. The same excavating machine may now use the bucket and breaker in a rapid and continuous exchange to permit frequent removal of small quantities of broken refuse material with the bucket, exposing the bucket and breaker to fresh refuse material. The excavating machine disclosed incorporates an impact resistant deployment system with bifurcated and lubricated trunnion pivots and an in-line pivot restriction, or stop. The system provides a breaker assembly connection that permits quick installation and removal of the breaker, and significantly greater durability.

Abstract: A holding device for adapting foldable cards to be secured in a binder. There is a securing tab and a first and second attachment wings. The securing tab includes a first surface, a second surface, and a base. The securing tab removably attaches to the binder. The first and second attachment wings are hingedly extending from the first surface and second surface of the securing tab at the base respectively and are configured to fixedly attach to the foldable card about a fold line in the foldable card on a first and second portion of the fold line respectively. The holding device has a length no greater than a length of the fold line. There are perforations for removing portions. There is non-permanent adhesive. There is a card. There is a third attachment wing. There is only one attachment wing.

Abstract: A system for displaying alphanumeric characters in airports, train stations or cinemas. The system comprises a small robot (1) on a rail (2) that can move along a stack of cards (3) on which alphanumerical characters are printed. The robot (1) is able to pick-up any card, place it on a mobile holding means (4). By repeating this operation words, numbers or codes can be formed. The holding means (4) is mobile in order to be in such a position as to exchange cards or in a position to display the composed information. The system provides for simplified pick-up, placing and retrieving operation and does not expose the hardware of the system to the public.

Abstract: A light system includes a lighted wall panel illuminated by an illuminator e control of a controller. The lighted wall panel includes an interior portion to mount an array of points of light and an exterior portion covering the interior to emit light released by the points of light.

Abstract: A display assembly for removably mounting to a vehicle. The display assembly includes a base member having opposite end portions and an accessory item having a predetermined configuration such that when the vehicle reaches a sufficient speed the accessory item rises a distance above an adjacent surface of the vehicle. The display assembly includes a releaseable connection between the accessory item and an end portion of the base member.

Abstract: A device for displaying a recognition award includes a hard hat having a pocket, a detachable connected holder to be placed in the pocket and a personnel unit adapted to display the recognition award and adapted to be positioned in the detachedly connected holder. The device is used as a recognition award or personnel identification unit to be retained within a detachedly connected holder.

Abstract: An information display arrangement comprises a plurality of pockets (10). Each pocket has a front panel and a back panel. At least one edge (22) of each pocket is open so that a piece (26) of writing material can be inserted into that pocket. Each front panel is sufficiently transparent to enable such a piece of writing material in the respective pocket to be seen through the front panel from the outside. The pockets are held edge-to-edge in a strip (12) in such a way that one or more of the pockets can be readily separated from the remainder of the strip. The back of the strip is self-adhesive to enable the pocket(s) separated from the strip to be adhered to a surface. In use, one or more pockets can be separated from the strip and stuck to a surface such as the surround of a computer monitor, a telephone hand-set or body, or a drawer front, where the pocket can remain permanently or semi-permanently.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a photo album sleeve for various photo sizes. The photo album sleeve comprises a plurality of dividing lines. Each of the dividing lines is extended inward from either vertical end of the sleeve by a predetermined length to thereby horizontally divide the sleeve into a plurality of photograph insertion spaces. At least one of horizontal ends and at least one of vertical ends of the sleeve are opened. With this configuration, a plurality of photographs may be horizontally inserted via the opened vertical end of the sleeve to be stored in the respective photograph insertion spaces, or an elongated photograph may be vertically inserted via the opened horizontal end of the sleeve to be stored throughout the photograph insertion spaces.

Abstract: An improved magazine has crimped feed lips which feed rebated rim cartridges into a handgun or rifle without nose-diving. The magazine has a metal-reinforced follower which extends the operational life of the magazine.

Abstract: A device for coupling a grenade launcher with an automatic rifle comprises a gun fore-end of the automatic rifle integral to a barrel of the automatic rifle and having externally a first portion of mutual shape-coupling means between a frame of the grenade launcher and the gun fore-end. A second portion of the mutual coupling means is externally associated to a frame of the grenade launcher. The first and second portions mutually slide one inside the other along a direction which is parallel to the barrel of the automatic rifle in order to fasten the grenade launcher to the automatic rifle in a direction which is transversal to the barrel of the automatic rifle. The first portion comprises a track directly associated to the gun fore-end and the second portion comprises a sliding seat being defined in a frame of the grenade launcher. The sliding seat is capable of being slidingly engaged on the track from the front end to the rear end of the track.

Abstract: A firearm for low velocity projectiles has a barrel for launching the projectiles, and a fire control system. The fire control system comprises a sight having a longitudinal axis, sensors for sensing data of a target object, and first means for adjusting a line of sight of the sight relative to the longitudinal axis of the sight. The adjusting is effected by a predetermined angle as a function of the data. Further, second means are provided for adjusting the longitudinal axis of the sight relative to a bore axis of the barrel.

Abstract: A bait needle is formed from an elongate rod having a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion defines a pointed end and the second end portion has flattened sides. The second end portion defines an eye transversely extending through the second end there through and a slot. The slot is angled with the opening of the slot closer to the pointed end than the bottom of the slot. The opening of the slot also has a leading edge that has a height greater than a height of the trailing edge. A method of using the bait needle is also provided.

Abstract: A trawl's mesh cells include at least three mesh bars. A cell's first mesh bar includes a first product strand formed by a core product strand enclosed within a sheath. The sheath resists sliding along the core product strand during the trawl's assembly and field operations. The first product strand also mechanically connects to a second product strand forming the mesh cell's second mesh bar. The mechanical connection includes a clamp which encloses at least the slide-resistant, sheathed portion of the first product strand. A particularly preferred embodiment for the sheath includes at least one spiraling product strand interwoven with other encircling product strands. The spiraling product strand has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of each of the other encircling product strands. An improved method for catching fish with a trawl system includes a step of assembling the trawl system by combining selected trawl components.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a trap for rodents, particularly for mice and rats, with a trigger device in the form of a plate (10) that is supported in a rocker-like fashion and provided with a constantly accessible receptacle for accommodating bait, with a striking device that is supported on the base plate (1) such that it can be pivoted about a first axis (7), wherein the striking device can be subjected to the force of a tension spring (18) and released from a first, armed position when an animal acts upon the plate such that it is pivoted about a second axis (9) supported on the base plate (1) from an idle position into a triggering position, in which a release element in the form of an eccentrically supported, elastic driving element that is separably engaged with the striking device (8) in the first, armed position can be pivoted by the rocker-like plate (10), wherein the striking device (8) that can be pivoted about the first axis (7) is released from its first, armed position and the force of the tensio

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method(s) of improving flux in a membrane bioreactor by adding an effective amount of catonic, amphoteric, and zwitterionic polymers, or a combination thereof. The membrane bioreactor impacted by the addition of these polymers is made up of a combination of anaerobic reactors, anoxic reactors, and aerobic reactors and anaerobic digesters.

Abstract: A candle that is formed from an aqueous gel containing an aqueous phase and an oil phase is provided. During use, the aqueous gel is heated to cause the evaporation of one or more volatile fragrances contained within the gel matrix into the surrounding environment. In one particular embodiment, for example, the candle is heated with a warming device other than a wick.

Abstract: The present lipid-based wax compositions commonly include a polyol fatty acid ester component (made up of partial and/or completely esterified polyols). Generally, at least a portion of the polyol fatty acid ester has been subjected to a transesterification reaction. Lipid-based wax compositions having a melting point of about 48° C. to about 75° C. can be particularly advantageous for use in forming candles. The wax may contain other components such as mineral wax, plant wax, insect wax, and/or other components. The polyol fatty acid ester component can include triacylglycerols such as those derived from plant oils (soybean oil, palm oil, etc.). The polyol ester component may be characterized based on one or more of its physical characteristics, such as SFI-40, SFI-10, typical crystal structure, IV, melting curve, and/or other properties.

Abstract: The method for analysing the structure of cultured hedges, equally applicable by day or by night, for a mobile, continuously-moving machine in tied or staked plantations such as vineyards, includes a system using an artificial vision system, working by transmission, which permits a detection of the shadowing of the light between one or more transmitters and one or more detectors to one side and the other of the hedge. The information generated by said shadows of light are processed by an electronic analysis system, programmed or embodied to examine the elements of the structure of the hedge.

Abstract: A plant protection system which is economical, and quickly installed and removed and which can be used on row crops such as strawberries to protect against frost, freezing, and insects. The system includes a series of frames placed along a crop row wherein each frame has at least one twine engaging loop on the upper portion of the frame. Twine is tensioned along the upper sides of the frames by drawing the twine into an open end of the loop, looping the twine completely around the loop and proceeding to the next frame with the twine held in tension at the loop. A protective cover is draped over the frames and tensioned twine and anchored in the crop furrows. The tension of the twine between the frames prevents the cover from sagging and touching the crops.

Abstract: An adjustable float tree which provides quick, easy, and precise placement and removal of floats or float switches within a liquid medium. The apparatus comprises a tree mount with a removable and easily positioned tree tube and a positioning mechanism communicating there between. Said tree tube slidably fits with said tree mount and allows the float cords to extend from said tree tube. The tree mount securely attaches with a supply or other type of pipe or structure with the tree tube precisely placing and positioning one or more floats.

Abstract: A flower supporting device. A plurality of rotatable beads are connected by connection means having elasticity so that a support body is formed. A plurality of support bodies are arranged to be staggered up and down with each other so that a stem of a flower can be inserted between adjoining supporting bodies to be supported by them.

Abstract: This invention provides time-release plant nutrient compositions, oxygen-generating nutrient compositions, and effervescing nutrient compositions, in the forms of powders, capsules, tablets, pellets, and granules. The oxygen-generating agents include peroxides, percarboxylics, percarbonates, and mixtures thereof. This invention provides methods for making the compositions of this invention and methods for fertilizing a plant or a seed and/or providing oxygen to a plant or seed growing in a hydroponics system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of attracting game animals using genetically altered plants. The method involves packaging seeds for plants such as soybeans, corn, canola and other plants species, which have been genetically engineered to make them resistant to the use of broad spectrum herbicides. The purchaser then plants the seed in a food plot adjacent to the area where he desires to attract game animals. Once the seeds have germinated, the food plot is sprayed with a broad spectrum herbicide in order to kill the weeds and improve the yield of the desired plants.

Abstract: A complex system where a plant group having a heat island phenomenon suppression effect and a solar cell having a carbon dioxide generation suppression effect are installed together. The purposes are to eliminate an adverse influence of both shadows of the plant group and the solar cell and to prevent the solar cell system from flying away by the wind pressure against the base side The average height of the solar cell module is greater than that of the plant group. The plant group and the solar cell module are installed with a gap larger than the distance corresponding to the height difference between them. At least between the paired plant group and solar cell which face each other, an area for a person to walk through is provided.

Abstract: A plant container in which full-color information useful to a retailer and consumer is printed over an area on the pot. The pot may be used to both grow and sell the live plant; alternatively, the pot may be used as a pot cover. The container is made of a durable material, and the printed area includes a plurality of colors to provide an attractive full-color display. A four-color printing process may be used. The printed area may include sufficient information to allow sale by a retailer without additional information and labels. The container can provide advantages such as: 1) a consumer can efficiently and immediately access useful information; 2) information is implemented onto the container itself, and therefore cannot get lost or separated; 3) a manufacturer, distributor, and dealer avoids labeling costs; and 4) a pleasing appearance is presented to customers.

Abstract: A table for use in combination with a container such as a flower pot or vase. The decorative table is formed from a frame that couples to the open end of the container wherein the container operates as a support base. A decorative item, such as a plant, is placed in therein and operates as a weighted base. A frame is secured to the container having a spaced upper end forming an upper support member. A planar tabletop is then secured to the upper support member providing a tabletop that can be used in a conventional manner.

Abstract: This invention provides smart garden devices for hydroponics growing systems, wherein the devices include a means for delivering electricity to the smart garden device; at least one timer; and means for determining, receiving, sending, or processing data regarding the status of a component or characteristic of the hydroponics device. This invention also provides smart garden kits and methods for using smart garden devices for growing plants.

Abstract: A device for improved cultivation and easier maintenance of pot-grown plants in the home or commercial garden centers. The plant root system is raised above the interior bottom water well. No matter how much water is applied, the pot prevents plants from drowning using side drain spouts, maintains airflow around the root system, encourages healthier growth, and eliminates unsightly water stains on the surface under the pot. It can be adapted as a cachepot to existing pots without repotting the plant.

Abstract: Combustion-based heating assemblies and hydrogen-producing fuel processing assemblies that include at least a reforming region adapted to be heated by the heating assemblies. The heating assembly may include at least one fuel chamber and at least one heating and ignition source. The at least one fuel chamber may be adapted to receive at least one fuel stream at a first temperature. The fuel stream may include a liquid, combustible, carbon-containing fuel having an ignition temperature greater than the first temperature at which the fuel stream is delivered to the fuel chamber. The at least one heating and ignition source may be adapted to heat at least a portion of the fuel chamber to raise the temperature of at least a portion of the carbon-containing fuel to a second temperature at least as great as the ignition temperature and to ignite the carbon-containing fuel. Methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of operating a methanation reactor to reduce carbon monoxide concentration in a reformate stream in a fuel cell reformer. The reactor includes a flowpath with a noble metal catalyst supported by a ceramic support such that the reactor preferentially converts carbon monoxide via methanation over that of carbon dioxide. The reduced level of carbon monoxide present in the reformate stream after passing through the methanation reactor reduces the likelihood of poisoning of the catalyst used on the fuel cell anode.

Abstract: Automatized solar shielding system, comprising a plurality of slats (1) revolvable via a driving device driven by a motor (13), and a pair of uprights supporting the slats (1), wherein one upright contains the driving device and one of the sunshade slats (1) contains the motor (13).

Abstract: A multi-level window shutter has a shutter frame movably supporting at least one first level external shutter panel via an external panel opening mechanism mounted on the shutter frame. The external panel movably supports at least one second level internal shutter panel via an internal panel opening mechanism mounted on the external panel and connected to the shutter frame and to the internal panel for simultaneous displacement of the internal panel upon displacement of the external panel relative to the shutter frame. The panels move between a closed position in which they are in a side-by-side configuration relative to one another in spaced apart parallel planes and an open position in which they are in an over-one-another configuration relative to each other in the spaced apart parallel planes.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for establishing at least two open access door positions relative to an opening of a compartment. The apparatus includes a position defining member having at least one engagement element, and a stop member. The position defining member is adapted to be coupled to the compartment. A housing member is adapted to be coupled to the access door for movement therewith, and has an opening for translatable receipt of the position defining member. The housing member further includes an engagement element operable to engage the at least one engagement element of the position defining member to establish a first open access door position. The stop member contacting the housing member establishes a second open access door position approximately perpendicular to the compartment.