Abstract: A compressor has a compression unit for compressing gas to a desired pressure, a drive shaft and a balancer. The drive shaft is connected to the compression unit for driving the compression unit. Imbalance on the drive shaft is generated due to movement of the compression unit. The balancer is mounted on the drive shaft and includes a main portion and adjustable portion for correcting the imbalance on the drive shaft. Preferably, at least one of the weight and the shape of the adjustable portion is adjustable.

Abstract: Selective laser and induction hardening are applied to areas of a water jacketed engine cylinder liner to provide improved resistance to scuffing resulting from the rubbing contact of the walls and piston rings of an associated piston. An upper bore portion and port relief areas of the liner are fully induction hardened to improve wear resistance. The port area is then fully laser hardened to improve wear resistance. If desired, the laser hardening process may continue beyond the intake port area to the port relief areas to ensure full hardening of the port relief areas and continuous hardening between the intake ports and the port relief areas to improve wear resistance.

Abstract: A method for notifying installers 14–22 of the existence, type, and location of a portion 26 of an item within an assembly line 10. The notification allows the installers 14–22 to respectively ensure that the components 40 which are needed to be placed upon the portion 26 are available for use by the installer 14–22 in a timely manner.

Abstract: A shaving assembly for simultaneously applying a shaving preparation and removing hair in a single step includes a base having an upper end, a lower end and a hollow space between the upper and lower ends, whereby the hollow space defines an opening at the upper end of the base. The shaving assembly includes a receiver for a razor, such as a cartridge receiver for a razor blade cartridge, that is connected with the base and that is disposed at the opening at the upper end of the base. The cartridge receiver has a perimeter and the opening at the upper end of the base completely surrounds the perimeter of the cartridge receiver. The hollow space of the base is adapted for containing a shaving preparation, such as a soap cake, a liquid soap, shaving cream or a body wash and may be combined with skin beneficial ingredients and/or scent.

Abstract: A linkage mechanism for a shaver or depilator has a head carrying at least one hair removal member mounted for rocking about a virtual axis that remains nearly static during pivoting. The linkage mechanism five links, which include a pair of spaced support arms pivoting on the head. A first transverse link member rotates about a third axis and pivots on each of the support arms. Second and third transverse link members pivot on the body and on respective ones of the support arms.

Abstract: A hand tool is formed of a handle and a removable tool part . The tool has a protruding section and a first magnet at the end of the protruding section. The handle has a bore with a second magnet. The tool is assembled by inserting the protruding section into the bore so that the first magnet contacts the second magnet. Ramps are provided on the tool part and handle; the tool is disassemble by rotating the tool part relative to the handle. Thanks to the ramps, the magnets are separated : the tool part and the handle may then be pulled apart.

Abstract: A foldable tool retainer capable of updating the tool easily comprises an upper casing sheet; an upper pad; a work tool; a lower pad; a resisting sheet; and a lower casing sheet. When updating the work tool, it is only necessary to press the upper button to drive a buckling end of the upper control sheet to separate from the edge of a rotary shaft of the resisting sheet so that the lower pad can rotate around the ratchet shaft of the lower casing sheet again and the rotary shaft moves out of the notch of the upper pad. Then other components are detached along a sequence of actions reversing to the assembly process.

Abstract: A hedge trimmer has a working part with a cutting tool and a drive and further has guide part with a guide rod that has a drive connection for connecting a drive motor to the drive of the working part. The working part is pivotable relative to the guide part. A safety device in the form of a drive cutoff mechanism is provided that switches off the drive of the working part when the angle between the working part and the guide part is within a predetermined pivot angle range.

Abstract: A unitary guide tool that provides a guide for measuring and marking a work piece when moved along an edge thereof, the guide tool being in the form of a generally rectangular offset or stepped bar of material having a thicker section forming a stepped side for engaging the edge of a work piece in a first disposition and engaging a measuring tape dispensing housing in another disposition, the block being slidable along an edge of the work piece and having a longer dimension extending generally perpendicular thereto.

Abstract: A sighting system is integrated with video gathering and recording capabilities. A video camera unit may be coupled in front of or behind a weapon's sights. In another embodiment, the weapon's sights are electronically generated by the video camera. Where a zoom lens is provided, software automatically adjusts the electronically generated sights based on any optical changes. A separate or integrated memory unit may also be provided. A range finder may be provided to supply range-to-target data.

Abstract: A geomagnetic sensor supporting a dip angle detection function. The geomagnetic sensor includes a rotation angle measurement part for measuring pitch and roll angles of the main body with respect to the surface of the Earth; a geomagnetic measurement module for outputting an electric signal corresponding to the geomagnetic field; a memory for storing predetermined reference azimuths and output values of the geomagnetic measurement module corresponding to changes of the pitch and roll angles; and a controller for calculating azimuths by use of the output values of the geomagnetic measurement module, the pitch and roll angles, and predetermined dip angles. The controller establishes at least two dip angles, calculates the azimuth for each dip angle, compares the azimuth to the reference azimuth, and determines a dip angle at the azimuth having a smaller azimuth error as a current dip angle. The geomagnetic sensor can measure a precise dip angle using a simple method.

Abstract: A measuring instrument is described for application to the end of a circular member, such as a pipe, to locate the precise center of such circular member, and project it to a distant surface.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a guide for a power saw or router of the type having a blade and a housing wider than the blade which directly overlies the blade during the cutting operation. The guide includes a guide bar having a straight outer edge configured for guiding a peripheral edge of the saw housing and a gauge device. The gauge device includes an elongated holder and a light beam projector mounted on the holder for projecting a beam of light at an angle relative to a lengthwise axis of the holder. In this respect, the light beam projector is mounted on the holder for projecting a beam of light at a right angle relative to a lengthwise axis of the holder such that the beam of light is parallel to the straight outer edge of the guide bar. The light beam projector is preferably a laser.

Abstract: A micro tool alignment apparatus and method of use is described herein. The micro tool alignment apparatus coarsely aligns multiple imprinting micro tools to one another and includes a plurality of attachment features to facilitate attachment of the micro tool(s) to the alignment apparatus and to facilitate positioning of the micro tool(s) according to a first and a second degree of freedom. Alignment features associated with the micro tool alignment apparatus further facilitate positioning of the micro tool according to a third degree of freedom.

Abstract: A method for completely drying polished nails without any smudging or nicking. The method utilizes first warm air and then very cold air followed by a brief return to warm air. The warm air of the inital step uses air at a temperature of approximately eighty-five degrees Farenhit for approximately four minutes. The very cold air has a temperature of approximately thirty-five degrees and is blown for approximately two minutes. The last step utilizes the intial heating temperature of eighty-five degrees Farenheit but for only fifteen seconds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clothes drying machine, or combined clothes washing and drying machine, comprising a drum (1) holding the clothes to be dried, a conduit (2, 10) adapted to convey a flow of drying air into said drum and out thereof, a fan (5) adapted to blow a first flow of drying air through said said conduit, a heatin element (4) adapted to heat up the air in said conduit at a location upstream of said drum, a motor (7) adapted to selectively drive said drum rotatably. In the machine there is provided a means (9) for producing atomised moisture, said means being adapted to release a flow of said atomised moisture into said conduit according to selected times and modes.

Abstract: A slipper has an upper portion. The upper portion is flexible. A lower portion is connected to the upper portion. The upper portion and the lower portion include ribbed formations. The upper portion and the lower portion are made of a material having shape memory.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved footwear that overcomes many of the limitations of the prior art. A shoe according to the present invention, includes a sole member with an upper surface for receiving a user's foot and a lower surface for contacting a support surface. The sole member has a first sidewall and a second sidewall that are spaced apart and extend between the upper and lower surfaces. The sole member also has a slot defined therethrough, with the slot extending between the first and second sidewalls. A strap has a pair of opposed ends and a midportion therebetween. The midportion is designed to be received in and retained by the slot. The slot also has a closure member for joining the opposed ends. When the midportion of the strap is received in the slot and the closure member joins the opposed ends, the strap and the sole cooperate to form a shoe upper for receiving the foot.

Abstract: A midsole structure for an athletic shoe includes an upper midsole (3) formed of a soft elastic material, a lower midsole (4) disposed under the upper midsole (3) and formed of a soft elastic material, and a wavy plate assembly (5) interposed between the upper midsole (3) and the lower midsole (4). The wavy plate assembly (5) includes a wavy board (50) and a pair of sidewall members (51) provided discretely from the wavy board (50) and disposed on opposite Bides of the wavy board (50). Each of the sidewall members (51) includes a wavy bottom portion (51b) overlapping the wavy board (50) and an upraised portion (51a) extending upwardly from the wavy bottom portion (51b) to face a side surface of the upper midsole (3). Provision of the wavy board (50) and the sidewall members (51) discretely from each other simplifies a layout of a mold for forming the wavy plate assembly (5), thereby reducing a manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A work vehicle with a tilt floor, which is capable of improving the maintainability around an engine and the operability and comfortability of a driver's seat and its periphery, is provided. The work vehicle with a tilt floor includes a hinge mechanism which is provided on the front end of the tilt floor to enable to turn the tilt floor toward the front of the vehicle body, the rear of the tilt floor is formed to be higher than the front of the tilt floor so to cover the headroom of an engine disposed on the rear of the vehicle body, and an operator seat is disposed on the top surface at the rear of the tilt floor.

Abstract: The lifting frame with Z-kinematics of a wheel loader comprises an accessory arm with a lifting cylinder coupled to the vehicle frame or to the truck front-end and a rocker-type reversing lever coupled to the accessory arm, to the ends of which reversing lever the tipping cylinder and the connecting link are coupled for the swivelling of the attachment. Attachments, e.g. a bucket or a log loader, are mountable on the lifting frame. In order to be able, in a raised position of the lifting frame, to swivel the attachment with the necessary large moment from a position tipped downwards into a position tipped upwards, without any reinforcement of the tipping cylinder, there is coupled with the lifting frame, in the direction of the attachment in front of the articulated joint connecting the tipping cylinder to the vehicle frame, at least one hydraulic cylinder, whereof the piston rod engages in an articulated manner with the swivel axle connecting the reversing lever with the tipping cylinder.

Abstract: Telescoped excavating support and wear members are releasably retained in their telescoped relationship by a connector pin assembly removably received in aligned connector openings in the members. A body portion of the pin assembly blocks removal of the wear member from the support member, and a lock member portion of the assembly is rotatable relative to the body, toward and away from a locking orientation, to releasably lock the body within the connector openings. A resilient detent member carried by the lock member slidingly and deformably engages a polygonally shaped interior side surface section of a body passage that rotatably receives the lock member, the detent member yieldingly resisting rotational movement of the lock member away from its locking orientation.

Abstract: Ironing board attachment apparatus for use on conventional ironing boards comprising a laterally movable extension arm positioned adjacent one side of the ironing board which can move laterally towards or away from the board, the arm comprising an arcuate surface in cross-section for support of fabric being ironed. The extension arm being supported by a mounting bracket supporting the extension arm in a cantilevered manner to the ironing board and a pair of shoulder arms, one positioned on each side of the ironing board in juxtaposed relation to the sides of the board; the shoulder arms including a radius portion in cross-section similar to the extension arm and a bracket for each shoulder arm mountable on the ironing board sides permitting sliding longitudinal movement of each shoulder arm.

Abstract: A flame simulating assembly for providing an image of flames. The flame simulating assembly has a light source for producing the image of flames, a screen, and a simulated interior fireplace wall positioned behind the screen. The screen has a front surface and is positioned in a path of light from the light source. The screen is adapted to transmit the image of flames through the front surface. The front surface of the screen includes an observation region, which is adapted to permit observation of part of the simulated interior fireplace wall.

Abstract: An illuminated sign or nametag achieving the even glow and brightness of neon light displays without neon light tubes. Each character or symbol of the sign or nametag contains a plurality of light emitting members. Each such indicia comprises a light diffusion layer illuminated by light emitting members disposed on, near or in the light diffusion layer. A permanent or temporary masking layer partially covers the light diffusion layer to form a glowing border around the masking layer. Reflective layers covering either or both faces of the light diffusion layer may be used to intensify the light emitted therefrom. By the particular arrangement of the reflective surfaces relative to the light diffusion layer, electromagnetic radiation in the form of visible light from the light emitting members is controlled to provide an aura that enhances formed outlines or contours of light around the indicia making up the sign.

Abstract: A buttstock for a firearm having a buffer recoil mechanism is collapsible and adjustable. The buttstock includes a lower receiver extension having a bore therein that fits over the buffer recoil mechanism, the lower receiver extension being fixed to the buffer recoil mechanism; a buttstock body having a bore therein for receiving the lower receiver extension; a locking lever disposed along the bottom edge of the buttstock body; a locking pin disposed in the buttstock body and in the locking lever; and a compression spring disposed around the locking pin for biasing the locking pin towards the lower receiver extension.

Abstract: A stock connector allows for secure attachment of various stocks to firearm receivers. The stocks can be changed out easily and quickly in the field, without the use of specialized tools.

Abstract: A module housing is adapted to be inserted into an operating position in the trigger group receiving area of a firearm. The module housing includes at least one pin receiver defined by two openings formed in the module housing, one on each lateral side of the housing. A module pin is received in the pin receiver and at least one trigger group component is mounted or supported for rotation on the module pin. The pin receiver is located on the module housing so as to align with a pin receptacle of the firearm when the module housing is in the operating position. By locating the pin receiver in the module housing so as to align with a corresponding pin receptacle of the firearm when the module housing is in the operating position, the trigger group module and the trigger group components housed in the module housing may be readily supported by the OEM pin receptacle.

Abstract: A scope adjustment calculating apparatus and method for calculating adjustment to a scope on a firearm is disclosed. The scope adjustment calculating device displays multiple input criteria including: a plurality of division of minute of angle for a scope, a plurality of distance from a target data, and a plurality of shot placement spacing data. Known information of given division of minute of angle for a scope, given distance from a target, and given shot placement spacing from the target center point are selected from the input criteria. Based on this known information, a given number of adjustment increments needed to zero the scope is obtained from the calculating device, and the scope is zeroed based on the given number of adjustment increments.

Abstract: A fish loss prevention system for preventing the loss of a fish during ice fishing. The fish loss prevention system includes a base positionable in an ice hole, a support member extending upwardly from the base, a shaft slidably attached to the support member, a catch member attached to the support member and selectively engaging the shaft, and a stopper attached to the lower end of the shaft. The user rotates the shaft to block the ice hole after a fish is positioned within the ice hole to prevent the fish from passing out of the ice hole.

Abstract: The invention is a tool for use by fisherpersons to remove a split shot weight from a fishing line. The tool includes a finger sheath, a finger retainer and curved blade attached to the finger sheath. In one preferred embodiment the finger sheath and finger retainer are a sewing thimble. The tool may also include a “U” shaped clip for crimping a split shot closed.

Abstract: An automatic fishing device is comprised of a fishing rod support for supporting a fishing rod. A spring loaded fishing line puller is movably attached to the support and arranged to engage a portion of the line along the fishing rod. An actuating arm hinged to a fixed position on the support is attached to a forward end of the fishing rod. A latch connected to the actuating arm is arranged to secure the puller in a cocked position under spring loading. When the fishing line is pulled by a fish, the forward end of the fishing rod is tilted down to tilt the actuating arm downward. The latch is moved by the actuating arm to disengage from the line puller, which is quickly moved by a spring away from the fishing rod to momentarily retract the fishing line and set the fish hook in the fish.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a number of fishing devices. One embodiment of a fishing device includes a device assembly and an elongate rail. The device assembly includes an elongate body having an exterior surface. The elongate rail includes a first junction and a second junction positioned along a surface of the elongate body. The rail receives a line attachment member that is slidable along the rail.

Abstract: A new line attachment which is easily removed and attached to a fishing line. The attachment body features a longitudinal bore and slot through which a bushing and fishing line can be inserted. The bushing also features a longitudinal bore and slot through which a fishing line can be fed. The longitudinal bore and slot in the bushing also enable the bushing to be compressed to fit securely into the body of the attachment body, thereby preventing the attachment body and bushing assembly from becoming unintentionally separated from the fishing line. The preferred embodiment of the invention further comprises a rib on the outside surface of the bushing that prevents rotational movement of the bushing vis-à-vis the attachment body.

Abstract: A fish bait system includes a fish compartment and a filter compartment for maintaining bait fish in a healthy condition for prolonged periods prior to use. The fish bait system allows water to be pumped from the fish compartment through a filter having a standard non-woven reusable media whereby the filtered water is returned through an air infuser to the fish compartment. The infuser is mounted on the wall separating the fish and filter compartments and saturates the filtered water with oxygen to insure the fish are provided with an adequate oxygen supply. The removable filter media can be easily extracted from the filter housing, rinsed or replaced and returned to the filter in a quick and efficient manner.

Abstract: A rodent snap trap device includes a snap bar rotatably coupled to a base. The snap bar is rotatable between a spring biased, rest position and a loaded position. A unitary trigger is pivotably coupled to the base. The trigger includes a horizontal trigger portion with a rectangular platform and a vertical trigger portion with a catch. Disposed on an external side of the vertical trigger portion, the catch is located outside of a snap zone defined by a perimeter of the snap bar in the rest position such that setting up the trap does not require a user to expose his hand to the pathway of the snap bar. Adhesive material and/or rodent attractants may be disposed on a top surface of the rectangular platform. A removable cover is disposed over the platform, covering the adhesive material and/or rodent attractants.

Abstract: A network of modules is provided that maximizes agricultural land usage. Each module includes a water collection structure supported above agricultural land. The water collection structure may include a mechanism for distributing photonic energy to plants growing on the agricultural land; and a water distribution system for distributing collected water from said water collection structure to plants growing on the agricultural land and/or the soil in which said plants are planted. Plural modules are networked together with plumbing that serves to both provide water transport to and from the modules and structural support to the network of modules. Such a configuration is particularly useful to increase land usage efficiencies on sloped land.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of enhancing plant growth or yield, comprising exposing soil to hydrogen gas (H2), and growing plants in the soil. The H2 gas employed can be generated by electrolysis of water, produced by H2 evolving microorganisms, and/or produced by legumes. In accordance with the invention, soil can be exposed to H2 and plants then grown in it, or H2 can be applied directly to soil in which plants are already growing. In one embodiment, the invention comprises obtaining an aqueous extract from H2-treated soil, and applying the extract to soil, seeds, and or plant roots.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing or inspecting semiconductors comprising a main body, an opening arranged in the main body, and a safety door. The safety door includes a first door element for covering a first portion of the opening and a second door element for covering a second portion of the opening, the first door element having a movement direction along which the first door element is driven by a driving device, the second door element being urged toward the first door element along the movement direction of the first door element by an external force. If a part of a person's body should be caught between the first and second door elements, the second door element is urged against the external force by the force generated by the part of the person's body to protect the part of the person's body.

Abstract: A kit for building a structure which includes a plurality of panels (28, 30), each panel having at least one respective peripheral formation (34) and a plurality of fasteners (10); each fastener having at least two clip formations (12, 14), and wherein the clip formations of a fastener are respectively engageable with the peripheral formations of two of the panels which are positioned adjacent each other, to secure the panels together.

Abstract: A bracket connects a structural member to a structural element to stabilize the structural member against movement. The bracket includes connector portions for connecting the bracket to tensioned stabilizing cables or other structural stabilizing elements and one or more bearing elements which bear against the structural member to prevent relative rotational movement between the bracket and the structural member.

Abstract: A constructional panel has a generally rectangular central section and two opposed end sections, each having an isosceles trapezoid part, its short edge conjoined to an edge of the central section and its long edge conjoined to a rectangular part, there being oblique edges extending between the long and short edges. The panel is thus bound by one pair of opposed edges of the central section, the oblique edges of the two end sections, one pair of opposed edges of the rectangular part and a further edge of the rectangular part opposed to that edge conjoined to the trapezoid part. The panel edges are configured for connection to the corresponding edges of like panels to build up an area of panelling. Projecting tabs from some edges are received in corresponding receptors on opposed edges and having lock arrangements, whereby the interengaged panels may be locked together.

Abstract: The invention provides a slip stopper which achieves a great slip stopping effect, and can be used for a location where a problem occurs if a through hole is opened therein. In a protruding portion that protrudes from the upper surface of a steel plate in the plate thickness direction, a concave portion and drain channels, that lead to the steel plate upper surface from the concave portion, are formed. The inner surface of the concave portion and the groove side surfaces of drain channels are formed by shear planes which extend substantially perpendicular to the steel plate upper surface, and are obtained by half blanking that does not open a through hole in the steel plate.

Abstract: A window assembly comprising an elongated transparent pane, at least one lighting assembly and at least one opaque covering, the elongated transparent pane having the opaque covering associated with the interior surface thereof and having the lighting assembly mounted adjacent the interior surface of the opaque covering, the opaque covering having at least one aperture disposed therethrough wherein light emanating from the lighting assembly is visible from the exterior surface of the window assembly.

Abstract: A spring clip having integral, self-penetrating attachment tangs and an orientation tab can be manually installed in a window opening formed by a foam core sandwiched by a pair of OSBs. A first planar surface has a second planar surface attached along one lateral edge thereof and oriented at an angle in the range between 60° and 85°. This spring finger deflects out of the way permitting the window's insertion, snapping back to engage a vertically extending flange on the window to retain it in the opening. A modified spring clip for use with solid wood headers and sills utilized with multi-unit windows is also disclosed.

Abstract: A structural element system for the construction industry has post sections, framed flat elements, holding sections, and seals, wherein, for thermal insulation of the post sections and the framed flat elements, the holding sections are attached on the post sections, wherein the framed flat elements are attached to the holding sections, and wherein the seals together with the post sections form chambers. In the mounted state of the structural element system, the holding sections are enclosed in the chambers. The post section is a box section having at least one rectangular box for securing the holding sections, respectively, wherein the rectangular box has on two parallel outer sides at least two holding lips for securing the holding sections or a connecting member. The system can be used to erect curtain facades, facade linings, transparent roofs, sunrooms, soundproofing walls, fair buildings, carports and the like.

Abstract: A fastener includes a plurality of elongate, threaded studs which are connected to a common anchor portion for securing a frame member to a foundation. Attached to the anchor portion is a receiving element adapted to receive a positioner. The studs, anchor and receiving element are a one-piece integral assembly constructed of steel or high tensile strength steel. In addition, the fastener is adapted to receive a template and positioner for stability during the pouring and curing of the foundation.

Abstract: A precast panel for building reinforced concrete walls has a metal liner that forms a front surface of the panel. A concrete mass is disposed behind the liner. The panel has reinforcement structure within the concrete mass that can be used to provide continuity of reinforcement between adjacent panels. Edges on the concrete mass are recessed, facilitating the connection of a splice end on a reinforcing bar with a splice end on an adjacent panel. The liner, reinforcement structure, and concrete mass form a composite steel-concrete structure.

Abstract: Wall made of concrete or similar materials built from an unfold formwork integrated in the wall and including two formwork walls (8,8?,10) placed face to face and connected by connecting elements (1) articulated to the formwork walls by stiffeners (2) attached to the formwork walls. The interval between these formwork walls after being unfolded is filled with a filler (7) such as concrete. At least one of the formwork walls includes a casing (11,12) of concrete, mortar or similar, surcharged in relation to the stiffeners (2) and to the articulated connecting elements (1). This casing (11,12) is placed outside and/or inside the formwork wall, the stiffeners (2) and the articulated connecting elements (1) and the formwork wall 8 when it is coated forming an inner reinforcement of the wall submerged in the wall and covered by said casing. The use of separated stiffeners, which must be inserted before pouring the concrete, is thus avoided or highly reduced.

Abstract: A joint structure for a liquid or semi-liquid sealant is provided to facilitate the sealing engagement of plural structural members without having sealant protruding from the joint in a visible area. The joint structure comprises a first structural member having a channel with a first wall, a second wall generally opposite the first wall and a third wall connecting the first and second walls. The third wall is disposed at an acute angle to the first wall and at an obtuse angle to the second wall. A second structural member has a tongue portion for matably engaging the channel of the first structural member. The tongue portion has a first wall, a second wall generally opposite the first wall, and a third wall connecting the first and second walls. The third wall is disposed at an obtuse angle to the first wall and at an acute angle to the second wall.