Abstract: The present invention is a device for cutting hair. In one embodiment, the device comprises a first blade member comprising an inner surface having a ride-on portion, an outer surface having a recessed portion disposed opposite the ride-on portion, and a thru-hole. The device further comprises a second blade member comprising an inner surface having a ride-on portion in contact with the ride-on portion of the first blade member, an outer surface having a recessed portion disposed opposite the ride-on portion, and a thru-hole aligned with the thru-hole of the first blade member. The device further comprises first and second ball bearing units disposed in the recessed portions of the first and second blade members, respectively. Each of the ball bearing units comprise an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve engaged with the recessed portions of the first and second blade members, respectively.

Abstract: A method for feeding a child, the child having a mouth, the child having a transition from bottle-to spoon-feeding, the child having a natural swallowing reflex, the method for use during that transition, the method with respect to a spoon having a handle a bowl, the bowl having an end away from the handle thus defining an anterior end, the bowl having an end toward the handle thus defining a posterior end, the method comprising the steps of: covering a front portion of a spoon bowl by an enclosing shield so that that it leaves an opening at a posterior of the spoon bowl and at an anterior of the spoon bowl. The method also includes a step of collecting a semi-liquid food through the posterior opening in the spoon bowl by moving the spoon bowl through a container of food so that the semi-liquid food enters the posterior opening of the spoon bowl and is held within a bowl cavity formed by the spoon bowl and the enclosing shield. The method also includes a step of inserting the spoon into the child's mouth.

Abstract: Compositions that are useful in imparting lubricity to the cutting edge of razor blades, razor blades provided with an improved outer coating layer on the sharpened tip, a method of making said improved razor blade and a shaving razor comprising said improved razor blade are disclosed.

Abstract: When ceramic is used for blades of scissors, shear stress is concentrated on a pivot, and when the blades are fixed by a typical metal bolt, the bolt becomes worn out causing the scissors to rattle, due to the ceramic having hardness larger than the metal bolt, which affects the durability of the scissors. The present invention provides a pair of scissors 1 that includes a pivot 2 rotatably supporting top and bottom blades 1A and 1B, in which the blades 1A and 1B are made of a sintered ceramic, through holes 1Aa and 1Ba are formed at the pivot 2, a ceramic ring 2a is rotatably inserted in the through holes 1Aa and 1Ba, a fixing shaft 2a passes through the ceramic ring 2a to be fixed, and the ceramic ring 2a contains CuO.

Abstract: A saw chain rivet is provided including a flange, and a hub extending from a side of the flange. A shoulder defined by a junction between the hub and the flange has properties optimized to resist shear forces. The hub may be optimized for ease of rivet head formation.

Abstract: A non-cylindrically surfaced lens converts a collimated light beam into a light plane that increases a light intensity toward distal portions of the light plane's arc so as to substantially uniformly project a reference light line onto a reference surface onto which the light plane is projected. The non-cylindrically surfaced lens has first and second surfaces that remain constant over at least a portion of the z direction length of the lens. The second surface defines a multiple-radius curve in an x,y plane. The lens may be incorporated into a self-leveled optical device that projects a reference light line onto a reference surface at a predetermined angle relative to horizontal.

Abstract: A line generating device generates two fan-shaped beams of light at an angle to each other, and projects the beams onto an adjacent surface, where the beams are visible as lines on the surface. A user has access to the intersection of the lines, so that the intersection can be marked or otherwise used in combination with the lines, such as in aligning objects.

Abstract: A machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system configured with at least one cameras for acquiring images of the wheels of a vehicle, and an associated light projectors configured to project a pattern image onto the surfaces of vehicle components such as vehicle wheel assemblies. Images of the projected patterns acquired by the camera, are processed by the vehicle wheel alignment system to facilitate a determination of the relative orientation and position of the surfaces such as wheel assemblies in three dimensional space, from which vehicle parameters such as wheel alignment measurements can be subsequently determined.

Abstract: A measurement and marking device has a tape measure body bearing indicia of distance and a plurality of closely set small holes in two parallel lines. Larger holes mark each one inch distance. Because the holes are set in parallel lines, a closer spacing of holes may be achieved than if the holes were in a single line. A magnet may be provided on a tape measure housing, so as to hold small fasteners such as screws, staples or nails. A method of marking a distance comprises extending the tape, inserting a pencil or similar marking device through a hole at a desired distance and marking the distance through the hole. Sweeping the device through an angle will result in marking of an arc.

Abstract: A coilable tape rule includes a pair of rollers that are convexly rounded in both axial and transaxial planes, about which rollers the measuring blade moves during passage through the casing and which cause the blade to turn on its longitudinal axis so as to reorient its width dimension to a perpendicular relationship to the axis of coiling. The blade is of concavo-convex cross section and cooperates with the rollers for tracking control and to enhance the smoothness and reliability of extension and retraction.

Abstract: An electronic measuring device is disclosed which includes a pair of wheels connected to an axle that passes through a drive gear. The drive gear is enmeshed to a second gear which, in turn, is coaxially connected to an encoder disk. The encoder disk has spaced-apart fins around its outer periphery. As the wheels turn and the encoder disk rotates, the fins and openings between the fins pass between an emitter and a receiver. The emitter and receiver are linked to a controller which calculates the distance traversed by the wheels based upon the number of fins that pass between the emitter and receiver, or with an active counting system (ACS). The controller also includes functions to establish start and stop points for a measurement and an easy means for dividing a measured distance into equal parts or segments and a means for marking the boundary points that define the segments when the measuring device is rolled back across the measured distance. The device can be used on both planar and non-planar surfaces.

Abstract: A clothes dryer having a carbon monoxide sensor incorporated therewith to detect the possibility and/or presence of a fire in the exhaust vent is provided. The dryer of the present invention incorporates carbon monoxide sensing to determine when an exhaust vent fire is likely or has occurred, and provides a warning to the consumer of the impending or existing hazardous condition. The warning may be audible, visual, and may include an interface to installed hazardous condition alarms within the dwelling. Additional interface to connected home systems providing text messaging may also be provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses of for detecting lint are disclosed. In one embodiment, a light is directed to a plate. The light can be being emitted by a light source. A reflectometer is calibrated to a specific thermal emissivity of the plate. The thermal emission resulting from the light directed the plate is received at the reflectometer. Lint is permitted to deposit on the plate. A change in thermal emission is detected if lint deposits on the plate. The change in thermal emission can be detected by the reflectometer. An indication that lint is present within the clothes dryer is provided if a change in thermal emission is detected by the reflectometer.

Abstract: A sensor is installed in the dryer air-stream to verify that an adequate draft is being created by the appliance prior to activating the appliances air-heating system. If the sensor determines that an adequate draft is present, determined, e.g. by a pressure differential in the system, it will allow the appliance's air-heating system (either an electrical element or gas burner) to be activated. If the sensor determines that an inadequate draft is present, this may be symptomatic of a blocked or obstructed air-vent or lint trap, which is a potential hazard. In this case the system will not activate the heating system and an audible and/or visual warning of the failure mode may be displayed.

Abstract: A gas clothes dryer having a carbon monoxide sensor incorporated therewith to detect the possibility and/or presence of a carbon monoxide that may be indicative of blockage in the exhaust vent or an improperly maintained appliance is provided. The dryer of the present invention incorporates carbon monoxide sensing to determine when an elevated level of carbon monoxide is present, and provides a warning to the consumer of the impending or existing hazardous condition. The warning may be audible, visual, and may include an interface to installed hazardous condition alarms within the dwelling. Additional interface to connected home systems providing text messaging may also be provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the part of the shoe where the bottom of the foot makes contact. This part consists of a resilient material such as foam rubber. This foam is incased with an air tight plastic material, with one way valves. There will be intake valves at the heel and exhaust vents at the toe area. When pressure is applied by the foot to the foam filled bladder, air will be forced out of the one-way valves at the front of the shoe. Then when a step is taken, pressure is removed, and the foam will draw air in the one way valves at the rear of the shoe. With each step and release the air will be circulated.

Abstract: A sole supporting and cushioning member for footwear cushioning the foot/leg muscles in the form of a removable shock absorber that is adapted to afford an elastic or cushioned bearing for the wearer's feet which comprises a pliable elastomeric material to resiliently flex with the movement of the sole of any shoe.

Abstract: An insole for footwear comprises a main part made of expanded ethyl vinyl acetate. At the arch portion of the insole there is a thin mild steel member which can be deformed by hand into an appropriate shape to support the arch of the foot of the user. An intermediate member of the same material lies under the heel and arch portions of the main part and the steel member is sandwiched between the intermediate member and the main part. An opening is formed in the intermediate member below the heel portion. A plug fits into this opening.

Abstract: A shoe comprising a foot retaining portion having a heel area and having an interior side, the interior side sized and shaped to hold a foot and including an upper portion, the upper portion optionally lined with a pliable material; a first exterior insole layer having therein a cut-out adjacent the heel area of the foot retaining portion, the first exterior inside layer having an interior surface forming the bottom of the foot retaining portion and that is lined with pliable material; a second exterior insole layer having a heel strike pad sized and shaped to fit within the cut-out of the first exterior insole layer, the heel strike pad comprised of a material that absorbs and disperses heel strike forces; a third exterior insole layer sized to fit the foot retaining portion and having therein a cut-out adjacent the heel area of the foot retaining portion, the third exterior insole layer comprised of a material that provides foot cushioning; a fourth exterior insole layer adjacent the third exterior insole l

Abstract: This creation is related to safety toe cap for work shoes, especially related to a kind of multi-axial weaving angle, multi-dimensional structure and capable of increasing strength for work shoes with safety toe cap base material structure.

Abstract: An ice conditioning apparatus comprises an ice conditioning machine mounted on wheels. A blade bar is mounted on the ice conditioning machine. An ice blade defines a cutting edge on a lower front edge thereof. A plurality of magnets are attached to the blade bar and are operative to exert a magnetic attraction on the ice blade and to hold the ice blade against the blade bar in an operating position such that the ice blade is oriented substantially parallel to the ice surface. The blade bar and ice blade define blade guides operative to prevent sliding movement of the ice blade out of the operating position when the cutting edge engages the ice surface in the operating travel direction. A blade height control moves the blade bar up and down. The magnets can conveniently be electromagnets, and a cradle facilitates installation of the ice blade.

Abstract: An upper boom is constituted by a box member having a shape like a box that includes an upper flange, a lower flange, a left web and a right web, and bosses that are welded to both ends of the box member. Bent plate portions which are bent inward are provided at both ends of the left web, and bent plate portions are also provided at both ends of the right web. Reinforcement plates are positioned at an outside of the bent plate portions and welded between the left web and the boss, and reinforcement plates are also welded between the right web and the boss at an outside of the bent plate portions. With these bent plate portions and the reinforcement plates, a double structure can be provided in the vicinities of the bosses, and these portions can be reinforced.

Abstract: A compact excavator includes a base frame, an upper frame and first and second track assemblies supporting the base frame. The compact excavator also includes a primary implement assembly coupled to the upper frame and a secondary implement assembly. The secondary implement assembly includes a lift arm assembly pivotally coupled to the base frame and an implement coupler pivotally coupled to the lift arm assembly. The implement coupler is configured to latch an implement to the lift arm assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for visually displaying a preselected identification means for preselected objects. Such apparatus includes at least one preselected identification device having each of a predetermined shape and a predetermined size and at least one unique identifier selected from a group at least consisting of such predetermined shape of such at least one preselected identification device, school logos, photographs, colors, ribbons, children's themes and animals. Additionally, there is a mechanism engageable with each of the at least one preselected identification device and such preselected objects for securing the apparatus to such preselected objects.

Abstract: The carrier comprises a male part (1) and a female part (2), wherein the male part (1) has a stud (3) able to cooperate with a cavity (4) of the female part (2), wherein the stud (3) contains a ferrite rod (5) on his central axis (7). Said female part (2) comprises said antenna coil (6) so that when the stud (3) fully cooperates with the cavity (4) of the female part (2) through positioning means (9,10), the ferrite rod (5) is placed in the center (8) of the antenna coil (6).

Abstract: The present invention adds a feature to the autograph ball in which the sports figure of interest adds a recorded message in addition to his or her autograph to the ball—for instance, personalizing the autograph ball; or simply recording a standard message such as “This is Ted Williams, the greatest hitter ever!” for posterity. In one embodiment, a ball shaped device is provided. The ball comprises an inner core that contains a recording means, a playback means, and advantageously, a switch that prevents erasure of the recorded message. The outer surface of the ball comprises a surface area suitable for placement of an autograph. With the ball of this invention, the sports fan is provided with not only the desired autograph, but also the recorded voice of the sports figure in question.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a display comprising: a sleeve having a first guide; a movable member that moves in relation to the sleeve, the movable member having a second guide; and a slider slidably secured to the first guide and slidably secured to the second guide; whereby movement of the member causes the first guide and the second guide to cooperate in directing movement of the slider. In another embodiment, a display comprising: a sheet having a front side and a back side; a rotatable member positioned on the front side of the sheet; a wheel positioned on the back side of the sheet; a shaft extending through the sheet, the shaft joining the rotatable member to the wheel; and a member slidable in relation to the sheet and to the wheel, the member having a surface for contacting the wheel and causing the wheel and the rotatable member to rotate when the member slides.

Abstract: A bound component including a variable display component coupled to an outer cover of the bound component. The display component includes indicia located thereon, and only part of the indicia is visible from outside the bound component. The display component is manually manipulable to change the part of the indicia that is visible from outside the bound component, and the display component is configured to be uncoupled from the outer cover.

Abstract: A transversely-illuminated display including a transparent sheet with a front face and a rear face wherein the light-transparent sheet includes a light source disposed in a recess in the sheet. The display further includes a front image layer disposed on a front face of the transparent sheet and a rear image layer is disposed on a rear face of the transparent sheet substantially in registry with the front image layer, wherein the front image layer and the rear image layer are positioned so that the light within the transparent sheet will shine onto the rear image layer thereby to enhance illumination of the rear image layer. The display has a structure such that a portion of the light within the transparent sheet forms an image of a halo or aura of light surrounding the rear image layer.

Abstract: A sign is provided for promoting the sale of motorcycle accessories. The sign includes a primary display with a picture of a motorcycle for which accessories are available and a caption box that corresponds to each accessory. The caption box includes an individual picture of the accessory and textual information about the accessory. A method of marketing accessories is provided in which a motorcycle is displayed to consumers and accessories for that motorcycle are displayed along with information about those accessories.

Abstract: A method of advertising involves providing one or more advertisements that attach to a vehicle with an attachment mechanism, by way of a base. Each advertisement can be easily detached from the base for the purposes of attaching another advertisement without removing the base from the vehicle. An attractive cap using an identical attachment mechanism can be provided to cover the base. The base, the advertisement, and the cap can be provided as a set. Advertisement designs can be quickly and conveniently swapped at the vehicle user's discretion because they all utilize a common base design. Advertisers may provide the user with an advertisement for the advertiser's product, and with a plate compatible with the base already on the user's vehicle. The present invention provides a novel way for individuals to advertise their likings and a novel way for organizations to reach consumer attention by creating roaming advertisements for new and established brands and markets.

Abstract: A pliable pressure sensitive laminate structure, shaped removable identification band, method of identifying patients and assembly jig for use in securing shaped identification band around wrist or ankle of an infant or neonate. Pliable laminate structure has backing layer and substantially coextensive printable layer. Printable layer has printable side for printing thereon and an adhesive side. A cut through printable layer defines a removable portion having two equal-sized patient identification portions joined by connector band of lesser width. Adhesive layer between printable layer and backing layer removably adheres printable layer to backing layer such that when the removable portion is removed from the backing layer adhesive remains adhered to adhesive side of at least one patient identification portion and no adhesive remains adhered to the connector band. Related method of identifying patients by securing shaped pliable identification band around wrist or ankle and assembly jig are also disclosed.

Abstract: An organizing system and method that includes a housing configured to secure to a drawer, shelf, toy box or other storage container and an insert removably secured within the housing. The insert bears indicia, emblems, colors and/or pictures displaying clothing, household and/or personal items within the drawer, shelf or other storage container onto which the system is secured. The system enables an individual to view the picture thereon and recognize the correct location for the item The system may be provided with a plurality of removable inserts, and therefore the outside appearance of the organizing system, may be changed whenever the contents of the drawer or room dé cor changes. In this manner, the individual is taught the proper location for their items so that they may be put away and taken out without assistance.

Abstract: A system for assisting children and adults with properly dressing themselves with respect to clothing orientation and coordination. Visual and tactile indicators correspond to spatial orientation and aesthetic coordinations. By noting the indicators, people can properly orient clothing on themselves and select coordinating clothing ensembles.

Abstract: A mounting and framing apparatus and system are disclosed in which displayed items such as graphics, photographs, mattes, paintings or the like are positioned between multiple transparent plates of glass or plastic to impart a sense of depth thereto, clamping bars apply a compressive force to the transparent plates for holding the displayed items in place, and decorative members are provided for adding aesthetic appeal.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel mat that may be used to mount at least one photo strip comprising a mat of standard length and width to be accepted by a standard sized commercial frame having a viewing side and a back side. The mat has at least one generally rectangular opening of a size smaller in length and width than a standard strip photo and a self-adhesive strip the back side of the mat along the rectangular opening to adhere the photo to the mat.

Abstract: A display board is provided for displaying mementos. The board comprises a support board, a display panel, a filler material, a holder assembly, and at least one memento holder. The holder assembly has an outer edge and an inner edge that defines a window in the holder assembly for displaying the display panel. The holder assembly comprises a holder assembly member having a member panel, cushion pad and fabric layer. The memento holders are typically ribbons situated along the holder assembly, preferably in an intersecting manner. The methods of displaying the mementos using the display of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: A gun is disclosed having conventional components and a holster. The gun has means for detecting removal of the gun from the holster, means for processing the output of the detection means, and means for authenticating the user of the gun. The gun has means for notifying remote authorities that the gun has been removed from the holster, means for receiving remote commands to lock the trigger and/or initiate a global positioning system. The gun has means for selectively locking the trigger from a remote location and means for selectively activating a global positioning system from the remote location.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a battery cartridge for middle- or large-sized battery packs, which has one or more unit cells mounted therein. The battery cartridge is generally constructed in a plate-shaped structure for easy stacking, and connecting members for electrical connection between cartridges are constructed in a coupling structure in which the connecting members are coupled with each other during the stacking of the cartridges. When a plurality of cartridges are stacked one on another so as to construct a middle- or large-sized battery pack, the mechanical coupling between the cartridges is accomplished, and, at the same time, the electrical connection between the cartridges is also accomplished, whereby the assembly of the cartridges is easily accomplished, and the risk of short circuits is prevented during the assembly or the use of the cartridges. Furthermore, a middle- or large-sized battery pack manufactured using the battery cartridge according to the present invention has a stable compact structure.

Abstract: A portable seat and platform support includes a shaft with a base mounted to its lower end to position the shaft to a generally vertical orientation. A removable platform can be attached to the upper end of the shaft, and a seat assembly is supported by a fastener assembly along the shaft for independent rotation about the shaft axis. The seat assembly includes a collar slidably attached to the shaft, a seat supported by the collar, and a bearing on the collar. The fastener assembly includes an adjustment device to support the collar at a selected location along the shaft axis, and a bearing portion supported by the adjustment device and journaled to the bearing on the collar.

Abstract: An internal red dot sight includes an objective lens formed of a convex lens, a planar eye lens set in a tilt angle relative to the objective lens and facing the concave surface of the objective lens, and a light emitting device set in between the planar eye lens and the objective lens and controlled to emit a point light source onto the eye lens for enabling the eye lens to reflect the point light source and to further produce a virtual point light source on the focal point of the objective lens for viewing by the user.

Abstract: The combination of a fishing reel support, a fishing reel, and a security assembly. The fishing reel support has a graspable body with a fishing reel mounting assembly. The fishing reel has a frame with an operating mechanism on the frame. The frame has a mounting stem and a mounting foot including first and second foot portions projecting generally oppositely away from the mounting stem. The security assembly prevents the fishing reel from being separated from the fishing reel support. The security assembly consists of first and second strap components that are joined to each other. A first foot portion is captive between the first strap component and the fishing reel support, with the second foot portion captive between the second strap component and the fishing reel support. The security assembly has a secured state and cooperates with the fishing reel support so that the fishing reel and security assembly cannot be separated from the fishing reel support with the security assembly in the secured state.

Abstract: An artificial fishing lure resembling both a shrimp tail and a crab. A simulated crab body and legs are attached to the lure through perforations and are removable. The lure without the crab body and legs resembles a shrimp tail.

Abstract: A fish hook formed of plastic having metal or other material embedded into, or applied to, or formed on the point thereof to increase the ability of the hook to penetrate the mouth of a fish. The metal or other material either forms the point of the hook or is a friction-modifying agent which decreases the resistance to penetration of the hook.

Abstract: A chum device (1) being a biodegradable capsule having at least one hole (4) located on a top end (2) thereof with a closure means (5). The capsule preferably contains a weight (6), activator (7) and chum (8). To use the device, a user removes the closure means (5) to reveal the at least one hole (4). Then, the user may shake the device (1) and toss the device (1) into the water. Because the device (1) is weighted and an air pocket rises to the capsule top end (2), the device (1) remains in an upright position as it sinks to the bottom of a water body. As the device (1) is sinking, the chum (8) slowly exits the device (1) through the at least one hole (4) and floats to the surface of the water. Because fish are attracted to the smell of the chum (8) and the sight of bubbles, fish flock to the area where the chum (8) and device (1) are located.

Abstract: A pest control apparatus comprises a housing with a front housing portion removably secured to a rear housing portion, at least one energy emitting source positioned within the housing, a display assembly, a power supply, and a foldable trap. The front housing portion includes an opening and at least one aperture that provides access to the inside of the housing. The display assembly substantially covers the opening. The power supply is configured to supply variable frequency power to the at least one energy emitting source. The foldable trap includes an upper trap portion movably coupled to lower trap portion that contains an entrapping composition. The foldable trap is positioned within the housing proximate the at least one aperture to restrict access within the housing and capture and kill flying insects thereon.

Abstract: An insect trapping apparatus and associated method attracts insects, such as mosquitos, by emitting a carbon dioxide gas as an insect attractant and producing a heat signature from the insect trap characteristic of a warm blooded animal and a blue light of a wavelength that attracts insects into the insect trap. The carbon dioxide gas is exhausted together with moisture through a vertically extending exhaust tube to minimize cooling of the carbon dioxide gas and minimize condensation of moisture while attracting insects through an inflow channel of an insect trap to trap the insects therein.

Abstract: Stabilized fuels and methods for the encapsulation of fuels are provided. More particularly, methods for the passivation or encapsulation of water reactive, hydrogen gas generating fuels. Water reactive fuels are encapsulated in a water vapor permeable, liquid water impermeable membrane, or coated with a water vapor permeable, liquid water impermeable oil substance to control the quantity of water that is permitted to reach the chemical fuel. In the event of damage, hydrogen generators incorporating the fuels of the invention are protected from explosions that might otherwise result from rapid, uncontrolled hydrogen generation.

Abstract: An imidazoline-containing product useful for dispersing asphaltenes in heavy crude oil or residual fuel oil.

Abstract: Methods for recovery of concentrates of lubricating compounds from vegetable and animal oils, fats and greases that allow separation of triglycerides, from components with higher lubricity or enrichment protocols that increase the concentration of high lubricity compounds in the triglyceride. The triglycerides are transesterified with a lower alcohol to produce alkyl esters. Following the conversion process the esters are separated from high molecular weight high lubricity compounds by distillation. The esters have some lubricity and may be sold as pollution reducing fuel components. The high boiling point compounds that are the residues of distillation, however, can contribute significant lubricity and may be used widely in lubricant applications or added to petroleum fuels to decrease friction.