Abstract: A razor blade is provided that includes a substrate with a cutting edge defined by a sharpened tip and an adjacent facet, a layer of titanium containing material on the cutting edge, a layer of hard carbon material on the titanium containing layer, and an outer layer of polytetrafluoroethylene.

Abstract: A reciprocating cutting tool configured for orbital cutting, includes a housing, a power source disposed in the housing, a main linkage connected to the power source and to a blade for driving the blade in a vertically reciprocating motion, a foot plate connected to the housing and including a portion in operational relationship to the blade, a swivel bracket connected to the foot plate and disposed to exert an orbital force to a rear edge of the blade. A plunger is secured within the housing and connected to the linkage for reciprocal, pivotal and rotational movement, and has an end configured for receiving a blade. A selector mechanism for selecting at least between pivotal and rotational movement of the plunger, wherein the pivotal movement relates to orbital blade motion, and the rotational movement relates to scrolling blade motion.

Abstract: A robotic system including at least one support that supports a carriage for movement. The support may include a drive surface that is a “net shape” surface, i.e., is formed without machining. The carriage may have a traction drive that engages with the drive surface to move the carriage relative to the support. The traction drive may allow for slip at the drive surface. A bearing arrangement used to support the carriage on the support may require mainly radial forces be exerted on roller bearing elements on the carriage. A machine vision system and/or force control techniques may be used to control movement of the carriage and/or other portions of the robotic system.

Abstract: Is disclosed an inclination sensor for detecting a tilted state of a case by detecting by a magnetic sensor a magnetized portion of a pendulum type movement mounted rotatably on a shaft in accordance with inclination of the case, wherein the shaft fitted with a clearance in a rotation shaft hole of the movement is further provided at both ends with loosely fitted thereon spacers and mounted in the case. This realizes non-restricted state of both the movement and the shaft. Thus, the movement obtains an improved response characteristic and an increased stability since no oscillation of a running vehicle is transmitted through the shaft to the movement.

Abstract: A tool for qualitatively measuring a feature of a skate blade.

Abstract: A sensor worn by a person measures movements of the person. Movements of orientation are not expressed by rotations leading from a stationary reference point to a reference point associated with the sensor, but by angles separating axes or planes of the stationary reference point and axes associated with the wearer, thereby making it possible to better identify his/her movements and his/her activity. The sensor can be applied to the monitoring of patients.

Abstract: A bracket set is for mounting an encoder device to a machine tool. The bracket set includes a first connector connectable to the machine tool; a first member adjustably connected to the first connector, a longitudinal axis of the first member arranged transverse to a longitudinal axis of the first connector; a second member adjustably connected to the first member, a longitudinal axis of the second member arranged transverse to the longitudinal axis of the first member; and a second connector adjustably connectable to the encoder device, a longitudinal axis of the second connector arranged transverse to the longitudinal axis of the second member.

Abstract: A position measuring arrangement that includes an arrangement of scanning elements for scanning an absolute code and a selection system for selecting scanning signals from the arrangement of scanning elements by a first method of selection and a second method of selection different from the first method of selection. The position measuring arrangement further includes a decoding device for forming a first absolute measured position value from the scanning signals selected by the selection system when the first method of selection is applied to the selection system and a second absolute measured position value from the scanning signals selected by the selection system when the second method of selection is applied.

Abstract: The measuring device (5), for a linear non-contact recording of the position of a movable object, comprises a field device (6), generating a magnetic field, which undergoes a displacement (x), from a reference position (xo), along a measuring run (2), corresponding to the movement of the object. The measuring run (2) is formed from a strip-like track (3) with magneto-resistive properties, contacting on the longitudinal side with resistance tracks (4a, 4b) made from normal resistive material. Connectors (A to D) are provided at the ends of the resistive tracks (4a, 4b) at which measured signals correlated to the position (x) of the field device (6) can be tapped.

Abstract: An automatic tape measure having a tape retraction prevention device to prevent unintended retraction of the tape into a housing caused by increasing the strength of a return spring. A tape assembly is received in the housing and includes a tape selectively received on a reel, the return spring and a cassette for receiving the reel. A motor is coupled with a power source, a drive assembly, the tape assembly and a switch assembly to control extension and retraction of the tape. The drive assembly couples the motor with the tape assembly and includes at least one gear. The tape retraction prevention device includes a pawl that may engage with the gear to prevent rotation of the drive assembly and, in turn, unintended retraction of the tape into the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Measuring probe for a device for the measurement of the thickness of thin layers, with a housing (14) comprising at least one sensor element (17), which is accepted along a longitudinal axis (16) of the housing (14) at least slightly movable to the housing (14) and with a contact spherical cap (21) assigned to the at least one sensor element (17) for setting the measuring probe (11) onto a surface of a measuring object, whereby in that the at least one sensor element (17) is accepted by a holding element (18)—along the longitudinal axis (16) of the housing (14)—which is designed spring-loaded resiliently and which is fastened on the housing (14).

Abstract: A hairdryer bellows has two connectors. One connector is mounted pivotally on and holds the other, and each connector has a spherical chamber and a sleeve. Each spherical has a proximal end, a distal end, an inner opening and an outer opening. The inner openings are formed respectively at the proximal ends and communicate with the other spherical chamber. The outer openings are formed respectively at the distal ends. The sleeves are formed respectively around the outer openings, and one sleeve is mounted selectively on a hairdryer. Therefore, the connectors can rotate relative to each other so the sleeve can be pointed in any desired angle.

Abstract: A handheld vaporization device comprises a heating chamber for heating a substrate of volatile compound so as to yield vapour including the volatile compound. The heating chamber includes a closable opening, for example using a plug, to receive the substrate. The heating chamber also includes scavenging channels for allowing air to enter therein. The handheld vaporization device further comprises a vapour chamber mounted to the heating chamber so as to be in fluid communication therewith for receiving the vapour scavenged therefrom and has a vapour outlet for releasing the vapour including the volatile compound. By applying heat to the exterior of the handheld vaporization device's heating chamber, with a flame or any heating device, the confinement resulted from the heating chamber and the emissivity of its walls create a uniform heat across the substrate which is deposed into it. Heating the substrate in this manner permits great efficacy in extraction of undiluted organo-volatile elements.

Abstract: System and method for lyophilization or freeze-drying is provided. During the freezing step, the material or solution to be frozen is initially brought to a temperature near or below its freezing temperature after which the pressure in the freeze-dryer chamber is reduced to induce nucleation of the material.

Abstract: A method of drying clothes in a clothes dryer comprising a clothes chamber for receiving clothes, an air supply system for directing air through the clothes chamber, and a heater for heating the air supplied by the air supply system. The method comprises cycling the heater between an ON state by energizing the heater until a heater trip condition is met and an OFF state by deenergizing the heater until a heater reset condition is met, determining a heater off time by determining the time between the heater trip condition and the heater reset condition, and determining a drying time based on the heater off time.

Abstract: There are disclosed a method and a reaction apparatus which can safely and continuously treat/discharge especially a short object to be treated without any direct contact with a gas atmosphere, and which surely/efficiently treats the object with a gas without any uneven treatment. A short object A to be treated is put in a hermetically sealed cylindrical treatment section 1. In the treatment section 1, the object is held in a predetermined position by a first operation piece 11 to be treated with a gas for a predetermined time. Then, the holding by the first operation piece is released to move the object A by a desired distance. Subsequently, the object is held in a predetermined position by a second operation piece 12 to be treated again with the gas for a predetermined time, and then a treated object A1 is discharged. This discharged treated object A1 is conveyed to the outside of the apparatus.

Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a cabinet or surround structure with an attachment for a removable front panel and a removable front panel for attachment to the cabinet. The appliance is a drum and a drum support structure supporting the drum for rotation. There is a movement interface between the drum support structure and the cabinet or surround structure, allowing the drum support structure to move between an operating condition within the cabinet and a maintenance condition wherein the drum and drum support structure are at least substantially disposed outside the envelope defined by the cabinet. In the operating condition the drum and support structure are hidden behind the removable front panel. They may be moved out to the maintenance condition after removal of the front panel.

Abstract: An easy wearing disposable shoe cover and a wearing method are provided. The shoe cover has a rear portion, distinguished from a front portion, being capable of flipping around a sole. An elastic band, being omitted from front portion, strains the rear portion to be lower than front portion, which exposes the front portion of the shoe cover widely for an easy insertion of the shoe into the shoe cover without using hands.

Abstract: A panel shoe is provided. The shoe has a blank having a heel and an insole; a shoe upper assembly comprising a first panel, a second panel and a foot base, the first and second panels extend upwardly from a periphery of said foot base and have an upper edge disposed on a side opposite said foot base, the foot base being disposed over the blank, the shoe upper assembly having a geometric dimension smaller than a peripheral edge of the blank; and center panel having a peripheral edge, the center panel being positioned over the upper edges of the first and second panels such that the upper edges of the first and second panels align with the peripheral edge of the center panel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shoe with a sole member having 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 waterproof and breathable insole includes a shoe lining with two bottom side edges respectively curved inwards, an insole, which is peripherally stitched to the border area of the shoe lining and has two projections longitudinally arranged at two sides respectively attached to the bottom side of the bottom side edges of the shoe lining and defining with the bottom side edges of the shoe lining a plurality of gaps for ventilation, and a pad, which has a layer of waterproof and breathable material and is bonded to the whole area of the outside wall of the insole and a part of the shoe lining with a layer of non-waterproof and breathable glue.

Abstract: A shoe, in particular a sports shoe, includes an inner sole and an outer sole the heel part of which, hollowed out with an opening oriented upwards, includes an internal shock-absorbing element, which is preferably formed as a single block with the outer sole. This shock-absorbing element has a hollow tubular open configuration, the annular section of which is not of constant thickness over all of its height, locally presenting a zone of reduced thickness, from which preferably the deformation by flexing of the shock-absorbing element occurs. Preferably, it has an outer wall that is perpendicular to the general pressure plane of the outer sole and an inner wall with a concave curvature.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper that defines an interior void, a sole structure secured to the upper, and a foot-supporting insert that is positionable within a lower area of the void and removable from the void. A system having a protrusion and an indentation may be utilized to, for example, secure the insert within the void. As an example, a protrusion may extend outward from a surface of the void, and the insert may define an indentation in a corresponding location and with a corresponding shape. When the insert is positioned within the void, the protrusion will extend into the indentation. The locations, shapes, numbers and overall configuration of the protrusion and indentation may vary significantly.

Abstract: A shoe, including: g) an upper, having an inside and an outside, and including a toe box, a heel part, the heel part having a top section and a bottom section, and a split throat, the split throat having two flaps one on either side of the split throat; h) a sole, having an arch position; i) two tightening levers, one tightening lever on either flap of the split throat; j) a first tube entering the top section of the heel part on a first side of the shoe, proceeding downward and forward along the inside of the upper to about the arch position, and crossing the shoe to a second side of the shoe; k) a second tube entering the top section of the heel part on the second side of the shoe, proceeding downward and forward along the inside of the upper to about the arch position, proceeding below the insole and crossing the shoe to the first side of the shoe; l) a shoe lace attached at a first end to the tightening lever on the first side of the shoe, proceeding through the first tube and out of the shoe to form a lo

Abstract: Skate boot apparatuses, a skate, and a method are provided. A base including an upper face configured to receive a wearer's foot and a lower face configured to structurally support a skate mechanism is provided. An integral upper support is provided, the integral upper support extending upwardly from the base to a point above an ankle of the wearer, the integral support having a varying rigidity decreasing from a high rigidity near the base to a low rigidity near the point above the ankle of the wearer.

Abstract: An athletic footwear retaining device comprises a length of fabric extending around the ankle of an athlete and around the arch portion of an athletic footwear device worn by the athlete and a releasable retaining device for securing the length of fabric in place.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a push-type, manual snowplowing device with a wooden blade of adequate size and structure to efficiently remove snowfalls of four and one-half inches or less. The invention encompasses a manual snowplowing device avoiding the physical strain associated with shoveling while remaining cost effective, relatively maintenance free, and amenable to storage and user assembly.

Abstract: A parking brake is released by a controller and a rotating electric motor is speed-feedback-controlled or position-feedback-controlled to stop and hold an upper rotating body if at least one of arm operation, bucket operation, and travel operation is carried out in a rotating stopped state and with respect to the arm operation and the bucket operation, cylinder thrust of an arm cylinder or a bucket cylinder is greater or equal to a set value. Thereby, a parking brake and a rotating driving part can be prevented from being damaged by rotating external force generated by excavation reaction force or the like and a rotating body can be stopped and held.

Abstract: A device for attachment to a medicine bottle is disclosed. The device is intended as an aid to consumers in remembering information concerning a medication. The device provides a mechanism for conveniently attaching a label to a medicine bottle with the label being a blank area suitable for writing the purpose of the medication or any other information to help the consumer. The label is reusable for repeated attachment to refills of the same prescription medicine and is intended to be written on by either the pharmacist or the consumer in a language or with words which are understandable and clear to the consumer. The label is large enough to accommodate large writing for persons with poor eyesight. Additional features related to taking of a medication are provided as part of the device including a counting device with the appearance like that of the hands on a clock.

Abstract: A souvenir toiletry article includes a handle part made with clear thermoplastic material, a molded pocket inside the clear handle for placement inside of this pocket with a flat or shaped insert having printing or an image on one or both side images, a clear or opaque molded insert located inside the molded pocket on the top of the printed insert and a soft spongy part of the toothbrush molded to the handle of the toothbrush for convenient gripping of the handle by a user. A hair comb, brush, flosser, and other toiletry articles are also considered that have a similar handle design.

Abstract: A winding advertisement curtain on an electric winding door includes a winding unit and a cloth curtain, and the winding unit consists of an upper case, a winding shaft and a spring. The upper case is fixed on an outer surface of an upper case of an electric winding door, and the winding shaft is arranged in the upper case, possible to be counter-rotated by the spring. The cloth curtain, which has advertising patterns or words on its outer surface, has its upper end connected to the winding shaft and possible to be wound around it, and its lower end temporarily attached by sucking the lower end of the slats of the winding door. So the cloth curtain is possible to be pulled down or wound up automatically together with the slats of the winding door, and then the advertising patterns or words become visible when the cloth curtain is closed down, achieving advertising effect.

Abstract: A system for attaching decorative identifiers to apparel and accessories includes a backing band attached at at least an upper edge to the item. The band has vertical slits to accommodate a display belt interwoven through the slits to form hanging loops. Decorative identifiers such a letters, charms, or insignia are suspended from identifier hangers. The hangers are shaped to fit pivotally over the hanging loops. The display belt is attached to either the item or the backing band at one end and may be removably attached to the item or the backing band at the other end to allow for easy removal of the hangers. The display belt is attached to the item or backing band using a pair of rings, a buckle, a snap, Velcro® fasteners or buttons. The decorative identifiers may be attached to the hangers permanently or using split or openable rings, swivels or spring clips.

Abstract: A light-weight display easel assembly for use with photographs and photographic greeting cards is described, wherein the display device is a substantially planar sheet or panel of paperboard or similar cellulose-containing material having a plurality of die-cut flaps thereon, each of the die-cut flaps having one scored edge which allows for the outward folding of the flap. The display easel further comprises a plurality of adhesive strips on the front face of the paperboard, for attachment of a photograph or photographic greeting card thereto. The display easel, once assembled, is lightweight enough such that it can be mailed without the need for excess postage fees. Additionally, due to the attachment of the display easel to substantially the entire back face of a photograph, the entire photograph is fully supported and is therefore resistant to creases, indentations, warping, and other damages which can occur during the mailing process.

Abstract: A paintball marker (10) comprises a barrel (11), through which paintballs may be fired by a firing mechanism (not shown). A handle (12) is provided to allow a user to comfortably grip the marker (10) and a trigger (13) is provided, for activating the firing mechanism. A trigger guard (14) is also provided to help prevent accidental activation of the firing mechanism. A hopper (15) is also provided for loading the marker (10) with one or more paintballs. The marker (10) with one or more paintballs . The marker (10) is fitted with a switching means (20) operative to switch the marker (10) between two modes, a live mode in which the firing mechanism can be activated and a safe mode in which the firing mechanism cannot be activated. The device is switched between said modes in response to signals received by a signals receiving means from a remote source.

Abstract: A system for use with firearms which permits the ready exchange of barrels on a single action and stock assembly. The barrels may be quickly and easily exchanged under field conditions using a single simple tool and without removing the action and receiver from the firearm stock. Barrels of different calibers may be used on a single firearm leading to greater versatility. The system relies on a pinch lug or clamp attached to the receiver which will draw all barrels onto the receiver and into invariable coaxial alignment with the receiver and action thus insuring the bullet will always have the same trajectory.

Abstract: A detachable mount for a telescopic sight which can be operated using only one latching mechanism. The mount uses a front base attached to the ring of a rifle receiver and a rear base attached to the bridge of a rifle receiver. The upper surfaces of both the front and rear bases preferably open into a pair of slots. A separate scope mount is attached to a scope sight by conventional means. One or more sets of lugs descend from the lower surfaces of this scope mount. These sets of descending lugs are configured to fit securely within the slots in the front and rear bases when the scope mount is placed over the bases. The forward facing surfaces of the rear set of descending lugs mate with a corresponding set of rearward facing surfaces in the slots within the rear base. The rearward facing surfaces of the front set of descending lugs open into tapered notches. The front base incorporates a transverse slider having a tapered surface which fits within the tapered notches in the front descending lugs.

Abstract: An ice fishing line protection device, for protecting micro fishing line as light as one or two pound test, comprising an elongated tube with an internal passageway through which a fishing line may pass. The protection device floats in an ice fishing hole protecting the line from abrasions. The protection device opens to release the line or it can be extracted from the ice hole entirely when a fish is caught.

Abstract: A fishing lure color cloud strip that appeals to the visual sensory system of fish. Specifically, there is a fishing lure that includes the fishing lure color cloud strip that may be combined with a fish scent emitter. In one embodiment of the invention, there is an adhesive tape comprising a material that releases a fish attracting colorized fog that is applied thereto for use with a fishing article selected from the group consisting of lures, spinners, spoons, hooks and sinkers, the tape having of thickness of 13 mil or less. The tape may be designed to have the colorant sealed into the tape by application of a water soluble sealant material over the colorant, the sealant material dissolving on introducing the tape into water thereby allowing for release of the colorant thus creating a fog of color.

Abstract: A castable crab trap having a rectangular body formed of a welded wire material, a bait compartment in the rectangular body, and a series of looped snares which close about the leg or claw of the crab when the trap is lifted. The openings in the welded wire are sized to allow the crab to partially insert its claw into the bait compartment.

Abstract: The invention provides in part a blended mulch product of at least two types of bio-degradable materials having different geometric shapes and physical properties. The first type of bio-degradable material may be a ligno-cellulosic fiber, such as a refined softwood ligno-cellulosic fiber, and the second type of bio-degradable material may be a wood-based flake, such as a processed wood residual.

Abstract: An apparatus for cultivating a cucumber according to a prior art has the following problem. That is, since a cover body of the related art apparatus is not easily fastened or unfastened, the cover body may be distorted due to a non-uniform expansion pressure applied thereto while the cucumber grows. Therefore, it is difficult to reuse the apparatus and the value of commodity is lowered due to the non-uniform shape and standard of the cultivated cucumber. The present invention is conceived to solve the above problem.

Abstract: A protective cover for protection of agricultural products comprises a fibrous nonwoven fabric exhibiting sufficient vapor permeability to alter or control the ripening of the agricultural product so ensconced while retarding passage of dust and insects. The protective cover is positioned generally about associated agricultural products, with the cover being particularly suited for use on products prior to harvest, such as bananas. The cover may be formed from fibrous and/or filamentary elements, and may be formed from fibrous material selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polymers, thermoset polymers, natural fibers, and combinations thereof. The nonwoven fabric may be formed with protection-enhancing agents such as insecticidal, fungicidal, algaecidal, decay-inhibiting, and UV-protective agents. The nonwoven fabric may be pigmented as desired.

Abstract: The present teachings provide, among other things, methods, systems, apparatus, and devices for providing protection for outdoor plants against the elements, and for regulation of climactic conditions for both indoor and outdoor plants. The present teachings provide, for example, methods and apparatus for covering growing plants to protect them from the elements, and to a freestanding rigid but collapsible frame and a fitted protective cover for use, for example, in cultivated agricultural fields, farmlands, and indoor spaces.

Abstract: A foamed glass plant growth support structure, including a foamed glass substrate and a plurality of interconnected pores distributed throughout the substrate. The substrate is characterized by a porosity of at least about 80 percent. The pore size is substantially between about 0.2 and about 5 millimeters and the substrate is sufficiently chemically stable such that water filling the plurality of interconnected pores experiences a pH shift of less than 0.5.

Abstract: A double wall plant pot, having a soil compartment and a fluid compartment, is presented. It includes also means to regulate the rate of flow from the fluid compartment to the soil compartment, and means to prevent soil from penetrating to the fluid compartment. Both hydrostatic and capillary pressures drive the fluid from the fluid into the soil the soil compartment respectively. Also described are means to aerate the soil compartment.

Abstract: A plant pot (1) which, in use, is adapted to be stacked with one or more similar plant pots, the plant pot comprising: (a) cavity (5) including a water reservoir region (7) and a soil holding region (6) located above the reservoir region (7); (b) separation means (10) adapted to separate the reservoir region (7) from the soil holding region (6); (c) an overflow outlet (8) in the reservoir region (7) adapted to enable excess water to flow out the reservoir region (7).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing hydrogen is disclosed wherein a hydrocarbon gas is fed into an electric reaction technology system to decompose the hydrocarbon gas to hydrogen gas and carbon solids. The electric reaction technology system comprises one or more heating zones, wherein each heating zone comprises one or more heating stations and each heating station comprises one or more heating screens followed by a final near-equilibrium attainment zone without additional heat input. After passing the hydrogen gas through the electric reaction technology system the hydrogen gas and any remaining carbon solids and hydrocarbon gas are cooled. The hydrogen gas and any remaining carbon solids and hydrocarbon gas flow through a scrubber, filter, drier or other phase separation system to remove substantially all of the carbon, leaving hydrogen product. The electric reaction technology system can also be used to pyrolyze hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A steam reforming apparatus (21) is configured to be placed in an industrial furnace (100) sintering an article to be sintered with a heat generated by fusing a fuel and to use a fed hydrocarbon and fed steam as raw materials. The apparatus (21) includes a low-temperature reforming section (23) and a high-temperature reforming section (22). The low-temperature reforming section (23) includes a metal tubular reactor (25) or a ceramic tubular reactor each housing a reforming catalyst for accelerating a steam reforming reaction, and the high-temperature reforming section (22) includes a ceramic tubular reactor (24) to cause a steam reforming reaction inside thereof. There is provided a steam reforming apparatus capable of recovering waste heat by using part of the combustion heat (waste heat) of the industrial furnace efficiently in accordance with the temperature range thereof.

Abstract: A method and system for producing synthesis gas in which a carbonaceous material and at least one oxygen carrier are introduced into a non-thermal plasma reactor at a temperature in the range of about 300° C. to about 700° C. and a pressure in a range of about atmospheric to about 70 atmospheres and a non-thermal plasma discharge is generated within the non-thermal plasma reactor. The carbonaceous material and the oxygen carrier are exposed to the non-thermal plasma discharge, resulting in the formation of a synthesis gas in the non-thermal plasma reactor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a gasifier solids removal system are provided. The system includes a down flow combustor including an inlet and an outlet and a combustion zone extending therebetween, the combustor configured to direct a flow of process material including syngas, flowable slag, and particulates in a first downward direction, a plurality of flow passages in serial flow communication including a first flow passage and a second flow passage, wherein the process material flow reverses direction flowing from the first passage to the second passage, and a plurality of entrainment separation stages in serial flow communication with at least one of the plurality of flow passages.