Abstract: A spirit-level vial comprising a transparent vessel containing a globule of a first liquid suspended in a medium comprising a second liquid, wherein said transparent vessel is essentially completely filled by said medium, and wherein said globule is capable of moving freely through said medium in response to changes in the spatial orientation of said transparent vessel.

Abstract: A brick laying alignment apparatus comprising two identical holders fitted with stagger bolts and guide pins. Each holder further comprises a vee on the first end, the vee having a ramp on either side and a wedge in the base of the vee for removable string engagement. The string is pulled taught between the holders, thereby holding them in place on remotely positioned bricks to be used in aligning further bricklaying.

Abstract: Motorized indexed measuring head for a machine for measuring three-dimensional coordinates. Includes a double-action actuator to pass from a locked state, wherein any rotation of the probe feeler is prohibited, to an unlocked state, wherein the feeler can be oriented along two axes by two servomotors. The locking and unlocking mechanism is independent from the gravitational force and can operate whatever the orientation of the measuring head.

Abstract: A position-measuring device for fluidic cylinder-and-piston arrangements having at least one Hall sensor, preferably arranged in the area of the cylinder wall, especially in a cylinder wall, and a magnetic region, arranged in the piston. At least one Hall sensor array has at least two Hall sensors spaced one from the other in the direction of movement of the piston. One coil is provided whose magnetic field permits the switching points of the Hall sensors to be adjusted in response to the coil current.

Abstract: As a rule, measuring cable position sensors consist of an axial arrangement of flat spiral spring, cable drum, and encoder. By locating the flat spiral spring within the interior of the cable drum, the construction length is reduced on one hand, and it becomes possible on the other hand to locate the cable outlet in one of the outer corners of the housing, which improves the application capabilities of the sensor.

Abstract: A material measure for a distance measuring system has a base body, a first tape measure with the center line and perforations and secured to the base body, at least one further tape measure substantially identical to the first tape measure and located parallel to the first tape measure, wherein the perforations of the tape measures are located congruently one above the other.

Abstract: An enhanced structure for measuring tape, comprises a tape casing having a wheel disposed in its interior, a metal tape being wound around said wheel 11 and having a tail end fixedly connected to said wheel so as to generate elastic force to let said tape eject automatically from said tape casing when no braking force is applied; a press button pivotally connects to the top of said tape casing, said press button having a curved tooth face disposed at top of inner wall thereof, with said curved tooth face and a removable transmission element meshing with each other; and a driving element and a power receiving element mesh with each other and are disposed near said transmission element, wherein said power receiving element links with said wheel; a user can use one hand to eject the tape, when he/she wants to retract the tape, he/she can press said press button with the hand that holds the measuring tape to let said curved tooth face inside said press button to rotate downward for an angle, and then to drive sai

Abstract: Provided is a caliper extender, which fits over a tape measure blade, enabling accurate measurements to be taken of an inside dimension. Extender slides along blade and is positioned against one wall of the inside dimension. Blade is then repositioned flat against extender and a measurement reading is taken. A pointer may also be incorporated into extender to indicate a tape marking corresponding to an accurate measurement. In the alternative, a caliper extender is incorporated into a tape measure such that extender can be disengaged from a casing of tape measure, slid along a blade and a measurement reading taken through a window in a channel through which blade is installed.

Abstract: A vertical length measuring device (100) is disclosed that comprises a vertical guide (20), at least one carriage (35) that is led vertically by the guide (20), and a driving organ (130, 150) for the at least one carriage (35). A housing (120) placed around the vertical guide (20), the carriage (35) and the driving organ (130, 150), has a longitudinal opening (121), and is fastened at a foot (33) of the length measuring device (100). A measuring head (40) is placed outside the housing (120) and is connected with the carriage through the opening (121) of the housing (120). The invention is characterized in that behind the opening (121) of the housing (120) inside the housing (120), a baffle (125) is placed. This advantageously prevents penetration of oil, water and dirt from outside.

Abstract: A laundry dryer having a tumbler with airflow openings of generally triangular shape with rounded transverse sides and opposed ends configured to permit passage of round heads of standard drywall screws when oriented parallel to the long dimension of the opening, while preventing the passage of standard collar buttons having a diameter no greater than the diameter of the drywall screw heads. Loose drywall screws within the tumbler are thereby permitted to pass harmlessly through the air flow openings in the rotating drum into the lint filter of the dryer without damage to the dryer nor interruption of the dryer operation.

Abstract: The present invention is an article of footwear having a stabilizing element incorporated into a sole structure. The stabilizing element is located primarily in the midfoot region of the footwear but extends into both the forefoot and heel regions. In one embodiment, the stabilizing element includes five stabilizing members that extend from a connecting member. The function of the stabilizing members is to provide support along the longitudinal length of the foot so as to limit non-axial, vertical flexion in the midfoot and heel regions; permit the forefoot to axially flex in relation to the heel; and permit forefoot flexion.

Abstract: A plow for mounting to a vehicle is disclosed. The plow can include a moldboard having a movable cutting edge and an adjustable bias trip mechanism having a biasing member preferably in the form of a spring. The adjustable trip mechanism can be arranged with the cutting edge of the moldboard to urge the cutting edge to a plowing position. The spring can be cooperatively arranged with a retainer, a pin for example, at one or more retaining positions to impart a preload biasing force upon the spring that varies according to the retaining position selected. The preload biasing force can act as a trip resistance force which must be overcome before the cutting edge moves. A lever tool can be provided for adjusting the spring.

Abstract: A precisely measured removable cover for reusable beverage containers with releasable closures. The cover has a flexible sheet with a graphical display imprinted on one side and a cover fastener for removably fastening the cover to a container. The sheet is advantageously adapted to substantially cover the side walls of the container. The cover fastener has one or more releasable closures, and at least one of the releasable closures includes a fluked tab interlock locking tab and slot structure, wherein the fluked tab is on one end of the cover and the slot is proximate the opposite end of the cover and parallel to the fluked tab. A cam/slot paired closure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-image display device. Some embodiments include an alignment mechanism for correcting misalignments of an indicia, an image selector and a motion train, which form parts of the display device.

Abstract: A long-range house number identification panel has its number indicia mounted on an illuminated viewing screen, being individually readable with the naked eye from up to 200 feet distance. An electrically energizable phosphorescent screen behind the indicia serves to illuminate the numbers at night. The identifying indicia may consist of transparencies through the surface of a blanking screen. A photocell switches off the screen in daylight; and the level of screen illumination may be limited below the optimum, by operating at a reduced voltage so as to extend the service life of the screen. A u/v barrier coat may be used to protect the phosphor of the screen against solar degradation.

Abstract: An emergency information storage assembly includes a housing that has a back wall, a front wall and a peripheral wall extending between and is attached to the front and back walls. The peripheral wall has a peripheral break therein so that a first portion of the housing selectively separable from a second portion of the housing. A panel has a size and shape configured to be selectively positioned in the housing. A wall surface has a doorway extending therethrough. The housing is positioned adjacent to the doorway and a plurality of fasteners is extended through the back wall and into the wall surface so that the back wall is attached to the wall surface. Personal emergency information is placed on the panel and the panel is position in the housing so that emergency personnel may retrieve it.

Abstract: A marker includes a substantially flat member having a separation line dividing the flat member into a first portion having a first end tapering to a first point, and a second portion having a second end tapering to a second point.

Abstract: An extractor for the removal of cartridges from the cylinder bores of a revolver. The extractor includes an extractor plate having a plurality of arms extending radially outward from an inner portion of the plate. The arms form an inner surface between adjacent arms. The inner surface substantially conforms to the profile of a bore of the cylinder and has an arc length that is greater than one-half the circumference of a cartridge disposed within the cylinder bores of the revolver. The inner surface contacts the rim of a cartridge and facilitates the removal of the cartridge from the bore. The inner surface may also include a beveled edge and the arms may have convex or concave end portions. The extractor also includes a tubular stem mounted to the inner portion of the extractor plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trigger system for hand firearms with a hammer, a catch allocated to the hammer, a trigger, and a trigger arm interacting with this trigger, wherein the hammer has a first stop for holding the hammer in a completely cocked position and the trigger arm has a first trigger arm stop edge for engaging with an associated first hammer stop of the hammer. In order to allow pulling of the trigger with lower trigger weight even in the double-action mode, the hammer contains a second stop for holding the hammer in a partially pre-cocked position and the trigger arm has a second trigger arm stop edge for engaging an associated second hammer stop of the hammer.

Abstract: A fishing lure with an integral light source and fiber optic strands is provided designed to attract more fish. A splay of short fiber optic strands leave the rear of the lure and camouflage a fishing hook. The fiber optic strands are gathered to a single point inside of the lure. A light-emitting diode (LED) is placed next to this point which allows visible light to travel down the fiber optic strands and exit from the end of the strand thus producing a display of light designed to attract fish. The LED is powered by a small watch-type battery and is controlled by a tension-activated switch at the front of the lure. Whenever tension is applied to the lure by the fishing line, the circuit is closed and the LED illuminates. If tension is removed by slack in the line, the circuit is opened and the LED extinguishes.

Abstract: A removable head for a fishing lure for changing the action of the fishing lure. The removable head may convert a lure, such as, but not limited to, a soft-bodied lure, into a diving lure, a rising lure, a chugger, a popper, or others. The removable head may slide onto the head of a lure and include a front face for creating action. The front face may include a number of configurations such as, but not limited to, an angled surface, a concave surface, and others.

Abstract: The invention provides a plant base comprising a base section with a seat for a plant pot, in which a tail section extends in a horizontal direction from the rear of the base section. A groove/protuberance combination is provided at the front of the base section and the rear of the tail section that is able to be accommodated in the groove of another corresponding plant base. The groove and the protuberance each has a support surface that is lower or higher than the support surface of the groove, such that when the protuberance of the plant base has been taken up in the groove of the other plant base, one of the two plant bases is lifted from the substrate at the location of the engaging protuberance and groove. Thus, the invention provides a plant base that continuously retains the same orientation during transport over a conveyor belt, with successive plant bases kept a sufficient distance apart.

Abstract: A flower web for organizing flowers in a regular or irregularly shaped open top of a vase. The flower web includes inner and outer loops and a plurality of flower dividers. The inner and outer loops share a common center and a common horizontal plane. The plurality of flower dividers are of generally elongated appearance and are in contact with the inner loop and extend radially outward from the inner loop such that the flower dividers intersect and contact the outer loop to define a first plurality of apertures between the inner and outer loops. The plurality of flower dividers extend radially outward for a predetermined distance beyond the outer loop. The underside of the flower dividers is optionally at least partly coated with an adhesive coating. In another embodiment, a peelable strip covers the adhesive coating.

Abstract: A riser support apparatus and method for supporting a riser pipe, having a sprinkler head thereon, on a nursery wire frame table. A riser support member and a locking member are attached together onto the nursery wire table so that a riser pipe can be attached to one side and a water supply pipe line to the other side thereof.

Abstract: An electronic service reminder to automatically notify a user as to when and what type of maintenance should be performed on the garage door operator, based on a variety of factors, including time, materials and operating environment. The garage door operator is configured to automatically generate an electronic service reminder in the form of an audible or visual alert based on one or more operating parameters of the garage door operator meeting or exceeding a predefined threshold. The predefined threshold is variable based on the values of the operating parameters.

Abstract: A barrier is formed such that its barrier arm automatically moves back to its blocking position after forceful opening of the barrier.The barrier arm is pivotally mounted to a barrier post about a horizontal axis. The barrier post is formed to include a swivel joint having a vertical axis around which the barrier arm swivels upon forceful opening.

Abstract: A vehicle door, wherein a drive unit for raising and lowering a glass plate is constructed so that a plurality of pulleys across which wires are laid are provided at upper and lower sides of a base panel. The glass plate is moved up and down by driving the wires, and the glass plate is prevented from moving in a vehicle inward direction when the door is closed. Wire fixing portions are prevented from being damaged by large upward and downward stroke movements of the glass plate Furthermore, the wires are prevented from slackening when the wires are driven and stopped by providing a supporting rod along a path of upward and downward movement of the glass plate, and a contact member which has no contact with the supporting rod. Trumpet-shaped guide portions are provided at hole edges of the wire fixing portions, and the V-shaped circumferential surfaces of a tensioner eliminates slack in the wires.

Abstract: A low shelter swimming pool roof system is provided. The system can include, over a portion (P?) at least of its length, juxtaposed roof elements (I?) and juxtaposed roof elements (I). The distance that delimits the external chord of each of the longitudinal edges (220a?) and (220b?) of the roof elements (I?) resting on the support edge (S) of the pool and connected by two roof arcs (210?) can be shorter than the distance which delimits the internal chord of the two longitudinal edges (220a) and (220b) the roof elements (I) of the other portion (P) resting on the support edge (S) of the pool and connected by two roof bows (210). Such an arrangement enables the first portion (P?) of roof elements (I?) to be nested in the second portion (P) of relatively larger roof elements (I) thereby partially exposing the pool over a length corresponding to the displacement of the mobile portion (P?) of roof elements (I?).

Abstract: A storage rack vibration isolator for a storage rack system installed on a floor comprising a first mounting plate connectable to the storage rack system, a second mounting plate connectable to the floor. An elastomeric component extending between these mounting plates and is operatively attached to them so that during seismic events the first and second mounting plates remain attached to the elastomeric component as the elastomeric component is placed in shear while the first and second mounting plates are able to move in planes substantially parallel to each other. The elastomeric component comprises at least one elastomeric member made of material that is capable of absorbing and dissipating the energy of ground movement imparted to the storage rack system during seismic events, while the material enables the storage rack system to move a sufficient distance relative to the floor to lower the natural frequency of the storage rack system in at least one horizontal direction.

Abstract: A light transmitting panel capable of acting as a smoke vent and of the type for connecting within a metal roofing system is provided. The light transmitting panel includes a translucent panel that melts away rapidly under high temperature, a metal panel and a linear coefficient buffer therebetween to allow the respective panels to expand and contract with respect to the other without loss of containment or seal.

Abstract: A modular exterior threshold and door sill assembly is provided for an entryway. The threshold and sill assembly includes an elongated sill assembly having at least one elongated channel. An elongated rail assembly is provided that extends at least a portion of the length of the elongated sill assembly. A portion of the elongated rail assembly is received within the elongated channel. The threshold and sill assembly includes at least one sill component connected to one of the elongated rail assembly and the elongated channel, wherein the at least one sill component includes at least one of a cover assembly, an astragal bolt receiver assembly, a mullion boot assembly, a side panel spacer assembly and an outswing rail assembly. The elongated rail assembly may be fixed or adjustable. The adjustable rail assembly may be adjusted using adjustors that are fixedly secured to the sill assembly.

Abstract: A shingle includes a shingle neck, and a shingle body. A raised engagement and guide element (5) is disposed at the bottom side of the region of the shingle body (2) disposed remote relative to the shingle neck. The raised engagement and guide element (5) exhibits a raised engagement guide element (5) in the lower region of the shingle body (2). The raised engagement and guide element (5) exhibits a female mold like undercut zone (6) in the direction of the body (2) and disposed remote from the shingle neck. Correspondingly dimensioned male mold like undercut zones (7) are disposed at the two shingle shoulders (4). The width of the two shingle shoulders (4) corresponds in each case to about one half of the width of the raised engagement and guide element (5). Preferably, the shingle is a roof shingle.

Abstract: A method for installing insulation into the wall cavities of a building is disclosed. The method includes the following steps: hanging a sheet of polymeric material against the wall, cutting and mounting tracks around the studs, drilling holes into the tracks and inserting screws to pull the polymeric material tight, cutting an opening into the sheet and inserting a tube, blowing insulation into the cavity until it is filled, and removing the tracks.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which provide durable and substantially smooth surfaces comprised of a number of smaller pieces of surfacing material. For example, tiles of natural materials, such as marble or granite, are formed into larger unitary structures, wherein the surfaces of the tiles are substantially dead flat and the seams therebetween are diminished in size so as to minimize their visual impact. These unitary structures are preferably adapted to interconnection to thereby allow formation of substantially larger surfaces. Jig apparatus and methods for there use are disclosed for casting unitary structures of various shapes and configurations in such a manner that a dead flat surface with very little to zero lippage is provided.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage material having a machine and method for wrapping filled bottles, wherein one roll of wrapping material is replaced with a new roll of wrapping material quickly and accurately to minimize disruptions or interruptions in the bottle wrapping process.

Abstract: A method of making a reclosable product package (64, 100, 142), a package-making apparatus (10) for the method and the reclosable product package (64, 100, 142) in which block cheese or another product (45) which does not slide well during packaging in placed on a continuous length of thermoplastic packaging film (12). Various folding directions (44, 62, 90, 106, 114) of the packaging film (12) and various placement of reclosable zippers (73, 108, 119) produce various reclosable product packages (64, 100, 142) with various peel seal (40, 41, 87, 88) arrangements.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying one or more gases, such as oxygen, to a target area, comprising a top layer and a bottom layer sealed around the perimeter of the layers to form a reservoir between the layers, wherein the top layer is not gas-permeable and the bottom layer is highly gas-permeable, said reservoir containing one or more gases. The present invention also describes methods of using such an apparatus to supply oxygen to a wound for improved wound healing.

Abstract: A Process for feeding products of variable height and length into a continuous packaging apparatus comprising a conveyor with thrusters that receives publishing products or similar, such as newspapers, magazines, books, envelopes, giveaways or other similar products, from a certain number of feeders, a conveyor belt where the packaging in a plastic or paper film takes place, fed continuously above the conveyor belt that foresees, in a downstream area, longitudinal and transversal sealing devices that make finished packages of various sizes in height and length, said process comprising the steps of: varying the pitch on the conveyor belt of the products or groups of products fed by the conveyor with thrusters through continuous variation of the speed of the conveyor belt, and operatively adapting the speed of the sealing devices to the sizes in height and length of the products or groups of products.

Abstract: A flexible omnidirectionally reflective horse lead has a central portion, and mechanical attachment means to accommodate a bridal bit ring. The lead reflects an incoming light beam from a walker or horseback rider back in the direction from which it emanated, preventing dangerous encounters during dusk or nighttime hours. The omnidirectionally reflective elements may be incorporated in a horse harness, or in a halter suitable for horses roaming in a paddock or field. The reflective elements are created by surrounding a central braided rope of nylon or polyethylene fibers with a cylindrically braided reflective sleeve. The braided reflective sleeve is composed of narrow width reflective strips thermally bonded to a flexible polymeric sheet with attached corner cube or microsphere retroreflectors. Due to its braided construction, the reflective elements reflect light omnidirectionally over a large angle of acceptance, illuminating the horse harness or halter.

Abstract: A stirrup extension device includes a saddle having a primary stirrup attached thereto and extending downwardly from the saddle. A strap has a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side. A coupler is attached to the first end of the strap. The coupler is removably attachable to the primary stirrup. A secondary stirrup is attached to the second end of the strap. The coupler is coupled to the primary stirrup.

Abstract: Apparatuses are provided for controlling a self-propelled machine wherein the apparatuses include a handle and a control device and can utilize first and second linking members. The control device is pivotably coupled to the handle, and includes a slidable control portion that is linearly translatable relative to the handle. The first linking member includes a first proximal section that is coupled to the control device, and a first distal section that is engagable with the machine. The first linking member is actuatable in response to pivoting of the control device. The second linking member includes a second proximal section coupled to the control device and a first distal section engagable with a transmission. The second linking member is actuatable in response to sliding of the slidable control portion. The control device can be pivoted between an ON state and an OFF state to implement operator presence control. The slidable control portion can be linearly translated to implement variable speed control.

Abstract: A grass collecting apparatus includes a grass collecting container support; at least one grass collecting container mounted on the container support and having an upper end opening edge for receiving mowed grass or the like through a conduit, a guide hood for covering the grass collecting container from the above, a support portion for supporting the guide hood while allowing its displacement from a closed position to an opened position; a fixed sealing plate provided to the grass collecting container support in the vicinity of the support portion; and a movable sealing plate provided to the guide hood in the vicinity of the support portion. The movable sealing plate is disposed in opposition to the fixed sealing plate, and a free end of the movable sealing plate displaceable in association with opening/closing displacement of the guide hood approaches the fixed sealing plate at least when the guide hood is at the closed position or the opened position.

Abstract: A product includes a dimensionally stable polymeric multifilament yarn having a decitex per fiber count DPF of at least 7.5 and a fatigue strength retention FR, wherein preferred yarns are spun and drawn such that FR increases when DPF increases. Particularly preferred yarns are fabricated from poly(ethylene terephthalate) and have a DPF of between 10 and 20.

Abstract: A chain lock has two lock parts which can be displaced in the longitudinal direction of the lock in order to open and close the lock. Each lock part has a journal (6) which is arranged on one end and a pocket (7) which is arranged on the other end in order to receive a journal (6) of the other lock part. Each journal (6) is fitted with at least one retaining web (8) which can be displaced in a retaining groove (11) of the pocket (7) of the other lock part. The journal (6) and the pocket (7) have a cross-section which continuously widens or expands in the longitudinal direction of the lock.

Abstract: For a process for the catalytic conversion of furl for removing oxides of nitrogen from exhaust gases of internal combustion engines, in which fuel and a part-stream of the exhaust gas or of the intake air are converted in a converter, the fuel and the part-stream of the exhaust gas or of the intake air are fed separately from one another into the converter and the fuel is vaporized in the converter. A converter for the catalytic conversion of fuel, comprising a vaporization space and a conversion space connected thereto is furthermore described, the vaporization space having separate feeds for exhaust gas or intake air and fuel, the conversion space having a catalyst for the catalytic conversion of fuel and the vaporization space and the conversion space being connected to one another so that heat transport from the conversion space into the vaporization space is possible.

Abstract: A system for measuring NOx content of an exhaust gas produced includes at least one controllable valve operable to direct exhaust gas to a NOx sensor only when measurement of the NOx content is desired and to otherwise expose the NOx sensor to ambient air. A control circuit controls the operation of the at least one valve and determines the NOx content of the exhaust gas based on sensory data received from the NOx sensor.

Abstract: An exhaust gas aftertreatment device for an internal combustion engine comprises an inlet configured to receive the exhaust gas, an outlet from which the exhaust gas exits the device, a first passageway defined between the inlet and the outlet, and a second passageway defined between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the second passageway is separate from the first passageway. A first aftertreatment element is disposed in the first passageway. In one embodiment, the device is a diesel oxidation catalyst device and the second passageway represents a bypass passageway. The second passageway may further have a second aftertreatment element disposed therein. In an alternative embodiment, the device is a NOx aftertreatment element, and a second aftertreatment element is disposed in the second passageway. In either case, the device includes an exhaust gas flow control mechanism configured to selectively control exhaust gas flow through the first and second passageways.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for detecting and evaluating a filter regeneration event. The apparatus, in one embodiment, is configured to determine whether an oxidation rate of soot accumulated on a particulate filter has attained a level sufficient to indicate that a filter regeneration event is occurring. The apparatus may include an input module for receiving input relative to engine operating conditions and exhaust gas produced as a byproduct of engine operation, an oxidation module for communicating with the input module and for determining an oxidation rate of soot accumulated on a particulate filter from the input, and a regeneration detection module to determine whether a filter regeneration event is occurring. The apparatus may further categorize a detected filter regeneration event and to facilitate defining the actual condition of soot on a particulate filter.

Abstract: A muffler device with catalysts for improving purifying exhaust gas of nitrogen oxides within a motorcycle exhaust pipe comprises a muffler divided into three chambers, a first chamber, a second chamber, and a third chamber; a front exhaust pipe; a front reduction catalyst; a rear exhaust pipe provided with a secondary air inlet behind the reduction catalyst for introducing secondary air therein. Thereby, the exhaust gas from an engine with air-to-fuel ratio less than or equal to 14.7 will firstly pass the reduction catalyst to have its nitrogen oxides (NOX) effectively inverted into nitrogen (N2) and oxygen (O2), and then secondary air will be added to the exhaust gas so as to increase its air-to-fuel ratio to larger than 14.7, and finally the exhaust gas will pass the oxidation catalyst to have its carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HC) effectively inverted into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O).

Abstract: An air cleaner and an exhaust pipe insulator attaching structure for a vehicle engine. The air cleaner on a rear side of the engine includes an air cleaner element disposed in an upper portion inside an air cleaner case. An air cleaner intake-air duct is inserted into the air cleaner case obliquely from above, and then is curved inside the air cleaner case and extended up to directly underneath the air cleaner element. An exhaust duct provided at a front side of the engine is provided with an arc-shaped heat insulator structure. An attachment member includes a curved arc-shaped contact portion and attachment portions formed on an outward side of the arc-shaped contact portion in a radial direction. An inner-peripheral face of the arc-shaped contact portion of the attachment member is brought into contact with an outer-peripheral face of the exhaust duct, and held in place by a band member.