Abstract: A measurement device to determining a length of an anatomical feature is provided. In one embodiment, the measurement device is a depth gauge adapted to measure the depth of a vertebral endplate. The depth gauge may includes a probe that travels into the disc space. The depth gauge also includes a cam dial for indicating measurements.

Abstract: Re-orientation of a stylus 30 or measurement probe 12 can be accomplished by engaging a part of the stylus or probe with a fixed part 50 and moving the probe in a spherical path centred at the engagement. The engagement 50 is spaced from the stylus tip 34 and avoids bending of the stylus during re-orientation. The re-orientation can take place into a plurality of e.g. repeatable rest positions by virtue of a kinematic array (e.g. balls 122 and rollers 120 FIG. 2).

Abstract: The invention starts with a range finder with a measuring device and at least one measuring limit stop body (12), which can be moved out of a housing (10) and features at least one measuring limit stop (22, 24, 26, 28, 30) in a reference plane (14) for range finding between the reference plane (14) and an object that is to be measured. It is proposed that a first side (16) of the measuring limit stop body (12) form a first and a second measuring limit stop (22, 24).

Abstract: A power-operated tape measure includes an annular reel pivotally mounted on a fixing shaft in a case, a tape wound on the annular reel, a hook at one end of the tape extending out of the case through an outlet of the case. A motor respectively drives the annular reel and a large wheel for sending the tape via a gear train. A control circuit includes the motor, a power supply unit and a control switch controlling the motor for direct and reverse turning. A button member at the bottom of the case that can float upwards and downwards, inside which a small wheel is pivotally fixed to engage with the large wheel for sending the tape. The control switches control the extending of the tape and the withdrawal of the tape, the switch controlling the extending of the tape engaging the inside part of the button member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for accurately recording measurements of a window and producing accurate window treatments. A reference strip is provided having measurement indicia thereon, such as a checkerboard pattern of squares of predetermined sizes. The reference strip may be placed proximate a window and photographed. The size of the window may be accurately determined from the resulting photograph using the associated reference strip. The window may also be measured and the measurements stored as biographic data and associated with the photograph to form an accurate and verifiable window biography. The biography may be provided to another party, such as a treatment manufacturer, who verifies the measurements of the biographic data using photograph and produces a suitable window treatment according to the measurements.

Abstract: An appliance is provided with a water dispenser. A fan or heater assembly, a hair dryer assembly, and a brush assembly are disclosed. Each of these assemblies includes a water dispenser incorporated therein.

Abstract: An object of footwear for children which allows adults to visually determine whether the shoe proper fits the child and can be adjusted in its effective size when it is determined that the shoe has become too small. The article of footwear comprises a fitting system comprising: (1) a substantially transparent window disposed in a predetermined location in the vamp so that when a wearer who has a foot that properly fits in the article of footwear puts on the article of footwear, a portion of a toe of the wearer can be seen through the window, and (2) a sizing member attached to the upper, the sizing member being placed within the opening against the heel portion to create a first effective size of the article of footwear, the sizing member being removable to create a second effective size of the article of footwear. The present invention also provides a method of determining when to adjust the effective size of an article of footwear and adjusting the effective size of the article of footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a woven region. A fit adjustment system includes a lace strap superimposed with strands of material forming the woven region. The lace strap is routed around the shoe and forms opposing pairs of lace holding elements such as lace loops. More specifically, the lace strap extends downwardly from a lace holding element on a first side of the upper, across and underneath the footbed, around the heel region, back across and underneath the footbed, and upwardly to form a lace holding element on the second side. By the routing of the lace strap, the lace strap is integrated with the heel and arch portions of the shoe. A shoe lace is routed through the lace holding elements and may be adjusted to affect the fit of the upper to a foot of a user.

Abstract: A footwear upper having a collar assembly that is joined at its forward edge to the lower portion of the upper by a flexible region of material so that the collar may flex forward and rearward in relation to the lower portion of the upper. In one aspect of the invention, the upper includes a neck portion that is telescopically overlapped by the collar. In another aspect, the upper includes a gusset that extends between the lower portion and the collar, with at least a portion of the gusset being substantially hidden from view.

Abstract: A boot incorporating techniques for making the process of tightening and loosening the laces of a boot more convenient for the wearer is disclosed. The boot may be provided with at least two independent lacing zones, the tensions of which are separately adjustable by the wearer. The zones may be secured by pulling on two laces, each of which tightens one of the two independent lacing zones. This arrangement allows the wearer to simultaneously tighten each zone, providing the wearer with the “feel” as though he or she is tightening a conventional single lacing zone boot. The laces may be simultaneously, yet independently secured by a lace lock at the upper and/or forward region of the boot. Slack may be created to facilitate loosening of the boot and easy removal of a foot from the boot by unhooking the lace from the lace guide without a corresponding distance of lace traveling through the lace lock. A release strap, graspable by the wearer, facilitates unhooking the lace.

Abstract: A crawler frame includes a center frame and right and left track frames disposed at right and left sides of the center frame so as to extend in a back and forth direction, wherein legs for connecting a central frame section of the center frame to the track frames are formed from cast steel in order that washing can be easily done by reducing the amount of mud to be adhered to and deposited on the legs and in order that easy manufacture may be possible.

Abstract: In a crawler frame in which legs in a center frame are formed from cast steel, a simple structure is achieved by reducing the number of components. To this end, the crawler frame, which has a center frame composed of a central frame section for supporting a swing bearing and legs located on the right and left sides of the central frame section; and track frames disposed on the sides of the distal ends of the legs, respectively, of the center frame, is designed such that each of the legs is bifurcated into front and rear leg sections and the front and rear leg sections are respectively formed from cast steel.

Abstract: A grading control system for a work machine having a work implement for grading along a grade defined by a laser plane generator is disclosed. The system includes tilt and lift actuators associated with the work implement and configured to selectively tilt, raise and lower the work implement. A laser receiver is configured to receive a laser signal indicative of a desired grade. The laser receiver is configured to communicate a height signal indicative of a position of the work machine relative to the laser plane. A lift sensor is configured to communicate a lift signal indicative of a lift position of the work implement. A control module is configured to generate and communicate a control signal based on the height and lift signals to actuate at least one of the lift and tilt actuators to maintain the work implement at a position substantially corresponding to the desired grade.

Abstract: A wear pad on a linkage of a work machine is disclosed. The linkage includes a first and a second linkage member in a telescoping relationship. The wear pad includes a first end having a first thickness and a second end having a second thickness, the first thickness being greater than the second thickness. The wear pad also includes a flat wear face configured to slidably interface with the first linkage member. A fixed surface has a bore formed therein. The bore is configured to receive an attachment member to securely attach the wear pad to the second linkage member.

Abstract: A device for tensioning and maintaining a canvas, comprising a frame having a groove, and at least one deformable batten. The canvas is stretched and maintained on the frame by wedging it between the groove and the deformable batten. The deformable batten comprises a substantially V-shaped section which is oriented towards the bottom of the groove, a sharp edge which is used as a pivot to enable the deformation thereof, and two flanks which are used to wedge the canvas in the groove. The invention is characterized in that the batten is locked in a narrow section of the groove by two enlargements extending on one flank of the batten in the same direction as the batten.

Abstract: A 27?×28?×½? calendar/organizer that combines a large, 12-page, printed paper calendar with a ¼?-½? thick and “pin-receiving” backboard. The front sheets are printed with a calendar array of days and weeks, with each day having a height of at least four inches, such as days which are 4½ inches tall by 4 inches wide. The front sheets are attached to the backing board at their upper ends by two heavy duty staples, and have three mounting holes punched in aligned locations between the staples. The backing board is provided by double layer cardboard with each layer thicker than the plurality of front sheets, so the backing board can receive and hold a tack or push pin without regard to whether the tack or push pin extends through none, one or all of the front sheets. The backing board may extend longer than the front sheet calendar pages, so as to facilitate an additional “pinning surface” for items not associated with any particular day of the month.

Abstract: A portable display device has a rectangular center panel having a top edge, a bottom edge, two side hinges and a back, with first and second rectangular side panels respectively hingedly connected to the center panel by the two side hinges thereof. A support foot has a base hingedly connected to the bottom edge of the center panel and foldable to lie adjacent the back of the center panel, and first and second legs hingedly connected to the base and deployable extending rearwardly from the base and configured for releasable interconnection spaced from the base, thereby to maintain the support foot in a configuration extending rearwardly from the center panel and supporting the center and side panels in an upright position.

Abstract: A display device for mounting on an inside surface of a cooler door has a mounting bracket for attaching to the cooler door, a top tube mounted on the first mounting bracket, and a bottom tube mounted on the first mounting bracket below the top tube. A display scroll is entrained about the top and bottom tubes so that the scroll is visible through the cooler door. As the scroll is rotated about the tubes, a display graphic on the scroll moves to attract the attention of potential consumers.

Abstract: A display is described of the type including a supporting frame that includes track members in spaced relation to define a channel therebetween to receive signage material. The device includes a containment clip operatively associated with the display and moveable between opened and closed positions. The clip includes at least one channel blocking portion connected to a pin member for securing the clip to the display. In the closed position, the channel blocking portion blocks the channel to prevent exiting of the signage material. In the opened position, the channel blocking portion is sufficiently displaced from the channel to allow removal or replacement of the signage material in the channel.

Abstract: An information case for protectively storing information related to an individual includes a base having a cavity defined therein. The cavity can be configured to store and protect an information-bearing medium on which the information related to the individual can be disposed. A strap assembly can have at least a strap member. Attachment means for receiving the strap member can be coupled to at least one end of the base body. A lid having one of a retention nub and a compliant latch attached thereto can be hingeably connected to the base. Another of the retention nub and the compliant latch can be attached to the base and can be configured to interlock with the retention nub or the compliant latch of the lid to provide selective closure of the lid over the cavity in the base.

Abstract: A vehicle identification and locator card for vehicle parking and servicing establishments includes an upper portion made of paper board and a lower portion made of synthetic paper. The outline of an ignition key tag is die cut in the lower synthetic paper portion, which retains its strength when wet. The lower portion has a backing of either a dry release laminate patch or a polyester reinforcing tape.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a fishing lure that has a weed guard to reduce weed collection as the lure is pulled through the water. The weed guard consists of one or more stiff metal wires disposed in areas where weeds normally collect between a fishing line attachment and a dive control lip. An additional weed control hat further reduces weed collection where the one or more stiff wires pass through the dive control lip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an attractant system for mounting to an insect trapping apparatus.

Abstract: In an insect lure and trap, a system for generating a carbon dioxide attractant has a combustion chamber in which carbon dioxide is generated by means of an exothermic reaction from a gaseous fuel rich in carbon. A container contains a pressurized supply of said fuel and a supply line connects said container to said combustion chamber. A normally closed valve is included in said supply line. The system includes means for sensing the temperature in said combustion chamber and for generating a control signal representative of said temperature. A controller responsive to said control signal compares said temperature to a reference temperature and opens said valve during selected segments of successive equal time intervals.

Abstract: A sliding door assembly includes a sliding door that is slidingly mounted to a top track via one or more top guide assemblies. The sliding door is also slidingly mounted to a bottom track. Each top guide assembly includes a top guide wheel that rotationally mounts to the top guide assembly and engages the top track to guide the sliding door. The guide wheel rotates relative to the top guide assembly about an axis that extends horizontally in a direction perpendicular to a direction of travel of the sliding door. The guide wheel also movably mounts to the top guide assembly so that the guide wheel moves upwardly and downwardly relative to the top guide assembly and sliding door to correct for any variation in the gap between the top and bottom tracks.

Abstract: A roof boundary connection uses a clip that eases installation of the clip to blocking members both in the field by a carpenter and at a factory by one such as a truss manufacturer. The clip is formed with two indexing tabs that are set against the blocking for correct spacing and alignment. In one form, the clip is attached to wood members with nails and to masonry with masonry screws. In one form, the clip employs nail prongs as integral connectors for attachment to blocking members, allowing truss manufacturers to install connectors on blocking members with the same hydraulic presses that are used to assemble trusses with nail prong plates.

Abstract: A multi-paned fenestration unit in which the glass panes are manufactured directly into the support structure without first manufacturing an insulated glass unit. The support structure is designed to provide the structural support for the glass panes without a separate spacer.

Abstract: An elongate flexible track is flexibly positionable from an initial straight configuration to a non-straight configuration having a horizontal, vertical or compound curvature in which it is lockable with locking elements. The track has a plurality of stud receiving components each being formed with a horizontal base wall having a longitudinal edge and a transverse edge, a side wall on a first side of the track and a side wall on a second side of the track, the side walls extending vertically from respective longitudinal edges of the base wall. The base and side walls define a space in which a stud end of an elongate stud can be mounted. Adjacent stud receiving components are joined by linking elements which include pivot elements about which the linking elements are adjustable in one or more directions. At least one locking elements passage is provided on each side of the track.

Abstract: A perimeter clip attached to a wall molding that supports a beam in a suspended ceiling intended to survive seismic disturbances. The clip is capable, during an earthquake, of permitting an end of a beam at one end of a connected line of beams, in a grid, to slide while being supported in the clip, or, in the alternative, to secure an end of a beam to the wall molding.

Abstract: A support device is provided for the preferred application of buckling opposing support of an I-joist having an erroneously cut hole in its web portion. The support device may have an approximate U-shape with two substantially parallel bridging structures combined by a structure that combines the bridging structures and provides an alignment reference with the chords. In the case where an erroneously cut hole is identified, the support device may be laterally attached to the I-joist such that both bridging structures flank the erroneously cut hole. Once the bridging structures are attached to the web, the bridging structures define with the remainder of the web a buckling opposing interface. The support structure is preferably monolithically fabricated from sheet metal and scaled in conjunction with dimensional standards of commercially available I-joists.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing container assemblies having a cup-shaped insert disposed within a container. A container conveyor conveys a series of open containers along a lower horizontal path, the container conveyor bringing each container in turn to a stop at an insertion station. A generally vertical inserter chute is disposed above the insertion station for conducting a generally cup-shaped insert through the inserter and out the lower end into a container positioned at the insertion station. An insert conveyor disposed above the inserter conveys a series of inserts along an upper horizontal path, each insert on the insert conveyor having an open end and an opposite closed end and being in an inverted orientation such that the open end of the insert faces downward. A lead one of the inserts being conveyed on the insert conveyor tips over and falls into the inserter in an upright orientation.

Abstract: A threaded container closure assembly in which the container comprises one or more radially extending members proximate the distal end thereof that initially engage with one or more radially extending members or partial radially extending members on a mating closure or top proximate the distal end thereof so that the container and top become at least partially interconnected and are thereby not too easily and inadvertently separated while the user attempts to cause engagement of the threads for screwing down the top onto the container.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for controlling a self-propelled machine wherein the apparatuses and methods 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.

Abstract: A mower deck is selectively coupled to the front of a propelling vehicle. The deck includes a mowing height adjustment assembly to permit the user to vary the cutting height of the mower deck. The deck is movable about a lift shaft from a generally horizontal use position to an upright storage/servicing position while the deck is coupled with the vehicle. A mowing height adjustment lever of the mowing height adjustment assembly not only provides the user with a way to adjust the cutting height but also cooperates with the remainder of the mowing height adjustment assembly to prevent movement of the deck from the use position to the storage/servicing position. Movement of the mowing height adjustment lever from an upright use position to a collapsed position permits the deck to be moved from the use position to the upright storage/servicing position. A latch plate and a catch cooperate to automatically lock the deck in the storage/servicing position when the deck is rotated thereto.

Abstract: A system for performing several functions in caring for crops such as vines grown in rows uses a high pressure water jet to selectively prune, thin shoots and remove leaves from growing crops. Water jet size, pressure, movement and position relative to the crops are controlled to obtain desired functions.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a physical parameter comprises receiving a sensor signal representative of an actual value from each of a plurality of sensors. The method further comprises calculating confidence value for each sensed value and a weighted average of actual values of the sensor signal by weighting each sensed value by the respective confidence value. The weighted average is used to determine a corresponding value of the sensed parameter.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is a technique to suppress noise in a jet engine. A noise suppressor includes an exhaust duct to exhaust a first stream from an air stream taken from an inlet. The exhaust duct has an exit end. The air stream is divided into the first stream and a second stream. The second stream has an axis. A stream director attached to vicinity of the exit end directs the first stream to a direction that is away from or sideward relative to the axis.

Abstract: An injection head for a liquid-propelled rocket engine has a plurality of first and second injection bores for injecting jets of first and second propellant constituents, respectively, into the combustion chamber of a rocket engine, with mutual mixing of propellant constituents. The first injection bores are provided for injecting jets of the first propellant constituent with a high impulse, and the second injection bores are provided for injecting propellant jets of the second propellant constituent with a low impulse. In addition, the first and second injection bores are mutually arranged such that an admixing of the second propellant constituent to the first propellant constituent takes place under an ejector effect of the propellant jets of the first propellant constituent leaving the first injection bores.

Abstract: A combustion chamber, in particular for a rocket drive, includes at least one jacket madeof a composite material with a ceramic matrix. The composite material contains a fibrous structure made of carbon-containing fibers, and the fibrous structure comprises layers of fibers that form a three-dimensional matrix.

Abstract: A device includes: downstream air-fuel ratio feedback control unit that performs feedback control of an upstream target air-fuel ratio so that a downstream air-fuel ratio detected by a downstream air-fuel ratio detecting unit coincides with a downstream target air-fuel ratio; a target air-fuel ratio varying unit that varies the upstream target air-fuel ratio at the time of diagnosing degradation of a ternary catalyst; and a catalyst degradation judging unit that judges catalyst degradation from the behavior of the downstream air-fuel ratio at the time of diagnosing degradation of the ternary catalyst. When diagnosing degradation of the ternary catalyst, the downstream air-fuel ratio feedback control unit is stopped or its control constant is set at a smaller value. Thus, when varying the air-fuel ratio for diagnosing catalyst degradation, interference between downstream air-fuel ratio feedback and upstream air-fuel ratio feedback is prevented and catalyst degradation is accurately diagnosed.

Abstract: In a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine and a method for operating a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine, cylinders are assigned an exhaust line and, in each case, a gas inlet valve and a gas outlet valve which are used for the charge cycle. At least one of the cylinders of the internal combustion engine has an additional outlet valve through which, in the opened state, a flow connection can be established between the combustion chamber and the exhaust line. At least one of an exhaust gas composition and an exhaust gas temperature is changed compared to the normal operating mode, and regeneration of the exhaust gas cleaning unit can be set in conjunction with a regeneration operating mode for regenerating an exhaust gas cleaning unit which is arranged in the exhaust line by activating the additional outlet valve of at least one cylinder.

Abstract: A method for rapidly heating an emission control device in an engine exhaust uses excess air added to the exhaust via an air introduction device. After an engine cold start, the engine is operated to raise exhaust manifold temperature to a first predetermined value by operating the engine with a lean air-fuel ratio and retarded ignition timing. Once the exhaust manifold reaches the predetermined temperature value, the engine is switched to operate rich and air is added via the air introduction device. The added air and rich exhaust gas burn in the exhaust, thereby generating heat and raising catalyst temperature even more rapidly. The rich operation and excess air are continued until either engine airflow increases beyond a pre-selected value, or the emission control device reaches a desired temperature value. After the emission control device reaches the desired temperature, the engine is operated substantially around stoichiometry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a diesel engine in which an air ratio (?) of the fuel which is to be burnt and of the combustion air supplied is set by a control unit (14) according to predetermined values. When a value (15) which is predetermined as a switching criterion is recorded, the control unit (14) switches to a special operating mode for regeneration of a catalytic converter (22) and sets the fuel/air ratio according to predetermined values for this operating mode. To achieve more effective regeneration of the catalytic converter, according to the invention it is provided that at least one afterinjection, which is separated in time from a main injection, of fuel which is also to be burnt takes place in the special operating mode.

Abstract: In an exhaust gas treatment system and a utility vehicle having an exhaust gas treatment system, the exhaust gas treatment system includes a particle reduction unit, a reducing agent tank and a nitrogen oxide reduction unit of a modular design, wherein the reducing agent tank is arranged between the particle reduction unit and the nitrogen oxide reduction unit and extends around a connecting line extending between the particle reduction unit and the nitrogen oxide reduction unit, and in a utility vehicle, the associated exhaust gas treatment system is arranged within a predefined cuboid envelope volume on a support structure which is attached to a frame member of the vehicle.

Abstract: A diesel combustion engine system providing improved fuel combustion and exhaust aftertreatment includes: a diesel combustion engine having a liquid fuel intake, an air intake, a reformate intake, and an exhaust outlet; a liquid diesel fuel source in fluid communication with the liquid fuel intake and an on-board catalytic partial oxidation fuel reformer that receives a supply of hydrogen-containing liquid diesel fuel and a supply of air and produces therefrom a hydrogen-rich reformate. An exhaust conduit in fluid communication with the exhaust outlet and the reformer includes a reformate conduit upstream from exhaust aftertreatment components.

Abstract: A control unit prevents overheating of a particulate filter in an exhaust path of an internal combustion engine during regeneration of the particulate filter if the regeneration deviates from prescribed conditions. Overheating is prevented using one of two engine operations: a first operation with a relatively lower exhaust temperature and relatively higher oxygen surplus (lean operation), or a second operation with a relatively higher exhaust temperature and a relatively lower oxygen surplus (rich operation). Based on the filter temperature and amount of particulate sediment, a heating value in the particulate filter (the heat quantity of an oxidation reaction of burning particulates in the particulate filter) is calculated for each operation. The operation with a lower heat budget, i.e., the difference between the heating value and heat released, is selected to cool the filter.

Abstract: A selectively configurable beam and systems utilizing such are disclosed. The distribution of mass of the beam can be selectively adjusted or altered by adjusting one or more characteristics of the beam. Specific strategies utilizing continuous electro-wetting, and selective formation or movement of gases in liquid are disclosed. The selectively configurable beams are used in systems for harvesting vibrational energy from vibrating bodies.

Abstract: The internal pressure p1 of the hollow body of a pneumatic structural element that comprises a hollow body (1), at least two traction elements (4) and at least one compression member (2) can be electrothermally varied by means of a fluid. The hollow body (1) houses a void (12) which is filled with a gas (15), and a container (9) which contains a volatile liquid (10). Said liquid (10) can be heated or cooled by means of a heat pump (13). Said heat pump (13) thermally contacts the liquid (10) via lamellas (24). A pressure sensor (14) measures the pressure inside the void (12). A cable (16) links the sensor (14) and the heat pump (13) with control and regulating electronics (23).

Abstract: There is provided a vehicle braking device in which a front outer periphery of a backup piston that can directly press a master piston from behind when output fluid pressure from a fluid pressure generation source is reduced is fluid-tightly and slidably fitted to a short cylindrical separator, a sleeve forming an annular channel between itself and an outer periphery of the backup piston is placed backward of the separator, and annular seal members for sealing front and rear sides of the annular passage are mounted between the separator and the backup piston, and between the sleeve and the backup piston. The seal member for sealing a front side of the annular passage is mounted to an inner periphery of the separator so as to come into repulsive contact with the outer periphery of the backup piston. The seal member for sealing a rear side of the annular passage is mounted to the outer periphery of the backup piston so as to come into repulsive contact with an inner periphery of the sleeve.