Abstract: A method for producing alloy wheels for motor vehicles in which each wheel is provided with a hub and a rim contemplates realizing a finishing operation with a cutting machine tool, measuring the unbalance of the wheel, checking whether the unbalance falls within the predetermined acceptability values by means of a control unit and issuing a signal related to the acceptability of the unbalance.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to avoid injury to blood vessels that are situated in claws, when cutting claws with claw clippers or scissors, in particular of dogs. To achieve this, a transilluminator (8) is provided on the claw clippers below the cutting opening (15), said device permitting a visual recognition of the course of blood vessels (18) immediately before the cut, so that the exact point of incision can be determined outside living cell tissue.

Abstract: A rotary electric shaver including an outer cutter frame mounted on a shaver main body housing a motor therein, outer cutters held in an outer cutter mounting hole formed in this outer cutter frame the upper surfaces thereof providing skin contacting surfaces, and inner cutters that rotate while being pressed against the inner surfaces of the outer cutters and have cutter bodies for cutting hair entering hair introduction openings formed in the outer cutters; wherein the outer cutters are provided tiltable relative to the outer cutter frame, and the outer cutter frame is tiltable relative to the shaver main body.

Abstract: A citrus juicer includes an element for extracting juice from a citrus half and an elongated hollow housing which is axially aligned with the juice extracting element. A rotary drive mechanism is mounted within the housing and includes a motor and a drive shaft operably connected to the juice extracting element. A power source is disposed within the hollow housing and is capable of supplying the predetermined voltage to the motor for rotating the element. A switch is provided for selectively activating and terminating the supply of the predetermined voltage from the power source to the motor. The citrus juicer may be further adapted with a bowl and a cover arrangement for covering the juice extracting element and wherein the drive mechanism will be capable of axially and linearly moving the juice extracting element to penetrate the citrus half.

Abstract: Scissors comprising a stem (1) integrally defining a stationary blade (3) and a stationary handle (2), a truncated handle (6) pivotally connected to the stem (1) around a first rotation pin (7), and a movable blade (5) fractured in relation to the truncated handle (6), the assembly of the movable blade (5) and the truncated handle (6) crossing and overlapping with the stem (1), a cutting line (X) being defined by the line along which the cutting is completed in the closure position of the movable blade (6). According to the invention, the first rotation pin (7) is off-centered in relation to the cutting line, on the side of the movable blade (5), and the movable blade (5) is supported by the truncated handle (6) and by the stem (1) in at least two points via respective purely pivotal connections.

Abstract: In the safety cutter knife provided, a blade slide holding a blade is rotated in the direction nearly perpendicular to the longitudinal center line of the housing of the cutter knife by virtue of a reaction force from a work material when the cutting edge of the blade extended from the housing is pressed into the work material while the blade slide and the actuator slide are located at the extended position. With this rotation of the blade slide, the engagement between the blade slide and the actuator slide is released, such that the blade slide with the blade can return automatically from the extended position to the retracted position by virtue of the energizing force of a spring when the blade is released from the work material.

Abstract: A cable tie removal tool for cutting a cable tie off of an underlying structure with which the cable tie is engaged. The tool has an opposed pair of cutting members each having a cutting edge, the cutting members movable between an open position in which the cutting edges are spaced from one another and a cutting position in which the cutting edges are close together or touching. The tool also has a mechanical structure that holds at least one cutting member off of the underlying structure as the cutting members are moved from the open to the cutting position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a scoring and cutting device for drywall wherein the device includes a T-square portion having a cross member and an elongated member extending perpendicular from the cross member. At least one roller is rotatably mounted to the bottom surface of the cross member, such that the roller is able to bear against and roll along an edge of a drywall sheet. The device includes a plurality of orifices or receptacles located on elongated member for receiving an instrument to produce a straight cut or score line on the surface of the drywall sheet as elongated member is moved across the surface of the drywall sheet via the at least one roller. The present invention is further directed to a scoring and cutting device comprising a slidably adjustable instrument that produce a straight cut or score line on the surface of the drywall sheet as elongated member is moved across the surface of the drywall sheet via the at least one roller.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a tiltmeter includes a first elongate element having first and second ends, and a second elongate element having a first end supported by the first end of the first element, and a second end supported by the second end of the first element. The tiltmeter also includes sensing apparatus supported by the second element.

Abstract: An inclinometer (600) can include a first housing portion (400) having a sloped surface (402) including plurality of conductive areas or surfaces (401, 415, 430, 445, 460, 416, 431, 446, and 461) on the sloped surface, and a second sloped surface (404) having a common contact (480) separate from the conductive areas. The conductive areas can be a plurality of conductive areas corresponding for example to tilt degrees of 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 respectively in a left orientation and 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 respectively in a right orientation. The inclinometer can include a housing (602) that mates with the first housing portion and encloses the first housing portion and a conductive substantially spherical element or ball (700) therein. The ball can traverse the sloped surface and form a connection between the common contact and the at least one conductive portion as it traverses the sloped surface.

Abstract: A carpenter's square includes a triangular base having first and second sides joined to form a right angle. A first elongated slot is disposed within the base parallel to a third side thereof; and a pin is selectively positionable along the length of the slot. The pin provides a mechanism for fixing the base in a specific orientation relative to an edge of an object when the pin is in a locked position within the slot.

Abstract: A tool for installing various configurations of electrical boxes to framing studs during building construction includes a staff having graduations indicating distances from an end of the staff. A mounting fixture is slidably disposed on the staff and can be secured at a desired position along the length of the staff corresponding to a desired installation height for the electrical boxes. The mounting fixture may include pins for engaging apertures on an electrical box, and magnets for magnetically engaging metal electrical boxes, to help retain the electrical boxes on the mounting fixture during installation.

Abstract: A guide for attachment to a circular saw includes an attaching member, an extension member for slidable movement in a slot defined longitudinally along the attaching member, and an angle guide attached to the extension member. The attaching member is attachable to a circular saw rip guide and includes primary and rear portions for abutting a workpiece. The angle guide may be set to a desired angle and locked into place. With the angle guide pressed against the workpiece, the circular saw may be activated. As the saw and attached guide move forward along a cut path, the extension member and angle gauge remain abutted against the workpiece through relative slidable movement between the attaching and extension members. A ball catch mechanism may be included to selectively prevent the attaching and extension members from completely separating. A laser light may also be included to illuminate the line to be cut.

Abstract: A tape measure having a case, in which is a spooled concave measuring blade, the blade being extendable from the case via an opening, the tape measure having a spring which acts to urge the blade back into its spooled configuration, and an end piece at the free end of the measuring blade, wherein the tape measure further comprises at least one aperture in the casing to allow direct access to the spooled blade.

Abstract: A small, portable electric shoe dryer that includes and elongated, narrow outer housing with three longitudinally aligned heating elements and a fan and motor assembly mounted on one end. Formed on the outer housing and around the fan and motor assembly is a fan vent opening. Formed on the opposite, distal end of the outer housing is a plurality of front and side body vent openings. In one embodiment, a three pole manual switch is mounted inside outer housing with connects to the fan and motor assembly which draws dry air into the shoe from the top opening or forces moist air out of the shoe. In another embodiment, a pair of longitudinally aligned, upward extending wing elements are formed on the top surface which maintains an air space when the inside of the shoe is adjacent to the top surface.

Abstract: A method for drying semi-crystalline synthetic resin pellets, particularly polyethylene terephthalate (PET) pellets, according to which a heating gas is supplied to a drying vessel; synthetic resin pellets are passed countercurrently through the vessel, and the synthetic resin pellets are heated to drying temperature. Depending on pellet parameters measured at the outlet of the vessel, such as temperature, residual moisture content and/or density of the material, the temperature, quantity and/or moisture content of the heating gas supplied to the vessel are regulated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cabinet for an automatic washing or/and drying machine, and an automatic washing or/and drying machine with the same, and more particularly, to a cabinet for an automatic washing or/and drying machine, in which a cabinet for automatic washing or/and drying machine, having panels joined by curling, is improved to prevent the panels from slipping with respect to each other at joined portions; and an automatic washing or/and drying machine with the same.

Abstract: An article of footwear intended for use as a dance shoe is disclosed. The article of footwear includes an upper. The upper includes an opening with a periphery configured to expose the top of the instep of a foot, while covering the medial and lateral sides of the foot. In addition, the article of footwear includes a fastening system, comprising a first and second strap, configured to expand during insertion of the foot into the article of footwear and fasten the article of footwear to the foot.

Abstract: Impact-attenuation members include: (a) an impact-attenuating member and (b) a shear resistant member engaged with the impact-attenuating member. Another example impact-attenuation member includes a shear resistant member having a continuous wall that bulges outward on opposing sides when in an uncompressed base orientation. The shear resistant members may be structured and arranged to allow bending or compression against impact forces in one direction (e.g., when landing a step or a jump), but remain highly stable against shear or lateral forces in another direction (e.g., in a side-to-side direction). Such impact-attenuation members may be used in footwear products, including in athletic footwear.

Abstract: Impact-attenuating elements, e.g., for use in footwear or other foot-receiving device products, may include: (a) a base member, such as a fluid-tight and/or other fluid-filled or fluid-containing enclosure element; (b) a support element integrally and contiguously formed in a surface of the base member; and/or (c) a spring device engaged with the support element. The support element and its corresponding spring device (if any) may include a non-planar surface (e.g., substantially parabolic shaped, cylindrically shaped, etc.) that extends in a direction into the base member and toward its opposite surface. The support element and its corresponding spring device (if any) also may include reinforcing structure(s), such as raised ribs extending along a surface of the support element and/or spring device.

Abstract: An insole including a main body having a bottom face and a top face with a configuration adapted to a curvature of a human sole. The top face has a heel section, a hollow section and a toe section. The heel section has a substantially concaved structure with a higher periphery and a lower central portion. The hollow section integrally forward extends from the heel section and has a substantially convex structure adapted to the configuration of human sole. The hollow section gradually ascends in accordance with an inner side of the human sole, whereby the insole can snugly and tenderly attach to the heel and hollow of the human sole. The bottom face is a plane face. Two sides of the bottom face upward extend to increase the contact area with the ground and enhance firmness and flexibility of the insole.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a fastening system. The fastening system can include a pull tab and one or more flaps that cooperate to provide a more secure and snug fit, eliminates the need for conventional laces and a conventional tongue, and is easy to operate, especially for children or people with disabilities.

Abstract: A removable cleat for footwear. The cleat includes a disc with opposing faces. A shoe coupling element is attached to one face of the disc. The other disc face supports a cushioning layer. Traction elements are supported by the cushioning layer. When a user steps on a surface wearing a shoe outfitted with these cleats, the resilience of the cushioning layer at once both lessens the impact of the traction elements on the ground surface and lessens the reaction force on the user's foot transmitted through the shoe's outsole. The user's comfort is thereby enhanced.

Abstract: An orthopedic insert is disclosed that comprises an orthotic shell and a plurality of cuts made about at least a portion of the periphery of the orthotic shell. The orthotic shell typically comprises an arch portion made of a semi-flexible material. As a patient's weight is applied to the insert, and particularly the orthotic shell, the cuts localize the flexing in the arch portion as a result of the downward force being applied by the patient, thus reducing pressures along the orthotic edges and diminished muscle strain.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shoe sole capable of horizontally maintaining an inner bottom section of footwear when the user walks. The shoe sole includes an outsole provided at front and rear portions thereof with a plurality of protrusions, a mid-sole stacked on the upper surface of the outsole and formed with a plurality of perforation holes, an insert provided at a bottom surface thereof with a plurality of protrusions, which are inserted into the outer wheels by passing through the perforation holes of the mid-sole, and a lasting board stacked on an upper surface of the insert coupled with the mid-sole. The inner bottom section of footwear is horizontally maintained. The shoe sole attenuates foot fatigue and provides comfortable wearing feeling when the user walks on an unpaved road or climbs a mountain.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for resurfacing an ice surface. The apparatus includes a chassis and a reservoir for holding water to be dispensed via a dispensing tube in fluid communication with the reservoir. A scraper assembly attached to the chassis includes a scraper blade adapted to engage the ice surface. A first thrower is rotatably mounted to the chassis adjacent to the scraper blade and a second thrower is rotatably mounted to the chassis adjacent to the first thrower. A snow storage compartment has an opening adjacent the second rotating thrower. The first rotating thrower is adapted to deliver ice or snow accumulated by the blade to the second rotating thrower. The second rotating thrower then delivers the ice or snow to the snow storage compartment. A motor is coupled to the chassis and a drive linkage is coupled to the motor for rotatably driving the first and second throwers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a tracking system for a snow removal remote unit and crew. The tracking system of the invention is configured to interface with a GPS system to determine the location of a remote unit, and more particularly, to determine if the remote unit is operating at a removal location. If the removal unit is operating at a removal location, the tracking system of the invention is configured to track the time expended at the removal location conducting removal operations. Once the removal operations are completed at the removal location, the tracking system of the invention is configured to transmit the tracking data to a base location where the information may be used for accounting, billing, invoicing, and/or scheduling operations via transmission or interfacing of the data to other software processes configured to conduct these processes.

Abstract: A combination yard maintenance apparatus used for lawn mowing, leaf clearing and snow blowing comprises a blade assembly having an elongated support member for rotatably mounting to a drive shaft and two shovelling surfaces disposed at opposite ends of the elongated support member extending from the elongated support member downwardly and laterally opposite one from the other. Each shovelling surface has a lower edge with a cutting edge, an upper edge, an inner edge and an outer edge. The present invention also provides a clutch mechanism for engaging and disengaging an input shaft from an output shaft comprising a first and a second threadable engagement associated with the input shaft and output shaft respectively, and an initiator for inducing the engagement of the first and second threadable engagements. A friction-drive self-propelling system is also provided, comprising a driving wheel and a friction disk wherein the driving wheel has central recessed portion.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a loader of a construction apparatus such as front-end wheel loader or an agricultural tractor. Specifically, the present invention is related to a control system for a loader.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roller ironing machine for articles of clothing. The inventive machine comprises a heated ironing roller which is supported, guided and rotated in a frame, a pressure roller which is parallel to and in contact with the ironing roller and endless belts which are mounted to satellite rollers such as to cover part of the ironing roller. In addition, axial journals belonging to the pressure roller rest against inclined planes which are fixed to the frame such as to form an angle in relation to a plane that is tangent to the ironing roller and the pressure roller on the line of mutual contact. The aforementioned journals rest against the planes with a force that includes a normal component that is derived from the weight of the roller, thereby producing a greater ironing force than the weight of the roller owing to the wedge effect provided by the opposing directions of rotation of the ironing roller and the pressure roller.

Abstract: A stretched painting canvas having a stretcher bar structure and a canvas wrapped across the stretcher bar structure so as to create a display surface, wherein at least two opposing sides of said stretcher bar are angled inward relative to said display surface such that a sum of said opposing sides' inward angles is equal to the angle formed by two intersecting walls, where each said inward angle of said opposing sides is greater than 0 degrees and said angle formed by two intersecting walls is greater than 0 degrees but less than 180 degrees.

Abstract: A calendar that is easy to learn and is more efficient for remembering calendar events in both commercial and non-commercial applications. A method for making a calendar that is easy to learn and is more efficient for remembering calendar events in both commercial and non-commercial applications, as disclosed in this disclosure. A method for using a calendar that is easy to learn and is more efficient for remembering calendar events in both commercial and non-commercial applications.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a correction tape device incorporated with a decoration device, comprising a body one peripheral surface of which has a protruding rim inside which a recess 14 is defined; a cover which is a transparent body with identical dimension and shape to those of the recess and can be positioned and connected with the recess; therefore a decoration piece with images on its surface may be positioned in the recess, and a cover is positioned upon the decoration piece and connected with the recess such that the decoration piece is clamped between the recess and the cover.

Abstract: A signal device including a plurality of visually different displays mounted within housing and displays rotated by user to display one desired message at a time, so that the status of the workstation user can be visually determined. And signal device is attached to the top of the cubicle wall.

Abstract: There is provided an illuminated sign mounting system and methods for mounting an illuminated sign to a mounting surface.

Abstract: A structural device to which is fastened planar displays or frames to support planer displays and the structural device attaches to a vehicle so as to support planar displays or frames to support a planer displays in the plane parallel to or near parallel to the rear or front surfaces of the vehicle. The structural device is comprised of a singular structural member or a plurality of concatenated structural members that are static, exhibit rotational or linear articulation, or exhibit rotational and linear articulation. The structural device attaches to the vehicle by means its structural members and its securing devices. The structural device is placed on the vehicle or parts attached to the vehicle. The securing devices attach to the vehicle and are manipulated to provide forces which in conjunction with the structural members fasten the invention to the vehicle or parts attached to the vehicle.

Abstract: A billboard apparatus is provided. The billboard apparatus includes a frame, a billboard display connected to the frame for providing information to a user, and a telephone connected to the frame in proximity to the billboard display. A method of advertising using a billboard apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A stick figure structure for conveying information to observer of the structure. The stick figure structure may have a torso member, left and right leg members, left and right arm members, and a head member configured to resemble a stick figure. The stick figure structure's members may be further configured to convey information to observers. The stick figure structure may support a sign or a banner. One or more stick figure structures may be located along a route to convey direction information to observers of the structures. Two or more stick figure structures may be arranged to jointly support a sign or a banner or to form a barricade.

Abstract: A bicycle is provided with an identification device. The identification device includes a base, an identity plate and two fasteners. The base is formed on the bicycle. The fasteners are used to attach the identity plate to the base so that the identity plate cannot be removed from the base.

Abstract: A gift card holder has a main body dimensioned to accommodate a gift card of a common size, such as for example generally rectangular cards with approximate dimensions of 84 mm×55 mm, to engage or otherwise grip the card, and further having molded or structural or decorative features. Certain embodiments of the gift card ornaments further include a cavity in the main body which accommodates the planar card configuration and one or more gripping structures which engage the card in most cases at an edge to hold one or more cards in a predetermined position relative to the body of the ornament.

Abstract: A paper clip cover bearing printed indicia such as decorative or informational content that can be affixed to a sheaf of documents and function as a standard paper clip while displaying the information contained on the cover to the recipient of the documents. Three embodiments are disclosed including one with a front section and a back strip attached end-to-end across the front section to form a pocket for receiving a prong of the paper clip. Another embodiment simply has two slits cut into the paper cover to form an intermediate tab, and no backing. A third embodiment has two full sheets of paper glued together, with multiple paper clip covers defined by perforations through the sheets. In this case the user can print the sheets in a standard office printer with desired decoration, and punches them out.

Abstract: The present invention is a container for a picture frame capable of withstanding temperatures of 500-1000° F. for 15 to 20 minutes that employs the use of water as its main protectant. The present invention works on the property of the phase change of water from a liquid to a gas. During the phase change the temperature of the water will remain constant until all of the water has changed to gas. At sea level this temperature is about 212° F. of 100° C. Tests showing that most photographic paper can withstand temperatures of this magnitude. This test involved putting a picture is a water tight plastic baggie and submerging it in boiling water for 20 minutes. The photograph emerged unchanged.

Abstract: A one-piece-form bezel and its manufacturing method are disclosed here. The present invention utilizes a frame element with a one-piece-form rivet and a frame element with and one-piece-form riveting hole to rivet frame elements with each other and to complete the assemble by punching. The present invention is not necessary to utilize extra assembling processes, such as soldering, solvent, adhesive or gluing process, to joint frame elements and is only to utilize the normal punching equipments to form the present one-piece-form bezel.

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

Abstract: A telescopic sight (10) for automatically compensating for bullet trajectory deviations is disclosed. The sight (10) includes a user input (20) and an electronic port (22) for communicating ballistic, calibration and user preference information to the sight (10). The sight (10) further includes a ranger finder (24) and an array of ambient condition sensors (26,28,30,32,34,36) for automatically generating target distance information and ambient condition information. A processor (38) uses the ballistic, calibration, user preference, distance and ambient condition information to calculate bullet trajectory deviation compensation information. The processor (38) presents the compensation to the user in the form of a compensation reticle (48) or a compensation value (50).

Abstract: A firearm target illumination implement is disclosed. The firearm target illumination implement includes a body that is adapted for removable-attachment to a barrel of a firearm. According to an embodiment, the firearm target illumination implement includes an illumination device disposed in the body and a plurality of illumination device actuators ambidextrously-arranged on the body to provide control of on/off switching and focusing of light emitted from the illumination device. According to an embodiment, the firearm target illumination implement includes a mounting plate that is removably-secured to the body, at least one fastener that passes through the mounting plate and into the body, and a portion of the at least one fastener that provides tactile feedback to an operator when the at least one fastener is moved by the operator from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A fishing lure including a U-shaped body having a primary member and a secondary member joined together by a crosspiece. A fishhook and a weight are affixed to the rear of the primary member. The weight has a bulb and a rearwardly extending stem that terminates at an enlarged shoulder. A detachable blade harness is releasably attached to the weight and includes an elastomeric tether to which is rotatably attached a pair of spinner blades. A buzz blade is rotatably attached to the secondary member.

Abstract: The fish set line 100 is an apparatus or kit that a fisherman may use: to be alerted when a fish has been caught; to provide a convenient means to adjust the proper line length; and to provide a convenient means of storing the fishing combination. The fish set line 100 may include a housing means 110; an attachment means 120 and an attachment line 130 for attaching the fish set line 100 with a fixed structure; a swivel 136 attached with the attachment line 130; a motion activated light means 140 for detecting motion related to fish engagement; a fish hook 150; a hook line 152; a weight 158; a hook line shaft 160; and a locking crank means 162 for reeling in the hook line 152 and locking the hook line 150 in place.

Abstract: An apparatus to capture snakes or small animals has an inner extensible coil spring support structure having shape memory. The support structure is overlaid or enclosed by a flexible mesh netting having open spaces whereby the snakes may pass through the spaces only when moving in a first forward direction. A deployment container houses the support structure and the netting when the support structure is in a retracted position. Multiple layers of concentrically arranged netting with different mesh sizes may be used to enclose the support structure.

Abstract: A single use, reusable or disposable, animal trap suitable for trapping rodents, having a stable enclosure, an unstable internal floor that tilts to dose the trap, a locking mechanism to keep trap closed, and a release for said locking mechanism, where both the locking mechanism and release mechanism are unaffected by gravity once the trap has tripped, regardless of the orientation of the trap relative to gravity. The floor of the trap tilts back and forth allowing the animal to enter and leave the trap (each time leaving the trap in the open position), until the animal enters the trap far enough such that the floor tilts to one end closing the opening in the trap where the floor is then locked into the closed (or trapped) position with the animal inside.