Abstract: A shaving apparatus comprising a first shaving unit, including a first outer cutter (101,102) and a first undercutter (20) which cooperate together, a skin agitation member (12), a housing and a drive source (58) mounted in the housing. The outer cutter is mounted in a frame (10). The drive source is coupled to the first undercutter to provide oscillatory movement with respect to the frame at a frequency in the range 70 to 280 Hz. The drive source is also coupled to the skin agitation member to provide oscillatory movement at a frequency in the range 5 to 50 Hz. The first outer cutter is un-driven with respect to the frame.

Abstract: A pocketknife with a folding blade and a secondary blade has a handle, a folding blade, a bracket and a secondary blade. The handle has a side. The folding blade is attached pivotally to the handle and has a bottom edge and a cutting edge. The cutting edge is formed on the bottom edge of the folding blade. The bracket is mounted on the side of the handle. The secondary blade is slidely mounted inside the bracket and has a bottom edge and a cutting edge. The cutting edge is formed on the bottom edge of the secondary blade. The cutting edges on the blades are separated from each other. The cutting edge on the secondary blade cannot interfere with the cutting edge of the folding blade. The cutting edge of the secondary blade is long enough to cut things with a few strokes.

Abstract: An assemblable eating utensil is disclosed that provides an eating utensil that is portable, easy to assemble and disassemble, and convenient to use.

Abstract: A folding knife having an improved locking mechanism that keeps the knife in an open extended use position until specific close actions are initiated. The improved locking mechanism provides a safety pin that is secured within the frame elements so as to be positioned between the knife blade and the free end of a locking bar that is spring urged thereagainst imparting improved force transfer locking structure thereto with wear adjustably pivot engagement points of the locking mechanism under spring urged locking engagement.

Abstract: A device for cutting media is provided. The device includes a cover having a sidewall extending therefrom; a guide disposed substantially beneath the cover and comprising a blade; an actuating mechanism disposed in at least one of the cover and the guide; and an actuating wall disposed between the cover and the guide. Engagement of the actuating mechanism creates a cutting action between the blade and the actuating wall.

Abstract: A blade holder for cutting machines includes a blade head held on a raising and lowering device and having an adjustment mechanism for a circular blade that is held on the blade head. The adjustment mechanism for the movement of the circular blade between a cutting position and a ready position, is provided with an adjustment piston rod having an adjustment piston that is guided in a chamber of the blade head housing and can is adapted to be moved by compressed air. The adjustment piston rod is biased by a compression spring into the ready position of the circular blade. The piston surface of the adjustment piston has a cross-sectional area that is configured such that as the path of the adjustment piston in the direction of adjustment increases, the piston surface that is acted upon by compressed air increases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a blade of a paper shredder, characterized in that the serrated cutting edge and the circular blade body are integrally formed from the base material, and the serrated cutting edge is formed by bending the periphery of the blade body; the serrated cutting edge has a front face bent from the periphery of the blade body, such that the width of the cutting edge is larger than the thickness of the blade body. The blade of the present invention requires simple processing and low material consumption, and the paper scrap from the shredder can be discharged smoothly.

Abstract: In a shaver including at least one shaving head (2) having at least one shaving foil and at least one motor-driven shaving cutter oscillating relative to the shaving foil as well as a cover (3) overlapping the shaving head (2), the cover (3) comprises recesses (5) extending transversely to the direction (6) of the oscillating movement of the shaving cutters and whose longitudinal axes, with the direction (6) of the oscillating movement of at least one cutter head, enclose angles at least partially different from 90°.

Abstract: A hand-held razor has single or multiple blades of a smaller dimension than is typical and features an ergonomically advantageous handle allow more detailed shaving and hair removal. The increased detail allows shaving of more difficult areas for shaving and allows detailed hair removal for fashionable shaving styles of the beard, goatee, scalp, sideburns or other areas. Embodiments include a shaving head that is an integrated disposable razor or is part of a replaceable razor blade cartridge.

Abstract: A method and device for measuring and adjusting the angular movement of a fastening cleat on a clipless pedal, includes a motion detector which is fixed to the pedal to detect any angular movement in relation to the fastening cleat and transmit data to a data-processing device which calculates values of the angular movement as a function of time, and the average of the variations in the angular movement. The contactless motion detector includes a magnetic sensor which is fixed to the pedal, and is disposed facing a magnet that is fixed beneath the cleat and can detect any variation in the orientation of the magnetic field as a function of the angular movement of the cleat. The angular position of the fastening cleat is adjusted such that the average variation in the value of the free angular movement is returned to the median of the free angular movement range.

Abstract: A fabric having a procedure map which enables identification, by a machine or by a person, of one or more of the fabric characteristics, e.g. the straight of grain, true bias, up-down direction, decorative pattern characteristic, distance from a selvedge or distance along a selvedge. The procedure map facilitates accurate measuring, marking, and cutting of fabric e.g. for furniture upholstery, garments, draperies, linens and quilts.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a chalk line device having a helical gear and an improved locking assembly. The locking assembly comprises a first lock member having a lock button. The locking assembly also comprises a second lock member including an opening to lockingly engage the first lock member and having a plurality of teeth at one end disposed adjacent one of the helical gears used in this embodiment. The second lock member engages with the helical gear in response to a movement of the lock button member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for setting at least one predetermined distance between a machine tool (10) and a metallic or non-metallic electrically conductive workpiece (12) according to which a capacitive and/or inductive sensor (16) fixed to the machine tool (10) while facing the workpiece (12). The machine tool (10) is displaced with constant speed toward the workpiece (12) by means of a drive device, and a sensor signal is output at predetermined time intervals by means of a data processing unit (24). The sensor signal has a characteristic quantity that continuously changes in a non-linear manner according to the distance of the machine tool (10) from the workpiece (12). The invention provides that the data processing unit (24) compares each read out value of the characteristic quantity with a comparative value read out before at a predetermined number of time intervals and calculates the difference between the values that are compared with one another.

Abstract: Laser interferometers and high-quality linear encoders both are competitive linear measurement systems used in high-precision machines. Plane laser interferometry allows measuring to a target that moves perpendicular to the measurement direction and to set up the laser beam in line with the functional point. In this way, a stacking of measurement systems can be avoided and a measurement configuration complying with the Abbe principle can be configured. On the other hand, laser interferometry is known to be sensitive to environmental changes. High-quality linear scales are used as an alternative. A disadvantage of linear scales is that the target is only allowed to move along the measurement axis. For targets translating in more than one direction with a range over several millimetres, this leads to a simple stacking of several linear scales together with the supporting slides. This indirect way of measuring introduces errors and partially destroys the accuracy provided by modern linear scales.

Abstract: A measurement system has a measurement scale pattern (10) and sensor (12) moveable relative to one another. The measurement scale pattern has a pattern of features (14) arranged into groups, each group having a known absolute position. The sensor (12) has a field of view sufficient to detect one or more features simultaneously. Relative movement between the sensor (12) and measurement scale pattern (10) is constrained in two or more degrees of freedom. A processor determines the position of the sensor or an object connected to the sensor relative to the measurement scale pattern in at least one linear and one rotational degree of freedom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand hair dryer (1), comprising an electric fan (2) and an in-series electric heating device (3), for the generation of an air stream (4) out of a tube section (5), whereby the fan (2) is arranged in a housing section (6) and the heating device (3) arranged in the tube section (6). An operating element (7), with a first handle grip (8), is arranged on the housing section (6) at approximately 90 degrees to the tube section (5). The tube section (5) is embodied as a second handle grip (9), thus providing ergonomic advantages on operating the hand hair dryer (1).

Abstract: The present invention is a method of drying clothing. A user inserts clothes into a clothes dryer and initiates a normal drying cycle. To initiate a normal drying cycle, the user purchases time for a normal cycle and an optional reverse cycle using a payment interface. The dryer subsequently operates in a normal drying cycle. Next, a reverse drying cycle is initiated, if selected and purchased by the user, to help avoid roping and balling up of their clothes. After the amount of predetermined time purchased for the normal and reverse drying cycles has elapsed, the dryer is turned off. Because a reverse cycle is used, this method of drying clothes prevents roping and balling up of clothes to achieve better drying results in pay operated drying machines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile vacuum excavating, cleaning, demolition, cutting, & drilling machine which has on board a utility power generating means to power tools requiring pressurized water, air vacuum, hydraulic pressure, compressed air, AC power, DC power, water heater or welding means.

Abstract: The method of drying of the present invention includes providing a dryer with a payment receiving means providing a heat source in thermal communication with the dryer. Clothes are then inserted into the dryer and a means of payment to the payment receiving means of the dryer is provided. A drying cycle is then initiated to operate the dryer. Moisture is sensed in the clothes as the dryer is being operated. The dryer is turned off when the moisture in the clothes exceeds a predetermined amount representing a dry load. Payment is received from the means of payment while the dryer is in operation. Payment is stopped from the means of payment when the dryer has ceased operation. As a result, the user has paid only for the time for the dryer to provide a dry load of laundry.

Abstract: A traction device for a boot has a felt platform with a toe section and a heel section, and a heel extension attached to the heel section. Cording passes through two pairs of passages in the toe section and in the heel extension, passing from a toe section passage to a heel extension passage to form a side stringer on each side; the cords extending forward from the heel extension pass through loops on the side stringers and are then cinched to tighten the cording against the boot. To better wrap the device about the boot, the toe section passages can be positioned on ear extensions that protrude from a body of the felt platform. Wing extensions protruding from the heel extension can be provided, with heel extension passages through which the cording passes to aid in wrapping the heel extension about the boot.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cross-linked foam having a shock-absorbing means for an insole of shoes comprises a cross-linked foam body; an inner cavity structure formed in the cross-linked foam body, the inner cavity structure formed simultaneously with the cross-linked foam body; and a filler in the inner cavity structure. The filler may be filled into and sealed by a housing that is formed in the inner cavity structure. According to the present invention, the shock-absorbing means having a greater thickness than the cross-linked foam body can easily be formed in the cross-linked foam body and the inner cavity structure can be shaped along a shape of a bare foot to offer more comfortable fitting.

Abstract: The sand walking sandal is a hinged sandal for walking on sand having a forward sole section with a foot receiving portion located thereon and an extended forward sole width portion extending outward and laterally from the foot receiving portion. A rearward sole section has a foot receiving portion located thereon, an extended rearward sole width portion extending outward and laterally from the foot receiving portion, and a rearward sole section length extension projecting rearward from the foot receiving portion. A flexible hinge joins the forward and rearward sole sections together, allowing each of the sole sections to angularly rotate about the flexible hinge independent of each other. A foot retaining thong or footwear retaining straps are mounted on the foot receiving portion for securing a user's foot to the hinged sandal.

Abstract: A climbing shoe having a vamp; a sole fixed to the bottom of the vamp; a substantially horseshoe-shaped first binding covering the tip portion of the vamp surrounding the metatarsus-phalanx area of the sole of the foot; a substantially horseshoe-shaped second binding, which covers the area of the vamp directly over the heel, and extends along the sides of the vamp up to the first binding; and a third binding designed to cover the portion of the vamp at the metatarsus-phalanx area of the sole of the foot, underneath the sole, and to at least partly cover the portion of the vamp at the arch area of the sole of the foot.

Abstract: A system for wearable electronics devices configured to intercommunicate through wireless communication and, optionally, to communicate with other electronic devices such as cellular telephones, computers, computer networks, etc. is described. In one embodiment, a communication module receives information from one or more devices and provides audio and, optionally, stimulatory information to the wearer. In one embodiment, an electronic device is provided in a shoe. In one embodiment, a wireless (or wired) earpiece is provided to provide audio information to the user. In one embodiment, the shoe-mounted device includes a display to show time, caller-id information, temperature, pulserate, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and shoe having a sole attached to an upper for defining an interior, the interior having a recess, and at least two footbeds, each having different physical properties and each being sized to be placed within the recess. The shoe also has an additive dispersed over the interior and at least one footbed, wherein each of the at least two footbeds is removably placed within the recess depending upon a desired physical property.

Abstract: An appliance (10) for ironing and steaming fabric or clothing includes a base (12) housing a water reservoir (124) and boiler (112) for respectively creating steam and operating an iron. A steam outlet port and hose (20), and a steam wand (18) emit steam onto a fabric or garment. A clothing iron (7) is attached to base (12) via an electrical cord/hose combination (24). The base (12) is attached by a single power cord (46) which is plugged into a single electrical outlet which provides power to both the steamer and the iron.

Abstract: A steam generator (1) comprises a body (20) in which a spiral-shaped groove (30) is arranged, as well as a connection channel (32) which provides access to an end portion (33) of the spiral-shaped groove (30) from a circumferential surface (21) of the body (20). For the purpose of closing the spiral-shaped groove (30), a cover is provided, which has a hole for providing access to a central portion (31) of the spiral-shaped groove (30). During operation of the steam generator (1), water is supplied at one of the central portion (31) and the end portion (33) of the spiral-shaped groove (30). Under the influence of heat, steam is generated, which exits at another one of the central portion (31) and the end portion (33) of the spiral-shaped groove (30).

Abstract: An instruction-wielding apparatus (1000, 3000) comprises two or more interaction points (1100), an instruction-holding mechanism (1200, 3200), and one or more on-product instruction cards (1300) capable of being supported by the instruction-holding mechanism. At least a first one of the on-product instruction cards (1310, 2310, 3310, 4310) comprises two or more instruction steps (1311) and two or more instruction pointers (1312). When the instruction-holding mechanism supports the first one of the on-product instruction cards, a first one of the instruction pointers (13121) points to a first physical location (1111) of a first one of the interaction points (1110), and correlates it to a first one of the instruction steps (13111). At the same time, a second one of the instruction pointers (13122) points to a second physical location (1121) of a second one of the interaction points (1120), and correlates it to a second one of the instruction steps (13112).

Abstract: A tamper-indicating label to be applied to a container. The label is longer than the circumference of the container, so that the label can be wrapped around the container and adhered to itself in an overlap area. The label includes a tamper-indicating mechanism in the overlap area irreversibly indicating if the label has been separated in the overlap area after initial application of the label to the container. The mechanism may be (1) an adhesive bond in the overlap area that is stronger than the label stock in the overlap area, (2) a line of weakening in the label, and/or (3) a frangible material, an adhesive, and/or printing that fractures and/or separates when the overlap area is opened.

Abstract: An image viewer in the shape of a physical relief of a pregnant woman is disclosed, the image viewer comprising a housing, the housing shaped as a physical relief of a pregnant woman and comprising a cavity, an aperture to the cavity; and an image holder, positioned to hold an image in line with the aperture. In some embodiments, the housing of the image viewer may be integral to a photograph album such that the housing forms the front cover of the photograph album. In some embodiments, the image viewer may further comprise a lighting system, comprising a light source disposed in the cavity, a light source switch electrically connected to the light source and disposed external of the cavity, and a light source power source electrically connected to the light source and the light source switch. The housing may also comprise clothing and a lens positioned in the aperture.

Abstract: A product badge coupled to a product, such as an information handling system, displays product information to align with a selected of plural product orientations by illuminating a first display material to present the product information in a first orientation associated with a first product orientation and a second display material to present the product information in a second orientation associated with a second product orientation. For instance, illumination by a backlight presents the product information in the first orientation by interacting with the first display material, and suspension of illumination by the backlight presents the product information in the second orientation by allowing reflective light to interact with the second display material. Selection of illumination is automatically or manually accomplished.

Abstract: A high visibility retractable safety strap and a method for securing a trailer to a towing vehicle is disclosed. The retractable safety strap is coupled to either the trailer or the towing vehicle. The high visibility nature of the strap increases safety for other motorists by making the presence of the coupling between the trailer and towing vehicle more perceivable. The safety straps also provide redundancy should the main coupling between the trailer and towing vehicle become detached.

Abstract: A mobile display (1) comprises an electronic display element (2), a power source (4), and an apparatus (3) suitable for being worn by a person to support the display element (2) and the power source (4). A wearable computer for controlling operation of the display element (2) is housed within the apparatus (3). The apparatus (3) comprises a front part (13) configured to be located at the front of the wearer, and a rear part (14) configured to be located at the rear of the wearer. The front part (13) and the rear part (14) are formed integrally from a fibre reinforced composite material. The display element (2) is attached to the front part (13) at a hinge region (5). This hinged attachment facilitates hinging movement of the display element (2) relative to the front part (13) between a display configuration and an interface configuration. The display element (2) has a front side (6) for displaying and a rear side (7). User interface means are supported on the rear side (7) of the display element (2).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a banner equipped with an elastic frame. The banner equipped with the elastic frame includes: a banner printed with advertising contents; a frame receiving part disposed on the edge of the banner; a frame inserted into the frame receiving part and forming the exterior shape of the banner using its elasticity; and pole mounting portions disposed on the frame receiving part at a predetermined interval for mounting poles of a banner supporter for supporting the banner, wherein the frame is an elastic body, and its both ends are not connected integrally in a loop shape but separated from each other.

Abstract: An advertising device that is affixed to an exterior wall of a building, the device provided in the form of an exterior window with an advertisement positioned therein. The advertising device is provided with an image that may be partitioned into a first and second area. The advertisement or an image may advantageously be positioned in the first area, while the second area may be provided as a translucent or frosted look, or an opaque area. Alternatively, the second area may be provided as a second image different from the image in the first area. The advertisement gives the appearance of an exterior window on the exterior of the building to both increase the attractiveness of the building and provide for advertising in one device.

Abstract: A clipping display device for use on hats, comprising a base and a clip for suspending the device along the brim of a hat. The device further comprises a top or billboard element attached to the base for displaying advertisement, logos, messages and other visual indicia. A neck element may be provided to connect the billboard element to said base. A front panel provided at a front end of the base balances the device and may also incorporate visual indicia. The device may optionally include interlocking elements for stringing multiple clips for forming a larger or more extensive message.

Abstract: Methods for disabling firearms and firearm safety devices designed to reduce the risk of accidental discharge are provided. Safety devices according to the present invention comprise a chamber-disabling component constructed of a flexible material. The chamber-disabling component is adapted to be inserted through an opening in the firearm into the firing chamber with partial retraction of the bolt.

Abstract: A plurality of actuators allow a gun operator to control the on/off status of an illuminator attached to a weapon in the area forward of the trigger guard. The actuators are spaced to allow them to extend rearwardly on opposite sides of the trigger guard. “Up” turns the light emitter on and keeps it on or allows it to turn on as long as the actuator is actuated, regardless of which side of the trigger guard the actuator is actuated.

Abstract: A fishing rig that reduces the likelihood of snags on submerged objects. The fishing rig includes a flexible rod and a retainer secured to the top of the rod. The retainer has a ring for fastening a fishing line to the rig. A float is secured to the rod adjacent the retainer. A sinker is secured to the bottom of the rod. A spreader is secured to the rod between the retainer and the float. The spreader has a pair of outstretched arms, each of which has an outer end with an aperture therein. Two flexible leaders have inside ends that are connected to the ring and have outside ends extending respectively through the apertures. A fishhook is fastened to the outside end of each one of the flexible leaders.

Abstract: A bug trap device for capturing bugs or insects in midair or resting on a surface. The entire bug trap device can be disposable, or a portion thereof. A preferred embodiment utilizes a reusable handle and a disposable insert.

Abstract: The present application is directed to detergent base products and processes for forming the detergent base products. One embodiment of the process comprises forming a bis-Mannich intermediate compound by reacting (i) at least one hydroxyl substituted aromatic ring compound having on the ring an aliphatic hydrocarbyl substituent derived from a polyolefin having a number average molecular weight of about 500 to about 3000; (ii) at least one primary amine; and (iii) at least one aldehyde. The resulting bis-Mannich intermediate compound is then reacted with at least one second amine compound chosen from primary and secondary amines to form the detergent base product.

Abstract: There is disclosed a composition comprising an alloy represented by the following generic formula (Aa)n(Bb)n(Cc)n(Dd)n( . . . )n; wherein each capital letter and ( . . . ) is a metal; wherein A is a combustion modifier; B is a deposit modifier; C is a corrosion inhibitor; and D is a combustion co-modifier/electrostatic precipitator enhancer; wherein each subscript letter represents compositional stoichiometry; wherein n is greater than or equal to zero; and wherein the alloy comprises at least two different metals; and with the proviso that if the metal is cerium, then its compositional stoichiometry is less than about 0.7. There is also disclosed a fuel additive comprising an alloy; a fuel composition comprising the fuel additive composition; methods of making the fuel additive composition; and methods of using the disclosed alloy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems for producing biodiesel, including a batch-continuous flow system, and to processes using the system.

Abstract: A tree stand assembly including a container defining a basin and a plurality of securement assemblies attached to the container. The securement assemblies are spaced from each other and define a space within the container for receiving the base of a tree trunk. Each securement assembly has a support member having a passageway in an upper portion thereof and a fast-acting screw assembly. Each fast-acting screw assembly includes an engager having a threaded recess portion, and a bolt having a threaded shank designed to threadedly engage the recess portion threads when the bolt extends through the passageway. The engager has a normal or biased condition allowing the bolt to slide in a first axial direction in the passageway while preventing the bolt from sliding in an opposing second axial direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides non-coding regulatory element polynucleotide molecules isolated from the At.PLD? gene or the At.HVA22e gene of Arabidopsis thaliana and useful for expressing transgenes in plants. The invention further discloses compositions, polynucleotide constructs, transformed host cells, transgenic plants and seeds containing the Arabidopsis thaliana regulatory polynucleotide sequences, and methods for preparing and using the same.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel compositions of NF-YB proteins and recombinant DNA for expressing NF-YB proteins that are used to produce transgenic plants with enhanced yield and/or enhanced water deficit stress tolerance.

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system including a floral sleeve having a decorative pattern thereon. The sleeve may have a lower portion sized to cover a pot and an upper portion which can surround a plant disposed in the pot and which can be detached after the protective function of the upper portion is complete or which can be used to support the sleeve from a support device prior to use. The decorative pattern preferably has an arcuate upper boundary in the flattened condition which when opened, gives the sleeve the appearance of having an upper edge which is parallel to the upper rim of the pot disposed within the sleeve.

Abstract: A method for pyrolyzing coal to produce a raw hydrogen-rich gas and a hot char composed of carbon that is divided into two streams, one gasified to make a second gas and one reacted with steam to produce hot activated carbon that is divided into a first sub-stream and a second sub-stream. The hydrogen rich gas, after cleanup, is converted to methanol which, in turn, is synthesized into gasoline or synthetic natural gas. The second gas, after clean-up, fuels a turbine to generate electricity while exhausting a flue gas (N2+CO2) that is reacted with the first sub-stream of hot activated carbon and with hydrogen for synthesis into urea (CO(NH2)2). The urea is mixed with the second sub-stream of activated carbon to produce a fertilizer which is introduced into soil to store plant nutrients. This process produces fuel, electricity, and enhancement of plant growth.

Abstract: A security window of door has a frame anchorable in an opening of a building and a casement, which is provided with a filling and is mounted in the frame for tilting around at least one tilt axis and whose tilt movement is delimited in a tilt final position by at least one security scissor hinge connecting the casement to the frame and attached on the side of the casement diametrically opposite the tilt axis, wherein the security against break-in attempts is increased even in the tilted state of the casement when at least one locking element connected fixed to the frame engages using an engagement area in a formfitting way in a depression in the casement at least in the tilt final position in such a way that a movement of the casement parallel to the tilt axis in relation to the frame is suppressed in at least one direction.

Abstract: A security window or door has a first locking element fixedly coupled to a pushrod of a casement guided in a mortise area between the casement and a frame which is engaged in formfitting manner in a tilted position of the pushrod with a second locking element fixedly connected in the frame such that both locking elements are pivotable in relation to one another around a tilt axis and disengaged in a rotating position of the pushrod with the second element connected to the frame in fixed manner so that a rotational movement of the casement around the rotational axis is possible and wherein the first locking element is provided with either a pin engaged in a matching bearing hole of the second locking element or at least one bearing hole with which the pin of the second locking element may be engaged with a tilted or a closed position of the pushrod.