Abstract: A dam assembly to protect a component mounted on a water heater tank wall while insulating foam is injected between the tank and a jacket surrounding the tank, the dam assembly comprising an outer portion, an inner portion, and a frangible web connecting the inner and outer portions, the web having a strength sufficient to withstand force applied to the inner portion to press the dam assembly into an aperture in the jacket such that the outer portion surrounds the component between the tank and the jacket, and the web breaking under the application of a pre-determined force on the inner portion, allowing the inner portion to be at least partially pushed inside the outer portion to enclose the component within the dam assembly.

Abstract: A fastening board for cooling fins includes a board body, a plurality of side boards, and a plurality of fasteners. The side boards are respectively located at the two opposite sides of the board body side. The fasteners are respectively located at the ends of the side boards. The fastening board for cooling fins is used for a tubular radiator to prevent the last cooling fin from coming off the pipe.

Abstract: A method for setting at least one stone (4) in the surface of a jewelry and/or sculpture produced by electroforming comprising: a wax mandrel (1) which has a particularly designed tubular seat (5) and setting means (7, 8, 9). The wax mandrel (1) is then thoroughly painted with conductive coating (3) on its surface for conducting electricity. The stone (4) is then put in said tubular seat (5). During electroforming process, electroforming metal is deposited on said conductive coating (3) layer by layer and fills the gap between the stone (4) and the inlay position thus holds and sets the stone (4) in position. After electroforming, any redundant metal flake is removed by a scraper. Finally, said wax mandrel (1) and said conductive coating (3) are removed thermally and chemically. The method does not need to pre-set the stone (4) on a metal piece before electroforming, therefore the processing is simplified and thus greatly reduces the cost.

Abstract: A manufacturing method and apparatus is disclosed, whereby a specific production process is used in conjunction with a specific tooling methodology to provide a tooling process package that is capable of controlling tolerance stack-ups and process variations by accounting for them at each step in the process. One application particularly suited for the present invention is in the manufacturing of panels that are assembled to form the skins of a tiltrotor aircraft (11).

Abstract: A process for joining components of desired materials for structural purposes in the construction of a vehicle, such as a bicycle, scooter, motorcycle, moped, car, truck, trolley, pushcart, or other such vehicle of motion as powered by an individual, engine, or motor, through the use of an interference fit as a result of utilizing the thermal expansion properties of the materials. This process is an improvement upon conventional practices requiring some manner of melting a material to create a joint.

Abstract: A sandwich panel is constructed by molding or spraying to provide a foam insulated panel for an ice/beverage dispensing machine. The panel comprises a foam thereon and a hard coating on the foam on the side opposite the panel. The foam could be a urethane with a foaming agent and the hard coating could also be a urethane but without a foaming agent. The panel could be formed by spraying or molding or upon another existing structural member, such as of stainless steel and can be used to enclose and insulate other components such as beverage lines or ice bin.

Abstract: To avoid miscuts and injuries on strongly curved, bumpy and/or moving surfaces and improve the ease of use of the clipping device (1), it has been suggested to provide a clipping device (1) with a cutting unit (3) and a comb unit (4) that are arranged to be simultaneously movable with respect to the casing (2) while the distance (D) between the cutting unit (3) and the comb unit (4) is kept constant. Preferably, the cutting unit (3) and the comb unit (4) are connected to the casing (2) via an elastic element (5).

Abstract: Supported blades for use in shaving systems are disclosed. The supported blades include a blade support having a surface that is coated with aluminum.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a corn stripper for removing kernels from ear corn. The corn stripper has a relatively tall annular stripper element of a fixed diameter. A bow tie shaped handle is secured to the stripper element at its narrow central section to provide a pair of wide hand graspable sections for manipulation of the corn stripper. The leading or lower edge of the stripper element is not sharpened, but is rounded or chamfered to limit cutting or rending of the kernels during removal. The handle preferably flares upwardly away from the stripper element to keep the handle and hands of the user above the work surface and any accumulated kernels.

Abstract: A utensil for a manually impaired user includes a utensil insert, such as a fork, spoon, knife, tool or other object, and a handle for receiving the utensil insert so that a portion of the utensil insert extends outwardly from the handle. The handle has first and second handle sections that are removably connected together. The first handle section includes a first receptacle and a first projection spaced from the first receptacle while the second handle section includes a second receptacle and a second projection spaced from the second receptacle. The first receptacle is adapted to receive the second projection and the second receptacle is adapted to receive the first projection when the first and second handle sections are connected together.

Abstract: A utility cutter includes a cutter blade, a cutter handle, a blade frame, and a blade replacement arrangement. The blade frame includes a first and a second frame member pivotally mounted with each other to define a blade receiving cavity that the cutter blade is substantially retained at the blade receiving cavity, wherein the blade frame is pivotally mounted to the elongated cutter handle for folding between a folded position and an unfolded position. The blade replacement arrangement is operatively coupled with the first and the second frame member for normally locking the first and the second frame member with each other. When the blade frame is in the unfolded position, the blade replacement arrangement is adapted to unlock the first frame member, such that the cutter blade is capable of being conveniently and safely replaced at the blade receiving cavity without sliding movement of the cutter blade.

Abstract: A replaceable steel chisel structure includes a steel chisel, a sleeve, a cam ring, and a spring. The steel chisel is disposed with circular grooves. The sleeve is hollow to receive the steel chisel and disposed with channels to accommodate steel balls. The steel balls correspond in position to the circular grooves of the steel chisel. The cam ring is hollow to receive the sleeve and contains an eccentric chamber. The eccentric chamber is an increasingly larger arc space defined between the cam ring and the sleeve for the cam ring to hold against the steel balls and have the steel balls to be inserted into and hold against the circular grooves again.

Abstract: A flooring material cutting device adapted to cut flooring material to fit around a door frame having a given geometry. The flooring material cutting device is comprised of a blade formed from a sharpened segment of material having the given geometry wherein the blade is adapted to cut the flooring material. The flooring material cutting device is further comprised of a blade box adapted to securely hold the blade relative to the flooring material. In addition, the flooring material cutting device is comprised of a cutting assembly adapted to engage the flooring material against the blade, thereby cutting the flooring material.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a sterilized disposable suture cutter worn preferably on the small finger of the same hand used to hold the needle holder. The device can cut by pulling the cutting edge against a somewhat taut suture material in a slicing fashion. Alternatively, the small finger can be flexed causing the cutting edge to be drawn against an opposing flat surface in a chopping motion. This second chopping method would be useful in cutting sutures where it would be difficult or impossible to place tension onto the suture. When not being used, the device does not interfere with the normal motions necessary to place sutures.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides cutting tools which include a handle coupled to a rotatable shaft having shallow grooves that extend substantially entirely across the surface of the rotatable shaft. The grooves define sharp cutting edges. In particular examples, the cutting edges are continuous, such as being defined by helical threads. The present disclosure also provides methods of dissecting a substrate of cultured cells. The substrate of cultured cells is separated into separated portions with a cutting tool. The cutting tool includes a rotatable shaft having a cutting blade which extends around the shaft. The cutting blade is rolled through the substrate to cut the substrate into portions. The portions are separated from one another to dissect the substrate.

Abstract: A toe kick saw including a driver having a safety feature to allow a saw blade to disengage during experience of increased torque. The toe kick saw driver may include a one or two piece driver that engages the saw blade that is able to yield by deforming when the blade experiences an increase in torque sufficient to cause kickback. Alternatively the toe kick saw could include a yieldable spindle extension.

Abstract: A toe-kick saw including a rear or front toe-kick wall guide. The toe-kick saw includes a motor contained within said housing, a spindle on the motor, a spindle extension linked to the spindle, a blade mount secured to the spindle extension and a fixed blade guard secured at the end of the spindle extension. The fixed blade guard includes features to enhance safety during tool misuse, such as a rear toe space bumper, a front toe space bumper, primary and secondary blade guards, and a rearward leaning spike. The larger fixed blade guard allows use of a dust port on this tool.

Abstract: A trimmer having a first cutting blade having a first cutting edge and a second cutting blade having a second cutting edge. A first drive gear assembly cooperates with the first and second cutting blades so that as the first drive gear assembly rotates around the first axis, the first and second cutting blades are caused to reciprocatingly move, one relative to the other, respectively in first and second paths to produce a cutting action. A second drive gear assembly has a second drive gear that has teeth that are in mesh with teeth on the first drive gear assembly. The second drive gear is rotatable around a second axis to thereby cause the first drive gear assembly to be rotated in the first rotational direction. A powered drive assembly rotates the second drive gear around a second axis in the one rotational direction. The teeth on the first drive gear assembly are defined by a first bevel gear. The second gear is a bevel gear that is in mesh with the first bevel gear.

Abstract: A saw for cutting a rectangular hole for electrical or data outlets in gypsum board. The saw includes a handle, and rectangular frame cutting element that cuts all four sides of a rectangular hole in a single operation. Each cutting surface on the frame typically has several sets of stepped teeth so that the highest tooth in the step engages the board first; then the second highest tooth engages the board after the first tooth has partially cut into the board. This stepped tooth approach provides an effect similar to have started several separate saws independently along each of the four sides of the hole. The handle provides leverage to effectively engage each of these sets of teeth at the same time. The tool is typically worked by moving the handle side to side or up and down in short strokes to move the teeth through the board.

Abstract: In an angle-measurement system and a method for producing an angle-measurement system, the angle-measurement system includes a bearing assembly and a scanning head, the bearing assembly including a graduated ring, an outer ring and rolling bodies. Rolling surfaces are formed both on the graduated ring and the outer ring, the rolling surface of the graduated ring having a smaller path radius than that of the outer ring. Furthermore, the rolling surface of the outer ring is arranged opposite the rolling surface of the graduated ring, and the rolling bodies are disposed between the two rolling surfaces such that the bearing assembly is free of radial play. In addition, an angle scaling is applied directly onto the graduated ring such that a geometrical pattern of the angle scaling in a first region deviates from a geometrical pattern in a second region as a function of rotational eccentricities of the bearing assembly. The angle scaling is able to be scanned by the scanning head.

Abstract: An archery sighting device, comprising a spherical peep sight body in conjunction with a centrally located hour glass shaped aperture view port, which, substantially maintains its projected geometric integrity, throughout a range of varying draw angles.

Abstract: A laser level includes a housing, a pendulum pivotably mounted to the housing, and a laser diode assembly disposed on the pendulum. A gimbal assembly is employed for pivotably mounting the pendulum to the housing. The gimbal assembly includes a frame connected to the housing, a first pair of bearings disposed on the frame, an axle extending through the first pair of bearings, a body disposed on the axle and pivotably supporting the pendulum, and a second pair of bearings disposed between the body and the pendulum. The first pair of bearings is disposed on one side of the second pair of bearings.

Abstract: A marking device, e.g., a hand-held marking tool for positioning markings, includes a first arrangement which make it possible to position the device in a predefinable first position of a reference surface, and a second arrangement for leveling the device relative to the reference surface, as well as a tracking system for determining a distance covered by the device relative to the first position of the device. The tracking system detects the movement of the measuring instrument on the reference surface in two orthogonal directions.

Abstract: A compass correction system and method which utilizes data from the vehicle bus, vehicle sensors and vehicle subsystems to determine a compass correction factor.

Abstract: Method of detecting a potentially void inhaler can valve (30), which valve (30) is attached to a can (10) by a ferrule crimp (80), comprising the steps: placing the can (10) in a can jig (220) that is arranged to retain the can (10) at a predetermined measurement height with respect to a diameter measuring means (230), measuring the diameter of the ferrule crimp (80) at the predetermined height, and comparing the measured crimp diameter with a predefined interval of acceptance, and if the measured diameter is outside a predefined interval classifying the inhaler can valve (30) as potentially void. There is also provided a crimp diameter measuring device (200) comprising: a base (210), a diameter measuring means (230) supported by the base (210), and a can jig (220) supported by the base (210), the can jig (220) being arranged to retain a can (10) placed therein at a predetermined measurement height with respect to a diameter measuring means (230).

Abstract: A rule assembly is described providing novel and beneficial features to the user. In a first aspect of the invention, an improved device and method is described for removably attaching the rule assembly housing to the clothing or equipment of a user. A beam is provided with a first and a second end, each end being connected to the housing to define a space sufficient to permit the introduction of a retention element for suspending the rule assembly. Preferably, the beam may pivot at the first end, and may be detachably lockable to the housing at the second end. In another aspect of the invention, means for making a preliminary determination as to the cause of any malfunction within the housing of the rule assembly is described. The housing of the rule assembly is provided with a window sealed with transparent material. A reel within the housing that carries a tape blade and a retraction spring is provided with at least one opening.

Abstract: Process and acquisition device of a deformable geometrical form. A set of sensors (1) is placed on this form (a curve or a surface), wherein each sensor supplies representative signals of the orientation of the form at the position of this sensor; a model of the form is selected; based on the signals, the parameters of the model are determined and the distances which separate the sensors are measured; and, based on the parameters of the model and the distance measurements, the spatial distribution of the points of the form are determined. The invention applies especially to the fields of machining, joinery, masonry work and construction work.

Abstract: A position indicator comprises: a first indicator pattern composed of a plurality of substantially identical first partial patterns periodically arranged in a direction of extension, and a second indicator pattern composed of a plurality of substantially identical second partial patterns periodically arranged in the direction of extension. The first partial patterns may extend, along a first line extending transversely to the direction of extension, and the second partial patterns may extend along a second line extending transversely to the first line and the direction of extension The first and second partial patterns may be each composed of plural sub-patterns disposed adjacent to one another in the direction of extension. The sub-patterns of each pair of sub-patterns of the respective partial pattern are different from each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the steam treatment of scalp hair, which hair was treated previously with an agent that contains ammonia. The treatment is carried out with a device with a steam hood such that at the start of the steam treatment ambient air in the neighborhood of a forehead region or an eye/nose region of the person is extracted automatically by a controllable extraction unit. This extraction unit is deactivated automatically after a preset time. In a more refined embodiment the ammonia emission within the steam hood is recorded continuously and measured as ammonia emission values and compared with a preset ammonia emission value, such that the extraction unit is deactivated automatically on reaching the preset ammonia emission value.

Abstract: A substrate water-removing agent is provided that includes 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol as a component. There is also provided a water-removing method that includes a step of preparing a substrate having thereon a columnar pattern and/or a hole-shaped pattern, a step of bringing the substrate into contact with water, and a step of bringing the substrate into contact with the water-removing agent. Furthermore, a substrate drying method is provided that includes, after a step of bringing a substrate into contact with the water-removing agent in the water-removing method, a drying step of drying the substrate.

Abstract: The horn or antler stabilizer includes threaded rods contained within a central body which can be adjusted to contact and grip opposing antlers to allow the antlers to dry without shrinking.

Abstract: A system for drying a work piece is provided. The system includes a chamber containing a cleaning fluid in a first portion of the chamber and a drying region. The system includes a wet transition arm configured to support a plurality of work pieces while disposed in the cleaning fluid. A dry transition arn configured to accept the plurality of work pieces from the wet transition arm as the wet transition arm is being raised is also included. The dry transition arm and the wet transition arm are coupled to a common drive mechanism, wherein the common drive mechanism includes a first and a second motor. The first motor is configured to drive both the wet and dry transition arms. The second motor is configured to control an amount of separation between the wet and dry transition arms. A transition arm and method for drying a work piece are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a depressurization type drying machine that is capable of repeatedly reducing the pressure, heating and humidifying during drying, uniformly drying a material to be dried, in a short time by applying vibrations to the material to be dried when reducing the pressure, and reducing consumption power without damaging the material to be dried, is excellent in reliability, productivity and energy-saving properties, brings about almost no flaws such as warping, internal cracking, breaking, shrinkage, bending, and surface cracking, especially when drying lumber, is also capable of leaving gloss on the surface of lumber after drying and scent without any discoloring, has high commercial value since the humidity in a building may be permanently controlled in response to the environment after being constructed, and is capable of extracting moisture contained in a material to be dried such as lumber without any waste and effectively utilizing the same as by-products.

Abstract: A shoe is provided with an outsole that contacts the ground, an insole upon which a foot rests, and a midsole located between the outsole and the insole. The midsole cushions the wearer's foot by providing a loose fill having a size between ?2 and ?80 mesh, in a front compartment on which the toes and ball of the foot of the wearer rest and a heel compartment on which the heel of the wearer rests. The front compartment is divided into at least two sub compartments to keep the loose fill evenly distributed. The front compartment and the heel compartment are separated by an arch support section of the midsole. A blend of two or more mesh sizes of fill may also be used for the loose fill.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shock-absorbing device for shoes comprises a cross-linked foam having a body and at least one inner cavity formed in the body; and a housing containing the cross-linked foam. The shock-absorbing device of the present invention can easily be applied to soles of shoes having diverse sizes and shapes to effectively reduce an impact applied to a foot. Besides, the present invention can cut down a manufacturing cost greatly by simplifying a manufacturing process of the shock-absorbing device.

Abstract: The invention provides a compactly contained multiple-component sensing device for detecting toe-walking and other physical conditions and providing repetitive positive reinforcement stimuli to correct the same. A comprehensive software system enables therapeutic management of the sensing and stimulus device and easy changes in therapy, stimulus content, stimulus frequency and other factors. A variety of circuit and housing arrangements allow adaptability to manufacture, user, and treatment professional demands.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fitted, supportive, comfortable shoe upper with a laceless closure device comprising one interlaced strap capable of rapid adjustment in multiple planes of movement.

Abstract: Disclosed is a closure system used in combination in any of a variety of applications including clothing, for example as a footwear lacing system comprising a lace attached to a tightening mechanism. The lace extends through a series of guide members positioned along two opposing footwear closure portions. The lace and guides preferably have low friction surfaces to facilitate sliding of the lace along the guide members so that the lace evenly distributes tension across the footwear member. The tightening mechanism allows incremental adjustment of the tension of the lace. The closure system allows a user to quickly loosen the lace and inhibits unintentional and/or accidental loosing of the lace.

Abstract: Disclosed is a closure system used in combination in any of a variety of applications including clothing, for example as a footwear lacing system comprising a lace attached to a tightening mechanism. The lace extends through a series of guide members positioned along two opposing footwear closure portions. The lace and guides preferably have low friction surfaces to facilitate sliding of the lace along the guide members so that the lace evenly distributes tension across the footwear member. The tightening mechanism allows incremental adjustment of the tension of the lace. The closure system allows a user to quickly loosen the lace and inhibits unintentional and/or accidental loosing of the lace.

Abstract: A web comprising a matrix fiber containing a non-elastic polyester based short fiber and an elastic composite fiber which is made of a thermoplastic elastomer having a melting point of at least 40° C. lower than a melting point of a polyester polymer constituting the short fiber and a non-elastic polyester, with the former being at least exposed on a surface of the fiber, and optionally a hygroscopic and exothermic fiber is heat molded such that the fibers are aligned in a thickness direction thereof, thereby obtaining a mat layer, onto which is then stuck a surface skin material to form an internal material of shoe, and a shoe insole and a boot are obtained by using the internal material of shoe.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide footwear that may be easily adapted for increased traction and/or recreation. Embodiments may include a chamber having a flexible wall, and retractable members coupled to the flexible wall such that when fluid is inserted into the chamber, the retractable members are extended from the bottom of a shoe and when fluid is removed from the chamber the retractable members are retracted into the bottom of a shoe.

Abstract: A collapsible snow groomer designed to be provided as a partial kit where the buyer purchases two runners separately. Along with the runners the kit comprises all materials necessary to assemble a snow groomer for use on personal snow trails. The collapsible snow grooming device of the present invention includes and comprises: a tubular front spreader, two L-angle cross blades, a square central joiner tube, four angle grooming blades and all required fasteners. All grooming hardware members are thus strategically attached to one edge of each runner and to each other at one edge, thereby allowing to flip the whole assembly over to drag it where grooming is not desired.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method and apparatus for excavating soil from the ground to form a hole or trench. The tool is provided with a plurality of excavation members which are caused to penetrate the ground in order that soil may be excavated. The direction of excavation of the tool may be adjusted by the use of one or more steering members (10), the or each steering member comprising a steering element (11) which is disposed, or is operable to be disposed, such that the initial point of contact of the steering element with the ground allows the direction of excavation of the tool to be adjusted. Provides a simple, but effective, mechanical means to adjust the direction of excavation. The steering element may comprise a plate which is angled such that at the point of contact with the ground, the steering members may gently divert the grab in the desired direction. Thus, in this way, any deviation in the direction of excavation can be corrected or at least countered.

Abstract: Bucket teeth having a metallurgically bonded wear-resistant coating and methods for forming the coated bucket teeth are disclosed. The bodies of the bucket teeth have a hard metal alloy slurry disposed on a surface and then are fused to form a metallurgical bond with the iron-based alloy. The wear-resistant coating can be formed of a fused, metal alloy comprising at least 60% iron, cobalt, nickel, or alloys thereof. The portion of the outer surface of the bucket teeth having the wear-resistant coating corresponds to a wear surface of the bucket teeth during operation.

Abstract: A treated sheet of paper on which photographs can be printed that can be folded and assembled into a three-dimensional shape to yield a free-standing display of the photographs.

Abstract: An advertising display apparatus for a loop shaped passenger assistance handle, the display including a body that is shaped and adapted to envelope at least an upper portion of the loop shaped passenger assistance handle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to articles having die cut portions that form a window or a frame-like structure. Set into the window or frame-like structure is an object, affixed or mounted in transparent material, such that the object is visible from both the front and the rear of the article.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a display device that presents great decorative effects. For a display device that provides a luminous display consisting of characters, numbers, symbols or figures, or arbitrary combinations of them, having a desired form, a half mirror layer is formed above a mirror surface, through a translucent layer, and a desired form is luminously displayed at a location between the mirror surface and the half mirror layer and at a distance from the mirror surface.

Abstract: Side lighting of a transparent panel with etched features to scatter light towards an observer provides a physically robust alternative to neon tube technology. In particular, a number of advantages can be realized by using chip on board (COB) LED technology. COB LEDs offer particular advantages in allowing use of low operating voltages as well as control over the intensity and color of the displays. Other advantages are realized by aligning two or more panels, each with a portion of a design, and independently varying the color or intensity of light.

Abstract: An illuminating unit (28) is presented for use in an internally illuminated sign device (1) for displaying a pattern indicative of certain fixed information within an indicia area. The illuminating unit (28) comprises a light boundary structure (33) for a light source (38) to be mounted thereon. The light boundary structure (33) has an indicia area carrying side (16) having said pattern indicative of the information to be displayed, and has an inner surface made of at least one highly reflective material to thereby increase the amount of light propagating from the light source (38) to said indicia area.