Abstract: A rotary shaver including an outer cutter frame (18) provided on a shaver main body (10), an outer cutter (14) that is installed in this outer cutter frame (18) and has ring-shaped thin layer portions (28a, 28b) whose upper surfaces are the shaving surfaces, and an inner cutter (16) that has cutter bodies (38) that rotates and make sliding contact with the lower surface of the thin layer portions of the outer cutter to cut hair that entered hair introduction openings (30a, 30b) formed in the thin layer portions; wherein the hair introduction openings have a slit shape extending in substantially the radial direction of the thin layer portions, and the cutting edge angle (p, q) at the lower end(s) of the side wall surface(s) of the hair introduction openings (30a, 30b) defined by the ribs (32a, 32b) is an acute angle.

Abstract: A duct mechanism for directing a flow of air onto a working member of a power cutting tool generally includes a housing, a motor in the housing, a working member actuated by means of the motor and a shoe pivotally mounted relative to the working member and adapted to engage a workpiece. The duct mechanism includes an inlet portion mounted to the housing. The inlet portion receives a stream of air from the housing. An outlet portion is connected to the shoe for directing the stream of air onto the working member in a direction transverse to a line of action of the tool. At least one connecting portion connects the inlet portion and the outlet portion. The at least one connecting portion allows the outlet portion to pivot with the shoe relative to the inlet portion.

Abstract: A pair of hairdressing scissors, wherein a connecting block is mounted in the hairdressing scissor, on a first wall surface of the connecting block is protrusively formed a rib portion having a retaining ear thereof, and on a second wall surface of the connecting block is defined with a perforation thereof for engaging with the retaining ear, and an elastic member is mounted in the connecting block. Therefore, when the retaining ear of one pair of hairdressing scissors is engaged in the perforation of another pair of hairdressing scissors, the elastic member presses against the retaining ear, in this way, the pairs of hairdressing scissors can be coupled and positioned relative to one another firmly.

Abstract: A carpet trimmer including a base, a pair of posts mounted on said base and a handle mounted on said base. A number of spacers are inserted over the posts and secured by fasteners. A blade holder holding a pair of blades and including a blade holding face and a wall runner is inserted between two of the spacers, such that the posts fit into groove on the blade holding face. Throat adjustment holes on said spacers receive dimples on the blade holder to allow throat adjustment.

Abstract: A multifunctional ladle includes a spoon-body which has a handle and a perforated spoon which mounts on the spoon-body by using a link rod, a spring and a screw. By pushing or pulling a switch on the handle which connects with the link rod, the perforated spoon can be detached from the spoon-body and in that case the multifunctional ladle can be used as a strainer, or the perforated spoon can be combined with the spoon-body and in that case the multifunctional ladle can be used as a spoon.

Abstract: A hair clipper assembly configured for attachment to a user's clothing, including a battery pack having a housing at least one battery, a belt clip, and a holster recess; a holster having a holster belt clip; a hair clipper configured to slidably fit within the holster; and a cord connecting the clipper to the battery pack.

Abstract: A three-wire apparatus for measuring an external thread features a single length of wire having a first bend and a second bend, which first and second bend divide the single length of wire into first, second and third wire portions. The first, second and third wire portions engage an external thread and are measured using a micrometer or other measuring device. The single length of wire defines an open end for engaging the first, second and third wire portions with the external thread.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for viewing an object (such as a coating overspray accumulation) disposed in a difficult to view area (such as the underside of a lower trough or weir of a cleaning apparatus) and for measuring a distance between first and second points on the object. The apparatus includes a laser, a mirror and a measuring instrument. The mirror reflects a laser beam generated by the laser such that the laser beam is divided into first and second portions that are disposed at a right angle to each other. The laser is moved along a measurement path to a first measurement position that places the second portion of the laser beam at the first point on the object. The laser is then moved along the measurement path to a second measurement position that places the second portion of the laser beam at the second point on the object.

Abstract: A calibration method is provided for calibrating a parallel kinematic mechanism that has an end effecter. The method includes setting an adjustment tool attached to the end effecter in predetermined postures in a reference coordinate system by taking coordinates of the posture of the adjustment tool each time the adjustment tool is placed in the posture and recording coordinates of driver shafts manipulated by a numerical control device in accordance with the inverse kinematics each time the adjustment tool is placed in the posture. The method continues by calculating kinematic parameters necessary for the kinematics of the parallel kinematic mechanism based on the taken coordinates of the postures of the driver shafts and the recorded coordinates of the driver shafts. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain accurate posture information of the end effecter and relative coordinates of the driver shafts.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a reconditioned portion of an articulated connector engaged in a reconditioning fixture while it is still mounted to the end structure of a rail car is disclosed. The gauge is a generally cylindrical arc with an inner side and outer side. The outer side is preferably shaped to fit against the reconditioned portion of the connector while the inner portion is shaped to fit against a reference point.

Abstract: A system for measuring the height of a wind deflector mounted to the roof of a vehicle. A longitudinal base has a first end, an opposing second end, a generally planar top surface and a generally planar bottom surface. An adjustable stop is proximate the first end of the base and extends away from the bottom surface. A level indicator is affixed to the top surface of the base. An arm is spaced apart from the top surface of the base, and a displacement indicator is affixed to the arm. The displacement indicator displays information relating to the height of the wind deflector above the roof when the second end of the base contacts the wind deflector proximate the roof, the level indicator indicates that the base is on a level plane, and the displacement indicator is in contact with a top edge of the wind deflector.

Abstract: An elastic fixture which is employed for attaching a length measuring apparatus to an object to be measured having a different linear expansion coefficient therefrom. The elastic fixture is elastically deformable in the lengthwise direction of the length measuring apparatus. The elastic fixture includes a sheet-metal curved beam having one end fixedly attached to the length measuring apparatus and the other end fixedly attached to the object to be measured. The sizes and the machining accuracy of the elastic fixture are less restricted, and the elastic fixture can be manufactured easily. In addition, the elastic fixture is applicable to relatively severe temperature environments in a manual machine tool or the like. Further, the sizes and the cost of the elastic fixture can be reduced as compared with a parallel spring mechanism.

Abstract: A method for measuring a distance with a pin micrometer includes attaching a pin micrometer support to a flange at a predetermined location on the flange in a first channel, supporting a pin micrometer in a stationary position in a second channel, and extending a measurement rod of the pin micrometer to a location to which the distance is to be measured.

Abstract: A gas hot air gun includes a main body, an ignition device, a switch set and a safety switch. The main body includes a blower, a nozzle, a barrel and a handle. A heating chamber and a mixing chamber are on the inner front of the barrel. A gas can is inside the handle. One end of the nozzle is connected to the gas can. The switch set includes a power switch, with the safety switch closing power of the battery set or gas flow under some pre-set conditions. Users press the power switch and have gas spray out from the nozzle into the heating chamber to generate heat. The blower sends hot air in the heating chamber out of the main body. A metal slice, regulating the direction of air, and a catalyst, for avoiding flame extending out of the nozzle area, are inside the heating chamber.

Abstract: An automatic Hair dryer including a hand held body, a comb attached to the body, a 120/240 V.A.C. heating element and a fan adapted to move a mass of air across the heating element and through or across the comb and into an individual's hair. A moisture sensor is disposed between the teeth of the comb and is powered by a 12 volt D.C. power supply such as a step-down transformer. When the sensor senses moisture, the comb is passed through an individual's hair and the 120 -volt A.C. current is connected to the heating element. Then, when the moisture content of the hair is relatively low, the sensor activates a switch that turns off the power to the heating element while the power to the fan is maintained until a master switch is turned off.

Abstract: A drying rack for the stationary drying of articles to be dried, which can be installed in the drum of a clothes dryer. The articles can be knitwear or shoes that must not be moved when dried even when the drum turns. For articles, especially, wool articles, to dry faster, the drying rack has at least two spaced-apart surfaces disposed one on top of the other on which the articles to be dried can be spread, thereby substantially enlarging the surface of the articles to be dried. As such, the drying air current can better remove the moisture and larger individual wool articles can be dried in the clothes dryer.

Abstract: An operation method for a combination dryer is disclosed. The present invention relates to a combination dryer, and more particularly, to an operation method for a combination dryer which enables air in a drying drum and a cabinet for drying the laundry to circulate continuously and enables condensed water generated in the circulation process to perform a refreshing cycle by using the water.

Abstract: Liquidproof seams are formed between laminates, most preferably those having a complex textile structure on the sealing side of the laminate, where at least a portion of the complex textile in the sealing region is removed, such as by skiving, to reduce the thickness in the seam, or sealing region, prior to the creation of a durably sealed liquidproof seam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making a trench wall in the ground, in which at least one cutting wheel located on a trench wall cutter is given a rotary movement by a drive, the trench wall cutter is lowered into the ground and soil material below the cutting wheel is stripped and a cut trench made, which is filled with a settable liquid. The stripped soil material is conveyed from the cutting wheel into a rear area of the cut trench, that the stripped soil material in the cut trench is intermixed with the settable liquid and that the stripped soil material is at least partly left in the cut trench for forming the trench wall. The invention also relates to a trench wall cutter and a trench wall cutting device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting wheel for trench wall cutter, having a cutting wheel hub and at least one cutting tooth holder, which is located in substantially radially projecting manner on the cutting wheel hub. The cutting wheel according to the invention is characterized in that there is at least one mixing blade on the outside of the cutting wheel hub.

Abstract: A scraping device, a system and a method for collecting a material are provided. The scraping device may have a bowl having a first end and a second end. A lip may be positioned at the first end and may cover an opening at the first end. In an embodiment, direct mounted cylinders may be attached to the lip and may move the lip to completely cover or uncover the opening. The scraping device may have a tongue mounted to the bowl having a triangular-shaped plate mechanism that may be used to raise and to lower a cutting edge attached to the bowl. Cylinders connected to the mechanism may be retracted or extended to raise or to lower the scraping device. A load within the scraping device may be lifted by force exerted from a barrel end of a cylinder, thus utilizing a maximum potential of the cylinder.

Abstract: The device includes a body with monolithically and pivotally conjoined first and second sections. The second section includes front and rear portions. The front and rear portions include a finger protruding orthogonally thereof. The fingers interlock to maintain the body at a unitary position. Such front and rear portions define a cavity. The front portion has a notch formed therein. The notch penetrates through the front portion and is in fluid communication with the cavity. The rear portion has a slot formed therein which is aligned with the notch and situated rearward of the cavity. A mechanism is included for playing a song when the first and second sections are articulated to an open position. A mechanism is included for illuminating a selected portion of the cavity while the song playing mechanism is activated. The illuminating mechanism lights up the lyrics of the song as the song is played.

Abstract: An inflatable toy may include a housing, a balloon-like structure, a blower mechanism, a drive mechanism, and a motor. The balloon-like structure may include a base, an inflatable portion, and an inlet. The base and the inflatable portion may define an air storage area. The blower mechanism may be fluidly connected to the inlet of the balloon-like structure, and the drive mechanism may be operatively connected to the base. The motor may be operatively connected to the blower mechanism and the drive mechanism, wherein upon activation of the motor the blower mechanism may inflate the balloon-like structure and the drive mechanism may cause the balloon-like structure to move.

Abstract: A merchandising system having a power distribution device associated with a package support system, and a package having a sensory output such as an image display capable of using power, data and/or signals provided from the power distribution device to produce a desired output when the package is associated with the package support system. Packaging materials of the package form the coupling medium for contactless coupling such as capacitive coupling of a controlled signal provided to the package support system to a display on the package.

Abstract: A display assembly is provided comprising; (a) an image insert, the image insert being bendable from a planar configuration to a non-planar display configuration, wherein the image insert comprises a plurality of first surfaces for displaying a first image, and a plurality of second surfaces for displaying a second image; and (b) a display frame for supporting the image insert in the non-planar display configuration. The display frame comprises an abutment structure for abutting the plurality of first surfaces and the plurality of second surfaces to secure the plurality of first surfaces at a non-zero angle relative to the plurality of second surfaces and to resist unbending of the image insert. Optionally, the display assembly may be part of a book.

Abstract: A main unit includes a slider and a guide groove. A display panel includes a slider engaging portion coupled to the slider being guided by the slider and a guide-groove engaging portion slidably engaged with the guide groove being guided by the guide-groove so that the display panel can be inclined. A pressing lever presses the guide-groove engaging portion with resilient force of a resilient member. The guide-groove includes a parallel groove formed in parallel with a direction of movement of the slider; and a curved groove having a width narrower than that of the parallel groove and being connected to the parallel groove. The guide-groove engaging portion moves in the parallel groove by the movement of the slider and a pressing force of the pressing lever.

Abstract: A display system is used to securely and tautly mount a readily changeable advertising display face. The display system comprises a frame that defines a support structure, and a display face removably attached to the support structure. The support structure is adapted to be fixedly mounted to a wall of a building, or a sidewalk, or the like. The support structure and display face have a plurality of interengageable fasteners, e.g., snap members. The display face can thereby be easily attached to and detached from the support structure while hiding the body of the support structure from sight.

Abstract: A counting mechanism for detecting and registering the number of rounds fired from a recoil gun includes a housing that can be mounted to a component of the gun that exhibits recoil motion upon firing of a round. A counting device is contained within the housing and includes an actuator that is activated by the recoil motion of the gun component upon a round being discharged. A weighted mass is movable within the housing with the recoil motion of the gun component, and the actuator is operably configured with the mass such that movement of the mass resulting from the recoil motion actuates the actuator and increments the counting device.

Abstract: Apparatus 10 comprises a receiver body 12 along with a trigger 14 for activating the firing mechanism and a lever 16 for opening the breech assembly to allow access to the chamber for receiving the shell/cartridge 56 at the rear of the barrel 18. The barrel 18 is secured to the breech 28 by an extension lug 58 having an internal transverse hole 61 therein which receives the extension lug pin 59 therein as the extension lug is inserted into the slot 60 on the top portion of the breech block 28 so that the breech can be opened and closed by lever 16. Also shown is the cartridge/shell 56 extractor 62 which comprises an extractor pin 68 along with an extractor spring 70. The barrel 18 comprises a front barrel support 64 and a rear barrel support 66 which each have a lower flange 65 thereon which slides to the front and rear in slot or track 67 in response to pressure from the barrel pin 72 and barrel spring 74 which occurs after the lever 16 is operated to free the barrel 18 from the breech block 28.

Abstract: The present invention is a rail mounted forward trigger mechanism featuring in-line linkage between the primary and secondary triggers. Access to adjustment features provides adjustability while simultaneously allowing the mechanism to remain installed. The linkage is also hinged and mounted coaxially with the disconnect pivot point of a weapon, thereby allowing field stripping the weapon without removing the linkage. Connection to the primary trigger of the host weapon is ideally accomplished with a can and roller assembly for smoother and more controlled actuation. An electrical embodiment is also disclosed.

Abstract: An authorization system for a firearm (10) includes an authorizing device (32) worn by the authorized user, and a firearm (10) with a fire control system, a computer controller (28), and a piezo-electric disabler (60). The computer controller (28) communicates with the authorizing device (32), and if no authorizing signal is received from the authorizing device, sends an electric output signal to the disabler (60) to prevent the fire control system from allowing the firearm to fire. The disabler, upon application of the electrical signal from the computer controller, cams the rearward moving trigger bar (52) of the fire control system clear of the hammer link (54) to disrupt the fire control system. Consequently, the firearm (10) will not fire.

Abstract: Height and length are adjustable at several points. There is a special type of vise for holding the gunstock. As usual, the vise bolt pulls the movable plate toward the fixed one but, like some of the vise's predecessors, traces out an arc at the top, pivoting from the bottom as the bolt, situated just above the pivot, is turned. Within the movable plate a special cylinder is situated which gives and turns freely in response to the bolt's advance and withdrawal in passing through a threaded tunnel within it. This action prevents the biting down or binding upon the bolt which would otherwise occur because of the plate's pivoted travel as the bolt is advanced or withdrawn. The support's framework, best made from economical tubular bar-stock, is adjustable for leveling and leaning corrections and include anchoring blocks within the structure through which leveling bolts pass.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for cleaning firearm barrels, including those of military issue firearms, wherein the methods include a step for removing loose materials from within the barrel, a step for dislodging materials not removed during the first removal step, and a step for removing the materials dislodged during the dislodging step, as well as one or more optional cleaning steps to be performed in addition to or in lieu of the other cleaning steps, and wherein the firearm barrel cleaning device can be adapted to have different configurations for use during one or more of the various cleaning steps.

Abstract: A low profile, self-aligning, flip-up mechanism for aiming devices used with firearms. The mechanism folds the aiming device into the contour of the firearm during non-use. The mechanism is spring-loaded and flips into a vertical operational position with a simple movement of a finger or thumb. The mechanism includes at least two separate aiming elements that are mounted in a fashion that allows them to rotate relative to one another thereby facilitating a smaller storage profile. The mechanism also causes the aiming device to self-align itself as it moves into an operational position assuring vertical position repeatability.

Abstract: A fish lure includes a soft, fish-shaped body including forward and aft body segments connected by an integrally-formed vertical hinge. A buoyancy-controlling insert is concealed inside the forward body segment. The vertical hinge includes a pair of vertical grooves that extend from the dorsal surface to the ventral surface of the body, defining a hinge web that attaches the forward body segment to the aft body segment. A pair of front hinge surfaces extend between a side of the forward body segment and the hinge, and a pair of rear hinge surfaces extend between a side of the aft body segment and the hinge. The front hinge surface and the rear hinge surface form a hinge angle between 5 and 20 degrees when at rest. Each front and aft hinge surface is angled aft. Water flow past the hinge angle creates flexing of the body at the hinge.

Abstract: A seed tape including successively arranged germinating units (1a, 1b, 1c) is made of at least one carrier strip (2) as well as at least one layer (3) of biodegradable, gas-permeable material placed on said carrier strip. Each germinating unit (1a, 1b, 1c) includes a mixture of carrier (7), at least one additive (8) and optionally an adjuvant(s) (9) in addition to one or more seeds (10). The layer (3) of biodegradable, gas-permeable material is flexible and non-woven. The additive or additives (8) are water-absorbing. In this manner the seed tape is particularly suited for being subjected to a pregermination procedure because it possesses a very high capacity of retaining water without disintegrating.

Abstract: A manufactured seed (20) is provided. The manufactured seed includes a first seed shell (22a) and a first restraint (32a) disposed within the first shell. The first restraint includes a cavity (38a), and at least two embryos (34a) and (34b) disposed within the manufactured seed.

Abstract: An articulate railroad grade crossing assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the crossing assembly has an adjustable reach so that it can be adjusted to completely or partially close roadways of various sizes. In another preferred embodiment, the assembly includes one or more sensors for detecting the presence of people and/or objects in the crossing area so that the assembly can automatically respond to such presence.

Abstract: A weatherseal has a backbone, which is curvilinear in cross section to define a flange engaging channel and a window receiving channel, wherein the backbone is free of structural metal. The backbone is sufficiently curvilinear to sufficiently distribute stress loading within the cross section to allow unsupported lengths of the weatherseal to operably retain, locate and direct the glass panel. The flange engaging channel can include an arcuate closed end.

Abstract: Cellar or bulk head doors having sidewalls are provided which are made of a polymer and which are strong, durable, attractive, virtually maintenance free, easily assembled, have connection and anchorage points which allow the door assembly to be used over a wide temperature range without damage to the polymer parts making up the assembly and which has an opening preferably in one or both of the sidewalls for inserts such as a window, louver, screen or blank and which insert may be easily changed without tools for the purpose of providing light, ventilation, or security. The doors also may be extended from the structure being enclosed using opposed vertical extenders mated with a horizontal extender.

Abstract: An electronically shaded glass window system is described that provides a progressively darkening window, based on either user input or detection of ambient light. This invention is appropriate for use in commercial buildings, residential buildings, public areas and vehicles. It enhances energy efficiency by blocking bright light thereby reducing heat. It includes a user interface, which permits a user to create opaque or alternatively transparent walls or windows as the need arises.

Abstract: A metal building is disclosed that employs interlocking vertically extended panels of improved configuration including improved insulated wall panels, unique corner constructions, and unique window and door arrangements.

Abstract: A locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards includes horizontal joining of a first and a second joint edge portion of a first and a second floorboard respectively at a vertical joint plane; vertical joining of the first and second joint edge portions; wherein the tongue, the tongue groove, the locking element and the locking groove have a configuration that allows insertion of the locking element into the locking groove by inward angling of the second floorboard towards the first floorboard while maintaining contact between the joint edge portions, and wherein the tongue, the tongue grove, the locking element and the locking groove have a configuration that allows insertion of the locking element into the locking groove by a substantially vertical snap action.

Abstract: A method of forming a connection, and a connector, that attaches a supported member, such as a deck board, to a supporting member, such as a deck joist. In some forms, each connector attaches a single supported member. In others, the connector attaches two supported members. Many forms of the connector are possible, but all are narrow enough to fit between two supported members laid side-by-side, all are attached to the supported members by fasteners, and all are driven directly into the supporting members. The resulting structure is characterized by the apparent absence of nails or other fasteners.

Abstract: A connection in wood frame construction such as in frame walls of homes, wood framed apartment buildings and light wood framed commercial buildings. Specifically, the disclosure describes a pair of connectors for joining wall studs to a base plate and to a top plate for framing a wall. The two connectors used in the connection are identical and include an edge member for connection to the edge faces of the stud and the base or top plates, and a face member for engaging the lower face of the base plate or the upper face of the top plate. The face member is joined to the edge member and projects at a right angle thereto. The face member serves the dual purposes of locating the connected at the ends of the studs and of resisting tension forces.

Abstract: A structural truss and method of forming a truss is disclosed. The truss includes an end configuration which does not rely on gluing components together. The end configuration is formed from a web which extends between the top and bottom chords of the truss and a connector system for connecting the web to both of those chords inwardly of the first ends of the chords. In another arrangement, the end configuration is a prefabricated end configuration comprised of top and bottom chord members and a web located between the top and bottom chord members.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging material in netting is described. The apparatus in a first embodiment is a netter for enclosing material in netting and a scissors assembly for severing the netting. The scissors assembly comprises a pair of blade elements pivotally connected by a pin affixed to the netter and each of the pair of blade elements comprises a knife section extending in a first direction from the pin and a lever section extending in a second direction from the pin. The scissors assembly further comprises a pair of link arms each connecting one of the lever sections of the pair of blade elements to a piston, the piston extendable in a first direction to pivot the knife sections of the blade elements toward each other and extendable in a second direction to pivot the knife sections of the blade elements away from each other. In another embodiment, the piston comprises an air-actuated cylinder.

Abstract: A film changer apparatus changes the reel of extensible film in wrapping machines for packaging palletized loads. A supporting structure has an assembly for carrying the reel of the wrapping film and retains the free end of the film of a reel. Supporting structure is vertically movable between a wrapping position and a lowered position for changing a reel. A retainer provides temporary support of the free end of the film and is movable between two end positions. The automatic changer includes a release and expulsion device for the reel and for positioning the carriage for placing the reel into proper position. The changer also includes devices to position the spindles for carrying the reels to pick up the new reel from the carriage and transfer the free end of the film to be retained. The changer moves the support structure back to a wrapping position and moves the carriage to bring a new reel from the reel changer.

Abstract: Methods, devices and computer program products automatically package an object in a covering material such as casing and/or netting by: (a) automatically pushing at least one object through a product chute; (b) pulling a covering material upstream of the product chute off an exterior surface of the product chute to automatically enclose the object in the covering material as the object exits the product chute; and (c) applying a clip to the covering material to secure the object in the packing material.

Abstract: A method for producing a pack (1) for groups (2) of rolls of products comprises the following steps: forming of a tube of film (3) around a frame (5) forming a channel (6) for the passage of the product groups (2); creation of a first seal (S1) on the front edges (7) of the film (3); insertion in the channel (6) of product groups (2), fed until they are close to the closed front end (7) of the film (3); further feeding of the product groups (2) with simultaneous feeding of the film (3) and formation of the further portion of the pack (1) beyond the frame (5); creation of a second, longitudinal seal (S2) on the overlapping longitudinal edges of the film (3) simultaneously with the further feed step; creation of a third seal (S3) on the rear edges (11) of the film (3) designed to close the pack (1) at the rear of the product groups (2) bagged; between the step of insertion of product groups (2) in the channel (6) and the further feeding of the product groups (2), there being a step of feeding the film (3) wound