Abstract: A cutter includes radial cutting blades connected by a hinge about which the blades may be rotated between collapsed and extended positions. A rotary body and rotary cap form a handle which holds the inner ends of the blades. The members are mounted for rotation about the hinge axis relative to free blades. Circumferentially spaced stop faces on the body are spaced apart in the axial direction Circumferentially spaced abutment faces on the cap are spaced apart in the radial direction. The abutment-engaging faces of adjacent free blades are correspondingly spaced apart in the radial direction To extend the blades, the cap is rotated relative to the body, with the cap and body holding the portions of each free blade between a respective stop face and abutment face for locating the free blades in the extended positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nut cracker that comprises a cup (1) with an internal, generally conical space, a lever (10) provided adjacent to the conical space, said lever (10) being pivotally attached to the cup (1), and a handle (20) that is pivotally attached to the cup (1). It is significant of the nut cracker according to the present invention that the lever (10) and the handle (20) have means (16, 22) to achieve a guided cooperation between the lever (10) and the handle (20) in the axial direction (A) of the cup (1).

Abstract: A knife including body including a blade head at one end and demountable roller at the other end, the blade head including a planar first guide cheek and planar second guide cheek, positioned at an angle, alpha relative a blade which is received between the first and second guide cheeks; a device for urging the blade between a retracted position and an extended position. The knife further including a device for attaching the roller to a roller end of the knife body, wherein the roller further including a right wheel half and a left wheel half such that the roller being comprised of two halves in intimate contact with each other.

Abstract: A pair of effort-saving shears primarily comprises: a first shear element having a combining portion with a pivot hole and a shear element combining hole thereon, and a first handle further attached to the first shear element; a second shear element having combining portion with a shear element combining hole; a handle shaft axially positioned in a second handle and having a combining portion at one end; an effort-saving transmission assembly including a toothed block fixed on one side of the combining portion of the handle shaft, and a toothed hole provided on the combining portion of the second shear element, wherein the toothed hole enclose and partially engage the toothed block by parts of the teeth thereof; and wherein the combining portion of the first shear element overlaps the combining portion of the second shear element; a pivot member, piercing through said pivot holes to be placed between the toothed hole and the toothed block; and a shear element combining pin piercing through said shear element

Abstract: A hand tool is provided that includes a handle and one or more implements that are movable relative to the handle. The hand tool may include a first implement that is rotatable within a plane and a second implement that is slidable along an axis that may also lie within that same plane. The implements may include a variety of tools or blades, such as knife blades and cutting hooks. The hand tool may also include locks and/or catches to bias or lock one or more of the implements in retracted and extended positions. The handle may define a groove or other recess for holding an instrument such as a sharpening tool.

Abstract: A folding utility knife for holding a razor blade. The knife includes a handle and two independently pivotal planar blade-holding jaws that are, in turn, pivotally attached to the handle. The jaws define an interposed blade-receiving space that is sized and shaped to receive and hold a blade, when the jaws are in a closed position, and release the blade, when the jaws are in an open position. A locking clip is slidable along one of the jaws between a locked and unlocked position. The locking clip can be slid into the locked position when the two jaws are located in the closed position so that the jaws remain closed. When the clip is slid to the unlocked position, the jaws are permitted to pivot to the open position, so that the blade can be removed or inserted. Another embodiment provides a ratchet lock mechanism in place of the slider locking clip.

Abstract: A utility knife in accordance with the present invention combines a cutting tool and a hole punch into a single compact, efficient tool. The utility knife includes a recess into which the cutting blade is retracted and another recess to store a hole punch. The hole punch pivots from one end the body so that a piece of material to be punched can be placed between the hole punch and the body. The hole punch is pivoted towards the body to punch through the material. The punch mechanism pushes confetti from the material into a confetti storage cavity within the body. A user can open the confetti storage door to discard the confetti stored within the body. The present invention also allows a user to store extra cutting blades within a recess in the hole punch arm.

Abstract: An out-the-front automatic knife incorporates dual locking and release mechanisms that define a three-point blade-handle interconnection between the blade and the handle when the blade is locked in the open position. A single trigger is operable to automatically open the knife, and to automatically close the knife. Separate firing and retraction springs may be provided with different spring strength to vary the speed and strength of the blade moving to the open position, and to the closed position. Blade guide systems cause the blade to travel longitudinally and linearly. The handle substantially encloses the blade and incorporates an access port to facilitate cleaning and maintenance of components housed in the handle interior.

Abstract: I invented COMB CUT SCISSORS which having a cut comb on the one part of scissors for two functions of hairs lining up and cutting. A comb can be cut at half width of any one part of scissors. Hairs may line up at each comb slot and cut at bottom of the comb. People can hair cut their friends or by themselves with one hand.

Abstract: An assisting apparatus assists an operating section. The operating section produces effect on a target surface. The assisting apparatus includes a retaining section for detachably retaining the operating section. An arranging section is placed on the target surface so as to arrange the retaining section on the target surface. An actuating section actuates the operating section such that the operating section produces effect on the target surface in a state where the retaining section retains the operating section. Therefore, an assisting apparatus that allow an operating section to easily and stably act on a target surface is provided.

Abstract: A metal razor head assembly includes a hollow unitary skeleton with at least one detent, an insert positioned in the skeleton and including a metal finger shaped to be bent to interlock with the detent, and a tool inserted in the razor head to bend the finger to interlock with the detent.

Abstract: A hybrid wheel alignment system and methodology use passive targets for a first pair of wheels (e.g. front wheels) and active sensing heads for another pair of wheels (e.g. rear wheels). The active sensing heads combine image sensors for capturing images of the targets with at least one spatial relationship sensor for sensing a relationship between the active sensing heads. One or both of the active sensing heads may include inclinometers or the like, for sensing one or more tilt angles of the respective sensing head. Data from the active sensing heads may be sent to a host computer for processing to derive one or more vehicle measurements, for example, for measurement of parameters useful in wheel alignment applications.

Abstract: A level is provided that includes a body comprising upper and lower parallel walls and first and second side walls operatively connected with the upper and lower walls. The upper wall has first and second linear edges extending longitudinally along opposite sides and an opening therethrough. The first of the side walls has an opening therethrough such that the opening in the upper wall and the opening in the first side wall are contiguous with one another. The first linear edge is disposed at the operative connection between the upper wall and the second side wall and extends uninterruptedly from end to end of the body. A bubble vial is disposed in the body and is visible through the opening in the upper wall and through the opening in the first side wall.

Abstract: A tape rule has a tape rule blade with fluorescent or phosphorescent material incorporated to provide enhanced visibility of indicia.

Abstract: A hand held measuring device for measuring for construction or other industries using measuring tapes to ascertain measurements. The device features an extendable tape engaged to an electronic sensor communicating the measurement to a data processor and digital display. Software operating on the data processor stores and employs the taken measurements to estimate time and materials for a given industry. The software may be changed by engaging a memory card with industry specific software adapted to employ the measurements taken for calculations. A camera will take digital photos of measured areas and store them in association with individual measurements. A second video display provides a software driven graphic interface for display and input of data.

Abstract: One aspect of an invention disclosed herein relates to improved durability of the thumb engaging portion of a tape rule locking assembly. In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a retractable rule assembly comprising a housing assembly; a reel rotatably mounted in the housing assembly; and an elongated blade formed of a ribbon of metal being wound on the reel. The elongated blade has measuring indicia formed on a concave side thereof; and a coil spring formed of a ribbon of metal is constructed to rotate the reel in the housing assembly in a direction to wind up the elongated blade. A blade holding assembly for holding the blade in a position of extension outwardly of said housing, said blade holding assembly comprising a resilient thumb engaging portion and a receiving region behind the thumb engaging portion to enable the thumb engaging portion to deform into the receiving region to absorb impact.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for the uniform drying of boards, such as gypsum wallboards. The apparatus includes a dryer through which a series of boards are conveyed in a side-by-side relationship. While in the dryer, heated air is delivered over the boards via a series of separate air channels. A bypass duct delivers a portion of or a totality of unreheated air to the outermost channels where the cooler air displaces a volume of the warmer air. As a result, the air in the outermost channels is cooler than the air in the interior channels. Air from the outermost channels is then directed over the exposed longitudinal edges of the boards.

Abstract: A shoe for dancing, comprising a forefoot portion, wherein the forefoot portion comprises a forefoot sole and a front upper; a rearfoot portion comprising a rearfoot sole including a high heel; a midfoot portion comprising a midfoot sole; and a rigidified section that extends at least partway from the rearfoot portion to partway into the midfoot portion, leaving a gap between the rear edge of the forefoot portion and the front end of the rigidified section so that there are at least two zones of flexibility in the midfoot portion, the first zone being relatively rigid for supporting a weight bearing midfoot, and the second zone being relatively flexible, the overall midfoot portion allowing the wearer to perform both dorsiflexion and plantar flexion of the foot over a full range of movement.

Abstract: Systems and methods for constructing custom orthotics are described. Several embodiments of the system use sensor pads to obtain both static and dynamic three dimensional information concerning the shape or topography of the bottom surface of a patient's foot. The information is analyzed to obtain information useful in constructing a custom orthotic from a selection of basic orthotic shells. Once constructed, the orthotic can modify a patient's gait. One embodiment of the present invention includes a user terminal including a sensor pad connected to a computer, a server configured to analyze three dimensional information acquired by the sensor pad, a manufacturing terminal configured to display the results of the server's analysis of the three dimensional information and a network that connects the user terminal to the server and the server to the manufacturing terminal.

Abstract: A substantially permanently deforming insert including a soft foam layer configured to substantially permanently deform and conform to a wearer's foot. This deformation preferably takes place quickly, eliminating the typical break in period. The insert can also include a roughened region configured to engage an outer member, eliminating the need for an adhesive between the outer member and the insert.

Abstract: An insole for sports shoes, particularly for golf, constituted by an anatomically contoured body which has portions made of different materials which form regions with differentiated mechanical properties in order to optimize the discharge of the forces affecting the foot; these regions are at least: a first phalangeal region; a second metatarsal region; a third calcaneal region.

Abstract: Footwear such as a shoe has a closure which includes a strap. The strap is releasably and removably secured at the toe of the upper and extends across an access opening down the access of the shoe and can be releasably and removably fastened to the upper adjacent to the ankle end by VELCRO™ secured between the strap and the upper. Other engagement devices can be used in place of VELCRO.

Abstract: A weight-activated tying shoe wherein user who, upon sliding his foot inside the shoe, will depress a movable inner sole. This activates a side mechanism composed of a winch with a cable system used to close the tongue of the shoe towards the user's foot, thus lacing the shoe. The user simply uses his weight to activate the mechanism. Using his other foot, the user can move a pedal to release the mechanism's tension. Most of the mechanical components are located on both sides of the shoe body.

Abstract: A foot covering, including a thin, flexible compartment for receiving a foot, the compartment having a forefoot section, a mid-section, and a heel section. The compartment has a top surface for securing the foot and a ground-facing surface having at least a forefoot outsole portion in the forefoot section. The forefoot outsole portion is disposed mainly in the forefoot section, and has a shape that is wider than it is long; corresponding approximately to the width of a foot and covering approximately the first to the fifth metatarsal heads. The mid-section of the compartment is mainly free of outsole material. The inventive subject matter is further directed towards a method for manufacturing such a foot covering.

Abstract: A footwear shoe structure for sports and general outdoor activity, having excellent benefits with respect to hallux vulgas, has an internal half-size tabi (Japanese sock) structure that uses a stretchable cloth and separates the big toe from the other four toes, the internal structure being interposed between an instep covering material and an upper toe part of a sole. The stretching property of the stretchable cloth forming an upper part and the stretching property of the stretchable cloth forming a lower part of the internal structure are differentiated from one another so as to be smaller in the latter than in the former. A partition member 4 formed of a soft elastic material is fitted into a crotch part between a big toe part and a part of the internal structure for the other four toes. In one embodiment, the upper part of the internal structure is formed of two sheets comprising stretchable cloth of nylon or polyester fiber, and a urethane foam 1c is interposed therebetween.

Abstract: Embodiments provide for an easily interchangeable footwear component, such as an upper portion of an article of footwear. In one embodiment, an article of footwear can comprise a fixed upper portion of an article of footwear, a sole fixedly connected to the fixed upper portion, and an interchangeable upper portion. Both the sole and the interchangeable upper portion can include one or more releasable fasteners, which allow the interchangeable upper portion to be releasably fastened to the article of footwear.

Abstract: A changeable stripe for footwear, that can be applied to any segment of the shoe, or other clothing, or even a purse or backpack, and includes a changeable stripe that is held by means of a base, or through slots provided within the shoe, so that a pull tab connecting to the ends of the stripe can be shifted in one direction or the other to disclose different surface features of the stripe, to change or vary the coloration or design of the shown stripe. The changeable stripe may be applied directly and integrally into the structure of the shoe component, or it may be held by an independent base structure and applied by stitching or adhesive to the shoe. Each stripe may have pivotal segments that allows for turning of a portion of a stripe, so as to display other coloration. Such changeable stripes can be applied to the surface of the shoe, can be applied over the vamp of a sandal, the vamp of a beach shoe, or to other clothing or items, as desired.

Abstract: Devices with internal flexibility sipes, such as slits, provide improved flexibility, improved cushioning to absorb shock and/or shear forces, and improved stability of support. Siped devices can be used in any existing product that provides or utilizes cushioning and stability. These products include human and other footwear, both soles and uppers, as well as orthotics; athletic, occupational and medical equipment and apparel; padding or cushioning, such as for equipment or tool handles, as well as furniture; balls; tires; and any other structural or support elements in a mechanical, architectural, or any other product.

Abstract: A jewelry article including a planar body having a first surface bearing a decorative design which may include one or more precious stones. The body includes a plurality of elongated slots extending therethrough accommodating the lowermost loop of an engaged shoelace whereby the article is supported upon an uppermost surface of a shoe.

Abstract: A portable shoe comprises a shoe body and a toe-separating massager, wherein the shoe body having a shoe sole and a vamp, and a front end of the top surface of the shoe sole is formed with a containing groove for fixing the toe-separating massager. The toe-separating massager is disposed with a plurality of separating posts and engaging grooves on the top surface thereof that are arranged staggered, and each engaging groove is engaged with a rotatable biochemical ball. By such arrangements, when the user puts on the shoe, the present invention can rectify the positions of the toes and can massage the toes by the bioelectricity discharged by the biochemical balls.

Abstract: A scraping device for removing material from an elevated surface such as snow on the roof of a vehicle, the device comprising a blade member, a first connecting member having a distal end and a proximal end, a support member having one pivotably connected adjacent the proximal end of the connecting member with a linking element being connected to the proximal end thereof, the linking end extending downwardly with respect to the first connecting member and a control member pivotably connected to the connecting member intermediate of the distal and proximal ends thereof. The device has the blade placed on the vehicle roof and subsequently the control member is operated to position the blade and pull the blade towards the side of the vehicle thus removing snow therefrom.

Abstract: Provided is a bucket assembly having a grappling member for excavator. The bucket assembly includes: a forward and backward tilting unit for forwardly and backwardly tiling a supporting plate mounted at a boom of the excavator through a first hinge bracket; a rotating unit rotatably disposed under the supporting plate of the forward and backward tilting unit; a driving unit including a supporting frame disposed under the rotating unit, a bucket member and a grappling member mounted to face the bucket member for driving the bucket member and the grappling member using an oil pressure, wherein the supporting frame and the grappling member have a bucket tooth with a hard metal tip and a grappling tooth with a hard metal tip; and a left and right tilting unit mounted at both of the forward and backward tilting unit and the rotating unit to tilt the rotating unit using oil pressure.

Abstract: A display device with horizontal or vertical, alternating or continuous scrolling of at least two juxtaposed posters forming a strip, comprises a substantially rectangular parallelepiped outer geometry with the posters being viewed on a rectangular front frame. The strip is driven in a translational movement parallel to the front frame by at least one power roller. The device further comprises two independent modules, each adapted for rotationally guiding at least one power roller or at least one idle roller. The modules are assembled together by at least one beam and are located on the shorter sides of the rectangle formed by the front frame.

Abstract: A luminous sign using encapsulated LED chips with a neon light effect, comprising: a light guide, the front shape of which is the shape of a character with a selected width and height; an illumination channel, the shape of which is matched the shape of the light guide, the illumination channel and the light guide integrated into one piece; at least one PCB, the shape of which is matched the shape of the illumination channel, being placed underneath the illumination channel; a plurality of LED chips being spacedly disposed as a linear or strip array on the PCB by chip bonding method; the light guide, the illumination channel and the PCB form a closed light cavity, encapsulated with encapsulant doped with diffusion diluent; the encapsulated light guide, illumination channel and PCB are mounted on a supporting frame to form a character shape.

Abstract: Sign mounting and tensioning apparatus, method and system for beadles signs comprises fired and floating rails adapted to removal y receive and hold elongated locks having sign edges wrapped around non-rotating inserts, and tensioning means for tensioning signs locked in the rails, which tensioning means may be a series of short levering mechanisms spaced along and connectable to the floating rails.

Abstract: A breakaway banner support assembly for mounting to a vertical support structure having at least one mounting member connected to a support structure, a support rod extending along a generally horizontal plane for supporting a flexible banner, and a breakaway and return hinge interconnecting the support rod and said mounting member, said rod being pivotally movable along said generally horizontal plane between a display position and a breakaway position, said rod pivoting to a breakaway position in response to a force acting thereon so as to deflect said force and pivotally returning to said display position when said force dissipates.

Abstract: A flexible display unit and a mobile terminal having the same are disclosed. The flexible display unit includes a flexible display film, insulated flexible display unit edges formed at two opposite edges of the display film, and a plurality of electromagnets formed in the display unit edges at predetermined intervals. The two opposite edges of the flexible film are straightened by magnetic forces when the display film is unrolled to the outside of a main body of the mobile terminal. Accordingly, a problem of the flexible display unit not being flat or being distorted may be solved. Additionally, the flexible display unit of the present invention is smoothly rolled into the main body in the same manner as in a conventional flexible display unit, because the flexibility of the flexible display unit of the present invention is recovered by removing the magnetic forces when rolling the flexible display unit into the main body.

Abstract: A semi-automatic pistol is created by the modification of a fully automatic sub-machine gun Sa vz. 61. The semi-automatic pistol is constructed partly from original parts of the Sa vz. 61 sub-machine gun, i.e. barrel, receiver, trigger, trigger lever and pistol grip, partly from modified parts of Sa vz. 61 sub-machine gun, i.e. hammer, interrupter and bolt, and partly from newly manufactured parts, i.e. semi-automatic frame without a groove in the bridge for the release lever and openings in rear stop for retarder assembly and without rails for folding stock on the outside of the rear wall, and a new safety lever with holes and grooves in such a positions that only semi-automatic fire is possible in its forward position. Some parts of the Sa vz. 61 sub-machine gun are removed completely, i.e. original frame, original safety lever, release lever, folding stock and retarder group (bolt hook, weight, counterweight, spring).

Abstract: A gun lock system including a chamber restriction unit and a key. The chamber restriction unit includes a lock screw, a base, a nose, a stud connected between the nose and the base, at least two expandable rings and at least one solid spacer. The lock screw includes a threaded body and a lock screw head with a key receiver to receive the key. The base includes a threaded lock screw hole to receive the threaded body of the lock screw. The nose includes a lock screw body through hole to receive the threaded body of the lock screw. Each of the at least two expandable rings includes a stud hole to slide over the stud. Each of the at least one solid spacer includes a stud hole to slide over the stud and be between the two expandable rings.

Abstract: A hands-free gun support has an adjustable telescoping barrel stand that supports the front end of a gun in a cradle. The gun butt is attached to a gun butt harness, which is removably attached to a shoulder harness worn by the hunter. The gun is aimed at the firing position and both the telescoping barrel stand and the butt harness support are adjusted so that the gun is completely supported in the firing position and the user's hands are free. The barrel stand height, as well as the horizontal and vertical orientation of the gun mounting cradle can be adjusted and locked. Adjustment of the gun butt harness is accomplished by a standard adjustable clip and a push-button clip in the shoulder harness. The gun support is especially suited for hunting turkey hunting or other game animals that are extremely sensitive to the slightest movement of the gun or the person holding the gun. Hunters engaged in such pursuits must spend long hours holding the gun steady without motion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a plume of fish attractant around a submerged lure moving relative to the water are provided. In particular, a diver is provided that includes a structure for receiving a fish attracting substance. The structure for receiving the fish attracting substance is configured so that a plume of the fish attracting substance is directed around a lure connected to the diver while the diver and hire are submerged in and moving relative to the water. A cap for enclosing the structure for receiving the fish attracting substance may be provided for containing the substance while the diver is out of the water.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensating fishing weight apparatus including a weight, a hollow cylinder, and a length of wire or line disposed through each of the weight and the cylinder. The hollow cylinder is slightly elongate, waterproof, buoyant, deformable and flexible. Proximate the upper end of the cylinder, the line connects to a swivel or comparable fishing tackle element adapted for snap-on connection to a fishing line. A lower end of the lines terminates immediately below the weight in an element that prevents the line from removal through the weight or cylinder. The weight is attached to the lower end of the hollow cylinder with a watertight seal. The upper end of the line is disposed through a seal at the upper end of the hollow cylinder.

Abstract: A flycatcher includes a circular disc with an hollow interior, a net bag fixed on the circular disc, a plurality of support legs supporting the circular disc, and an opaque conical bellows-shaped cover combined under the circular disc and hiding the support legs. The bellows-shaped cover is made like a paper lantern collapsible, permitting the flycatcher reducing its dimensions for convenience of packaging and transporting in addition to catching flies by a light.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to insect-attraction apparatuses and methods of fabricating and using such apparatuses. One embodiment of an insect-attraction apparatus includes a lure containing an insect-attractive substance. The insect-attraction apparatus also includes a housing having a chamber, with the lure positioned inside the chamber. The chamber is partially defined by a bond between interior surfaces of the housing. When the bond is severed, the housing may be expanded to form a passageway that allows access to the lure.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a fuel composition containing gasoline, ethanol and a volatility agent, such that the cold start performance of the gasoline/ethanol blend fuel is enhanced. Also provided is a fuel composition containing ethanol and a volatility agent and also a method for improving the cold start performance of an engine.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the use of fuel additives in duel delivery systems contacting or combusting fuels containing ethanol, such as E85. The additives improve the properties of the resulting fuel, minimize the impact of the fuel on the components of the fuel delivery system, improve the protection of the engine and the fuel delivery system, and also enhance the benefits to the consumer and to the environment of utilizing varying amounts of ethanol as a fuel in combustion engines.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for improving corrosion inhibition in engines combusting a fuel containing ethanol. In particular, E85 fuels are provided containing additives able to reduce, eliminate and/or prevent corrosion of engine combustion surfaces and surfaces of engine components exposed to the fuel containing ethanol.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method to reduce wear and prevent deposit formation in an internal combustion engine, said method comprising combusting in said engine a fuel composition comprising gasoline, ethanol and at least one fuel additive. There is also provided a composition to improve wear protection in an internal combustion engine combusting an ethanol-containing fuel, said composition comprising gasoline, ethanol, and one or more fuel additive materials.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for producing algae with high oil content. The system includes a chemostat formed with a conduit for growing algae, an input port for feeding a medium into the conduit, and an output port for passing an effluence from the conduit. Further, the chemostat includes a paddlewheel or other device that moves the medium around the conduit. Also, the system includes a plug flow reactor for receiving the effluence from the chemostat. In order to trigger high oil production in the algae, a modified nutrient mix is added to the effluence in the plug flow reactor. Specifically, the modified nutrient mix comprises a limited amount of a selected constituent to trigger oil production in the algae. Further, the system includes an algae separator for removing high oil content algae from the plug flow reactor.

Abstract: A system and method for producing biofuel from pollutant-fed algae are disclosed. Specifically, the system includes a scrubber with a chamber for receiving a pollutant-contaminated fluid stream. Further, a scrubber solution is received in the chamber for scrubbing the pollutant-contaminated fluid stream. Also, the system includes a bioreactor that is provided with an input port to receive the scrubber solution with pollutants for use as nutrients to support algae cell growth. Further, the system includes an algae separator that removes the algae from the bioreactor and a device for processing the algae into biofuel. In order to recycle the scrubber solution, the algae separator is in fluid communication with the scrubber. With this arrangement, the effluence from the bioreactor may be recycled for use as the scrubber solution.