Abstract: Data are input from a geomagnetic sensor that detects magnetic fields in three axial directions, and magnetic field data are measured on the basis of the input data. The measured magnetic field data are sequentially stored, and a determination is made as to whether a plurality of the magnetic field data thus stored lie within a same plane in a three-dimensional orientation space. When it has been determined that the plurality of the magnetic field data lie within the same plane in the three-dimensional orientation space, center coordinates of a circular arc where the stored magnetic field data lie are calculated, as provisional offset values, on the basis of the magnetic field data and in accordance with a predetermined algorithm. Magnetic field data measured after the calculation of the provisional offset values is corrected with the provisional offset values, and an arithmetic operation is performed for determining orientation data on the basis of the corrected magnetic field data.

Abstract: A pocket level having a detachable line level whose bubble vial doubles as the pocket level's horizontal bubble vial, and an angle finder for enabling the determination of the angle of an inclined surface which includes a bubble vial housed in a wheel rim directly rotated by a user applying a rotation force to a portion of its exterior non-slip circumferential wheel rim surface preferably accessible via a throughgoing cutout formed in the pocket level's upper surface.

Abstract: The marking sheet for cutting drywall provides an adhesive sheet having a marking layer formed of a transferable medium for transferring an image of an opening to the rear surface of a sheet of drywall. The user may then use the transferred image as a template for cutting an opening through the sheet of drywall. The marking sheet is dimensioned and configured to correspond to the opening, and is adhered to a building frame element defining the opening. The drywall is positioned against the marking sheet to form the image. The drywall is then removed from the marking sheet, and the user cuts the opening in the drywall. The marking sheet may be used to form openings in drywall for electrical boxes, for HVAC ducts, for plumbing pipes, for electrical conduit, or for window or door openings by marking the corners of the window or door openings.

Abstract: A feature of a countersink in a hole, such as the diameter, is measured by a gauge having a self centering, spherically shaped probe which shifts laterally upon engagement with the countersink side walls to as to align itself with the central axis of the hole. The gauge includes an outer tube gripped by a user during the measurement, and an axially displaceable shaft within the tube that drives an indicator dial. The shaft is coupled with the probe by a flexible connector which transmits axial displacement of the probe to the shaft but allows slight lateral movement of the probe relative to the shaft, permitting the probe to become centered within the countersink.

Abstract: Disclosed is an a mountable leveling support clamp comprising a mounting plate, a support arm having a horizontal and vertical portion incorporating a leveling indicator and threaded throughbore with an adjusting screw having a locking plate on one end and a handle on the other. The support clamp is designed to temporarily fix the positioning of a horizontal member to an upright as permanent fasteners are applied thereto, whereupon the support clamp is removed.

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: A drier comprising a drier body, wherein includes a base which is detachable from the drier body, and further includes a jointing part and a holder part. Said base is provided with an opening for inserting the drier body which is connected to the base via the opening. Said base is mounted to the holder part by the jointing part. The drier can be used both by hands, and also can be placed steadily at desired position or the surface of an object when used. Thus it can overcome the shortcoming of limited working position or the problem which the user's two hands can't be available when used.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for drying paper webs, especially tissue paper webs, with a dryer cylinder 1 and a dryer hood 2, 3 for blowing hot air onto the paper web. It is mainly characterised by the inlet air parts of the dryer hood 2, 3, such as the nozzle basket 9 or the inlet duct 4, being uncoupled from the frame or hood structure 10. This is especially advantageous at operating temperatures of up to 700° C.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing heat-sensitive pharmaceutical powder is disclosed. The original pharmaceutical substances are dissolved in a solution or suspended in a suspension, which is sprayed through an atomizing nozzle and frozen in a cold gas phase or liquid nitrogen atomized directly in the spray-freeze chamber or gas jacket at the same time (for cooling purposes). The particles are freeze-dried at roughly atmospheric pressure in a down-stream fluid flow with exit filter thereby to remove moisture entrapped on or inside the frozen particles. The system has applicability for forming other powders.

Abstract: A method for processing a substrate is provided. The method includes applying an active agent to an active region of a surface of the substrate. Then, the method includes generating a fluid meniscus on the surface of the substrate with a proximity head, where the fluid meniscus is surrounding the active region. In one example, processing the surface of the substrate with the active agent includes one of an etching operation, a cleaning operation, a rinsing operation, a plating operation, or a lithography operation, and processing the surface of the substrate with the fluid meniscus includes one of an etching operation, a cleaning operation, a rinsing operation, a plating operation, a drying operation, or a lithography operation.

Abstract: A shrink wrap machine has a shrink wrap tunnel with an entrance and an exit. A conveyor transports products to be shrink wrapped from the entrance through the tunnel to the exit. A source of gas is coupled to the inside of the tunnel and bathes the products. A heater controls the gas temperature in the tunnel. A pump controls the gas volume and/or velocity in the tunnel. An input device receives product identification information. A memory stores different process parameters, namely gas volumes, gas velocities, conveyor speeds, and/or temperatures applicable to the product identification information. A computer selectively retrieves process parameters from a memory responsive to the input device and sets the pump, the heater, and/or the conveyor to match the retrieved process parameters. The computer and memory are preferably a programmable logic controller (PLC). A machine readable product code such as UPC is as the product identifier and a code reader as the input device.

Abstract: A washing process to sufficiently remove contaminants attached on the surface of an optical film is proposed. Specifically, disclosed is a method of manufacturing an optical film, wherein the method possesses the steps of spraying onto at least one surface of a transparent film a solidified blast material via cooling that is a gas or a liquid at normal temperature and pressure, washing the at least one surface of the transparent film, and coating at least one optically functional layer on the washed surface of the transparent film.

Abstract: A device (21) and method for removing a broken pulp web (27) from a pulp dryer and a maintenance platform (23) comprising such a device. The device (21) comprises an actuator (31), a pulling means (33) functionally coupled to the actuator and adapted to be driven by the actuator, and a gripping means (1, 11) coupled to the pulling means (33) and comprising means (4, 5) for engaging to the pulp web. The actuator is arranged to actuate the gripping means via the pulling means. The actuator is used to pull the gripping means and along with it, the pulp web out from the pulp dryer.

Abstract: A substantially transparent article of footwear includes a substantially transparent resilient sole having a gripping surface and a substantially transparent shoe upper integrally extending from the resilient sole. The upper includes an element for aeration of a foot of a user and a substantially transparent insole disposed within the upper and a closure element for the upper. The transparent closure element operates to stabilizing an ankle and in-step area of a foot of the user within the footwear.

Abstract: Weight sporters is a shoe that *utilizes the rubber sole of the shoe to hold five weights of different circular sizes, by means of circular cavities manufactured along the side of the rubber sole. Weights are attached and secured by means of a turning knob on each top edge of the weight they are secured by means of a rubber pressure ring on the top edge of each weight and are machined threaded. The weights may be worn in all variations, using one, two, five or none at all etc. In other variants of the invention the shoe weights may also be covered with a smooth rubber plastic.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for making a trench wall in the soil comprising a frame, at least one lower cutting/mixing wheel arranged at the bottom of the frame, at least one further, upper cutting/mixing wheel arranged at the top of the frame, wherein the frame is designed in an intermediate portion between the upper cutting/mixing wheel and the lower cutting/mixing wheel with a smaller cross section with respect to the cutting cross section of the at least one lower cutting/mixing wheel. The invention further relates to a method for making a trench in the soil by means of such a device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trench wall cutter comprising a bearing shield, on which at least one cutting wheel is supported in a rotatable manner. Between the cutting wheel and the bearing shield at least one sealing member is provided. For the lubrication of the sealing member a lubricating device is provided, which has a lubricant inlet port arranged above the cutting wheel.

Abstract: A calendar comprising two sheets with one laid flat against the other and the sheets being moveable one over the other. One sheet bears the numbers “1” to “31” marked on it and the other sheet bears markings such that the numbers can be brought into registration with respective ones of the markings, successive markings being indicative of successive days of the week. Each month is represented by an indication on the sheet bearing the said markings adjacent to a marking indicative of that day of the week on which the first day of that month falls. Apertures are formed in the intended upper one of the sheets and further marks are provided on the intended underneath sheet such that when the indication of a given month on one of the sheets is brought adjacent to the number one on the other sheet, a mark appears through one of the apertures which is in registration with that number on the said one of the sheets which corresponds with the last day of the given month.

Abstract: A rotating base provided to exterior of an ornamental water ball or a table-top ornament and having continuous animation visual effect, including: a water ball or table-top ornament filled with liquid, a support for supporting the water ball or table-top ornament, and a conventional music unit or motor its transmission mechanism concealed in the base, wherein the rotating base in provided above the base and having therein a reflective lenses frame constructed of a plural rectangular lenses, and an adhesive sticker frame surrounding the reflective lenses frame and applied with plural animation adhesive stickers, in an amount equal to that of the lenses, at an inner side opposing the plural rectangular lenses are provided.

Abstract: The advertising panel is to display an advertising message and to diffuse a scent which is associated with the contents of the visually-displayed message. The inventive panel includes a parallelepiped volume containing: an assembly which is used to display an advertising message that is disposed opposite a display window, and at least one scent diffuser which is connected to a scent-diffusing element which is in turn installed opposite an opening in the panel, such as to diffuse a scented flow to the exterior. The diffusing element is connected to the head of the scent diffuser, thereby ensuring that a carrier gas is mixed with the scented fluid contained in the receptacle. The scented flow obtained at the outlet of the head is pulsed towards the diffusing element and, subsequently, to the exterior of the panel.

Abstract: Display devices for, e.g., advertising purposes, are provided wherein at least one member slides relative to at least one other member to a “reveal” position so as to display new and different information. In one embodiment, two sheath members move relative to a slide member while in another, two slide members move relative to a sheath member. In another embodiment, cutouts or windows are provided which reveal different information in different positions of the movable member or members of the device.

Abstract: A decorative border affixed to a solid surface which includes a plurality of photographic display units extending in physical commonality to form the decorative border, each of the plurality of photographic display units having a pocket surrounded by a decorative surface area, and an attachment mechanism for mounting the plurality of display units to the solid surface is disclosed. A decorative border including a plurality of photographic units embodied in a flexible sheet of underlayment, covering and optional decorative surface sheet is also disclosed. A decorative border including a plurality of interconnected photographic display units coupled together by a connecting mechanism which form the decorative border is also disclosed. Finally, a method of making a decorative border which includes providing the same is disclosed.

Abstract: A buttstock for a firearm is provided and includes a buttstock frame and a buttstock accessory. The buttstock frame has a frame wall with an exterior surface. The buttstock accessory is supported on the buttstock frame along the exterior surface.

Abstract: A hand guard assembly for a firearm including a barrel. The assembly includes a tubular unitary body mounted to surround a portion of the barrel substantially coaxially and in a transversely spaced relationship. The tubular body includes a plurality of air flow openings formed therethrough and at least one of a top rail formed as a unitary portion of the tubular body and extending rearwardly along an upper portion of a receiver of the firearm, side accessory rails formed as a unitary portion of the tubular body and on opposed sides of the tubular body, and a bottom accessory rail formed as a unitary portion of the tubular body and on a bottom surface of the tubular body. In the preferred method of fabricating the assembly, the body and any include accessory rails are extruded.

Abstract: An electronic control device includes an audio and/or video recorder, for example, packaged as a user-replaceable battery module. The audio and/or video recorder records audio and/or video information for a period beginning prior to receiving of a signal by the module. The signal may be a trigger signal, provided by the electronic control device. Use of the weapon module is documented by recorded audio and/or video information for the period, for example, extending a while before and after operation of the trigger.

Abstract: A fishing bobber including a flotation body with an open unfilled cavity therein and a tube apparatus at least partially projecting into the cavity, the tube apparatus having a first end with a first diameter opening and a second end with a second diameter opening. The first diameter being larger than the second diameter.

Abstract: A mouse or rodent trap including a housing having an elongated rotatable paddle member therein and an insert within the confines of the trap housing. A trigger assembly engages the paddle member and releases the paddle member for rotation when the trigger assembly is engaged by the mouse or rodent entering the housing. The mouse or rodent is then swept into the insert which is then closed and removed.

Abstract: A pest trapping device including a cap, a spewing member, a fan, a rotatable shaft, a transformer, a tray, a blue light emitting element, an electric circuit board, and a net. The spewing member has symmetrical holes to which support rods are secured for supporting the transformer controlling the rotatable shaft to rotate and further rotate the fan connected with the shaft. The tray is placed on the support rods for holding a pest-attracting chemical. The electric circuit board is positioned on a fixing frame fixed in the cap and connected with the light emitting element and the transformer that is turned on and off by a switch on the cap. When the device is powered, pests can be attracted by a smell giving out by the volatile chemical in the tray and the yellow color of the device, and during nighttime also by the blue light emitting element and sucked in by the fan and then held in the net.

Abstract: An ant exterminating apparatus operates to exterminate an ant colony using a energy producing element secured within a housing. The ant exterminating apparatus further includes a cover that is pivotally attached to a base. The cover is pivotable between an open position and a closed position, and an energy producing element is affixed to the cover to quickly generate radiation or heat energy between the cover and the base upon command of either the user or a conventional timing device. Bait is placed within the housing to attract the worker ants, and the energy producing element is activated periodically. The energy producing element will raise the body temperature of the ants such that the ants will die while feeding on the bait or soon thereafter, thereby destroying the colony.

Abstract: A high structural load window sash latch includes a load applying housing wrap that extends around the interior face of a window sash. The housing wrap transfers the majority of positive forces incident upon the sash to a latch housing, where the forces are transferred to a latch bolt and then to the window jamb. Further, two load-bearing screws also secure the latch housing to the sash, while a hold down screw prevents the housing from lifting.

Abstract: A plastic louver which is to be swingably mounted in a shutter frame has a generally hollow louver body with a mouth at each end of the louver body. An end cap is fitted to each end of the louver body. Each end cap has an insert part which slides into the mouth and a face part which is exposed at the end of the louver body. The face part includes surrounding flashing which locates against without completely covering the mouthwall around the mouth. The flashing is of a size to provide sufficient strength to hold the face part of the end cap from pushing into the mouth of the louver body.

Abstract: A seal assembly is provided for sealing a motor vehicle defining an opening having a periphery, and having a flange extending about the periphery. The seal assembly includes a base. The seal assembly also includes spaced apart locking and positioning legs extending out from the base. The positioning and locking legs define a channel therebetween for receiving the flange. A retention portion is fixedly secured to the positioning leg and extends into the channel continuously along the positioning leg to bias the flange against the locking leg such that the seal assembly is locked into engagement over the flange.

Abstract: A sliding door for vehicles including a space frame formed from a U-shaped extruded aluminum tube and a crossbeam to which inner and outer aluminum door panels are attached. Hardware for operation of the door is mounted on the exposed inside surface of the door. The overall weight of the door is about 20 pounds and the door is about 35 mm thick. A movable window assembly for such a door and a method of making are also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular pole system for a luminaire includes an elongated pole section formed from a continuous filament winding process with a tenon or tenon collar wound into a tip end of the pole section. A method for making a modular pole system includes placing a tenon or tenon collar over a trunion end of a mandrel and winding a pre-selected thickness of a filament along the length of the mandrel up to and including a pre-selected length of the tenon or tenon collar to produce a tenon or tenon collar wound into a pole section of the modular pole system.

Abstract: A pole reinforcement truss has an open cross-sectional configuration characterized by opposite side flanges that diverge with respect to one another as they extend from respective opposite side edges of the truss body. In a preferred cross-sectional configuration, five curved bends of equal obtuse angle and radius of curvature are used to define the side flanges, a pair of bridge portions, and a pair of apex portions in symmetrical arrangement. The truss maintains its geometry in an improved manner after the onset of yielding, thereby increasing ultimate strength of the pole-truss assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing the first pouch from a stack of pouches includes apparatus adapted to bend an edge of the first pouch away from the second pouch of a stack to define a bent edge and a bend in the first pouch. The first pouch is then slid away from the second pouch to remove the first pouch from the plurality of adjacent pouches. This method allows the first pouch to be reliably separated from the second pouch by overcoming the various forces that typically cause adjacent pouches to cling to each other while stacked together.

Abstract: A control system for a trimmer head assembly includes a first arm including a first mowing device, a first cylinder connected to the first arm, a source of fluid in selective communication with the first cylinder via a fluid line, and an accumulator in selective communication with the first cylinder when the first cylinder is not in communication with the source of fluid. The accumulator is adapted to receive fluid from the first cylinder when an external force is applied to the first arm and to deliver fluid to the first cylinder when the external force has been removed from the first arm.

Abstract: A household tool for gathering and picking material comprising two rake head and handle units arranged side by side with both rake heads arranged in substantially the same plane for raking. The units are temporarily held in this position by several possible fasteners along the length of the units. One version is joined at a pivoting joint that allows each of the units to separately pivot about its own longitudinal axis so that their undersides are substantially facing each other and to swing opposite each other for picking. Another version allows both units to be completely disconnected when in the pick-up mode. The handle lengths can be adjustable and can be extended for raking and retracted for picking. Each rake unit may have a fixed or adjustable hand grip or arm grip for less fatigue when picking. The rake heads may overlap to provide more picking-up capacity and more stability to the components.

Abstract: In a method for the combustion of a fuel, a fuel or a premixed combustible mixture is introduced into a combustion space as a combustible fluid open jet. The velocity of the open jet is selected in such a way that it is impossible for a stable flame front to form, i.e. is in any event greater than the flame front velocity, and that, on account of a jet pump effect, flue gas is mixed into the combustible fluid jet from the combustion chamber in a jet-induced recirculation internally within the combustion chamber. The admixed flue gas dilutes and heats the combustible fluid. The heating causes the spontaneous ignition temperature to be exceeded, and a low-pollutant volumetric flame is formed in a highly dilute atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention relates to a turbine engine (1) with a semi-fixed turbine, particularly for aircraft driving a receiver (2) controlled so as to preserve a roughly constant rotation speed. The turbine engine, in particular via a gear system (20), drives the receiver and an LP compressor (6) with an LP turbine (14). According to the invention, the gear system has a torque control system (26) maintaining a constant ratio between the drive torque of the receiver transmitted by the gear system and the drive torque of the LP compressor transmitted by this same gear system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling a lean burn engine coupled to an emission control device that stores oxidants during lean operation, and reacts the stored oxidants during stoichiometric or rich operation, the method comprising estimating amounts of NOx stored in the device along a plurality of axial positions of the device and adjusting an operating parameter based on said estimate.

Abstract: An articulated vehicle with a working device has a first frame having a prime mover mounted thereon and supporting a first transaxle apparatus. The first transaxle apparatus includes an input shaft receiving power from the prime mover, a pair of first axles, and a hydrostatic transmission. The hydrostatic transmission comprises a variable hydraulic pump, a first hydraulic motor fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump via a fluid passage, and a housing with a flexible port fluidly connected to the fluid passage. The second transaxle apparatus includes a pair of second axles having different lengths and a second hydraulic motor. The second hydraulic motor is fluidly connected via piping to a directionally adjustable connection portion of the flexible port. Proximal ends of the first and second frames with respect to the vehicle are coupled to each other so that the first and second frames are rotatable around a vertical axis relative to each other when steered.

Abstract: A free walking beam that uses the principles of the Stirling cycle to drive a piston reciprocatatively through a housing cylinder to pivot alternately around a pair of parallel power output shafts to provide a high torque means of generating mechanical energy. The heat differential required for the Stirling cycle is provided by an external heat source such as ambient heat, solar-heated fluid, or recovered waste heat that is applied to the lower end of the housing cylinder when in a substantially vertical position that elevates the piston to the opposing end thereof to create an imbalanced state thereby initiating the rotational freefall of the superior end of the housing cylinder which drives the power output shaft on which it is pivoting. The process is then repeated with the other power output shaft.

Abstract: A turbocharger (107) for an internal combustion engine (100) includes a turbine having a divided turbine housing (109). A first inlet port (113) may be connected to a first volute that is formed in the turbine housing (109), and a second inlet port (114) connected to a second volute that is formed in the turbine housing (109). A center housing may be connected to the turbine housing (109), and a compressor (111) may be connected to the center housing. An exhaust gas valve (137) is in fluid communication with the first inlet port (113) and arranged to at least partially constrict a flow of exhaust gas from entering the first inlet port (113) of the turbine (109), but not constrict the flow of exhaust gas from entering the second inlet port (114).

Abstract: A method of assembling a gas turbine engine includes providing a gas turbine engine including a compressor, a combustor downstream from the compressor, and a turbine coupled to the compressor, and coupling a seal assembly aft of the compressor such that air discharged through the seal assembly facilitates reducing the cavity pressure, and therefore reducing the axial forces induced to an aft side of the compressor.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine combustor has forward bulkhead extending between inboard and outboard walls and cooperating therewith to define a combustor interior volume or combustion chamber. At least one of the walls has an exterior shell and an interior shell including a number of panels. Each panel has interior and exterior surfaces and a perimeter having leading and trailing edges and first and second lateral edges. A number of cooling passageways have inlets on the panel exterior surface and outlets on the panel interior surface. A rail protrudes from the exterior surface and is recessed from the leading edge along a majority of the leading edge.

Abstract: A method of operating a gas turbine power plant and gas turbine power plant are disclosed wherein hydrogen for the combusting process is produced by feeding natural gas mixed with steam through a membrane/partial oxidation reactor and converting the natural gas at least to H2 and CO. Thereby oxygen is transferred from the compressed air through the membrane of the membrane/partial oxidation reactor and the oxygen is used for the partial oxidation process of the natural gas. The process is followed by converting the syngas in a CO shift reactor and a CO shift reactor to a CO2 removal equipment to mainly hydrogen.

Abstract: Article of footwear includes a sole, an insole overlying the sole, the insole having in a surface thereof a groove having an inlet and outlet in an edge of the insole, the groove winding substantially throughout the length and width of the insole upper surface. A tube is disposed in the groove and extends throughout the length of the groove and has an inlet portion extending from the groove inlet at the edge of the insole and an outlet portion extending from the groove outlet. An upper fixed to the sole has apertures through which extend the tube inlet and outlet portions.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioning system includes a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator and a thermoelectric device. The compressor is configured to receive a refrigerant and compress the refrigerant to a compressed state. The condenser is in fluid communication with the compressor to receive the refrigerant in the compressed state via a high pressure tube. The evaporator is in fluid communication between the condenser and the compressor to receive the refrigerant from the condenser and convey the refrigerant to the compressor via a low pressure tube. The thermoelectric device is operatively arranged relative to at least a portion of the high pressure tube to remove heat from the high pressure tube.

Abstract: A three-stage pulse-tube cryocooler, in which the third stage pulse tube is arranged below the second stage pulse tube, with a gas flow conduit between the second stage pulse tube heat exchanger and the cold end of the second stage regenerator. The design of the invention is much simpler than a conventional three-stage parallel pulse tube cooler, requiring only two pulse tubes at the warm (room temperature) end and two reservoirs, with a corresponding reduction in the number of associated orifices, passages, etc. In effect, this provides a three stage cryocooler with a two-stage warm end design by putting the second and third stage pulse tubes in series, with a gas flow passage providing gas flow between the second and third stages for gas expansion and refrigeration. The three-stage design allows an intermediate temperature connection between the temperatures of the first and third stages, for applications which require three cooling temperatures.