Abstract: A valve for an aerosol container suitable for use in dispersing a quantity of the contents thereof is disclosed. The valve components comprise a fluorinated polymer and/or a fluorinated coating which have been found to reduce drug deposition in the valve.

Abstract: A method includes steps of providing round tubing, providing a compression box and wedging dies, and reshaping the round tubing into a single or double-tapered rectangular tube including using the compression box to control an outside shape, while using the wedging dies to force material of the tubing outwardly toward the compression box. This arrangement minimizes material thinning. A tubular crushable structure is produced that is designed for longitudinal impact-energy-absorbing capability. The crushable structure includes a single or double-tapered rectangular tube made of material having a tensile strength of at least 40 KSI. In a narrower form the tensile strength is at least 80 KSI, though it can be 100 KSI or higher.

Abstract: Working fluid can be prevented from leaking into a vacuum chamber during processes other than a process for injecting working fluid, using a simple construction, and an appropriate amount of working fluid can be injected into an object that is to receive the injection such as a bearing unit.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a shaving implement that includes at least a razor cartridge and a mechanism. The razor cartridge includes at least one blade that has a sharpened cutting edge and defines a blade plane. The mechanism is disposed in the shaving plane and moves the blade in the blade plane during shaving. The mechanism may be either a vibration mechanism (i.e., a motorized spinning eccentric weight), or a dithering mechanism (i.e., a piezoelectric element). The cut force required to shave, when the blades are moving in the blade plane, is significantly reduced.

Abstract: A HIPPA compliance device used by an individual in the distribution of prescription medication having the ability to render labels, containing patient information, of used prescription containers illegible rendering the used prescription containers in compliance with HIPPA. The HIPPA compliance device comprises a tool that has means for rendering labels of prescription medication containers illegible in response to relative movement between the invention and the prescription container. Some embodiments include the means for rendering the labels illegible in the or connected to the handle of a spatula. In other embodiments, the means for rendering the labels illegible are independent of a spatula.

Abstract: A split blade housing adapted to support an annular knife blade for rotation in a power operated rotary knife. The blade housing includes a mounting section and a body section extending from the mounting section and forming a ring. The mounting section of the split blade housing is adapted to be mounted to a handle assembly of the rotary knife and includes a recess providing clearance for a pinion gear that extends from the handle assembly to engage and drive the knife blade. The split blade housing includes an annular groove for rotatably supporting the knife blade, the groove defining a rotational plane of the knife blade. The split blade housing includes a split defining first and second end portions adjacent the split to facilitate removal of the knife blade from the housing. The housing split is peripherally offset from the mounting section recess and the split is transverse with respect to a center vertical axis of the blade housing.

Abstract: A rotary flail feeding device for trimming vegetation includes a head for storing flail line and a unitary, removable subassembly comprising a winding post and a line guide ring rotatably mounted on the post. The subassembly is removed from the head to facilitate loading flail line into the cavity and to assure that dual flail lines are properly positioned when the subassembly is repositioned on the head.

Abstract: A ruler for drawing or measurement of circles, straight lines, and angles. The ruler body has a longitudinal slot in the middle and parallel with the length of the ruler. A sliding pen or pencil holder is placed within the slot for drawing or measuring. A compass is included in the combinations.

Abstract: A collimator blade aligning device, a collimator blade aligning apparatus and a method for producing a radiation collimator are disclosed. For the purpose of particularly simple and accurate alignment of the collimator blades, at least one embodiment provides that the collimator blade aligning device can be rotated between a positioning position and aligning position, a first thickness assigned to the positioning position being smaller than, and a second thickness assigned to the aligning position being equal to the blade spacing.

Abstract: A dip stick assembly has a dip stick and a housing that receives the dip stick. A wiper is selectively engageable with the dip stick. The wiper has an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the wiper is in contact with the dip stick. In the disengaged position, the wiper is out of contact with the dip stick. The wiper is resiliently biased into the engaged position with dip stick. A block maintains the wiper in the disengaged position when in a blocking position and permits the wiper to be in the engaged position when in the unblocking position.

Abstract: A tape measure marker device is attachable to a common tape measure blade. The marker device has a central body portion with a pair of downwardly depending legs, each with an inwardly facing flange that helps hold the marker device to the tape measure blade. The ends of the facing flanges are spaced apart and together with the underside of the two legs and the central body portion form an open cavity that is configured to receive a common tape measure blade. The convex underside of the central body portion is adapted to nest with the top face of the tape measure blade. In operation, the marker device is manually slid along the tape measure blade until a registration mark, which may be printed, embossed or engraved on the surface of the device, aligns with a point that is to be measured. The coplanar underside of the flanges on the device allows the marker device and the tape measure blade to lie directly against a device that is to be measured.

Abstract: An automatic ground surface dryer, system and method for automatically, conveniently, quickly and effectively drying a ground surface without the need for manual labour and capable of quickly drying a large ground surface is described. The automatic ground surface dryer has a frame, a drying apparatus mounted to the frame, a support for the frame to facilitate movement of the frame over the ground surface, a motor coupled to the frame to move the frame over the ground surface, and a controller coupled to the motor and the drying apparatus to drive the motor and to operate the drying apparatus in response to a rainfall data signal from a rainfall data gathering system which gathers rainfall data.

Abstract: Roof drying apparatus (10) comprises: a housing (12) having one or more air inlets (26) and an air outlet (40); an internal combustion engine (24) mounted in the housing (12); and a blower mechanism (34) which is drivable by the engine (24) for forcing air out of the air outlet (40) of the housing (12). The apparatus is characterised in that an exhaust outlet (30) of the engine (24) is positioned to discharge exhaust gas in or onto an air flow path which extends from the or at least one of the air inlets (26) to the air outlet (40) so that, in use, at least a portion of the air outputted from the air outlet (40) by the blower mechanism (34) is pre-heated by the exhaust gas of the engine (24). A duct device for adapting an internal combustion engine handheld air blower device to form such roof drying apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drying cylinder for drying a paper, cardboard, tissue or other fibrous web in a machine for manufacturing and/or finishing the former, which is heated from inside with a gaseous heat transfer medium, the inner side of the roll shell having elevations which protrude out of the condensation of the heat transfer medium which collects on the inner side. Here, the heat transfer is to be improved by the fact that the elevations are at least 1.2 times higher than the mean condensation height and/or the cross section of the elevations is reduced inwards.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing the primary drying step of a lyophilization cycle of a biological or pharmaceutical material. In one aspect, the invention is a method for lyophilizing a material comprising the steps of calculating a designed primary drying cycle for the material based on a product temperature profile for the material and modifying both a chamber pressure and a shelf temperature according to a designed primary drying cycle during a primary drying step. In another aspect, the invention is an apparatus for lyophilizing a material according to a designed primary drying cycle comprising a computer-readable medium, a processor in electrical communication with the computer-readable medium, a chamber pressure module in electrical communication with the processor, and a shelf temperature module in electrical communication with the processor.

Abstract: Provided is a drying system capable of determining if the number of on/off switching unitings of a heating mechanism exceeds a preset number over a preset duration, and reducing the amount of heat that the heating mechanism radiates, in order to extend the service life of the heating mechanism and a switching uniting mechanism

Abstract: A thong is comprised of a sole made up of two or three thin layers that are flexible and have the ability to be rolled up and stored in a pouch-like container that is dimensioned and configured to receive and maintain a pair of the thongs on the interior thereof, when in stored orientation to protect the wearer's feet and from hot concrete.

Abstract: Disposable, anti-pathogen, anti-contamination barrier membrane structure characterized with drape, and adapted to be interposed the sole of the foot and a walking surface including (a) gossamer-thin, flexible, pathogen-blocking, sheet-like barrier material having an adhesion face, placeable, adhesively and removably, with light pressure, onto, and fully covering, from a perimetral point of view, the sole of a person's foot, and (b) low-tack, re-positionable adhesive structure resident on the adhesion face.

Abstract: The present invention provides method to help connect the vamp and the outsole, comprising: a vamp, comprising a lateral vamp and a bottom vamp; a connecting medium apparatus, comprising a first plane enclosing said lateral vamp, a second plane connected to said first plane and extending outward, a third plane connected to said second plane and extending downward, and a forth plane connected to said third plane and extending inward, wherein said second plane comprises a plurality of holes: and an outsole enclosing said connecting medium apparatus and said bottom vamp, wherein a material forming said outsole fills a gap between said forth plane of said connecting medium apparatus and said bottom vamp and said holes in said second plane.

Abstract: Impact attenuating/spring systems may include first and second body portions and at least one spring member at least partially included between the body portions. The spring member(s) may substantially enclose and/or be pivotally engaged with the body portion(s). The components of the impact attenuating and spring element may be arranged such that when a force is applied to the body portion(s), the spring member(s) will exert a counter force to urge the impact attenuating and spring element back toward its original orientation. The spring members may include one or more polymeric element that stretches under a tensile force. The impact attenuating and spring elements may be included in a piece of footwear or other device in a manner such that a user or a retailer (or others) can select an appropriate spring member (or portion thereof), e.g. depending on characteristics of the user or the intended use.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole and an upper with an exterior and interior surface, and one or more bladders which comprises at least one of the exterior or interior surfaces of the upper. The bladder comprising sheets of polyurethane or polyester film attached together to form an airtight seal. The article of footwear also includes a inflation mechanism for selectively introducing air in the one or more bladders. The inflation mechanism is located under the foot of the wearer to be activated by the normal action of the wearer to inflate the one or more bladders. The article of footwear may also include an assembly for connecting several tubes to one under foot inflation mechanism. The article of footwear may also include inflatable laces that are inflated by an underfoot inflation mechanism.

Abstract: A stabilizing insole has at least one pad that is mounted on an upper surface of a shoe sole. Each pad has an edge, at least one first surface and a second surface. Each first surface has a support surface. The support surface is formed on the first surface and is harder than the first surface. The second surface extends from the first surface. The at least one pad concentrates force applied by a person's foot at natural balance points so the user does not twist his or her ankle.

Abstract: A sandal comprised of layered footwear components includes a lower base, a middle member replaceable platform which secures the straps, and an upper member replaceable insole. A hollowed out center area creates a perimeter side wall on the top of the base into which the platform is stored. A frontal (toe area) and rear (heel area) ledge crosses the toe and heel areas of the superior base horizontally. The straps are attached to a platform and secured by a present choice of a hook and loop fastener. The front and rear of the platform is eased under the front and rear ledges on the base. A midpoint lock on the platform further secures the platform to the base. A final top layer insole is secured on top of the platform and under the overlapped straps and placed into the remaining hollow area of the base hiding the shoes components. The straps and insole cooperate to form a shoe upper for receiving the foot. Platforms and insoles are interchangeable to heel, flat or wedge style bases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shoe having a sole member, a detachable, replaceable upper member, and a fastening mechanism for coupling the upper member to the sole member, wherein the fastening mechanism comprises an interlocking rail body and locking body.

Abstract: An athletic shoe which improves traction and rotational movement is provided. A first set of protrusions or cleats at the region of the shoe that corresponds to the ball of the foot is arranged in such a manner that, when the first set of cleats are used in conjunction with at least one cleat of another set of cleats located toward the boundary of the region of the shoe that corresponds to the ball of the shoe, the natural rotational movement of the user is accentuated.

Abstract: A foot weight device is provided which can be fitted to the foot or footwear of a user. The device is particularly adapted for use with skates, and in particular a hockey skate. The device has one or more compartments located on each side of the user's ankle so as to provide an equally balanced weight on the side of the user's foot. The weight receiving compartments are positioned adjacent to both the lateral and medial malleolus portions of the ankle so that weight is preferably equally applied to both sides of the ankle. Alternatively, the weight receiving compartments can be formed as an integral part of the footwear. A more balanced foot weight is provided which minimizes undue strain on the ankle and foot structure.

Abstract: A healing shoe includes a shoe sole, a shoe upper attached to the shoe sole, and at least one portion that folds over a wearer's foot. A strap is selectively attachable to the at least one portion and secures the shoe on the wearer's foot. At least one decorative attachment is secured to the strap.

Abstract: An attachment configured to be attached to a power machine is disclosed. The attachment includes a blade having opposing first and second major surfaces and first and second edges. The attachment has first and second end plates each having opposing inner and outer surfaces. The end plates are fixedly attached to the first and second edges of the blade. The inner surfaces of the first and second end plates are positioned adjacent to and extend from the first major surface of the blade. The attachment further includes a support structure coupled to the blade. The support structure includes a first support member fixedly attached to and extending from both the second major surface of the blade and the outer surface of the first end plate.

Abstract: An ornamental gift card holder ornamentally presents a gift card to a gift recipient. The gift card holder comprises an anterior card-framing portion, a posterior card-retaining portion, and a card-receiving slot. The card-framing and card-retaining portions are substantially planar, and the card-receiving slot extends intermediate the card-framing and card-retaining portions in parallel relation thereto. The slot comprises opposing closed and open ends, and is sized and shaped for frictionally retaining the gift card. The receivable gift card may be received via the open end and stoppable via the closed end. The card-framing portion comprises a card-display window for enabling anterior viewing of the anterior portion of the card. The closed end positions the card in centered relation relative to the card-display window. The card-retaining portion functions to posteriorly retain the gift card in the card-receiving slot.

Abstract: A semi-locking license plate holder for an automobile including a rear frame, a frame cover and optionally a transparent plate. The rear frame has at least one fastener attach point for insertion of at least one fastener such that the fastener head abuts the rear frame securing it to the automobile. The frame further includes an assembly mechanism having at least one pin arm. The pin arm has at least one pin for attachment to the frame cover. The frame cover has at least one pin hole designed to align with at least one pin on the pin arm such that the pins may be inserted into the pin hole or holes. The frame cover has at least one fastener head cover for covering at least one and preferably all of the fastener heads such that the fastener heads cannot be used to remove the license plate without first removing the frame cover.

Abstract: The present invention relates to arrays of consumer products, retail displays of arrays of consumer products and methods for displaying an array of consumer products.

Abstract: A pneumatic sculpture 10 includes a display tube 30 having a first end 40 and a second end 50. The pneumatic sculpture 10 also includes one or more projectiles 20 contained within the display tube 30. The projectile 20 is capable of being propelled through the display tube 30 from a location proximate to the first end 40 to a location proximate to the second end 50, and thereafter from a location proximate to the second end 50 to a location proximate to the first end 40, thereby traveling in one direction or in both directions. Lastly, the pneumatic sculpture 10 includes a pneumatic means 60 coupled to the first and second ends 40, 50 of the display tube 30 for controlling the speed and direction of the projectile 20 through the display tube 30.

Abstract: An automatic rotating decoration includes a rotating body, a support, a driving device connecting the support, and a transmission member connecting the driving device and the rotating body. The support, the driving device and the transmission member all are received in the rotating body. An opening is defined in the rotating body. The support is exposed to the opening. The driving device includes a driving body and an output shaft extending from the driving body. The driving body includes a motor body and a battery seat electrically connecting the motor body. The automatic rotating decoration of the present invention may automatically rotate around the support on another object without additional housing thereby simplifying the structure of the automatic rotating decoration, increasing fun of the automatic rotating decoration and facilitating the handling.

Abstract: The present Invention provides a sign object presentation system which selects object data for a three-dimensional object, linking the object data with a plurality of sign data for a sign object, and selects proper sign data out of the plurality of sign data based on presentation information for the object data; and displays the three-dimensional object with the selected sign data located at a predetermined position of the three dimensional object.

Abstract: An outdoor display sign has a display enclosure. The display enclosure has a number shades that reduce the solar loading on the display enclosure. The outdoor display sign has shades covering the top, back, sides and parts of the front of the sign. The shades are offset from the display enclosure to allow natural airflow between the shade and the display enclosure.

Abstract: A wristband is assembled from a flexible preferably vinyl carrier and a preferably laminated ID label, the carrier having a panel portion and a strap portion with a snap closure located in a toe extension at the end of the carrier adjacent the panel. The strap has a series of holes, one of which is captured within the snap closure to attach the wristband to the wearer's limb. The laminated ID label has a pair of opposing slots, one of which slips over the strap to abut the panel and the other of which is captured by the snap closure to attach the label to the carrier. The panel portion has a relieved edge formed along its opposing sides which increases the comfort of the wristband as it is worn.

Abstract: A composite web comprised of a base or first full width web is adhered to a second, partial width web with both webs being made of a generally transparent, lightweight laminate material. A layer of adhesive, covered by a protective release coated liner of partial width is applied to the second laminate web, and between the first and second laminate webs. At the other side of the web another layer of adhesive is applied along with another protective liner. A die cut in the composite web defines the outline of a plurality of adjacent self laminating wristbands which may be separated from the web by tearing along the die cut. A second die cut forms a slot in each wristband carrier to be used along with the strap end to fasten the wristband to a wearer, in cinch and strap manner. A continuous web includes a continuous number wristband with cinch attachment although a page or sheet may be cut to any desired shape or number of wristbands.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive labeling system for building conduit systems has a series of color-coded identifier tags that identify pipes, tubes, conduits, and the handles of various shutoff or control valves. Necessary emergency repair numbers, advertising, and an area for additional hand-written information may be provided. The identifier tags are die cut from durable, water resistant plastic and are of a sufficient thickness to provide rigidity to hang securely on pipes from a center hole and V-notch connected by a split. The user slips the identifier tag over the pipe by opening the notch and secures it by letting the notch close itself around the pipe.

Abstract: The invention concerns a window unit for display, protection and preventive conservation of an object of limited thickness, in particular a work of art such as a painting, a bas-relief, a tapestry or similar. It comprises a case with a back (32) and a front door (31) coupled together so as to be able to have the case (30) take up an open state, in which the object (D) is not protected and can be inserted into or removed from the case (30), and a closed state, in which the object (D) is protected and can neither be inserted into nor removed from the case (30), in which the front door (31) is provided with a transparent front panel (48) through which the object (D) is visibile from the front in the state with the case (30) closed. The window unit is characterised in that the back (32) is provided with a transparent rear panel (50) through which the object (D) is visibile from the rear in the state with the ease (30) closed.

Abstract: A display apparatus (1) includes: a plate-like display apparatus main body (2); a leg portion (3) whose upper end is rotatably connected to a rear surface (6) of the display apparatus main body (2) and whose lower end is opened to thereby support the rear surface (6) of the display apparatus main body (2); and an urging mechanism (9) arranged between the display apparatus main body (2) and the leg portion (3) and urging the leg portion (3) so as to open the leg portion (3).

Abstract: The present invention relates to target acquisition and related devices, and more particularly to telescopic gunsights and associated equipment used to achieve shooting accuracy at, for example, close ranges, medium ranges and extreme ranges at stationary and moving targets.

Abstract: A spinner of a buzz bait has a multiplicity of connected blades mounted for rotation on a reach of a wire frame of the buzz bait, the blades generating a hollow, substantially spherical shape when rotating, and agitating wings projecting outwardly from the blades at an angle thereto. In the preferred embodiment, the spinner is made in one piece of a material that is manually bendable and shape retaining, so that the wings can be bent to an angle that the user prefers, to regulate the speed at which the spinner rises to the surface and rides with most of the spinner exposed, above the surface of the water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a additive composition for use as lubricity improver for low sulphur diesel, comprising c) 0.1-10% by weight of ester derivative derived from cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL esters) of formula (I); f) 0.1-10% by weight of ester derivative derived from cashew nut shell liquid of formula (II); g) 50-95% by weight of free fatty acid of the formula RCOOH in which R represents an alkyl/alkenyl group with 12 to 24 carbon atoms. h) 1-30% by weight of synthetic esters derived by esterifying tri, tetra, penta hydric alcohols with carboxylic acids such as lauric, palmitic, linoleic, ricinoleic etc.

Abstract: The present invention teaches an ethanol modifier and a clean ethanol fuel comprising the modifier. The ethanol modifier comprises the following components in stated weight percentages: sugar remover 12-17%; emulsifier 2-5%; antioxidant 2-6%; preservative 2-6%; antiaging agent 3-8%; cleaning agent 1-3%; anti-wearing agent 7-10%; combustion promoter 12-15%; octane enhancing additive 22-28%; and compatibilizer 18-30%. All of the components are commercially-available and readily prepared. The clean ethanol fuel comprising the ethanol modifier of the present invention is better than the national 93 octane gasoline standard, and can satisfy the European IV discharge standard.

Abstract: The disclosure provides conductivity improving concentrates and methods for improving conductivity and reducing risks associated with static discharge in middle distillate fuel composition compositions, particularly diesel fuels. The conductivity improvement is provided with the combination of cerium oxide nanoparticles and dispersant/detergent and shows aged conductivity comparable to or higher than that obtained with conventional antistatic agents.

Abstract: A fuel composition comprises farnesane and/or farnesane derivatives and a conventional fuel component selected from diesel fuel, jet fuel, kerosene or gasoline. The farnesane or farnesane derivative can be used as a fuel component or as a fuel additive in the fuel composition. The fuel composition may further comprise a conventional fuel additive. Methods of making and using the fuel composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for producing fodder and/or fuel by pressing vegetable materials, having a matrix shaped as a ring with axially laid out channels having a circular cross-section onto the mouths of which fits at least one rolling-off body, with the channels including the conical entering/tapering end connected to the mouths and the linked up cylindrical channel section of channels, with the conical entering/tapering end length being equal to from about 15% to about 30% of the total channel length. On the lower averted side of the matrix, from the conical entering/tapering end of channels, at least one additional matrix has axially laid out channels with identical cross-section placed in an exact alignment with the channels of the matrix, and the matrix is connected with a minimum of one additional matrix in a way in which the assembly can be dismantled or knocked down.

Abstract: A method of operating equipment around trees. The method includes the steps of: providing a plurality of modules; joining the plurality of modules to each other in an operative state at a site wherein the plurality of modules are placed against a ground surface over roots of at least one adjacent tree so that water can be directed at least one of (a) through at least one of the joined modules and (b) between the joined modules to be directed against, and evaporated from, the ground surface; moving equipment against the plurality of joined modules so that weight forces for the equipment are distributed through the plurality of modules over a substantial area of the ground surface to avoid application of concentrated forces that may inflict damage to the tree roots; and removing the plurality of modules from the site after moving the equipment against the plurality of joined modules.

Abstract: A protective apparatus for insulating the root system of a plant includes a side wall made of a material with insulating characteristics. The side wall may be a pair of reflective sheets separated by an air space. The top of the protective apparatus may be a porous material also with insulating characteristics. The protective apparatus will insulate the root system and will prevent the temperature of the root ball and root system from dropping to dangerous levels.

Abstract: Decorated plants or plant materials are disclosed that include a flower and/or leaf with a crosslinked decorative coating extending from a portion of the flower and/or leaf. The coating is applied as a water-based material and imparts color, texture and/or gloss unusual to the native plant or plant material. Methods are also described.