Abstract: A roof pitch measuring device (10) is made of relatively lightweight, transparent plastic. Roof pitches can be determined from a point remote from the roof in a simple, easy to learn manner. The measuring device has a base with spirit level (22), an adjustable pivot arm (30) and a scale (52). The spirit level should be visible from each side of the base. The pivot arm is pivotably attached to the base at a pivot point (40). The roof pitch gauge is preferably utilized by a user standing at least 36 feet from the roof whose pitch is being measured, lining up the pivot point of the pivot arm with the peak of the roof, leveling the device, moving the pivot arm to match the angle of the roof and then reading the roof pitch from the scale that is printed upon the device.

Abstract: The invention provides a pipe laser that automatically self levels an inner frame system in both cross-axis and on-axis directions to provide a completely level reference for grade and line control adjustments mechanisms of a reference line generating laser source. The invention also provides a pipe laser that is operable via a bidirectional remote control.

Abstract: A laser leveling device as disclosed in the present invention comprises a body and a power source. The body has a cavity for containing a laser module which is movable between a first position and a second position. When in the first position, the laser module is located within the cavity and is not connected to the power source; and when in the second position, the laser module is located outside of the cavity and the laser is electrically connected to the power source to emit a visible laser beam.

Abstract: A surveying apparatus is provided that includes a sighting telescope, an imaging device, and an external orientation parameter calculator. The sighting telescope is rotatable about a horizontal axis and a vertical axis. The imaging device is integrally rotated with the sighting telescope and the imaging device has an optical axis that is different from the collimation axis. The external orientation parameter calculator calculates external orientation parameters of stereo images that are obtained by the imaging device in an erecting observation and in an inverse observation in terms of the position of the optical axis with respect to the collimation axis, and the sighting directions in the erection observation and in the inverse observation.

Abstract: A surveying apparatus is provided that includes a telescope block, a support block, and an imaging unit. The telescope block includes a sighting telescope and is rotatably supported about a first axis. The support block rotatably supports the telescope block about the first axis. The imaging unit is provided inside the telescope block. The imaging unit comprises an image-display device and at least one of an image data output device and an image data recording device.

Abstract: A shoe imaging stand and processes for using the same are disclosed, according to various embodiments. In one illustrative embodiment, a shoe imaging stand includes a base, one or more side panels, and a center panel, any of which may include measurement markings along edges thereof. The side panels may be adjustably positionable, enabling one or more shoes to be disposed in close proximity to one or more edges with measurement markings, for purposes of imaging the shoes and their tread.

Abstract: A gravity gradiometer is disclosed which has sensor masses in the forms of bars 41 and 43 arranged orthogonal to one another and transducers for providing an output signal indicative of movement of the bars in response to changes in the gravity gradient tensor. The transducers are formed from thin film structure having a first layer forming a fine pitch coil 510 and a second layer forming a coarse pitch coil 511. The layers are separated by an insulating layer. The coarse pitch coil 511 forms a transformer for stepping up the current flowing through the fine pitch coil 510 and the coarse pitch coil 511 supplies current to a SQUID device 367.

Abstract: A marking device intended for marking objects or locations relating to criminal offences, accidents and the like is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the marking device includes an elongated body including an arrow-shaped indicator at one end thereof, wherein the body is furthermore provided with linear measurement indicators along a substantial part of its length on at least one side.

Abstract: A co-ordinate measuring machine to determine the co ordinates of a number of points on the surface of a measurement object, including a support beam (4) that supports a measurement head over the surface of a support table (1) that supports the measurement object, the co ordinates of which are to be measured. The support beam (4) is supported above the support table (1) by two legs (7, 8) that are not only possible to displace together along the support table (1) in order to displace the support beam (4) and the measurement head forwards and backwards in a direction relative to the support table (1), but also it is possible to displace the legs (7, 8) relative to each other in different directions along the support table (1) in order to raise and lower the support beam (4) and the measurement head relative to the support table.

Abstract: A testing apparatus (200) for testing coplanarity of workpieces (50) having protuberant structures (53) includes a working plane (21) and a groove (23) defined on the working plane. The groove is configured to movably receive therein all protuberant structures of the workpieces. A testing method employing the testing apparatus to test coplanarity of workpieces having protuberant structures is also provided.

Abstract: A digital indicator (1) includes: a main body (10); a spindle (11) being axially slidable and having a contact portion (12) on one end, the contact portion abutting a to-be-measured portion; a detector (13) that detects an absolute displacement amount of the spindle (11) relative to the main body (10); and a display (14) that digitally displays the displacement amount of the spindle (11) relative to the main body (10) detected by the detector 13. The spindle (11) is slidable in a direction away from the contact portion (12) beyond the detectable range of the detector (13).

Abstract: An electronic measuring tape (11) that comprises a roller (8) onto which the measuring tape (12) is arranged to be wound up onto and wound out from through the roller (8) being rotated, a first end (3) of the measuring tape (12) is attached in the roller (8), and where the roller (8) is located inside a housing (9a, 9b). The invention is characterised in that a rolled up measuring tape (12) is arranged in loops on the roller (8), of which all loops are in direct contact with the surface (1) of the roller (8), in that an angle sensor (6) is arranged at the roller (8) arranged to record an angle of rotation during the rotation of the roller (8), and in that an electronic circuit (15) is arranged to convert the said angle of rotation into a length that corresponds to the length by which the measuring tape (12) has been withdrawn from the said housing (9a, 9b), and in that the measuring tape (12) records absolute values.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a solids outlet assembly of a material dryer including attaching a plurality of pulse nozzles to at least one surface of the solids outlet assembly, accumulating a solid material onto the at least one surface thereby forming an accumulated solid, and actuating periodically the plurality of pulse nozzles to discharge air bursts that dislodge and remove the accumulated solid from the at least one surface is disclosed.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a drying apparatus, for drying flexible objects such as bags or gloves, comprise a first suspension couplable to an external support, and a second suspension magnetically couplable to the first suspension. An object is supported between the first and second suspensions through the magnetic coupling. In a first embodiment, the second suspension comprises a magnetic hub and one or more spreaders, which may be fixed, removable, or moveably attached to the magnetic hub, and which may be repositionable between open and closed positions. The spreaders may be flexible, articulated, rigid, repositionable, collapsible, extendable, jointed, forked, hinged, slideable, continuous, or merged, and further may have substantially puncture-resistant terminations. The first suspension also comprises a magnetic member and a suspending member, such as an open hook or a clamp suspending member, for supporting the apparatus with the secured object from or by many types of external supports.

Abstract: A personal drying apparatus comprises a casing, an air heater in the casing, two fans, one to each side of the casing, for blowing two parallel streams of air heated by the air heater onto the person to be dried from two heated air outlets located in the front of the casing, an air intake located in the casing between the heated air outlets and an infra-red source for directing the infra-red rays onto the person being dried to supplement the drying achieved by the heated air flow.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermally de-coating and/or drying coated and/or contaminated materials comprises a support and an oven pivotally mounted to the support. The oven has charging portion for receiving material to be treated and a changeover portion. Incorporated within the changeover portion is a heat treatment chamber through which a stream of hot gases can be passed. The oven is pivotally moveable between a first position in which the changeover portion is higher than the charging portion and a second position in which the charging portion is higher than the changeover portion. The arrangement is such that the oven can be repeatedly moved between the first and second positions so that material within the oven falls from one portion to the other portion, passing through the stream of hot gasses in the heat treatment chamber. A method of using the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of reducing the risk of fire or containing fire in a laundry appliance and an appliance incorporating said method. The appliance includes a sensor means capable of sensing an abnormal fault condition indicative of an increased fire risk or a fire within the appliance drum. In response to sensing the abnormal fault condition, the appliance controller enters a fire containment cycle which rotates the drum at a tumbling speed.

Abstract: A footwear cover having water absorbent characteristics and non slip, longwear soles comprises a footwear cover for covering footwear symmetric so as not to have a left or a right side. The footwear cover has a covering surface made of soft, pliable, washable, and resilient material. A non slip sole is attached to the underside of the covering surface. An elastic band around a point of entry of a user's footwear tightens at the user's ankle when the footwear is put in. An absorbent padding material, located inside of the footwear cover, is made of a material known to have excellent liquid or moisture absorption characteristics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe comprising an upper part and a sole, a support and inner part of an intermediate sole and an outer sole. The intermediate sole contains a damping element which comprises a plurality of first elements which are arranged adjacent to each other and which are embodied as a hollow body defining a receiving area in which an associated second element having a smaller cross-section than the first element can at least partially penetrate. The elements are coaxial. At least one part of the second elements have a prism or cylindrical form and are embodied at least partially as a massive part. Both of the elements, which are associated with each other, are connected together by means of an elastic connection section which only extends between the first element and the second element and the first element, the connecting section and the second element are embodied as a single piece.

Abstract: An upper structure for a shoe that improves a fit of the heel portion during heel contact with the ground to the push off motion of a foot. The upper structure includes an upper body 30, and an outside upper member 31 that overlaps the lateral side of the upper body 30 to cover the talus T of the foot and whose bottom side edge portion 31a is fixedly attached to the bottom surface of the upper body 30. The rear end portion A of the bottom side edge portion 31a of the outside upper member 31 is located at the rear of the load centerline C of the calcaneus and the rear side edge portion 31c of the outside upper member 31 is provided separately from the upper body 30 at the rear of the talus T of the foot. The instep side edge portion 31b of the outside upper member 31 is connected to the shoelace 4. On the lateral side of the heel portion of the upper body 30 is provided a region 10 that is expandable and contractible in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Sport shoe to be used for sports involving a sliding movement, comprising a rigid shell inside which the foot is inserted; two pressure pieces, i.e. a heel piece and a toe piece, situated on the bottom of the shell and able to fix it to the bindings of sports equipment for performing a sliding movement. At least one pressure piece is movably connected to the shell so as to be able to move towards the shell in response to an external force causing them to move together.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying ribbons and badges on a garment wherein predetermined arrangements of awards can be quickly and reliably established using designated openings in a template. Using break-away portions, the template can be sized as needed and pin holes are preferably used to mount ribbons having a marking implement such as a pin to secure the ribbon to a uniform. A separate badge positioning section includes horizontal slots preferably slightly offset vertically with a portion of said horizontal slots co-linear.

Abstract: An apparatus, and method of use thereof, to assist in the signing and display of trading cards. The main body of the apparatus, preferably constructed from plastic, is shaped and angled to facilitate signing an inserted card while the apparatus rests on a flat surface. Means for attaching or holding a writing implement is provided on the apparatus. Means is further provided in the apparatus to cover the signed card to prevent damage to the card. In alternative embodiments, the apparatus may be constructed in a multiple-piece, interlocking design to permit several uses if desired. The apparatus may also bear graphical information for advertising, identification, or other informational uses.

Abstract: An automobile license plate frame includes an auxiliary lamp unit assembled on the surface of the license plate frame. The auxiliary lamps assembled on the license plate frame are able to flash synchronously together with the directional lamp or the brake lamp of the automobile to enable the driver of the automobile coming from behind to clearly and quickly know the moving conditions of the automobile in front.

Abstract: A magnetic bearing assembly for a rotatable support apparatus includes a first stationary section, a second section disposed on the first section and a shaft member secured to the base section and passing through the first section. The shaft member defines an axle for rotation for the first section wherein the magnetic bearing assembly is defined by at least one pair of magnets disposed in relation to the shaft member, the at least one pair of magnets including magnetic face surfaces aligned such that a repelling field is established between the at least one pair of magnets, wherein the first section is attached to at least one of the magnets.

Abstract: A light box display configured for frontal access to change out graphics and to perform maintenance tasks. This is accomplished in the present invention while assuring that the graphics is held in a state of moderate tension to retain the graphics in a flat and properly oriented configuration. In the preferred embodiment, the light box comprises a moveable interior frame to which the graphics sheet and diffuser are both secured. The moveable interior frame rests on a plurality of upper and lower slides which facilitate movement of the inner frame. Such movement is controlled, in part, by at least one pneumatic piston which biases the frame toward the front of the light box and provides a mechanical lock that holds the frame in its rearward position to facilitate frontal access. The graphics sheet is held in place along the top and bottom front peripheral edges of the moveable frame by a plurality of spring-biased wire connection members within roller guides.

Abstract: A visual indicia arrangement for use in an oral apparatus in connection with the teeth of a human, and the apparatus having a front surface. The arrangement includes a visual indicia element, a carrier member for carrying the element and attached to the front surface of the oral apparatus, and an attaching arrangement for attaching the carrier member to the front surface of the oral apparatus. The oral apparatus may be a retainer device, a mouth guard or braces. The visual indicia element may be a letter, a number, a symbol, a character, a colored surface or even coated with a fluorescent or other reflective material. The visual indicia arrangement may make wearing the oral apparatus fun to wear, and several arrangements may be used to form a sentence or convey an expression. Several different types of visual indicia arrangements and methods for constructing the arrangements are also provided.

Abstract: A placard holder device that removably holds for display an informational placard that can be viewed through the windshield of a parked vehicle, and which enables simple and quick manual repositioning into a stored position that does not obstruct the line of sight through the windshield. Only a single action step is needed to make the placard visible or invisible. The device features: a frame that removably holds the placard for display, a mounting body having a hinged connection to the frame, a clasp distal to the hinged connection for releasably clasping the frame to the body, and a clip for removable attachment to a visor of the vehicle. Examples of informational placards include: handicapped or parking passes; identifications of a parked vehicle of a member of the media/press, or of a delivery service; placards that display information about a vehicle at a car show or dealership.

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: The invention includes a tying or carrying device comprising a flexible elongate member defining generally flat top and bottom surfaces and defining at least two apertures spaced apart and extending longitudinally along the flexible elongate member and between the top and bottom surfaces. The device may be used to carry a plurality of objects, such as garment hangers. The invention includes a roll or sheet comprising a flexible foamed polymer, wherein the roll or sheet is cut to form two or more of the flexible elongate members. The invention further includes a method for carrying a plurality of items comprising the steps of providing a device comprising an elongated member, placing a portion of each item between the ends of the elongated member, inserting the an end of the elongated member through an aperture, pulling, and placing a hand or protrusion through an aperture or grasping an end.

Abstract: The invention described herein permits decorative or other lighting of a transparent and translucent surface, and an opaque decorative service by placing a light source within a frame and contacting the light source with the transparent or translucent surface. The light source may also be located within the frame between the transparent or translucent surface and the opaque decorative surface. The transparent, translucent surface and the opaque decorative surface may be eroded in one or more places to provide contrasting images on the transparent surface, the translucent surface and the opaque decorative surface. The transparent translucent surface and the opaque decorative surface may also be at least partially painted.

Abstract: Modular photo storage assemblies are provided for storing photographic materials. Each modular photo storage assembly can be both individually displayed and interchangeably engaged as a module in a photo storage system.

Abstract: A display assembly for presenting a work or art in a three-dimensional format comprising a window frame having facia boards and a lower sill defining a periphery of the display assembly, a housing arranged on a rearside of the window frame, and a unitary rectilinear backer panel having a front side and a back side. The backer panel is formed into a supported three dimensional presentation. The work of art is displayed upon the front side of the backer panel. The backer panel has an array of score lines cut into its back side, to permit the backer panel to remain unitary and also be effectively bent and formed into the three dimensional presentation.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a wall portion having an opening defined by an opening edge portion that surrounds the opening. The opening defines an opening width and an opening height and the opening edge portion, at least in part, is generally defined by a first plane. The apparatus also includes a face frame portion having an outer frame edge, an inner frame edge, a first frame surface, a generally opposing second frame surface. The apparatus further includes a recessed portion having a first outer peripheral edge surrounding a central recess. The recessed portion at least partially extends into the opening. The inner frame edge includes a peripheral bead for at least partially guiding a working tool as a compound is applied to at least a portion of the first frame surface. The second frame surface selectively abuts the opening edge portion.

Abstract: A lever action firearm comprising a receiver for receiving cartridges, a barrel having one end operably attached to the receiver, a magazine tube having one end operably attached to the receiver, a magazine follower positioned within the magazine tube and having a indentation for interacting with a portion of an ejector lever, and an ejector lever pivotally attached to the receiver and having an elongated forward finger for interacting with the edge of the indentation of the magazine follower.

Abstract: In a hunting and sporting firearm including a rolling block having a cavity for accommodating at least one action, the latter comprising a hammer for actuating a firing pin, a propulsion element for propelling the hammer and a trigger, said propulsion element is subjected to the action of a shock absorber consisting of its own drive means constituted by a spiral spring.

Abstract: A lock assembly for a weapon, the weapon including a sliding assembly as part of its firing mechanism, the sliding assembly sliding relative to a chamber that receives therein a round of ammunition fed thereto from a magazine inserted in a magazine well, the lock assembly including a padlock body that houses a lock therein, the lock adapted to selectively lock and unlock a padlock bolt extending from the padlock body, the padlock bolt being adapted for locking engagement with a portion of the weapon, a magazine-insertion member extending from the padlock body, and a blocking member extending from an upper portion of the magazine-insertion member, wherein when the magazine-insertion member is inserted into the magazine well of the weapon, the blocking member has a locking orientation in which the blocking member limits sliding movement of the sliding assembly so as to interfere with operation of the weapon.

Abstract: Gun barrels made from advanced materials have the potential to provide a significant increase in barrel life as well as a reduction in weight (for advanced ceramic materials) for small caliber systems. The potential use of advanced materials as gun barrels is severely limited due to the difficulty in introducing the rifling pattern on the inner diameter. Most projectiles coming out of the guns are spin stabilized (for aerodynamic flight stability). This spin is imparted by a rifling pattern (lands and grooves) in the inner surface of the gun barrel. The processing of gun barrels made from advanced materials with internal rifling pattern poses a tremendous processing challenge to the materials community. The rifling lands and grooves and desired twist rate coupled with the difficulty of machining some of the advanced materials (ceramics, cermets, hardmetals, etc.) makes the economic manufacturing of such gun barrels extremely difficult.

Abstract: The Constantine Exhibition Drill Training Bayonet is a soft steel, smooth rounded edge bayonet that would be welded directly to a drill rifle component. It would be used primary for rifle exhibition drill team practices, providing added safety and durability unlike standard bayonets.

Abstract: A gun attachment holder includes a device holder, which has a coupling groove detachably coupled to a coupling flange of a gun and a sliding groove transversely extending across the coupling groove, two locking members reversely arranged in parallel and slidably mounted in the sliding groove and movable between a locking position to lock the device holder to the coupling flange of the gun and an unlocking position to unlock the device holder from the coupling flange of the gun, and a torsional spring set in between the locking members to hold the locking members in the unlocking position.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for an example sight device with an adjustable sight line for use in a firearm. The example sight device described herein includes a base plate and a holder, wherein the holder is pivotable and includes a target device that defines the sight line. The sight device also includes a locking device that couples the holder and the base plate in one of a plurality of pivot positions. The locking device includes an adjustable locking element that engages at least one of a plurality of adjustment areas. Further, the plurality of adjustment areas include a plurality of notches, wherein each of the plurality of pivot positions is associated with one of the plurality of adjustment areas based on an ammunition type and one of the plurality of notches based on a distance to a target.

Abstract: An ergonomic cushion is adapted to be releasably attached to a proximal end of a fishing rod. The cushion has a top and a bottom that are integrally formed with one another. The top is wider than the bottom so that the cushion fits under an arm without cutting off circulation. A bore formed in the bottom snugly receives the proximal end. In a second embodiment, the cushion is solid and an elastic band tightly ensleeves the cushion and the proximal end of the rod so that all of the cushion is between the proximal end and the under arm area of the user. The butt end of the rod may be placed into a rod holder without removal of the cushion.

Abstract: A tool for removing a fish hook has an elongated handle with a longitudinal axis, top and bottom end portions and a middle portion intermediate the top and bottom end portions. A shoulder connected to the top end portion has first and second portions offset from the longitudinal axis. A first hook engaging member joined to the first portion of the shoulder angularly extends toward the longitudinal axis. The first hook engaging member has an inner surface defining a plurality of grooves therein adapted to engage the fish hook to facilitate removal thereof from the fish's mouth.

Abstract: It is provided a rodent management apparatus for exterminating a plurality of rodents comprising extermination chamber provided with exterminating means, a preservation chamber adapted to receive exterminated rodent from the extermination chamber, and at least one of a plurality of open tubes connected to the extermination chamber and adapted to guide the rodents into the extermination chamber. Plurality of rodents is guided to enter into the tubes so as to reach the extermination chamber, where they are exterminated and removed to the preservation chamber while maintained in sanitary conditions.

Abstract: A live catch rodent trap has a tubular housing which is sealed at a far end by a removable end cap. A door is pivotably mounted to a near end of the housing, and alternately permits entrance to the housing through a front opening when the door is propped open, and closes the front opening when the trap is actuated by a rodent passing into housing and past a midpoint of the housing. The housing is pivotably mounted to a shroud which surrounds the rear portion of the housing to prevent inadvertent activation of the trap from the exterior.

Abstract: A portable device for swatting and collecting bugs, insects, flies and the like is disclosed herein. In one practicable embodiment, the device includes a spread structure having a designated swatting surface, a handle having an inner hollow defined therein, a hollow tube having an open distal end joined to the spread structure and an open proximal end joined to the handle, an activatable vacuum system in fluid communication with the inner hollow of the handle, an electric power source electrically connected to the vacuum system, and a hold in fluid communication with the inner hollow of the handle. In this configuration, bugs can be struck with the swatting surface of the spread structure by wielding the handle, and air can be drawn into the open distal end of the hollow tube by activating the vacuum system so as to convey the bugs to the hold.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an alternative emulsified fuel. The emulsified fuel is formed by forming a mixture of 70˜80 wt % bunker-C oil and 20˜30 wt % carbide aqueous solution, followed by heating and stirring the mixture, applying ultrasonic waves of 20 kHz˜1 MHz to the mixture for 20˜30 minutes to induce ionic bonding between molecules in the mixture, and rotating the mixture at a high speed in an emulsifying machine to prevent oil-water separation of the mixture. 0.5˜2 parts by weight of calcium chloride is added as an emulsification agent to 100 parts by weight of the mixture of the bunker-C oil and carbide aqueous solution. The carbide aqueous solution contains 0.1˜1 wt % of carbide dissolved in water. The alternative emulsified fuel is useful for winter heating for horticulture or flowering plants, for drying agricultural and fisheries products, and other applications.

Abstract: A biofuel containing an estolide ester, an ether ester, or a combination thereof. The estolide ester and ether ester can be of formula A: R1—CH(O—X)R2CO2R3 wherein R1 is an alkyl group having from 1 to 36 carbons, X is an alkyl group having from 1 to 10 carbons and preferably 1, 2, or 3 carbons or is an acyl group of formula COR5 where R5 is an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbons and preferably 1, 2, or 3 carbons, R2 is an alkylene group or alkenylene group having from 1 to 36 carbons, and R3 is alkyl having 1 to 10 carbons and preferably 1, 2, or 3 carbons.

Abstract: A mulch for repelling and/or killing pests includes active ingredients. The ingredients may be substantially uniformly applied to the pieces of mulch, and the mulch pieces may be saturated, at least on their surfaces, with the active ingredients.

Abstract: A composite, flexible protective cover for turf or other natural substrates, including at least one layer having a reflective coating adapted to direct radiant heat back into the substrate.