Abstract: A shoelace management and retainment device for temporarily retaining the loop and free ends of a shoelace bow formed on a shoe when tied. An open ended cylindrical sleeve of yieldable material is attached to portions of the shoelace extending through the eyelets of the shoe. An insertion opening is formed along the longitudinal length of the device into which the bow portion and shoelace ends of the shoelace is inserted translaterally so as to be positioned therewithin and extend partially out through corresponding respective distal end thereof.

Abstract: Devices for adjusting positions of: a removable slip sheet in a compression zone defined by a pair of rollers of an open width textile compressive shrinking machine to adjust a size of the compression zone for various thickness and types of textiles; a wedge between the pair of rollers for spacing apart the pair of rollers a predetermined dimension; and a shoe in the compression zone for allowing for different thickness and types of textiles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nozzle suitable for jetting high pressure and high temperature steam, and a method and an apparatus for producing an entangled nonwoven fabric using the nozzle. According to the apparatus, a steam inlet side main conduit (c1) and a steam outlet side conduit (c3) are connected with both end parts of a tubular nozzle holder (11) in a longitudinal direction provided integrally with nozzle members (15, 16, 23) having a plurality of nozzle holes (16a, 26). A steam outlet side conduit (c2) is provided with an opening/closing valve (55) and a trap conduit (57) is branched from a conduit at an upstream side from the opening/closing valve (55). By opening the opening/closing valve (55), a rapid temperature rise of the nozzle holder (11) can be enabled at a time of starting a production of a nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: A rotational power servo toolpost includes a plurality of rotational tool holders, which can freely rotate 360 degrees, to cut a workpiece from various angles. The rotational power servo toolpost has a turret base, a turret, tool holders mounted on a side surface of the turret and having a variety of needed tools, a tool-holder-rotating device, and a tool-rotating device. When the tool holder with the needed tool rotates along with the turret to the preset area, a servo motor of the tool-holder-rotating device drives the related members to freely rotate the tool holder around 360 degrees according to the machining requirements. The tool-driving device then drives the tool, thereby cutting the workpiece from various angles.

Abstract: An office chair is provided having a contoured back assembly comprising a back frame and a suspension fabric. The fabric is attached to the back frame about its periphery wherein the back frame has a three-dimensional contoured shape formed by overlapped frame rings with the fabric being joined thereto. The fabric is secured to the frame by a machine wherein the fabric is first stretched from the outer edge of the fabric and then is clamped by a front frame section in the pre-tensioned or pre-streched condition. The fabric edges are allowed to hang loose and then fixed in the front frame section. Once secured, the fabric is unclamped from the front frame section, and then this sub-assembly is affixed to the rear frame ring to complete the assembly of the back frame.

Abstract: A method is provided for modifying a cab assembly of a Class 5 or higher truck. The cab assembly includes a cab. The cab has an original cab height from a cab bottom end to a cab top end thereof. The cab includes a bottom region, a window region located above the bottom region, a roof region located above the window region, and a window defined in the window region. The method includes: cutting the cab through the window region to divide the cab into a top section and a bottom section; and thereafter joining the top section or a replacement top section to the bottom section to form a modified cab, wherein the modified cab has a modified height from the cab bottom end to the cab top end that is less than the original cab height.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing of an electrical connection terminal for a coaxial cable, wherein the processing is automated and further laborsaving can be achieved in the processing operation. The apparatus comprises a tool means 11 for axially stripping an outer-side insulator layer 5 in a terminal portion of a coaxial cable 1 by a predetermined length and supporting the stripped terminal portion of the coaxial cable, a turn means for tilting an axis Ax1 of the tool means by an angle of ? degrees with respect to an axis Ax2 of the coaxial cable to thereby turn the tool means, and an advancing/retreating means for advancing/retreating the tool means on the axis of the coaxial cable, wherein a clearance is provided between an inner-side insulator layer 3 and a mesh-type conductor layer 4 by turning the tool means using the turn means to thereby expand the mesh-type insulator layer into a conical shape 6.

Abstract: A method of applying an outer insulation to a stator bar to form an insulated stator bar. The method entails extruding at least one extruded member that will form the outer insulation. The extruded member has an opposing pair of edges that are parallel to the longitudinal length of the extruded member. The extrusion process creates an inner cavity that extends the longitudinal length of the extruded member. A bare stator bar is then inserted into the inner cavity of the outer insulation so that the outer insulation surrounds the perimeter of the bar and extends along a longitudinal length thereof. The edges of the extruded member are then attached together so that the perimeter of the bar is entirely enclosed by the extruded member.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for installing a stator core into a power generator 1 that comprises assembling the stator core inside of a container 60, and then moving the container to the power generator. The container is horizontally aligned with the power generator, and the stator core is transferred from the container to the power generator.

Abstract: A method for forming a P3 layer with NiFe and alumina mask using resist shrink process for use in perpendicular magnetic write heads. The method includes forming a laminated layer, forming an alumina layer on top of the laminated layer, depositing a conductive layer onto the laminated layer, forming a plating frame on a gap layer. The plating frame has a trench defined by plating track, the alumina, laminated and conductive layers each including an area below the trench. The method further includes shrinking the trench, plating NiFe into a portion of the shrunk trench, stripping the plating frame, removing the conductive layer except the conductive layer formed below the trench, removing the alumina layer except the alumina layer formed below the trench, removing the laminated layer except the laminated layer formed below the trench and patterning the laminated layer formed below the trench.

Abstract: A three dimensional soft magnetic metal mass suitable for milling is formed wrapping soft magnetic metal ribbon into a three dimensional shape and then applying adhesive to the three dimensional shape. The adhesive permeates the three dimensional shape. The adhesive is then cured. If the soft magnetic metal mass is made as a toroid, then it could be processed into an electromechanical component. The electromechanical component would then be suitable for use in very high frequency electric motors.

Abstract: An opposed current flow magnetic pulse forming and joining system in electrical communication with a magnetic pulse power supply having a positive connection and a negative connection. The system may be used in forming individual workpieces or joining multiple workpieces, including joining by magnetic pulse welding. The system includes a first section, a second section, an insulator, and a first and a second pair of conductors. The first and second sections cooperate to enclose the workpiece(s) and function to create an electromagnetic force similar to that produced by a single closed coil. The system is configured to achieve desirable current flow by minimizing inductance, inductive reactance, and impedance in the conductors. The pairs of conductors may incorporate closely spaced individual conductors, braided conductors, and coaxial conductors. The current flow in the individual conductors of each pair of conductors is opposed, as is the current flow through the sections.

Abstract: A method for installing an electrical fixture such as a power switch or power receptacle. The method may include the steps of selecting an assembly comprising an a face plate, an electrical fixture, and at least one anchor, connecting a conductor to the electrical fixture, and securing the assemble to a connection box exclusively by directly manipulating the face plate. A connection box may include at least one receiver configured to substantially instantaneously engage the at least one anchor when inserted therewithin to a selected depth. Direct manipulation of the face plate may cause the at least one anchor to be inserted within at least one receiver.

Abstract: A folding knife is disclosed. The folding knife includes a handle; a blade connected to the handle in a manner allowing pivoting of the blade between a closed position in which the blade extends along the handle, and an open position in which the blade extends away from the handle; and a blade-assisting mechanism including a biasing assembly and a housing, wherein the biasing assembly is configured to urge the blade towards at least one of the open position and the closed position over at least a portion of the blade travel between the closed position and the open position, and the housing encloses at least a portion of the blade-assisting mechanism, and wherein the blade-assisting mechanism is configured to be removably mounted between the blade and the handle.

Abstract: A utility knife has a disposable blade cartridge in its handle that has front and rear blade compartments. Each compartment is sized to hold a plurality of blades in side-by-side relation. Fresh blades are disposed in the front compartment and one end of each is advanced one at a time substantially out of the compartment into operative position by a carrier that is controlled by an actuator on the handle. When the active blade is to be replaced, it is moved by the carrier into the rear compartment, and a new blade may then be withdrawn from the front compartment into the operative position. The active blade when not in use is withdrawn into the case. When the one end of all the blades in the front compartment are used the cartridge is reversed, placing what was the rear compartment at the front, and the unused end of each blade is advanced into the operative position and when each is used it is moved to the rear compartment. When all are used, a new cartridge replaces the old in the knife.

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: Double hooked device with the hooks being transversely positioned on the end of a shaft having a handle at its opposite end. The hooks may snag, lift, move and/or flip food or other articles by the hooks being rotated generally about the shaft's axis until one of the double hooks penetrates into the article to be lifted. A shield at the base of the handle is a guard to cover the tips of the hooks.

Abstract: The reciprocating saw has a main body, a support member, a guide shoe, a locking member and an engaging member. The support member can be slid relative to the main body. The guide shoe is attached to an anterior end of the support member. The locking member can be switched between a state allowing the support member to be slid relative to the main body and a state not allowing the sliding. The engaging member is energized towards the support member. The engaging member and the support member engage or release their engagement, while the support member is being slid relative to the main body across a location allowing locking and a location not allowing locking.

Abstract: A laser level with temperature control device (2) and the temperature control method thereof are disclosed. The temperature control device includes a thermal insulation chamber (22), a thermoelectric cooler (25), a control unit (21), and first and second temperature sensors (23, 24). The second temperature sensor is received in the thermal insulation chamber together with a tilt sensor (12). The control unit controls operation of the thermoelectric cooler according to the external and internal temperature signals respectively output by the first and second temperature sensors, so as to adjust the internal temperature inside the thermal insulation chamber to be a calibration temperature point close to the external temperature. Accordingly, the temperature drift problem can be addressed, and the working temperature of the tilt sensor can be maintained in a stable range. Further, the acceptable ambient temperature range within which the tilt sensor works can be expanded.

Abstract: A magnetically damped inclinometer has a shaft with attached pendulum that rotates. The rotation causes an index member to rotate past one or a set of magnets or electromagnets that are connected to the load. The magnet or electromagnet may be mounted directly the load or it may be in the form of an off center ring. Another embodiment uses a spring to bias two magnets apart. A cam is attached to the shaft such that, as the pendulum and shaft rotate, a roller connected with the load or spreader bar allows the spring to push the magnets farther apart. The damped inclinometers are used to determine and provide information to respond to the initial sway of a load prior to bringing the load to a stop.

Abstract: Apparatus for a CMM Arm with Exoskeleton is provided comprising an Internal CMM Arm with a base end and a probe end, and an Exoskeleton driving the Internal CMM Arm through a plurality of transmissions. One or more contact probes, optical probes and tools are mounted on the probe end. The CMM Arm with Exoskeleton is provided in manually operable and automated embodiments. The CMM Arm with Exoskeleton is operable for accurate measurement or for performing accurate operations. Methods are provided for operation of the CMM Arm with Exoskeleton.

Abstract: A rotational and translational microposition apparatus includes a first rotary motor, a second rotary motor and a linear motor. The first rotary motor surmounts an upstanding bracket mounted to a support surface. A rigid link having a right angle bend formed in it interconnects the first and second rotary motors to one another. A first end of the rigid link is secured to an output shaft of the first rotary motor and a second end of the rigid link is secured to a mounting plate to which is secured the second rotary motor. A linear motor has an output shaft connected to the output shaft of the second rotary motor. Selective operation of the three motors enables a probe to be positioned in an infinite plurality of positions that collectively form a cone where the tip of the probe is coincident with the vertex of the cone.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a reel, a tape that is wound on the reel and that can be reeled out, and a hook attached to a free end of the tape. The tape includes a concave-convex shape when it is reeled out. The concave-convex shape includes a height and a width and provides rigidity for the standout length. The tape includes a flat shape when it is wound on the reel. The flat shape includes a flattened width. The maximum standout length is not larger than 100 times of the flattened width or the flatness is not larger than one fourth of the flattened width. Thus, the tape can easily be wound and flattened on the reel and will not be deformed because of change in stress when it is retroflexed or wound.

Abstract: A pivoting cable extension arm (2) has a pivot sensor (3). The extension arm is mounted on a swivel frame (4) having a swivel sensor (5). The swivel frame has two tangent sheaves (4A, 4C) that allow a wide pivot range of the extension arm. A cable take-up drum (6) has a range sensor (7) for sensing the length of cable (1) extending from the drum. The three-sensors (3, 5, 7) provide data for computing 3D coordinates of the end of the cable (1) over a wide range of space surrounding the assembly. This allows an object to be measured and modeled in three dimensions by touching the cable end to points on the object and acquiring spatial coordinates of the points.

Abstract: A digital indicator 1 includes a body case (10), a spindle (30) provided to the body case (10), the spindle (30) being movable in an axial direction, a displacement detector (40) that detects a moving amount of the spindle (30), and a digital display (50) that digitally displays the moving amount detected by the displacement detector (40). The display surface of the digital display (50) is arranged on the body case (10) in an attitude substantially orthogonal to the moving direction of the spindle (30) and deviated from the moving axis of the spindle (30).

Abstract: A system and method of moving a meniscus from a first surface to a second surface includes forming a meniscus between a head and a first surface. The meniscus can be moved from the first surface to an adjacent second surface, the adjacent second surface being parallel to the first surface. The system and method of moving the meniscus can also be used to move the meniscus along an edge of a substrate.

Abstract: A drum for use in a dryer is provided. The drum includes a plurality of segments joined axially to form the drum's cylindrical shape. The drum has a simple structure enabling the use of standardized segments to facilitate dryer manufacture by reducing production costs, increasing productivity, and reducing failure rates. The drum, which has a cylindrical shape, is composed of a plurality of segments, preferably, three, each arranged axially with respect to the axis of the drum. The drum includes a coupling mechanism, provided on each side edge of each segment, for joining the segments to form the cylindrical shape of the drum.

Abstract: A sole for an article of footwear having an insert that includes a slot for receiving a gaiter strap. In one embodiment, the insert includes a plurality of support tubes that include internal webs configured to control the support characteristics of each support tube. In one embodiment, a first plurality of support tubes is disposed along the medial side of the sole in the heel region and a second plurality of support tubes is disposed along the lateral side of the sole in the heel region. The insert may include an arch portion that extends through and provides support to the arch region of the sole. The arch portion may define a slot to receive a gaiter strap. The insert may further include a forefoot extension that extends forwardly from the arch along the medial side of the sole. In one embodiment, the sole may include a heel wedge disposed below the insert in the heel region such that the support tubes are supported upon a relatively resilient material.

Abstract: A controllable footwear method and apparatus, comprising a structure which controls a splitting of a force exerted on a sole of the footwear between a first portion which is stored in an energy storage structure and later returned to the sole, and a second portion which is dissipated, and a control for controlling the structure in dependence on an activity of the wearer, to alter a relation between the first portion and the second portion, to thereby alter a dynamic characteristic of the footwear.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a pumping device of a shoe 100 includes a cushion body (110) formed inside a sole of the shoe (110) and having front and back air chambers (120 and 130) formed therein in such a manner as to be disposed at the front and back portions thereof; an automatic pump (140) mounted adjacent to the back air chamber (130) in such a manner as to communicate with the back air chamber (130) and having a height (H2) higher than a height (H1) of the back air chamber (130); a suction valve (150) and a check valve (160) mounted at the front and back sides of the automatic pump (140); and a pressure adjusting valve (170) formed at a connecting valve (125) for connecting the back air chamber (130) with the front air chamber (120).

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that has a sole structure with a sole element and a coupling. The sole element is spaced from a remainder of the footwear to define a space between a portion of the sole element and the remainder of the footwear. The coupling extends upward from the sole element to join the sole element with the remainder of the footwear. The coupling is spaced from the periphery of the sole element, and the coupling is the only attachment point between the sole element and the remainder of the footwear. In operation, the coupling permits the sole element to pivot in relation to the remainder of the footwear.

Abstract: An inflatable bladder for use in an article of footwear including a first sheet of a flexible fluid-impervious material and a second sheet of flexible fluid-impervious material. The first sheet and the second sheet are sealed along air-tight weld lines forming at least one narrow channel. The inflatable bladder includes an air passage device for maintaining air flow within the narrow channel. In one embodiment, the first sheet has an embossed interior surface to limit the contact between the first sheet and second sheet. Another embodiment includes the use of a mechanical device to separate the first sheet and the second sheet within a narrow channel. A method of manufacturing an inflatable bladder, a method of increasing localized air flow though a narrow channel of an inflatable bladder for use in an article of footwear and an article of footwear incorporating the inflatable bladder are also described.

Abstract: Subsea excavation and suction device includes a suction head with an inlet opening at an outer, free end and an outlet opening connected to a suction hose arranged at a distance from the inlet opening. The suction head is mounted on a hydraulic controller arm and at the inlet opening is provided with mechanical and hydraulic devices to disintegrate solid material (sediment). The hydraulic device includes a number of jet nozzles, while the mechanical device includes bars. The cross-sectional area of the inlet opening is larger than the cross-sectional area of the outlet opening.

Abstract: A steam iron (10) for clothing has direct measurement of sole plate temperature by a suitable sensor (19). A control device (20) such as a programmable logic controller, holds a characteristic relating sole plate temperature to steam production, and controls opening of an electrically actuated release valve (16) for water from a tank (15) to the sole plate (13). The sensor (19) may also control electrical energy for heating the sole plate (13).

Abstract: An ironing board assembly for use with a door. The assembly includes an elongated ironing board and an ironing board support. An upper end of the ironing board support is attached to the top of the door so that the ironing board support extends along and closely adjacent one side of the door. One end of the ironing board is attachable to a lower end of the ironing board support so that the ironing board is movable between a first position in which the ironing board extends horizontally outwardly from the door and a second position in which the ironing board extends vertically and closely adjacent the side of the door and so that a top of the ironing board faces outwardly from the door. A first latch locks the ironing board in its first position while, similarly, a second latch locks the ironing board in its second position.

Abstract: The invention is a promotional structure, such as a greeting card, which is collapsible to fit into a flat envelope for mailing, and which unfolds into the shape of a recognizable type of building, such as a house. Some of the panels are flexibly joined to one another while others (or portions of others) carry reusable fasteners, such as ribbons corresponding to complementary holes on adjacent panels. When the structure is unfolded and the fasteners join the corresponding panels, the panels define the building's shape and its promotional theme. The design provides a structure well suited for distributing promotional material in a medium that is different than traditional greeting cards or brochures, and the structure may be fabricated either from a plurality of panels secured to each other or from the die-cutting and scoring of a single sheet of material.

Abstract: By employing the present invention, a unique, pre-printed housing member which is quickly and easily assembled from a flat, generally two-dimensional configuration into a three-dimensional promotional display, along with an integrally affixed stabilizing and locking member is attained. Once the promotional display system is placed in its three-dimensional configuration, with the stabilizing/locking member activated, assurance is provided that the entire advertising/promotional display product is securely retained in the desired, eye-catching, visually exciting, three-dimensional configuration. In particular, in the present invention, the promotional display member incorporates an integral, arcuately pivotable, stabilizing/locking arm and stand combination which cooperates with one or more panel members of the housing to assure secure-ment of the promotional display system in its fully erected configuration when desired by the user.

Abstract: An embodiment of a card holder system for retaining a card with an animal cage can comprise a card holder designed and dimensioned to selectively retain the card, and a retention member adapted for retaining the card holder to the cage. The retention member is adapted to be secured to a side wall of the cage. In certain embodiments, the card holder can be selectively retained in one of a horizontal orientation and a vertical orientation. The card holder system can further comprise an adapter member, the adapter member being designed and dimensioned to be coupled with the card holder such that the card holder may be selectively positioned in one of a first orientation and a second orientation, the second orientation being substantially rotated ninety-degrees from the first position.

Abstract: Diorama balls contain a liquid and fine particles not individually visible to the unaided eye. The fine particles exert a “fog-like” effect particularly suitable for marine and aero dioramas.

Abstract: A device for mounting on a personal transporter intended to transport a rider in a standing position, for example a Segway HT, having a front panel disposed adjacent the front of the personal transporter and two side panels disposed adjacent the sides of the personal transporter. The device is releasably attachable to a personal transporter, and is suitable for displaying advertising. The device also provides protection to a rider.

Abstract: Fire arm with selection device for right or left-hand cartridge case ejection comprising a barrel (12), a breech bolt holder slide (21), a breech bolt (18) fitted with firing pin (19) and a frame (14) fitted with openings on both sides (15) for firing the cartridge case (16), in which the selection device comprises two sliding extractors (33, 33?) in housings (32) on opposite sides of the breech bolts (18) and an ejection control component (23), the extractors (33, 33?) comprise an engagement terminal (34), suitable for acting on the cartridge case (16), and a shaft (36) protruding out from the back of the breech bolt (18) bearing a helical spring (37), for the intervention of the control component (23).

Abstract: An accessory mount or interface adapter having a rail for removably mounting an accessory (such as a light beam generator) to a firearm, the accessory mount being removably securable to a recurved trigger guard of a firearm without necessarily utilizing other structural features of the firearm for effecting the securement.

Abstract: A fishing system with audio and visual signals is capable of use with both tip ups and tip downs. The fishing system includes a tower like tubular support extending from a base member configured to receive at least on tip down. The tubular support includes a tubular visual signal housed at a location on the support and an audio signal housed within the support. The tubular support includes a first wiring outlet configured for wiring a switch on the tip downs to the audio and visual signals and a second wiring outlet for wiring a switch on the tip ups to the audio and visual signals.

Abstract: A portable illuminated, transparent or translucent tubular device is provided. The light source is a flexible, extended-in-length light source mounted in the tubular device, with a housing associated with the tubular device. The housing encloses batteries, and in some instances circuitry, for powering the light source. In a preferred embodiment, the tubular device is a handle for a fish or crab net, with the light source extending around the loop of the net.

Abstract: A storage tray for storing, watering and transporting plants, the storage tray being shaped like a pan, preferably with side walls, and having an overflow, which may be height-adjustable, for setting a desired liquid level, and a watering device for watering and transporting plants, with at least two storage trays of the invention disposed one on top of the other, the storage trays being arranged such that any liquid running over the overflow of a/each storage tray can flow into a storage tray located beneath it, and in particular the one immediately below.

Abstract: A sliding window assembly for a vehicle includes an upper track member, a lower track member, and a carrier component. The track members each define a first channel having a first depth, a second channel having a second depth, and a third channel having a third depth less than each of the first and second depths. The carrier component includes upper and lower edges. Each edge has a first tab extending to a first length and a second tab extending to a second length. The carrier component slides in the track members to move between an open and a closed position. The first tabs slide in the first channels, the second tabs slide in the second channels, and the edges of the carrier component slide in the third channels. The first lengths correspond to the first depths and the second lengths correspond to the second depths so the tabs appropriately fit in their respective channels.

Abstract: An improved gutter-cover system has a clip which includes movable jaws and a locking lever for locking a given clip in place on a variety of gutter types.

Abstract: A rainwater collection and diverging system includes a housing that has a bottom wall and a perimeter wall. A door is positioned in the bottom wall. A hinge hingedly couples the door to the bottom wall and a biasing member is attached to the door and biases the door in a closed position. Fluid in the housing may flow outwardly through the bottom wall when a biasing action of the biasing member is overcome and the door is moved to an open position. An outlet is fluidly coupled to the housing. A downspout has a bottom end extending into the housing. A conduit is fluidly coupled to and extends between a free end of the outlet and a fluid receptacle. Water flowing down the downspout is directed into the conduit until a force of the water flowing down the downspout overcomes the biasing action and opens the door.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, or kit, of injection molded panels having integrated connectors which combine to form an enclosure, commonly in the form of a utility shed. The panels are formed of injection molded plastic to interlock with one another without the need for separate I-beam connectors. The ends of the wall panels have cavities to accept both roof and floor outwardly projecting locking posts for interlocking cooperative engagement which serve to rigidly connect the components together. The symmetry of the wall, roof, floor and door components also minimizes component shapes and simplifies enclosure construction.

Abstract: A device for attaching and lifting concrete parts, in particular reinforced concrete prefabricated elements, having a storage box and at least one flexible rope element which penetrates the storage box and has a rope loop and an end anchor, with the rope loop being at least partially accomodatable in the storage box and releasable thereform. At least one of the rope loop and the end anchor of the at least one flexible rope element assumes, at least in sections, an angle of between 0 and 45° to the bottom of the storage box.