Abstract: A hand dryer is disclosed having little unpleasant blowback from the hand insertion opening portion of the hand drying chamber and little splattering of water droplets around the device, and offering superior drying performance.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus 10 including a vapor generating unit 371 which generates a mixed gas consisting of an organic solvent vapor and an inert gas by bubbling the inert gas in the organic solvent; support means for supporting a plurality of substrates to be vertically arranged in parallel at equal pitches; a processing vessel 15 which accommodates multiple substrates supported by the support means; a lid 30 for covering the upper opening of the processing vessel; jet nozzles 33 provided in the lid 30; and first piping 3712, 342, 3421, and 3422 which causes the vapor generating unit and the jet nozzles to communicate with each other. In the substrate processing apparatus 10, the first piping and the jet nozzles are respectively equipped with heaters, and the heaters are controlled by means of dry gas containing organic solvent mists of submicron size being emitted from the jet nozzles.

Abstract: A hollow sole is formed within the sole of a shoe wherein a top component having a flat portion and an outer wall is adhered to a bottom component wherein the depth of the outer wall defines an enclosed space between the top and bottom components. The outer wall of the top component and the walls of the bottom component that rise to and fall from the weld lines are made with flexible ridges which provides a bellowing effect when the pressure of the foot is pushed down on the sole. In one embodiment, a fluidly connected inside compartment and outside compartment are created by welded lines adhering the bottom component to the top component. In an alternate embodiment, the hollow sole may contain foam for extra support. Fluid pockets and other flow structures are bored into the foam to allow for the dynamic fluid flow.

Abstract: An insole assembly for increasing the weight of footwear and a heavy footwear having an outsole and/or a midsole made of a high specific gravity compressed resin to enhance exercise effect. The insole assembly includes a lower insole made of a compressed resin having a high specific gravity; an upper insole laid on the lower insole and a shock-absorbing member attached to a heel of the lower insole. The insole assembly is made of a compressed resin to increase the weight of the footwear to which the insole assembly is applied.

Abstract: A footwear closure assembly and method including multiple closure systems that may be selected from by a wearer including a first closure device having a removable cord and openings for receiving the cord to secure closure of the footwear; and a second closure device including a removable strap and slots for receiving the strap. The closure assembly is provided such that the wearer may select from among the various closure devices including the first closure device, the second closure device, or both first and second closure devices providing increased versatility for the wearer.

Abstract: Shoes having foot support structures formed of arm portions and/or plates having variable flexibility are disclosed.

Abstract: A V-blade plow has adjustable first and second blades, each with an inner end that is rotatably connected to a pivot frame. The plow is provided with a cutting edge arrangement comprising first and second edge segments and a center edge segment there between. The first edge segment is removably attached to the first plow blade and projects downward below the bottom edge of the first plow blade. The second edge segment is removably attached to the second plow blade projecting below the bottom edge of the second plow blade. The center edge segment is mounted beneath the pivot frame and is attached to the first and second plow blades to prevent the material being plowed from passing beneath the pivot frame between the blades.

Abstract: The Invention is a memorabilia apparatus. Indicia are imprinted on a medallion using convention minting technology. An ice hockey puck or a model of a tire has a cavity adapted to receive and to support the medallion for display. The cavity of the puck or model of a tire exerts a pre-selected force upon the medallion over a pre-selected area, holding the medallion in place during handling while allowing a collector to release the medallion from the puck or model of the tire. Alternatively, resilient or spring retaining members releasably engage the puck or model of the tire and the medallion.

Abstract: A serving dish for small children has a window through which exchangeable pictures can be viewed. The dish has an upper dish with a transparent window, a lower dish, and an exchangeable picture carrier situated in between. In order to permit easy cleaning of the dish and simple replacement of the pictures, the upper dish is fastened to the lower dish with at least one central fastening element bearing at least one rotatable picture carrier, such that different pictures are displayed in the window when the picture carrier is rotated.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved display board apparatus which can be folded down when not in use so as to be substantially flat. The apparatus 41 when in its assembled erect condition, has a front panel 12, a rear panel 14 joined to the front panel along opposite vertical sides thereof, and a plurality of elastic traction members 42 attached to the rear panel 14 and arranged to tension rear panel 14 so that the front panel 12 assumes a convex shape. The improvement consists of an integrally formed rearwardly projecting spine 44 in the rear panel 14 extending between the upper and lower edges thereof, the spine 44 being delineated by a plurality of parallel spaced apart fold lines 24, 26, 26?. Each of the elastic traction members 42 extends across and through the spine and has its opposite ends anchored at locations adjacent the sides of the spine 44.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting a banner from a support member at a display height above ground level includes upper and lower banner mounting arms that are capable of receiving and mounting a banner with the assistance of an operator located at ground level.

Abstract: A wire frame for supporting a corrugated plastic sheet sign is disclosed. The improved wire frame has a transverse bar or bars that are of a greater diameter or thickness than the upper parts of the frame that connect with openings of the corrugated plastic sheet sign.

Abstract: A foldable warning device is described. The warning device includes a container for storage therein, at least one panel attached to the container, and at least one fastener that is adapted to allow repeated engagement and disengagement of the panels to and from the container and each other.

Abstract: A dual window display box for displaying two objects includes a display arrangement and an attachment arrangement. The display arrangement includes at least two displaying frames, wherein each of the displaying frames has a displaying window and defines a storage cavity between the displaying frames when the displaying frames are overlapped with each other for the first and second objects receiving in the storage cavity. The attachment arrangement includes a first attaching member provided on one of the displaying frame and a second attaching member which is provided on another the displaying frame and is detachably attached to the first attaching member to detachably engage the displaying frames in an overlapped manner such that the display arrangement provides dual display effect on the opposed displaying windows of the displaying frames for individually displaying the first and second objects at two opposite directions.

Abstract: A pivotable shoulder stock for a handgun allows the user to aim and fire a handgun around the corner of a building or other obstacle. The user is able to fire with relative accuracy from behind a building or other obstacle using a mirror attached to the shoulder stock. The mirror can be adjustably positioned for viewing in order to fire the handgun at about a ninety degree (90°) angle in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The mirror can be removed when firing the handgun in a linear direction similar to a rifle or for storage purposes. The pivotable shoulder stock is relatively simple to operate and can be quickly adjusted while under assault conditions.

Abstract: A firearm aiming and photographing compound apparatus. A digital sight is disposed on a firearm body and includes an image processing module and a receiver electrically connected thereto. A remote-control transmitter is connected to the firearm body, emitting a signal. The receiver receives the signal, actuating the image processing module.

Abstract: A secondary, preferably hook-free fishing lure is disclosed for use in combination with a primary hook-bearing fishing lure. The secondary lure is slidably attached to the fishing line, and moves along the line in an erratic fashion as the primary lure is worked through the water, to further attract fish to the primary lure. The secondary lure comprises one or more attractant elements, such as standard spoons or blades, directly or indirectly attached to a traveler element that slidably engages the fishing line and slides back and forth along the fishing line as the primary lure is moved, worked or jigged through the water.

Abstract: A fishing float includes a magnetic lock mechanism within the float to allow for the adjustment of a fishing line through the float to adjust the length of the fishing line through the float to select the appropriate depth of the bait or lure below the fishing float without having to reel in the bait and adjust the depth from the shore. The float, once engaged by a quick tug on the fishing line, is locked into place by a rocking magnetic lock member engaging a serrated transverse locking pin across a longitudinal line channel, capturing fishing line placed between the magnetic lock member and the locking pin, the lock member and the locking being magnetically attracted to each other. The magnetic lock member is disengaged by a quick tug on the fishing line causing a pivotal trigger to release the magnetic lock member from the locking pin allowing the fishing line to move freely through the line channel.

Abstract: A two-stage fishing bobber including a bobber main body normally buoyable in a body of water with the bobber main body having an opening extending through a vertical float axis of the bobber main body and a slideable rod slidably positioned in the cavity of the bobber main body with the slideable rod normally resiliently maintained in the bobber main body in an up position but downwardly displaceable with respect to the bobber main body in response to a first force on the fishing line. In one embodiment the force is sufficient to displace the slideable rod with respect to the bobber main body but not sufficient for a viewer to discern the displacement of the bobber main body with respect to the body of water to thereby provide a first-stage visually indication.

Abstract: A sliding window assembly has at least one sliding pane mounted for travel along a travel path between a closed position in a first plane and an open position in an offset second plane substantially parallel to the first plane. The window assembly has travel guide apparatus for guiding its movement along the travel path between the open and closed positions. The travel guide apparatus includes a track defining an elongate slot corresponding to the travel path, a fixed guide surface having a fixed position relative to the track, e.g., a pivot pin, and components cooperatively operative as a cam and slide movement for guiding travel of the sliding pane between its open and closed positions. Typically, for generally rectilinear sliding panes, a track, guide surface and cam and slide movement are provided for each corner of the sliding pane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an openable screen element such as an insert unit to be inserted into an opening of a wall, particularly a door or a window, comprising at least one screen element side-hinged to the frame structure, said screen element being pivotally mounted over a hinge axis in the frame structure for opening and closing in a direction away from the opening, where the screen element comprises two mutually angled planar sectional elements preferably rectangular in shape, positioned in different planes with an intersection line essentially parallel with the hinge axis. Apart from being communication surfaces containing information of the activities in a room with one or more doors according to the invention mounted into the walls, the screen element, such as a door surface of a screen element according to the invention, will also be able to function as a direction pointer or provide visual indication of the direction for opening of the screen element (door or window) due to its bent shape.

Abstract: An stabilizer system for a temporary building such as a portable toilet. The stabilizer system has a U-shaped anchor the legs of which are attachably securable to members on the base of the building by means of an elongate rod. The U-shaped anchor extends from a sidewall of the building and at the time of installation may be placed about a permanent upright member such as a utility pole or may be ground staked via holes in the member provided for this purpose.

Abstract: The invention discloses an improved seal for providing protection against water, water vapor, and other vapors from entering into and permeating through a concrete slab. The seal includes three primary functional edges extending from a common junction, a first edge positioned substantially horizontally to be moisture proof fastened to a geo-membrane liner over which a slab is to be poured, a second edge extending downwardly to the first edge to be embedded into a foundation, and a third edge extending upwardly from the first edge to be embedded into the slab. The invention applies to both monolithic and non-monolithic pours.

Abstract: A window assembly for garage doors having an opening with cooperative dimensions to receive a transparent panel with a reduced surface on one side and a peripheral flange making the outer surface larger than the internal surface. The underside of the peripheral flange member comes in abutting contact with the panel's external surface to which it is glued. An external frame member is mounted over the peripheral edge of the external side of the transparent panel. An internal frame member is mounted over the peripheral edge of internal surface. Fastening members are used to keep the transparent panel member in place.

Abstract: A compression anchor for holding a support member, such as a cylindrical handrail, is disclosed. The anchor includes a body having a cavity and a wedge portion that connects to the body using thick threads, such as 2-4 ACME 2-G threads. The wedge is substantially cylindrical and encircles a support member received in the cavity. A compression ring is in contact with the body and the wedge portion. As the wedge portion turns relative to the body using the threads, the compression ring expands and contracts to loosen or tighten the connection between the received support member and the anchor. The wedge portion and the body are corrosion resistant.

Abstract: A welded wire reinforcement is used in combination with insulated concrete form blocks having opposed panels joined by form ties. A method of construction forms building structures with insulated concert form blocks. The reinforcement member has a base bar and a plurality of arms extending downwardly from the base bar and is utilized to provide increased internal strength to a modular concrete wall system. The welded wire reinforcement provides vertical and horizontal support without requiring any extra time or material to connect a vertical reinforcement to the concrete forms of the wall system. An alternate embodiment of the reinforcement member includes a horizontal base bar, arms extending downward and perpendicular from the base bar, and a plurality of end pieces attached to the arms to form a discontinuous bottom bar. The base bar and bottom bar are slidably received in rebar chairs defined by the form ties.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing objects, volumes, furniture modules and furniture as well as articles produced by said method that are composed of individual elements such as walls, panels, beams, legs, etc.

Abstract: A stamp applicator includes a sizing feature that measures the size of a carton of cigarettes entering the machine. The sizing feature may include sensors that determine both the height and width of a carton of cigarettes. The applicator includes a stamping head and other features that may be adjusted to accommodate cartons of different sizes. The stamp applicator may include sensors that determine if a carton of cigarettes is properly positioned prior to moving the cartons through the machine for further processing.

Abstract: A bagging machine for packing agricultural or compost material into bags includes a tunnel defined at least partially by flexible material. The tunnel may include perimeter members and support members spanned by a flexible material. Alternatively, the tunnel may include a flexible sleeve and a shaping assembly adapted to define the shape of the tunnel passageway. The tunnel may be configurable in a variety of cross-sections to enable the tunnel to be used with different sizes of bags. Additionally, the tunnels may be collapsible for convenient storage and transportation.

Abstract: An inserting machine with an assembly (7) for unfolding a flap (8) of an envelope (9), including: a scraper (20) with a sharp scraping end (21) and an envelope carrier (23-26) as well as a drive (27, 29) for moving the holder portion (18) and the scraper (20) relative to each other, such that the holder portion (18) with the fold edge (17) in trailing position scrapes along the scraping end (21), the scraper (20) scrapes the flap (8) in the area of its free edge (19) off the holder portion (18), and pivots the flap (8) open about the fold edge (17). The scraping end (21) moves along a circulation path (30), of which a first portion (31) extends in a direction towards the fold edge (17) over the holder portion (18) of the envelope (9) and of which a second, contiguous portion (32) diverges from the holder portion (18) of the envelope (9).

Abstract: A wrap dispensing apparatus for wrapping an article with wrapping material includes a base; a hub assembly; a threaded spindle mounted to the base and the hub assembly, and a brake assembly to control the movement of the threaded spindle. The threaded spindle supports a roll of material between the base and the hub assembly. Further included is a steering arm that is attached to the base and the hub assembly and spaced from the threaded spindle. The base has wheels for omni-directional movement along a horizontal surface.

Abstract: A shift mechanism for trim mower cutting units includes a pair of slidable carriers. Each slidable carrier can slide along a pair of guide rods mounted to a mower frame. A hydraulic extension cylinder is connected to each slidable carrier and independently extends to move the slidable carrier laterally outward from the mower frame or retracts to move the slidable carrier laterally inward in relation to the mower frame. A hydraulic shifting cylinder is mounted between the two extension cylinders and extends to shift both slidable carriers laterally inward toward a center position, and retracts to move both slidable carriers laterally outward toward an extended position.

Abstract: A mower comprising: a cutting blade housing; rotating cutting blades; and a front baffle plate disposed forwardly of a rotation zone of each of the rotating cutting blades; wherein the front baffle plate comprises: an upstream-side cutting blade plate portion and a downstream-side cutting blade plate portion having a concave curved guide surface wherein the front baffle plate is configured such that the distance between a rotation zone of the upstream-side cutting blade and a boundary between the upstream-side cutting blade plate portion and the downstream-side cutting blade plate portion in the baffle plates is greater than the distance between the boundary and a rotation zone of the downstream-side cutting blade.

Abstract: A bale shape indicator includes a sensor configured for use with a substantially cylindrical bale being formed, to indicate, in a non-contacting manner, the presence of crop components corresponding to a predetermined area of an end region of the bale. The indications are capable of being manipulated to determine a density value for the end region of the bale.

Abstract: An elastic core fiber is caught to prevent production of a core yarn having no elastic core fiber. In a method for producing a core yarn by supplying a sliver to a drafting device in a predetermined amount and merging a core fiber with the sliver, the sliver is supplied to the drafting device in an amount greater than the predetermined amount over a predetermined period of time after spinning is started, so as to merge with the core fiber, and thereafter, the sliver is supplied to the drafting device in the predetermined amount. Preferably, the amount of sliver that is supplied to the drafting device is changed in accordance with the rotational speed of predetermined draft rollers in the drafting device.

Abstract: A core yarn manufacturing apparatus includes a draft device that drafts sheath fibers of a core yarn and a core fiber supply device that supplies core fibers of the core yarn, wherein a feed-out path of the core fibers in the core fiber supply device is inclined above the draft device in such a manner that a front of the feed-out path is lower than a rear of the feed-out path with respect to a front surface of a machine frame, and wherein a CSY wind-out device and a CFY yarn guide are provided in a rear upper part of a base frame of the core fiber supply device, the wind-out device supporting a CSY package and winding out an elastic yarn, the yarn guide guiding a filament yarn drawn out from a CFY package located behind the core fiber supply device.

Abstract: A fire resistant rope and method of making the same. The fire resistant rope comprises high tensile strength fibers, high temperature resistant fibers, and a fire retardant coating. The fire retardant coating is applied to at least one of the high tensile strength fibers and the high temperature resistant fibers. The high tensile strength fibers are combined to form a core. The high temperature resistant fibers are combined to form a jacket that at least partly covers the core. The jacket is configured to inhibit movement of air to the core. The coating is configured to inhibit movement of air to the core.

Abstract: A chain link plate includes an elliptical plate body having opposite first and second surfaces, and two mounting holes spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction of the plate body and extending from the first surface to the second surface. The plate body has a central longitudinal line that passes through centers of the mounting holes, and two transverse lines that pass respectively through the centers of the mounting holes and that are perpendicular to the central longitudinal line. The plate body has an intermediate juncture portion defined between the transverse lines, and opposite end portions integrally and respectively connected to opposite ends of the intermediate juncture portion. The intermediate juncture portion has a largest width greater than that of each of the end portions.

Abstract: An automatic engine protection system for use when electronic parts of the control system are exposed to overtemperature conditions. A thermally sensitive component, such as an engine electronic control or an electronic overspeed control, is mounted on the engine. A thermal fuse is mounted adjacent, or in thermal contact with, the speed control. The thermal fuse is placed in electrical series with a valve which controls fuel delivery to the engine. If the temperature of the fuse exceeds its melting point, indicating a possible danger to the electronic control, the fuse melts, thereby terminating fuel to the engine.

Abstract: An object separating apparatus uses gas and has a hollow housing with a closed end connected to a first object, and an opened end. An axially movable cylinder is installed at an inner space of the housing and a piston assembly is coupled to the cylinder and connected to a second object at an outer end. A fixing portion between the housing and the cylinder and the piston assembly fixes the cylinder and the piston assembly into the housing. A gas generator communicates with the inner space, wherein when the gas generator is operated, the gas generator pressurizes the cylinder to release the cylinder from the piston assembly and to separate the cylinder and the piston assembly from the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connection block for a hydrostatic piston machine which is provided for simultaneous operation in a first hydraulic circuit and a second hydraulic circuit. A first working pressure duct (60) and a second working pressure duct (61) are formed in the connection block, via which ducts respectively a first and a second working line (7, 8) of the first hydraulic circuit can be connected to respectively a first and a second kidney-shaped control port of a control plate (52) of the hydrostatic piston machine. Furthermore, a third working pressure duct (62) and a fourth working pressure duct (63) are formed in the connection block (25), via which ducts respectively a third and a fourth working line (7?, 8?) of the second hydraulic circuit can be connected to respectively a third and a fourth kidney-shaped control port (70?, 71?) of the control plate of the hydrostatic piston machine.

Abstract: A method for controlling exhaust gas particulate emissions from a compression ignition internal combustion engine having a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) includes the steps of determining backpressure across the engine and air mass flow into the engine, closing vanes of the VGT to provide air mass flow increase when backpressure is increasing, and stopping the step of closing the vanes of the VGT when a decrease in rate of change of air mass flow is determined.

Abstract: Designs of cooling systems that operate entirely on solar energy are disclosed. Such cooling systems may be used in refrigeration and air conditioning. According to one aspect of the designs, a solar energy collecting device is disposed outdoor to collect solar energy. A first heat-to-electricity pump operating on heated liquid is provided to produce electricity. A storage tank is used to store heated water. A second heat-to-electricity pump is disposed in the storage and operates on the heated water to generate electricity. A cooling system operates on at least three types of working fluids to achieve low temperature evaporation and high temperature condensation to derive cooling effects. A working unit powered by at least one of the first generator and the second generator is provided to utilize the cooling effects from the cooling system.

Abstract: A turbofan gas turbine engine augmenter includes a fuel/air swirler disposed between an axially extending bypass flowpath and an axially extending exhaust flowpath. A swirler inlet is axially open to and positioned substantially normal to the bypass flowpath and a swirler outlet is open to and positioned substantially parallel to the exhaust flowpath. A swirl chamber within the fuel/air swirler is between the swirler inlet and the swirler outlet. A swirl axis of the fuel/air swirler extends through the swirler outlet substantially normal to the exhaust flowpath. An air swirler may be centered about the swirl axis within the fuel/air swirler. The air swirler may be a louvered or have a plurality of swirling vanes. The swirler inlet may be radially offset with respect to the swirl axis. An air scoop may lead from the swirler inlet to a rounded swirler housing within which the air swirler is disposed.

Abstract: A compressor having a front fan, which rotates to compress intake air, a single-stage low-pressure compressor which is disposed behind the front fan to compress intake air, and a single-stage high-pressure compressor which compresses the compressed air compressed by the low-pressure compressor; a ratio (RH/RL) of a pressure ratio (RH) of the high-pressure compressor to a pressure ratio (RL) of the low-pressure compressor is within a range of 4.5 to 6.0.

Abstract: The cool down time for a multi-stage, pulse tube cryocooler is reduced by configuring at least a portion of the acoustic impedance of a selected stage, higher than the first stage, so that it surrounds the cold head of the selected stage. The surrounding acoustic impedance of the selected stage is mounted in thermally conductive connection to the warm region of the selected stage for cooling the acoustic impedance and is fabricated of a high thermal diffusivity, low thermal radiation emissivity material, preferably aluminum.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system is characterized by an ice/beverage dispenser and a remote beverage tower. The dispenser has a cold plate, a carbonator pump and a carbonator tank and the tower has a carbonator tank. To chill the tower carbonator tank, a closed loop fluid circuit extends between and heat exchange couples the dispenser cold plate and the tower carbonator tank. The dispenser carbonator pump can be used to circulate water through the closed loop circuit or a carbonator pump for the tower can be used for the purpose. A valve arrangement is provided for and as part of the dispenser cold plate to conveniently enable the dispenser to be switched between stand-alone operation and operation as a base unit for the remote tower. Arrangement is also made to cause ice agitation at the dispenser in response to drinks dispense at the remote tower to maintain a supply on the cold plate.

Abstract: A bypass control apparatus is used with a pump pumping a fluid therethrough. A bypass flow line circulates fluid about the pump. A bypass valve is interposed in the bypass flow line and moves between an opened state to permit the fluid to circulate through the bypass flow line back to the pump and a closed state to prevent the fluid from circulating through the bypass flow line. A sensor determines an existing flow-through rate of the fluid flowing through the pump. The controller communicates with the sensor and the bypass valve and moves the bypass valve to the closed state when determined that the existing flow-through rate of the fluid through the pump is at least a predetermined flow-through rate and moves the bypass valve to the opened state when determined that the existing flow-through rate of the fluid through the pump is less than the predetermined flow-through rate.

Abstract: To provide a control valve for a variable displacement compressor, which is capable of stably operating in a pressure control area, and causing the compressor to quickly shift to operation with the minimum displacement. The control valve for a variable displacement compressor is capable of realizing stable pressure control, since a force applied to a valve element in a valve-closing direction increases when the valve element is in a pressure control area, and is balanced with a force applied to the valve element in a valve-opening direction by the pressure of refrigerant. Further, when the valve element moves past an end point of the pressure control area, the force applied to the valve element in the valve-closing direction decreases to thereby increase the valve-opening degree of a valve portion when the valve portion is fully open.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving a compressor comprises a compressor having a compression mechanism part for sucking a fluid to compress the same, and an electric motor for driving the compression mechanism part, and an inverter device for driving the electric motor at variable speeds. The electric motor comprises a self-starting type electric motor having a rotor, which comprises a cage conductor and a polarized permanent magnet, and the inverter device comprises a plurality of semiconductor switches for controlling drive frequencies of the electric motor.