Abstract: A layout clip and method comprises a clip body having a channel formed therein which frictionally engages a string that is secured to a layout member that is placed to define a future structure. The layout clip has a gripping portion and is marked to indicate a structure layout position such as a wall etc. The clip has a layout mark on at least one surface. The layout clips are color coded to represent different service items such as plumbing lines or electrical runs. One embodiment includes an elongated gripping portion to aid in placing and removing the clip. A line clip method comprises locating and securing a string that corresponds to a structure such as a wall, pole or fence etc.; then securing a clip along the string to locate where a fixture or other component will be installed. The clips are removable and reusable.

Abstract: A measurement device comprising a horizontal track, at least one self-leveling foot coupled to the horizontal track, a hemispherical track coupled to the horizontal track, a movable sensor unit coupled to the hemispherical track, and a connector disposed on the hemispherical track for taking measurements on the ground.

Abstract: A mount for removably mounting a device to a reference surface is provided. The mount includes a thermoplastic hot melt adhesive, and a tab that extends from the adhesive. The adhesive is configured to adhere to the surface and the device when the device is mounted to the surface. The adhesive is also configured to be removed from the surface without damaging the surface by moving the tab in a direction substantially parallel to the surface.

Abstract: A guiding plate based vision alignment system for a test handler includes cameras, configured to view the position difference between a tested device and the corresponding contactor. A pick-and-place handler is configured to move the device. A guiding plate is configured to actuate guiding plate with one translation alignment feature and one rotation alignment feature to correct the position offset between the tested device and the corresponding contactor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of grade rods, grade-rod readers, and combinations thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, a grade rod is provided that has a reference surface extending along at least a portion of the rod. The reference surface includes two or more reference indicators spaced at substantially even intervals from one another. A reader unit is mounted to the rod (for example, slidably mounted). The reader unit includes one or more sensors positioned proximate to at least a portion of the reference surface of the rod. The sensors of this embodiment are configured to detect the motion of at least one of the two or more reference indicators relative to the sensors as the reader unit is moved along the reference surface. Other grade rod and grade-rod reader embodiments, as well as methods for using such embodiments, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device that relates to orientation of a hand tool. The device comprising, a housing of the orientation device, at least one direction sensor attached to the housing, at least one alarm in operable communication with the at least one direction sensor. The alarm configured for transmitting an alert in response to the at least one direction sensor sensing a direction beyond at least one preset direction limit, and a clamp for releasably attaching the device to a hand tool.

Abstract: A clip for holding the end of a marking line at the edge of a board or panel to be cut includes opposite-facing planar jaws which grip opposing top and bottom surfaces of the panel. A stop block located between the jaws abuts the edge of the panel and includes for alternate use either planar surfaces lateral to a longitudinal axis of the clip or a V-shaped notch centered along the longitudinal axis. Either the lateral surfaces or the V-shaped notch is used when the cut is to occur from either a side edge or from a corner of the panel respectively.

Abstract: A metrology instrument, such as a probe, probe head, stylus or stylus arm, for mounting on a coordinate position apparatus. The metrology instrument is at least partially constructed from at least one sheet of thermally stable metallic material which is folded to form a three dimensional structure. The at least one sheet of thermally stable material is utilized in the metrology loop of the metrology instrument.

Abstract: A rule assembly is described providing novel and beneficial features to the user. In a first aspect of the invention, an improved device and method is described for removably attaching the rule assembly housing to the clothing or equipment of a user. A beam is provided with a first and a second end, each end being connected to the housing to define a space sufficient to permit the introduction of a retention element for suspending the rule assembly. Preferably, the beam may pivot at the first end, and may be detachably lockable to the housing at the second end. In another aspect of the invention, means for making a preliminary determination as to the cause of any malfunction within the housing of the rule assembly is described. The housing of the rule assembly is provided with a window sealed with transparent material. A reel within the housing that carries a tape blade and a retraction spring is provided with at least one opening.

Abstract: A substrate treating apparatus for drying substrates by moving the substrates out of a treating liquid into a solvent atmosphere.

Abstract: A drying machine having a drum mounted within a cabinet on a base unit is provided. The base unit includes a base lower unit, and a base upper unit positioned atop the base lower unit to define passages therebetween. The base unit includes a moisture sensor mounting portion that receives a moisture sensor on a top of the base upper unit. The moisture sensor senses a moisture level of air flowing through the passages.

Abstract: A removable ball of the foot insert for placement into footwear at a position in correspondence with a forefoot portion of the footwear includes a substantially planar member made from a viscoelastic gel, the planar member including a lower surface and an upper surface, and a plurality of spring walls formed from a viscoelastic gel and extending from the lower surface of the planar member at a predetermined area corresponding to a ball of the foot when the insert is inserted into the footwear, for separating bones of second and third metatarsals of the foot, the spring walls having heights that generally decrease outwardly from a center of the predetermined area, and the viscoelastic gel of the planar member having a hardness greater than a hardness of the viscoelastic gel of the spring walls.

Abstract: The invention is directed to intelligent systems for articles of footwear that adjust automatically in response to a measured performance characteristic. The intelligent systems include one or more adjustable elements coupled to a mechanism that actuates the adjustable elements in response to a signal from a sensor to modify the performance characteristic of the article of footwear. The intelligent system adjusts the performance characteristics of the article of footwear without human intervention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a screening, crushing or mixing bucket.

Abstract: An excavation bucket assembly (10) is mounted to a tractor. A soil gathering trenching blade (48) is supported by an upwardly extending rear wall (18) and is movable down through a soil receiving opening (32) to scoop soil from beneath the ground wall (16) of the bucket, with the opening (32) being placed rearwardly of the front edge (30) of the ground wall, providing adequate space in the soil collection chamber (28) for receiving the excavated soil.

Abstract: A universal gaming machine topper sign (10) has a body portion (11), having a back wall (15), a side wall (16), an open front face (17) and a mounting base (18), a reflector carrier (13) mounted on the base (18) of the body portion (11), a cold cathode lamp (14) mounted in front of the reflector carrier (13), an annular printed circuit board (50) having illumination means (52) around its periphery which are mounted on the periphery of the reflector carrier (13) and a door (12) for closing the front face (17) of the body portion (11), the door (12) having an annular body portion (30) having light apertures (35) and a central portion (37) for receiving a display panel (51), the light apertures (35) of the door (12) being in alignment with the illumination means (52) mounted around the printed circuit board (50).

Abstract: A character display system and method making the same are disclosed. In the system, the display is provided on a display surface. In one embodiment, the system includes at least one display character and a fastener for mounting the at least one display character to the display surface. The fastener includes a front engaging portion, a rear engaging portion, and a spacer portion located between the front engaging portion and the rear engaging portion. The spacer portion is configured, upon assembly, to raise the at least one display character a predetermined distance above the display surface.

Abstract: An advertising sign configured for use in combination with an upstanding security system having a detection apparatus. The advertising sign comprises a substrate with a generally rectangularly shaped outer edge configuration having first and second generally parallel and planar surfaces, with a multicolor advertising copy printed across substantially the entirety of at least one of the planar surfaces with solvent inks thereby yielding protection to the substrate against exposure to atmospheric elements and thereby prolonging the life of the sign during use. The substrate also defines an opening spaced a predetermined distance from at least two edges of the printed substrate to facilitate alignment of the opening relative to the detection apparatus of the security system whereby allowing passage of a signal from the detection apparatus of the security system to pass through the substrate.

Abstract: The improved sign/banner support is comprised of two parallel banner rods, each parallel to the vertical axis of a round or polygonal pole and each terminating in a cincture dimensioned to compressibly clinch the pole. The banner rods and cincture are comprised of a single length of a springable wire material. The rods are spaced to form an opening whereby the improved banner support may be presented to the pole. When mounted on the pole, the banner rods abut against the pole while the cincture forms an acute angle with respect to the vertical axis of the pole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a small-calibre defence system, characterised by the use of an unconventional process, with the following main characteristics: the absence of a trigger and hammer, which are replaced by firing mechanisms in the form of a handle (B) inside which the percussion system (C) is activated by rotating it in relation to the barrels (E), thus forcing the striker to move up a ramp thereby compressing the tensor system, after which it is released and the firearm is detonated, this merely being an example of what the invention covers; the novelty of its design, which has been devised in order to make it difficult or impossible for a child to activate it; it is assembled longitudinally in multiple barrels (E), with a manually tightened rotating safety lock (D), contrary to the buttons and catches of similar firearms; it has a integrated Progressive Impact Area Indicator laser sight (F) which functions progressively according to distance; and it has a foldaway grip (G).

Abstract: A firearm monitoring system according to the present invention senses the position of a user hand or trigger finger on a weapon and generates a warning, notification, status or control signal when the user finger position is proximate the trigger. One embodiment generates and conditions an excitation stimulus (e.g., interrupted by the presence of a trigger actuator), drives a sensor with that stimulus, detects the user finger position through a change in the sensor output, and generates an appropriate signal for a downstream warning or other device (e.g., alarm, radio unit, laser sighting system, etc.). In this embodiment, the sensor may detect the presence of an object or finger penetrating a trigger guard plane. Another embodiment utilizes a set of sensors to detect the placement of a user trigger finger relative to the trigger. In addition, various types of output alarms may be utilized (e.g., visual and audio alarms, etc.).

Abstract: A configurable firearm grip is provided in which a removable portion thereof can be selected by the user based on the user's preference. For example, backstraps of various forms, thicknesses, and textures can be fitted to a handgun depending upon if the handgun is to be used for target shooting, competitive target shooting, hunting, personal protection, or any other shooting activity, or to accommodate varying hand sizes. The backstrap can be removed and installed without the use of tools. Cooperative portions on the inner surfaces of the backstrap and the rearward portion of the grip facilitate the registration of the backstrap with a fixed portion in preparation for the insertion of a locking element. The backstrap is able to be secured on the fixed grip portion of the handgun with one hand while the locking element is inserted through the backstrap and the fixed grip portion with the other hand.

Abstract: A hands-free gun support has an adjustable telescoping barrel stand that supports the front end of a gun in a cradle. The gun butt is attached to a gun butt harness, which is removably attached to a shoulder harness worn by the hunter. The gun is aimed at the firing position and both the telescoping barrel stand and the butt harness support are adjusted so that the gun is completely supported in the firing position and the user's hands are free. The barrel stand height, as well as the horizontal and vertical orientation of the gun mounting cradle can be adjusted and locked. Adjustment of the gun butt harness is accomplished by a standard adjustable clip and a push-button clip in the shoulder harness. The gun support is especially suited for hunting turkey hunting or other game animals that are extremely sensitive to the slightest movement of the gun or the person holding the gun. Hunters engaged in such pursuits must spend long hours holding the gun steady without motion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mousetrap having an enclosure with a rotatable top part having a downwardly extending strike plate within the enclosure, and a bottom part having an upwardly extending catch plate within the enclosure, an aperture in each of the top part and the bottom part which are in substantial alignment when the mousetrap is set, and a trigger mechanism, wherein the mousetrap is set to incapacitate or kill the mouse by the manual rotation of the top part relative to the bottom part when a mouse activates the trigger mechanism causing the top part to rotate relative to the bottom part and thereby incapacitating or killing the mouse between the strike plate and the catch plate.

Abstract: Appartus suitable for use in conjunction with a container in which one or more plants is growing and associated with it a device for recieving an enquiry signal and automatically responding by transmitting an unique identifier signal the apparatus comprising (a) transporter means by which a container may be supported for moving the container, (b) means for transmitting the enquiry signal, (c) means for recording the identifier signal as a digital output and (d) computer means to which the digital output is supplied for storage of the data in prescribed format in a database for manipulation to afford comparsion of data related to the container.

Abstract: An irrigation device for delivering water to the roots of a plant include an elongated mass of capillary material bound together by an impermeable sheath with a pair of cone shaped ends. A sponge like filter covers an upper one of the cone shaped ends and a second porous filter covers the opposite end. A plurality of impermeable tapered rings are provided for blocking off one or more portions of the capillary material to prevent water from flowing through those portions.

Abstract: A cam mechanism has different portions thereof arranged on a main unit, which may be a refrigerator, and on a door. When the door is closed, a hinge pin is locked at one end of a hinge groove, keeping the cam mechanism in a first locked position. As the door is opened, the hinge pin is guided by the hinge groove and a guide pin is guided by a guide groove, permitting the door to rotate and slide. Thus, the hinge pin is locked at the other end of the hinge groove, bringing the cam mechanism to a second locked position. A boss slides on a rib and thereby maintains the second locked position, permitting the door to rotate about the hinge pin. This structure helps realize a door opening/closing mechanism with enhanced operability at reduced cost.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-coil spring assembly that is mounted in the weight pocket of a vertically operating window. The multi-coil spring assembly allows the user to attach a desired number of multi-coil springs having chosen constant forces to the counterbalance connector to provide the desired amount of counterbalance force to the sash of a vertically operating window. The multi-coil spring assembly may be rotated into an interior portion of the window to permit straightforward attachment to the counterbalance connector and then retracted into the weight pocket in a recessed position for normal window operation.

Abstract: A guard and associated method for rain gutters includes a cap or deflector extending over a gutter of the type having a trough-shaped interior, a rear wall extending along a roof fascia, and a front lip with a channel and an end flange. A mounting bracket has a rear portion abutting the rear wall of the gutter, an upper portion supporting the deflector, and a front portion with a hook-shaped nose. The mounting bracket nose is configured for insertion under the end flange of the gutter, such that the mounting bracket is rotated rearwardly along a generally vertical arc about the nose toward the rear wall of the gutter, and shifted laterally into a skewed orientation within the gutter interior.

Abstract: A roofing module provides weather protection generates electrical power. The module comprises a base having a plurality of curved crests and curved pans. The crests and pans have contours sized and shaped to match the size and shape of the contours and pans of conventional clay or concrete S-tiles to enable the base to interlock with the conventional clay or concrete S-tiles. The base is made from lightweight plastic material. Each crest of the base includes a depressed portion. A photovoltaic panel is positioned in the depressed portions of at least two curved crests and span across at least one curved pan between the at least two curved crests.

Abstract: A fire in an enclosed space in an aircraft is, for example, visually detected early since smoke generated by a beginning fire is initially permitted to escape from the enclosed space. The enclosed space is, for example, an overhead luggage bin or a goods container holding food or freight. The smoke can pass through a flow passage either in the form of a gap or a leak between a lid and walls, or between a door and a door frame, or between walls and other walls joined together. Intumescent material is installed along the gaps or leaks and expands into the gaps or leaks when the fire has generated a temperature sufficient for causing the expansion of the intumescent material. Preferably a guide surface assures that the intumescent material expands into the gaps and leaks and cannot expand away from gaps and leaks.

Abstract: A wall either wholly or partially made from a shear-resisting assembly that has a shear transfer device, or plate, disposed between the bottom strut and the underlying foundation. The shear transfer device joins the two anchor bolts, eliminating intermediate foundation bolts by transferring lateral shear loads to the anchor bolts in combination with the bottom strut.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for forming expansion joints within artificial ground cover. An elongated expansion joint support is coupled with a length of expansion joint material. A lower end portion of the expansion joint support is shaped to engage a ground surface. The two structures may be coupled with one another in different positions to vary the resulting expansion joint height. The lower end portion of the expansion joint support may be shaped to have a ground engagement wall and to receive ground engagement spikes. No component parts need be removed from the system after the application of artificial ground cover adjacent thereto, thus permitting simultaneous application of ground cover on both sides of the expansion joint.

Abstract: A building board made of OSB (oriented strand board) which can be laid on beams, which are spaced apart parallel to one another, in order to form a subfloor in a residential or commercial building and which has two mutually opposite longitudinal edges and two mutually opposite transverse edges running at right angles to the longitudinal edges. One longitudinal edge and one transverse edge in each case has a tongue and the opposite longitudinal edge and transverse edge has a groove corresponding to the tongue, via which a plurality of building boards can be connected to one another and locked in the vertical direction in relation to one another. The tongue and the groove on the longitudinal edge are designed such that two boards which are connected to one another at the longitudinal edges are also locked in a horizontal direction in relation to one another.

Abstract: A concrete reinforcing bar support has a base, a support structure extending upwardly from the base so as to define a channel formed in an upper surface thereof, a first clamping structure affixed to the support structure on one side of the channel, a second clamping structure affixed to the support structure on the opposite side of the channel, and a rebar retainer positioned between the clamping structures for retaining the rebar in the channel. The rebar retainer includes first and second retainer members movable between a first position spaced away from each other and a second position overlying a portion of the rebar when the rebar is placed in the channel. Each of the retainer members has a generally S-shaped cross-section configuration.

Abstract: A method of forming a building structure in a desired contoured configuration. An inner supporting fabric is inflated into at least one form. An outer finishing fabric is draped over the inflated form. A coating is applied to the outer finishing fabric and a hardened shell is formed. The inner supporting fabric may be removed.

Abstract: An interlocking drawer or door assembly has a rear panel and a front panel that each have corresponding openings. Perimeter portions around the openings in the two panels are formed to capture an insert panel. An escutcheon plate covers raw edges of the perimeter around the insert opening. The rear panel is fastened to the front panel to create the assembly.

Abstract: A system for applying a stamp to packs within a carton includes a conveyor system including a plurality of spring arms and a ceiling plate positioned above the spring arms. The system also includes a carton opening system positioned at a first station along the conveyer system, a pack stamping system positioned at a second station along the conveyer system, and a carton closing system positioned at a third station along the conveyor system; wherein the spring arms bias the cartons against the ceiling plate to position the packs at a predetermined distance form the carton opening system, pack stamping system and carton closing system. A method for applying a stamp to packs within a carton includes biasing the carton along a conveyor system, and positioning the packs within the carton at a predetermined location from operation stations based on the biasing.

Abstract: A modular packaging system includes a base system configured to manipulate a product and configured to receive at least one of a group of packaging modules, wherein the base system is used with a variety of packaging modules depending on a desired packaged output. The system also includes a first packaging module selectively coupled to the base system, the packaging module having a first member coupled to the packaging module, the member configured to manipulate an object. The system may also include a second packaging module selectively coupled to the base system, the second packaging module having a lifting device coupled to the second packaging module, the lifting device configured to manipulate an object.

Abstract: A bag is has an opening defined by a pair of walls and a pair of gussets. The walls are joined by the gussets. The bag has two slits. Each of the two slits is formed adjacent a wall and a gusset. Each of the two slits is adjacent the opening. A zipper comprises a pair of interlocking sections. The zipper is inserted through the slits. The interlocking sections are secured to at least a portion of each of the walls.

Abstract: Methods are provided for making slider-operated fasteners for use in reclosable plastic bags using at least a double index and dual unit operations. The methods involve forming two preseals, forming two notches within the preseals, applying two sliders into the previously formed notches, and applying two end stops proximate the previously applied sliders by having the various stations perform their respective functions, either simultaneously or at generally the same time, on different parts of the fastener spaced approximately at a double index. Also provided are methods of producing finished bags by applying the slider-operated fastener to a flat web of plastic film and conveying the web to a vertical or a horizontal form-fill-seal machine.

Abstract: Method of packaging an arrangement of containers including producing containers on first and second manufacturing lines. The first and second manufacturing lines produce containers with first and second sets of depictions associated with a common theme using first and second series of color combinations, respectively. The first and second series of color combinations include first and second pluralities of colors wherein the first plurality of colors is different than the second plurality of colors. The containers from the first and second manufacturing lines are accumulated at a common location, where containers including depictions from the first manufacturing line with the first series of color combinations and containers including depictions from the second manufacturing line with the second series of color combinations are selected to form a group of containers that is packaged for commercial distribution.

Abstract: A system for packaging articles includes a first collection area for receiving and arranging a plurality of articles having a substantially non-uniform geometry. A transport device is included and a consolidation area for constructing an article layer, each article layer constructed from the plurality of arranged articles transported from the first collection area by the transport device. The consolidation area includes a stabilizer providing substantially continuous lateral support along the periphery of arranged articles of the article layer being constructed to substantially prevent tipping of the plurality of arranged articles. A portion of the arranged articles transported by the transport device is oriented differently from the other arranged articles.

Abstract: The machine comprises: a reel (3) with means (4, 104) for controlled unwinding therefrom of film (30) for closing the trays; first means (5) which are situated underneath the said reel and around which the film is deflected so as to pass from a descending path to a horizontal path; counter-die means (12) for supporting at least one tray (V) horizontally, along the upper edge (Z), with a predefined orientation and for displacing it horizontally underneath the said horizontal section of film, with entry via the said first means (5) for deviating the said film and with feeding in synchronism with the film which gradually closes the tray at the top; means (5) situated downstream of the first film deviating means (31), for sealingly welding the film onto the upper edge of the tray; means (27) situated upstream of the said first deviating means (5) for blowing an appropriate amount of the modified atmosphere at appropriate pressure values into the open part of the tray which advances underneath the film until the t

Abstract: A banding system for piled products with a machine frame (8), a band feed mechanism (6) disposed on the machine frame for feeding band material (2) from a supply roll (1), means for forming a loop (7) with said band material (2) around the products to be banded, welding means (14, 15) to close said loop, and cutting means (17) for cutting said band material, said means for forming the loop comprising transporting means (111, 13) for transporting the band material (2) around the product to be banded and vacuum means (19, 19?, 24) connected to the transporting means.

Abstract: The present invention provides a safety stirrup (1) comprising an inverted U-shaped mounting member (2) having an adaptation (7) in an arcuate portion (5) thereof for attachment of a stirrup strap thereto, a foot support (3) pivotally mounted between arms (4) of the mounting member (2) when the stirrup (1) is in normal use, wherein the foot support (3) comprises a tread (12) having an extension (13) projecting upwardly from each end of the tread (12), the distal ends of which extensions (13) join to form a loop (14). The stirrup (1) also has co-operating engagement means (25, 26) between the foot support (3) and the mounting member (2) to retain the loop (14) in a plane generally coincident with a central plane of the mounting member (2) when the stirrup (1) is in normal use. Rotation of the foot support (2) from the normal in use position disconnects the pivotal mountings and allows separation of the foot support (3) from the mounting member (2).

Abstract: A cutting device configured to attach to a spindle of a mower. The cutting device includes at least two pivot-blades and a blade mounting assembly. The blade mounting assembly has an upper retaining plate, a lower retaining plate, and a mounting spacer positioned at least partially between the upper retaining plate and the lower retaining plate, wherein end portions of the pivot-blades are retained between the upper and lower retaining plates.

Abstract: The invention is a chain comprising a plurality of cage-shaped elements connected in succession, the cage-shaped element comprising a central body from which two or more lateral bodies branch off whose free ends are arranged opposite each other, slidingly inserted in another cage-shaped element adjacent to the cage-shaped element and facing the corresponding central body. The chain comprises an elastic element interposed between the free ends of the lateral bodies of each cage-shaped element and the central body of the adjacent cage-shaped element.

Abstract: An aerodynamic injection system for injecting an air/fuel mixture into a turbomachine combustion chamber comprises a tubular structure of axis XX? that opens out at a downstream end for delivering the air/fuel mixture, at least one air feed channel that opens out into the structure so as to introduce air at a pressure PA therein, an annular fuel passage that is formed in the structure around its axis XX?, that is connected to at least one fuel feed channel in which there flows fuel at a pressure PC, and that opens out at a downstream end into the structure, and means for injecting gas into the at least one fuel feed channel, said gas being at a pressure PG that is greater than PA and greater than or equal to PC so as to create effervescence in the fuel on being introduced into the structure.

Abstract: An electric propulsion device is disclosed having an anode and a cathode. The propulsion device includes a discharge annulus having the anode adjacent an end region thereof. At least one inlet aperture is adjacent the anode, the aperture(s) having propellant gas flow therethrough into the discharge annulus. The propellant gas has an ionization potential. Opposed, dielectric walls define the annulus, with at least one of the opposed dielectric walls having pores therein, the pores having cooling gas flow therethrough into the discharge annulus and substantially adjacent the opposed dielectric wall(s). The cooling gas has an ionization potential higher than the ionization energy of the propellant gas. The cooling gas is adapted to substantially prevent at least one of secondary electron emission and sputtering of the dielectric walls.