Abstract: A method for measuring a surface profile using a surface sensing device mounted on an articulating probe head in which the probe head is moved along a nominal path relative to the surface profile, an at least approximation of the surface normal of the surface profile, the surface profile is sensed with the surface sensing device and the distance or force of the surface sensing device relative to the surface profile substantially in the direction of the surface normal. The surface normal may be determined by approximating at least one section to a curved profile which can be mathematically parameterised.

Abstract: A template is provided for positioning at least one ribbon assembly on a garment at a predetermined position relative to the pocket. The template has a template body having a generally two-dimensional profile that is removably positionable on the front of the garment at least partially above the pocket. The template also has ribbon assembly positioning guides positioned on the template body to locate a predetermined position of a ribbon assembly on the garment in spaced relation with the pocket and with the template body. The ribbon assembly positioning guide includes a protrusion extending outwardly from the template and configured to support the ribbon assembly at a position at least partly coincidental with the predetermined position of the ribbon assembly. In other words, when the ribbon assembly is supported on the protrusion, the ribbon assembly is at least partly in the predetermined position. For example, the ribbon assembly may be at the proper elevation (i.e., spaced from the pocket).

Abstract: A technique is provided for detecting the surface profile of a seat pocket of a gate valve. An inspection tool is used to detect data at a plurality of points around the bore of the valve. The inspection tool has a sensor that is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position. The inspection tool is disposed within a valve body cavity with the sensor in the retracted position. The sensor of the inspection tool is then extended outward so that it is located within the portion of the bore of the valve having the surface profile to be detected. The sensor is rotated so that the sensor may obtain surface profile data at a plurality of points around the seat pocket of the valve body. The sensor of the inspection tool is connected to a processor-based device, such as a computer. The processor-based device processes the data from the sensor and provides it to a user in a form that is recognizable to the user.

Abstract: A thickness gauge (10) includes a main body (12), a plurality of measuring portions (14) defined along an edge of the main body (12), each measuring portion (14) having a different height, and a numerical pattern corresponding to the height of the measuring portion (14). The thickness gauge (10) only has one main body (12), so the material for making the measuring portions (14) can be reduced. Further more, the thickness gauge (10) is small, and easy to carry.

Abstract: There is a tape measure configured for one-hand operation. The tape measure includes a protective casing and a coiled measuring tape. The tape measure includes an audio recorder and a speaker module coupled to the protective casing, wherein the speaker module is configured to audibly broadcast recorded audio information. The tape measure also includes a locking mechanism and a light module; wherein the light module is configured to activate when the locking mechanism is actuated, thereby disposing light over a portion of the measuring tape. The tape measure includes a control module in communication with each of the audio recorder, speaker module, light module, and magnetic locking mechanism, configured to provide controls thereto for each. The control module is disposed substantially above the magnetic locking mechanism on the protective housing and operable with a single digit of a hand, while the hand is grasping the protective casing.

Abstract: A laundry dryer and a method for controlling the same capable of removing or preventing wrinkles or creases of clothes and the like are disclosed. The laundry dryer includes a selectively rotatable drum, a hot air heater which heats air to supply hot air having a high temperature into the drum, a steam generator which generates steam to supply the steam into the drum, and a safety valve which discharges the steam to an outside when steam flow is interrupted.

Abstract: A gas heater with improved combustion efficiency and a dryer comprising the same are disclosed herein. The gas heater includes a cabinet, a gas tube disposed inside the cabinet to supply a gas into the cabinet, a nozzle provided to the gas tube, a mixing tube disposed to face the nozzle such that air and the gas can be mixed in the mixing tube, and a mixing member provided to the mixing tube to generate a vortex of air flowing into the mixing tube.

Abstract: A shed type clothes dryer, especially a shed type clothes dryer with safety ventilating member is disclosed. The shed type clothes dryer with safety ventilating member includes a heat blower, air outlet shed with plural air outlets which are set on the heat blower, umbrella shape support frame with center supporting stand which is set on the air outlet shed, clothes drying chamber formed from outer cover around the support frame. The safety ventilating member is set on the air outlet shed. A hot air relaxation chamber is formed between said safety ventilating member and the air outlet shed. The shed type clothes dryer with safety ventilating member has the following advantages: 1. mounted safety ventilating member preventing the clothes from falling on hot air port to make consumer securely use it, 2. automatically stopping after the clothes been dried by humiture probe controlling the humiture to ensure the clothes not over drying and energy saving, 3.

Abstract: A composition dispensing container being formed of a hollow body forming an inner volume, said hollow body comprising: a single layer interface between said inner volume and the environment exterior to said hollow body; a composition ingress portal allowing a composition to be introduced into said inner volume from the environment exterior to said hollow body; and at least one composition egress portal allowing a composition to exit said inner volume to the environment exterior to said hollow body through said single layer interface; and a one-way entry valve operably connected to said composition ingress portal.

Abstract: A shoe comprises a sole and an insole. The sole comprises an upper surface being in contact with the lower surface of the insole. Said upper surface of the sole comprises at least two depressions being complementary with embossments provided on the lower surface of the insole, allowing a pivoting movement of the front and/or back portion of the insole against the lower outsole surface of the shoe in, at least, an essentially transverse direction to the longitudinal axis of the shoe, when the foot wearing the shoe is pivoted against ground. To support this movement the insole is more rigid than the outsole and is attached to the outsole.

Abstract: Improved adjustable midsole for footwear, with the midsole comprising an airtight, evacuable capsule containing granules and air, whereby the midsole is moldable to the shape of the wearer's foot for improved support and comfort, with the midsole retaining said shape through evacuation of air from the capsule. The improved midsole further comprises sipes such as slits or channels integrated into the midsole to improve flexibility.

Abstract: A system of progressively-sized orthotic inserts is provided to allow increasing measured support that corresponds with the changes that occur in a child's arch as the foot develops. The orthotic insert system is designed to address the specific needs found in the foot for children of ages of about 2-8 years. Each of the plurality of inserts is designed to encompass two shoe sizes and vary in arch height relative to the insert length so that motion control and stabilization for the child's foot is provided. In addition, a contoured heel cup and rear foot post is provided to position the foot in a neutral position.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a shoe which is characterized in that internal areas of the shoe that face the foot of a wearer which delimit a shoe interior have an adhesive resin coating with flock fibers having a thickness of about 0.5 dtex to about 5 dtex and a length of about 0.3 mm to about 5 mm, whereby the flock fibers face the foot of a wearer and convey to the wearer a soft sensation.

Abstract: Personally adjustable footwear with at least one sole layer including: a toe portion, a heel portion, and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion has openings passing vertically through the layer so that the intermediate portion is elastically flexible to allow relative longitudinal displacement of the toe portion and the heel portion to vary. a length of the layer without significant variation in a thickness of the layer. A retention mechanism selectively fixes the toe and heel portions in any of a number of relative positions. Also disclosed are implementations with insertable and removable segments, and with elongated elements sliding in channels.

Abstract: A removable innerboot of a sports boot, the wall of which innerboot comprises a rear part (3) which is stiffer than a front part (4), wherein the wall of the innerboot comprises at least one layer comprising in its stiffer rear part (3) a first element located alongside a more flexible second element of its front part (4), these two elements being fastened together by an edge-to-edge seam (5).

Abstract: A flexible, rollable sole having a thin elastic or rubber cord attached thereto in parallel to and at a distance from the sole edge, the elastic cord fits around the ski boot at the junction of the sole and upper, the elastic cord extends around the boot at the level of the sole. The attachment may comprise a plurality of extensions of the plastic or rubber cord. In embodiments pair of soles sufficient to completely cover the toe and heel of the boot have a short gap therebetween. In embodiments a thin elastic hand holds a fabric upper body in place. Large loops allow a user to easily manipulated the device wearing ski gloves, a band, fastener or hook may be used to hold the device to its companion device or in the rolled up position or around the boot shaft while the user is skiing.

Abstract: A shoe with an outsole having at least one traction zone, the traction zone including a base surface in a first plane, a plurality of ground engaging members in a second plane and a plurality of intersecting grooves defined by a pair of opposing walls and a groove surface located in a third plane. The base surface includes a plurality of spaced apart base surface elements. The plurality of intersecting grooves are positioned adjacent the plurality of base surface segments and the ground engaging members. The first, second and third planes are positioned elevationally in spaced apart arrangement from one another. The ground engaging members project out beyond the first plane while the intersecting grooves are recessed from the first plane toward a shoe upper. Each of the ground engaging members includes side walls and an angled first surface for contacting the ground.

Abstract: A removable spike or cleat assembly for footwear, including a sole, wherein the assembly includes a spike or cleat constructed from an elastically deformable material and including one or more leg members and mounting apparatus adapted to engage with the sole, wherein the spike or cleat is adapted to engage with a projection located on the mounting apparatus, the engagement between the spike or cleat and the projection being achieved by rotating the spike or cleat relative to the projection and at least partially inserting the one or more leg members into one or more apertures located on the mounting apparatus, and wherein the spike or cleat is disengaged from the mounting apparatus by producing an elastic deformation of the one or more leg members.

Abstract: A snow plow blade is provided including a support frame and a moldboard. The moldboard is constructed of a metal material preferably painted with a paint including a polyurethane binding agent. The moldboard surface is contacted with a 100% solids polyurethane component providing an abrasion resistant, non-stick coating chemically bonded to the contacted surfaces of the snow plow blade.

Abstract: A snow plow is provided with an articulated wing blade. The snow plow includes a hitch frame nose assembly configured to couple to a vehicle by securing each of a chassis coupler to the vehicle chassis. A plow frame having a front portion and a rear portion is configured to coupled to a central plow blade and a lift bar assembly. The central plow blade includes a wing blade pivotally attached at each end of the central plow blade. Each wing blade is configured to selectively move independently of the central plow blade from a first position to a second position about a vertical axis parallel with each of the first and second ends of the central plow blade. The lift bar assembly is coupled to the rear portion of the plow frame and couples to the hitch frame nose assembly wherein the snow plow is pivotally coupled to the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for removal of at least one of snow and ice from a surface includes a housing having a predetermined shape, at least one intake port and a discharge port and a handle engageable with the housing for carrying and operating the apparatus. A heating member is mounted adjacent the discharge port and a powered blower is disposed within the housing for drawing air through the at least one intake port and exhausting the air through at least a portion of the heating means and through the discharge port, whereby the exhausted air is heated by the heating means. A nozzle is engageable with the housing adjacent the discharge port for applying the exhausted heated air under pressure onto the at least one of snow and ice and a control switch is provided for selectively activating and deactivating the powered blower.

Abstract: A snow plow is provided with a first V-plow blade and a second V-plow blade each pivotably coupled to a plow tower with a horizontal pivot pin. The snow plow includes a hitch frame nose assembly configured to couple to a vehicle by securing each of a chassis coupler to the vehicle chassis. The two V-plow blades are coupled to a plow tower configured to support each of the V-plow blades for movement about a blade vertical pivot pin disposed in each of the first and second V-plow blades and the plow tower. A tower adjustment assembly is coupled to the plow tower and a plow frame which is configured to couple to the hitch frame nose assembly. A lift bar assembly is coupled to the rear portion of the plow frame and couples to the hitch frame nose assembly wherein the snow plow is pivotably coupled to the vehicle.

Abstract: A snow plow including a quick connect/disconnect hitch. The snow plow includes a hitch frame nose assembly configured to couple to a vehicle. The hitch frame nose assembly includes a chassis coupler secured at each end of a hitch frame tube with each chassis coupler including a traverse pin. A plow frame is included with the plow frame having a front portion and a rear portion. A plow blade is coupled to the front portion of the plow frame. A lift bar assembly is coupled to the rear portion of the plow frame. A lift bar assembly includes a pair of notched members with each notch member aligned with a corresponding chassis coupler of the hitch frame nose assembly. Each of the notched members is configured to engage the traverse pin in each of the chassis couplers, wherein the snow plow is pivotally coupled to the vehicle.

Abstract: There is provided a v-plow including a first blade and a second blade. Each of the blades are pivotably connected about an axis and moveable through a range of movement. The v-plow includes a pair of wearstrips with one wearstrip coupled to each of the first and second blades. A wearstrip cylinder is coupled to at least one of the wearstrips, with the wearstrip cylinder aligned with the axis. The orientation of the first and second blades, the wearstrips, and the wearstrip cylinder minimize a gap defined between the two blades, throughout the range of movement. Each of the wearstrips include a flange coupled to each of the wearstrips and defining an angle between the flange and the wearstrip. In one embodiment one flange is coupled to the wearstrip cylinder and the other flange is closely adjacent to the wearstrip cylinder, throughout the range of movement of the blades.

Abstract: A method and an adjustable plow hitch frame. The plow hitch frame is configured to pivotally couple with a plow blade at one end and coupled with a vehicle at another end. The adjustable plow hitch frame includes a pair of elongated side members maintained in a spaced apart relationship by a traverse member. Each side member defines a front portion and a rear portion. A pivot assembly is coupled to the front portion of each side member and configured to couple to the plow blade. An adjustment lug is coupled to the rear portion of each side member, with each adjustment lug defining a plurality of orifaces aligned vertically. The height of the adjustable plow hitch frame relative to the vehicle is fixed with corresponding orifaces in the adjustment lugs coupled to the vehicle.

Abstract: A plow, including a center blade and a wing blade coupled to each end of the center blade. Each wing blade is pivotally connected to the center blade about an axis. The plow includes a first pair of wear strips, with one wear strip coupled to the first end of the center blade and the other wear strip coupled to one wing blade. A second pair of wear strips is included, with one wear strip coupled to the second end of the center blade and the other wear strip coupled to the other wing blade. A wing pivot tube is coupled to the wing blades and center blade at each end of the center blade. The wing blade, wear strips, and wing pivot tube at each end of the center blade minimize a gap between the blades throughout the range of movement of each wing blade.

Abstract: A snow plow rebounding system is provided. A cushion block and shock-absorbing springs serve to cushion a snow plow rotating about a horizontal axis.

Abstract: A snow plow blade including a support frame having a bottom channel member configured to easily secure a snow plow wearstrip is provided. The bottom member has a channel top and front and rear legs extending outwardly at an angle therefrom. The inside surface of the front leg of the bottom channel member include a nut retaining plate secured thereto and including a plurality of securing apertures sized to receive a nut component therein, but preventing the nut from turning or coming loose from the bolt.

Abstract: Removable wings or end extensions for a snow plow blade and a snow removal system including removable end extensions are provided. Each of the removable end extensions secure to a side end of a snow plow blade, and are easily removed and stored on the snow plow blade, when not required for the plowing application.

Abstract: A removable luggage identification apparatus includes a substantially planar body, a plurality of fastener seats, each fastener seat being located near the perimeter of the body, and a plurality of mechanical fastener members, each fastener member being located and configured so that a retaining head of each fastener member is significantly laterally shielded by physical structures of the indicia body, thereby preventing the fastener members from being snagged by lateral contact with external objects. A corresponding method of identifying luggage is provided.

Abstract: Educational tools are provided that can include a plurality of sets of placards with individual ones of these sets can include a plurality of individual placards, and individual placards within the sets having substantially the same surface area and can be associated with a common symbol. The educational tool can also include at least two of the sets including placards having different surface areas associated with different symbols. Educational methods are also provided that include providing a first set of placards, with the first set of placards including individual placards having a first surface area associated with a first symbol, and providing a second set of placards, with the second set of placards including individual placards having a second surface area associated with a second symbol.

Abstract: A slot machine according to the present embodiment executes a slot game in which symbols being arranged are rearranged in plural segmented areas provided on an LCD in a matrix arrangement with first to fifth columns aligned laterally and first to third rows aligned vertically. An image is simultaneously displayed on a bubble display provided in front of the LCD by bubbles generated in liquids filled in plural tubes in case where the rearranged symbols has achieved a winning combination on a activated payline. For example, the bubble image displayed on the bubble display may be a belt. This belt has a width so as to cover a single row extending from the first to five columns. Symbols in each of the rows on the LCD are stopped sequentially to be displayed in synchronization with a floating timing of the bubble belt in the liquids.

Abstract: An illuminable sign (20) has a base (22); a trough (24) having a configuration C formed in the base (22); a light dispensing medium (26) having the configuration C fitted in the trough (24) and including a pair of light-entering ports (28, 30); a light generator (32) fixed in operative relation between the pair of light-entering ports (28, 30), the light generator (32) including at least one light source (34); and a cover (36) fitted to the base.

Abstract: A banner mounting assembly 10 is disclosed. The banner mounting assembly 10 includes a frame assembly 11 having a top frame 12 and a bottom frame 14 disposed beneath the top frame. The top frame 12 has four sections 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d, and the bottom frame 14 has four corresponding sections 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d. Clamp assemblies 20 disposed on each bottom frame section 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d of the frame assembly 11 secure a banner 16 or other advertisement media to the frame assembly 11 after the banner 16 has been disposed within the frame assembly 11. Each of the top frame sections 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d is hinged to the corresponding bottom frame sections 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d, thereby allowing the top frame sections 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d to be moved between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: A key tag card and associated methods of inspiration, advertising, and marketing are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the key tag card includes: a pair of key tags coupled one to another along a common edge, each key tag being generally rectangular in shape, having four edges, a front surface, and a rear surface, and having an aperture to receive a key ring or the like, and each key tag being separable one from another; a tab coupled to at least one edge of each of the pair of key tags, the tab being separable from each key tag; a card, formed by the pair of key tags and the tab; and an inspirational, affirmational, advertising, marketing or promotional message depicted on at least one of the front surface and the rear surface of each of key tags.

Abstract: An extended content label article is generally provided. The article includes a back panel, a front panel having portions thereof releasably and reversibly united with the back panel, and an expandable plowfold interposed between non-united portions of the back panel and the front panel, and accessible upon release of a resealable portion of the portions of the front panel from the back panel. The front panel generally comprises a coupon, and advantageously includes a lamina united with the coupon. The expandable plowfold generally comprises a unitary sheet characterized by opposing surfaces, and a plurality of panels delimited by spaced apart creases. The plurality of panels includes a first end panel and a second end panel, a segment of the first end panel releasably attached to the back panel so as to be interiorly adjacent a portion of portions of the front panel releasably and reversibly united with the back panel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved file folder identification is described. The apparatus includes a file tab having a tab portion rotatably coupled to a base. In one embodiment, a file folder identification apparatus is described. The apparatus includes a base comprising a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion adapted to couple to a file folder, the second coupling portion opposing the first coupling portion, and a tab portion comprising a temporary fastener detachably and rotatably coupled to the second coupling portion and a face configured to retain identification information.

Abstract: A display frame assembly designed to allow the user to change a displayed media selection or image. The frame assembly may include a removable frame section providing access to the display media. The frame assembly may also be configured to support or store additional media in a storage cavity behind the display media. The removable frame portion may be separated from a fixed frame portion and the display media can be removed and placed into the storage cavity and a different display media may be positioned for view in the display window.

Abstract: An adaptor mount is provided for use with a gun having a Picatiny rail. A first accessory may be mounted on a first portion of the Picatiny rail of the gun. The adaptor mount has a clamp, and a mount piece having a body and a platform that, together with the clamp, defines a receiving space. The adaptor mount further includes an auxiliary Picatiny rail extending transverse to the body of the mount, with a second accessory mounted on the auxiliary Picatiny rail. A fixing screw extends through the auxiliary Picatiny rail, the body, the receiving space and the clamp, and a locking nut is positioned adjacent the clamp and engaged to the fixing screw. A second portion of the Picatiny rail of the gun is received inside the receiving space to secure the adaptor mount to the Picatiny rail of the gun.

Abstract: A switch assembly 16 which is selectively deployed upon a weapon and which normally causes electrical power to be communicated to a visible energy emission assembly 14 from a source of electrical power 90 and which requires positive actions to interrupt such communication.

Abstract: A rifle telescope has optics having an optical axis, a scope support portion that supports the optics, and a base portion that mounts to a firearm having a barrel axis. The scope support portion has at least two different settings, each setting providing a different angle between the optical axis and the barrel axis. The invention may also include each setting being a discrete fixed setting. The present invention also includes a method for adjusting the angle mount of an adjustable rifle telescope with multiple fixed angle mount setpoints.

Abstract: A scent dispersal device includes a reservoir usable to hold a scented material that emits a desired scent. A rate-controllable valve regulates a fluid connection between the reservoir and the external environment. The rate-controllable valve may be adjustable to alter the flow rate of the scent substance from the reservoir to the external environment. The scent dispersal device may also include a vent usable to reduce a pressure differential between the reservoir and the external environment and/or to facilitate the movement of air, the ambient atmosphere and/or another gas into the reservoir.

Abstract: The bird decoy, which expands into a fully three dimensional figure of a bird and may be compressed into a flat or nearly flat package. The decoy body is hollow and covers a coiled spring which may expand to display the three dimensional body of the bird and which can be compressed into a flat storage configuration. The coiled spring is covered by a fabric bird body, which has a head, tail, coloration and features all resembling a bird.

Abstract: A lipless fishing lure includes an inner, flexible fabric core, and a plurality of substantially rigid structural members. The plurality of substantially rigid structural members are adhered to the fabric core on opposite sides of the core. The rigid structural members are generally evenly spaced from one another in the longitudinal direction. The rigid structural members and the fabric core generally define the shape of a fish. The rigid structural members include a fish head. The fish head includes a front end with a relatively blunt transverse cross-sectional configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fishing lure comprising a body and a lip. The body includes a front end and a back end. The lip extends from the front end of the body and has a hollow interior portion. The lure is versatile due to its ability to effectively function as a “surface lure”, “wake bait”, and “crankbait” in a single cast.

Abstract: An animal trap includes a housing having an opening, a door coupled to the housing, and a latch mechanism. The door is movable between a closed position in which the door obstructs the opening and an open position in which the opening is unobstructed. The latch mechanism is coupled to either the housing or the door and is configured to enable the door to be opened after a period of time has elapsed.

Abstract: An electronic animal trap with a CPU-controlled, rearming, three-killing-plate configuration and extended killing cycle for trapping and exterminating larger rodents such as rats. The high-voltage output circuit is connected to a pair of killing plates which are activated with a high-voltage pulse train for a killing cycle when a pest of known impedance is sensed across said pair of plates. A third killing plate, electrically coupled to a first plate of said pair of plates, is brought to the voltage level of the first plate within approximately 1 msec of circuit activation for increased kill and escape-prevention capabilities.

Abstract: The exterior rodent bait station with lid-securing tool has a housing, a pivotally connected lid securable to the housing, and a hollow base removably attachable to the housing. The housing includes holes for entry of rodents attracted to poison bait disposed in the housing interior, the poison bait being secured within the unit by a pivotal bait member. A concrete paving block within the hollow base secures the bait station at its placement location. The bait station lid has a raised section for attachment of a numbered stencil to show placement order of multiple stations. Drainage holes are disposed in the bottom of the housing and sidewalls of the base. A hex lid fastener may be provided along with a push-pull gear-style driving tool to facilitate ease of fastening and unfastening the bait station lid.

Abstract: A cold-stabilized fuel oil composition comprising a major proportion by weight of a middle distillate fuel which boils in the range of 120-500° C. and minor proportions by weight of (A) at least one cold flow improver, (B) at least one detergent additive and (C) at least one cold solubilizer I which has at least one radical having at least 4 carbon atoms.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel additive concentrate comprising a polyetheramine, antioxidant; and a friction modifier selected from the group consisting of an alkoxylated fatty amine, a fatty acid or derivative thereof, and mixture thereof. Additionally, the present invention further provides for a fuel composition comprising a fuel which is a liquid at room temperature; and additive, wherein the additive is selected from the group consisting of: a polyetheramine; antioxidant; friction modifier selected from the group consisting of an alkoxylated fatty amine, a fatty acid or derivative thereof, and mixture thereof; and mixtures thereof.