Abstract: A measuring compass is disclosed. The compass comprises a marking leg, a pegging leg which symmetrically form into a shape of a pencil. The upper end of the pegging leg and the marking leg is a center plate or gear module, and the bottom end is a protective cover for protecting the marking leg and the pegging leg. When the compass is not in use, the marking leg and the pegging leg are closed to each other and the protective cover caps the legs. The compass can be inserted to a pocket.

Abstract: An improvement in a compass that marks large radius arcs is disclosed. The compass is for marking on flat surfaces like the ground and walls where higher degree of accuracy for the radius or circle is desired. More particularly, the present flat compass allows a person to create a virtually unlimited radius arc using a center point and a rigid arm with a marking tip. The flat compass uses a rigid flat ruler with an embeddable anchor, such as a nail, on one end and a marking tip on the other that keeps the rigid arm essentially parallel with the marking surface as the surface is being marked. The marking tip is movable along the length of the rigid flat ruler. Multiple rulers can be connected to increase the size of the arc that will be drawn.

Abstract: Archery range finders and lenses for archery range finders, the archery range finders being intended to be mounted on an archery bow. The archery range finders allow for the archer to place the lens on the target and obtain an immediate reading of the distance that the target is from the shooter and enables the shooter to place the proper distance pin on the target without having to do any mechanical adjustments and without having to guess the distance of the target from the shooter.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a tilt sensor comprising at least one body movable along a predefined path and an optoelectronic unit for determining the position of said body, said tilt sensor being surface-mountable. The invention is further directed to a tilt sensor assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a level, having a body including a bottom surface for contacting a surface to be measured, at least one level indicating device mounted to the body, and a strikable device is mounted to the level. The strikable device has a top surface which is strikable by a user, and a bottom surface to contact the surface to be measured.

Abstract: The present invention provides a level having a body which has a first end, a second end opposed to the first end, and a plane surface which connects the first and second ends, at least one level indicating device mounted to the body, and two end caps which are mounted onto the first and second ends, respectively. Each end cap has an outer end which is distributed by a plurality of resilient portions with small surface area for absorbing impact if the level is accidentally dropped or impacted.

Abstract: A folding carpenter's level is disclosed which has two level segments, each of which has a smooth flat top and bottom surface, that are hingeably attached at a distal tip by means of a recessed, flat hinging means. The two level segments can be rotated laterally in the plane of the level so as to be oriented with respect to each other at angles of from 0 to 180 degrees, thus effectively doubling the length of the level. At least one of the level segments has one or more tubular spirit vials attached to the segment for measuring the levelness of the top surface with respect to horizontal. The level segments usually have additional tubular spirit vials oriented vertically to allow the tool to be used to measure plumb. Such tubular spirit vials are generally located in apertures so that the spirit bubble in the vials can be seen from the front or the back of the folding level.

Abstract: A core barrel capacity gauge (30) for use on a core barrel assembly (10) having a barrel (16) for receiving a core sample. The core barrel capacity gauge comprises a core sample marker (32) located within the barrel (16) such that the core sample marker (32) rests against the top of the drilled core sample. A wheel (42) is provided on the core sample marker (32) that engages with the inside of the barrel (16) such that movement of the core sample marker (32) along the length of the barrel (16) rotates the wheel. A rotation sensor (44) is provided in the core sample marker (32) that senses rotation of the wheel (42) and a transmitter (48) is provided in the core sample marker (32) in communication with the rotation sensor (44). The transmitter (48) transmits information regarding the rotation of the wheel (42) is received from the rotation sensor (44).

Abstract: An apparatus for checking the diameter of crankpins (18) of a crankshaft (34) in the course of the machining in a grinding machine comprises a first arm (9) rotating with respect to a support (5) arranged on the grinding-wheel slide (1) of the grinding machine, a second arm (12) rotating with respect to the first, a reference device (20) carried by the second arm and a measuring device (16, 17, 40-45) associated with a reference device. A guide device (21), fixed to the reference device (20), enables the apparatus to engage a crankpin, in the course of the orbital motion of the crankpin, and limit the displacements of the first arm and those of the second arm when a control device (28-30) displaces the apparatus to a rest position.

Abstract: A vacuum microwave drying apparatus, includes: a tank (1); a tank enclosure (2), which defines an accommodate space with the tank; a vacuum system, which is communicated with the accommodate space through a vacuum pipe (5); a continuous feed-in mechanism (9), including a feed-in pipe (902) communicated with the accommodate space, the continuous feed-in mechanism (9) sending materials into the accommodate space through the feed-in pipe (902) continuously; a continuous feed-out mechanism (10), which sends the materials out of the accommodate space continuously; at least two layers of material sending mechanisms (3), each of which is arranged in the accommodate space in parallel along the longitudinal direction of the tank, to send the materials from the continuous feed-in mechanism (9) into the continuous feed-out mechanism (10); and a plurality of microwave heating devices (4), each of which has a microwave feed-in port (403), which is located in the accommodate space, to send microwave to the accommodate spac

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of measuring moisture content of an object for drying during drying in a drying chamber by, for example, freeze-drying, fluidized bed drying or shelf drying, in real-time and in a non-destructive manner. According to the present invention, when measuring moisture content of an object for drying, a near infrared absorption spectrum of moisture present around the object for drying is measured, and the moisture content of the object for drying is calculated from a predetermined relationship based on a measured amount obtained from the measured near infrared absorption spectrum.

Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of a dryer comprising dispensing a treating chemistry from a dispensing system into a treating chamber of the dryer based on an output from the environmental drying sensor.

Abstract: A method of spraying a treating chemistry into a dispensing dryer in a manner to avoid the pooling and dripping of the treating chemistry.

Abstract: A method for operating a cleanout cycle to remove treating chemistry dispensed within a dispenser dryer.

Abstract: A method for operating a dispenser dryer to remove treating chemistry in the dispenser dryer.

Abstract: A fabric conditioning sheet comprising a three-dimensional textured substrate formed from a thermoplastic film which has a substantially planar surface yet defines at least one three-dimensional macroscopic deformation extending away from said substantially planar surface; with a fabric conditioning compound being releasably affixed upon at least a portion of said three-dimensional textured substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dryer and a method for controlling the same. The dryer includes a selectably rotatable drum (20), a hot air heater (90) for heating air to supply hot air to the drum (20), a steam generator (200) for generating steam to supply the steam to the drum (20), and a water supply source (220) for supplying water to the steam generator, thereby removing wrinkles from clothes, effectively.

Abstract: While a dryer is running, continuously automatically monitor operation of a dryer venting system, and continuously automatically determining if the dryer venting system is operating improperly, and if it is determined that the dryer venting system is operating improperly then automatically disabling the dryer. If the dryer starts running then automatically turning on a booster fan. Operation of booster fan is monitored by sensing the current drawn. Monitoring operation of the venting system through a first controller and automatically disabling the dryer through a second controller. Automatically turn off the booster fan if the dryer is not running. Automatically adjust operating parameters of the dryer venting system in an attempt to operate the venting system properly, and disabling the dryer if the venting system continues to operate improperly after adjustment. Check to determine if the dryer is drawing current to indicate the dryer is running.

Abstract: To provide a cement burning apparatus and a method of drying high-water-content organic waste capable of reducing a danger of explosion at a facility for drying; avoiding decreased value of dried sludge as a fuel: and more efficiently drying high-water-content organic waste. The cement burning apparatus 1 comprises a dryer 6 for drying high-water-content organic waste of which water content is 40 mass percent or more, in which combustion gas extracted from outlet portions or ceiling portions of preheater cyclones 3A to 3D of a cement kiln 2 is fed to the dryer 6. As the dryer 6, a grinding-type flash dryer, which directly contacts the combustion gas G with the high-water-content organic waste W while grinding it, can be used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to heel stabilizing technology that can be used on many kinds of footwear. This heel stabilizing technology can be incorporated during manufacture of the footwear. This heel stabilizing technology can also be manufactured as a separate component, and then added to many kinds of footwear. The heel stabilizer of the present invention increases the stability of the wearer when walking by minimizing the side-to-side teetering a person experiences when wearing flat heels to any height heel shoe, sneakers, boot, overshoe, galoshes or any combination thereof. Implementation of the heel stabilizing technology results in the heel of the footwear being set to a raised position and then flexed downward at heel strike. The resulting vertical stretch at the heel helps lessen side-to-side teetering of the wearer and thereby increases stability. The disclosed heel stabilizer includes at least one anchoring means, at least one heel lift means, a stretch segment, and a sole.

Abstract: A shoe has a sole, at least a portion of the sole of the shoe comprising a compressible material, the material being such that the application of a pressure above a threshold pressure causes the electrical conductivity of the material to change. There is also provided a shoe comprising a sole; a display means operable by the wearer of the shoe to provide a display on the exterior surface of the shoe; wherein the sole of the shoe comprises a compressible material, the material being such that the application of pressure causes the electrical conductivity of the material to change, whereby the display means may be controlled by the application of pressure to the compressible material in the sole of the shoe. An insole for use in a shoe is also disclosed, the insole comprising a compressible material, the material being such that the application of a pressure above a threshold pressure causes the electrical conductivity of the material to change.

Abstract: A foot orthotic for use as an insole in footwear is made solely from a copper-containing material.

Abstract: A hygienic footwear cushion having a composition comprising bamboo charcoal soot and a footwear material and a method of manufacturing such footwear cushion are disclosed. The footwear cushion material is SEBE, other SEBE equivalent material, or other suitable material for manufacturing footwear cushion. The hygienic footwear cushion according to the current invention provides an improved ability to maintain dryness and obtains the property to be bacteria and odor free.

Abstract: A hygienic footwear cushion having a composition comprising bamboo charcoal soot and a footwear material and a method of manufacturing such footwear cushion are disclosed. The footwear cushion material is SEBE, other SEBE equivalent material, or other suitable material for manufacturing footwear cushion. The footwear cushion is a thong cover, a sling back strip, a heel shield, a sore spot patch, or a heel cup. The hygienic footwear cushion according to the current invention provides an improved ability to maintain dryness and obtains the property to be bacteria and odor free.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper that defines an interior void, a sole structure secured to the upper, and a foot-supporting insert that is positionable within a lower area of the void and removable from the void. A system having a protrusion and an indentation may be utilized to, for example, secure the insert within the void. As an example, a protrusion may extend outward from a surface of the void, and the insert may define an indentation in a corresponding location and with a corresponding shape. When the insert is positioned within the void, the protrusion will extend into the indentation. The locations, shapes, numbers and overall configuration of the protrusion and indentation may vary significantly.

Abstract: Shoes having replaceable decorative cover members whereby the style of the shoe can be changed as desired by the user. The shoe and top, side and rear covers have corresponding fasteners for releasably fixing the top cover applique to the shoe whereby the removable top can be swapped with different colors and textures to create interesting new looks using the same base shoe. Integral interior magnets also apply magnetic therapy to the foot within each shoe.

Abstract: A shoe has a sole member with an upper surface for receiving a user's foot and a lower surface for contacting a support surface. An interchangeable strap has a sole member engaging portion and may be selectively interconnected with the sole member.

Abstract: A shoe comprising a shoe upper including a male member and a shoe sole including a female receptor for locking with the male member. The male member locks with the female receptor by moving the male member with respect to the female receptor in a first direction, which locks the shoe upper with the shoe sole. The male member unlocks from the female receptor by moving the male member an additional distance further in the first direction, which unlocks the shoe upper from the shoe sole. The female receptor includes resilient arms to hold and release the male member and a stop to prevent movement of the resilient arms in a second direction.

Abstract: A back hoe bucket assembly of a kind having a bucket defining cavity bounded by spaced end plates, a cutting edge plate, one or more other plates spanning between the end plates, and a hitch assembly on the bucket for attachment to a complementary boom attachment. An angle plate extends above the bucket to span to each of the end plates, to define, together with the or a spanning plate(s), a hollow rigidifying form, and the hitch assembly is fixably attached directly in part, or indirectly in part, to said angle plate.

Abstract: A garment care system comprising a steam generator (7) having a steam outlet (19), and at least one garment care handset (3) having a steam inlet (31) arranged for coupling to the steam outlet, an opening (33) for releasing steam and a steam control unit (37) arranged for controlling a valve (21) for controlling the release of steam. The steam control unit comprises a selection means (43) having at least two selection options, and a steam release switch (41) electrically connected to the selection means and arranged for starting or stopping the release of steam in dependence on the selected option. The at least two options provide the user with the flexibility to choose or select the way he/she wants to operate the steam release of the handset. The user may select the option that fits best the task at hand. The handset may be an iron suitable for cooperation with a steam generator having a steam outlet or a garment steamer suitable for cooperation with a steam generator having a steam outlet.

Abstract: “IMPROVEMENT IN DISPLAY FOR AUTOMATIC ASSEMBLY SYSTEM” wherein one automatic assembly part (11) formed by two walls (12) with wrinkles (13), agreeing by means of other wrinkles (14) to two walls (15) separated from each other by their free edges (16), form one hinging part in a system of tweezers. The part (11), by means of grooves (17) and (18) on its walls (12), receives an elastic band (19) inserted in hook-shaped grooves (8) and (10) of the juxtaposed rims (4), (5) and (6), (7) of both parts composing the body of the display (1). The part (11), by its walls (12) and walls (15), respectively accommodates between internal faces and the folds of the rims (4), (5) and (6), (7) of parts (2) and (3) composing the body of the display (1).

Abstract: In order to economically manufacture name badges with a comparatively high stiffness, it is proposed that they are produced as one-part injection moulded components, each with a curved front part (1) and a similarly curved rear part (2), which is connected to the front part (1) by pivot bearings (4) and both the front part (1) and the rear part (2) are provided with circumferential ridges (6, 7) which are orientated in the same direction when the front and rear parts (1, 2) are in the closed state.

Abstract: An article of manufacture for motivating users and method for using same with a frame, a digital or fixed media insert, an image on the insert, one aperture anchored to the backing extending backwards from the rear side of the backing near one of the long edges of the backing, and another aperture anchored to the backing extending backwards from the rear side of the backing near one of the short edges of the backing. A clip assembly can be use either as stand for the frame when sifting on a horizontal surface or a clip to clip the frame to a non-horizontal surface such as a vehicle air conditioning vent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar power generation display assembly and methods for providing same involving solar arrays in a display of designated indicia, each solar array containing one or more electronically linked solar modules or cells of a crystalline or amorphous type and other modules. The solar modules and/or portions of the solar modules and other module portions and/or portions of the other module portions within each specific array or display may be static or manipulated electronically or mechanically to provide an enhanced indicia while a programmable display management system enables operation of electrical and mechanical management sub-systems for displaying the indicia.

Abstract: In one aspect, a rolling information display apparatus for use with a roller grill includes an elongated envelope. A cap is removably positioned over at least one opening of the envelope. An information bearing medium is removably positioned inside the envelope. In one embodiment, a sealing member is disposed to create a substantially watertight seal over at least one opening of the envelope. In another aspect, a rolling information display apparatus for use with a roller grill is a cylindrical rolling member having one or more rolling surfaces rolling in contact with heated rolling surfaces of the grill. The cylindrical rolling member also has one or more recessed surfaces bearing information about food items offered for sale on the grill. The recessed surfaces are provided in regions of the rolling member that are of diameter less than regions of the rolling member in which the rolling surfaces are provided.

Abstract: Flat panel display mounts configured to rotate about a vertical axis and at least substantially maintain rigidity about a horizontal axis comprise a mounting member configured to receive a flat panel display thereon, and an arm member attached to the mounting member. The arm member including at least one hinge on at least one of the coupling members. Methods of forming a flat panel display mount are disclosed. A modular sign including a housing, at least one sign panel, and a flat panel display mount is also disclosed.

Abstract: A firearm with a stock having an exterior contour that is generally symmetric with respect to opposing end portions, a front edge portion and at least a portion of opposing side surfaces. A barrel extends through the front edge portion of the stock. Two safety release buttons are diametrically opposed to each other with respect to a barrel bore centerline axis and are exposed at a front edge portion of the stock. Two firing mechanism release buttons are each exposed at an exterior surface of the stock at a respective one of the opposing end portions. The firing mechanism actuation buttons are diametrically opposed to each other with respect to the barrel bore centerline axis. Firing of the firearm requires both of the safety release buttons to be depressed thereby allowing either of the firing mechanism actuation buttons to be depressed for firing the firearm.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a firearm including a buttstock defining a first bore extending along a longitudinal axis and a receiver coupled to the buttstock. The receiver defines a second bore extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and in fluid communication with the first bore. The receiver also defines an ejection port transverse to the longitudinal axis. The firearm further includes a bolt carrier disposed in the second bore and moveable relative to the receiver along the longitudinal axis between a firing position and a rearward position. The firearm also includes an expulsion device at least partially disposed in the buttstock for flowing air through the first and second bores and out the ejection port as the bolt carrier moves between the firing and rearward positions.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a firearm having a receiver defining a bore with the receiver extending along a longitudinal axis. The receiver defines an ejection port transverse to the longitudinal axis with the bore defining an inner surface. The firearm further includes a bolt carrier disposed in the bore and moveable relative to the receiver along the longitudinal axis between a firing position and a rearward position. The firearm also includes a shield longitudinally affixed to the bolt carrier and movable with the bolt carrier as a unit between the firing and rearward positions along the longitudinal axis with the shield blocking the ejection port when in the firing position and the shield sliding along the inner surface away from the ejection port when moving to the rearward position in conjunction with the bolt carrier.

Abstract: A fish handling pliers includes two levers pivotally coupled together, and each has a jaw member at one end and a handle member at the other end, a protrusion is extended from one of the levers and has a lock notch, the other lever includes a channel for pivotally receiving a latch device which includes a catch for engaging with the lock notch of the other lever and for latching the levers together, and a spring biasing device for biasing the catch of the latch device to engage with the lock notch of the protrusion, or for disengaging the catch of the latch device from the protrusion, and for allowing the user to easily handle or operate the fish handling pliers.

Abstract: A tool for releasing excess air from the swim bladder of a fish. The present invention includes a puncturer situated in a housing and a push rod which extends out of the housing for pushing the puncturer out of the housing and into the swim bladder of the fish. When the tool is employed, the excess air passes through the puncturer into the housing and then out vents located in the side wall of the housing. The puncturer is spring biased to remain in the covered position until the user applies an external force to the push rod to expose the puncturer.

Abstract: A buoyant live bait container constructed to contain a quantity of live bait beneath the surface of a body of water via a tether line coupled to ballast anchor and/or nesting flotation collar. A twist-lock cover having a buoyant liner, flow ports and/or carry handle interlocks with a porous storage housing. A positive buoyancy collar can be fitted to the housing. Holes, ported appendages or a cross piece displaced from a concave housing bottom wall can support a tether line coupled to a ballasted anchor. The housing can also provide a longitudinal sidewall flotation member.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a fishing reel includes a reel frame for supporting a line spool with a spool rotation axis, the line spool rotatably mounted one the reel frame. A reel foot is adapted for mounting to a fishing rod, wherein the reel foot is attached to the frame. A force measurement device is configured to produce a response indicative of a line tension force.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder includes an arm attached to a bracket, a U-shaped holding member attached to one end of the arm and a C-shaped holding member attached to the other end of the arm for supporting a fishing rod and for allowing the arm to be easily and quickly moved or adjusted relative to the bracket to any suitable or selected angular position. The arm includes a curved middle portion slidably and adjustably attached to the bracket with a seat and a fastener. The C-shaped holding member includes a lower end changeably secured to the arm and selectively faced either leftward for being used with a left-handed person or rightward for being used with a right-handed person.

Abstract: A fishing lure configured to produce an audible noise while being fished is, generally disclosed. The fishing lure includes a lure body, a hollow tube, and a ball. The hollow tube can be positioned within the lure body and oriented substantially in the y-direction of the lure. The ball is positioned within the hollow tube such that the ball can move freely with the hollow tube to produce the audible noise. A method of fishing using a fishing lure is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid fuel composition comprising a mixture of hydrocarbons and a cyclic hydrocarbon compound that suppresses the emission of soot particulates. The present invention also relates to a method for reducing the emission of soot particulates in the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine. It is desirable for the cyclic hydrocarbon compound to contain one or more oxygen atoms.

Abstract: Polyolefinic amines may be produced in a reaction comprising contacting an olefin or a polyolefin with an azo compound under free radical conditions to form a polyolefinic nitrile having an average molecular weight of at least 250, followed by reducing the polyolefinic nitrile to a corresponding polyolefinic amine. The polyolefinic amines produced by the reaction may be included as a detergent in compositions, such as fuel compositions, additive compositions, and/or carrier compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to concrete mulch and methods for making the same. The concrete mulch is made from crushed waste concrete, a colorant and a binder which colors the concrete pieces to look like natural mulch. The concrete mulch is available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes; however, it is preferred for the concrete mulch to look like natural rock, bark nuggets or natural mulch.

Abstract: A tree liner is formed from a composition of a sheet of brown coir to which a latex mixture is applied, preferably by spraying. The tree-liner may be inserted in a wire basket and used to wrap, cover and/or protect the roots of young trees and bushes during the lifting, preparation, packaging and shipping process from the nursery to the final user. The tree-liner comprises approximately 80% coir and 20% latex composition by weight. There is also provided a standalone plant container formed from a sheet of the same coir/latex composition. The composition may also be used for bedding, insulation and other various applications.

Abstract: A device for keeping cut flowers in condition comprises a holder (10) for receiving the cut flowers therein in a suitable medium, in particular water. Cooling means comprise a cooling body (30) which is capable of heat-exchanging contact with at least a part of a wall of the holder for the purpose of cooling the medium therein. By means of at least one cooling conduit (361, 362, 381, 382) and a cooling medium flowing therein during operation, the cooling body (30) is thermally coupled to a cooling device (35) separated from the cooling body (30).