Abstract: A folding knife includes a handle element, a blade rotatably coupled to the handle element, and a locking mechanism operatively coupled between the blade and the handle element. The locking mechanism includes first and second pairs of toggles positioned, respectively, on first and second sides of the blade, each pair of toggles being configured to move into a locked position when the blade is rotated to an open position. A handle of the knife may include the handle element and the first and second pairs of toggles.

Abstract: A de-icicling tool has an icicle removing head mounted onto the distal end of an elongated handle. The head is formed of a generally flat blade and a mounting sleeve to that fits onto the distal end of the handle. The blade member has a series of triangular teeth in a concave arc along the front with each tooth having a point and beveled edges which meet at the associated point. The points of the teeth are rounded. The blade has at least one generally triangular notch formed along its rear thereof, each notch having a pair of beveled edges. There is one or more one round aperture in the blade, each with a beveled edge and with a diameter of three to five centimeters. The mounting sleeve includes a threaded socket adapted to accept a male thread of a standard broom handle or paint pole.

Abstract: A power-saving scissors comprises a first handle having a first knife set; the first handle being formed with a receiving space; an inner wall of the receiving space being formed with teeth; a second handle pivotally installed to the first handle by a planet gear set; the second handle having a second knife set; a center gear being protruded from the second handle at a position corresponding to the receiving space; the center gear being engagable with the receiving space of the first handle; the planet gear set including the center gear, three peripheral gears and a cover; one end of the center gear being installed to the second handle and another end thereof being protruded with a post; the three peripheral gear being respectively engaged to the center gear and also engaged to the teeth of the receiving space.

Abstract: The present invention is a portable compact cutting wheel assembly designed to be easy and convenient to use for cutting food items. The cutting wheel assembly includes a handle, a rotatably attached cutting blade and a conformal blade cover that fits over the cutting blade and secures to the handle for clean storage.

Abstract: Shaving razors and razor cartridges are provided. In one embodiment, a razor is provided including (a) a handle, (b) a head, separable from and pivotally mounted on the handle, the head including a housing that is positioned to contact the user's skin during shaving and that carries one or more blades configured for wet shaving, (c) an electrical circuit, configured to power an electrical function associated with the head, a first portion of the circuit being disposed in the handle and a second portion of the circuit being disposed in the head, and (d) an electro-mechanical connector, pivotally joining the head to the handle, configured to provide electrical communication between the first and second portions of the circuit.

Abstract: An eyeglass frame shape measuring apparatus comprises: a frame holding unit which holds a eyeglass frame in a desired position; a rotary base; a feeler holding unit which comprises a support shaft to which a feeler for measurement is attached, a first arm for holding the support shaft, an elastic body for urging the first arm so that the support shaft is urged outward with respect to a rotation center axis of the rotary base, and a first arm holding unit for holding the first arm to enable the support shaft to be inclined with respect to the rotation center axis; a detecting unit which detects movement of the first arm; and an arithmetic unit which obtains a three-dimensional movement position of the feeler to obtain the three-dimensional shape of the rim, on the basis of rotation of the rotary base and results of detection of the detecting unit.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel alignment system may include wheel alignment sensors configured to measure toe angles of steerable wheels on the vehicle, a user interface configured to communicate information to a user, and a processing system. The processing system may be configured to cause the user interface to communicate instructions to rotate a steering wheel on the vehicle and to communicate centering information that is pertinent to whether the steering wheel is substantially centered with respect to the steerable wheels based at least in part on the toe angles.

Abstract: An exemplary base includes a first elastic element, a second elastic, two first adjustable spacers and two second adjustable spacers. The first elastic element includes two first spaced plates and a first connecting element for connecting the two first spaced plates. The second elastic element includes two second spaced plates and a second connecting element for connecting the two second spaced plates. The first connecting element and the second connecting element are not in a plane. Two first adjustable spacers connect the two first spaced plates and adjust a distance between the two first spaced plates. Two second adjustable spacers connect the two second spaced plates and adjust a distance between the two second spaced plates.

Abstract: A prefabricated jig or tool (10) for use in positioning and aligning roof trusses (50) during frame construction includes a lateral brace portion (12) with a pair of downwardly-depending throat members (18.20), each adapted to releasably capture a truss component (e.g. constructed from 1½ inch nominal thickness lumber). The throat members are spaced apart on the lateral brace portion a distance equal to the desired truss spacing (e.g., 24 inches on center). Nailing holes (22) are provided in the brace portion above the throat members to enable temporary nailing of the tool to the truss component(s).

Abstract: An erosion gauge for measuring a chord length of an eroded turbine blade in a steam turbine that may include: a jaw that includes a lower jaw that includes a lower jaw surface and an upper jaw that includes an upper jaw surface such that the lower jaw surface and the upper jaw surface oppose each other; a sliding scale that connects the lower jaw to the upper jaw, wherein a first end of the sliding scale is fixed to the lower jaw and a second end of the sliding scale slides through the upper jaw such that the distance between the lower jaw surface and the upper jaw surface may be varied; and an electronic depth gauge that determines the distance between the lower jaw surface and the upper jaw surface. The lower jaw surface may include a valley insert.

Abstract: In application of a green-house effect, under such a concept as to collect solar energy passively into the house and to exhaust moist air passively from the house, an all weather passive-type solar Ogako drying house which is available for all day through a year was made up improving an agricultural vinyl-house in which Ogako is dried continuously during carriage on the belt conveyors due to solar energy and auxiliary heat, and then moist air yielded when drying Ogako is exhausted through an insulated cylinder. In this case, Ogako means sawdust or tipped small particles of wood which is raw material in order to produce a woody pellet fuel.

Abstract: A vacuum belt conveyor of a web forming machine for transferring a threading tail has at least two turning rolls (16, 17) and an air-permeable belt loop (20), arranged around the turning rolls (16, 17). The vacuum belt conveyor also has vacuum means (22) for creating a vacuum effect on both the section of the belt loop (20) conveying the threading tail (23) and in connection with the first turning roll (16) of the turning rolls (16, 17). Arranged in connection with the first turning roll (16) in the travel direction of the threading tail (23) there is at least one cross-directional dividing structure (24) for creating at least two axial vacuum zones (25).

Abstract: A system for uniformly delivering treatment compositions to fabrics in a fabric article drying appliance. The system also provides for efficient delivery of treatment compositions to fabrics in a fabric article drying appliance. A method is also provided for the uniform and efficient delivery of treatment compositions to fabrics in fabric article drying appliances.

Abstract: In footwear having a permeable top side, an insole and heel associated with its outer sole, an improved circulation system includes a plurality of perforated air channels tanned in the insole, a compressible pump means having an inlet and an outlet located in a cavity in the footwear's heel, a reciprocal ball piston located below the pump means in the heel so the piston extends beyond the base of the heel when heel is not in contact with a walking surface and is operable to actuate the pump when the heel of the footwear engages a walking surface daring the wearer's ambulatory movement, an air passage connecting the inlet of the pump to the plurality of air channels, a second air passage connecting the outlet of the pump with the atmosphere, and one way check valves in each air passage allowing air to flow in only one direction in its associated air passage whereby the cycling of the piston will circulate air though the footwear.

Abstract: Footwear having removable straps is disclosed herein. More specifically, the footwear disclosed herein includes a removable strap assembly having concealed releasable connection means for attaching to the sole of the footwear.

Abstract: Sandals with adjustable post assemblies are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a sandal can include a sole assembly and a first strap coupled to the sole assembly. The first strap is positioned to engage a forefoot area of a wearer's foot. The first strap includes an aperture proximate to an intermediate portion of the first strap. The sandal also includes an adjustable post assembly extending through the aperture. The post assembly includes a post portion coupled to the sole assembly and one or more flexible second straps projecting from the post portion and configured to be releasably coupled to the first strap. The first strap is movable along at least one of the post portion and the one or more flexible second straps to adjust the position of the first strap relative to the sole assembly for engagement with the wearer's foot.

Abstract: A post-pedicure shoe according to the present invention includes a sole having front and rear ends and upper and lower surfaces. A foam cushion is situated atop the sole upper layer for comfortably accommodating a person's foot. The shoe includes a toe cover pivotally coupled to the front of the sole and is movable between open and closed configurations. The toe cover includes a configuration for protecting a person's toe nails from debris or contact with the shoe while still enabling the person to walk around. The shoe also includes a plurality of toe separators adjacent the sole front end for keeping the toes from touching one another while the shoe is worn.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interchangeable shoe footbed cartridge system. The system includes a footbed such as a midsole, insole or a sockliner. A cartridge is inserted into or otherwise attached to the forefoot section of the footbed. Multiple cartridges of varying depths, widths and/or lengths may be provided. The wearer can select a cartridge to achieve a desired fit. Because right and left feet may be of different sizes, different cartridges may be chosen for each foot. Furthermore, the user may swap cartridges depending upon different conditions, or to change the stiffness of the cartridge. Additionally, a slipcover having a stretchable portion may be placed over the cartridge system. The cartridges enable a footwear manufacturer to produce fewer shoe sizes while fitting more of the population. This reduces manufacturing, shipping, warehousing and accounting costs. All levels of the supply chain, as well as the end customers, will greatly benefit from the method of supplying footwear.

Abstract: A snowplow and mount assembly comprising a mount frame adapted to be secured to a vehicle, and a snowplow frame. One of the mount frame and the snowplow frame has first and second arms and the other of the mount frame and snowplow frame has first and second receivers, the first and second receivers receiving the first and second arms, respectively. Respective ones of first and second latch pins removably secure the first and second arms in the first and second receivers. A latch lever is operably associated with the first and second latch pins and simultaneously actuates the latch pins to latched and unlatched positions. The snowplow frame includes a jack stand movable to and between an extended ground contacting and snowplow frame supporting position and a retracted ground noncontacting and snowplow frame nonsupporting position.

Abstract: A snow plow for attachment to a vehicle, the snow plow including a mounting apparatus having a mounting frame, the mounting frame including at least one mounting upright. The snow plow further including a plow blade including a retention apparatus constructed and arranged to slidlingly and disengageably secure the plow blade to the mounting upright(s) when the plow blade is in a working orientation. The plow blade includes a mold board, preferably, a two piece mold board being an aluminum extrusion. The preferred snow plow also includes an attachable biasing member secured between the plow blade and the mounting apparatus such that the biasing member resists upward movement of the plow blade when the plow blade is in a working orientation.

Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments are provided of wheeled shovels. In one exemplary embodiment, a wheeled shovel generally includes a wheel assembly having an axle and a wheel. The wheeled shovel also includes a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion. The frame may be disposed relative to the axle such that the axle is operable as a fulcrum about which the frame may pivot. A handle may be disposed at about the upper portion of the frame. A shovel blade may be disposed at about the lower portion of the frame. The wheel assembly, frame, handle, and shovel blade may be cooperatively configured so as to enable the wheeled shovel to throw a load of material generally upwardly and forwardly away from the shovel blade in response to a sufficient force applied to the handle for pivoting the frame relative to the axle with a recoil generated through the fulcrum at the axle.

Abstract: A plow assembly comprises a blade, structure attached to the blade and adapted to be attached to a vehicle for mounting the blade to and supporting the blade from the vehicle, and a wing attached to an end of the blade. The wing has a first portion mounted to the blade for translational movement relative thereto, and a second portion mounted to the first portion for rotational movement relative thereto. An actuator has a cylinder and first and second oppositely movable piston rods. The first piston rod and the cylinder operable to move the first portion of the wing relative to the blade, and the second piston rod and the cylinder are operable to move the second portion of the wing relative to the fist portion of the wing.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a roller assembly on an excavator for degrading natural and man-made formations has a plurality of pointed inserts disposed along its outer diameter. The inserts have a tip adapted to impact the formation and at least one of the tips has polycrystalline diamond bonded to a cemented metal carbide segment. The diamond also has a substantially conical geometry with a 0.50 to 0.200 inch radius and a thickness greater that 100 inches at the apex. The diamond also has a volume that is 75 to 150 percent of a volume of a carbide substrate.

Abstract: A self-propelled snow remover has a machine body, travel units mounted on the machine body to undergo turning movement and linear movement, and at least one steering member mounted to the machine body and operable to turn the travel units. A snow-removing implement is mounted to the machine body to undergo lifting, lowering and rolling movements relative to the machine body. A lift drive mechanism lifts and lowers the snow-removing implement. A control unit controls the lift drive mechanism by issuing a lift drive instruction to the lift drive mechanism so as to automatically lift the snow-removing implement when a steering condition in which the steering member is turned is determined to be satisfied, and by issuing a lowering drive instruction to the lift drive mechanism so as to automatically lower the snow-removing implement when the steering condition is determined to be no longer satisfied.

Abstract: An electronic control device is disclosed for controlling a plow. The control device includes a pendant control structured and arranged such that an operator of the plow is permitted to control the plow by operation of the pendant control. A plurality of switches is mounted on the pendant control for selective operation by the operator. At least one of the switches of the plurality of switches being a multi stage switch which permits the operator to activate to different current driven settings.

Abstract: A hammerless connector pin assembly is insertable in the aligned connector openings in telescoped ground engaging wear and support members and is releasably lockable therein. The inserted assembly has opposite end portions that block removal of the wear member from the support member. Each of the two end portions has a laterally projecting cam member disposed thereon which is positioned within opposite ones of the two opposed wear member connector openings. As the interior surface of the wear member becomes worn from use and is able to shift further rearwardly along the support member, the cam members may simultaneously be rotationally adjusted to maintain contact with the wear member to prevent forward movement thereof away from its rearward shifted position, and then locked in their rotationally adjusted positions.

Abstract: A cordless ironing apparatus includes an iron and an ironing board adapted to be used with the iron. The iron includes a soleplate. The ironing board includes an ironing surface on which fabric is placed and an electromagnetic generator. The electromagnetic generator is adapted to generate an electromagnetic field which generates heat in the soleplate of the iron. Alternatively, the ironing apparatus includes an iron and an induction device which is removable or separate from an ironing board. The induction device includes an electromagnetic generator which is adapted to generate an electromagnetic filed which generates heat in the soleplate of the iron.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ironing appliance comprising an iron (1) and a portable base (2) provided with a surface (21) for setting down the iron (1), said iron comprising a soleplate (10) on which a body with an integrated handle (11) is mounted. The invention is characterised in the base (2) comprises means for immobilising the iron (1), said means engaging with the body of the iron (1) upstream and downstream of the handle (11) in such a way that the entire ironing appliance can be transported by the handle (11) of the iron.

Abstract: A display mounted on a shopping cart handle allows shoppers to find information, to obtain coupons, to refer to in-store audio or video programs, and the like.

Abstract: A system optionally attaches non-reversible, interchangeable fabric, leather, vinyl or other natural or synthetic covering material logo (or advertisement, signage or art) panels to one or more items, such as articles of furniture or personal gear including clothing, sports equipment, and memorabilia frames. The items may include upholstered or non-upholstered sports stadium chairs or other soft-covered items such as leather jackets or golf bags without detracting from their appearance, even if the panel is removed. The panels can also be applied to vehicle seats, public furniture, office furniture, water coolers, or other domestic furniture. The attachment is inconspicuous and hidden from view. Such a logo panel can also cover an area emblazoned with a permanent different logo. These panels can be embroidered sports memorabilia with spaces for actual team member signatures or performer autographs, or they can be corporate logos or promotional advertising panels.

Abstract: An advertising apparatus including a body portion adapted to be one or both of connected to or disposed on a support structure accessible for advertising purposes and, an interchangeable and/or replaceable advertising device, the advertising device being adapted to be one or both of connected to or disposed on the body portion.

Abstract: A sign is edge lit and illuminated by an array of light emitting diodes disposed along an edge of a light transmissive panel. A light diffusion surface, which can be formed by a series of serrations on the panel edge, disperses light from the discrete light emitting diodes in the array. A geometric figure, which can be text or graphics or both is formed on one face of the panel by grooves, which redirect diffused light so that an illuminated image, corresponding to the geometric figure, can be seen on the front of the panel. The grooves forming the figure and the light diffusion surface comprise parts of a one-piece panel, and the grooves and the light diffusion surface can be formed when the panel is injection molded.

Abstract: An improved device for signaling traffic on roadways including a fixed display surface with one or more additional display surfaces rotatably attached, such that different indicia can be displayed to motorists. A rotation grip allows an operator to manually change the position of the additional display surfaces. This manual adjustment ensures the operator is displaying the appropriate messages not only to oncoming traffic but also to traffic approaching from the rear.

Abstract: A hand-held ground-supported display device for warning passersby is disclosed. Included is a self-supporting sign panel and a plurality of at least three mast sections telescopically interfittable, one within the other. A coupler is attached to the sign panel, with a socket for releasably engaging the top mast section. The mast sections have progressively smaller internal diameters and progressively shorter lengths, with the outermost mast section having the largest internal diameter and the longest length. Middle mast upper and middle mast lower stop members are attached to upper and lower ends of the middle mast section, respectively. In one example, the middle mast upper stop member has an end wall with first and second sidewalls extending downwardly therefrom with lower free ends for interfering with stop members associated with the top and the bottom mast sections. A kit including the display device is also disclosed.

Abstract: An exemplary flat panel display (1) includes a main body (10) and a transparent holding structure (12) fixed to the main body. The holding structure is configured to hold one or more thin insertions by itself at a side thereof and or by cooperation with the main body wherein one or more thin insertions are held between the holding structure and the main body at a side of the holding structure.

Abstract: A hydraulic recoil buffer assembly for a firearm having a receiver and a fixed or collapsible stock assembly including an end cylinder adapted to be secured to the pistol grip or receiver of the firearm and slidably translatable with respect to the extension tube, and a hydraulic shock absorption assembly operative to produce a hydraulic resistance to a rearward movement of the end cylinder during recoil of the firearm. The hydraulic shock absorption assembly has an orifice restricted fluid flow passage and a piston head that compresses a return spring as the end cylinder moves rearward against a recoil coil spring. The recoil buffer assembly stores a portion of the recoil energy through compression of the recoil spring and the return spring, and dissipates a portion of the recoil energy through the resistance provided by fluid flow through the orifice restricted flow passage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing the barrel of an underwater gun between firings is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a valve that is moved between a sealing and non-sealing state by a valve-actuator. In some embodiments, the valve actuator is driven by gases that result when a round is fired.

Abstract: In one aspect there is provided an erosion control medium formed from a blended mulch product which can be mixed with water and spray-applied to a ground surface to form the erosion control medium, comprising: about 75% to about 92% by weight ligno-cellulosic fibers; about 1% to about 10% by weight substantially straight synthetic fibers; and a tackifier; wherein the substantially straight synthetic fibers maintain their substantially straight form in the blended mulch product and the erosion control medium. Also provided are slurries in which the blended mulch product is mixed with water to produce the slurry, the slurry is spray-applied to a ground surface and the slurry dries on the ground surface to form an erosion control medium.

Abstract: Kit and apparatus for watering a Christmas tree or other plant supported in a stand with a water receptacle.

Abstract: A device for supporting a tree limb. The device includes a base having top and bottom surfaces for situating the device proximate to said tree limb. A telescoping pole having a longitudinal axis and first and second ends is provided, the first end being rotatably secured to the base. A coupling is included for varying the length of the telescoping pole. A support rod is affixed to the second end of the telescoping pole, the support rod being rotatable about the longitudinal axis. A U-shaped limb support member is fixedly appended to the support rod.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for irrigating a plant, the method including the step of placing an end of a fibrous wick (50) in communication with a source of water (21) with the wick (50) delivering the water to a moisture zone proximal to a subterranean root structure of the plant. The deliver of this water is controlled by constricting the wick (50) to a predetermined degree by means of a constriction member (30) in order that the irrigation of the plant is substantially self regulating.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to, a container, multiple arrangements of container and flat/tray pallets, corresponding container/flat/tray/pallet assemblies, an automated pallet assembly/disassembly system, autonomous pallet assembly transfer units, an autonomous pallet assembly transport train, and an integrated automated production system, for use in a horticultural nursery environment for: substantially reducing labor needed to produce; stabilizing of; collecting and shedding broadcast applications to; reflecting desired sunlight to foliage of; reducing root tip heating of; reducing water consumption in growing; reducing wetting of foliage of; controlling excess root growth of; and, reducing weed growth proximal to; spaced potted plants.

Abstract: A pot cover with a matte finish is formed from a series of layers laminated together. The layer comprise a biaxially oriented film layer having a heat sealable matte finish skin on one side and is laminated to a corona treated side of a polyethylene film interlayer with a heat sealable layer on the other side thereof. An aluminum foil is then laminated to the heat sealable able layer of the interlayer. This laminated product may then be formed under heat and vacuum using coming molding techniques to a most desirable pot cover for flowers or plants.

Abstract: A biodegradable planter made from straw and coir is described. The composition is made from a blend of about 1 to about 99% straw and 99% to about 1% coir. The planter is sprayed on at least one surface with a latex. Preferably it is sprayed with a natural latex.

Abstract: A sash window includes two window frames disposed in lateral juxtaposition and each including a head member, a sill member and a pair of jamb members connected together into a rectangular configuration, and a pair of upper and lower sashes supported within a respective one of the window frames. A sill nose is mounted to exterior sides of the sill members and extends continuously from an outer end of one sill member to an outer end of the other sill member. Each of the upper sashes is fixed to the respective one of the window frames by attachment members.

Abstract: An apparatus for bracing a masonry wall that is bowing or has begun to buckle as a result of hydrostatic pressure and/or other forces as may occur with the foundation or basement wall of a building. The wall restraint system includes a vertically disposed beam, which is positioned against a vertical concrete masonry wall and secured in place by a bottom bracket and a top bracket. The beam reinforces the wall and prevents further bowing, buckling, or potentially collapsing of the wall. One end of the beam is secured to the floor by a bottom bracket. The bottom bracket preferably receives the lower end of the beam. The upper end of the beam is secured against the basement wall by a top bracket or offset connector, which in turn is secured to one of the overhead floor joists. The beam may be offset to avoid piping or the like.

Abstract: A vented panel connector for a decorative panel system includes a front plate, a pair of spaced-apart vent plates carried by the front plate, a pair of spaced-apart panel flanges extending from each of the pair of spaced-apart vent plates and a plurality of vent openings extending through each of the pair of vent plates between the front plate and the pair of spaced-apart panel flanges.

Abstract: The electrically connectable tile module includes a porous substrate having a top side, a bottom side, and at least two side edges. At least one connector is integrated into the porous substrate allowing adjoining electrically connectable tile modules to be electrically connected to the porous substrate. At least one electrical element is disposed over the top side of the porous substrate and electrically connected to the at least one connector.

Abstract: A plastic window assembly includes a substantially transparent plastic panel and an opaque plastic frame adhered to the perimeter of the panel, which bounds and defines an effective viewing area of the panel. A transition step of the frame extends upward from the surface of the panel to a raised surface of the frame. Provided on the surface in the effective viewing area of the panel is an image. In order to print the image such that the outer edges of the image extend to an interfacial area defined by the juncture of the transition step and the second surface of the panel, a MIT printing process and specialized membrane construction is used.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is directed to a fire retardant head-of-wall assembly configured to seal a linear head-of-wall construction joint or gap when exposed to a heat source such as a building fire. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly comprises a header track having an elongated intumescent strip affixed lengthwise on at least one of the outer sidewall surfaces of the header track. When exposed to a heat source such as a building fire, the intumescent strip is able to expand so as to at least partially fill the head-of-wall construction joint or gap; and in so doing, retard or prevent the spread of smoke and fire. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly has been certified as complaint with respect to Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.'s standards set forth in its Tests for Fire Resistance of Building Joint Systems—UL 2079.