Abstract: A tube cutter is disclosed having a frame roller assembly and a cutting wheel assembly. The frame roller assembly includes two or more independently rotatable frame rollers which share a common axis. The cutting wheel assembly includes a cutter wheel disposed between two independently rotatable slide rollers, the cutter wheel and slide rollers sharing a common axis of rotation. The frame rollers are generally aligned with the slide rollers during a cutting operation. The tube cutter retains the ends of a tube during and after cut completion. The tube cutter is particularly suited for cutting corrugated tubing, and most particularly, a range of different sizes and configurations of corrugated tubing.

Abstract: A layer cutting apparatus includes a tray having an interior defined by a bottom and sidewall. A sleeve is at least partially disposed in the interior of the tray, and a cutting line is attached to the sleeve. The cutting line is configured to be removed from the sleeve by pulling the line away from the tray at one point of the sidewall. In one form, the sleeve has a length less than the peripheral length of the sidewall and includes first and second pivotally connected flaps. The cutting line abuts with the sidewall within the space between the first and second flaps. In preferred aspects, the sleeve is disposed in the interior of the tray after baking of a food product in the interior of the tray. In other preferred aspects, the sleeve includes tabs inserted into slits in the bottom of the tray to prevent the sleeve from floating in the tray.

Abstract: A power assisted utility knife is described, having a blade that may be oscillated back and forth by a motor. The utility knife further includes structure that permits the blade to be withdrawn into the knife for safekeeping, and to be extended outside the knife sufficiently far to permit an old blade with a dull edge to be removed, and a fresh blade to be inserted.

Abstract: The invention relates to pruning shears comprising a cutting head (12) with a spring-loaded blade (18) acting in cooperation with a counter blade (20), a drive mechanism (16) connected to the cutting head (12), and an elongated handle (14) connected to the drive mechanism (16). The drive mechanism comprises a first and a second counterpart (32, 34), optionally rotating with respect to one another about an axis (36), allowing the cutting head (12) to be adjusted with respect to the elongated handle (14), and an upper line arrangement allowing the blade (18) to be turned about a hinge point (19) and the cutting head to be adjusted in such a manner that the blade (18) does not rotate about the hinge point (19).

Abstract: A power line cutter is described. The power line cutter may be used in emergency or repair situations to cut down or broken power lines. The power line cutter is provided with a long extension handle such that the operator may use the power line cutter to cut power lines hanging or suspended above the operator. The power line cutter includes a first blade having a first blade cutting surface and a first blade lever. The power line cutter further includes a second blade having a second blade cutting surface and a second blade lever. A first handle is pivotally engaged to the first blade, and the first handle includes a first pulley. A second handle is pivotally engaged to the second blade, and the second handle includes a second pulley. The first handle is pivotally engaged to the second handle. A blade support is pivotally engaged to the first blade and to the second blade to pivotally position the first blade cutting surface opposite of the second blade cutting surface.

Abstract: A ring cutter for twine or the like, comprising a ring adapted to fit on the finger of a user and having a pair of side portions joined at the upper end thereof and separated at the lower end thereof by a space therebetween. The ring is formed of a flexible and resilient material. A bracket extends upwardly from the upper portion of the ring and a cutting blade is secured to the bracket and extends forwardly therefrom. The lower ends of the side portions of the ring are separable to enable a finger of a user to be removed from the ring through the space between the side portions by the application of a downward force by the finger on the lower ends of the side portions.

Abstract: A cutting blade holder (10) for a microsurgical cutting arrangement, in particular a cutting arrangement for refractive eye surgery, comprises a receptacle (34) into which a cutting blade unit (14) together with a cutting blade (12) can be inserted. For the sideways guidance of the cutting blade unit in the receptacle the cutting blade holder comprises guide means, which in one embodiment include a plurality of guide bars (50, 52, 54, 56) arranged on both sides of the plane of the blade of the cutting blade, by means of which a relatively friction-free linear contact with the cutting blade is produced.

Abstract: The invention proposes a device for mechanically locating and reading the setting of an adjustable magnetic valve for controlling the flow of a fluid in a predetermined direction, and which is not particularly sensitive to the Earth's magnetic field, of simple and economical design, and which makes it possible, in a single step, to locate the magnetic centre of the valve and to determine the setting of the valve. To these ends, the subject of the invention is a device comprising a magnetic compass (10) and an alignment mark for aligning the magnetic compass (10) with respect to the direction in which the fluid flows, in which device the magnetic compass comprises a reference plane (Pr) and a magnetic indicator (12) which is mounted such that it can pivot in all three dimensions of space under the effect of the magnetic field of the valve.

Abstract: A vest sizing device including a shell member having associated therewith a plurality of rule scales and rule index members that cooperate with one another to provide a plurality of girth dimensions for a four-legged animal by longitudinal position. The shell member when configured for use defines a plurality of openings including a neck opening, an abdominal or rear opening, at least one leg opening, and an access opening.

Abstract: A gauge for aligning a saw comprising a body having a bottom surface, a centering device adapted to fit within a miter gauge slot having various sizes, a cradle located on the centering device, and wherein the body bottom surface rests on the cradle during operation. A method of aligning a saw blade or a table fence comprising the steps of locating a centering device within a miter gauge slot, locating a cradle on the centering device, locating a body having a measurement portion and a counterweight on the cradle, adjusting the measurement portion to achieve a reference point, moving the centering device, the cradle, and the body along the miter gauge slot length to a second position, and obtaining a distance from the measurement portion as the body is moved along the miter gauge slot length.

Abstract: A combination tape measure and hammer includes a tape measure having an extendible tape for measuring distances, and a hammer attached to the tape measure. The tape measure includes a housing with an outer surface and the hammer conforms to the outer surface of the housing. The outer surface of the housing is curved and an underside of the hammer is curved for conforming to the curved outer surface of the housing. The hammer includes a head and a claw extending rearwardly from the head. The outer surface of the housing has a depression formed therein that is aligned with the claw. The claw is a forked claw including a first tine and a second tine spaced from the first tine. The depression formed in the outer surface of the housing is aligned with the first and second tines.

Abstract: A drying apparatus and method including heated airflow and ultrasonic transducers. The ultrasonic transducers are arranged and operated for effectively breaking down the boundary layer to increase the heat transfer rate. The ultrasonic transducers are spaced from the material to be dried a distance of about (?)(n/4), where ? is the wavelength of the ultrasonic oscillations and n is an odd integer (i.e., 1, 3, 5, 7, etc.). In this way, the amplitude of the ultrasonic oscillations is maximized to more-effectively agitate the boundary layer. In addition, the ultrasonic transducers are operated to produce about 120-190 dB (preferably, about 160-185 dB) at the interface surface of the material to be dried. In one embodiment, the ultrasonic transducers are of a pneumatic type. In another embodiment, the ultrasonic transducers are of an electric type. And in other embodiments, infrared and/or UV light devices are included for further boundary layer disruption.

Abstract: Disclosed is the dehumidifying apparatus for a dryer comprising: a case; a drum disposed inside the case and for receiving objects to be dried therein; and a hot air supplying unit for supplying hot air into the drum and drying the objects to be dried, the dehumidifying apparatus, comprising: a plurality of dehumidifying units, thereby capable of controlling humidity of exhausted air to a required level of humidity by removing moisture contained in air exhausted from the plurality of dehumidifying units in multiple steps.

Abstract: The present invention provides a garment dryer including a heat pump device. The inventive garment dryer has an improved heat exchange efficiency without uneven airflow around a heat exchanger (a heat absorber and a radiator) of the heat pump device. A heat exchange air duct portion (22) is defined in a heat pump unit (14). A heat absorber (23) and a radiator (24) are provided as a heat exchanger in the heat exchange air duct portion (22). An upstream buffer space (33) for changing the flow direction of air to regulate the flow rate of the air is provided upstream of the heat absorber (23). A downstream buffer space (34) for regulating the flow rate of the air is provided downstream of the radiator (24). As a result, the airflow around the heat exchanger is uniformly regulated, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A combination clothes dryer and air filter. The device is adapted for reversal of airflow through a housing to allow a horizontal position and a vertical position for operation. The device is adapted for easy storage in the horizontal position.

Abstract: An improved system for processing a liquid manure and producing organic fertilizer includes equipment for separating various solid components of the liquid manure having different nitrogen to phosphorous ratios and then mixing these components so as to produce an organic fertilizer with a predetermined nitrogen to phosphorus ratio. The system includes equipment for separating solid manure components and clarified water. Solid manure components include fertilizer, fodder/bedding material, and biomass. Fertilizer and clarified water are used to fertilize and irrigate the farming soil. Fodder is used as a bedding material for the animals or as a feed source. Biomass is used as a fuel source for running farming equipment and processes that require energy.

Abstract: A laundry dryer includes a drying chamber, a process air channel having a supply air opening for drawing in process air, an exhaust air opening for expelling process air, an exhaust air channel through which process air is conducted to the exhaust air opening, and a nebulizer that distributes condensate in process air. The dryer further includes a fan in the process air channel for driving process air through the drying chamber, and a heat exchanger that extracts heat from process air flowing out from the drying chamber, supplies heat to process air flowing into the drying chamber, and separates the condensate from the process air for the nebulizer.

Abstract: The present invention provides method for reinforcing the connection between the vamp and the outsole, and includes: a vamp including a lateral vamp and a bottom vamp; a connecting medium member including a first part enclosing the lateral vamp, a second part extending perpendicularly from a lower portion of outside of the first part, a third plane extending perpendicularly from an inside of a lower portion of the first part, an outside connected to the connecting medium member and the lateral vamp. The second part includes holes whose axes are perpendicular to the bottom vamp. A material forming the outsole fills a gap between third part and the bottom vamp, and the holes.

Abstract: According to the principles of the first embodiment of the present invention, a midsole of a shoe comprising an integral midsole, an outer sole with transparent discs, a board last of tractable stiffness; a mechanical spring located within the midsole; and, an upper shoe body. The shoe being capable of providing line-of-sight viewing of the internally mounted contrivances for structural monitoring throughout the life of the shoe so as to improve durability, process of making comfort and acceptability.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sole for shoes which lodge two or more plastic blisters which can be deflated by the user with a simple rotation of a special device, obtaining every time a different inclination of the foot. This fact can be important for shoes for diabetics and for sportsmen.

Abstract: A valve for magnetorheological fluids is formed with a control duct in which the magnetic field of a magnetic device, consisting of a permanent magnet and coil, acts on the fluid. The viscosity of the fluid is directly proportional to the magnetic field strength, with the result that the flow resistance of the valve can be varied via the coil current. The respective control duct is arranged in the end-face region of the coil and runs radially with respect to the center line of the valve, with the result that high flux densities can be achieved in the control duct. A permanent magnet is arranged in the inner space of the coil and, even under currentless operating conditions, can close the valve up to a certain blocking pressure.

Abstract: A non-woven textile may be formed from a plurality of thermoplastic polymer filaments. The non-woven textile may have a first region and a second region, with the filaments of the first region being fused to a greater degree than the filaments of the second region. A variety of products, including apparel (e.g., shirts, pants, footwear), may incorporate the non-woven textile. In some of these products, the non-woven textile may be joined with another textile element to form a seam. More particularly, an edge area of the non-woven textile may be heatbonded with an edge area of the other textile element at the seam. In other products, the non-woven textile may be joined with another component, whether a textile or a non-textile.

Abstract: A shoe or sandal with a transparent plastic film visible display permanent pouch or detachable showcase, constructed to receive, retain and display interchangeable inserts. These INSERT ARRAY blanks provide for Do It Yourself heat or pressure sensitive adhesive applications, or can be Pre Customized fashion designs, both with quick and easy in and out insertion and replacement, thereby changing the appearance of said shoe or sandal to exactly match or coordinate with like color or design with a variety of fashionable ensembles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shoe with elasticity, which can be easily and conveniently put on and taken off a user's food and can always maintain the original shape thereof. The shoe with elasticity, comprising a sole serving as a bottom of a shoe, an upper combined with edges of the sole for covering a top and sides of a user's foot when a user wears the shoe, an elastic member coupled to the counter of the upper for covering the heel of the user's foot, a support, extending backward from the counter of the upper of the shoe and combined with a lower end portion of the elastic member, for supporting the heel of a user, and a fixing member having a first end fixed to one side of the upper and a second end detachably attached to the other side of the upper, for surrounding the exterior of the elastic member and fixing the user's foot in the shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a heel cushioning system is disclosed. The heel cushioning system includes a sole, a curved plate and tread members. The tread members may lift a heel portion of a sole above a ground surface. The curved plate may deflect when a force is applied to the sole.

Abstract: A shoe with a permanent magnet including a basic body having a magnetic North Pole and a magnetic South Pole and being elastically deformable solves the problem of realizing a shoe which is able to provide its wearer with information about the material properties and the condition of the shoe.

Abstract: A shoe sole and a shoe comprising such a shoe sole are described, with the shoe sole being equipped with integrated anti-slipping elements which are adjustable between an inactive position and an active position by means of a central actuation unit. This arrangement is characterized in that the anti-slipping elements, which in particular have the form of spikes, are respectively supported in individual functional units and are axially adjustable between their active and inactive positions through rotation by the central actuation unit via at least one flexible drive element.

Abstract: A shoe insert for adjusting the fit of a shoe on a person's foot, and the combination of such insert and a shoe with elements providing for removable securement of the insert within the shoe. The shoe insert may be formed from a stable, resilient, and biodegradable material such as a molded mixture of polyurethane and cork, and may be removably secured within the shoe via a cooperating slot and rail system to prevent slippage of the insert within the shoe. The shoe or insert or both may be contoured to provide a custom anatomical fit to the person's foot.

Abstract: An extensible snowplough blade comprises a fixed blade body (10), having a substantially linear conformation in a longitudinal direction and is provided, at a posterior surface (11) thereof, with means for support (12). It further comprises a raising structure (20) for defining a hinged connection between the blade body (10) and a vehicle (150). The raising structure (20) in turn comprises a frame (21) for fixing thereof to the vehicle (150) and coupling means (25) of the fixed frame (21) to the means for support (12). The extensible snowplough blade (100) further comprises a first extension (30), slidably mounted on the means for support (12) in a parallel position to the blade body (10) and destined to extend longitudinally with respect to the blade body (10) in a left-wards direction, and a second extension (40), slidably mounted on the means for support (12) in a parallel position to the blade body (10) and destined to extend longitudinally, with respect to the blade body (10), in a right-wards direction.

Abstract: A hand-held clothes steam ironing apparatus includes first and second elongated substantially rectangular arm members having an inner portion and an outer portion, a hinge mechanism rotatably connecting the two arm members at one narrow end of each such that said inner portions are substantially opposing. Imbedded in inner portions of each arm members is at least one heat plate, this heat plates containing a plurality of steam orifices distributed longitudinally along the heat plate with fluid communication between the orifices. An electrical power supply is wired in adjacent the hinge mechanism and electrically connects to the heat plates with power control capability between the two for regulating the amount of power supplied to the heat plates. Water tanks with removable caps are attached to outer portions of each of the body members, and water conduits run between each water tank and the heat plates in the corresponding arm members.

Abstract: A system iron comprises an iron and a base that has a receiving area for receiving the iron. The base comprises a fastening device for fastening the iron to the base. The fastening device includes a first engagement member and a second engagement member arranged at mutually opposite sides of the receiving area. At least one of the engagement members is displaceable in a direction away from the other engagement member and is biased towards the other engagement member. With such a fastening device, a user can safely and conveniently lock the iron to the base using just one of his hands for gripping the main grip portion of the iron.

Abstract: Greeting cards and novelties with electronic circuits having switch mechanisms operable by manipulation of a moveable component. Manipulation of the moveable component causes activation of the electronic circuit.

Abstract: An improved animal tag for application to an animal's ear which comprises a male portion that includes a flat segment and a projection segment, a female portion that includes a generally square or generally oval shaped flat segment and a raised segment with an aperture; wherein the projection segment of the male portion is adapted to be inserted through the animal's ear and into the aperture when pressure is applied thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nurse messaging system having a rotating cover, which allows the user to move informative indicia plates externally from the frame into a displayed position using a reversible locking system. The messaging sign having a base and a frame, the frame is layered to form slots on an outer surface of the sign and openings on an inner body of the frame. Plates are positioned in the openings and moveable through the slots. Each plate is automatically lockable into a displayed position using a locking member arranged on the frame, and a cover rotatably mounted to the base.

Abstract: A display box includes a bottom rail, two side rails and a top rails, wherein the bottom rail includes an interior space so as to receive a switch and a rechargeable battery unit therein. The bottom rail includes two upright plates extending from a top thereof so as to define a positioning slot between the two upright plates and an LED unit is received in the positioning slot and powered by the battery unit. The LED unit includes multiple LEDs which emit different colors toward a transparent display board is positioned in the frame. The frame can be cooperated with a stand and rotatable relative to the stand.

Abstract: A system for mounting a sign to a vehicle includes a bar connected to the vehicle. A clamp assembly includes first and second jaw members adapted to frictionally engage the bar between the first and second jaw members. At least one structural member supports the first and second jaw members. A sign assembly includes a support frame having the at least one structural member connected to the support frame. A frame member is slidably received by and releasably engaged to the support frame. A sign connected to the frame member is adapted to be positioned in each of a stowed and a deployed position.

Abstract: A bulletin for use on a mounting structure. The bulletin includes a sheet having a front surface for receiving an image and a rear surface and an outer periphery for extending around the outer surface. A strengthening strip is secured to one of the front surface and the rear surface along at least a portion of the outer periphery for inhibiting damage to the outer periphery when extending around the outer surface of the mounting structure. A billboard assembly, a method of forming a bulletin, and method of mounting a bulletin on a billboard structure are also provided.

Abstract: A poster clamp (1) comprising first and second members (3, 5), the members (3, 5) comprising first and second gripping surfaces (7), respectively, for gripping opposing sides of a poster or a like, and a poster mounting system comprising a hoarding (208) and a plurality of such clamps (1), and a wire (210) on which the clamps (1) are to be mounted for tightening a poster within the frame of the hoarding (208).

Abstract: The advertising display stand includes a planar base with two opposed mounting brackets secured on an upper surface of the base. A collapsible support post of a rectangular configuration is secured atop the base due to engagement with the brackets. The collapsible support post in a non-collapsed state includes opposed slots that receive and engage upwardly extending portions of the mounting brackets. An advertising media is provided on or supported by the support post. In one embodiment the support post is formed from stacked elements of a known segmented wall advertising system.

Abstract: A locking device for a merchandise display hook includes a housing disposed adjacent a free end of the merchandise hook and defining an interior cavity adapted for receiving an end portion of the display hook. A shuttle biased by a biasing spring secures the end portion of the display hook in a locked configuration within the interior cavity. A label holder mount is integrally formed with the housing and disposed adjacent the free end of the merchandise display hook. The label holder mount is adapted for mounting a plurality of different types of label holders on the display hook.

Abstract: A method for controlling a lifetime of a firearm including replacing a former portion of a firing mechanism of the firearm with a new portion, and constructing the new portion of the firing mechanism with a mechanical strength weaker than the former portion so that the new portion mechanically fails after significantly less rounds have been fired from the firearm than with the former portion.

Abstract: A firearm lock that is inserted through the magazine port of a suitable firearm. The firearm lock extends from the magazine port into the bolt compartment of the firearm. The lock blocks the firearm bolt from returning from a retracted position, which may prevent the firearm from being disassembled, preventing circumvention of the lock. The lock may have a projection that can be moved into the magazine release mechanism recess to secure the lock in place. The firearm lock may be unlocked by hand or may require a key or a combination.

Abstract: A sling swivel for attachment of a sling or strap to a firearm or other item. The swivel includes a body portion defining a slot for receiving the sling or strap, and a mounting pin having a fixed end attached to the body portion and a free end projecting therefrom. A handle is pivotally mounted to the body portion, and a spring is located within the handle portion to bias the handle portion toward the body portion.

Abstract: The snag-resistant fishing lure is designed to minimize the chances of the lure becoming ensnared. The lure has a jig and a blade attached to the blade in a configuration that limits the side-to-side movement of the blade, thereby preventing the jig from rolling to a hook-downward position prone to snagging. A centrally aligned hole is positioned close to the front edge of the blade member. An eyelet extending from the jig body is attached through an aperture in the blade. The blade is limited in its side-to-side movement by contact between the blade edge and either the jig body or the eyelet. The limited side-to-side movement of the blade creates a quick, controlled, oscillating blade action that imparts a natural swimming motion to the lure, emulating prey species movements.

Abstract: An adhesive rodent trap includes a base member on which an adhesive layer is deposited. A bi-stable spring member is attached to a lower surface of the base member. When a rodent ventures onto the adhesive layer, the spring snaps into a curved configuration and forces the base member into a curved state which envelopes and conceals the rodent.

Abstract: A rodent trap includes a pivotally mounted jaw which snaps to a closed position to enclose a rodent when activated by a rodent attempting to free itself from an adhesive coated removable trigger member. The trigger member and the rodent can be easily removed from the trap. The trigger member can be replaced with a new trigger member and the trap can be reset and reused.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein describe a system for producing enhanced wax alternatives. The system comprises a reactor with at least one inlet and one outlet and at least one high shear mixing device with at least one inlet and one outlet. The at least one outlet of said high shear mixing device is in fluid communication with at least one inlet of said reactor. The high shear mixing device may comprise counter rotating rotors. The high shear mixing device may also comprise at least one catalytic surface. Embodiments disclosed herein also describe a method of producing enhanced wax alternatives. The method comprises (1) providing petroleum wax and base oil; (2) mixing said petroleum wax and base oil with a hydrogen-containing gas in a high shear device to form a feedstock; and (3) hydrogenating said feedstock for a time sufficient to produce enhanced hydrogenated products.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed that enable an automatic regulation of a vanadium inhibitor in a fuel of a gas turbine. In one embodiment, the method includes obtaining an indication as to whether an additional inhibitor is required in the fuel of the gas turbine based on an amount of vanadium and an inhibitor in the fuel of the gas turbine, in response to the indication that the additional inhibitor is required, having an inhibitor control system automatically instructing an injector to inject the additional inhibitor into the fuel of the gas turbine to inhibit the vanadium.

Abstract: A fuel additive composition includes: a) a reverse-micellar composition having an aqueous disperse phase that includes cerium dioxide nanoparticles in a continuous phase that includes a hydrocarbon liquid, a surfactant, and optionally a co-surfactant and b) a reverse micellar composition having an aqueous disperse phase that includes a cetane improver effective for improving engine power during fuel combustion. A method of making a cerium-containing fuel additive includes the steps of: a) providing a mixture of a nonpolar solvent, a surfactant, and a co-surfactant; and b) combining the mixture with an aqueous suspension of stabilized cerium dioxide nanoparticles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments regarding the use of impure and/or unrefined alcohol in the production of fatty esters. Various production hosts that are capable of producing a fatty ester from an impure or unrefined alcohol are also disclosed.