Abstract: A method that includes positioning a differential assembly between a pair of journals in a differential housing, threading hollow adjusters into the journals, installing a retaining member over each of the hollow adjusters such that the retainer engages a non-circular feature on a respective one of the hollow adjusters, and pressing each of the retaining members into a counterbore formed on an assocated one of the journals such that the retaining members engage the differential housing in via an interference fit to inhibit relative rotation between the retaining members and the differential housing.

Abstract: An easily insertable and removable plug fitted to the barrel attachment hole to transform a bayonet knife into an efficient fighting knife that a Marine or Army soldier can use. This combined bayonet knife and plug within its barrel attachment hole provides for the protection afforded by standard fighting knife guards, that is, a forward guard for the thumb. When used as a fighting hand-held knife, the plug can be inserted into the barrel attachment hole from the handle side and if the bayonet needs to be placed back on the rifle, the plug can be popped out of the hole from the knife blade side of the barrel attachment.

Abstract: A blade unit (110) for a razor including a guard element (35) , first and second cap elements (36,37) on opposite sides of the guard element, a plurality of blades (32) with cutting edges (33) disposed between the guard element and the first cap element and facing towards the guard element. At least one blade with a cutting edge is disposed between the guard element and the second cap element and faces towards the guard element. The first cap element, guard element and second cap element are circumscribed by an arc of a circle (46) . A first plane (47) extends between positions at which the circumscribing arc meets a first surface (35a) on the guard element and a surface on the first cap element. A second plane (48) extends between positions at which the circumscribing arc meets a second surface (35b) on the guard element and a surface (37b) on the second cap element.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a power tool having a main body portion and at least one interchangeable cutting tool carrier. A motor and a transmission mechanism are mounted in the main body portion and the cutting tool carrier includes a cutting tool assembly which includes a connection mechanism. The transmission mechanism includes a driving device which is mounted on the driving shaft and may be coupled with the connection mechanism. The transmission mechanism also has a stationary element and a movable element, each having a magnet mounted on a surface. Due to the magnetic force, the moving element and the driving device are able to move relative to the stationary element to allow for automatic alignment of the driving device and the connection mechanism of the cutting tool elements.

Abstract: A self-loading utility knife including an elongate handle having an internal chamber defining an axis and at one end is flat aperture for the passage of an active blade. The flat aperture defines a cutting plane extending through said handle along the axis. A blade-holder is slidably mounted in the chamber for movements in directions along the axis and is adapted to secure a single active blade for movement through the aperture when the blade holder is in the extended position. A blade-holder release button is coupled to the blade holder and is slidingly movable relative to the handle to move blade holder between retracted and extended positions. The handle has a blade compartment which is open to the chamber and can receive a stack of spare blades when a cover to the compartment is opened and blades can be shifted transversely relative to the axis into the chamber.

Abstract: A hedgetrimmer having a housing, a motor located within the housing for driving a reciprocating blade for cutting vegetation. A front handle located at a front end of the housing and a rear handle located at a rear end of the housing. The rear handle having a trigger to actuate the motor, the rear handle being rotatable around a longitudinal axis of the housing. The rear handle is lockable at one of several positions so that a user can grip the two handles in the most comfortable position for the desired cutting operation.

Abstract: A shaving system comprises a bifurcated razor handle (1,90) comprising a unitary, two-shot plastics moulding having a pair of hinges (4) with elastomeric springs (11) joined by a cartridge mounting portion (30,91) which receives the bottom side of a generally flat, multi-blade cartridge (60) in fixed, snap-fit relation. The cartridge is retained in a dispenser (80) beneath a resilient leaf (84) and pressed onto the mounting portion along an engagement axis E normal to the shaving plane, the leaf being received in a recess (48) between the mounting portion and the cartridge. The cartridge is then retracted from the dispenser along a retraction axis R generally parallel with the shaving plane. The mounting portion includes digit-receiving regions (40) for pressing the mounting portion onto the cartridge, an ejection element (41,141) for disengaging the cartridge from the handle, and an elastomeric skin-engaging platform (51) arranged in advance of the shaving plane.

Abstract: An absolute position sensor with serial reading, that includes at least one detector capable of detecting transitions in a target pattern present on a member mobile relative to the detector. The sensor includes a shift register capable of storing a predetermined number of consecutive data from the detector, and a mechanism comparing the value of the register to a set of predetermined values each corresponding to a position of the detector relative to the target pattern.

Abstract: A thread ring gauge includes a body having inner and outer peripheries spaced in a radial direction. The body includes a split extending from the outer periphery through the inner periphery, separating the body into two sections respectively having first and second end faces. The first end face includes a groove extending away from the second end face in a width direction perpendicular to the radial direction. The groove extends from the outer periphery towards but spaced from the inner periphery. The groove has a bottom wall facing the second end face. An adjusting member is extended through the first and second sections and movable to adjust a width of the slit between the first and second end faces in the width direction. A gauge block is received in the groove and abuts the bottom wall of the groove and the second end face.

Abstract: A bow sight is comprised of a pin guard that defines a sight window. At least one sight pin is coupled to the pin guard for providing a sight point within the sight window. A translucent member impregnated with high visibility colorant is coupled to the pin guard to provide a sight window outlined by high visibility material for better sight acquisition in low light conditions.

Abstract: An embodiment is an articulating straight-edge apparatus having an asymmetrical hub with a lobe having a flat edge. The hub has a bearing hole, an axel, a circular side with recesses which provide stopping at pre-set angles. There is a secant slotted channel through the lobe. The floor of the channel has depressions that provide stopping for translational shift. A connecting block is covered with a back and front plate. The block has an angle positioning SLD. The SLD impinges recesses as the hub is rotated. Additionally, there is a translational shift mechanism which includes a sliding rail in the channel. The rail has a SLD aligned to impinge a depression as the rail moves through the channel, therein stopping at a depression. Attached to the siding rail is a straight-edge element. The straight-edge serves as a carpenter's square, and can be adjusted angularly and translationally with manual force.

Abstract: A try square with a blade extending perpendicularly from the stock and a pivotal tab housed at the end of the stock opposite the blade, the purpose of the tab being to lie within the stock when the square is put against surfaces to check if they lie at 90° and to project from the stock and lie coplanar with the blade during scribing. The projecting tab supports the stock during this operation.

Abstract: A measuring device includes at least three elongate sides, each side having first and second ends and a pair of outer edges extending therebetween. Each side includes a channel extending between the first and second ends at each outer edge. The measuring device includes a plurality of strips, the quantity of strips being at least as great as the quantity of all the channels. Each strip includes scaled indicia that is different from scaled indicia of every other strip. A respective strip is removably positioned in each of the channels such that each side has two of the strips offset 180 degrees away from each other. Each side is transparent to allow the scaled indicia of the strips in the channels to be viewed.

Abstract: A method of aligning arm reference systems of a multiple-arm measuring machine having at least two measuring units, each having a movable arm; the method including the steps of aligning the reference systems of the measuring units when setting up the machine, and periodically updating alignment of the reference systems by detecting, by means of one measuring unit, a reference member carried by another measuring unit and moved successively by the other measuring unit into a number of positions at an intersection of the measuring volumes of the two measuring units.

Abstract: A portable coordinate measuring machine (PCMM) can have one or more rotatable grip assemblies to provide a locations for an operator to grasp the PCMM. A rotatable grip assembly can include a rotatable sleeve, a grip portion disposed over the sleeve, and one or more retaining rings to prevent the rotatable grip from axially sliding along one or more members of an articulated arm PCMM. A PCMM can include two rotatable grips to allow an operator to grasp the PCMM with both hands for positioning and repositioning operations. One rotatable grip can be positioned on an arm member most distant the PCMM base, and another rotatable grip can be positioned on a housing at least partially encasing an articulating joint assembly coupled to the arm member most distant the PCMM base. Other numbers of and locations of rotatable grip assemblies can be used in PCMMs.

Abstract: An exhaust air dryer having a housing that encloses an inner space, wherein the following structures are arranged in the inner space: a drying chamber for items to be dried; a supply air duct between a first supply air inlet and the drying chamber to supply air; a heater to heat the supply air in the supply air duct; a fan to guide heated supply air through the drying chamber; and an exhaust air duct arranged between the drying chamber and an exhaust air outlet on the housing to exhaust air. The fan is a dual-flow fan having a first flow path and a second flow path, wherein the first flow path is arranged in the exhaust air duct and the second flow path is arranged in the supply air duct.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a water removing roller device for removing excess water from the hide of a cattle, which uses pliable urethane roller stacks that can be attached by an arm structure. The roller structure can be mounted on a hinge to an arm thereby allowing the structure to swivel. The arm can be attached to a stationery device with a hinge, which is also allowed to swivel. A tension device, for example, a spring or a hydraulic cylinder can be attached to the back of the arm and connected to the stationery device to provide enough tension on the structure to keep the rollers in contact with the cattle hide, thereby pressing out the water allowing it to run off prior the blood plasma saving section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe provided with an outsole including an anti-distorting portion formed to extend from a rear portion to a front portion of the outsole to prevent the shoe from distorting, a shock-absorbing portion disposed at the rear portion of the outsole to absorb the external force applied to the heel portion of the wearer's foot when landing, and an elasticity-enhancing portion disposed at the front portion of the outsole in order to supplement actuating force using elastic force when leaving the ground. The shoe is advantageous in that it is possible to prevent the shoe from distorting while actions of landing and leaving the ground are repeated, to decrease the shock of the maximum load applied to the heel portion of the wearer's foot, and to supplement the actuating force with elastic recovery force when advancing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the ability of a human to run and jump with comfort comparable to running barefoot on a trampoline and with control comparable to that of the unaided human form, yet with freedom from ankle-turning roll moments associated with substantial ground contact member (GCM) extension downwardly away from the sole of the foot including, a resiliently urged GCM constrained to two degrees of freedom: translation away from the sole of the user's foot and rotation about a longitudinal axis at ground level. The apparatus relates flexure of a GCM toe pressure member to comparable flexure of user's toes at the metatarsal joints. The apparatus also incorporates lower leg to ankle pivot bracing, and extends the GCM in downward direction parallel to the lower leg while mimicking user ankle articulation with parallelism-maintaining rotation about a downwardly resiliently urged transverse pivot axis similar to the user's own ankle joint for extended travel.

Abstract: Articles of footwear having support structures are disclosed. An article of footwear comprises: a midsole having a plurality of cavities formed therein; and a flexible cage member disposed on the midsole and extending across at least one of the plurality of cavities. The flexible cage member includes a plurality of support arms disposed on the midsole; and a linking member extending across at least one of the cavities and connecting at least two of the support arms.

Abstract: Shoes and shoe sole assemblies and associated methods of manufacture are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a shoe and shoe sole assembly made of a non-linearly viscous, SEBS block copolymer-based material that becomes more resilient as more energy is applied. The shoe and shoe sole assembly is configured with a heel and forefoot insert configured to fit within a recess in a midsole. In other embodiments, the non-linearly viscous, SEBS block copolymer-based material is mixed with at least one other polymer in a foam. The midsole is formed with a heel impact region and a forefoot region made of the foam.

Abstract: A foldable sandal includes a forefoot portion that is adapted to be disposed under a front portion of a wearer's foot, a rear-foot portion that is adapted to be disposed under a rear portion of the wearer's foot, and a folding member outsole that functions as the folding member and the bottom layer of the sandal. The folding member is operatively coupled to both the forefoot portion and the rear-foot portion wherein the folding member is adapted to enable the foldable sandal to be selectively moved between an open configuration suitable for wearing and a folded configuration suitable for storage. The sandal may also have a retaining member fastened to the folding member outsole or the forefoot portion and/or the rear-foot portion to hold the sandal on the wearer's foot.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear is disclosed. The sole structure includes an outsole and a midsole. The outsole includes a tread pattern with a nonlinear configuration. A plurality of sipes are provided on the outsole and the midsole. The plurality of sipes have a nonlinear configuration that is substantially similar to the nonlinear configuration of the tread pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe adapted for the practice of classical dance and particularly intended for dancers in dancing schools or professional dancers for performing pointes, that comprises a sole generally made of leather to which is attached a fitting upper (2), particularly made of satin, as well as a tip made of a hard shell or box (4) that surrounds the toes and has an extension in the form of a stiffening shank (5) at the lower portion of the foot, characterised in that the shank (5) is formed on the lower surface thereof with at least two transverse cuts (7) approximately at mid-depth for ensuring its rigidity in one direction and for imparting to the shoe a certain degree of flexibility in the opposite direction.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter is directed to a sole unit for an item of footwear having a forefoot region, a midfoot region and a rearfoot region. The mid foot region includes a balancing structure having a curved surface profile that rotates around (i) an axis for fore-aft pivoting or balancing and/or (ii) an axis for lateral-medial pivoting or balancing, when the item of footwear is under a normal load of a user.

Abstract: A dowelled top lift assembly for a shoe heel including an anchor member affixed or molded to a dowel pin member and a top lift member for contacting the walking surface affixed, molded to and encapsulating the anchor member. The anchor member is made of a harder material as compared to the top lift member, the anchor member being made of a hard thermoplastic material and the top lift member being made of a softer thermoplastic material such as a thermoset polyurethane elastomer or a softer thermoplastic polyurethane. The anchor member may include one or more ridges for cooperatively engaging grooves associated with the head portion of the dowel pin member.

Abstract: Snowblowers and related methods are disclosed wherein a snowblower can include a snowblower housing, an auger connected to the housing, at least one wheel attached to the housing, and a machine control component. The machine control component can be movable to selectively control the movement of the wheels relative to the housing between a first position and a second position. In particular, the machine control component can be movable to a disengaged position, in which the at least one wheel is positioned in the first position and the auger is raised above a ground surface. The machine control component can further be moved to an engaged position, in which the at least one wheel is positioned in the second position and the auger is operatively engaged with the ground surface.

Abstract: An electrically-powered, dynamic light-emitting gift artifact is disclosed having a light emitting component adapted switchably to emit light between two or more different colors, and a translucent substrate window on which two or more superimposed layers of artwork are disposed. The light emitting component is located for projection through the translucent substrate, and the visibility of each layer of artwork in the window changes responsive to emissions by the light emitting component.

Abstract: A clamping piece structure includes a one-piece clamping piece body (10). The body (10) includes a first folding piece portion (11), a second folding piece portion (12), a third folding piece portion (13), and a connecting piece portion (14). A first bending portion (15) is provided at a central section of an edge of the first folding piece portion (11) for interconnection with the connecting piece portion (14). A second bending portion (16) is provided at the other edge of the first folding piece portion (11) for interconnection with the second folding piece portion (12). A third bending portion (17) is provided at an edge of the second folding piece portion (12) for interconnection with the third folding piece portion (13). An engagement section (141) is provided at an outer edge of the connecting piece portion (14). An opening (121) is formed in a central section of the second folding piece portion (12). The connecting piece portion (14) is insertable through the opening (121).

Abstract: A solar-powered lighting system includes a substrate, wherein at least one solar chip is disposed on one lateral side of the substrate, and at least one light source is disposed on one lateral side of the substrate. Solar light enters the substrate and propagates therein. Solar light energy is collected by the at least one solar chip which transforms the solar light energy into electrical power for the at least one light source to emit light to the substrate, before propagating therein and leaving the substrate.

Abstract: A process for preparing an advertisement comprising printing an ink onto an ink receptive substrate, wherein the ink receptive substrate comprises a transparent or translucent support layer and a porous layer comprising polymerised monomers at least 30wt % of which monomers are alkylene glycol diacrylate(s) having an Mw below 500.

Abstract: The present invention provides a display board comprising two flexible planar members joined together along an upper edge. The planar members are extendable between a first position for transport and storage where their lower edges are adjacent and a second position where their lower edges are spaced apart and the flexible planar members are curved. The display board can be used to display posters and other printed matter. It is lightweight and very stable even in the presence of strong winds.

Abstract: A printer processible wristband has a cinch slot at one end and an imaging area at another, connected with a strap therebetween. The imaging area is shaped like a shovel and the cinch slot is shaped like a “D” and sized so that the imaging area interference fits through the cinch slot to thereby join the wristband about the wrist. The imaging area may have one of its ends adhered to the strap to clamp it in place and further secure the wristband or it may be left loose to act as a hang tag. Alternate embodiments are disclosed including providing a self adhering label to attach to the imaging area, providing a layer of laminate to laminate the printed information or label, providing a second imaging area along with a second strap, and providing a snap closure to further attach the wristband.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method, system and computer program product that monitors usage for man carried weapon systems; specifically a device to monitor ammunition level and weapon discharges through real time data collection, analysis and real time visual feedback to the operator. An ammunition level detecting system mounted on a projectile weapon comprising: A level measurement unit (LMU) and a Reader and Visualization Unit (RVU) and a PC Dongle which configured to facilitate communication between the RVU and a personal computer (PC), enabling management of the RVU configuration and offloading of sensor obtained and system determined data values.

Abstract: A damping device is disclosed which dampens movement of a weapon on an axis which is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the weapon.

Abstract: Shoulder fire arm comprising a frame a barrel and a stock for holding the weapon against the shoulder and or the cheek of the gunman wherein the stock is formed of a body and a recoil pad at the end of this body, the recoil pad being connected to the body of the stock by means of a shock absorber and the absorber is placed in such a way that during the shot the stock moves down from the shoulder and cheek of the gunman.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing the barrel of an underwater gun between firings is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an adapter that attaches to the barrel and includes a physical adaptation that is capable of sealing the barrel. In some embodiments, the physical adaptation is actuated to un-seal the barrel via combustion gases from firing of a round.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing the barrel of an underwater gun between firings is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a magnetically-attractable water-impermeable disk. Via operation of a drive system, the disk is movable between a sealing position, wherein it prevents water from entering the barrel by moving into alignment with the first bore, and a firing position, wherein the first water-impermeable disk moves out of alignment with the first bore.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing the barrel of an underwater gun between firings is disclosed. The apparatus clears the barrel and/or prevents water from entering the barrel based on pressure variations.

Abstract: An improved firearm including a non-detachable, pivoting magazine is disclosed. The magazine is pivotally attached at its rear end to a sliding arm. The sliding arm is slidably retained within the magazine well of the firearm. The sliding arm is configured to move upwardly and downwardly within the track to allow the magazine to be raised into and lowered out of the magazine well. When the magazine is lowered out of the magazine well, the magazine can be pivoted about its pivotal connection with the sliding arm such that a front end portion of the magazine pivots downwardly and rearwardly to allow ammunition cartridges to be loaded into and unloaded from the magazine.

Abstract: A muzzle loading firearm with a break-open action includes a rear stock assembly and a barrel assembly. The barrel assembly includes an elongate barrel, having a bore with muzzle and breech ends, and a breech plug removably connected the breech end of the barrel, which encloses a chamber at the rear of the bore. The barrel assembly is pivotally attached to the rear stock assembly, and is movable with respect to the stock assembly between an open position in which the breech end is accessible for service, and a closed position in which the breech end is inaccessible and secured for discharge. A lever arm, optionally configured to serve as the firearm trigger guard, is user actuated for moving the action between the open and closed positions. The breech plug is configured for rapid removal from the barrel by hand when the action is open.

Abstract: Several improvements to the components and assembly method of a bolt-action firearm are disclosed. An improved bolt includes two separate members, which makes the bolt less expensive to manufacture while having a stronger extension handle. An improved takedown system and buttonless stop provide two easy ways to remove a bolt from a receiver when desired without misplacing any parts. An improved scope mount has a base connected to a receiver with two ends that substantially cover the top surface of the receiver and a middle portion that is narrowed over an opening to the receiver to accommodate a cartridge. A method of assembling a firearm involves providing a barrel with a threaded portion, fitting a crush washer over the threaded portion, inserting the threaded portion into a corresponding threaded portion of a receiver, and adjusting the barrel about the crush washer until a proper headspace is achieved.

Abstract: A bolt for a firearm is described that can be used to chamber, extract, and/or eject different cartridges that have different outside rim diameters. In one embodiment, the bolt includes a bolt head that is configured to engage the rearward end of a plurality of different cartridges. The bolt may include an extractor that is configured to engage the rims of the plurality of cartridges and/or an ejector that is configured to bias the cartridge case out of an ejection port of the firearm.

Abstract: A slide catch-ejector assembly for an autoloading firearm. An embodiment of a firearm having a slide catch-ejector assembly includes a housing, a slide slidably mounted on the housing for rearward and forward axial movement, and an assembly having a slide catch portion configured for engaging the slide and an ejector portion configured for ejecting cartridge casings from the firearm. In one embodiment, the assembly is selectively movable in the housing between a deactivated position in which the slide catch portion is not engageable with the slide and an activated position in which the slide catch portion is engageable with the slide. The ejector portion is selectively movable into and out of axial alignment with a chamber that receives a cartridge via moving the assembly between the deactivated and activated positions.

Abstract: An ambidextrous magazine release for a firearm is provided for a firearm having a magazine well configured to operatively receive a magazine having a side-locking recess received within the well. The ambidextrous magazine release comprises a linkage moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position having a lock pin configured to be received in a side-locking recess of a magazine operatively received in the magazine well with the linkage in the engaged position and to clear the side-locking recess with the linkage in the disengaged position. An actuator is provided on the firearm comprising a bar having a opposing push surfaces extending between a right and left side of the firearm. An interface is provided between the linkage and actuator with the interface being configured so that as either of the opposing push surfaces of the bar is pushed by a user, the linkage is moved between the engaged and the disengaged position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to rifle magazines, and more particularly to an improved detachable magazine for a rifle. The improved magazine has an outer case with an open top end, a bottom end, and an internal cavity. The magazine also includes a follower that moves within the internal cavity. The follower guides ammunition cartridges toward feed lips at the top of the magazine, where the cartridges are loaded into the rifle. The follower includes one or more openings or slots formed through the top surface of the follower. The slots enable debris or dirt inside the magazine to fall out when the magazine is being cleaned. Water can be sprayed into the magazine through the slots in the follower, and dirt or debris can be flushed out to clean the magazine without disassembly.

Abstract: A striker assembly for a firearm and a method of assembly the striker assembly is disclosed. The striker assembly includes a generally cylindrical body having a first distal end, a middle portion, and a second distal end. A coaxial spring encompasses the middle portion of the body and abuts an annular ring on the first distal end. The striker assembly also has a spacer having a first side and a second side with the first side of the spacer abutting a ridge on the second distal end of the body. A snap ring holds the spacer in place on the spacer's second side, and the snap ring is secured by a circumferential groove in the second distal end of the body. Finally, the striker assembly includes a cap that abuts the coaxial spring and encompasses the second distal end of the body, the spacer, and the snap ring.

Abstract: A dual stage trigger assembly for a firearm. The trigger assembly comprises a spring loaded lightweight hammer, a spring loaded trigger, a spring loaded disconnector, a spring follower for the disconnector spring and two adjustment screws that allow the user the ability to adjust the sear face of the trigger that is engaged with the hammer in the cocked position and adjust the force imparted to the disconnector by the disconnector spring.

Abstract: A weapon conditionally activates a cartridge. The cartridge has a projectile and a first mechanical feature. The weapon includes an activator and a station. The activator includes a second mechanical feature. The station positions the cartridge so that the first feature opposes the second feature. On condition that the first feature does not mechanically interfere with the second feature, the activator activates the cartridge to launch the projectile from the cartridge. On condition that the first feature mechanically interferes with the second feature resulting in an excess head space, the activator is inhibited by the excess head space from activating the cartridge.

Abstract: The device is an attachment for pistols for extending the rear of the grip or handle of the pistol, so that a user's hand or hands are not able to come into contact with the bottom of the slide of the handgun.