Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a knife with a hook portion. In one aspect, a utility knife is provided. The utility knife includes a handle having a first end with an opening and a second end with a hook portion. The utility knife further includes a blade and a blade holder disposed in the handle. The blade holder is configured to hold the blade, wherein the blade holder is movable relative to the handle between an extended position where a cutting edge of the blade extends through the opening of the handle and a retracted position where the cutting edge of the blade is disposed in the handle. In another aspect, a method of operating a utility knife is provided.

Abstract: Ergonomic shears according to the present disclosure provides variations in finger relief and thumb alignment to accommodate variations in human physiology and an aligning finger handle that aligns the users fingers into a minimum stress position relative to each other and to the thumb. The thumb apparatus provides three degrees of adjustability to optimize the ergonomics and enable the shears to be used in conventional alignment for cutting away from the user and alternate alignment for cutting toward the user.

Abstract: Scissors for cutting thermoformed plastic packages, or similar packages, have lever members including a handle portion, a offset portion and a cutting portion. The cutting potion includes cooperating blades of approximately 2.5 inches, with one of the blades having a pointed tip for piercing the packaging material. The offset portion keeps the user's hand at least 1.5 to 2 inches above a cutting plane, such that the cut material, which has sharp edges, does not scratch or cut the user's hand.

Abstract: A garden scissors comprises a first handle and a second handle respectively having a first blade and a second blade at front ends thereof, wherein the first blade has a positioning slot; a torsion spring arranged between the first handle and the first blade with one end thereof fixedly installed in the first handle and another end thereof passing through the positioning slot and the second blade and fixedly installed in the second handle; a pin track formed on the second handle; a rotary switch device connecting with the second handle; a pin block passing through the second handle to connect with the rotary switch device and driven by the rotary switch device to move in the pin track; and a screw passing through the second handle, the second blade, the first blade, the torsion spring and the first handle to connect with a nut to form a garden scissors.

Abstract: A brush cutter is provided with fixing pieces projecting outward and opposing each other substantially at a middle position of a slit stretching between both ends of a clamp member. Accordingly, an outer pipe is clamped in the middle of an attachment housing and apart from an axial center of the outer pipe, so that a size of the attachment housing in an axial direction can be reduced and stress concentration on the outer pipe can be avoided.

Abstract: Safety cutting blades and utility knives having such blades are presented. Safety cutting blades include safety features that protect users from contacting a cutting edge. Preferred blades comprise a stem and a cross bar that orthogonally intersects with the stem. One or more cutting edges can be disposed within a notch made into an edge of the blade. Safety features can include safety guards located at one or more ends of the cross bar where the safety guards cooperate with the stem of the blade to form the notches. The notches can be sized and dimensioned to reduce a risk of a body part from contacting a cutting edge.

Abstract: A chainsaw has a cam lever and cam assembly that can be used to adjust the tension of a guide bar in the chainsaw. Once the tension of the guide bar has been lessened, the guide bar can be moved back and forth by using a chain-tightening knob and tightening mechanism. The movement of the guide bar causes the chain to tighten or loosen on the guide bar.

Abstract: A leveling and plumbing device that incorporates: a frame, a body pendulously mounted relative to the frame, a laser module fixed relative to the body so as to be mounted for movement with the body, a beam divider, fixed relative to the laser module as to be mounted for movement with the body, that receive the green light emitted from the crystal and divides the light into at least two beams, including a first beam and a second beam, and first and second line lens, fixed relative to the laser module so as to be mounted for movement with the body, disposed in the path of the first and second beam respectively.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved foot type and plantar pressure measuring structure which is comprised of a meshed pad, a semi-transparent thin film, a color pad, and a pad with resilient protrusions. These four layers are stacked in the order described. When a patient stands still on top of the structure for a few seconds and then steps off, the patient's foot type and plantar pressure is shown by color pattern displayed. Colored areas generated come from the direct stick-on contact between the thin film and the color pad with the interaction with the pad with resilient protrusions. The location of contact color, size of contact color and tone of contact color displayed from this device can be used to determine foot type and plantar pressure distribution. This invention provides a low cost and easy to operate system without the need of any paper, ink, or electricity for the measurement of foot type and plantar pressure distribution.

Abstract: A roundness measuring apparatus includes a stylus stocker and a controller. The stylus stocker stores plural types of styli prepared corresponding to shapes of measurement sites of a measurement target object. The stylus stocker can store styli in such a manner that each stylus can be held thereon and taken out thereof. The stylus stocker is provided outside a measurement region, which is determined on the basis of the operation range of a turntable and a detector driving mechanism. The detector driving mechanism can move the detector to the outside of the measurement region. When a measurement command is given, the controller carries out roundness measurement of the object while controlling the turntable and the detector driving mechanism. When a stylus replacement command is given, the controller carries out stylus replacement operation between a detector main unit and the stylus stocker while controlling the detector driving mechanism.

Abstract: A new and improved tape rule that increases stiffness and standout length over standard tape rules is disclosed. The tape rule includes a primary rule and a secondary rule, the secondary rule providing increased strength. This invention can provide a variety of benefits, including increased blade flexibility while performing short extension related tasks, increased standout and reduced sag while performing tasks requiring longer extensions, reduced size and weight for tasks requiring the longest extensions and adds the ability to utilize alternate measurement methods or units and built in computational references.

Abstract: In addition to other aspects disclosed, a caliper is configured to measure at least one physical dimension. The caliper has a display configured to present a first representation and a second representation of a measurement provided by the caliper. The format of the first representation is different from the format of the second representation, and the first representation is approximately simultaneously displayed with the second representation.

Abstract: A detection device for detecting a distance between centers of two through holes includes a support member, a base member, and a measurement member. The base member and the measurement member are set on opposite ends of the support member. The base member is operable to enter one of the through holes. A distance between a center of the base member and a center of the measurement member is equal to a normal distance between centers of the two through holes. If an actual distance between the centers of the two through holes meets a determined specification, the measurement member will enter the other through hole. If the actual distance between the centers of the two through holes does not meet the determined specification, the measurement member cannot enter the other through hole.

Abstract: A dryer having a drying chamber for items to be dried; a process air guide; a fan to deliver an air stream in the process air guide; and a heat pump that has a heat sink and a heat source; wherein the heat sink and the heat source are arranged in the process air guide; and wherein the fan has double pipes.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a nail gel solidification apparatus including a housing, a control circuit board, a plurality of reflecting lamp holders, a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) elements and a power supply module. By replacing the traditional lamp with the LED elements of the reflecting lamp holders, the invention provides longer using life and lower power consumption and reduces the solidification time for nail gels.

Abstract: A system of drying a surface of a substrate is provided. The system includes a rotary support for supporting a substrate; and an assembly comprising a first dispenser, a second dispenser, and a third dispenser, the assembly positioned above the surface of the substrate, the second and third dispensers positioned on the assembly adjacent to and in contact with one another and spaced from the first dispenser, the second dispenser having an opening that is larger than an opening of the third dispenser, and the second dispenser being located between the first and third dispensers; and means for translating the assembly generally parallel to the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided, including one or more drug patches (20) and a surface (22) configured to hold the one or more drug patches. A housing (24) is shaped to define one or more gas inflow openings (30) that are configured to facilitate drying of the patches by directing a flow of a gas toward the patches, a midline of the flow being at an angle of less than 20 degrees from a normal to the surface. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method for drying sludge comprising the following steps: (a) Dry dehydrated sludge to obtain a carrier for drying sludge (6); (b) Transport the carrier for drying sludge (6) and dehydrated sludge to be dried (1) to a stirring and mixing apparatus (2) for stirring and mixing and thereby obtain mixed sludge; (c) Transport the mixed sludge (3) to a drying apparatus (4) for drying; (d) Repeat steps (b) and (c); characterized in that in said step (d) a portion of the mixed sludge (3) obtained from the stirring and mixing apparatus (2) which is in an amount determined by amount of sludge carrier (6) required for drying is extracted and transported to the drying apparatus (4) for drying and the rest of the mixed sludge is discharged as final product (7).

Abstract: A fabric treatment composition is provided. The fabric treatment composition includes a fabric treatment agent and a carrier component for containing the fabric treatment agent in a solid form during operation conditions in a dryer. The fabric treatment composition is constructed for transferring the composition to wet fabric as a result of solubilizing the fabric treatment composition by contacting the fabric treatment composition with the wet fabric during a drying operation in a dryer. A method for treating fabric is provided.

Abstract: A method for drying a work piece is provided. The method includes raising a plurality of submerged workpieces supported on a first transition arm partially above a fluid/air interface and capturing the plurality of partially submerged workpieces during the raising by a second transition arm located above the fluid/air interface. A system for drying a workpiece is also included.

Abstract: A midsole for a running shoe is described, which shoe comprises a rear foot area (150) with a bottom heel portion (20) and an upper heel portion (142). The upper heel portion (142) is moulded in one piece with the bottom heel portion and extended vertically to cover the tuberosity (68) of the calcaneus (69). According to the invention, the upper heel portion (142) is asymmetric about a vertical axis (B-B) dividing the midsole (1) into two halves wherein the area of midsole material supporting the heel on the medial side (143) of the upper heel portion (142) is larger than the supporting area of the midsole material on the lateral side (151) of the upper heel portion. This design stabilizes the foot during motion, and contributes to lowering the risk of injury during running.

Abstract: A method for treating an item which, in use, is subjected to flexing, to reduce its susceptibility to water penetration over time during use, said method comprising forming a water repellent coating or surface modification on the surface of the item by ionisation or activation technology.

Abstract: An article of footwear including different cleat sizes is disclosed. The article of footwear includes cleats of a first size along the medial side of the outsole and cleats of a second size along the lateral side of the outsole. The cleats also include spherical indentations along their tips. The outsole also includes an internal structural plate with notches associated with the cleats.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to articles of manufacture having at least a portion prepared using recycled material, including but not limited recycled rubber or other polymeric materials. The articles may incorporate the recycled materials in a granulated form. In specific embodiments, the article comprises an article of footwear (i.e., a shoe). Particularly, all or part of the shoe sole may be formed using the granulated material, the granules specifically being joined together using a binder material, such as a polyurethane, preferably a moisture cure, single component polyurethane binder. The invention further provides methods of preparing articles formed of granulated materials. The inventive methods are characterized by their excellent economic benefits, ease of use, and environmental benefits.

Abstract: An article of footwear is provided and includes an outsole structure having a forefoot portion, a heel portion, and a midfoot portion disposed between the forefoot portion and the heel portion. The midfoot portion includes a series of ribs cooperating to define a series of pockets disposed between the forefoot portion and the heel portion. The plurality of pockets include a smaller volume proximate to a longitudinal axis extending through a center of the outsole structure and a greater volume proximate to an outboard, lateral edge and an outboard, medial edge of the article of footwear.

Abstract: A shoe sole (7) consisting of a midsole (1) and an outsole (3) consisting of discrete outsole elements. The midsole (1) has on the side facing the outsole a multiple of flex grooves (27, 29, 34, 51, 53, 55, 57, 63) crossing each other and creating pads (26, 28, 30, 33, 35, 50, 52, 54, 56) in the midsole. A curved forefoot flex groove (63) emanates from the medial side (21) of the arch (48) and essentially follows a path over one or more of the cuneiform bones (72, 73, 74) and continues between the third (83) and fourth (82) metatarsal phalanges, over the third (77) proximal phalange and continues between the first (85) and second (84) metatarsal phalanges in a direction towards the heel. Both the outsole elements and the pads are arranged to follow an essentially spiral curve (64) around the curved forefoot flex groove. The sole reduces the risk of injury during running, and gives the foot increased compensation possibilities for correcting imbalances especially after heel strike.

Abstract: A soft top lift member for a shoe heel wherein the top lift member is made by mixing a filler carbon material with a thermoplastic elastomer to form a filled elastomer. The filled elastomer is then formed into a top lift member for a shoe heel by using an injection molding process. The top lift member is then attached to a shoe heel. The thermoplastic elastomer can be a relatively soft thermoplastic polyurethane material and the carbon material can be a carbon powder. The filler or carbon powder is provided to enhance abrasion resistance properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a traction device for a terrain engaging element. The traction device defines a stud having a head portion and a shank portion extending from the head portion and adapted to be secured into the terrain engaging element. A plurality of carbide pellets are bonded together on and to surfaces of the head. The carbide pellets are provided in multiple layers extending across the head surface. The carbide pellets are provided in a stacked relationship to each other so that during use the carbide pellets are capable of being individually dislodged to reveal a carbide pellet of an underlying layer.

Abstract: A railroad ballast removal system capable of removing ballast material from below a rail line. The railroad ballast removal system includes at least one rotary cutting wheel having a plurality of individually replaceable cutting attachments positioned about a perimeter of the rotary cutting wheel. Each rotary cutting wheel is attached to an articulated arm capable of adjusting the position of the rotary cutting wheel along varying axis. The articulated arm is mounted to a support structure capable of transporting the rotary cutting wheel to a portion of railway requiring maintenance of the ballast material. The railroad ballast removal system is able to operate at a spot location or in a continuous manner down a length of railroad track. The ability to manipulate the rotary cutting wheel along the various axis allows the rotary cutting wheel to be used for ballast removal in locations wherein adjacent railways limit cutting access.

Abstract: A method for configuring a shellfish dredge is described. In an embodiment of the invention, a bag on a shellfish dredge has a front side and a back side and is attached to a tow. The front side of the bag has a pair of end peaks, one or more central peaks and an open area for catching shellfish. The end peaks are attached to the tow and the central peaks are attached to vertical chains connected to the tow. The bag is of a depth to catch and contain shellfish.

Abstract: A layered assembly is provided including a base layer and a top layer. A pouch area is located between the base layer and the top layer and is created by affixing the base layer to the top layer. An opening is provided within a perimeter of the base layer to provide access to the pouch area through the base layer. An item can be loaded into the pouch area. Once the layered assembly is affixed to a substrate, the opening of the base layer is sealed off from access. A peel-away portion is located within a perimeter of the top layer such that removal of a portion of the top layer along the peel-away portion provides access to the pouch area through the top layer. Removal of the peel-away portion reveals the item that is secured within the layered assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to sending greeting cards and more particularly to greeting cards with references to religious verse that is to be looked up by the card's recipient.

Abstract: A postcard includes: a front postcard panel having first and second surfaces, the first surface having a stamp, address, and message-writing regions; and a rear postcard panel attached to the second surface of the front postcard panel and including at least one stand cutout that is releasably adhered to the second surface of the front postcard panel and that is detachable from the remainder of the rear postcard panel and the second surface of the front postcard panel.

Abstract: A film plate for an airbag cover is provided. The film plate is pre-formed by deep-drawing or embossing and is directly without reinforcing elements attachable to the airbag cover by mechanical connecting elements. The airbag cover has at the location of the film plate at least a partial support for the film plate and the film plate has an embossed structure on its lower side, which is visible on the upper side.

Abstract: An adapter (1) with at least one electronic component (2) for mounting in a hole (3) extending through or partly through a composite board (4), which includes at least two layers (5) of electrically conducting material that are separated by at least one insulator (6) of electrically insulating material, the adapter (1) including one or more legs (7) adapted for by mounting in the hole (2) to establish electric connection with a first layer (8), and where the at least one component (2) is fitted on a metal item (9) which has a contact surface, and that the contact surface is in electrically and thermally conducting connecting with a contact surface on a second layer (10) when the adapter (1) is mounted in the hole (3).

Abstract: A display apparatus for a medallion in the form of a motorcycle engine timing cover with an integral recess for receiving and retaining the medallion for display on the motorcycle. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a round timing cover member of the same general size and configuration as the stock timing cover for the motorcycle engine to be modified, and includes a plurality of screw holes arrayed around the periphery of the timing cover to correspond to the original screw holes in the engine. A center aperture in the timing cover member enables access to a medallion retained in the cover from the back side of the cover, when the cover is not installed on the motorcycle. The integral recess in the cover preferably comprises a shallow counterbore in the center of the front surface of the timing cover, coaxial with the center aperture. The recess may be defined by a circumferential ridge on the front surface of the cover, or as a counterbore into the front surface of the cover.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle-display with a carrier-layer.

Abstract: At least two upright subassemblies, each with a base, radial positioning members; an outer tubular member, an inner tubular member slidably received in the outer tubular member; a plunger for selective engagement with aperture(s) in the outer tubular member, upper and lower horizontal bars secured to the radial positioning members, and a flexible display secured to each set of upper and lower horizontal bars, the radial positioning members for selective positioning between selected convex, concave, in-line and right angle positions.

Abstract: A label assembly comprising a plurality of labels on a carrier sheet wherein the carrier sheet has a bisector line and a perimeter line as follows: (1) the bisector line extends from a first edge of the carrier sheet to the opposing edge of the carrier sheet dividing the carrier sheet into substantially symmetric halves; and (2) a perimeter line that is closed upon itself and intersects the bisector line at two locations, dividing the carrier sheet into a frame portion and an array portion. The bisector line and the perimeter line divide the array portion into two backing segments. Also a method using such label assembly comprising folding the assembly along the bisector line and separating the frame portion of the carrier sheet from the array portion of the carrier sheet along the perimeter line.

Abstract: A magazine for shotgun shells for use with a shotgun including an open frame housing having a generally flat front and a generally flat rear portion connected and separated by spacers. The flat front and flat rear portions each include an annular groove, the annular groove forming an annular path along which the shells travel. A rotatably mounted cog wheel for carrying the shells along the annular path and a coil spring for rotating the cog wheel such that shells can be manually loaded into the magazine against a force generated against the spring and automatically dispensed by the spring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to device and method for guiding or herding aquatic animals, where a light source is used to herd and direct the animals into an enclosure. Light source (9), operational with physical barrier or enclosure (2) is used to project light (3) in waters forming visible shapes in the scattering of the light through the waters. The light source can be remotely controlled based on the movement or the location of the animal (4). The animals react to the scattered light as a physical barrier or an animal and can be directed or lured into the enclosure (2).

Abstract: A fishing lure (10) engages the senses of predatory fish, ie smell by the emission of fish oil from a compartment (74, FIG. 7), movement of the tail portion (18, FIG. 2), the colour of LED eyes (92, FIG. 3) and changeable rubber casings (16, 18, FIG. 2). Hooks (30, 32, 34, FIG. 3) provided on a body (12, 14, FIG. 2) of the lure (10) are biased towards the lure. The hooks (30, 32, 34) can be latched in a primed position, such that disturbance of the latch releases the hook, which is drawn rapidly towards the body of the lure (10).

Abstract: The invention claims a novel fishing lure comprising a segmented portion wherein the segmented portion is rigid. The invention also claims a novel wing feature comprising a rotating wing bar, a blade and a wing lock.

Abstract: A fish lure break away system, having a lure attachment member, a hook section with at least one elongated shank, an eyelet, an eyelet guide, and a least one curved bend terminating in a tip section. The eyelet defines an eyelet gap having a predetermined width. In one embodiment the lure attachment member has a predetermined breaking strength in combination with a selected thickness and flexibility such that the lure attachment member can be squeezed through the eyelet gap and thereby attached to the eyelet. The lure attachment member may be of strength less than that of fishing line so as to break if snagged to release and avoid loss of a lure. The hook section has an inwardly projecting member which may be maneuvered to close or minimize the eyelet gap to retain the lure attachment member.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide novel strike indicators and line-stop members that are attachable to fishing lines, and that are reversibly disengagable therefrom and thereafter slidably along the line. Particular embodiments comprise: a buoyant main body having an axial channel with corresponding end surface openings; a retention member seat in the main body surface; and at least one line retention member receivable and retainable by the seat, and operative with the seat to retain a line passing therebetween at two points. The retention member is displaceable from the seat by sufficient line tension, thereby disengaging the slidable strike indicator. Particular embodiments comprise at least one line-stop member attachable at a user-selectable line position, and operative to attach, or delimit a slidable range of a disengaged slidable strike indicator. Novel methods for fishing, with a slidable reversibly detachable indicator, at a depth greater than the length of a fishing rod are presented.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a magnetic slip bobber used for connecting and disconnecting a slip bobber to a location on a fishing line. The magnetic slip bobber of the present invention includes a slip bobber selectively connected to a fishing line, where the fishing line extends through the slip bobber. The invention also includes a magnet connected to the slip bobber. An aperture is formed as part of the magnet, and the fishing line is operable for extending through the aperture formed as part of the magnet. A line-stop is mounted to the fishing line operable for being selectively connected to the magnet such that when the fishing line is cast into a body of water, the slip bobber moves along the fishing line until the line-stop contacts the magnet, thereby maintaining a predetermined depth of a hook attached to the fishing line.

Abstract: Apparatus and a process are described for compressing superheated steam into porous coal chunks in a chamber, and, after a time interval, expanding this steam out of the chamber, and repeating this steam cycle of compression followed by expansion. Thusly heated by the steam, volatile matter separates from the solid coke portion of the coal and separate volatile matter and coke products can be produced from coal or biomass fuels. These volatile matter liquids and tars can be used as fuel components in slurry fuels, for internal combustion engines used in our surface transportation industries. These solid coke products can be used as boiler fuel in steam electric plants. In this way our large domestic reserves of coal can be used as a fuel source, not only for electric power generation, but also for our surface transportation needs.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting aquatic biomass to a bio-oil. The process comprises mixing the aquatic biomass with a particulate catalytic material; subjecting the aquatic biomass to a catalytic cracking reaction to form a reaction mixture comprising a bio-oil; and isolating the bio-oil from the reaction mixture. Preferably the process is integrated with a plant for producing aquatic biomass, so that heat and CO2 generated during the process may be used in the production of aquatic biomass.

Abstract: A reactive distillation process is disclosed for converting aquatic biomass to a bio-oil. In the process a slurry of aquatic biomass is contacted with a particulate inorganic material. The mixture is heated to or above its boiling point. During the heating step biomass is converted to bio-oil. In a preferred embodiment water vapors emanating from the slurry are collected and condensed. The fresh water obtained may be used for irrigation, in human domestic uses, and for human consumption.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for reacting a natural oil with a short chain alcohol in the presence of alkaline catalyst, in which a mixture of natural oil, short chain alcohol and alkaline catalyst is fed in one direction along a pipe reactor under transitional or turbulent conditions, so that the reactants are mixed in a direction normal to the flow direction to a greater degree than in a direction parallel to the flow direction or so that the reactants are mixed in a direction normal to the flow direction, such that the time taken for 90% of the elements of fluid to pass through the reactor is within 20% of the mean residence time of reactant in the reactor. There is also provided a ship, comprising means for storing a raw material used in the synthesis of biodiesel, a plant for the synthesis of biodiesel and means for storing the biodiesel synthesised.