Abstract: A system and method for accurately positioning workpieces to permit uninterrupted coordinate measurements using a CMM is disclosed. The system comprises at least one movable platform adapted for moving on a stationary platform, fixtures for affixing workpieces to the movable platform, and locator stops and locators for affixing the movable platform in a predetermined measurement area on the stationary platform. An air jet injected into the bottom of the movable platform facilitates conveying the platform to the measurement area. The method comprises mounting one or more workpieces in a predetermined position on the movable platform fixture and positioning the movable platform against locator stops on the stationary platform. A second workpiece may be mounted on the fixtures of a second movable platform while the CMM measurements are in progress. This procedure may be repeated for successive workpieces and enables a near assembly line process for measuring workpiece coordinates.

Abstract: An alignment mechanism includes: an adjusting plate having first and second adjustment ends parallel to an X axis direction; a probe fixing portion provided to the adjusting plate; a probe fixed to the probe fixing portion; a reinforcing plate having first and second base ends parallel to the X axis direction, displacement of the reinforcing portion in a Y axis direction being restricted; Y-direction adjusting screws for pressing the adjusting plate in the Y axis direction; and adjustment connectors for respectively connecting the first adjustment end with the first base end and the second adjustment end with the second base end. A stylus of the probe is disposed on a line of intersection of a first inclined surface including the first adjustment end and the first base end and a second inclined surface including the second adjustment end and the second base end.

Abstract: A tape measuring is disclosed comprising a winding assembly having a winding handle, a support structure, the winding assembly being rotatably mounted on the support structure, a measuring tape attached to the winding assembly so as to be coilable thereon, and a brake mechanism operable on the measuring tape and/or the winding assembly to releasably brake the measuring tape. The brake mechanism is configured such that braking of the measuring tape can be released by coiling of the measuring tape onto the winding assembly using the winding handle. A brake application button is provided for applying the braking. A brake release button is also provided as another means for releasing braking in addition to the winding handle.

Abstract: A tape measure is provided capable of controlling the retracting movement and speed of a tape with a friction force. The tape measure includes a case, a reel, a spiral spring, a tape, a pivot member, a friction member and a resilient member. The reel is rotatably retained within the case. The spiral spring resiliently urges the reel to rotate in a rewinding direction. The pivot member is pivotally mounted within the case. The friction member is operably coupled to the pivot member and makes contact with the tape wound on the outer circumference of the reel, thereby applying a friction force to the tape. The resilient member resiliently biases the pivot member to rotate in such a direction as to bring the friction member into contact with the tape.

Abstract: A micromovement measuring device has a first element such as a probe tip or flat plate coupled to a test body (107) the movement of which is to be measured. A second element (104) is located adjacent to the first element, to form a gap (108) therebetween. As the test body and the first element gradually move away from the measuring element, so increasing the size of the gap, the second element is repeatedly moved up, to restore the gap to its original size. These repeated small quantized movements of the measuring element (104) are counted, and are used to provide an indication of how far the test body (107) has moved. In other embodiments, the first element may gradually move toward the second element, with the latter repeatedly moving away.

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring the overall length of a firearm is constructed with a rectangular base with a back plate affixed perpendicular to the base. One end of the base is fixed with a plate attached perpendicular to the base. The other side of the device has a movable plate that rides back and forth on a rail. Underneath the rail is a ruler which is used to read the overall length of the firearm. The design of the fixture will allow for repeatable measuring of firearms. Also, the sliding plate ensures the furthest point of the firearm is that being measured regardless of the angle at which the barrel is cut.

Abstract: A measurement device for measuring a distance between a center of a through hole defined in a panel and a side of the panel extending from an end of the panel includes a positioning member, a support member, and a measurement member. The positioning member and the measurement member are set on two ends of the support member. An inside surface of the positioning member resists the side of the panel. A distance between the inside surface and a center of the measurement member is about equal to a normal distance between the side and the center of the through hole. If an actual distance between the side and the center of the through hole meets a determined specification, the measurement member will enter into the through hole.

Abstract: A device for refreshing fabrics by reducing malodors and/or wrinkles without requiring that the fabrics to be put through an entire standard laundry process. The device comprises an extractable drawer which is pulled out of the device to allow for loading of a fabric into a receiving region. The extractable drawer can then be closed transporting the fabric into the interior of the device. A fabric treatment composition is sprayed or otherwise dispensed onto the fabrics when the device is operated. The device comprises an air flow path and a heating element which allows for the fabrics to be treated during use and comprises a passive heat management system within the shell to minimize formation of hot spots and direct air flow away from the side walls. The extractable drawer of the present invention can be positioned to extract laterally or vertically out of the shell of the device.

Abstract: A method of using a support band in a drying arrangement for a fibrous web. The method including the steps of wrapping the support band around a drying cylinder and cooling a water-impermeable sealing layer located on an outside of the support band. The fibrous web is located between the drying cylinder and the support band. The support band includes a water-impermeable sealing layer and at least one water-absorbing storage layer adjacent the water-impermeable sealing layer. The water-impermeable sealing layer and/or the water-absorbing storage layer being made at least partially of a highly thermally conductive material. The highly thermally conductive material is a metal fabric. The metal fabric being both a part of the water-impermeable sealing layer and a part of the water-absorbing storage layer.

Abstract: A device for refreshing fabrics by reducing malodors and/or wrinkles without requiring that the fabrics to be put through an entire standard laundry process. The device comprises an extractable drawer which is pulled out of the device to allow for loading of a fabric into a receiving region. The extractable drawer can then be closed transporting the fabric into the interior of the device. A fabric treatment composition is sprayed or otherwise dispensed onto the fabrics when the device is operated. The device comprises an air flow path and a heating element which allows for the fabrics to be treated during use. The extractable drawer of the present invention can be positioned to extract laterally or vertically out of the shell of the device.

Abstract: A system for drying a load of wood including: a heat generating device providing heat necessary for drying the load of wood, apparatus for generating a gaseous coolant flow for treating the load of wood by combustion of biomass under O2, the gaseous coolant flow being essentially constituted by CO2, a heat exchange device allowing the transfer of the heat produced by the heat generating device to the gaseous coolant flow for treating the load of wood, a unit for treating/drying the load of wood, including a central volume, known as a technical or treatment volume, dedicated to the drying of the wood, and inlet and outlet hatches for the loads of wood, situated at the upstream and downstream ends of said central volume, and a thermal device for the dehydration and condensation of the steam extracted from the wood during the drying cycle.

Abstract: A process and apparatus used for heating and drying a material. The process uses supplemental radiant heat supplied by circulating thermal oil that is heated using fuels, as well as exhaust heat from other sources. The supplemental heat replaces a portion of the heat provided by the direct-firing. The supplemental heating is achieved by retrofitting existing direct-fired or radiant heat gypsum dryers with thermal oil-to-air heat exchangers in the combustion air lines and the air recirculation lines. Heated thermal oil is circulated through the exchangers, providing supplemental heat to both the combustion air and the re-circulated dryer air. The existing natural gas burners are fired to achieve the desired exit temperature. A Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) system is coupled to the dryer exhaust vent to recapture heat energy produced by the thermal oil and produce electricity.

Abstract: An item of footwear for increasing leg-muscle and/or lower-abdominal-/back-muscle tone comprising: a securing means for securing the item of footwear to a foot of a user; and a sole comprising at least an upper layer, for engaging a foot of a user in use or a further upper layer, and a lower layer, for engaging the ground in use, wherein the upper layer comprises two or more materials of different compressive resistances, or densities, arranged as a frontal/toe region, an arch region and a heel region, the sole is arranged such that application of a user's weight, during use, causes instability in at least one portion of the upper layer, which requires balance correction by a user.

Abstract: A footwear for protecting the foot against an impact with an external body, comprising a protective component (20) adapted to deforming under pressure from the foot and/or the external body in case of impact. The protection component is made in a way to react under said pressure with a permanent and irreversible structural alteration, thus absorbing and simultaneously dispersing the received energy during the impact.

Abstract: Disclosed is a closure system used in combination in any of a variety of applications including clothing, for example as a footwear lacing system comprising a lace attached to a tightening mechanism. The lace extends through a series of guide members positioned along two opposing footwear closure portions. The lace and guides preferably have low friction surfaces to facilitate sliding of the lace along the guide members so that the lace evenly distributes tension across the footwear member. The tightening mechanism allows incremental adjustment of the tension of the lace. The closure system allows a user to quickly loosen the lace and inhibits unintentional and/or accidental loosing of the lace.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is the FairyJanes invention which is footwear having heel and ankle support for shoes that have a tendency to slip off heel such as pumps, high-heels, mules, backless sandals, etc. The mechanism/strap is a unique invention that is transportable, removable and interchangeable to different shoes. Another highly desirable feature is the ability to rearrange the straps in a variety of configurations in different methods on the instep, arch and ankle of the foot to secure the heeled shoe or boot. FairyJanes are a functional and aesthetic apparatus/accessory for supporting heeled shoes and boots. The mechanism is a one piece strap that goes around the under part of the shoe [the instep and heel] around the heel, crosses over the back of the heel and is secured with a buckle around the ankle. It effectively supports the ankle, arch, instep and heel of the shoe to the foot therefore allowing smooth movement in walking, running with low, medium to high heels and boots during intense activity.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a shape correcting member is disclosed. The shape correcting member includes an inner surface associated with a portion of a foot and an outer surface disposed opposite of the inner surface. The inner surface is pre-shaped to fit the contours of a portion of the foot and the outer surface is substantially non-protruding. With this arrangement, the outer surface may facilitate accurate kicking.

Abstract: Footwear including a sole, an upper, and a securement arrangement configured to secure the footwear to the foot of a wearer, where the sole and the upper delimit individual toe portions configured to receive, retain, and allow independent articulation of corresponding individual toes of a foot inserted in the footwear, and where the sole includes contouring and curvature which intimately corresponds to the shape of the foot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe characterised in that it comprises a bent, relatively rigid holding piece (1) having an upper part (11) which comes over the top of the foot (2), a central part (12) connecting the upper part (11) to the sole (3), and a lower part (13) fixed in the sole (3), the rigidity of the holding part (1) being sufficient to hold the sole (3) beneath the foot (2) when the foot is raised, with only one fixing point on the sole (3).

Abstract: The banding device for application to a segment of footwear, whether it be to the heel, sole, around the vamp portion of the shoe, in any combination thereof, which due to its elasticity allows for its stretching into position to be secured either as an endless or continuous loop, for application to these components of the shoe to vary the coloration, design, indicia, trademark, or other aesthetics for the footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a multi-directional sole structure including a flex groove system is disclosed. The flex groove system includes a plurality of longitudinal flex grooves and lateral flex grooves that divide the sole structure into a plurality of segments. The flex groove system also includes a plurality of diagonal flex grooves that intersect the corners of the plurality of segments. The flex grooves system can provide enhanced flexibility for the sole structure and can enhance multi-directional flexing.

Abstract: A weight for attachment to a piece footwear comprises a first weighted member having a plurality of holes defined therethrough. The plurality of holes are arranged along a length of the weighted member.

Abstract: A ball control portion for an article of footwear is disclosed. The ball control portion includes a plurality of protrusions that are configured to bend to provide increased surface contact between an upper and a ball, such as a soccer ball. The plurality of protrusions are arranged in an arc-like configuration on the upper that generally corresponds to the curvature of a ball.

Abstract: A rowing shoe includes a shoe sole and a shoe upper portion. The shoe sole has a cleat mounting portion configured so that a cleat structure is mountable thereto for releasably attaching to a binding structure of a rowing boat. The shoe upper portion includes at least one fixing strap configured to secure the shoe upper portion to a wearer's foot. The fixing strap has a proximal end fixed to the shoe upper portion and a free end having at least one aperture configured so that a pull rope can extend therethrough.

Abstract: A footwear assembly structured to be worn on a user's foot is presented. In particular, the footwear assembly comprises an upper engaging component which is cooperatively structured and disposed to secure to the user's foot during use. In addition, the footwear assembly comprises at least one cooperatively structured insole, midsole and outsole. The insole(s) are disposed in an overlying relation to a top surface of an upper portion of the midsole, and the outsole is disposed in an underlying relation to at least a portion of the midsole. In addition, the footwear assembly comprises at least one insert disposed between the midsole and the outsole, for example, proximate a front and/or rear portion thereof, and is structured to provide added support and cushioning. Further, an undersurface of the outsole is structured to define an at least partially arcuate contour along its longitudinal length to facilitate a rocking movement during use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for optimizing the dredging of an area by a vessel (25) equipped with a cutter head (4), comprising a means to measure local seismic velocity in front of the vessel (25), said means comprising a set of seismic receivers (11, 11?, 11?, 11??) supported by a frame (10) configured for attachment to and projection from the bow end of the vessel, which frame aligns the seismic receivers (11, 11?, 11?, 11??) above and in front of the cutter head (4). It also relates to a method for optimizing dredging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for optimizing the dredging of an area by a dredge equipped with a cutter suction head (4) comprising the steps of: obtaining conventional soil information of the area to be dredged; measuring local soil parameters in and around the position of the cutter head during dredging; calculating dredging parameters for a current and subsequent cutter head position based on the combination of conventional and local soil parameters to optimize yield and cutter wear; and adjusting the dredging parameters so giving optimum efficiency at a current and subsequent cutter head position. It also relates to a system that implements the method.

Abstract: A drag head of a trailing suction hopper dredger. The drag head comprises a rotatable visor connected to a suction pipe for discharging soil via the suction opening of the visor, wherein the visor is provided with a catching construction for undesirable objects. The catching construction closes the suction opening except for passage openings, wherein at least a number of passage openings have a variable passage area. A method for breaking up and/or dredging at least partially hard grounds under water using a trailing suction hopper dredger equipped with a drag head.

Abstract: This invention comprises a lower iron 2 on which a laundry 1 is mounted and an upper iron 3 to press finish the laundry 1. The lower iron 2 being formed into a belt conveyor shape with an iron main body 21 for accepting a press pressure of the upper iron 3, an annular moving cover 22 for covering the outer peripheral surface of the iron main body 21, endless transmittance members 23 integrally formed with this moving cover 22 and formed into an annular shape, and transmittance wheels 24 over which the endless transmittance members 23 are applied. This invention a driving device 6 for rotating the transmittance wheels 24 only by a predetermined length in response to a control signal got from a controller 5 every time the aforementioned upper iron 3 is opened after pressing operation and sending the moving cover 22 rearward. The laundry 1 being sent by this driving device 6 rearward together with the moving cover 22 to press finish it with the upper iron 3.

Abstract: Appliance for the treatment of fabric articles comprising a water tank, a steam generator for diffusing steam in the direction of the fabric article and a water supply circuit of the steam generator comprising an electric pump, characterized in that said supply circuit comprises a flexible tube (12) and a device (13) for adjusting the flow of water sent to the steam generator comprising means (133) for compressing the flexible tube (12) so as to modify its cross-section of flow.

Abstract: An electric steam iron is described. The iron includes a water reservoir and a soleplate. The soleplate includes a base, a heating element, a constant steam chamber in fluid communication with a plurality of constant steam chamber apertures passing through the base, and a steam shot chamber. The steam shot chamber includes a front cavity and a steam shot channel in thermal communication with the heating element and in fluid communication with the front cavity, the front cavity including at least one steam shot chamber aperture passing through the base, the steam shot channel defining a pair of flow paths substantially overlying the heating element, each flow path having a re-entrant shape. The iron further includes a constant steam chamber water delivery means for delivering water from the water reservoir into the constant steam chamber, and a steam shot chamber water delivery means for delivering water from the water reservoir into the steam shot chamber in the soleplate.

Abstract: A device for refreshing fabrics. The device provides fabrics with a crisp and fresh appearance and feel. The device also controls wrinkles on fabric without the use of a conventional iron or press. The device also allows for the delivery of fabric refreshing actives such as perfumes and other actives to fabrics.

Abstract: A device for displaying advertisements has a plate member. An opening is formed in the plate member, wherein the opening is sized to fit a display screen of a desired dimension. Support arms are coupled to the plate member for securing the device to a storage device to which the device is installed.

Abstract: An electroluminescent arrangement is described. This electroluminescent arrangement comprises the following functional layers: (a) rear electrode as layer A; (b) dielectric layer as layer B; (c) electroluminescent layer as layer C; and (d) cover electrode as layer D.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved article of head apparel having a means for displaying at least one object. The article of head apparel in its wearable state is comprised of a display object housed in an object display module, fitted to the article of head apparel. In one embodiment there is provided an article of head apparel having removably attachable object display modules which enable the user to easily customize the unit. Another embodiment includes the means for permanently attaching an object display module to the article of head apparel. Other embodiments enable an article of head apparel with the capability of accepting and displaying more than one object display module.

Abstract: An electric fire is described. The fire provides one or more three dimensional flame effects to simulate the effects of a burning fire. A fuel bed for use in an electric fire is also described.

Abstract: An improved display is disclosed for a dispensing machine having a plurality of switches for dispensing a plurality of products. The improved display comprises a plurality of illuminators located in proximity to the plurality of switches. A decorative panel indicates the types of the plurality of products for dispensing by the dispensing machine. A mounting fixes the decorative panel for enabling the plurality of illuminators to illuminate the decorative panel. A control is connected to the plurality of switches for energizing the plurality of illuminators in response to an actuation of a selected one of the plurality of switches for indicating the dispensing of one of the plurality of products by the dispensing machine.

Abstract: A billboard illuminated by optical fibers is realized by including a framework (1) having plurality outer surfaces (11) for display purpose, multiples optical fibers (2) provided within the framework (1) for guiding light from one surface (11A) to another (11B), and said optical fibers (2) are arranged in a matrix fashion with each optical fiber is spaced by a predetermined space (h) to form a figure or characters, a projecting device (3) placed away from the framework (1) by a predetermined distance (W) as light source, and a cladding (4) applied onto outer surfaces (11) for reinforcing the junction portion where the optical fiber (2) exposed from the outer surfaces (11).

Abstract: For illuminating an object and generating a light image, e.g. for presentation of the object, an illumination assembly comprises a reflective part for illumination and a diffractive part for generating the light image. A light source such as a LED light source is used for generating the light.

Abstract: The present application relates to a sign including: (1) a sign blank including multiple first interlockable members; and (2) optically active sheeting including multiple second interlockable members; wherein the first and second matable members interlock with one another to hold the sign blank and the sheeting together.

Abstract: Device (12) for counting the total number of shots fired by a firearm (11) and those fired with a same loader mounted on the weapon by means of the acquisition, analysis and interpretation of physical parameters relating to its firing cycle, in such a way that the information obtained is shown in real time on a visual display unit with the activation, visual display and setting to zero being automatic actions without intervention from the user, by means of a computer programme, with it being possible to carry out such operations manually as well. The visual display unit may show other parameters of the firearm's operation (11) such as the temperature of those points most likely to overheat so that the weapon may be used with safety and precision.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magazine (10) for a handheld firearm, suitable for accommodating a plurality of cartridges (11, 12, 13, 14) which are transported in a guided movement by means of a feed within the magazine in the direction of the barrel of a weapon, in order to be loaded individually in each case into the barrel of the weapon at the upper end of the magazine after each shot, with the cartridges being guided along a curved path in the magazine.

Abstract: A front sight has a main body, a sight post body carrier, and a sight post body. The main body has an engagement structure for having a sight post body carrier movably engaged therewith and has a mounting structure for being attached to a weapon. The sight post body carrier is moveably engaged with the engagement structure of the main body in a manner allowing the sight post body carrier to be selectively translated at least partially along a length of the engagement structure and limiting unrestricted movement of the sight post body carrier in other directions. The sight post body includes a plurality of different length sight posts. The sight post body is moveably mounted on the sight post body carrier in a manner allowing each one of the sight posts to be selectively moved to a sight post use position with respect to the main body.

Abstract: A rod holder for a fishing rod with a pair of spaced-apart saddles, at least of these saddles being open-topped, to receive a fishing rod from above. The saddles are spaced apart to permit a reel attached to the rod to be positioned between the saddles. The saddles mounted to a U-shaped bracket with a cross-piece and the saddles sufficiently vertically offset from the cross-piece to permit the reel to rest between the saddles hanging down.

Abstract: The present invention is a candle composition containing a vegetable lipid base component and a candle formed from the composition. The candle composition may contain up to 100 percent by weight of a vegetable lipid base component. The candle composition may further contain a plant derived crystal modifier.

Abstract: A nanocatalyst, dual catalyst and methods for improving the efficiency and output of a biomass gasification process are provided where the catalysts comprise a volatile organometallic compound(s) and/or a nanoalloy catalyst. By the catalyst and method, a very high biomass gasification conversion efficiency of over 85% can be achieved. The subject nanocatalyst cracks and gasifies lignin, which is generally inert in conventional gasification, at relatively low gasification temperatures. The subject disclosure also provides a means to increase gas yields and lower lignin content in the resulting product relative to conventional gasification. Alternatively, oil production may be increased, if desired. Moreover, the resulting gas may achieve a Fischer-Tropsch reactor favorable H2:CO ratio of about 9:1. The energy input to the gasification is correspondingly reduced to reduce costs and the environmental impact associated with the gasification process.

Abstract: The current invention provides a method for the manufacture of an ether of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural by reacting a hexose-containing starting material with an olefin in the presence of an acid catalyst

Abstract: The present invention relates to diesel fuel compositions comprising a performance enhancing additive, wherein the additive is the product of a Mannich reaction between: (a) an aldehyde; (b) a polyamine; and (c) an optionally substituted phenol; wherein the or each substituent of component (c) has an average molecular weight of less than 400.

Abstract: A biodegradable spectrally selective grow tube or tree shelter that improves the establishment of woody plant forms by reduction and/or elimination of certain biotic and abiotic stress factors. The grow tube may provide an enhanced micro climate that is humid, CO2-replenished and promotes photosynthesis by selectively propagating photosynthetically active radiation. In addition to providing a physical barrier to wind and herbivores, certain embodiments of the grow tube can also provide protection from chemical sprays while permitting ventilation of the grow tube. Various embodiments of the spectrally selective grow tube may comprise separate interior and exterior members for enhancement of the interior and exterior surface functions and that may be constructed from a biodegradeable polymer or paper-based material. The interior member can be dyed or pigmented to selectively transmit wavelengths of the visible spectrum known to promote photosynthesis, such as red light and/or blue light.

Abstract: To care for vegetation layers, fluid is injected into them by means of at least one membrane hose laid underground. This fluid is a liquid/gas mixture, like, for example, a water/air mixture or a water/oxygen mixture, so that the vegetation layers can be given an optimal supply of moisture and oxygen any time.