Abstract: A method is provided for forming intake manifolds for an internal combustion engine and for fastening such manifolds to the engines. The method includes: molding a plurality of identical ones of the intake manifolds, each one of the intake manifolds being molded with at least one hollow projection extending outwardly from an outer surface of the manifold, each one of the projections being molded with a cap at the distal end to seal the distal end of the hollow projection; removing the cap at a selected one or ones of the projections while leaving the cap on unselected one or ones of the projections; fastening each one of the intake manifolds to a corresponding one of a plurality of internal combustion engines; and for each one of the fastened intake manifolds, attaching a hose or hoses to the distal end or ends of the selected one or ones of the plurality of projections.

Abstract: A platform trailer includes first and second aluminum beams. The first and second beams are defined with an arch. A platform is supported on the first and second beams. The platform includes a plurality of extruded aluminum panels that each extend from a left lateral end abutted with the left side rail to a right lateral end abutted with the right side rail. The extruded aluminum panels are abutted in series with the first end wall of one panel abutted with the second end wall of an adjacent abutted panel such that the respective upper walls of adjacent abutted panels of the platform together define an upper, cargo supporting surface of the platform. The platform is arched to correspond with the arch of the first and second beams. A method for constructing the platform trailer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A steel retainer (3), which retains needle rollers (2), is formed from a steel plate containing 0.15 to 1.10% by mass of carbon. After being formed, the steel plate is subjected to induction heat treatment which includes induction hardening and induction tempering. Such heat treatment can be carried out efficiently in a short period of time, using compact treatment facilities, even in small-lot production. The retainer (3) thus formed is sufficiently resistant to wear and surface damage, and is high in fatigue strength and fracture strength as a whole.

Abstract: Blade cartridges and razors employing such blade cartridges are provided. The cartridges contain a guard situated primarily on its leading edge that includes an array of flexible fins that extend in multiple directions.

Abstract: Vibrating personal care devices are provided by the present invention. The personal care devices generally employ a head, a handle extending from the head, a vibration-inducing mechanism or system, and means for adjusting the amplitude of the vibration.

Abstract: A safety razor including a handle having a grip portion and a connection portion secured to the grip portion. The connection portion rotates with respect to the grip portion about a rotational axis. The blade unit is mounted to the connection portion by a connection member. The blade unit has a guard, a cap and at least one blade positioned between the guard and the cap. The blade unit pivots with respect to the connection member about a pivot axis substantially parallel to the at least one blade.

Abstract: A folding knife convenient to carry comprises a left handle plate and a right handle plate mutually connected via a fixing element, a blade mounted between the left handle plate and the right handle plate through a pivot, and a leaf spring connected to or integrally formed with the left handle plate or the right handle plate, wherein when the blade is in its open position, the leaf spring retrieves its normal position under the blade and presses its head top surface against a rear end of the blade that an angle A is formed between the head top surface of the leaf spring and the vertical cross surface of the blade, and when the blade is in the folded position, the leaf spring is depressed laterally to move to a predetermined space defined between the left or the right handle plate to the blade, wherein an angle B equal to the angle A is formed between the rear end of the blade and the vertical cross surface to make the rear end of the blade meets the head top surface of the leaf spring, and the rear end of the

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a radial cut in a surgical plate includes a top jaw element, a bottom jaw element, a removable top insert operable to be coupled to the top jaw element, and a removable bottom insert operable to be coupled to the bottom jaw element, a first top radial cutting element and a second top radial cutting element coupled to the removable top insert, and a first bottom radial cutting element and a second bottom radial cutting element coupled to the removable bottom insert. The radial cutting elements provide a radial cut of the surgical plate. The apparatus also includes a first alignment post and a second alignment post coupled to the removable bottom insert. The alignment posts are operable to align the surgical plate on the removable bottom insert.

Abstract: A trimmer has a cutting head, a shaft rod, and at least one handle. The cutting head is rotatably mounted at one end of the shaft rod by a connection device which has a central axis. At least one handle is mounted on the other end of the shaft rod. The cutting head moves between a horizontal position and a vertical position by rotating the cutting head 97.5 degrees around the center axis.

Abstract: A method for controlling reversal of a blade of a bush cutter. The method functions by detecting a parameter of a motor with a control circuit and, when a user presses a reversal button, by causing the control circuit to control the motor not to reverse when the detected parameter, e.g., speed of the motor, is greater than or equal to a preset threshold and to control the motor to reversely rotate and drive the blade to reversely rotate when the detected parameter is less than the preset threshold.

Abstract: A small hand-held tool has a concavely open, center-symmetric, cutting edge at a forward end. To cut an elongate object such as a woody weed stem in a garden, the cutting edge is forcibly applied, preferably horizontally, at about or just below ground level in a forward direction simultaneously with an alternating side-to-side horizontal force to turn the tool and the cutting edge in a to-and-fro motion around the elongate object being cut. Forwardly inclined, center-symmetrically disposed saw teeth on the cutting edge will quickly cut the woody stem below ground so that no stubs are left sticking out of the ground to later trip the unwary. If the tool is fitted instead with a cutting blade provided with, for example, tungsten carbide-tipped teeth, or even a toothless edge coated with a layer of tungsten carbide grit, a patient user could apply the thus adapted tool to cleanly cut through much harder objects like steel bars or pipes, e.g., right where they are projecting from a wall or a concrete floor.

Abstract: A pizza cutter that includes a handle, a cutting member support, and first and second disk members. The handle is configured for grasping by a user. The cutting member support extends from the handle. The first disk member is supported on the cutting member support. The second disk member is supported on the cutting member support. The first and second disk members may be arranged non-parallel relative to each other.

Abstract: A rotary laser beam emitter includes a base unit including a reference reflector with a reference reflective face parallel to a reference plane, a rotary element rotatably supported on the base unit around a rotary axis, and a beam emitting unit contained in the rotary element and including a light source and an optical emission system emitting the laser beam from the light source in a direction parallel to the reference plane on the optical axis. When the rotary element is inclined relative to the rotary axis and the emitted laser beam is inclined to the reference plane, the optical emission system emits the laser beam from the light source to the reference reflective face and emit the laser beam reflected by the reference reflective face in a direction inclined to the optical axis of the laser beam so as to neutralize the inclined laser beam.

Abstract: An electronic device includes resistor, a pointer, a measuring module, a calculating module, and a display module. The resistor has a reference point corresponding with a reference direction. The resistor defines a circle. The pointer has a pointing terminal contacting the resistor at a contacting point corresponding with a reference direction. The pointer is pivotablely mounted about a centre of the circle. The pointer is aligned with the magnetic field of the Earth, and the measuring module measures the voltage between the contacting point and the reference point. The calculating module calculates an angle between the current direction and the reference direction according to the voltage between the contacting point and the reference point of the resistor. The display module displays corresponding direction information according to the angle.

Abstract: A method of determining an alignment of a floating seal for a turbo machine, including establishing a reference surface on a rotor of the turbomachine that is essentially perpendicular to an instantaneous centerline of the rotor, establishing a control surface that radially aligns a floating seal member that surrounds the rotor, providing an inflatable member arranged between a stationary portion of the turbomachine and a surface of the floating seal, inflating the inflatable member such that the inflatable member urges the floating seal firmly against the control surface, measuring an axial distance between the floating seal and the reference surface at a plurality of locations, determining a parallelism between the facing surfaces of the floating seal and the rotor based upon the plurality of measured axial distances, comparing the determined parallelism with a predetermined threshold, and adjusting an orientation of the control surface based upon the comparison.

Abstract: A circularity measuring apparatus includes: a rotary table on which a measured object is loaded; a contact-type stylus configured to contact a substantially circular measured surface of the measured object with an inclination; a holder configured to hold the stylus within a predetermined stroke range so that an inclination angle of the stylus is changeable; a displacement detector configured to detect a displacement of the inclination angle of the stylus, which is caused due to a contact between the stylus and the measured surface; and a controller configured to: estimate a position of a top end of the stylus based on an output of the displacement detector; and instruct the holder in an optimal stroke range in the position.

Abstract: The present invention is for a plastic screw guide formed in the pre-drilled holes of any hinge for centering screws without any pre-punching. The plastic screw guide may be sold separately or manufactured directly into the pre-drilled holes of any hinges, lock sets, or any securing device that can be fitted into any wooden or composite material. The plastic or Teflon material of the disposable screw guide is driven in with a screw gun, drill, or like securing device. The melted plastic lubricates the screw during drilling and the unused plastic material dissolves from the heat.

Abstract: A foot dryer designed to provide air flow between a patient's toes for drying the bottoms of a patient's feet and especially between their toes. Toe separators are provided on a pair of replaceable gel foot beds for improved sanitation and comfort for the patient. The footpads are replaceable in order to decrease cross contamination from one user to another. Air vents are provided to direct air flow to hard to dry areas such as between a user's toes.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for taking out or culling, transporting and drying of culled or removed wood from a forest, where the wood is ground or cut into small fragments or units, such as chips, powder, or the like, and then transported out of the forest to a collecting and/or processing site. The ground or fragmented wood is transported over long distances, out from the forest, to a remotely placed collecting and/or processing site. The ground or fragmented wood being transported by a flow of air, and wherein the flow of air transporting the fragmented units is supplied with energy to secure reduction of the water content of the fragmented units during the transport.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressing fluid from laundry articles employs a receiving vessel that holds a batch of articles that are wetted with fluid. Fabric articles are compressed with a press to discharge fluid from the articles. The press includes a diaphragm that can be pressured with fluid. The diaphragm flexibly conforms to an upper surface portion of the batch of fabric articles. After the fabric articles are pressed of fluid, the diaphragm elevates with the press and is rotated. A specially configured linkage rotates the diaphragm and the press as the diaphragm moves from a lower position to an upper position.

Abstract: The removal of moisture from an object to be sterilized is provided through at least the steps of placing the load in the chamber, reducing the pressure within the chamber to increase the rate of evaporation of moisture from the load, monitoring over a predetermined period of time the increase in the quantity of vapor within the chamber resulting from evaporation of moisture from the load, admitting gas into the chamber and repeating the steps following placing the load into the chamber.

Abstract: A method for improving the overall thermal efficiency of a coal power generation plant by transferring heat from a raw synthesis gas stream to solid fuel used as the primary feed to the gasifier, comprising the steps of initially cooling the syngas exhaust by transferring heat to a makeup conveyance gas feed to the dry feed preparation system, feeding a solid fuel component and a portion of the makeup gas stream into a grinding mechanism for the solid feedstock, forming a two-phase solids/gas stream comprising ground feedstock particulates and makeup gas, heating and drying the ground solid feedstock particulates to remove water, separating and removing water vapor formed in the heating and drying step, and feeding the heated and dried solids/gas stream to the gasifier.

Abstract: A method is provided for removing a residual fluid remaining at a point of contact between a substrate support member and a back surface of a substrate being prepared by a proximity head. According to the method, the proximity head is applied onto the back surface of the substrate and the substrate support member being held by a carrier. The substrate support member is heated after the substrate support member passes the proximity head. The heating of the substrate support member is discontinued once the residual fluid has substantially evaporated.

Abstract: Articles of footwear that include a flexible or rigid sole portion with a shape and size as to correspond to a foot of a wearer, a sole portion having a periphery, a toe region in the front area of the sole portion, a heel region in the back area of the sole portion, and an instep region between the toe and heel regions. Also included is an upper portion connected to the sole portion to form a partially open enclosure for receiving and containing a part of the foot of the wearer and a flexible tubular sleeve which is attached to the sole portion's instep region. The flexible sleeve includes an attachment portion for attaching the flexible sleeve to the instep region of the sole portion, an outwardly opened toe portion for containing the front part of the foot and the toes of the wearer, an outwardly opened heel portion for containing the back part of the foot and the heel of the wearer, and an insertion portion for enveloping the ankle of the wearer.

Abstract: Articles of footwear often have securing mechanisms that allow wearers to adjust the size of the ankle opening so that wearers may be able to easily insert and remove their foot. Such securing mechanisms may have various physical characteristics. Many wearers are interested in changing the appearance of the articles that they use and wear. The disclosed securing mechanism permits a wearer to change its physical or aesthetic appearance to suit the wearer's changing fashion needs. Such changes in physical and aesthetic appearance may include changes to colors, logos, textures, images, and any other desirable physical or aesthetic characteristics.

Abstract: Described is a shoe with an outsole (1) and with an exchangeable shoe upper part (2) forming a supporting sole (4) which can be connected to the outsole (1). In order to provide advantageous design conditions, it is proposed that the outsole (1) have at least one catch receptacle (6) which is provided in the forefoot region and overlaps a catch projection (5) of the supporting sole (4), which is shorter in its configuration than the outsole (1), and also a closure flap (8) which in a closed position overlaps a rear edge portion (7) of the supporting sole (4), that the outsole (1) and the supporting sole (4) be provided between the front catch recess (6) and the rear closure flap (8) on the one hand with catch apertures (13) and on the other hand with connecting projections (16) which engage with the catch apertures (13) in a form-fitting manner and that the supporting sole (4) of the shoe upper part (2) be covered by an exchangeable foot bed (3).

Abstract: An article of footwear with an outer member including slots that increase flexibility is disclosed. The outer member also includes an inner plate including a set of protective strips. The inner plate is disposed along an inner surface of the outer member so that the protective strips are aligned with and cover the slots in the outer member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ski boot comprising a sole and a transverse connector affixed to the sole, the transverse connector being adapted to be retained by a ski binding, the transverse connector being is arranged beneath the sole, and the sole having a clearance that includes an abutment surface beneath the front end of the sole, the abutment surface being adapted to come into abutment against an elastic buffer of the ski binding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an shock-absorbing pad for the outer sole of a shoe comprising: a cushioned pad, where the cushioned pad is configured in the shape of a shoe sole; a group of openings within the cushioned pad; and straps, where said straps may be inserted through the openings and provide a mechanism to attach the cushioned pad to the outer sole of a shoe. In one exemplary embodiment, the group of openings may include four openings in two rows and two columns. At least one strap may be utilized with the cushioned pad. In another particular embodiment, two straps are utilized with the cushioned pad.

Abstract: A welted footwear construction with a direct-attach outsole and an internal tray containing a low density cushioning material. The welt may be secured to the upper and insole by one line of stitching and to the tray by a second line of stitching. The tray may include separate heel and forefoot cavities, each containing a low density cushioning material. The tray may be manufactured from thermoplastic urethane (“TPU”) and may contain low-density polyurethane (“PU”). The low-density PU may be molded in place within the cavities in the tray. The outsole may be directly attached to the undersurface of the tray, and may be manufactured from high-density PU.

Abstract: A snow removal vehicle is described and it has an enclosed snow melting chamber provided with a plurality of high pressure steam jets which are connected to one or more steam generators. The enclosed snow melting chamber has a water collecting reservoir in a lower portion thereof below a bottom wall of the snow melting chamber. The bottom wall has passages to channel water from the snow melting chamber to the water collecting reservoir. The vehicle body has a front entry opening communicating with the snow melting chamber and an auger screw is mounted in the front entry opening to eject snow inside a forward end of the snow melting chamber. Snow propelling wheels are secured along at least a front end portion of the snow melting chamber to propel snow ejected from the auger along the snow melting chamber for contact by the high pressure steam to melt the snow. An outlet evacuating valve is provided to evacuate water collected in the water collecting reservoir.

Abstract: A walk-behind trenching vehicle incorporating a trenching boom with an endless trenching chain. The trenching boom may be connected to a forward end of the vehicle via a dual pivot mechanism. The boom may be movable between an operating position and a transport position via a single actuator, e.g., hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A rotatable iron and garment steamer with rotatable iron, has a main body with an electrical heater and is mounted with a housing. A revolver is rotatably connected to the main body and a handle. A position-limiting mechanism for restricting the rotational amplitude and a resilient positioning mechanism for locking the position of rotational angle are both disposed between the main body and the handle. When the relative position of the handle and the main body is locked, the iron can be used as steam iron; after the main body is sleeved with a brush cover, the handle rotates relative to the main body, and the iron can be used as a steam brush.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an improved label and method of manufacturing a label that is of the type that can be folded onto itself over an object to be labeled. The improved label is configured to avoid wrinkles and exposed adhesive portions during use.

Abstract: An advertising sheet laminate which for attachment to signboards or windows. The advertising sheet has good print quality to very clearly display advertising contents, has increased light transmission to appear lighter than a prior art advertising sheet, and at the same time, has greatly increased tensile strength to extend the life span thereof. The advertising sheet is formed by bonding a first polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheet, which is printed with a predetermined advertisement, to one side of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sheet using an adhesive, and then pressing the bonded PET sheet and first PVC sheet under heat.

Abstract: A tag identification card system is provided that implements a uniform standard for medical or surgical procedures. The system allows patients to elevate their own safety standards, by requiring surgery staff to follow the World Health Organization “Surgical Safety Checklist”. This invention consists of a synthetic tag identification card upon which is recorded vital patient information. The tag identification card is completed by the patient and physician at the time of consent for procedure. A non-toxic indelible marker is used and the data is covered with a clear coat. The tag identification card is then attached to the patient pre-procedure. This invention will help reduce the risks of wrong site surgery, wrong side surgery, wrong patient surgery, and improve patient safety. Further the system requires that operating room staff sign the tag identification card following each completed safety check.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided for firing blanks from firearms. In one example, a blank firing adapter includes a mount assembly operatively configured to be attached to a muzzle of a firearm. The blank firing adapter also includes a main body having an interior chamber. The blank firing adapter also includes an escape port positioned longitudinally forward of the interior chamber and not in communication therewith. The blank firing adapter also includes a barrier interposed between the escape port and the interior chamber. The blank firing adapter also includes a projectile receiving area positioned longitudinally forward of the escape port and configured to slow down a projectile from the muzzle therethrough.

Abstract: A cartridge magazine for firearms has an elongated channel to receive a plurality of cartridges. The cartridge magazine has a box forming a housing of the cartridge magazine, a spring operated follower for pressing the cartridges in the magazine to an upper position. In this position, the topmost cartridge is ready for feeding into a chamber of the firearm and in this position the topmost cartridge rests against a pair of retaining lips. The lips remain in a first position when the topmost cartridge is in the upper position and the lips are operatively displaceable to a second position wider than the first position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a firing pin safety catch mechanism for a firearm, especially an auto-loading firearm which operates with a closed action such as found on the United States Military's M16 and its various derivatives. The safety catch mechanism consists of a firing pin which is housed within the bolt carrier assembly of the host firearm. Further, the firing pin is capable of being moved from a rest position at which its end is positioned in the travel path of a hammer, to a firing position; a firing pin spring is used to move the firing pin into its rest position; a catch, located on the carrier, which is operated by a spring capable of engaging and holding the firing pin in its rest position; and a cam surface about the exterior of the catch cooperating with the hammer and releasing the catch from engagement with the firing pin when the hammer has substantially completed its patch of travel.

Abstract: A loader for inserting an ammunition cartridge into a gun's magazine includes a body operable to hold two or more ammunition cartridges, a retainer to prevent a cartridge held by the body from leaving the body and operable to release a held cartridge from the body to position the cartridge for insertion into a gun's magazine, and an insertion component to exert pressure on a positioned cartridge to insert the cartridge into the gun's magazine. When the loader is used to insert a cartridge into a gun's magazine, the insertion component extends into the gun's carrier opening, a cartridge from the body is positioned on the insertion component, and the body is then moved relative to the gun's magazine. By holding the cartridges with the body and forcing a positioned cartridge into the gun's magazine with the insertion component, one can quickly and efficiently load a gun's magazine.

Abstract: An electronic device mounting system can be used to attach electronic devices, such as rangefinders and video cameras, to weapons. The mounting system includes a support portion for resiliently supporting the electronic device and a mounting portion for attaching the support portion and attached electronic device to a weapon. The support portion is universal in that it can be used with a number of interchangeable mounting portions. Each mounting portion is adapted for securing the support portion to a particular type of weapon or weapon accessory.

Abstract: An electronic device mounting system can be used to attach electronic devices, such as rangefinders and video cameras, to weapons. The mounting system includes a support portion for resiliently supporting the electronic device and a mounting portion for attaching the support portion and attached electronic device to a weapon. The support portion is universal in that it can be used with a number of interchangeable mounting portions. Each mounting portion is adapted for securing the support portion to a particular type of weapon or weapon accessory.

Abstract: This stinger-spinner jig will allow the artificial bait that is on the hook to remain in the area of the fish or strike zone as long as possible and better mimic the action of a wounded baitfish. This in turn will make the device a more effective type of lure. This desired effect is made possible because of a specific design of the straight or angled piece of metal wire from the body of the lure and the use of a spinner blade to create additional lift.

Abstract: A waterproof fishing lure container for storage and easy access of fishing lures and fishing gear in a mountable and detachable fashion to the boat under the fisherman's seat. The container is rectangular shaped and has a hollow shaft which closes around the fisherman's seat and is attached to the inside surface of the boat via a hinged lock-down plate for easy installation and removal. The container is mounted under the fisherman's seat on a boat for easy access to the lures while fishing.

Abstract: A catching device for which a user can trap a fish in a body of water, wherein said catching device is generally comprised of a first side wall, a second side wall, a top, a bottom, an entrance opening and an exit opening. First side wall, second side wall, top and bottom form a frame which has a hollow interior. Entrance opening and exit opening form conduits between the body of water and the interior of the excluding device. The width of entrance opening is equal to the width of exit opening. Entrance opening and exit opening are surrounded by two excluding bars attached to two excluding plates such that the excluding plates define the maximum expandable width of entrance opening and exit opening. The maximum expandable width of entrance opening is greater than the maximum expandable width of exit opening. A plurality of ballast chambers are attached to the present device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bait station and method for securing it using a receptacle for holding a weight to weight a bait enclosure and by stakes formed as a unitary part of the enclosure for securing the enclosure.

Abstract: A diesel fuel composition is disclosed that requires a reduced amount of petroleum-based diesel and provides lower level of emissions, while maintaining the desired performances of the petroleum-based diesel. The disclosed fuel composition comprises a petroleum-based diesel and at least about 5% by volume of levulinate ester, and may be substantially free of alkanolamides, alcohols, or combinations thereof. When desired, the fuel composition may include biodiesel and other additives. The disclosed fuel composition may be formulated such that its performances are in compliance with the ASTM D975 standard.

Abstract: A process, adsorbent and apparatus for treating biofuel is disclosed.

Abstract: A ground cover or landscaping material that includes a plurality of loose particles that are combined with a water activated adhesive component. When the water activated adhesive component is activated by contacting the ground cover or landscaping material with water the adhesive cures and secures the loose particles together. The water activated adhesive allows for the use of light weight particles that would be easily displaced when exposed to wind and rain or blow by lawn mowers or leaf blowers, absent being fixed together by the adhesive. Suitable particles include mulch, wood chips and synthetic materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering or protecting vegetation, in particular landscaping. The apparatus includes an elongated sheet of material having an upper edge and a lower edge. Spaced along the length of the elongated sheet are a plurality of stake pockets extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the elongated sheet. The stake pockets receiving a stake used to secure the cover to a surface, typically the ground. Accordingly, the elongated sheet surrounds or is placed adjacent to the landscaping and the stakes are either inserted into the stake pockets or attached to the sheet using the stake pockets and correspondingly hold the elongated sheet upright and in place. In addition, a plurality of eyelets on the elongated sheet can be used to both hang decorations and anchor the elongated sheet to the ground surface.