Abstract: There is disclosed a member for sealing, baffling and/or reinforcing components of an automotive vehicle. The assembly generally includes a carrier, an expandable material and at least one fastener.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a hydro dynamic bearing device is provided for the finishing treatment of lubricating oil after lubricating the hydro dynamic bearing device. The hydro dynamic bearing is constructed of an axial member housed in a housing, a radial bearing part for supporting the axial member in a non-contact manner in a radial direction by a hydro dynamic pressure action of the lubricating oil generated in a radial bearing clearance, and a sealing part arranged in an opening part of the housing, and the apparatus has a laser for measuring an oil-level height of the lubricating oil in the housing.

Abstract: A folding knife having a movable locking element that locks the blade in open position and retains the blade in secure closed position within an integrated spaced parallel monolithic handle frame member. A spring-urged locking retainment arm engages corresponding parallel portions of the blade shank when in respective locked open and locked closed positions. Sliding longitudinal displacement of the retainment arm allows for progressive engaged rotation of the blade shank about a pivot mounting point to a fully closed and locked position against two blade shank engagement points by the locking arm.

Abstract: A pair of scissors having a pair of looped handles has a clip such as a carabiner-style inwardly-opening gate mounted on the outer-most perimeter of one or both of the looped handles. Where the clip is a carabiner, the distal end of each gate, distal from the gates hinge, is oppositely disposed relative to the fulcrum of the pair of scissors. The non-gate portion of each of the looped handles containing a gate includes a hooked portion adjacent the distal end of each gate. The hooked portion includes a stop to limit movement of the gate. A resilient loop is mounted around the levers of the scissors between the handles and fulcrum so as to urge the scissors closed.

Abstract: A circular saw including a motor housing having a first end portion and a second end portion, a motor assembly disposed within the housing, a rotary blade assembly having a predetermined weight mounted to the first end portion of the motor housing, and a battery pack having a predetermined weight disposed on the second end portion of the motor housing. The battery pack and the rotary blade assembly are configured and arranged to be in longitudinal alignment with one another, and the longitudinal alignment of the battery pack with the rotary blade assembly promotes counterbalancing between the predetermined weight of the rotary blade assembly and the predetermined weight of the motor housing.

Abstract: A hand-held power tool has a motor housing with drive motor and a grip housing with a longitudinal support and a forward grip. The motor housing and the grip housing are connected to one another by antivibration elements. The forward grip has a connecting end that is connected by a screw connection to the longitudinal support. The screw connection has at least one fastening screw that is positioned in the operating position of the power tool in a vertical direction of the power tool. The screw connection has a metal insertion part that is positioned entirely within the contour of the longitudinal support that is a plastic part. The metal insertion part has a screw receptacle for the at least one fastening screw. The at least one fastening screw is fixedly screwed into the metal insertion part.

Abstract: A protective cover for a razor cartridge. The cartridge is joined to a handle and is pivotal about a pivot axis with respect to the handle. The cover includes a front wall, a back wall opposed to the front wall, a side wall extending from the front wall to the back wall, a first end and an opposed second end. The second end has an opening. The back wall has an opening with first and second pivot inhibiting members extending away from the back wall and towards the front wall. The cover is slidable over the cartridge through the opening in the second end to cover the cartridge such that the first and second pivot inhibiting members engage the handle to inhibit the cartridge from pivoting about the pivot axis with respect to the handle.

Abstract: An ergonomic, self contained hand-held thread inspection tool is power driven, which uses a mechanical clutch as a surrogate for torque to initiate automatic reversal and gauge withdrawal in case of jamming. The distal end carries the thread gauge attached to a motor-driven spindle. A thread depth collar sleeve, adjustable by manual turning, concentrically surrounds the thread gauge. When threaded into a blind hole or onto a protruding stud and operated, the distal end of the thread depth collar sleeve comes in contact with a part, pushing it against spring force. This movement is internally sensed, causing an indicator to flash, signaling “test OK”, while automatically reversing the spindle to withdraw the thread gauge. If during the forward excursion of the thread gauge a torque exceeding the pre-set torque limit is encountered, a buzzer is sounded signaling an over-torque problem and the spindle is simultaneously reversed for automatic gauge withdrawal.

Abstract: A clamping device for mounting a vehicle wheel on a balancing machine. The clamping device has a clamping flange and a plurality of centering bolts. The clamping flange is provided with plural sets of recesses for the centering bolts. An insertable section of each centering bolt is removably insertable into a recess. A profiled contour in the insertable section of the centering bolt and an inner contour of a sidewall of the clamping flange delimiting the recess are not circular and have complementary shapes such that the centering bolt is accommodated in the recess such that some sections of the centering bolt can be rotated about the longitudinal axis thereof. When the centering bolt is rotated, at least one subarea of a circumferential surface in the insertable section of the centering bolt frictionally engages with at least one adjacent subarea of the sidewall of the clamping flange delimiting the recess.

Abstract: A system for controlling access to a secure area includes a lock and an electronic access device for controlling access to a secure area. The lock includes pins for locking and unlocking the lock. The access device communicates with the pins for electrically measuring movement of the pins. The access device stores an unlock pin code for the predetermined position of the pins for unlocking the lock. The electronic access device electrically measures pin movement by a key and determines a key code for the key from the pin movement. A control device electrically communicates with the electronic access device for identifying the key code and determining when the key code matches the unlock pin code.

Abstract: A device and method for aligning with a king pin or drawbar swivel eye on a trailer comprising a linear crossbar connectable to a kingpin or drawbar swivel eye to permit measurement along the side of the trailer between one or more axles and the ends of the crossbar for alignment of axles.

Abstract: A garment drying apparatus including upper and lower housings with an expandable and collapsible wall extending therebetween. The apparatus may include at least one support pole and/or bracket to support the upper housing to expand the wall. The upper and lower housings may include openings to slidably receive ends of the at least one support pole and/or bracket. A blower assembly can be located within the lower housing configured to circulate air through one or more vents, wherein when the wall is in an expanded position, the blower assembly circulates air through the one or more vents and into the chamber to dry and press the garment.

Abstract: A laundry drier control method reads a temperature variation rate per unit time, to enable drying according to the amount and type of an object being dried. The method includes steps of initiating a drying procedure; measuring a temperature variation rate per unit time over the drying procedure; calculating an overall drying time based on the measured temperature variation rate per unit time; and performing the drying procedure for the calculated overall drying time. The drying time determining step is repeated if a substantial increase in the temperature variation rate is detected.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. The sole assembly includes a first portion having a lower ground engaging surface, an upper surface, and a recess formed in the upper surface. The upper surface of the first portion is in contact with the upper. A second portion is seated in the recess in the first portion and has an upper surface, with the upper surface of the second portion being in contact with the upper. The second portion comprises a foam material having a density less than 0.25 g/cm3.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure has a midsole element that defines a void, and the void may extend substantially vertically through a central area of the midsole element. The void may also extend between an upper surface and a lower surface of the midsole element to define an interior surface. A plurality of bores are also defined in the midsole element. The bores may extend substantially horizontally through the midsole element, and the bores may extend between an exterior surface of the midsole element and the void.

Abstract: A shoe having a toe region, a middle region, a heel region, and a multi-layer, multi-density midsole wherein an upper layer of the midsole has a bottom surface that has a longitudinal convexity and a longitudinal concavity, the longitudinal convexity typically occupying a substantial portion of the toe region or a substantial portion of the toe region and middle region, and the longitudinal concavity typically occupying a substantial portion of the heel region, the longitudinal convexity and the longitudinal concavity collectively contributing to simulating the effect, and imparting the fitness benefits, of walking on a sandy beach or on a giving or uneven surface regardless of the actual hardness of the surface.

Abstract: An article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure has a plurality of support elements, and each of the support elements include a shell and a core. The shell defines an interior void and is formed from a polymer material that extends around substantially all of the void. The core has a shape of the void and is located within the void, with at least a portion of the core being a polymer foam material. The polymer foam material of at least two of the support elements may have different densities.

Abstract: An upper made of a composite material is disclosed. The composite material comprises a layer of carbon fiber material and a flexible substrate. The composite material also includes a thin outer coating of TPU. The upper is generally flexible and lightweight.

Abstract: An article of footwear can receive an insert having ball control elements. The ball control elements protrude through a tongue of the upper to engage other surfaces. The inserts may be purchased separately from the article of footwear and interchanged to be used in a variety of conditions.

Abstract: A sports boot tongue, which comprises a comfort element (5) positioned directly on its surface (4) designed to be oriented toward the inside of the sports boot in order to come into contact with the foot or the leg of a user, this comfort element (5) fulfilling a first technical function of absorbing shocks and a second technical function of reducing friction and sliding by shearing.

Abstract: An article of footwear with heel traction elements is disclosed. The heel traction elements enhance traction and stability when backpedaling or moving laterally. The heel traction elements may be disposed on a heel wrap. The heel traction elements may be disposed so they are in line with each other.

Abstract: An article of footwear for water sports disclosed. The article may be worn by a helmsman on a sailboat. The article may include provisions to facilitate increased traction and support for a foot of the helmsman.

Abstract: A snow pusher attachment for use in conjunction with a straight blade angle-type snow plow mounted to a work vehicle. This pusher allows a work vehicle to capture, contain, and relocate large amounts of snow very quickly and efficiently. The attachment consists of side panels, connected by horizontal members between. This pusher attachment is secured to the snow plow by bracket assemblies, attached to the upper edge of the snow plow that engage hooks on the upper, rear portion of the pusher attachment. The attachment does not require the operator to exit the work vehicle to secure or release it from the snowplow. Accordingly, the attachment allows the quick and repeated conversion of a snow plow into a snow pusher box and visa versa.

Abstract: A point of sale card package, and method for manufacturing same, include an intermediate in the form of a sheet of paper material which is sequentially V-folded twice about a first and a second fold line, extending orthogonally to one another, to form four stacked panels defined by and connected at the fold lines, with a credit-card-like card disposed between two adjacent ones of the stacked panels, and the with separate portions of the peripheries of the stacked panels being adhesively joined together by a pressure sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: A multi-flag label label-links a primary container to at least one secondary container. The multi-flag label comprises multiple layers and multiple regions intermediate its length. A back cut separates a first layer into unequal segment lengths. A transparent second layer is removably and adhesively attached to the first layer and is dimensioned such that the first layer frames the second layer with a peripheral boundary. A third layer is permanently bonded to the second layer and terminates adjacent the back cut, thereby exposing the back cut via the second layer. The third and second layers adjacent the back cut provide a parent label region; the remainder of the second and third layers provide a child label region, which region may be die cut into patterns for effecting child label(s). The parent and child labels may comprise information for cross-linking a source container to at least one secondary dose container.

Abstract: An in-store advertising cover for installation onto and covering an upright security fixture includes a pair of front and rear, arcuate panels joined together along side, linear edges to form a lens-shaped cross section when the fixture is covered. A crease extends transversely across the arcuate panels between the side edges. The arcuate panels are foldable about the crease when the fixture is not covered, for example, during shipping, and are unfolded during installation. A lower half of the cover is initially installed on the fixture, followed by an upper half. Advertising material is applied on one or both arcuate panels. The advertising material is visible when viewed off to one side of the respective unfolded arcuate panels.

Abstract: A portable sign stand with wheels or rollers, an adjustable weighted base member, and a sign display member. The base member has one or more compartments so that liquid or solid ballast can be added to stabilize the sign stand in windy conditions. The upper and lower wall members of the otherwise hollow base member are joined together at one or more locations where the sign display member is connected to the base member. The base member can be made by blow molding techniques. Wheels are provided on one edge of the base member in order to allow the sign stand to be rolled and easily moved to different positions. Axle members secure the wheels to the base member. One or more resilient members can be used to connect the sign display member to the base member.

Abstract: A pyramidal pop-open warning sign includes a support frame having a one-piece vertex with resilient arms radiating outward and downward therefrom. The upper ends of tubular legs are respectively coupled to outer ends of the arms for biased rotation between a deployed position extending downwardly and outwardly from the vertex and a contracted position disposed generally parallel to a vertical axis extending through the center of the vertex. A ground engaging foot is disposed at a lower end of each of the legs. A pyramidal skirt made of a flexible material and comprising a plurality of triangular panels, each displaying a warning message and connected together at lateral edges thereof, is draped over the support frame such that each of the panels is respectively disposed between an associated pair of adjacent legs and is stretched taut therebetween when the associated pair of legs is disposed in the deployed position.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a linear series (110) of connected unitary sheet-like merchandise labeling articles (10), each of which comprises a labeling tag (12) flatly cojoined along a unifying flat bond zone (14) with a flexible elastic layer (16) that extends away from the tag (12) and includes an elastic fastening loop (20). Adjacent labeling articles (10) of the series (110) are ruptureably connected in a manner permitting the series (110) to be handled as a unit while at the same time permitting ruptureable separation of individual merchandise labeling articles (10) from the series (110). In one embodiment, the linear series (110) is wound into roll form (210).

Abstract: A handgun comprised of a frame having a barrel with a muzzle end and a breech end. A breech area is adjacent the breech end of the barrel. A slide is movable on the frame between one of a closed position and a blow-back position. An opening in the slide allows communication with the breech area. A hatch on the slide is movable between one of a closed position enclosing the breech area and an open position allowing access to the breech area.

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

Abstract: A handgun having a frame with a barrel. The barrel has a muzzle end and a breech end. A handgrip is mounted to the frame to pivot about an axis. The handgrip is movable between a firing position and a storage position. The axis is movable relative to the frame along a path extending in a direction of the barrel wherein the handgrip is movable along the length of the frame to the storage position wherein the handgrip is adjacent the frame.

Abstract: A handgun comprised of a frame having a barrel with a muzzle end and a breech end. A slide is movable on the frame between one of a closed position and a blow-back position. A handgrip is pivotally mounted to the frame about an axis, wherein the handgrip is movable between a firing position and a storage position. A trigger guard is attached to the frame. The trigger guard is movable between a firing position and a storage position, wherein the trigger guard is collapsible relative to the frame.

Abstract: A firearm, in particular an automatic or semi-automatic rifle, with a simplified disassembly, including a receiver, a barrel, a bolt assembly, a foldable stock and a removable lower receiver with a magazine and a release mechanism, is equipped with a lower receiver inserted with shape coupling in the lower open part of the receiver between a front seat and a rear seat of the receiver, wherein the front seat, coupled with at least one complementary surface of the lower receiver, forms a front articulation for the rotation of the lower receiver with respect to the receiver, also including a mechanism for blocking the lower receiver in at least two different positions.

Abstract: A modular integrated rail system for a firearm includes an upper hand guard having a dovetail rail extending longitudinally between the forward end and the rearward end thereof. The rearward end of the upper hand guard includes a clamp that removably secures the upper hand guard to the barrel nut of the firearm. The rearward end of the upper hand guard and the clamp include clamping surfaces configured to cooperatively engage the outer surface of the barrel nut. The upper hand guard further includes mounting channels that are used to mount accessories, such as a lower hand guard or a grenade launcher, to the upper hand guard. The rear end of the upper hand guard includes alignment tabs for automatically aligning the dovetail rail of the upper hand guard with the dovetail rail of the upper receiver during mounting. The tabs also prevent rotation of the rail system relative to the upper receiver during use.

Abstract: A rail clamp mount that may be quickly and easily firmly secured to a rail, such as a rail carried by a gun, and that may be quickly and easily released from the rail. A preferred embodiment comprises a mount base including a first rail-engaging surface; a generally U-shaped, somewhat elastic clamping member carried by the mount base and including two second rail-engaging surfaces at the ends of the legs of the U, and a third second rail-engaging surface at the end of the center section of the clamping member between the legs of the U, the second rail-engaging surfaces being opposed to and transversely spaced from the first rail-engaging surface; a cam mechanism mounting the clamping member to the mount base for imparting transverse movement to the clamping member when actuated; and an actuator for the cam mechanism including a throw handle.

Abstract: A cartridge catching system designed to attach to picatinny rail of a firearm to receive spent cartridge cases from the ejection port of firearm is provided. The cartridge catching system has a container body which is downwardly angled to deflect the spent cartridge cases towards the bottom of the container body. A connecting rod where one end of the connecting rod is fixed on picatinny rail of the firearm and other end is placed within an elongated hole is provided on a rod receiving assembly. The rod receiving assembly is mountable on top or within the container body to optimize the position of the container body depending on the type and size of firearm. A spring actuated ball is provided inside the elongated hole on the rod receiving assembly to fit onto the semicircular hole of the connecting rode to provide an easy ON/OFF mechanism for attaching/removing the cartridge catching system making it easy to empty the container body.

Abstract: Provided is a waterfowl decoy that includes a suction bottom main body in combination with a removable keel. The main body includes extensions on the bottom that are within the cavity, and the keel includes corresponding slots to slideably engage the extensions. The keel also includes a hollow ballast section with an opening for insertion of desired ballast material. The keel is brought into contact with the bottom of the main body and the extensions are slid into the slots. This invention allows for quick, selectable attachment or removal of the keel in the field. The keel also includes a structure for the attachment and wrapping of an anchor cord.

Abstract: A movable waterfowl decoy includes: (a) a decoy body portion including a buoyant decoy body and a head portion attached to an upper front portion of the decoy body, the buoyant decoy body including at least one body compartment, the body compartment including at least one closeable compartment opening; (b) a power source housed in the at least one body compartment; (c) a spray propulsion system that is substantially housed within the at least one body compartment; (d) a keel attached to a lower surface of the buoyant decoy body; and (e) a remote control system, a remote receiver of which is within the at least one body compartment; wherein the decoy body portion emits an above-water spray of water from a body of water in a generally rearward direction when the waterfowl decoy is in use, which propels the decoy body portion in the body of water.

Abstract: The present invention is a multiple use fishing assembly. This assembly includes a fishing rod holding unit capable of holding at least one fishing rod. This fishing rod holding unit is designed and configured to have various components removably secured thereto. One component is a removable outrigger assembly. When attached the fishing assembly of the present invention will be a combined fishing rod holding unit and outrigger. If the outrigger is not desired, then the user can remove the outrigger and optionally can removably secure an additional fishing rod holding apparatus. Such a configuration enables the user to select his desired fishing option. Consequently providing an apparatus that can successfully be used for trolling, kite, drift and bottom fishing.

Abstract: The invention is a tackle container that incorporates interchangeable and removable inserts. The inserts secure different kinds of fishing lures and baits. For example, the inserts hold segmented lures within notched upright posts. In this regard, the inserts may be suitably structured to hold spinner bait lures, buzz bait lures, or other fishing lures with segmented bodies. Moreover, the inserts are interchangeable to facilitate a wider variety of uses for the tackle container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for protecting different articles against birds, insects and dust. The inventive device consists of a tubular element (11) comprising a flexible mesh or a non-woven fabric, which can be closed at the upper and lower openings thereof and which encloses the article to be protected (9a,9b). The invention is also equipped with a series of hoops (17) or supports which keep the tube (11) at a certain distance from the article to be protected.

Abstract: A method provides the steps of: bending a first length of hot rolled steel bar to define a trunk member of a tree frame; bending and welding second cut lengths of hot rolled steel bar onto a bottom end of the trunk member to define feet members; placing a planting pot on top of the feet members with the trunk member extending up through and above the pot; bending and welding third cut lengths of hot rolled steel bar to the trunk member at spaced intervals above the pot to define branch arms; planting flowering vine plants in the pot and braiding the vines up the trunk member and out onto the branch arms; trimming the vines on the trunk member to remove foliage; and allowing foliage of the flowering vine plants to grow on the branch arms to create the appearance of a giant Bonzai tree.

Abstract: The plant watering trellis apparatus provides both a trellis for plant support and a plant watering means. The collection tray is sized with a width about equal to the top width of the apparatus so that rain collection is also an option, as well as hand or automated filling from another source. Transparency of the vertical supply tubes allows a user to visually determine the water level within the apparatus. Legs are inserted into a given soil for apparatus support. The valves in the delivery tubes control drip and rate of drip from the delivery block orifices so that monitoring water supply to plants is needed only at the outset in determining best plant water supply. After setting, the apparatus can be conveniently left unattended. The delivery blocks are relatively heavy so the delivery tubes are downwardly extended. The planar apparatus is easily located and used.

Abstract: The present invention provides for novel methods to facilitate germplasm improvement activities through the use of high throughput, nondestructive sampling of seeds. A method for analyzing a population of haploid seeds generally includes providing a population of seeds comprising haploid seeds, removing tissue samples from a plurality of the seeds in the population using an automated seed sampler system while preserving the germination viability of the sampled seeds, and analyzing the tissue samples for the presence or absence of one or more characteristics indicative of at least one genetic or chemical trait.

Abstract: A floating island comprising a combination-cell thermoplastic foam. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a floating island comprising: an island body comprising at least a first portion that comprises a combination-cell thermoplastic foam and having a cavity; and a bedding material that is disposed in said cavity; wherein said combination-cell thermoplastic foam is buoyant in water and permeable to gas and water. In another embodiment, the invention is a floating island comprising: an island body comprising a first matrix layer, a second matrix layer and a third matrix layer; and a gas-trapping insert that is disposed between two of said layers.

Abstract: Disclosed is an irrigation device for use with a drip irrigation conduit for providing water to individual plants planted in rows. The irrigation device includes a water distribution element configured with at least one support configuration for supporting the drip irrigation conduit, and a plurality of water direction elements. Water emitted by the drip irrigation conduit is collected by said water distribution element and each of said plurality of water direction elements directs said water to a different delivery point that corresponds to the location of a plant. The water distribution element of the present invention is provided in at least three variations.

Abstract: A powered opening and closing system includes a door supported on a vehicle body, a motor, a drive mechanism for moving the door in opening and closing directions by virtue of power of the motor, an operation detecting sensor for detecting a handle operation when the door is operated to open or close, and a control circuit for prohibiting the operation of the drive mechanism when a predetermined operation prohibiting condition is detected. The drive mechanism brakes the movement of the door by putting the clutch in an engaged state while the motor is kept stopped. While the predetermined operation prohibiting condition is detected, the control circuit controls the clutch to be engaged while keeping the motor stopped when an opening of the door is detected, and controls the clutch to be disengaged when an operation of the handle is detected by the operation detection sensor.

Abstract: A synchronized actuation system for sliding doors, of the type of those formed, in which the pulling grip (1) and the free grip (2) have flanges (12) and the belt (4) and free (2) and pulling (1) grips are joined by a connecting shoe (3). With this configuration it is possible to carry out assembly and maintenance operations vertically and therefore in situ.

Abstract: A flexible, inflatable shelter is held within a storage container. The shelter can be erected rapidly, by directing compressed gas held or produced within the container, into the flexible material which will define the finished shelter. Personnel using the shelter then enter through an air lock door located in the storage container. An air lock may be alternatively provided such that is located at least partly within the deployed shelter, and so that it does not occupy substantial space in the container. The container includes supplies necessary to sustain life for an extended period. The shelter can be used to protect personnel from harmful environments caused by accidents or explosions in mines, tunnels, industrial plants, and the like. The container is compact, but allows rapid deployment of the flexible material to produce a shelter which is of approximately the same volume, or greater, than that of the storage container.