Abstract: A method of assembling a conduit assembly can include seating a ferrule on a distal end portion of an elongate conduit body. The method can further include providing an elongate body insert having a large diameter end an a small diameter end, wherein the elongate body insert defines a hollow tubular body having a passage along a symmetrical axis between the large and small diameter ends. The method can further include mounting the end portion of the elongate conduit body on the small diameter end of the body insert, such that the large diameter end of the body insert contacts an end of the ferrule interposed axially between the large diameter end of the body insert and the distal end of the elongate conduit body, the distal end of the elongate conduit body axially adjacent the end of the ferrule to prevent axial contact between the distal end of the elongate conduit body and the large diameter end of the body insert.

Abstract: In order to provide a flat gasket, in particular cylinder head gasket, comprising at least one metal gasket sheet made of a spring steel or a metallic material with a percentage elongation after fracture corresponding to the percentage elongation after fracture of a spring steel, which has a novel structure, it is proposed that the gasket sheet is provided with at least one edging fold, which comprises a bending region and a flange region connected in one piece to the gasket sheet via the bending region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a blade for a wind turbine, wherein the blade is made in one or more moulds; and wherein the blade has integrally moulded root bushings in the root of the blade for direct or indirect attachment to a hub in a wind turbine. The novel aspect of the invention is that the root bushings (203) in the root (201) of the blade are leveled by shortening of at least one of the root bushings prior to the blade being removed from a supporting mould (205). The invention further relates to a blade made in accordance with the method and a leveling unit (207) for leveling the root of the blade, wherein the leveling unit comprises means for mounting on a mould.

Abstract: An installation construction method is provided for boiler facilities in which the boiler facilities include a boiler building configured of a steel structure, a boiler main unit to be installed within the boiler building, various types of equipment to be installed to the boiler main unit, and accessory members which are accessory thereto. During construction of the boiler building, the various types of equipment and the accessory members are carried into the boiler building and installed.

Abstract: The described embodiments relate to methods and systems of forming slots in a substrate. One exemplary embodiment forms a feature into a substrate having a first substrate surface and a second substrate surface, and moves a sand drill nozzle along the substrate to remove substrate material sufficient to form, in combination with said forming, a slot through the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the economic production of entire fuselage cells of airplanes and to a site for carrying out the method. Differing from the conventional sectional assembly according to the invention separate shells (shell components) are attached to a substantially completed cockpit section and/or rear section. At this the half shell construction and the four shell construction as well as a combination hereof can be applied. Alternatively, the cockpit section and the rear section as well as the central wing box section can be aligned and positioned to each other in a site forming gaps in longitudinal direction. Subsequently, the shell components as well as the floor framework sections are adjusted circularly revolving between the sections and are ideally simultaneously connected to these by means of at least four cross-seams and a plurality of longitudinal seams.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint in the form of a counter-track joint. The circumferential length (L1) of the first cage windows for the balls in the first pairs of tracks is greater than the circumferential length (L2) of the second cage windows for the balls in the second pairs of tracks. This permits a method of assembly wherein first the first balls, one after the other, are mounted in first pairs of tracks which widen from the aperture end to the attaching end and wherein then the second balls, one after the other, are mounted in second pairs of tracks which widen from the attaching end to the aperture end. For mounting the second balls in the second pairs of tracks, only a small overarticulation angle is necessary, and thus a shorter circumferential length of the respective windows than there is required for mounting the first balls in the first pairs of tracks.

Abstract: A shaving blade unit includes a housing having a front edge, a rear edge and side edges extending between the front and rear edges. One or more shaving blades are positioned between the front edge and the rear edge and have cutting edges arranged to define a first cutting region. The shaving unit further includes a discrete trimming blade assembly having a blade carrier with a cap, guard and a solitary trimming blade defining a second cutting region. A clip is arranged to retain the one or more shaving blades on the housing and function as an anode in an anode-cathode cell to inhibit corrosion of the shaving and trimming blades.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus has a unidirectionally-locking blade cover that automatically snaps back over the exposed blade after each cut, and a dependent, index finger operated unlocking trigger.

Abstract: A pair of scissors equipped with a three axially pivoting ringlet is presented. The ringlet of the scissors according to current application is comprised of flexible NBR (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber). The ringlet is attached to one handle of the scissors of the current application to provide a thumb's insert, thereby providing proper fit to the user's fingers due to the flexibility of the NBR. The ringlet is attached to the thumb portion of one handle of the scissors via a part that enables the ringlet to rotate in two independent directions and to pivot around one axis that is parallel to handle.

Abstract: A tack strip cutter including a top blade holder and a bottom blade holder having a leverage handle for bringing the blade holders together with a leverage force. A splay inhibition guide on one of the blade holders prevents lateral movement of the blade holders when the tool is used.

Abstract: A toy scissors apparatus for modeling compound. The scissors apparatus has two handles, each handle connected to a respective mounting cap and to a respective rotatable scissor blade. Each of the blades is rotatable about its longitudinal axis between two positions about 180° apart so as to enable a choice of two different cutting edge regions for use. To alter cutting edges, the blade is pulled away from the mounting cap against a biasing force created by a spring, and then rotated.

Abstract: The grass-cutting head (101) has a body (103) forming a housing for at least one spool of cutting line (F1; F2), provided with at least one outlet hole (111) of an end of the cutting line wound on said spool positioned inside the head. For each outlet hole, a guide channel for the cutting line is also provided, extending from the inside of the housing towards the hole and having an inclined trend, gradually moving away from said axis of rotation.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance for cutting cuttable material such as vegetables, fruit, etc., with a main body. The appliance comprises a guide surface on which the cuttable material can be moved to and fro, and a blade which, for cutting, is arranged offset in relation to the guide surface so that a piece is cut off from a cuttable material moved on the guide surface in the guide direction toward the blade. The offset between the blade and the guide surface determines the cutting thickness. The appliance further comprises an exchangeable insert for modifying the cutting thickness.

Abstract: A laser guide for rotating tools comprises a first housing portion and a second housing portion. A seal is provided between the first housing portion and the second housing portion. A lens is located in the first housing portion or second housing portion. A seal is provided between the lens and the first housing portion. A method of testing a laser guide comprising applying a pressure to an internal chamber of the laser guide. Monitoring the laser guide for pressure gains or losses in the chamber.

Abstract: A rotary laser projecting device comprising a reference plane forming unit that projects two or more fan-shaped laser beams, a distance measuring unit that projects distance measuring light, a rotator for projecting the fan-shaped laser beams and the distance measuring light by rotary irradiation, a horizontal angle detecting unit, a photodetection unit for receiving the reflected fan-shaped laser beams and the reflected distance measuring light, a storage unit, and a control arithmetic unit is disclosed. The control arithmetic unit measures elevation angle of the object reflector from time difference of photodetection between the two or more laser beams, measures horizontal angle of the object based on the result of detection of the horizontal angle detecting unit when at least one of the reflected fan-shaped laser beams and the reflected distance measuring light is received and the distance measuring unit measures a distance to the object to be measured.

Abstract: A post sleeve installation device includes a standing structure, a structure coupled to the standing structure and configured to support a post sleeve below the standing structure, and a mechanism configured to enable selective translation of the support structure in three axes and rotation around a vertical axis. Locks are provided to lock the post sleeve at a selected position and orientation relative to the standing structure. A beam extending from one installation device to another measures or controls the relative spacing, orientation, and elevation of associated post sleeves, and related data is collected for off-site manufacture of fence panels. Additionally, a repository is provided, to which the data is transmitted for retention, and from which the data can be retrieved for manufacture of replacement fence panels.

Abstract: This invention discloses systems and methods for conversion of manure to novel fertilizer and/or soil builder products useful as input for organic farming operations. The equipment systems comprise a gas turbine generator unit (preferred heat source), a dryer vessel and a processing unit, wherein the connection between the gas turbine and the dryer vessel directs substantially all the gas turbine exhaust into the dryer vessel and substantially precludes the introduction of air into the dryer vessel. The dryer vessel receives the manure for contact with the turbine exhaust gases to convert the manure to a dry material, which is passed to the processing unit where it is formed into granules, pellets or other desired form for the final dry fertilizer product. The method comprises drying, heating and converting the manure to form novel self binding fertilizer and soil builder type products for organic farming and other uses.

Abstract: A method for increasing the efficiency of an internal combustion engine utilizes three three-way valves, one that receives ambient air through an air cleaner, a second that receives hot exhaust from a catalytic converter of the internal combustion engine, and a third that receives air from a high speed blower. The three-way valves direct ambient air through the air cleaner and into a first of three dryer canisters, and direct the dried ambient air through an ozone generator to the internal combustion engine, while concurrently directing gas from the exhaust catalytic converter to the second of the three dryer canisters, and also concurrently directing air from the high speed blower to the third of the three dryer canisters.

Abstract: A dryer operable in close proximity to and in series with an inkjet printhead comprises a heat source and an air bearing structure on one side of the predetermined path and having a pressurized air inlet and an air outlet adjacent to the drying position of the receiver medium. Air flow from the air bearing structure outlet forms an air bearing for the receiver medium. A microporous filter positioned at the outlet and being adapted to convert the air flow from the outlet to a diffuse flow, the microporous filter being formed of an inner layer of very fine screen for optimum air diffusion and an outer layer of courser woven screen to add rigidity and protection from scuffing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a food waste treatment apparatus that can effectively dispose food waste containing a large amount of water, rapidly dry food waste using microwaves, and remove odors and vapors generating during the drying process, thereby discharging clean air. The food waste treatment apparatus comprises a pulverizer (10) for pulverizing food waste, an endless track (20) for transferring food waste, a plurality of containers (30) installed on the upper surface of the endless track (20) for storing pulverized food waste, and a microwave dryer installed above the endless track for drying the pulverized food waste by making microwaves pass through the endless track in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the endless track (20).

Abstract: Fluid bed granulation process comprising the step of cooling the granules in a cooling fluid bed (F2). At least part of the fluidizing air coming out from said cooling fluid bed (F2) is fed into the granulation fluid bed (F1).

Abstract: A device and related method are provided for lyophilizing a substance within the device and storing therein the lyophilized substance. The device is penetrable by a needle for filling the device with the substance to be lyophilized, and a resulting needle hole in the device is laser resealable by transmitting thereon laser radiation from a laser source. The device defines a chamber for receiving therein the substance to be lyophilized. A needle penetrable and laser resealable portion of the device is pierceable with a needle to form a needle aperture therethrough to fill the chamber with the substance to be lyophilized through the needle, and is laser resealable to hermetically seal the needle aperture by applying laser radiation thereto.

Abstract: An item of footwear (10), which exposes a substantial portion of a wearer's foot, is disclosed. The footwear includes a plurality of foot enclosures (110, 112) operably connected to each other via a connector (114), such as a plurality of elastic straps (200, 202). Protective pads (180, 182) may be attached to the footwear, such as leather pads on the plantar surface of the footwear. One advantage offered by this footwear is that the wearer's foot—and particularly the arch and middle of the foot—is substantially exposed to view, achieving a new aesthetic for ballet and dance footwear.

Abstract: An elastic overshoe has an outer layer through which extend a plurality of protrusions. The protrusions are preferably carried on an inner layer, which is sandwiched between the outer layer and the shoe upon which the overshoe is placed. Inner layer segments can run the length of the overshoe, or more preferably include only a ball region of a toe region. The openings can have any practical size, shape, orientation and arrangement of openings, although of course at least some of the openings must be aligned with at least some of the protrusions, and ideally the protrusions will fit snugly within the openings to avoid tearing of the openings. The inner and outer layers can advantageously have different chemical compositions. The inner layer, for example, can be tougher, while the outer layer could be more stretchable.

Abstract: A resilient cushioning device for incorporation in an article of footwear has chambers interconnected by a corrugated passageway. The passageway fluidly connects a heel region having at least one chamber and a forefoot region having at least one chamber. The corrugation of the passageway make the passageway adjustable so that the resilient cushioning device fits a plurality of different articles of footwear. For example the passageway is adjustable so that it is expandable lengthwise so that the resilient cushioning device fits a plurality of sizes of articles and/or so that it bends sideways so that the resilient cushioning device fits a plurality of configurations of articles of footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear having an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure includes a first chamber and a second chamber that each enclose a fluid. The first chamber and the second chamber both define a plurality of projections and depressions. At least a portion of the projections of the first chamber are located within the depressions of the second chamber, and at least a portion of the projections of the second chamber are located within the depressions of the first chamber. In some configurations, each of the first chamber and the second chamber may form portions of upper and lower surfaces of a pneumatic component. In addition, colors of the first chamber and the second chamber may be selected such that the colors combine at an interface of the first chamber and the second chamber.

Abstract: Sole with stretchable structure, in which the forepart is associated with a stretchable material to fit differing foot widths easily; and footwear equipped with such a sole. The sole base (1) comprises openings (4) in which the lugs (3) of the stretchable part (2) are positioned in a sealed manner. The insole (5) comprises a deformable structure (6) in its forepart. When the wearer's foot is put into a footwear article provided with such a complex, it exerts pressure on the edges of the upper (10) thus causing deformation of the sole, which avoids feelings of compression of the foot.

Abstract: A sport shoe to be used for sports involving a sliding movement, comprising a rigid shell inside which the foot is inserted; two pressure pieces, i.e. a heel piece and a toe piece, situated on the bottom of the shell and able to fix it to the bindings of sports equipment for performing a sliding movement. At least one pressure piece is movably connected to the shell so as to be able to move towards the shell in response to an external force causing them to move together.

Abstract: A snowplow laser guidance system is illustrated and described. The system can include, for example, a laser light source, a laser exit window through which a laser beam generated by the laser light source is transmitted, and a pressurized gas conduit. The pressurized gas conduit can have an opening positioned such that gas released through the opening flows across a face of the laser exit window. This can be useful to remove accumulated material, such as snow, ice, water, and dirt. The gas can be, for example, pressurized gas from a pressurized gas source of a snowplow vehicle. Release of pressurized gas across the face of the laser exit window can occur at a programmed frequency and/or in response to an operator signal, such as a signal from a switch on a control panel. The system also can include a heater connected to the laser exit window for defrosting.

Abstract: An adapter for permitting non-standard work tools to be attached to a work machine for which they were not originally sized to fit. The adapter comprises a sleeve which fits into bores on the work machine. Pins for attaching the work tool to the machine in turn are inserted through the work tool and into the sleeves. The sleeves protect the joint through seals positioned both on an outer surface of a flange of the sleeve, and on an inner surface of the bore of the sleeve. The sleeves also include holes for permitting lubricant to pass from the sleeve's outer circumferential surface to its inner circumferential surface. The sleeves may be permitted to rotate relative to the work machine via bearings in the bores of the work machine.

Abstract: A combination name badge and compass includes a substantially planar substrate having a front surface that has name indicia thereon, and a rear surface and a clutch bar that includes spaced pins. The clutch bar is secured to the rear surface of the planar substrate with the pins extending away from the planar substrate. A magnetic circuit includes a pair of opposite polarity magnets mounted at the substrate. The magnetic circuit further includes a metal arrow that is coupled with the opposite polarity magnets to form the magnetic circuit. When the name badge is floated on a liquid surface the metal indicator points to magnetic north.

Abstract: The illuminable address display system may include mobile support blocks adjustably connected to each other. An anterior side of each support block may have an illuminable transparent number. The system may further include a plurality of conductive cords, with ball bearings attached directly to first and second opposed ends. The cords may adjustably connect adjacent support blocks and the first conductive cord may connect to a power source. Each support block perimeter may also includes a track with a plurality of sockets running along the thereof. A conductive coupling may be seated within each support block and electronically coupled to the track. The conductive couplings transmit electricity from the power source, along adjacent conductive cords, and to a light-emitting member in each support block. A controller may be coupled to the conductive cords for toggling each illuminable number into off or on modes.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for supporting a banner. The apparatus includes a plurality of frames, each being formed by stacking a plurality of plates, a connection unit having an interior cover and an exterior cover connected to each other by inserting the plurality of frames into the interior and exterior covers, respectively, a supporter provided to each end of the plurality of frames to support the banner, and a support frame connected to one side of the connection unit to support the plurality of frames. In the apparatus, the plurality of environmentally friendly bamboo plates are adhered to each other and integrated into a single body, thereby obtaining both elasticity and rigidity of bamboo.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved file folder identification is described. The apparatus includes a file tab having a tab portion rotatably coupled to a base. In one embodiment, a file folder identification apparatus is described. The apparatus includes a base comprising a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion adapted to couple to a file folder, the second coupling portion opposing the first coupling portion, and a tab portion comprising a temporary fastener detachably and rotatably coupled to the second coupling portion and a face configured to retain identification information.

Abstract: A firearm lock that is inserted through the magazine port of a suitable firearm. The firearm lock extends from the magazine port into the bolt compartment of the firearm. The lock blocks the firearm bolt from returning from a retracted position, which may prevent the firearm from being disassembled, preventing circumvention of the lock. The lock may have a projection that can be moved into the magazine release mechanism recess to secure the lock in place. The firearm lock may be unlocked by hand or may require a key or a combination.

Abstract: The present invention is a modular stock system for rifles. The system replaces the rifle's buffer tube with a modified one containing a mount for a constant cheek weld and a rail track for adjustment. A stock module then mounts on the replacement buffer tube. The stock module is interchangeable depending on the user's needs. Various configurations of the stock module are discussed, including adjustable stocks, fixed stocks, and specialized stocks. The stock module may be made even further modular by the addition of rail system.

Abstract: An automatic or semiautomatic rifle having a receiver and a bolt carrier movably coupled to the receiver. An action system is connected to the bolt carrier for cycling the bolt carrier in the receiver. A receiver extension is connected to the receiver, at least part of the action system extending into the receiver extension. A folding stock is connected to the receiver. The receiver extension is located within the folding stock.

Abstract: A bolt action rifle with safety latching mechanism has an upper receiver including a movable bolt assembly, a lower receiver having a trigger assembly and releasably attached to the upper receiver, the bolt assembly movable between a cocked position and an uncocked position, and the upper receiver and the lower receiver including a latching mechanism operable to prevent the lower receiver from being detached from the upper receiver while the bolt assembly is in the cocked position.

Abstract: A targeting system for determining the distance to a target and, in response thereto, altering the angular position of a projectile launcher relative to a hand held support.

Abstract: An animal decoy or fishing lure with a surface reflection which closely matches the spectral reflectance pattern of the animal that it is designed to mimic, including both human-visible and ultraviolet wavelengths, with the intent of making the decoy or fishing lure appear more realistic to animals that can see in both the human-visible and ultraviolet spectrums.

Abstract: In one aspect there is provided a blended mulch product which can be mixed with water and spray-applied to a ground surface to form an erosion control medium, the blended mulch product comprising: about 75% to about 92% by weight ligno-cellulosic fibers; about 1% to about 10% by weight substantially straight synthetic fibers; and a tackifier; wherein the substantially straight synthetic fibers maintain their substantially straight form in the blended mulch product and the erosion control medium. Also provided are slurries in which the blended mulch product is mixed with water to produce the slurry, the slurry is spray-applied to a ground surface and the slurry dries on the ground surface to form an erosion control medium.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a kit for assembly of a raised garden bed. The raised garden bed includes panel members, corner connector members, and linear connector members constructed of a polymeric material and adapted to be snapped together into a substantially rigid raised garden bed without the need for special tools or excessive strength. A tongue and groove arrangement is also provided to allow for panel member stacking for increased garden bed height. The components of the kit are constructed and arranged to be packed into a relatively small profile for shipping and transport and are generally light enough to be loaded and unloaded without the need for equipment such as a forklift or pallet jack.

Abstract: A method of enhancing plant growth comprises the step of introducing an alkane into a location adjacent to a plant. The alkane can be introduced intermittently, and can be combined with another gas and/or nutrients. The alkane preferably comprises a butane substrate. The butane substrate can stimulate the growth of butane-utilizing bacteria, such as Aeromonas caviae, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Micrococcus varians, Aureobacterium esteroaromaticum, Aureobacterium barkeri, Rhodococcus fascians, Nocardia paradoxus, Comamonas acidovorans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The alkane can increase the amount of heterotrophic bacteria in the location adjacent to the plant, and thereby accelerate a heterotrophic nitrification process. The butane substrate can also stimulate the growth of butane-utilizing fungi. The method can also enhance the growth protists and/or prokaryotes. A system for enhancing plant growth in accordance with the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A staking system for use with a self-watering growing container includes an outrigger structure at each longitudinal end. Each outrigger structure is mountable on the bottom of the growing container to provide stability. Two vertical stakes are attached to respective outrigger structures. Connectors at the top of each stake thus mount a horizontal stake element between the two connectors. A rim clamp secures the vertical stakes, clamping them on the lip of the plant growing container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for containing, protecting, isolating, and individually identifying sets of one or more articles in a plurality of compartments such that information related to the sets can be easily and efficiently linked to the set. In an example of the apparatus, the apparatus has a compartment layer, a sealant layer, and indicia which may individually identify compartments. In another example, a method includes taking a compartment layer and sealant layer, loading compartments with sets of one or more articles, closing the compartment layer with the sealant layer, and identifying each compartment for each seed or portion thereof with a positionally-addressable ordered array of indicia on at least one of the layers of the package.

Abstract: A counterbalance assembly for counterbalancing a tilt-in window sash within a guide track of a window frame. A brake shoe housing is provided having a face section and a rear section defined between a top edge, a bottom edge, and two side edges. At least one of the two side edges is a curved surface having a convex curvature. A curl spring is provided having a free end. The free end of the curl spring engages the brake shoe housing, therein applying a turning torque to the brake shoe housing that cocks the brake shoe housing and moves the curved surface into tangential contact with the guide track. A cam actuator is interposed between the face section and the rear section that spreads these sections into contact with the guide track when the tilt-in window sash is tilted forward.

Abstract: A door operator includes a housing, a first pressure compartment; a second pressure compartment, a drive unit disposed in the housing and coupleable to a door via an output shaft, the driving unit being associated with the first pressure compartment, a hydraulic pump in hydraulic connection with the first and second pressure compartments, a motor in driving relationship with the hydraulic pump, and a spring force accumulator disposed in the housing. The spring force accumulator is associated with the second pressure compartment and coupled to the drive unit.

Abstract: A tubular insert sleeve for an excavated hole and a safety cover fitted to cover an operatively upper end of the insert sleeve are provided to maintain the integrity of an excavated hole and limit access to the hole in order to improve the safety of the public. The sleeve is made of cooperating segments which can easily be separated and which a form a sleeve when assembled. The operatively upper end of the assembled sleeve forms an outwardly extending bell-shaped end of greater outer diameter to define an outwardly extending flange which is more easily grasped for removal of the sleeve from an excavated hole.

Abstract: An apparatus disposed along and attached to a wall edge to mitigate wind-generated vortices and suction loads on the wall, suitable and convenient for both new constructions and retrofits of existing buildings. Preferred configurations are described and include such types as wall edge cap, wall edge windscreen and wall edge wind spoiler, each utilizing a distinctive primary aerodynamic mechanism, often with optional secondary mechanisms to enhance vortex-suppressing effects.