Abstract: A scrapbooking page alignment device for temporarily aligning at least two adjacent scrapbook pages having retention receivers extending from their respective spine edges, the device comprising (i) a base; and (ii) two or more spaced retention posts extending from said base; where said retention posts are dimensioned to temporarily receive the retention receivers of the two adjacent scrapbook pages.

Abstract: A method of making a primary alkaline battery that includes a cathode including ?-MnO2 as an active material, an anode including zinc or zinc alloy as an active material, a separator between the cathode and anode, and an alkaline electrolyte contacting the anode and cathode having improved discharge performance. Methods of making high-purity, essentially lithium-free ?-MnO2 having high electrochemical activity from nominally stoichiometric lithium manganese oxide spinels are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for making a battery is disclosed which comprises providing a plurality of Electrochemical Cell (EC) bundles; providing a current collecting terminal having first and second ends; electrically connecting the projections of the sheet like electrodes extending from one end a first EC bundle together via the first end of the current collecting terminal; electrically connecting the projections of the sheet like electrodes extending from one end of a second EC bundle together via the second end of the current collecting terminal such that the first and second EC bundles are mechanically and electrically connected together and form a string of at least two EC bundles; and folding the string of at least two EC bundles by bending the current collecting terminal connecting the at least two EC bundles together such that the first and second EC bundles are positioned in a side by side relationship.

Abstract: A tool for use in servicing an LPRM assembly of a nuclear reactor vessel includes a structural member having a first bore that is structured to receive an LPRM device associated with the LPRM assembly, a headpiece provided at a first end of the structural member, and a nut engaging assembly slideably mounted on the structural member. The headpiece has a plurality of projections structured to mate with a plurality of bores provided in a seal of the LPRM assembly to enable the seal to be removed, and the nut engaging assembly has a housing that defines a second bore and that has first and second nut engaging portions. The nut engaging assembly is free to slide along the structural member and over the headpiece to a position wherein the engaging portions extend beyond the headpiece so that they may be used to remove the assembly nut.

Abstract: A lay meter includes a computer based device, a light source for creating a light plane operably connected with the computer based device, a shadow based sensor a light plane operably connected with the computer based device, and signal processing circuits and software for processing sensed signals such that a clean square wave voltage signal is generated in direct response to the lays passing through the light plane.

Abstract: A semiconductor including a selectively plated lead frame is disclosed. The lead frame contains a die pad and a plurality of lead fingers, where each lead finger is formed with a bonding pad on the center portion of the lead finger by selective plating. The surface area of the lead finger material is increased so the adhesion to molding material is improved. The edges of the lead finger tips are half etched to further increase the surface area of lead finger material. A method of manufacturing the lead frame is also provided.

Abstract: A method for metalizing at least one blind via formed in at least one substrate, including at least the following steps: a) arranging at least one solid portion of electrically conductive material in the blind via, b) performing a thermal treatment of the solid portion of electrically conductive material, making it melt in the blind via, c) cooling the electrically conductive material, solidifying it in the blind via, and wherein, before carrying out step a), at least part of the walls of the blind via is covered with a material able to prevent wetting of said part of the walls of the blind via by the melted electrically conductive material obtained during the performance of step b), the solidified electrically conductive material obtained after carrying out step c) being able not to be secured to said non-wetting part of the walls of the blind via.

Abstract: A fracture splitting jig is fitted into a crank pin hole of a connecting rod, and a fracture load is applied in a longitudinal direction of the connecting rod via the fracture splitting jig to thereby fracture a big end of the connecting rod. A mandrel as the fracture splitting jig is divided into four parts to be separable from each other in a longitudinal direction of the connecting rod and in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. When the big end is fractured, a fractured portion thereof is allowed to come in contact with a predetermined portion of the fracture splitting jig.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for assembling a rotor of a wind turbine at sea. The device comprises a support structure that is provided with means for rotating the hub of a rotor around the hubs longitudinal axis. The support structure is further adapted to be connected to an offshore platform such that the rotating means may be positioned outside the periphery of the platform. The invention also relates to an assembly of an offshore platform and the device, connected thereto. The invention further relates to a method for assembling a rotor of a wind turbine at sea, and to a method of assembling a wind turbine at sea, using the device and assembly. The device and method provide a more efficient assemblage.

Abstract: A method for erecting an offshore wind turbine at a wind turbine erection site is provided, wherein the wind turbine includes a rotor, which has, in a fully assembled condition, a predetermined number of rotor blades mounted to a rotor hub. The method comprises transporting the rotor hub to the erection site; transporting rotor blades to the erection site; and, mounting, on a vessel, rotor blades to the rotor hub so that the rotor is in the fully assembled condition. Further, a vessel having at least one flange for mounting a rotor hub is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for replacing an inner disk element of a blade integrated disk wherein the blade integrated disk has a plurality of recesses in the form of axial through-bores in the joining area. The method begins with filling the axial through-bores, after which the inner disk element of the blade integrated disk is separated from the remaining blade ring. Next a new inner disk element is inserted into the remaining blade ring and the new inner disk element and the remaining blade ring are joined. Finally the axial through-bores are restored.

Abstract: A wheel stud installing and removing system includes a C-frame; a forcing screw configured to communicate with the C-frame to move laterally through the C-frame; a swivel mounted on an end on the forcing screw; an adapter receiver mounted on an opposite end of the C-frame from the forcing screw, and configured to receive at least one of either a stud installing adapter and a stud removing adapter. A method of moving a stud includes: inserting one of either an installing adapter or a removing adapter into an adapter receiver on a C-frame; aligning a longitudinal axis of the adapter with a longitudinal axis of the stud; aligning the longitudinal axis of the stud with a longitudinal axis of a forcing screw; and turning the forcing screw.

Abstract: A sleeve bearing assembly and method of construction therefore includes a woven inner portion bonded to an injection molded elastic outer portion. The inner portion includes a first yam of lubricious yam material and a second yarn of material that is different than the first yarn. The first yarn substantially provides an inner bearing surface and the second yarn substantially provides an outer surface that is bonded to the outer portion. The first and second yarns are woven together so that the first yarn is woven in one of a weft direction corresponding to a circumferential direction of the journal bearing surface or a warp direction corresponding to an axial direction of the journal bearing surface to substantially provide the bearing surface and the second yarn is woven in a direction different than the first yarn to substantially provide the outer surface bonded to the outer portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nail clippers including: a body having a fingernail insertion part formed thereon in such a manner as to insert a fingernail thereinto; and a cutter mounted with respect to the fingernail insertion part on the body in such a manner as to apply a transverse shearing force to the fingernail that has been passed into the fingernail insertion part, the cutter having a fixed plate supportedly fixed to the body and a cutter blade part formed on a partial surface of the fixed plate, the cutter blade part having a blade face adapted to cut the fingernail.

Abstract: A combination shaving and trimming device includes a handle having an upper end and lower end, a powered trimmer disposed adjacent the upper end, a wet-shaving razor attachment adapted for mounting over the trimmer onto the upper end of the handle. The wet-shaving razor attachment is removably connected to the trimmer via a releasable locking mechanism.

Abstract: The invention features a hair removal device, such as a razor for dispensing a fluid during use. The hair removal device includes a fluid dispensing member which comprises an elongated elastomeric contact member for dispensing the fluid onto the skin in a wide and flat layer of fluid.

Abstract: The invention features a hair removal device that dispenses fluid during operation. The hair removal device includes a handle and a device head operably engaged thereto. The handle has a proximal end forming a product dispensing aperture, a distal end forming a cavity for housing a fluid, a supply channel in fluid communication with the cavity and the product dispensing aperture, a peristaltic pump physically engaged with the supply channel. Actuation of the peristaltic pump displaces fluid from the cavity to the product dispensing aperture.

Abstract: The invention features a hand held device that dispenses fluid during operation. The hand held device includes a handle and a device head operably engaged thereto. The handle has a proximal end forming a product dispensing aperture, a distal end forming a cavity for housing a fluid, a supply channel in fluid communication with the cavity and the product dispensing aperture, a peristaltic pump physically engaged with the supply channel, and a flexible barrier that rests between the peristaltic pump and the supply channel preventing direct contact of the supply channel by the peristaltic pump. Actuation of the peristaltic pump displaces fluid from the cavity to the product dispensing aperture.

Abstract: The invention features a hand held device that dispenses fluid during operation. The hand held device includes a handle and a device head operably engaged thereto. The handle has a proximal end forming a product dispensing aperture, a distal end forming a cavity for housing a fluid, a supply channel in fluid communication with the cavity and the product dispensing aperture, a peristaltic pump physically engaged with the supply channel, said peristaltic pump comprising a rotating actuator having an central axis which has a maximum radial movement of the rotating actuator of up to about 15 mm. Actuation of the peristaltic pump displaces fluid from the cavity to the product dispensing aperture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shaver head for a rotary razor comprising a central axle and at least two spaced apart hubs extending from the axle. Each hub mounts a plurality of elongate blades such that the blades are mounted in a manner to each extend, in their elongate direction, parallel to each other and parallel to the central axle.

Abstract: A drill cutting attachment for severing an electrical conductor includes a housing, a stationary cutting blade connected with the housing, a movable cutting blade pivotally connected with the stationary cutting blade for displacement about a given cutting pivot axis between open and closed positions relative to the stationary cutting blade, and a pawl and ratchet arrangement for displacing the movable cutting blade from the open position toward the closed position, thereby to sever an electrical conductor positioned between the blades. The pawl and ratchet arrangement includes a transport pawl member that is longitudinally reciprocated by a rotary drive shaft via either an eccentric and crank arm drive arrangement, or a cam and follower drive arrangement. The drive shaft has a free end with a hexagonal cross-sectional configuration for connection with the chuck of an electric drill, and an attachment sleeve connects the housing with the electric drill body.

Abstract: A nutcracker having a reciprocating hammer whose movement follows a rotating cam. An adjustable cracking space dimension is determined by the adjustment of an anvil. When the cam rotates so that the low dwell region is in contact with a cam follower of the hammer, the hammer withdraws from a cracking space between the hammer and anvil; during this period, nuts/seeds fall from a hopper into the cracking space. As the cam rotates to the high dwell region, the hammer oscillates into the cracking space which then forces the nuts/seeds against the anvil and cracks them. As the cam continues to rotate again to the low dwell region, the cracked nuts/seeds and shells are dispensed from the cracking space and more nuts/seeds fall into the cracking space from a hopper. The cams are replaceable to accommodate different sizes of nuts, different cracking times, etc. The anvil can also be adjusted to change the width of the cracking space.

Abstract: A power tool includes a motor, a cutting element operably coupled to the motor and configured to remove material from a workpiece, a base configured to support the cutting element relative to the workpiece, and a receptacle positioned beneath the base and configured to be positioned beneath the workpiece to collect debris generated by the cutting element beneath the workpiece as material is removed from the workpiece.

Abstract: A pruning hook includes an extension pipe, a fixed blade mounted on the extension pipe, a movable blade pivotally connected with the fixed blade, a metallic driving chain connected with the movable blade, a sliding member movably mounted in the extension pipe and connected with the driving chain, a control cord mounted in the extension pipe and connected with the sliding member, and a control sleeve movably mounted on the extension pipe and connected with the control cord. Thus, the driving chain is made of metallic material so that the driving chain has a greater structural stiffness and can directly transmit the pulling force from the control cord without producing a tensile deformation during operation so as to enhancing the working efficiency of the pruning hook.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus is provided having a resilient handle, a guide on one end of the handle and a cutter body on the opposite end. The guide includes two spaced members forming an outwardly facing slot with a stop formed therein. The handle is flexed into an assembled position to form a close loop, with the cutter body positioned within the guide slot and in contact with the stop. A cutting edge is movable along with cutter body to an activated position, with the cutting edge extending outwardly of the slot and the guide. The movement of the cutter body is caused by an activation force applied to the closed loop of the resilient handle member.

Abstract: Plastic cutlery and tableware made in at least two parts joinable to form a unitary utensil, serving piece, beverage container or non-food contacting tableware in which the two parts are made of different materials. The materials of the two parts differ in at least one of the following: color, type of plastic, grade of plastic, source of plastic, and additives such as the presence of an anti-microbial agent, transparency, or reflectivity. Food-grade resins, for example, can be used for the heads of cutlery and recycled resins are used for the handles. Heads can be separately metalized and then joined to non-metalized handles. Handles may be made to fit to different types of heads. The two parts of the cutlery may be joined by inserting a tang extending from one into a cavity formed in the other. The two parts of tableware may be joinable by a snap-fit configuration.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for aligning a vehicle includes providing an optical instrument, mounted in the vehicle, the optical instrument providing an image viewable from the vehicle's standard operating position by an operator and the image including a symbolic optical projection. The method further includes providing an azimuth guidance cue in the operation area of the vehicle. The method further includes aligning the symbolic optical projection with the azimuth guidance cue by steering the vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for determining angular offset and facilitating engagement between conduits, vessels, and/or other objects are disclosed. A plurality of members are provided, each member being pivotally connected to at least one adjacent member. One or more measurement devices are provided in association with adjacent members, such that the angular relationship between adjacent members can be measured. In use, the apparatus is secured to a first object, while a laser or other visual indication device is used to produce a visible indication. The members are moved relative to one another to position the visible indication on a second object. The measurement devices can then be used to determine the angular relationship between the members, thereby enabling the angular offset between the first and second objects to be determined. Using this information, the optimal route, number, and/or angles for a conduit string engaging the two objects can be calculated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to target acquisition and related systems and devices, and more particularly to telescopic gunsights and associated equipment used to achieve shooting accuracy at, for example, close ranges, medium ranges and extreme ranges. The present invention also provides targets and methods of using the systems to achieve enhanced shooting accuracy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for aligning a first article relative to a second article, for example for aligning a nanoimprint template with a semiconductor wafer. The method comprises the steps of: providing said second article with at least one flexible structure fixed relative thereto at least one point, providing a first article having at least one surface relief marking thereon, providing a detector for measuring an interaction of the flexible structure with the surface relief marking and generating detector signals relating to said interaction, identifying with the help of the detector signals the position of the flexible structure and thus of the second article with respect to the surface relief marking and generating relative movement between the first and second articles to achieve a desired alignment between the first and second articles defined by the surface relief marking. In this method and apparatus the flexible structure is brought into contact with the surface relief marking.

Abstract: There is a hair drier which includes an air nozzle (1) having an air inlet (3) in communication with an air outlet (5). The nozzle is adapted for fan forced passage of air from said inlet (3) to exit said outlets. There is a motive power unit (8) remote from said nozzle (1) to power said fan forced passage of air. The motive power unit is operable from control means (12) associated with said nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention aims at the drum dryer drying the rolling clothes by the electric heating thermal energy, and a heat exchanging unit with heat recovery function is further installed between the room temperature air flow and the discharged hot air, for preheating the intake air flow by the thermal energy of the discharged hot air through the heat exchanging unit, to reduce the thermal energy loss.

Abstract: An aeration system for aerating particulate materials disposed in a storage bin is provided. The aeration system comprises a plurality of elongated hollow aerators and a supply conduit connected to each of the plurality of aerators. The supply conduit is connected to a blowing mechanism for receiving air there from and for providing the air to the aerators. Each aerator is disposed inside the storage bin having a substantially vertical orientation and mounted to an inside surface of a wall of the storage bin such that the aerator is structurally supported by the wall. Each aerator has at least an opening for transmitting air from inside the aerator to the particulate materials.

Abstract: A method for drying a material to be dried is described, which is acted upon inside a drying chamber by a drying gas guided in a circuit and heated by means of a heat exchanger (8) to remove the evaporated liquid. In order that a low external energy input is sufficient, it is proposed that a part of the drying gas stream is separated from the circuit, compressed and condensed in the heat exchanger (8) whilst releasing heat to the drying gas stream guided in the circuit.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed generally to systems and methods for drying wood products in one or more kilns with recovered flue gases. In some embodiments, methods for drying wood products include firing a fuel in the one or more combustion devices, thereby producing a heated fluid and a flue gas. The heated fluid is circulated to provide a primary heat source to the one or more indirect fired kilns. An amount of flue gas is recovered and transferred to provide a secondary heat source to the one or more indirect fired kilns.

Abstract: A seasoning apparatus includes: a table on which a stack of paper sheets is loaded; a ceiling plate which is arranged above the table to cover an upper side of the paper stack on the table; a front side plate and a rear side plate which are arranged to oppose to each other at front and rear sides of the paper stack on the table, at least one of the front and rear side plates being advanceable and retractable relatively to each other; a right-hand side plate and a left-hand side plate which are arranged to oppose to each other at a right-hand side and a left-hand side of the paper stack on the table, at least one of the right-hand and left-hand side plates being advanceable and retractable relatively to each other; and an air blowing device which blows air horizontally toward the paper stack on the table.

Abstract: An insole especially advantageous for arthritic or diabetic patients comprises three layers and is shaped in a form which provides and arch support and an integral heel receiving area. It is made from a generally foot-shaped bottom layer having a length extending from a heel area to a toe area, a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the bottom layer preferably further comprises one to three indentations formed integrally therein. Insert layers are secured to each of said indentations. Preferably, the bottom layer is made from an EVA foam. A middle layer having a first and second side is secured to the top surface of the bottom layer adjacent the middle layer's second side. The middle layer is preferably made of a synthetic rubber layer. The middle layer takes the shape of the bottom layer. A top layer is coextensive with and secured to the first side of the synthetic rubber layer. The top layer composition is selected according to the intended use.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an outsole with an embedded fabric layer includes a preparing step, a forming step and a separating step. The preparing step includes preparing two molds, a fabric layer and a melted plastic material, forming multiple recesses and protruding blocks in the lower mold, setting the depth of each one of the recesses 11, 11A and the height of each one of the protruding blocks at a ratio of 2:1 and dipping the fabric layer in a liquid resin. The forming step includes injecting the melted plastic material into the molds to form an outsole to enable the melted plastic material to fill into the recesses to form multiple non-slip protrusions. The separating step includes cooling the molds, separating the molds and getting the outsole with the embedded fabric layer out of the molds.

Abstract: A shoe is provided herewith that includes a heel having a centerline and cutout for a heel wear insert recessed into the heel; and a heel wear insert removably attached to the heel in the cutout for the heel wear insert. The heel wear insert has at least three curved sides around a perimeter of the heel wear insert. Each curve of the three sides of the heel wear insert is identical to the curve of the other of the sides of the heel wear insert, which allows the heel wear insert to be turned from a first position that provides a first wear edge, to a second position that provides a second wear edge, and third position that provides a third wear edge.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shoe having a detachable cushioning member, in which the cushioning member for relieving an impact is detachable from a lower surface of a heel. More particularly, in the shoe having a detachable cushioning member, the cushioning member is selectively mounted to a lower surface of a heel of the shoe, a structure of the heel for mounting the cushioning member is simple so that it is possible to easily manufacture the shoe, and only the cushioning member has the construction for cushioning so that it is possible to easily replace and repair the cushioning member.

Abstract: Appliances, methods and systems in which steam can be applied to a fabric and a heated surface can be used to press and/or dry the fabric.

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: An LED edge-lit sign comprises a transparent light panel, an image-carrying sheet in front of the light panel and a reflective back plate behind the light panel. The image to be displayed is printed onto the image-carrying sheet and a translucent layer of white ink is uniformly applied over the printed image. The result is uniform and effective back lighting of the image. A transparent window may be provided to view a changeable display therethrough.

Abstract: This invention will provide an alternative solution by providing a sign that connects to the car window which can display colors during the day or an electronic programmable sign at night. The back of the display will have an insert where owner contact information can be kept if the automobile has to be abandoned due to the vehicle being inoperative. The sign will provide automobile owners, highways drivers and law enforcement with the ability to identify an inoperative vehicle, help the owner of the car, prevent accidents on the highways, understand vehicle problem and help law enforcement contact the owner. To date there is no instrument or equipment to address the safety of driver with inoperative motor vehicles.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) sign lighter is positioned to illuminate a sign. One or more LED modules on the LED sign lighter are directed toward different portions of the sign. Each LED module is configured with a reflector or over-optic to control the angle of the light emitted toward the sign. Each LED module includes an array of LEDs. The configuration of each LED module within the LED sign lighter helps to reduce the build-up of environmental contaminants on the LED module. The center section of the LED sign lighter includes a compartment for housing electrical components to power the LED modules. Heat sink fins are oriented along the back side of the LED sign lighter to provide thermal efficiency for the LED modules.

Abstract: In combination with a highway tractor of the type having an operator's cab mounted on a frame, a vertical pivotal coupling means coupled to the frame behind the cab adapted to be coupled to a trailer, and an aerodynamic structure at the top of the cab which includes a plurality of LED bulbs and a heat generating element in the front of the aerodynamic structure. A front panel of glass or plastic material having information such as a logo containing letters and/or images located on its first surface, second surface or embedded surface covers the LED bulbs with a weatherproof seal. Light from the LED bulbs provides illumination for the information on the front panel to be viewed from the front of the highway tractor and heat from the heat generating element helps to keep the front panel having information such as a logo free of snow and/or ice.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a display means comprising a stand adapted to display a screen. The stand comprises a holding means with a first side adapted to support against an underlying supportive surface. The display means also comprises a cassette comprising a bobbin enclosed in a cavity in the cassette, wherein the screen can be wound onto and withdrawn from the bobbin. The cassette is being adapted to be inserted into and removed from the holding means via an aperture in the first side. The holding means also comprises at least one fastening means adapted to fasten the cassette in the holding means when inserted into the holding means.

Abstract: A system for supporting one or more contiguous overhead signs or portions thereof. The system includes a plurality of sign support members, and a plurality of connectors for coupling adjacent support members along a common longitudinal axis. At least one connector is slidably receivable by the adjacent support members in corresponding channels thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a display means comprising a stand adapted to secure a screen. The stand comprises a first part which supports against an underlying supportive surface and comprises a bobbin enclosed in a cavity in the first part, wherein the screen can be wounded onto and withdrawn from the bobbin. The stand also comprises a pole means, and a coupling means arranged at a first end of the pole means, and operable to secure the screen when it is at least partly withdrawn from the bobbin. The first part is provided with a recess operable to receive a part of the pole means. The stand also comprises an adjustment means arranged at the first part, and operable to adjust the pole means, and consequently the screen in relation to the first part.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for mounting a graphic holder on a display arm. The device has a body portion substantially formed of a resilient elastic material. The body portion comprises a band for securing around a display arm. As the band is resilient and elastic it can be used to mount the device on a variety of different shaped display arms. The device further comprises a neck portion attached to the body portion at a first end and having attaching means for holding the graphics holder substantially at a second end. The present invention also provides a system for displaying a graphic on a display arm comprising a device and a graphic holder.