Abstract: A first lift stand is provided with a first supporting unit to support a first portion of a positioning object, and a first servo system to drive the first supporting unit in a vertical direction. A second lift stand is provided with a second supporting unit to support a second portion of the positioning object, and a second servo system to drive the second supporting unit in the vertical direction. A third lift stand is provided with a third supporting unit to support a third portion of the positioning object, and a third servo system to drive the third supporting unit in the vertical direction. A fourth lift stand is provided with a fourth supporting unit to support a fourth portion of the positioning object, and a fourth servo system to drive the fourth supporting unit in the vertical direction.

Abstract: An automatic pop-up cigar cutter is provided with a cutting blade assembly including a blade in a cutting-blade-assembly receiving groove, and at least one cutting blade spring in at least one assembling groove. The cutting blade spring has both ends thereof pressed against the base and the cutting blade assembly, so that the cutting blade assembly can be pressed out of the cutting-blade-assembly receiving groove. The base is further provided with a control knob assembling including a fixing knob and a moving knob that are mated through a fixing cylinder and a moving cylinder, and the cutting blade assembly is correspondingly formed with a fixing hole and a moving hole. The fixing cylinder is smaller than the fixing hole and greater than the moving hole, and the moving cylinder is smaller than the moving hole. By such arrangements, the user can cut off the cigar with a single hand.

Abstract: A handheld cardboard scoring device includes a handle; an arched, stiff frame extending from the handle; a circular scoring blade having a central axis and an outer edge; a hub on the frame that that rotatably connects to the axis of the blade; and a plurality of teeth along the outer edge of the blade. There may be substantially five teeth per inch on the outer edge of the circular scoring blade.

Abstract: The invention relates to a knife comprising a housing (11) in which a blade support (12) can move between at least one safety position and at least one cutting position, with an actuator (16), wherein movement of the actuator (16) from a starting position into an actuating position shifts the blade support (12) from the safety position into a first cutting position, wherein a connecting linkage (17) is fixedly connected by a first pivot (G2) to the blade support (12) and by a second pivot (G4) to an actuating element (19) of the actuator (16). A particularity is that the first pivot (G2) and the second pivot (G4) are spaced in a first orientation of the connecting linkage (17) at a first spacing (L1) from each other and in the second orientation at a second spacing (L2) from each other, wherein the blade support (12), with the actuator (16) being in the actuating position, is in the first orientation in a cutting position and in the second orientation in a safety position.

Abstract: As illustrated in (FIG. 1) a pair of “Point-Cutting” safety scissors that incorporate a precision/safety tip feature allowing for greater precision and stylist safety for use in “Point-Cutting” techniques of cutting hair. These “Point-Cutting” safety scissors are characterized by a void located at the tips of the left and right blades in the shape of a “quarter-elliptical arc” (101). This particular novel shape provides greater cutting precision and optimum stylist safety while performing “Point-Cutting” techniques. Thereby, allowing the stylist to cut closer by resting the tips of the said blades on their fingers without the risk of being cut.

Abstract: A hair trimmer includes a fixture having an upper and a lower tie plates, with an elastic element between the upper and lower tie plates; at least two cutting units at an end of the upper and lower tie plates, with each cutting unit having a corresponding cutting part, and an end of each cutting part having notches of different depths; and at least two combing units assembled with the upper and lower tie plates and corresponding to an exterior side of each cutting unit, with each combing unit including a teeth part which corresponds to each other and is parallel to the cutting part, and an end of each teeth part having comb slots of different depths. Therefore, a multiedged thinning can be carried out while trimming and it allows the hair to have more different levels of edge and a sense of beauty.

Abstract: A tool comprising a scissors, the scissors including two handles, each handle including an aperture therethrough is disclosed. The tool includes a comb attached to the scissors. The comb includes a handle portion and a comb portion. The handle portion of the comb includes a plurality of extensions therefrom, the extensions for engaging the aperture of one of the handles of the scissors, wherein the comb can be removed from the scissors by disengaging the extensions.

Abstract: An aerodynamic trimmer head assembly for use in flexible line rotary trimmers including a trimmer head having a curvilinear upper head surface and a shroud having a curvilinear portion extending over the head surface. A plurality of ribs extend downwardly and forwardly in the direction of rotation between the head surface and shroud defining a plurality of channels extending between portions of the upper head surface and shroud along curvilinear paths defined by the ribs. The channels define inlet openings in an upper portion of the shroud and outlet openings about the lower end portion thereof. During rotation of the head and shroud, air is drawn downwardly about the drive mechanism, through the channel inlets, into and through the channels and outwardly therefrom at a forward inclination about the line projecting from the housing thereby cooling the drive mechanism of the rotary trimmer and reducing aerodynamic drag on the line.

Abstract: A circle cutter for a sheet product comprises a center knob assembly, an arm, and a cutting assembly. The center knob assembly comprises a base portion adapted to contact a sheet product and fix a position of the cutting assembly relative to the sheet product. The arm is adapted to rotate about the center knob assembly. The arm has a friction reducing element proximate an end of the arm The cutting assembly comprises a cutting portion having a cutting blade. The cutting assembly is releasably fixed to the arm to cut a generally circular pattern into the sheet product as the arm rotates about the center knob assembly.

Abstract: A trimmer head assembly for a trimming machine. The trimmer head assembly includes a spool. The spool has a central tubular hub. The spool also has a central flange that radially extends from the hub. A trim line conduit is joined to the central flange. The trim line conduit has a first open end. The first open end leads to a first straight section. The first straight section leads to a curved central section. The curved central section leads to a second straight section. The second straight section leads to a second open end. The curved central section passes around the center of the spool. A housing is provided that receives the spool therein. When loading trimmer line into the trimmer head assembly, the shape of the conduit enables the trimmer line to pass around the central opening in the spool without binding.

Abstract: A power tool in one embodiment includes a motor supported by a frame, a foot defining a first plane, a first guide fixedly positioned with respect to the foot and defining a first arc in a second plane, a second guide fixedly positioned with respect to the foot and defining a second arc in a third plane, wherein the second plane and the third plane are orthogonal to the first plane and the first arc and the second arc are offset when projected onto a reference plane parallel to the second plane and the third plane, a first pin fixedly positioned with respect to the motor and guided by the first guide; and a second pin fixedly positioned with respect to the motor and guided by the second guide.

Abstract: A target system for optical chassis alignment includes a target and a target mounting element having a target receiving element to which the target is attached. The target mounting element is attachable to a wheel of a motor vehicle so that the target is aligned at an angle to the wheel center plane. A significant mark at a known distance from a reference plane and at least two additional undetermined marks are situated on the target.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein that provide for remote leveling and positioning. An embodiment includes a leveling device assembly. Another embodiment provides a system including a leveling device assembly and a plurality of audio devices. Further embodiments provide for systems having a plurality of leveling device assemblies.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a coordinate measurement apparatus includes an articulated arm having a first end and a second end with at least a first arm segment and a second arm segment therebetween. Further, the apparatus can comprise at least one ball and socket joint connecting the first arm segment to the second arm segment, with the ball and socket joint including a ball member and a socket member, and a measurement probe attached to the first end of said articulated arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for counting parts in a tape and reel packaging system in which a plurality of parts are packaged on linear tape wound onto a reel. The apparatus includes a measuring device, and a meter body. The meter body includes electronic means for calculating and displaying a quantity of parts in the tape and reel packaging system. The calculation is based on inputs supplied by a user employing the measuring device. In an embodiment, the apparatus is portable and configured to be hand-held.

Abstract: A clothes dryer is provided. In the dryer, air flowing into a drying container is provided with heat from heat pump. The clothes dryer comprises a cabinet, a drying container rotationally mounted in the cabinet, a motor providing the container with rotational force, a first air path connected to a side of the container, a second air path connected to another side of the container and to the outside of the cabinet, a first heat exchanging member for the first air path, and a second heat exchanging member for the second air path. The first air path and the second air path are on the lower part of the cabinet.

Abstract: An air inlet and outlet passage module for desiccation is formed in a hollow structure including a frame and two boards. The frame has a frame channel formed between frame sides and a duct cap on an outer side. The duct cap has an opening communicating with the frame channel and is coupled with an air duct to connect a plurality of air inlet and outlet passage modules in series. The duct cap not being coupled is sealed through a lid. The two boards are located at two corresponding sides of the frame and have a plurality of air vents formed thereon to facilitate air ventilation. Each air vent is formed at a diameter smaller than that of a grain to prevent crops from dropping into the module. The invention can be assembled and disassembled, and coupled in series or parallel easily to enhance drying efficiency and reduce energy waste.

Abstract: A magnetic shoe drying apparatus is to improve the drying of shoes in a conventional laundry dryer. Apparatus will consist of rods, which will be placed in mouth of the shoe width wise or a horse shoe opener which is to be placed in upper mouth area length wise, to keep mouth of the shoe open during drying process for best drying results. Magnetic device will be placed in bottom heel area of tennis shoe length wise. Magnetic device will be attached to shoe by a heat resistant elastic band or elastic strap with button fasteners which will go around the mouth of the shoe and the magnetic device which is to be attached to the dryer's drum. When the drying process is completed simply remove by pulling magnetic device in shoe from dryer's drum.

Abstract: A clothes dryer operates on at least one of first and second sources of power or fuel. The clothes dryer has a housing with a drum that receives associated laundry and a blower assembly for selectively circulating air in the drum to dry the laundry. The dryer is configured for connection with an associated first source of fuel/power for a first heater (e.g., electric) and additionally configured for connection with a different type, associated second source of fuel/power for a second heater (e.g., combustible fuel). Typically, the clothes dryer is adapted for both an electrical connection and a combustible fuel connection. A controller receives a signal or data from an external source indicative of price and usage operation of a particular power source. The controller can then provide an output that prompts the consumer for selection of different modes of operation using the first heater, second heater, or a combination of both.

Abstract: A custom shoe fabrication method comprises the steps of forming a shoe having an upper and an outsole with the upper is detachably attached to the outsole, detaching the upper from the outsole, printing an image on a thermal transfer sheet, ironing the printed image on the upper, and attaching to the outsole the upper having the image printed thereon.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a woven strap system is disclosed. The woven strap system preferably wraps along the entirety of the outsole, including a bottom side and an outer periphery. The article of footwear also includes a midsole that rests inside the woven strap system, just above the outsole.

Abstract: An insole and arch support system which may be secured to the interior of a shoe and includes a set of arch support members. Each arch support member of the system is provided with a different density to provide varying levels of hardness and stability to the arch of the foot of the individual user, and may be secured to the insole at adjustable locations. An appropriate arch support member and insole member are secured together and inserted into the shoe, with the arch support member positioned at the desired location relative to the arch of the foot. The shoe is then worn in the normal manner.

Abstract: A footwear component and a method of making the footwear component are disclosed. The footwear component includes a first portion and a second portion that are joined at a transition zone. The first portion and the second portion have different flexibility characteristics. The footwear component can bend at the transition zone to accommodate the natural bending of a foot. The footwear component can also include a cushioning member that provides support and cushioning for the heel.

Abstract: A laminated panel comprises a core layer and two fusible layer portions. The core layer has an upper surface. The fusible layers each have an upper surface with a surface finish and a lower surface. The lower surface of the first fusible layer portion is secured to the upper surface of the core layer, exposing the first surface finish. The lower surface of the second fusible layer portion is secured to at least one of the upper surface of the core layer and the upper surface of the first fusible layer portion, exposing the second surface finish. The two fusible layer portions are positioned side by side and are fused to be coplanar. A method for laminating panels is also provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for walking support are provided. The walking support is comprised of a sole, a toe cover connected to the sole at the front of the sole, and a heel cup connected to the sole at the rear of the sole. The heel cup may have a vertical extension that extends upward to a cuff that wraps around the wearer's lower leg. The walking support may be worn over stockings with conventional shoes or boots, or may be incorporated into the footwear. A boot incorporating a walking support includes a lower leg cuff, which is closed in the same manner as the boot. A shoe incorporating a walking support does not incorporate a lower leg cuff.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe comprising a sole support (30), a midsole (6?) and an outsole (20), wherein the edge (6) of the sole support (3) has one or more of bridges (7) on the left and right tiptoe and heel, respectively.

Abstract: An article of footwear including an outer sole assembly and an upper, the upper including a vamp. The upper includes at least one portion structured to deform elastically and reversibly, so that the deformations are controlled.

Abstract: A cycling shoe comprises a shoe upper and a shoe sole. The shoe sole is provided with at least one magnetic plate, so that the cycling shoe can be magnetically attracted to a bicycle pedal including magnetic elements. The shoe sole is further provided with stopping blocks to be engaged in the bicycle pedal, preventing the cycling shoe from sliding relative to the bicycle pedal. By such arrangements, the cycling shoe has the advantages of being easy to slide out, stable engagement, and labor-saving.

Abstract: An ornamental badge to be worn on a garment on a special occasion, comprising a surface for displaying a name or occasion and a means of clipping, holding, or fastening gifts of paper currency or similar gifts to the badge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a collapsible display-arrangement (A; B) having a base unit (2) for placing against a support surface (1), a sheet (4) that can be rolled up or unrolled and on which a picture and/or text appears, and also a support (3) for retaining the sheet, the upper edge (4a) of the sheet being arranged for co-operation with said support (3). At least one end part of said upper edge (4a) is designed to be able to be provided with a permanent magnet (7) or the like, and the magnetisation direction or directions is/are so chosen that an attractive force will operate between said permanent magnet (7) and a permanent magnet (7a?) pertaining to an adjacent display arrangement (B).

Abstract: A frame assembly includes a seal structure configured for limiting the intrusion of water and the like into a displayed article (e.g., picture) receiving space thereof. The seal structure that provides a water-resistant barrier at front and rear openings of the displayed article receiving space of the frame assembly. In this manner, the frame assembly is well-suited for use in areas that are subject to the exposure to the elements, to being splashed with water, and/or being hit by flying objects thereby reducing the potential for being a safety risk, for damage to the frame and/or for damage to the displayed article.

Abstract: A display device includes a case and a display panel module. The case includes a front bezel and a back bezel combined with each other to define an accommodating space in the case, and the case further includes a window formed on the front bezel. The display panel module includes a display screen, and the display panel module is disposed inside the case, wherein the display screen faces the window and an included angle is defined between the display screen and the front bezel. The included angle is between 3 to 5 degrees, when the display device is tilted a small angle backward, the included angle between the display screen and the front bezel make the display screen to be substantially perpendicular to a surface on witch the display device is placed thereon, such that the display screen is perpendicular to the line of the sight of a user.

Abstract: The present invention is an ammunition magazine, preferably made of a glass fiber reinforced polymer, utilizing a structurally enhancing ridge, angular guide rails and a follower made to interface with said guide rails to reduce wobble. The preferred embodiment also features a protective cover that distributes forces from the spring to more structurally sound areas of the magazine, thus reducing feed end splay, and an ammunition indication system comprised of at least one window and a noticeable marker on the follower spring. The follower and magazine casing are also designed to interface to prevent the follower from popping out of the feed end and the floor plate of the magazine utilizes a locking plate and sliding relationship between the floor plate, locking plate and magazine to secure the floor plate onto the magazine casing. The cover features built in tools for, among other things, unloading and disassembling the magazine.

Abstract: Applicants have disclosed a quick connect/disconnect recoil pad for the butt-end of a shoulder-mounted firearm. The recoil pad can be installed and removed without tools or implements, to swap in another recoil pad. Applicants' preferred embodiment comprises: an interchangeable recoil pad assembly having a recoil pad; and a spring-loaded latching means, attached to the rear or butt-end of a gun stock for connecting the recoil pad assembly onto the stock and for later quickly disconnecting the pad assembly, if desired, via a release button housed in the stock.

Abstract: An all in one muzzle loading device is a T-shaped device used to store and quickly reload a gun during a successive shot. The all in one muzzle loading device has a handle and a stem forming the T-shaped configuration. The stem releasably holds the projectile and the handle holds gunpowder pellets, and primer. A cap is disposed at an end of the handle to hold the pellets within the handle. The primer is manipulated on the handle using a slideable primer applicator that, in an extended position, disposes the primer a distance from the handle. The handle also has lip extending from its side being a ram rod receiver. The ram rod receiver is designed to hold a ram rod without restraint thus permitting the ram rod to rotate or twist freely.

Abstract: A weapon-supporting assembly including a base, an extension member extending from the base, and a strut, wherein the base, the extension member, and the strut are configured as disclosed herein.

Abstract: An apparatus including a stake device for driving into a ground surface, a first device having a cavity into which a fishing rod handle can be inserted, and an alarm device. The stake device may be attached to or detached from the first device. The alarm device is triggered when the fishing rod handle is within the cavity of the first device and is sufficiently jostled as a result of a fish tugging on a fishing line connected to the fishing rod handle The first device may include a first compartment and a second compartment, wherein the first compartment fits within the second compartment, and the cavity is within the first compartment. The alarm device may include a first metal conductor attached to a periphery of the first compartment, and a second metal conductor attached to an interior of the second compartment.

Abstract: A trap device (1) has an adhesive layer (3) carried on a substrate (2) and a separator structure (4) having spaced proud standing portions (15), standing proud with respect to the adhesive layer (3). The proud standing portions (15) of the separator structure (4) are typically distributed across the adhesive layer (3) to ensure that an overlaying layer is held away from contact with adhesive layer (3) over substantially the entire adhesive layer (3). A cover (22a) may be positioned over the separator structure (24).

Abstract: Disclosed is a mousetrap having an enclosure with a rotatable top part having a downwardly extending strike plate within the enclosure, and a bottom part having an upwardly extending catch plate within the enclosure, an aperture in each of the top part and the bottom part which are in substantial alignment when the mousetrap is set, and a trigger mechanism, wherein the mousetrap is set to incapacitate or kill the mouse by the manual rotation of the top part relative to the bottom part when a mouse activates the trigger mechanism causing the top part to rotate relative to the bottom part and thereby incapacitating or killing the mouse between the strike plate and the catch plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to formulations of volatile organic compounds having effects on Otiorhynchus weevils e.g., Otiorhynchus sulcatus. In some embodiments, volatile organic compounds selected from (E)-2-hexenol, (Z)-2-pentenol, methyl eugenol and a combination thereof are effective for attracting Otiorhynchus weevils. The invention also relates to traps and particularly to a “weevil trap” combined with any one or more of the disclosed volatile organic compounds selected from (E)-2-hexenol, (Z)-2-pentenol, methyl eugenol, and light which are effective for monitoring and controlling Otiorhynchus weevils.

Abstract: A process for liquefying a cellulosic material is provided comprising hydrolysing the cellulosic material in the presence of an acid catalyst in a solvent mixture to produce a liquefied product, wherein the solvent mixture contains water and in the range of 5 to 95 wt % of a co-solvent and wherein the co-solvent is present in an amount of less than or equal to 90% by weight based on the weight of water and co-solvent, which co-solvent comprises one or more polar solvents, and wherein the solvent mixture is at least partly recycled.

Abstract: Processes are described for producing liquid, biobased lubricant additives containing from 50 to 100% biobased carbon according to ASTM D6866 from heat-bodied oils by transesterification with biobased or petroleum based alcohols and by hydrotreatment of at least the resulting diesters, triesters and polyesters.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the manufacture of a 5-substituted 2-(alkoxymethyl)furan (or a mixture of such furans) by reacting a starting material comprising at least a 5-substituted furfural with hydrogen in the presence of an alcohol and a catalyst system.

Abstract: An effective stress corrosion cracking (SCC) inhibiting amount of a corrosion inhibitor is added into a blend of fuel and ethanol that contacts a metal, wherein the corrosion inhibitor is an organic acid selected from citric acid, ascorbic acid, succinic acid, pyruvic acid, maleic acid, oxaloacetic acid, oxalosuccinic acid, ketoglutaric acid, isocitric acid, malic acid, aconitic acid, fumaric acid, isomers of these organic acids, and a combination thereof. For example, the corrosion inhibitors inhibit stress corrosion cracking of pipeline grade metal pipe at ethanol concentrations greater than fifteen percent. In one embodiment, the corrosion inhibitor is added into a blend of fuel and ethanol flowing through a pipeline at a plurality of injection points spaced apart along the length of the pipeline. In one option, the corrosion inhibitor is ammoniated to form the ammonium salt of the organic acid.

Abstract: A diesel fuel additive composition, a fuel containing the fuel additive, a method for improving diesel engine performance using the additive and a method for making the additive for diesel engines having a high pressure fuel injection system. The fuel additive has a number average molecular weight (Mn) of from about 500 to about 10,000 and is selected from a hydrocarbyl-substituted succinic acid or anhydride or derivative thereof and a hydrocarbyl-substituted Mannich base. The additive has a molecular weight distribution such that less than about 25 wt. % of the additive has a molecular weight of 400 or less as measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) based on a polystyrene calibration curve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fatty acid composition which contains an effective amount of fatty acids providing improved low temperature stability of the composition. The present invention also relates to a process for producing a fatty acid composition wherein the process comprises the steps of selecting a crude tall oil having a fatty acid concentration and type capable of providing low temperature stability, distilling said crude tall oil to provide a fatty acid composition containing an effective amount of tall oil fatty acids providing low temperature stability.

Abstract: The invention provides for a novel type of biofuel; a method for cleaving anchors from photosynthetic organisms; and a method for producing biofuels using photosynthetic organisms, the method comprising identifying photosynthesis co-factors and their anchors in the organisms; modifying the organisms to increase production of the anchors; accumulating biomass of the organisms in growth media; and harvesting the anchors.

Abstract: An improved charcoal briquet having combustion aiding surfaces is packaged in a compact boxed package. A charcoal briquet having improved burning characteristics and also improved shipping and retailing characteristics is thereby provided. An improved packaged charcoal product including a flat sided box adapted to hold randomly oriented briquets and be split open at its corners and at a lower portion for use in igniting the briquets and a grooved pillow shaped briquet are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for the production of pellets or briquettes from lignin containing material in the form of processable particles wherein the method includes the steps of: passing the material having a relative moisture content of more than about 20%, by weight, to a drying step and drying it to a relative moisture content of about 0-30% by weight; passing the material to a heat treatment step and heating the material to about 180-235° C. by injecting steam into a reactor; maintaining the material in the reactor at the temperature reached for a sufficient time to soften the material and release lignin; reducing the pressure in the reactor in at least one step; and pelletizing or briquetting the treated material. The invention also concerns pellets or briquettes produced by the method.

Abstract: A coal processing method includes adding coal powder, water and catalyst into a series of tandem reactors and processing therein, wherein the coal powder, water and catalyst are added into the first reactor of the series of tandem reactors; and the temperature and pressure of the series reactors is alternatively arranged in sub-critical state and supercritical state of water from the first reactor, the total product from the previous reactor is used as the feed of the next reactor without any further separation.