Abstract: An exemplary flat heat pipe includes a hollow, flattened casing and a first wick structure and a second wick structure received in the casing. The casing includes a top plate and a bottom plate opposite to the top plate. The first wick structure is formed by weaving wires, and the second wick structure is made of sintered metal powder. The first and second wick structures are disposed at inner sides of the bottom and top plates of the casing, respectively. The first and second wick structures contact each other. The casing defines two vapor channels at opposite lateral sides of the combined first and second wick structures, respectively. A method for manufacturing the heat pipe is also provided.

Abstract: A heat-dissipating fin capable of increasing heat-dissipating area includes a lower plate and an upper plate. The lower plate is provided with a through-hole. The upper plate extends from the lower plate and is bent to be overlapped on the lower plate, thereby forming a heat-dissipating path (b) therebetween. In this way, the heat-dissipating area in the same height can be increased, thereby improving the heat-dissipating efficiency of the fin.

Abstract: A method for producing tubes for use in a heat exchanger that includes providing first and second metallic strips on a rolling mill train with predetermined breaking points using a device, deforming the strips to form the a tube, separating individual tubes from the tube at the predetermined breaking points, sensing positions of the predetermined breaking points in the strips using a sensing element which the strips pass through, transmitting signals relating to sensed positions of the predetermined breaking points of the strips to a computer, comparing the positions of the predetermined breaking points in the first and the second strips using the computer on the basis of the signals transmitted, and sending signals to the device using the computer which lead to the alignment of the positions of the predetermined breaking points in the first and the second strips.

Abstract: An entry fitting system including a generally rigid body configured to extend through an opening of a containment chamber and a generally flexible seal configured to be positioned in the body. The system further includes an insert configured to be coupled to the body and cause the seal to sealingly engage a pipe received through the body, wherein the seal is configured to enable the sealingly engaged pipe to be oriented in a non-parallel position with respect to a central axis of the body.

Abstract: A method of assembling an epicyclic gear train includes the steps of providing a unitary carrier having a central axis that includes spaced apart walls and circumferentially spaced apart apertures provided at an outer circumference of the carrier. Gear pockets are provided between the walls and extend to the apertures, and a central opening in at least one of the walls. A plurality of intermediate gears is inserted through the central opening and move the intermediate gears radially outwardly into the gear pockets to extend through the apertures. A sun gear is inserted through the central opening. The plurality of intermediate gears is moved radially inwardly to engage the sun gear. A gear reduction is also disclosed.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for supplying essentially hollow bodies with equipment wherein the hollow bodies each have a transverse dimension and a longitudinal dimension being larger than the transverse dimension. The bodies have at least one opening for accessing their interior from outside along their longitudinal dimension. The hollow bodies are arranged essentially side-by-side along the longitudinal dimension and they are moved along their transverse dimension in a clocked fashion. An arrangement comprises a plurality of conveyor means for moving hollow bodies, wherein the conveyor means are arranged such that the hollow bodies are arranged side-by-side along their longitudinal dimension and moved along their transverse dimension in a clocked fashion.

Abstract: A method of constructing a modular, commercial unit includes arranging components of said commercial unit in separate modules, each of the separate modules having a frame assembly. The modules are then transported to a predetermined location where certain of said separate modules are connected together, via the frame assemblies, to form an operation superstructure. The components are not removed from the separate modules prior to the separate modules being connected via their respective frame assemblies.

Abstract: The actuated nail clipper is a grooming tool that has made it easier to clip nails. The present invention can change in length so the toe nails are easily reachable for the consumer. The elongated neck prevents the consumer from feeling any discomfort that is normally associated with clipping toe nails. A vacuum on the actuated nail clipper can suction in leftover nail clippings. The convenience of the vacuum allows for easier clean up. The present invention also includes a small light that is angled so the nail that is being cut is clearly visible to the consumer. The light helps reduce errors in nail clipping as well as decrease the strain on the consumer's eyes.

Abstract: An electric hair removal apparatus for removing hair from the human skin. The hair removal apparatus includes a housing adapted to be held in the hand, a mechanically working hair removal device and a motor for driving the hair removal device. Provision is made for a sensor device for generating a signal that depends on the speed at which the hair removal device is moved over the skin during the hair removal.

Abstract: A flange bolt cutter for separating two connected flanges. The flange bolt cutter contains a circular saw blade pivotally connected to an adjustable flange band. The flange band contains an alignment ring for aligning the circular saw blade about the midpoint between two connected flanges. The flange bolt cutter is hydraulically operated. The adjustable flange band may be formed in two band sections hinged together and containing a rotatable bolt and handle for tightening and loosening the band sections around the flange connection.

Abstract: A power tool includes a power source, a speed change mechanism and a tip tool wherein the speed change mechanism has first and second rotating shafts arranged in parallel, a first power transmission passage equipped with a first gear train and a first clutch, and a second power transmission passage equipped with a second gear train and a second clutch. The speed change mechanism is constituted to switch the transmission passage between the first power transmission passage and the second power transmission passage while keeping the first and second gear trains in meshed state by switching the first and second clutches between power transmission state and power interruption state depending on a load applied to the tip tool.

Abstract: The present application provides a work head for a rotational brush cutter. The work head comprises an upper plate, a lower plate and a blade, the upper plate and the lower plate being fixedly coupled. The lower plate is circular and has a passage therethrough with a gear arranged in the passage. The blade has a body portion and a connection portion with the body portion able to be extended outside of the upper and lower plates. The through passage is designed so that the blade can be replaced without requiring the upper plate and lower plate to be disassembled. As a result, because the blade is not restricted by a narrow space between the upper plate and the main frame, the work head does not need to be removed from the brush cutter to replace the blade thereby saving time and effort.

Abstract: Embodiments according to the present invention provide improved rotary cutters and associated methods. A cutter includes a handle coupled to a plurality of rotary cutting elements which may be rotatable substantially within the same plane, within closely spaced parallel planes, or within intersecting planes, wherein the intersection of such planes occurs substantially tangential to the rotary cutting elements. The rotary cutting elements are preferably different sized and preferably becoming smaller distally from the handle. A method includes cutting an article with a plurality of rotary blades with a single motion of a human hand and/or arm. Such article may be, for example, a food article, such as pizza, or a textile article, such as leather, vinyl, or even gypsum board.

Abstract: The invention relates to an eccentric gear arrangement of a motor-driven, hand-guided hedge trimmer (1). The eccentric gear arrangement includes two shearing blades (2, 3) driven in mutually opposite directions over a displacement path (a). Each shearing blade has a connecting link (4, 5) as well as an eccentric wheel (6) having a drive wheel (7) and two eccentrics (8, 9). The eccentric wheel (6) rotates about a rotational axis (10). The two connecting links (4, 5) lie directly above one another. The two eccentrics (8, 9) are arranged on the same side of the drive wheel (7) and engage each in one of the two connecting links (4, 5). The two shearing blades (2, 3) have contact pressure surfaces (11, 12) in the region of their two connecting links (4, 5) and are offset with respect to each other in such a manner that they are exposed at least over a portion of the displacement path (a). Two downholders (13, 14) are provided which act each on one of the assigned contact pressure surfaces (11, 12).

Abstract: A co-ordinate measuring machine comprising a bed provided with a horizontal measuring surface, a unit that is mobile along guides carried by the bed itself, an annular structure extending along a perimetral area of the bed and constrained thereto by statically determinate means of constraint, and a plurality of displacement sensors set between the annular structure and one between the bed and the mobile unit for detecting relative displacements with respect to an initial reference condition.

Abstract: A neck measurement device (20) and a method of selecting a pillow (1, 41, 51) which takes into account the physique of the user are disclosed. A neck compression index (NCi) is calculated being the weight of the sleeper in kilograms divided by the shoulder width (ear to outer arm dimension) of the sleeper in centimeters. Preferably a compensated NCi is calculated which takes into account the softness or hardness of the mattress. A pillow resiliency is then selected based on the (compensated) NCi. Color coded pillow slips can be used to assist sleepers to self-select a pillow appropriate for their physique. Mail order and Internet based selling methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for checking the diameter of a cylindrical part, such as a crankpin of a crankshaft, in orbital motion in a numerical control grinding machine, by means of a checking apparatus with a Vee-shaped reference device for cooperating with the crankpin, a support device movably carrying the Vee-shaped reference device, and a measuring device movable with the Vee-shaped reference device. The Vee-shaped reference device is brought, from a rest position, into contact with the crankpin, and the contact, that defines a checking condition, is maintained by gravity during the orbital motion of the crankpin.

Abstract: A template tool is provided for locating sites for fixing to walls hardware for mounting a wire shelf. The tool has two legs perpendicular to each other along a bend locatable along a corner of two walls in which the legs each extend along one of two walls from the corner to enable hole(s) or opening(s) along each of the legs to align over locations of sites for fixing shelf support hardware to the walls to horizontally install a shelf. One leg has a horizontal bubble level and is adjustable or non-adjustable in length in accordance with shelf depth. An aperture along one leg is preset a distance from one end thereof for use in successively locating sites along the back wall. Sites are thus locatable along each of two corners formed by two opposite side walls and a common back wall, and along the back wall between such corners.

Abstract: A domestic appliance includes an open air duct and a flow cross-section adjuster in the air duct for adjusting a flow cross-section of the air duct. The flow cross-section adjuster includes rotatably mounted blades for noise dampening purpose. The air duct and the flow cross-section adjuster are in a cooling air inflow region relative to a heat exchanger or a compressor of the domestic appliance.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying wood veneer includes an elongate drying chamber including a conveyor for conveying material to be dried from an input end to an output end; and a cooling section for cooling veneer leaving the output end of the drying chamber, the cooling section including a pressure controller for maintaining a pressure in the cooling section that is slightly higher than pressure in the drying chamber while maintaining a near-zero pressure differential between the drying chamber and the cooling section.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air knife chamber constructed such that water flowing down along a partition wall is allowed to fall in front of a slit. Due to this construction, the water can be effectively removed by air knives, thus contributing to a reduction in the defective proportion of substrates.

Abstract: A clothes dryer having a lint cleaning device to collect and store lint generated during drying through a simple structure. The lint cleaning device, including a filter, a rectilinear blade performing a rectilinear motion to collect lint, and a rotary blade performing a rotary motion interlocking with the rectilinear motion of the rectilinear blade to collect lint, collects lint at a spot and stores the collected lint in a compressed state. The lint cleaning device is used for a long time without replacement.

Abstract: A biomass drying system includes a rotary biomass dryer that includes a helically threaded auger shaft rotatably driven by a prime mover, such as an electric motor. No external source of heat is required to dry a wet biomass material that is supplied to an input of the biomass dryer. Instead, the helical threads on the shaft have a variable width, designed to gradually increase the compression applied as the biomass material is advanced through a generally cylindrical bore in the biomass dryer. A variable compression nozzle is disposed at a distal end of the bore and can be adjusted to achieve a desired level of a parameter such as the moisture content of the dried biomass material produced by the system. The variable compression nozzle, which can be automatically controlled, includes longitudinally extending segments that are forced radially inwardly to increase the compression force applied to the biomass material.

Abstract: A device (1) for refreshing garments comprises means (5) for supporting a garment and means (3) for generating an air flow at the location where a garment is present when it is put in place on the supporting means (5). The supporting means (5) comprise two parts (6, 7) which are both suitable to be used for supporting a garment, and which are displaceably arranged with respect to each other. In this way, an enhanced functionality of the device (1) may be achieved in comparison with a device having supporting means which comprise only a single part.

Abstract: A sole of a shoe includes a container housing a compressed gas having an active ingredient and an actuator operatively connected to the container. The container has an output for dispensing the compressed gas which is operatively connected to the actuator. The actuator permits closing of the output to restrict delivery of the compressed gas and opening of the output to permit delivery of the compressed gas from the container. The actuator includes an electro-magnet adapted to produce a magnetic field from an electrical current, and a moving element configured to assume different positions under control of the magnetic field and mechanically coupled to the output so as to correspondingly close and open the output.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to footwear with a shoe sole, including at least one insertable midsole orthotic. The insertable midsole orthotic is removably inserted within the shoe upper, the sides of which hold it in position. The shoe sole includes a concavely rounded side or underneath portion, which may be formed in part by the insertable midsole orthotic. The insertable midsole orthotic may extend the length of the shoe sole or may form only a part of the shoe sole and can incorporate cushioning or structural compartments or components. The insertable midsole orthotic permits replacement of midsole material which has degraded or has worn out in order to maintain optimal characteristics of the shoe sole and allows customization for the individual wearer to provide tailored cushioning or support characteristics for the purpose of orthopedic, podiatric, corrective, prescriptive, therapeutic and/or prosthetic purposes.

Abstract: A fluid-filled structure, such as a bladder, is disclosed. The bladder has a first surface and an opposite second surface that are peripherally joined to define various edges. The bladder encloses a fluid between the first surface and the second surface. A portion of the edges may have a concave configuration, or the edges may have both concave and convex configurations. A shape of the bladder may be a tessellation pattern so that a plurality of the bladder may be efficiently. The edges may also have a linear configuration, and the bladder may enclose a tensile member.

Abstract: An article of footwear for use in sporting activities such as snowboarding is disclosed. The article of footwear can include a flex notch and a coupled lace loop design. The article can further include an internal harness to enhance stability of the foot. The article can also include a threading layer configured to strengthen the upper and a corresponding connecting layer to bond the threading layer to the upper and to provide protection to other areas of the upper.

Abstract: An article of footwear and a method making it. The footwear is configured for personalized design changes with the article of footwear comprising a base anchoring element with a first plurality of fastening elements. The base anchoring element is formed separately from existing footwear and then permanently attached to at least a portion of an outer surface of the existing footwear. The article of footwear further comprises at least two decorative elements each with a second plurality of fastening elements configured to individually releasably matingly engage with the first plurality of fastening elements. The first and second plurality of fastening elements are formed on the respective base anchoring element and each of the decorative elements, in mating registration with each other.

Abstract: An article of footwear which includes a midsole and foot stabilizer. The foot stabilizer includes a longitudinally extending spine portion and a plurality of ribs extending laterally therefrom from opposing lateral and medial sides. The plurality of ribs being positioned to at least partially underlie a foot of a user. The spine portion is disposed above and affixed to the midsole and the ribs are contoured to partially enclose the foot of the user.

Abstract: A thinner shoe mounted receptacle results from a thin cleat attachment flange received in a shallow receptacle cavity. An angled interface between the cleat and receptacle provide a friction fit engagement to minimize inadvertent disengagement of the cleat and receptacle. Rotational locking occurring inside or outside the cavity further prevents inadvertent cleat rotation. Multiple positionally synchronized angular stops positively define the final angular orientation of the cleat in the receptacle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an orthotic device used for controlling motion of a human foot in a functionally corrected anatomical position from heel strike through toe off. The orthotic device may include at least one of rearfoot, midfoot, forefoot, and toe regions. In each region corresponding medial and lateral wedges may be employed. In the rearfoot region, the medial and lateral wedges intersect at an expected contact location of a medial side of a midline of a heel of the human foot. In the midfoot region, the medial and lateral wedges intersect inclusively between expected contact locations of a first cuneiform bone and a cuboid bone. In the forefoot region, the medial and lateral wedges intersect inclusively between expected contact locations of first and fifth metatarsal bones. In the toe region, the medial and lateral wedges intersect inclusively between expected contact locations of first and fifth toes.

Abstract: A removable and adjustable insert for footwear has slots placed in the insole and/or midsole of the shoe to allow access to the arch and/or metatarsal and/or heel regions of the insole and/or midsole. In an embodiment, an insert placed into the arch insert slot that establishes how much the arch protrudes above the remainder of the top surface of the insole. One or more inserts are provided having different thicknesses so that the height of the arch can be varied by the user or at the direction of a third party, such as a doctor or a trainer.

Abstract: A mobile digging and backfill system for removing and collecting material above a buried utility. The system comprises a mobile chassis, a collection tank mounted to the chassis, a water pump mounted to the chassis for delivering a pressurized liquid flow against the material for loosening the material at a location, a vacuum pump connected to the collection tank so that an air stream created by the vacuum pump draws the material and the fluid from the location into the collection tank, and at least one backfill reservoir mounted to the chassis for carrying backfill for placement at the location.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include an apparatus for displaying sign on a vehicle, the apparatus having a first sleeve and a second sleeve. Further, the apparatus may include one or more first sleeve fasteners capable of being coupled to the first sleeve and one or more second sleeve fasteners capable of being coupled to the second sleeve. In addition, the apparatus may have a main housing capable of being fastened to the first sleeve and a receiving housing capable of being fastened to the second sleeve. Also, a winding mechanism may be coupled to the main housing and indirectly or direct coupled to the first sleeve. Moreover, such an apparatus may include a rollable vehicle sign capable of rolling and unrolling on the winding mechanism, a first end of the vehicle sign coupled to the winding mechanism and a second end coupled to the receiving housing.

Abstract: A three-sided channel coupler for connecting the upper and lower portions of a U-shaped sign post, the coupler comprising two U-shaped elements, an outer three-sided, U-shaped element and an inner, three-sided U-shaped element, the three sides of each element comprising a transverse face and two lateral legs, the inner element being smaller than the outer element, a plurality of cross-braces attached to the two lateral legs of each element to hold the two elements together and a plurality of vertical ribs on the inner surface of the outer element and on the outer surface of the inner element.

Abstract: A product highlighter includes a frame configured to surround merchandise located on a first display shelf of a display shelving unit. The frame includes an upper frame member, a lower frame member spaced apart from the upper frame member, a first side frame member coupling the upper frame member to the lower frame member, and a second side frame member spaced apart from the first side frame member and coupling the upper frame member to the lower frame member. The lower frame member is attached to an underside of the first display shelf with at least one first bracket and the upper frame member is attached to an underside of a second display shelf located directly above the first display shelf with at least one second bracket.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying an item such as a vinyl record album on a wall. The apparatus includes first and second parts (6, 4) pivotably mounted to one another, one part including a window through which the item to be displayed may be viewed, one part including a catch element (18) for limiting relative rotation of the two parts, and one part including a hook or screw for mounting the apparatus on a wall.

Abstract: The invention comprises improved designs in a recoil control device comprising a bolt and slider for use in a variety of firearms. In one embodiment, the bolt and slider are articulated so that the displacement of the bolt results in a force component accompanying the slider as it moves along a slider path that traverses a line formed by a linear firing axis of the barrel of the firearm. The slider can have additional structural and functional features, including stabilizing features, vibrational damping elements, elements of the fire control mechanism, and devices to manage the peak impulse of the slider movement as it contacts a base or terminus point.

Abstract: A dynamic latch to selectively retain a magazine within the magazine port of a long gun. The dynamic latch permits the magazine to be inserted into the magazine port by movement in a single direction eliminating the need to rotate the magazine in order to secure it within the magazine port. The dynamic latch may include an outer housing, a piston positioned within the housing, and a spring positioned between the outer housing and the piston. A latch profile on the end of the piston may extend out of an opening in the end of a magazine well when the spring is in an uncompressed state.

Abstract: A magazine for a firearm comprises a magazine shell, a main magazine spring, and a follower assembly. The follower assembly is disposed inside the magazine shell and movable generally along a longitudinal axis of the magazine shell. The follower assembly includes a non-tilt-able piece coupled to a first end of the main magazine spring and having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The follower assembly also includes a tilt-able piece having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A middle portion of the tilt-able piece is pivot-ably coupled to a middle portion of the non-tilt-able piece. The follower assembly further includes an elastic element that is elastically disposed between the non-tilt-able piece and the tilt-able piece and exerting a force on the non-tilt-able piece and the tilt-able piece.

Abstract: A weapon safety apparatus comprising a sleeve comprising a cavity portion open to receive a trigger portion of a weapon and free of any structures that impede movement of the trigger. The sleeve further comprises a body portion comprising at least one closed portion preventing access to a trigger of the weapon. The sleeve is shaped to provide access to all loading or unloading components of the weapon. The cavity portion of the sleeve may be further open to receive a handle of the weapon. A method for loading and unloading a weapon using the above weapon safety apparatuses is also provided.

Abstract: A handguard encompasses the barrel of a replica firearm and supports one or more accessory rails. The handguard and the barrel have respective axes, which are offset from one another. The offset provides a pleasing aesthetic and a lower profile to accommodate sights without unduly obscuring the view of the shooter.

Abstract: A device for fixing an additional device, such as a scope or laser sighting device, to a firearm free of play and able to accommodate the ever-changing (recoil and spring-back) forces that occur on the engaging mechanism of the fixing device. In addition to a recoil lug contacting a first stop surface of a first groove, a further adjustable stop is provided, engaging a stop surface in a different groove in a direction opposite, along the line fire, to the first stop surface.

Abstract: A game fish lure provided with a body, hook and fishing line retainer. The body is integrally molded with a material which reflects at least one peak wavelength between 300 and 400 nanometers through the semi-transparent body which reflects at least one peak wavelength between 401 and 800 nanometers. The reflective material may either be a fluid dye and/or a reflective particulate. A flavor enhancer, such as sodium chloride, may also be added to the body to further increase the attractiveness of the lure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for grinding and dispersing aquatic life including a tube having a first end and a second end, and a cap positioned on the first end. A second end includes a motor and a blade for grinding and dispersing aquatic life, wherein the aquatic life is inserted into the cylindrical tube through the cap, and the aquatic life moves down the tube towards the blade, whereby the aquatic life is ground and then dispersed into the water.

Abstract: A fishing hook remover with a V (10D) shape on the front end. Used to position and secure fishing hooks. The back end of the de-hooker has handle (20) is attached to body (12) and trigger (22) is attached to handle (20). V (10D) is part of jay (10), which is attached to the front end of tubular body (12). Shaft (14) is position in the center of body (12) by front space (26) and back spacer (28). The two spacers (26) and (28) have holes in their centers, which allow shaft (14) to slide. The back end of shaft (14) has a pivotal connection to front link (16). The back end of front link (16) has a pivotal connection to back link (18) and the back end of back link (18) has a pivotal connection to body (12). When trigger (22) is fully out front link (16) and back link (18) form proximately a 90-degree angle at their common connection. When trigger (22) is depressed it causes the angle between front link (16) and back link (18) to increase this in turn push shaft (14) towards point (10A).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed that can sample a wide variety of mosquitoes attempting to rest. Because all mosquitoes rest daily, biases of typical mosquito traps are avoided, such as targeted collections of host-seeking mosquitoes or gravid female mosquitoes. A particular advantage is the inclusion of blood-engorged mosquitoes in the resting collections. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an open-sided pot designed to attract mosquitoes seeking a daytime resting location. The mosquitoes that enter a dark space of the pot are aspirated into a screened collection receptacle by means of a battery-powered fan.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the treatment of plants using electromagnetic fields and consists in applying pulse sequences to growing plants or the seeds thereof in a pulsed electromagnetic field by means of a pulse generator, wherein the individual pulses have a frequency ranging from 1 to 100 Hz and the amplitude of each individual pulse corresponds to an exponential function or the pulses have envelope curves rising and falling in the form of an arc, wherein the individual pulses are emitted in synchronous or asynchronous groups of pulses having different magnetic flux densities, and wherein the plants are exposed to the pulsating electromagnetic field once to 30 times a day for 1 to 120 minutes each time or continuously for several days. Plant growth, germination and yields are significantly increased in an environmentally friendly manner. Resistance to diseases is increased.

Abstract: A first instruction is provided to add the contents of a container to the reservoir bowl portion of a tree stand, where the material includes an amount of a SuperAbsorbent Polymer (SAP). A second instruction is provided to add ice. In one example, an assembly includes a container, where the SAP is in the container, and where the container bears the instructions. This assembly is provided to the user. The user follows the instructions, and pours the contents into the reservoir bowl, and then adds ice to the reservoir bowl. The melting ice hydrates the SAP. The hydrated SAP then transfers moisture to a cut tree held by the stand. Water is replenished by adding more ice. No water must be poured or handled to hydrate the tree, so spilling and difficulties associated with pouring volumes of water into the bowl portion are avoided. The SAP is reusable and biodegradable.