Abstract: A pneumatic device may be configured and used to provide multiple movement related functions, such as in an automated assembly system. The pneumatic device may comprise a chamber; a sealing element configurable to contact a surface, to enable creating a seal around the chamber by application of pneumatic suction into the chamber; a biasing element configurable to push the sealing element away from the surface; and a pneumatic cushion configurable to expand by application of pneumatic inflow, thus urging the pneumatic device away from the surface.

Abstract: A method produces a component, particularly a body component for a vehicle, or a component composite consisting of several components. The steps include forming a metal plate in a forming tool, particularly in a deep-drawing die, producing a reference marking at a predefined location of the metal plate, rough positioning of the formed metal plate by a positioning device such that the reference marking is situated in a predefined space area, identifying the reference marking of a position recognition device, such as a camera system, the position recognition device generating position data corresponding to the position of the reference marking, positioning of a first fixing element at the location of the reference marking based on the position data by an electronically controlled positioning device, and connecting the first fixing element with the formed metal plate, particularly by welding.

Abstract: The invention relates to circumferential movement field, including all circumferential movement devices such as transport vehicle, toy vehicle, space vehicle, blender etc, especially for energy-saving vehicles utilizing force of gravity. The energy-saving vehicle utilizes force of gravity as driving force, the vehicle body connects with the wheel by swing structure method or eccentric swing structure to utilize force of gravity more efficiently. The invention also provides solutions about two-wheel gravitational vehicle and multi-wheel vehicle and train connected by integrated vehicles or two-wheel vehicles.

Abstract: Handle is provided for battery operated razors. In some implementations, the handle includes a simple, efficient mechanism for both securing a battery cover to the handle of a razor and at the same time providing a high reliability electrical contact between the battery and electronics of the razor. The mechanism includes a closing system, including a first conductive component slidably attached within the battery cover and biased toward a predetermined axial position, and a second conductive component secured to the interior wall of the grip portion. The first conductive component is configured to interact with the second conductive component and move axially within the battery cover during engagement of the battery cover with the grip portion.

Abstract: A method of operating a spring assisted folding knife includes the steps of: providing a spring assisted folding knife including a handle, a blade, a transfer bar assembly contained in a transfer bar assembly recess, a helical spring, and a coiled torsion spring; and pivotally moving the blade to overcome a blade closed bias force provided by the helical spring pressing against the transfer bar assembly followed by a blade opened bias provided by the coiled torsion spring, or to overcome a blade opened bias provided by the coiled torsion spring followed by a blade closed bias force provided by the helical spring pressing against the transfer bar assembly.

Abstract: A folding knife having a back bar configured to engage the tang portion of a blade. A release member mechanism is utilized to engage the back bar to apply force thereto to at least partially disengage the back bar from the tang portion of the blade for purposes of repositioning the blade with respect to the handle.

Abstract: The present application concerns embodiments of a folding knife. In one representative embodiment, a folding knife comprises a handle comprising an inner liner portion and an outer panel, the inner liner portion including a locking member that is operable to move between an unlocked position and a locked position. The folding knife further comprises a blade having a tang portion pivotally connected to the handle, the blade being operable to pivot relative to the handle about a pivot axis extending through the tang portion between a closed position and an open position. The tang portion can be configured to engage the locking member when the blade is in the open position and the locking member is in the locked position. The folding knife also comprises a lever member pivotally mounted to the locking member that is operable to pivot between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A hair clipper apparatus includes a housing and a blade assembly mountable to the housing. The blade assembly includes a first blade member having a plurality of first teeth with each said first tooth defining a first longitudinal axis of symmetry and a first primary cutting edge and a second blade member having a plurality of second teeth with each second tooth defining a second longitudinal axis of symmetry and a second primary cutting edge. Each second tooth may have a recessed segment adjacent the second primary cutting edge dimensioned to collect hair disposed between the first and second primary cutting edges. The first blade member and the second blade member are adapted for relative reciprocal movement to cut the hair collected within the recessed segment.

Abstract: Garden shears has a pair of overlapped engaging members, an anvil, a blade plate and two operating arms. The engaging member has a plurality of positioning apertures, at least two pivoting apertures, and a containment space. The engaging member has two parallel protruding strips which form a guiding track in between. The blade plate has a positioning slot, a blade and an extending portion. A plurality of driving teeth are formed at two sides of the extending portion. A limiting member is respectively mounted onto both sides of the extending portion and slidably engages with the guiding track of the engaging member. The operating arm has a connecting aperture at one end, and a driving portion adjacent to the connecting aperture. An arced section with the driving portion is provided with corresponding teeth, and another of the operating arm is provided with a handle.

Abstract: A vegetation cutting device comprising a housing rotatably coupled to a shaft; a cutting head comprising a rotary cutting means for cutting vegetation, the cutting head being coupled to the shaft and being arranged to move between an edging mode in which the rotary cutting means rotates in a substantially vertical plane and a trimming mode in which the rotary cutting means rotates in a substantially horizontal plane; a motor mounted in the housing, the motor being arranged to drive the rotary cutting means; and a switching means mechanically coupled between the housing and the shaft and arranged to be actuated when the shaft rotates relative to the housing thereby changing the speed of the rotary cutting means when the cutting head moves between the edging mode and trimming mode.

Abstract: A rotary cutting head system for a vegetation cutting device comprising; a cutting filament insert having a cutting filament and an anchor mounted thereto, the anchor having a protruding element; a cap comprising a base; a peripheral wall having at least one through hole for receiving the cutting filament; and a slot mounted on the cap for retaining the protruding element of the anchor wherein when the cutting filament insert is mounted in the cap, the protruding element of the anchor is configured to slide into the slot and to prevent lateral movement of the anchor towards the at least one through hole and to allow the anchor to slide along a path substantially parallel with the axis of rotation of the rotary cutting head.

Abstract: A chain saw comprising a main body, a shell, a motor, a motor output shaft, a cutting element, a supporting plate and a handle; the shell is provided on the main body; the motor is mounted inside the shell; the motor output shaft is used for driving the cutting element to rotate; the handle is mounted to a rear end of the main body via a connection tube; the chain saw also comprises a lever rod on the main body; the lever rod is movably connected to an upper protection panel and a lower protection panel both disposed on a front end of the main body; the supporting plate is fixedly connected to the front end of the main body and accommodated between the upper protection panel and the lower protection panel; the lever rod and the lower protection panel are connected with each other via a connection mechanism.

Abstract: A wheel clamp attaches to a vehicle wheel for performing a wheel alignment on the vehicle. The wheel clamp has a body for supporting a target or measuring head, and three elongated arms mounted to the body. Each arm has a gripping portion for gripping the tire's tread surface. A self-centering linkage has enmeshed gears that, when rotated, cause the elongated arms to simultaneously proportionally move relative to the clamp body. An attachment interface mechanically connected to the self-centering linkage is configured to engage with a rotational actuator. Alternatively, the wheel clamp includes an actuator mechanically coupled to the self-centering mechanism. Activation of the actuator causes the gripping portions of the arms to engage and grip the tire tread surface and tighten the clamp onto the tire.

Abstract: A laser alignment device for use with rigid tubing of varying diameters, such as electrical conduit or plumbing piping. An embodiment of the laser alignment device includes a slide mechanism with a number of measurement indicator markings on at least one face. The slide mechanism allows the laser position to be adjusted depending on the diameter of the tubing. The primary function of the alignment device is to produce a laser beam at or near the dead-center of the tubing as it is being installed. This allows the installer to quickly ensure that existing or new sections of tubing are installed correctly and in-line. A plurality of mirror attachments may be used to alter the direction of the laser beam for turns or bends in the run of the length of tubing.

Abstract: A wall frame marking tool comprises a pair of arm members, a pair of sliders, and a pair of retainers. The arm member comprises a base, a slider receiver and a pivot portion. The base is a single elongated flat bar a The slider receiver comprises edge beading, a slider receiver, a plurality of notches, a straight line beading, and a slot. The pivot portion comprises a pivot area having two bumps and a plurality of grooves, a triangular-shaped beading, a straight line beading, and edge beading. The slider comprises a base edge beading, two lips, a straight line beading, and a positioner. The retainer has a bulge, two legs, and two notches. Two arm members are pivotally connected and jointed by overlapping their pivot areas by that two bumps of one arm member are inserted into two of the grooves of the other arm member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring pedal distances within a vehicle. The apparatus includes a first block for engaging an accelerator pedal. The first block includes a first receptacle for receiving a first measurement device and a second receptacle including slidable and rotatable engagement for receiving a second measurement device. The first measurement device measures pedal stroke and the second measurement device measures distance. The apparatus further includes a second block for engaging a brake pedal. The second block includes a receptacle including slidable engagement for receiving a third measurement device. The third measurement device measures distance, either between pedals or between a pedal and a reference surface in the vehicle.

Abstract: A rotary encoder includes a rotatable conductor and first and second signal contacts. The rotatable conductor includes a first contact finger that slides on a track which is at least a part of a circle having a center point as a center thereof; and second contact finger that slides on the track and is located at an angular position different from an angular position of the first contact finger. The first signal contact is disposed on the track, and is configured to output a signal according to an angular position of the rotatable conductor about the center point. The second signal contact is disposed on the first track, and is configured to output a signal according to the angular position of the rotatable conductor about the center point. The second signal contact is electrically independent of the first signal contact. This rotary encoder includes a small number of tracks, and accordingly has a small size.

Abstract: A position measuring system includes a first portion and a second portion, which can be moved relative to the first portion. The first portion has a material measure having a multiplicity of markings that are each able to assume two different values. A number m of directly successive markings codes a respective explicit absolute position along the material measure, and a number m?1 of directly successive markings does not code an explicit absolute position. The second portion has a scanning device having a number k of individual sensors for scanning a number n of directly successive markings. The scanning device is functionally connected to an evaluation device in order to ascertain the position of the second portion relative to the first portion. The condition n>m is satisfied, and the evaluation device is configured to recognize a scanning error in the scanning device.

Abstract: A measurement tool 10 comprises a first leg 12, a second leg 14 pivotally connected to the first leg 12, and a scale 22 associate with the first leg 12, wherein the scale 22 provides, in conjunction with the relative positions of the legs 12, 14, information relating to the value of a parameter of a pipe section and/or elevator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry machine having a drying function for drying an object to be dried, especially clothes. The laundry machine according to one embodiment of the present invention may be a circulating drying machine that supplies the hot air to an object to be dried, so as to remove water, and then condenses the water from the hot air and heats the condensed water to supply the heat to the object to be dried. At this time, condensing may be carried out using natural convection.

Abstract: An improved desolventizer toaster. The invention includes a housing. Within the housing, a first set of trays and a second set of trays are mounted. The first trays and second trays are disposed such that they are generally vertically spaced from one another and in a generally parallel disposition with respect to each other. Means for mixing vapors are provided, and they are positioned in a vapor mixing zone which is intermediate the first set of trays and second set of trays.

Abstract: A Conveyor Belt Coat Hanger for Shirts and other Clothing includes a Hook, a First Member, a Second Member, a Third Member, and a Collar Bar. This Conveyor Belt Coat Hanger for Shirts and other Clothing is used so that a dry cleaning facility can maintain the structural integrity of the collars of the shirts while economizing spatial considerations.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a drying operation of a rotatable-drum laundry dryer (1) having a rotatable drum (3) for loading laundry (5) and at least an electrode sensor (22) for sensing dryness of the laundry (5). The method includes the step of detecting the presence/absence of moist laundry (5) inside the rotatable drum (3) by the electrode sensor (22). If a presence of moist laundry inside the rotatable drum (3) is detected, a drying cycle is started. The dryness of the laundry (5) is sensed during the drying cycle and a cycle time (TD) at which the sensed dryness reaches a preset dryness threshold is measured. If the cycle time (TD) is lower than a preset dryness threshold time (Sm), the drying cycle is continued for a first additional time (D1), and the drying cycle is stopped at the end of the first additional time (D1).

Abstract: A raising device for a cleaning part in a cleaning tool and a raising method for a cleaning part in a cleaning tool are provided. The raising device is capable of raising the fibers of the cleaning part to a state in which waste can be collected. A raising device for raising the fibers in a fiber layer constituting a cleaning part in a cleaning tool is configured by providing a blowing part which blows compressed air at the fiber layer to raise the fibers of the fiber layer.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to an equipment space that is a closed space provided with electrical equipment and an air dryer condensing the moisture of the air in the equipment space into water. A system for removing water from the equipment space includes a porous element having a capillary structure and being located in an outlet opening of the equipment space. The porous element is connected such that water condensed by the air dryer is directed to a first inner surface of the porous element. The capillary structure of the porous element is configured to propogate water from the inner surface of the porous element to an outer surface of the porous element. The outer surface of the porous element is configured to release water to ambient air outside the equipment space.

Abstract: A dryer ball is provided for use in a clothes dryer to reduce clothes drying time. The dryer ball has a substantially spherical wool body and a substantially uniform distribution of wool fibers therethrough. The body has a volume in the range of about 600 cm3 to 930 cm3. A method of manufacturing the dryer ball includes providing a piece of wool material weighing in the range of 54 g to 60 g, folding the piece of wool material into a substantially spherical wool ball having a circumference in the range of 43 cm to 53 cm, sealing the wool ball in a porous bag, washing the wool ball in the bag, removing the wool ball from the bag, and allowing the wool ball to air dry.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first portion comprising a generally flexible material formed in a generally planar rectangular shape. A second portion comprises the generally flexible material formed in the generally planar rectangular shape. The first portion and the second portion are joined to form a V-shaped structure.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, heel changer apparatus includes: a shoe including a shoe hole; a locking mechanism configured to removably couple a first heel to the shoe, wherein the locking mechanism includes a connector bolt; wherein the first heel includes a first connector slot; wherein the connector bolt is configured to be removably inserted into the shoe hole and into the first connector slot; and wherein the connector bolt, the shoe hole, and the first connector slot are configured to be the locking mechanism that removably couples the first heel to the shoe.

Abstract: Shoe uppers having smooth seams and methods for producing them are disclosed. In one embodiment the upper uses thermoplastic seam tape which forms bonds between contiguous upper sections after being subjected to heat and/or pressure. In another embodiment, different parts of the shoe can be joined using hidden seams. Close seams can also be covered with a transfer material adapted to give the interior and/or exterior of the upper a smooth surface. In yet another embodiment, a method is disclosed which allows three-dimensional upper sections to be bonded on a last using thermoplastic seam tape.

Abstract: Described are materials for a shoe upper, in particular for soccer shoes, with a particularly low weight. The material includes an inner polyurethane layer, an outer polyurethane layer, and a textile reinforcing layer. The textile reinforcing layer is arranged between the inner polyurethane layer and the outer polyurethane layer. The inner polyurethane layer and the outer polyurethane layer comprise thermoset polyurethane. The textile reinforcing layer comprises apertures through which the inner polyurethane layer and the outer polyurethane layer are connected to each other.

Abstract: The Decorative Ankle Shoe Accessory accents the ankle and shoe together as one with a decorative accent extending from the ankle to the top of the shoe. The decorative piece can be changed to other decorative pieces as the person desires.

Abstract: A sole structure may include multiple macrolayers. Each of those macrolayers may include a spring plate and a layer of damping material. Macrolayers may be bonded or otherwise fixed relative to one another and provide constrained layer damping in response to impact forces occurring as a result of activity of a wearer of an article of footwear incorporating the sole structure.

Abstract: A shoe to be worn by a user may include a bottom portion of the shoe, an upper portion of the shoe, and a roller guide to movably connect the bottom portion of the shoe to the top portion of the shoe.

Abstract: Systems and articles of manufacture are provided for a footwear system including a boot or other type of shoe comprising one or more insert sleeves configured to receive one or more decorative and/or exchangeable inserts. In one embodiment, an insert sleeve may encircle a calf portion of a boot to receive an insert overlapped in the insert sleeve to create a cylindrical shape.

Abstract: An article of footwear with customizable stiffness is provided. The article of footwear in the form of a snowboard boot is provided with stiffness elements that are inserted within retaining enclosures disposed on either side of an inner liner of the snowboard boot. Depending on the level of stiffness of the stiffener element, or lack thereof, different flex profiles having varying degrees of stiffness are available to the wearer to customize the stiffness of the snowboard boot when secured within a binding. A kit of parts is also disclosed that includes a pair of boots and two sets of interchangeable stiffener inserts to allow a wearer to customize the stiffness of the boots as desired.

Abstract: A base (1) is provided for a ski boot (2) and comprises a sole (4) and an outsole element (8, 9) that is positioned in a predetermined position relative to a longitudinal axis (L). The outsole element (8, 9) is positioned on the sole (4) by using two projections (25, 26) that are carried by one or other of the sole (4) and the outsole element (8, 9) and that locate in holes or cavities (22, 23) defined by the other. Preferably, the projections (25, 26) are carried by the outsole element (8, 9) and locate in holes or cavities (22, 23) defined by the sole (4). The projections (25, 26) may be integrally formed with the outsole element (8, 9) or the sole (4). Alternatively, they may be formed by injected pins, rivets, fasteners, t-nuts, or screws.

Abstract: A base (1) is provided for a ski boot (2) and comprises a one-piece sole (4) defining heel and toe portions (6, 7) that is adapted to be secured to one or more outsole elements (8, 9, 10). Preferably, toe and heel outsole elements (8, 9) are bonded to the toe and heel portions (6, 7) respectively to form a base (1) with a unitary construction. The sole (4) also has a fiber-reinforced composite structure wherein a majority of the fibers in at least a mid-section (7) of the sole (4) between the heel and toe portions (6, 7) are angled at an acute angle with respect to a longitudinal axis (L) of the sole (4).

Abstract: A traction cleat attachment system for footwear that engages with a single click. The system comprises a cleat and a receptacle. The cleat includes a central stud with screw threads spaced about the outside surface of the stud. The receptacle includes a threaded annulus on a base for receiving the central stud of the cleat. The cleat also includes a collar coaxially surrounding the central stud with splines projecting from the interior collar surface. The threaded receptacle annulus is surrounded by two sets of alternating teeth projecting from the outside surface of the annulus. One of the set of alternating teeth have an upper surface at an angle with the base. Thus, the user obtains positive feedback that the cleat and socket have mated correctly.

Abstract: A removable cleat for footwear. The cleat includes a disc with opposing faces. A shoe coupling element is attached to one face of the disc. The other disc face supports a cushioning layer. Traction elements are supported by the cushioning layer. When a user steps on a surface wearing a shoe outfitted with these cleats, the resilience of the cushioning layer at once both lessens the impact of the traction elements on the ground surface and lessens the reaction force on the user's foot transmitted through the shoe's outsole. The user's comfort is thereby enhanced.

Abstract: A snow rake used to clear snow or ice from roofs, with air or steam assistance, respectively. A system comprising a rake head, at least one extension tube, a control handle, two pressurized supply lines, wherein the pressurized supply lines carry a fluid, and a fluid source. A rake head comprising a platform, a blade, at least one pressurized transport feed line, at least one nozzle, a tubular connecting column and a quick release connector. When used in air assistance mode, the snow rake lifts snow from the roof prior to clearing the snow with the blade. When used in steam assistance mode, the snow rake melts ice dams on the roof. The system can further comprise a yoke and additional extension tubes, wherein the yoke acts as a fulcrum for the system to facilitate ease of use in air or steam assistance modes.

Abstract: According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a device for directing air flow to at least one engine component of a vehicle carrying a snowplow, the device comprising at least one air inlet; at least one conduit, the conduit in fluid communication with the at least one air inlet; and a connector having at least a first opening in fluid communication with the at least one conduit, the connector having a second opening adapted for fluid communication with the at least one engine component to allow air flow from the at least one air inlet to reach the at least one engine component, the at least one air inlet and the second opening being laterally displaced relative to each other along a short axis of the vehicle.

Abstract: A framing system having a base panel assembly configured so that an ornamental/informational object can be incorporated into the base panel assembly so as to be viewable from in front thereof. A frame extends around a peripheral region of the base panel assembly. Connectors on the base panel assembly and frame cooperate so as to allow the base panel assembly and frame to be: a) moved from a separated relationship relative to each other into an operatively joined relationship; and b) releasably maintained in the operatively joined relationship as an incident of the base panel assembly and frame changing from the separated relationship into the operatively joined relationship, without requiring use of any separate fasteners, once the operatively joined relationship is achieved.

Abstract: A monolithic upper receiver/hand guard is provided for use with a firearm. The monolithic upper receiver/hand guard can include an upper receiver section, a hand guard section, and an interrupted optics rail extending along the top of the upper receiver section and the hand guard section. Cable routing features can be defined in the hand guard section and/or the upper receiver section for helping to control wires and cables extending from or between peripheral devices and accessories, which can be mounted on the monolithic upper receiver/hand guard. The cable routing features can include one or more crossover cable guides disposed in respective channels in the interrupted optics rail. The crossover cable guide can include one or more grooves for receiving a portion of a cable passing from one side of the monolithic upper receiver/hand guard to the other for connecting two peripheral devices, for example.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a firearm securing device are disclosed.

Abstract: A quick-detach barrel mounting system for removing and attaching a barrel to a receiver of a firearm. The quick-detach barrel mounting system can include a barrel nut having a body defining an axial bore. A proximal end of the barrel is received at least partially through the axial bore, and the barrel nut releasably engages a front end of the receiver. A hand guard can be mounted to the receiver and can define a cutout proximate the receiver. The hand guard at least partially encloses at least a portion of the barrel and the barrel nut, and the cutout is at least partially aligned with the barrel nut. At least a portion of the barrel nut is accessible via the cutout of the hand guard for at least partially disengaging and engaging the barrel nut with the receiver when the hand guard is mounted on the receiver.

Abstract: A foregrip for use with a firearm having a handguard extending along the barrel and a mounting rail, with transverse spaced apart slots, extending longitudinally along a lower surface of the handguard parallel with the barrel and including slots spaced there along. The foregrip including a member formed to engage the mounting rail and slide longitudinally there along. The member includes a transverse slot formed through an upwardly directed surface thereof. A gripping member has an upper end formed to engage the mounting rail engaging member. A bar clamp carried by the gripping member is positioned to slide into the slot in the mounting rail engaging member and extend into engagement with a slot in the mounting rail, whereby the foregrip is positioned at a selected position longitudinally along the mounting rail.

Abstract: A firearm support is disclosed herein. The firearm support may include a main body assembly, at least two legs operably attached to the main body assembly, and a mounting assembly operably attached to the main body assembly. The mounting assembly may include an attachment mechanism operable to attach a firearm to the mounting assembly, a pan mechanism operable to control an angular rotation about a first axis of the mounting assembly, and a cant mechanism operable to control an angular rotation about a second axis of the mounting assembly.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is directed to shooting rests for supporting a firearm having a first portion and a second portion rearward of the first portion. In one embodiment, a shooting rest includes a frame, a front support for supporting the first portion of the firearm, a support member for carrying one or more weights, and a stop for inhibiting rearward movement of the firearm relative to the shooting rest. The front support is coupled to the frame, and the support member is positioned at least proximate to the frame. The stop includes a flexible portion and is also coupled to the frame.

Abstract: A riflescope comprises a body, an elevation knob, a windage knob, and an eyepiece. The elevation knob may be mounted on the body and configured to generate an elevation setting corresponding to the elevation of the riflescope. The windage knob may be mounted on the body and configured to generate a windage setting corresponding to the left and right offset of the riflescope. The eyepiece is for viewing a target and may include a display configured to show a range to the target as determined by the elevation knob or the offset determined by the windage knob.

Abstract: An apparatus to project toward a tree to disburse a pheromone, comprising: a releaser removably adjacent to a capsule via an extension; whereby said releaser and said capsule are disposed adjacent to each other in a deployable state, then the releaser separates from the capsule but is still connected via said extension whereby inertia causes said releaser to move away from said capsule into an attachment state, and related methods of applying a pheromone onto a tree branch.