Abstract: Method and apparatus (1) for measuring a manufacturing deviation in an external gear (2). The gear is arranged onto a stationary central pin (3), the external diameter of which is smaller than the internal diameter of the gear so that a relative movement between the gear and the pin is allowed; a coupling member (5), preferably including a head (17) that does not rotate and is adapted to fit into the teeth of the gear, is urged with a predetermined strength against the teeth of the gear in order to mesh with the teeth and concurrently bring an internal lateral surface of the gear into engagement with an external lateral surface of the pin. The position of the central axis (A) of the gear is determined and the manufacturing deviation of the gear is determined as a function of said position. The deviation so determined can be corrected as a function of a reference distance (D) indicative of the radial dimensions of the gear.

Abstract: A height measuring device for a cavity includes a main body, a fastening member fastened to the main body, a scale, a measuring pole, a motion pole, and a transition member. The scale is fastened to an end of the main body, and includes a stretchable measuring head. The measuring pole is slidably mounted to the main body up and down. The motion pole is horizontally and slidably mounted to the fastening member. The transition member includes a pivoting portion and two perpendicular transition poles. The pivoting portion is rotatably connected to the fastening member. One of the transition poles abuts against a first end of the motion pole. The other transition pole abuts against a bottom end of the measuring pole.

Abstract: A writing pad and holder with a writing pad consisting of a uniform stack of paper sheets, a semi-permanent adhesive backing strip, a pad holding member, a permanent double sided adhesive strip. Each paper sheet has a semi-permanent adhesive backing strip centrally attached to its rear surface. The writing pad fits in a depression in the pad holding member. The pad holding member has a cut out portion allowing the user to access the edge of each paper sheet. The paper sheet has an optional visual indicating feature that helps the user know the proper orientation of the pad in relationship to the cut out portion of the pad holder. The semi-permanent adhesive backing strip is fixed in a perpendicular orientation with respect to the cut out portion of the rigid pad holding member. The pad holder is attached to a tape measure housing with the permanent double adhesive strip.

Abstract: Woodwind and Brass Instrument drying, ventilated carrying cases are disclosed. According to one embodiment the drying and ventilating case comprises a multiple fan and filter unit containing a fan mounted on the inside of the case configured for drawing outside air into the case, passing it through the instrument and forcing it back out of the case, a filter system for removing harmful gasses from the air passing through the case and instrument, an electrical energy source coupled to the case and fans via a removable cable, where moistures accumulated inside the instrument are desired to be removed by while in the storage case when the instrument is not in use.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of operating a laundry treating appliance treating laundry according to a cycle of operation having by determining a parameter indicative of a change in packing density of the laundry in a treating chamber and taking an operating action based on the determined parameter.

Abstract: Footwear with an enhanced three dimensional design.

Abstract: An item of footwear has first and second portions that slide with respect to each other to allow the user to easily put the footwear on and take the footwear off. The footwear may be opened and closed without requiring the user to bend over and manipulate closure mechanisms with his hands. The footwear allows a person's foot to be readily inserted and removed from the footwear when the footwear is open while being secured within the footwear when the footwear is closed.

Abstract: A shoe structure includes a shoe body and a wearing element installed onto the shoe body. The shoe body includes a first folding slot, a second folding slot, a third folding slot and a fourth folding slot. The first and second folding slots are extended from the center of a first side towards a second side of the shoe body with an included angle defined between the first and second folding slots. The third and fourth folding slots are extended from the second side towards the first side, and the third and first folding slots form a first folding line, and the fourth and second folding slots form a second folding line. The first and second folding lines divide the shoe body into a front stepping portion, a middle portion and a heel portion which can be folded along the first and second folding lines for a convenient storage.

Abstract: The present invention is a piece of shock absorption footwear that includes a base athletic shoe that includes a bottom, a sole disposed on the bottom of the base athletic shoe, the sole includes a heel portion, the heel portion of the sole forms an open wedge, where the open wedge has a top inside surface and a bottom inside surface. The top inside surface and the bottom inside surface are brought closer together when the user steps on a surface and a plurality of magnets on the top inside surface and the bottom inside surface of the open wedge form a magnetic field between the top inside surface and the bottom inside surface.

Abstract: A shoe or sneaker includes a hydromagnetic joint having a first joint part including a first magnetic element having a first magnetically charged surface, and a first buoyant element coupled with the first magnetic element. The first buoyant element overlies a surface of the first magnetic element that is opposite the first magnetically charged surface. The shoe includes a second joint part including a second magnetic element having a second magnetically charged surface that opposes the first magnetically charged surface of the first magnetic element, and a second buoyant element coupled with the second magnetic element. The second buoyant element overlies a surface of the second magnetic element that is opposite the second magnetically charged surface. A liquid is disposed between the first and second joint parts. The first and second joint parts are moveable relative to one another and are in fluid communication with the liquid.

Abstract: In a high-heeled shoe, the outsole is characterized by an outsole angle between a line that connects a tread point on the bottom surface of the outsole with a rearmost point of meeting between the heel and the bottom surface and a coplanar horizontal line. A forepart of an insole of the shoe is thicker than a rear part of the insole, the insole being characterized by an insole angle between the horizontal and a line that connects a point of an upper surface of the insole that is vertically above the tread point with a rearmost point of the upper surface. The insole angle is smaller than the outsole angle. A forepart of an upper of the shoe is sufficiently high to accommodate the thicker forepart of the insole and a front of a foot.

Abstract: A snow climbing plate is disclosed including heel and toe binding receivers. Heel and toe bindings for a crampon positioned beneath the plate extend through the receiver and secure to a boot. An instep portion of the plate is captured between the heel and toe bindings. The plate extends laterally beyond the crampon and may extend one or both of rearwardly and forwardly beyond the crampon. The receivers may be embodied as an aperture in the plate or a notch extending inward from an end of the plate. Apertures may be provided to admit tabs for engaging a heel of the boot secured to the crampon.

Abstract: Disclosed golf shoes can include an upper and an outsole, and an oblique internal toe box region defined between a forward portion of the upper and a forward portion of the outsole. The toe box region can have a shape that corresponds to an anatomical shape of a forward portion of a person's foot. The forward portion of the outsole can have five discrete toe traction zones each being configured to be positioned below a respective one of a person's toes. The toe box region can be sufficiently wide to allow a wearer's toes to have a full anatomical range of motion in medial and lateral directions. The toe box region can be sufficiently wide such that the ratio of a maximum width of the toe box region divided by a maximum heel-to-toe length of an internal open region of the golf shoe is greater than about 0.35.

Abstract: A universal snow plow mounting apparatus is used for mounting a snow plow onto a motor vehicle. The snow plow mounting apparatus allows a snow plow to be removably attached to the vehicle and has a height adjustment feature.

Abstract: A backhoe assembly for securement to a common road vehicle, such as a pickup truck. The backhoe assembly includes a horizontally extending rigid trailer hitch receiver insert for insertion and retention into the vehicle trailer hitch receiver and a rigid support column is provided having one end detachably secured to the vehicle rear bumper and the other end secured to the trailer hitch receiver insert. An articulatable backhoe arm is secured at its proximal end to the rigid support column for pivotal movement of the backhoe arm in vertical and horizontal directions. A drive is connected to the backhoe arm for articulating the backhoe arm whereby the work loads applied by the backhoe arm to the vehicle are equally born or supported by the vehicle trailer hitch receiver and the rear bumper.

Abstract: A multiple indicia file flagging device provides a flag base having a side portion carrying an adhesive, and an opposing side portion carrying a flag pivot axle and locking pegs. A flag having a “T” configuration with a first vertical leg and a second leg pivotally engages with the flag pivot axle to pivot thereon between an inconspicuous position and a conspicuous position. Locking peg notches defined in the flag releasably engage with the locking pegs to secure the flag in the desired position. A transparent sleeve carried on the file flag opposite the pivot axle carries a removable and customizable second indicia tab such for communicating information to users.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a self-contained group of cards or placards rotatable along a common axis. In some aspects said group fits within the boundaries of a fixed front and back wall and a tactile cue is provided on at least one wall to identify front or back. When compiled as a deck, the device has a first cover with an exterior and an interior face, a second cover with an exterior and an interior face wherein the interior of each covers faces the other, a pivot connected to each interior face between; at least one card with a pivot guide where through said pivot extends and around which said card rotates and a finger grab extended from at least one of said first and second covers.

Abstract: An inline hammerless percussion firing system for muzzleloader firearms with a striker having a firing pin and a striker spring to linearly drive the firing pin forward. A cocking button compresses the striker spring. A pivoting retainer acts against a nut connected to the cocking button to hold the cocking button forward and keep the striker spring compressed. A sear acts to prevent the striker from moving forward until released by a two piece trigger system in which a trigger and trigger edge pivot relative to each other with lost motion before releasing the sear, allowing the trigger edge to move out from below a safety notch in the sear, where firing is prevented, to below a firing notch in the sear to prevent accidental discharges from impact. The cocking button can be released by an uncocking button. Releasing a barrel catch resets firearm to the initial safe position.

Abstract: A stock assembly for attachment to a firearm assembly is described. The stock assembly includes a buttstock having a longitudinal conduit and a locking member; a connector tube with, front and back ends slidable within the buttstock conduit between a felly inserted position and a fully extended position, the tube having a longitudinal conduit; an attachment member slidable within the tube conduit between a forward position and a rearward position, the attachment member having a front end attachable to the firearm assembly and a rear end; a spring within the connector tube engaging the rear end of the attachment member, the spring urging the attachment member toward its forward position; and locking means preventing rotation of the attachment member relative to the connector tube, while allowing the attachment member to move within the tube between its forward and rearward positions.

Abstract: A device for cleaning the barrel of a firearm comprising a longitudinal central member having a leading end and a trailing end; a tubular woven sheath surrounding said central member; and a radial protrusion formed of a polymer disposed about said central member and under the tubular woven sheath. The radial protrusions are overmolded thermoplastic that distends the sheath radially to the internal diameter of gun barrel. The central member may include a fitting for attachment to various auxiliary tools or a T-handle. The surface of the polymer is provided with helical pattern of protrusions formed to urge the sheath against the lands of barrel rifling. The sheath is woven of primarily a natural fiber such as cotton. Luminescent, abrasive or heat resistant threads may also be woven into the sheath. A sponge material may be disposed between the sheath and the central member.

Abstract: A cleaning device for preserving a barrel of a firearm includes a central member defining a core and having a longitudinal length, a leading end and a trailing end. A tubular woven sheath surrounding the central member and has a lead end and a trailing end. A radial protrusion formed of a polymer is disposed about the central member between the central member and the sheath. A volatile corrosion inhibiter (VCI) is disposed on or in the cleaning device and configured to off-gas to cause a substantial part of an interior of the barrel to become lined with a protective coating to resist corrosion. The cleaning device is configured to be stored within the barrel of the firearm. A method for storing a cleaning device within a barrel of a firearm for preserving a barrel of a firearm is also described.

Abstract: A method of aligning a point of aim with a point of impact for a projectile device is disclosed. Using at least one superposition device coupled to the projectile device, multiple optical reference points are superposed within a first target area. Positions for at least two of the optical reference points are noted. A projectile is shot from the projectile device at a second target area, while the positions of the at least two optical reference points are maintained, to create the point of impact. The point of aim for the projectile device is adjusted to correspond with the point of impact while the positions of the at least two optical reference points are maintained. A system for aligning a point of aim with a point of impact for a projectile device is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a visual target acquisition scope system for an adjustable connection is provided between a zero magnification scope viewed by a first eye of a user and a photographic camera scope viewed by a second eye of the user. The system includes first and second movable sections connected and controlled by an adjustment locking mechanisms. According to the system, while the user is looking at the object through said zero magnification power scope by the first eye and looking at the object through the photographic camera scope by the second eye, the target visible to the first eye is simultaneously visible to the second eye, so as to provide immediate acquisition and viewing of the object through the photographic camera scope by the second eye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to target acquisition and related devices, and more particularly to telescopic gunsights and associated equipment used to achieve shooting accuracy at, for example, close ranges, medium ranges and extreme ranges at stationary and moving targets.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to target acquisition and related devices, and more particularly to telescopic gunsights and associated equipment used to achieve shooting accuracy at, for example, close ranges, medium ranges and extreme ranges at stationary and moving targets.

Abstract: In todays modern Military and Law Enforcement, Training takes up a large percentage of time, resources and funding. The area were training takes up the most time, resources and funding is most prevalent in weapons training. Qualifying on weapons is paramount for Military and Law enforcement personal career. In order to ensure public, Military and law enforcement safety, there's a need for a simple and high tech way for a military and law enforcement to easy qualify on weapons. High tech state of the art scoping systems that's combines with smart eye wear system such as the small arm scope goggle system is just the system needed in this everyday high tech Military and law enforcement area.

Abstract: A gun sight mounting system for easily and reliably adjusting a sight with respect to a gun barrel. The system has a rail with a first post, and a base with a second post and a window. The first post extends through the window. The rail is adjustably connected to the base. A wheel is provided with a groove for engaging the first post and a hole for engaging the second post. The groove has a spiral or eccentric or cam-like radius such that when the wheel is rotated, the engagement between the first post and the groove causes the relationship between the rail and the base to be adjusted. A measurement system is indicated on the wheel, or on at least one spool that can be mounted to the wheel. At least one tape can be attached to the spool, and can include a measurement system.

Abstract: A firearm sight comprising a generally circular sight support ring surrounding and removably holding an optically clear generally circular lens, said lens having a cylindrical shape, front and back faces, a diameter greater than the thickness of the lens, and a scintillating fiber optic member centrally embedded within said circular lens, a means for mounting said circular sight support ring to a firearm, and a means of adjusting said circular support ring in relation to said means for mounting said ring to a firearm.

Abstract: A deer communication site for the purposes of attracting and keeping deer in a general location by providing a generally horizontal support rod projected out from a generally vertical support at deer head height and a flexible mounting for a licking branch that allows the licking branch to hang down from the support rod and is flexible to allow swinging motion with a means to attach a scent dispersing device adjacent to the licking branch.

Abstract: A sustained release pheromone formulation is provided in which once it is secured to a branch or other support, the likelihood of falling off is significantly reduced, and which is capable of being quickly attached to a small or large branch. The sustained release pheromone formulation includes a first and second sheet parts which are provided by bending a single polymer sheet so that they are arranged in a face-to-face manner, the sheet parts each having an engaging hole therethrough; a bend part located between the sheet parts; at least one sex pheromone substance carried on at least a part of the sheet parts; and slits each extending from the bend part to the engaging hole in each one of the sheet parts. This formulation can be secured to the rod-shaped support by guiding the rod-shaped support to the engaging holes via the slits and engaging with the holes.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a fishing lure having a body and a means for skimming. The means for skimming comprises a strike plate arranged on an underside of the body and configured to provide a force bearing lower surface for communicating with the surface of a water body for providing improved fluid dynamic characteristics of the lure when in use. The lure may be a unitary item or assembled together by joining the body to the means for skimming.

Abstract: A sinker or float that releasably clamps around a line, such as a fishing line, including two members shaped to define a channel for the line when in a closed position. A locking means is provided to releasably lock the two members in the closed position. Each of the members has at least a portion of high or low density material to provide a sinking or floating effect. A jacket may be provided that retains the high or low density material therein. The jacket may also include a hinge portion such that the two members can be hingedly opened and closed.

Abstract: One nonlimiting variation of a detection arrangement includes one or more sensors each structured to detect at least one biochemical substance indicative of biochemistry of one or more target insect species and provide a corresponding sensor signal, a controller responsive to the sensor signal of each of the one or more sensors to determine if the one or more insect species are present and generate a corresponding output signal, and an indicator responsive to the output signal to indicate the presence of the one or more insect species.

Abstract: A pest detector (1) for actively detecting pest activity within the environs of a structure. The pest detector includes a pest detection unit (2) that detects pest activity through the analysis of sounds of pest activity within a pest bait. The pest bait is typically timber or cellulose material (3). Upon detection of pest activity, a signal is sent to wireless transmitting device which transmits a radio frequency signal which includes data identifying the pest detector. Advantageously, the radio frequency is in the cellular radio frequency spectrum and is transmitted via the cellular radio network to a remote base station. The signal can be in the form of a short message service message. In this way, the pest detector can be remotely monitored and any pest activity dealt with appropriately. The pest detector can be used within a pest detection system and the pest detection unit can be retrofitted to known pest monitoring systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing biodiesel, comprising; adding oil and fat, short-chain, alcohol, water, and liquid lipase into a single-stage or multi-stage enzyme reactor; then separating the reaction fluid into an enzyme-containing heavy phase and a light phase; recovering and reusing the enzyme in the heavy phase; using the light phase for subsequent conversion by immobilized lipase; flowing the light phase and the short-chain alcohol into single-stage or multi-stage enzyme reactor containing an immobilized lipase; performing online dehydration during the whole reaction process or part of the reaction process.

Abstract: More stable and valuable bio-oil produced from biomasses are provided. More specifically, more stable and valuable bio-oil useful as heating oil, alone or in combination with an oxygenated acyclic component, is provided. Particularly, various embodiments of the present invention provide for a bio-oil having sufficient heating value and stability to be useful as heating oil, alone or in combination with an oxygenated acyclic component, without the need to hydrotreat the bio-oil or use a similar deoxygenating process.

Abstract: A diesel fuel additive composition, a fuel containing the fuel additive, a method for improving diesel engine performance using the additive. The diesel fuel additive includes a reaction product of (a) a hydrocarbyl-substituted acylating agent and (b) a reactant selected from the group consisting of a nitrogen-containing compound, a hydroxyl-containing compound, and water that provides a reaction product selected from the group consisting (1) a mono-amide/mono-acid or metal free mono-acid salt thereof, (2) a diacid or metal free diacid salt thereof, and (3) mono-ester/mono-acid or metal free mono-acid salt thereof. The reaction product includes at least about 10 molar percent acid groups based on total moles of the reaction product.

Abstract: Use of a tertiary hydrocarbyl amine with C1- to C20-hydrocarbyl residues, the overall number of carbon atoms not exceeding 30, as an additive in gasoline for reducing injector nozzle fouling and modifying friction in direct injection spark ignition engines. A fuel additive composition essentially comprising nitrogen-containing dispersants, carrier oils, the above tertiary hydrocarbyl amines and optionally further friction modifiers. A fuel composition comprising a major amount of gasoline and a minor amount of the above fuel additive composition.

Abstract: Unleaded aviation gasoline. High quality aviation alkylate, or similar base fuel is blended with selected alkyl benzenes to improve the functional engine performance to avoid harmful detonation in aircraft piston engines. Monoalkylated benzenes such as toluene and ethylbenzene are utilized in combination with dialkylated benzenes, such as xylenes. Aromatic amines, for example p-toluidine and m-toluidine, may be added to increase MON. Alcohols such as ethanol and/or methanol may be added in effective amounts to produce unleaded AVGAS which meets a required freeze point. Amounts of toluene to p-toluidine, and/or of the amount of p-toluidine to m-toluidine may be in a controlled ratio in amounts effective to produce unleaded AVGAS which meets a required freeze point. Isopentane and/or butane may be included to provide a required vapor pressure profile. Manufacturing may be achieved using an additive concentrate including aromatic solvents, aromatic amines, and alcohols.

Abstract: A compound having formula (Ph3C)mAr(OR)n, wherein Ph represents a phenyl group, Ar is an aromatic ring system having from six to twenty carbon atoms, R is C1-C18 alkyl or C7-C12 aralkyl, m is one or two, and n is an integer from one to four.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of 1,1-diethoxyethane for increasing the knocking resistance of low-boiling gasoline with an initial boiling point (IBP) of 80° C. to 120° C. by at least 40 units (Research Octane Number).

Abstract: Embodiments presented herein describe an apparatus and method to convert carbonaceous materials, particularly biomass and those biomass resources which are remotely located, into a high performance solid fuel. This method, and the apparatus described as the means to accomplish this method, provides a continuous process which can be completely powered by the energy contained in the biomass. The heat, mechanical power and electrical power are provided from the energy in the biomass, through the methods described. In this way, the apparatus is free to operate in remote locations, where no power or auxiliary fuel sources are available.

Abstract: A sun-tracking light distributor system for use in one of an open-ended system and a closed photo-bioreactor for a photosynthetic culture having an aqueous liquid is described. The system comprises: two light distribution walls made of a transparent material allowing sunlight to pass therethrough, the two light distribution walls creating an elongated channel with an interior space adapted to receive the sunlight and an exterior surface adapted to be partly immersed in the aqueous liquid in use; and a displacement system operatively connected to at least one of the two light distribution walls, the displacement system being adapted to change an orientation of the at least one of the two light distribution walls to track a solar position with respect to at least one axis.

Abstract: A garden shelter comprises a housing body and a plurality of fastening portions. The housing body is formed with a first section and a second section from the top down, and whose intersection between the first and second sections is formed with a plurality of fastening portions, wherein a height of the first section is H1, and a height of the second section is H2. One end of each fastening component is disposed with a pressing ring corresponding to the fastening portions while another end is a rod body. The length of the rod body is L, and 0.15 (H1+H2)<L<0.3 (H1+H2). The housing body is mounted on a ground through the fastening components. The rod body must go deep into an effective depth D, and 0.75 L<D<0.99 L. The garden shelter is provided for encapsulating a water faucet or a fire hydrant.

Abstract: A physical method for maintaining the freshness of vegetables and fruits via the technology of the optical signal and optical signal generator are disclosed. By adopting the computer programmable pulsed scanning signal generator, it controls the light-emitting device mounted with red, green and blue light sources group to generate optical signal with pulsed or pulsed periodical scanning combined spectrum. The optical signal irradiates the fresh-cut fruits and vegetables preserved in the storage assembly at room temperature or at controlled temperature and humidity. By regulating the optical signal with periodical pulsed spectrum or pulsed scanning spectrum or periodical pulsed scanning combined spectrum, the irradiated vegetables and fruits obtain photon energy needed in light reactions of photosynthesis from the lighting environment of artificial optical signal which is in bright and dark periodic variation.

Abstract: Produced PAR neither replicates the spectral ban—width of sunlight at the surface of the earth, nor the absorption spectrum of green plants, nor the absorption spectrum of photosynthetic processes, but—based on discovery that PAR at only a number of unique wavelengths is optimally energy-efficient to promote normal or better plant growth—instead desirably concentrates PAR emissions in a limited number, preferably about nine (9), narrow bands. Narrowband, even extremely narrowband, radiation is preferred at 430 and 662 nanometers wavelength; 453 and 642 nanometers wavelength and still other wavelengths. Preferably more than 50% of the total PAR flux is within a total bandwidth of less than 160 nanometers wavelength in the range between 360 and 760 nanometers wavelength, and more preferably 90% of the PAR flux is within a total bandwidth of less than 80 nanometers wavelength within this range.

Abstract: A plant growth enhancing mixture and method of application applied exogenously very early in crop establishment, as a seed treatment, or in the seed furrow or into the soil for the roots of crop plants, in the right proportions, result in a root pattern that has very deep and strong rooting with a distinct minimal of profuse proliferation of lateral roots close to the soil surface, having numerous benefits as well as preferred, in situ, plant auxin transport and heightened drought tolerance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a potted plant watering device with a water transporting line (WL) comprising a fibrous material (FB) that uses capillary action. An end region (E1) of the fiber strand of the water transporting line is fixed in the vicinity of the base (BO) of a water storage container (VB) of the water storage device by means of a retaining device (ST) in the water storage device so as to ensure that a fiber strand portion that receives water remains in contact with water that can be found in the water storage container even in the event of low fill levels in the water storage container (VB). The retaining device (ST) is preferably designed integrally with a lid arrangement (DE), with which the water storage container (VB) is covered, and simultaneously forms a surface (ST) for placing a plant pot (TO).

Abstract: A sealing assembly for sealing a gap between a swing door and a floor comprises a sealing member installed to be able to rotate from a closed position to an open position, an elastically deforming member made of an elastomer composition engaged to the sealing member, and a seal driving member to rotate the sealing member from the closed position to the open position when the door is opened. The elastically deforming member is deformed when the sealing member rotates from the closed position to the open position, and the sealing member returns from the open position to the closed position by elastic force of the elastically deforming member when the door is closed.

Abstract: A non-handed door operator comprising a motor connected to a mounting plate; at least one gear assembly coupled to the motor and having a driven gear and a driving gear; a gear coupled to the at least one gear assembly; a shaft fixed to the gear and rotatable around an axis in a first rotational direction, the shaft having a first end and an opposing second end; at least one cam positioned on the shaft and having a shell of revolution about the shaft axis; at least one switch intersecting the shell of revolution of the at least one cam; and an arm attachable to the first end and the second end of the shaft.