Abstract: A manual gauge measures a specimen's thickness by pressing surface contactors against its opposing surfaces. A rigid C-frame has upper and lower jaws providing a means for engaging a specimen and for gauging its thickness using a linear probe that is caused to move linearly between the jaws by a handle assembly. The handle assembly is joined with the C-frame at a point that is co-linear with a force vector of the probe against a workpiece resting on one of the jaws. The force of the probe is transmitted through the specimen to the jaw. The handle leverages from this jaw so that there is no force applied between the jaws thereby avoiding error due to the varying hand pressure by the operator and the resultant strain in the C-frame during measurements.

Abstract: A micrometer, including a constant force drive spring actuator configuration, is disclosed which comprises a frame, an anvil, a spindle, a linear displacement sensor that senses a displacement of the spindle, and an actuator including a button which is configured to move the spindle toward or away from the anvil. The spindle drive is attached to a constant force spring actuator comprising at least one constant force spring coil extending toward the spindle and attached between the spindle and the frame such that the sum of their forces drives the spindle toward the anvil with an approximately constant force. In some embodiments, the constant force spring actuator comprises at least two parallel constant force spring coils, extending in parallel toward the spindle. The constant force spring may be made more compact, exert a greater force, and have an extended life relative to known configurations.

Abstract: A system for drying a surface of a substrate is provided. The system for drying a surface of a substrate comprising: a rotary support; a first dispenser fluidly coupled to a source of liquid, the first dispenser positioned above the surface of the substrate so as to be capable of applying a film of the liquid to the surface of the substrate; a second dispenser fluidly coupled to a source of drying fluid with a supply line, the second dispenser positioned above the surface of the substrate so as to be capable of applying the drying fluid to the surface of the substrate; and a proportional valve operably coupled to the supply line between the second dispenser and the source of drying fluid, the proportional valve capable of being incrementally adjusted from a closed position to an open position.

Abstract: A hand drying apparatus includes a main box body in which a hand insertion portion is provided for allowing insertion/pulling out of hands and a water pan is provided for collecting water drops blown away from hands. In the main box body, a drain tank is disposed for accumulating water that is collected in the water pan. The drain tank is attached to the main box body in a detachable manner. A first lock mechanism is disposed for restricting removal of the drain tank. Moreover, an operating unit is disposed for switching the operating state of the apparatus and is covered with an openable-closable operating unit cap. A third lock mechanism is disposed for restricting opening and closing of the operating unit cap.

Abstract: A light solidifying device includes a body, a magnetic slide cover unit connected to the body, a control unit connected to the body, and a light solidifying unit disposed in the body. An inner case of the body is a polygonal case, and an inclined sidewall of the inner case is arranged to face to a user's finger nails in a direction perpendicular to the inclined sidewall. The magnetic slide cover unit can be movable to adjust the opened area of a first opening and a second opening of the body for shielding the light rays emitted from the light emitting diode to prevent from irradiation of the light on the user's eyes and skin during use.

Abstract: A drying apparatus for drying sports pads or apparel is provided. The drying apparatus may include a first member and a second member. The first member may be aligned substantially perpendicular to the second member and slid into the second member to form the drying apparatus. The drying apparatus may be inserted into the sports pads or a portion of the apparel to permit air to flow throughout the innards of the sports pads or apparel, thereby facilitating the drying of the sports pads or apparel.

Abstract: A household appliance (100) comprises a cabinet (105) accommodating a drum for loading items to be dried and a drying air circuit for circulating drying air through the drum for drying the items therein. The drying air circuit comprises air heating elements (415) for heating the drying air fed to the drum, and the cabinet is provided with a worktop (110) defining a surface (130) having a plurality of apertures (135) in fluid communication with an air conveying system (205,225,230) adapted to deliver a flow of air through said apertures. The air conveying system comprises an air duct (230) thermally coupled to the air heating elements in such a way as to cause heat generated by the air heating elements to heat the air to be delivered through the apertures in the drying surface.

Abstract: Wellness footwear that promotes proper gait and strong feet is provided. The footwear can include a sole. The footwear can also include a securing upper arranged with the sole and configured to securely hold a foot of a user on a footbed so as to substantially prevent lateral movement of the foot with respect to the footbed and allow one or more of a big toe and remaining toes of the user to be at least partially uncovered and exposed. A toe aligner structure can be arranged between the securing upper and the sole and configured to extend between the big toe and remaining toes of the user so as to direct a force against the big toe in a direction away from the remaining toes during standing, walking, running, swimming, and other movements when muscles of the foot are in use.

Abstract: A boot including an outer sole assembly, the outer sole assembly extending lengthwise from a rear end to a front end, widthwise between a lateral side and a medial side, and heightwise between a free surface and a connection surface, the outer sole assembly having a longitudinal groove that opens out in the area of the free surface. The longitudinal groove opens out in the area of the free surface, the groove having a length ranging between 30 and 100% of the length of the outer sole assembly, a width ranging between 25 and 45 mm, and a depth greater than or equal to 4 mm, the groove being compatible with one or more guiding ribs.

Abstract: A quick-attach assembly for quickly and easily securing an implement to the forward end of a push tube assembly mounted on an off-road vehicle. A rear quick-attach assembly is secured to the forward end of the push tube assembly and a rear quick-attach assembly is secured to the rearward end of the implement. When connected together, the rear quick-attach assembly is received within the front quick-attach assembly.

Abstract: By controlling the dimensions of a snowplow blade, improved snowplow performance may be achieved. In one embodiment, the snow that is being plowed moves both upward and outward from the mid-section of the snowplow blade toward and beyond each end of the snowplow blade.

Abstract: The present disclosure and related inventions are directed to a greeting card in the shape of a wine bottle. A clear vacuum form is placed onto the front surface of a two-panel greeting card, creating a cavity therebetween. An intricate paper scene is disposed within the cavity, concealing various electronic components. A faux cork is attached to the greeting card at a pivot point wherein the faux cork can move between a first position where it is partially contained within the cavity and a second position where it is substantially outside of the cavity. Movement of the faux cork about the pivot point causes playback of pre-recorded audio and illumination of one or more LED lights and/or fiber optics.

Abstract: A lighting system and methods for producing multi-color light effects are described. The multi-color light effects can feature at least two colors of light projected inside a firebox of an electric fireplace. The lighting system includes a projection surface, a reflective spindle, a first light-emitting device, and at least a second light-emitting device. The first light-emitting device projects light of a first color onto the reflective spindle. Light from the first light-emitting device striking the reflective spindle is reflected onto the projection surface, which can be a projection screen installed in the firebox of the electric fireplace. The second light-emitting device projects light of a second color directly onto the projection surface. The first color light and second color light can be projected onto adjacent, overlapping light projection areas of the projection screen so as to produce a realistic multi-color simulated flame effect.

Abstract: An exemplary system comprises a power regulator and an emitting apparatus. The emitting apparatus is typically attached to or integrated with a display object, such as a merchandise package or container. A support structure, such as a point of purchase display, typically contains or supports one or more power regulators and display objects. The power regulator comprises a controller and a primary inductor, and the controller is adapted to provide a voltage or current to the primary inductor to generate a first primary inductor voltage. The emitting apparatus comprises an illumination source and a secondary inductor coupled to the illumination source. The illumination source is adapted to emit visible light when the power regulator is in an on state and when the secondary inductor is within a predetermined distance of the primary inductor. In exemplary embodiments, the first and second inductors are substantially planar.

Abstract: An exemplary power regulator apparatus provides power for illumination of a display object, such as a merchandise package or container, which has a light emitting apparatus comprising a secondary inductor and an illumination source. A support structure, such as a point of purchase display, typically contains or supports one or more power regulators and display objects. The power regulator comprises a controller and a primary inductor, and the controller is adapted to provide a voltage or current to the primary inductor to generate a primary inductor voltage. The controller may also comprise a plurality of switches and a memory adapted to store values for switching frequency or switch on-time durations or pulse widths. The illumination source emits visible light when the power regulator is in an on state and when the secondary inductor is within a predetermined distance of the primary inductor.

Abstract: A picture frame display device is provided that can be detachably secured to the sun visor of an automobile. The front face of the device features at least two windows adapted to display 4?×6? photographs, artwork, or postcards. These windows are surrounded by a border of synthetic leather. Pictures are inserted into the window by means of an opening along the back of the device which is constructed of a rigid material covered with synthetic leather. A storage pocket is located on a side of the frame, lying between the front and back portions and is large enough to accommodate the storage of pictures not being displayed at the time. Elastic straps attached to the back of the device provide a means for securing the same to a sun visor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a display device for use on transportation vehicles which can be easily altered or removed by the user. The display device contains a mounting bracket which can be releasably attached to the vehicle and a display which may be permanently or releasably attached to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: The color coding system is for use with a storage bin for fastener parts and tools that assists in identifying and matching the cooperating sizes of fastener parts and tools by using color code markings on the various sizes for tools and fastener parts. The color coding system can readily communicate visually to a user the size of a selected fastener part, the sizes of cooperating fastener parts and the sizes of the cooperating tools for each of the selected fastener parts.

Abstract: A robust and convenient caliber conversion kit is described, for example, for the higher-caliber GLOCK® semi-automatic pistol. The caliber conversion kit has an internalized spent round extractor for more reliability. In addition, the firing pin safety relies on a set of two-dimensional surfaces, rather than on a one-dimensional line or edge, for cooperation (interaction and support) with the firing pin and with a recess in the firing pin housing that receives the safety, resulting in more security. Also, the spent round ejector is snugly fastened around an outwardly-extending abutment of steel on the barrel, the abutment being within a recess also snugly fitting the perimeter of the front end of the ejector, resulting in a quieter ejector mechanism.

Abstract: A high capacity box magazine is provided. A plurality of nested followers may be adapted to nest one within another and a plurality of springs may be configured to nest one within another to facilitate the advancement of cartridges within the box magazine to a firearm. A spring cup or cups may be used to nest additional springs that work in series and are nested within each other to further reduce the required height of the springs. The reliability of a conventional lower capacity box magazine may be maintained or exceeded without requiring significantly greater length in order to accommodate the increased capacity. The high capacity box magazine typically requires less frequent magazine changes than conventional lower capacity box magazines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for making and using a firearm that includes an extendable light source that can be selectively moved closer to and farther from a longitudinal axis of a barrel of the firearm. In some cases, the light source includes a laser or a light bulb, such as an LED. By being able to selectively move closer to and farther from the barrel's longitudinal axis, the light source can be adjusted so that it is able to shine past one or more attachments that are placed on a distal end of the firearm. Other implementations are also described.

Abstract: A hand guard assembly for attachment to a firearm includes an anchor member and a sleeve. The anchor member is coupled to the firearm and defines an inner bore through which a barrel of the firearm extends when the anchor member is coupled to the firearm. The sleeve surrounds a portion of the barrel of the firearm in an overlying relationship. The sleeve is coupled to the anchor member at a first end so that when the assembly is attached to the firearm, the sleeve is cantilevered from the anchor member with an inner surface of the sleeve and an outer surface of the barrel being radially spaced apart from one another.

Abstract: A modular rifle includes an upper receiver assembly and a barrel assembly. The upper receiver, typically fashioned from aluminum, can be strengthened by insertion of a hardened metal liner insert inside the aft portion of the upper receiver. The upper receiver liner insert is secured within the aft portion of the upper receiver assembly by engaging screw threads on the liner insert with receiving threads inside the aft portion of the upper receiver and insertion of anchor pins into the aft portion of the upper receiver. The anchor pins impinge the liner insert such that it is prevented from rotating within the upper receiver. The barrel assembly is attached to the liner insert by engaging screw threads on the liner insert with threads within a barrel nut connector sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to barrel extensions for firearms that have been converted to fire different, most likely lower, caliber ammunition than the firearms were originally designed to accommodate. The present invention in several embodiments is a barrel extension designed to supplement or replace the barrels and/or barrel extensions of firearms that have a sub-caliber conversion installed. Several embodiments of the present invention are configured to be installed on AR15 family rifles with a .22LR ammunition conversion to allow for accurate shooting of the .22LR ammunition through the barrel extension.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a plurality of ammunition magazines in a stacked arrangement. The apparatus is configured to allow a magazine not in use in the stack to be disconnected from the stack while allowing a magazine engaged in the weapon to remain in place. The device comprises a clip located on one magazine sleeve that reversibly connects to a latch located on a second magazine sleeve. A magazine can comprise a latch on one side and a clip on an opposite side to permit stacks of more than two ammunition sleeves with magazines to be constructed. The clip and latch can be designed to provide variable spacing or staggering of magazines in order to adapt to weapons where space limitations require alternative configurations.

Abstract: A weapon system includes a long gun, such as a rifle or a shotgun, a handgun, and a bracket secured to the rifle or shotgun around the barrel. The bracket permits swiveling and firing the handgun while attached to the long gun. The bracket includes a swivel ball joint below the long-gun barrel and an attachment brace that releasably connects the swivel ball joint and the handgun. The handgun may be a semi-automatic pistol where a slide moves back and forth when fired. The attachment brace has a top section and a bottom section. The top section goes around the slide so that it does not interfere with its movement. The bottom section contacts the handgun below the slide to securely attach the handgun to the rifle or shotgun.

Abstract: A magnetic firearm support includes a base, at least one magnet in the base and a firearm cradle having a firearm space carried by the base.

Abstract: Handgun front sight 140 has an elongated, rectangular body with a light pipe 21 inserted into the open space between the rear opening 141 and forward opening 142. The base of the front sight is slanted to raise the proximate end relative to the distal end. The rear sight 120 has a body 102 with a circular opening for centering the target. A compass ring 60 fits inside the circular opening. A pair of light pipes 116a, 116b in the body of the rear sight are aligned with 90 and 270 degree points of the compass ring to establish an imaginary line across the diameter. The front light pipe is centered along that imaginary line.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a temperature regulated, pressure activated liquid scent dispenser. The pressure in the interior of the container may increase as ambient temperature increases. A release structure of the container may release a portion of the liquid scent once a threshold pressure or threshold amount of pressure build-up is reached in the interior of the container. A method comprises filling the interior volume with a liquid scent so that the interior volume also includes a volume of air, suspending the dispenser over a ground surface, and dispensing the liquid scent from the interior volume through the release structure. Due to an increase of pressure of the volume of air, and upon reaching a threshold air pressure, the release structure releases a portion of the liquid scent from the interior volume. Applications may include dispensing animal attractant or repellent.

Abstract: A low wind decoy system for efficiently providing realistic motion to decoys in low and high wind environments. The low wind decoy system generally includes a body, comprised of foam or other similar lightweight materials, adapted to be suspended above a ground surface and oriented into the wind. The body is comprised of a substantially thin structure having at least one curvature formed thereon and the peripheral edge of the body has a series of notches extending within to create an irregular movement in response to air flow passing across to attract various different types of animals and birds. The body is generally suspended via a pole assembly and is configured to irregularly move around the pole assembly. The body is also generally colored with a reflective paint substance to match the animal or bird to be attracted.

Abstract: An animal attracting apparatus comprising a water source, a collection tube pivotable vertically between an upwardly disposed first position and a downwardly disposed second position, and a rotatable shaft attached to the collection tube for concomitant rotation therewith. Animal attractant devices are mounted to the shaft for concomitant rotation therewith. In operation, water gravity flows from the water source into the collection tube. After water in the collection tube reaches a predetermined level, the collection tube pivots from the first position to the second position and dispenses water from the collection tube. After water in the collection tube is dispensed, the collection tube pivots from the second position back to the first position to be refilled by water. As the collection tube pivots, the collection tube rotates the shaft. As the shaft rotates, the animal attractant devices are actuated to emit animal attractants.

Abstract: A float fishing apparatus and method of use are described primarily for fishing in lakes and ponds. The apparatus includes a cylindrical weight inside an elongated hollow shaft which will readily slide to upright the fishing apparatus from a horizontal position to a vertical position when a successful struck by a fish is made. An LED light casts a broad light pattern on the water when the apparatus is in an upright position to easily identify the state of the fishing apparatus. A rotatable reel with attached fishing line allows the line to be adjusted to a desired length and can then be secured with a reel catch to secure the reel in a non-rotatable position.

Abstract: A bobber, including a buoyant body having a cavity at a first end connected with a passageway through the bobber, and a first shielding structure extending from the body at the first end and at least partially surrounding said cavity. When gravity and/or acceleration forces cause the bobber to slide down the fishing line, the diameter or cross-sectional dimension of the bobber body is sufficiently greater than the diameter or size of the first shielding structure to shield or hide the barbed tip of a fishing hook when a portion of the hook is disposed in the bobber cavity and the tip is disposed outside of the first shielding structure.

Abstract: A fishing lure combination is disclosed which comprises a frame and an oscillating blade which may be affixed to the frame and then replaced without removing or untying a fishing line affixed to the frame. Also, the frame comprises a clip for replacing an associated weighted fishing lure, also without removing or untying the fishing line.

Abstract: A pest control device uses a replaceable glueboard to immobilize pests attracted to the pest control device. A unique guide is provided to help prevent the adhesive surface of the glueboards from coming into contact with other surfaces of the pest control device during installation and removal of such glueboards.

Abstract: Decorating methods including a vase for associating flowers and other decorative items with cakes and other food products are described. Vase embodiments which may be used to practice the method may include a water-holding reservoir having a bottom wall, an upright rim, and plural flower-stem-receiving wells. Each well is defined by at least one well wall depending from the bottom wall and has an opening capable of receiving water from the reservoir. Vase embodiments may include a reservoir of various shapes and sizes. Vases may be placed on a cake or other food product permitting the cake or food product to be attractively and easily decorated.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a manufactured seed comprising a seed shell and a restraint disposed within the seed shell. The seed shell is a structure having an open end and a closed end. The restraint comprises a parabolic cavity. A seal assembly is disposed on the open end of the seed shell in a configuration effective to seal the seed shell.

Abstract: A composite, time-delayed, polymer-coated, granulated material for maintaining hydration in plants is formulated to delay acceptance of water in order to operate in drilling, plugging, and disking equipment used for aeration, soil amendment, or both. Whether potted or outdoors, whether relying on a third-material binder or a small, hydrated portion of the polymer itself as a binder, the material may be injected or otherwise placed below the surface of soils. Water is eventually absorbed sufficiently to expose the bulk of the hydrating particles attached to each granule. Addition of the granulated material as a soil amendment resists dehydration normally occurring in plants between waterings, yet its initial delay in hydrating supports water-jet injection and soil integration by resisting premature expansion from hydration.

Abstract: A method of growing a plant or its propagule is described. The method includes: (i) powering a light source with input power to generate an incident light; (ii) illuminating, for a period of time, a growth area of the plant/propagule with the incident light having a spectral profile defined by a first (i.e., between about 400 nm and about 470 nm), a second (i.e., between about 526 nm and about 570 nm) and a third (i.e., between about 626 nm and about 700 nm) set of wavelengths; (iii) achieving, using the incident light, a final harvest index that is greater than that achieved if the growth area of the plant/propagule had been illuminated by another incident light with same amount of input power for substantially same period of time, and another incident light includes the first and the third set of wavelengths, but not the second set of wavelengths.

Abstract: A system for emergency opening of a door or window of a vehicle comprises an opening mechanism for forcing the door or window to open by means of pressure of hydraulic fluid, and an unlocking mechanism, which by means of hydraulic fluid is configured to unlock a lock of the door or window. The system may be connected to the brake system of a vehicle.

Abstract: A guide cover that guides attachment of a window pane to a mounting bracket includes a body operable to removably attach to a first portion of the mounting bracket to position the body in an attached position relative to the mounting bracket. The body, the mounting bracket, and the window pane are operable to be moved as a unit by the regulator assembly with the body in the attached position. Moreover, the guide cover includes a guide surface included on the body. The guide surface and the second portion of the mounting bracket define an opening into a channel when the body is in the attached position. The guide surface is operable to guide the window pane through the opening into the channel.

Abstract: Provided is a door opening and closing device wherein the device width can be made small and wherein the movement of a retraction arm can be stabilized. In a body case (102) which is slender and extends in one direction, there is provided an arm block (121) for a retraction arm (104) which rotates from the open state to the closed state. On one side of the body case (102), there is provided a first slider (134) which, being interlocked with the rotation of the arm block (121), makes linear movements in one direction. In the body case (102), there is provided an arm shaft (105) which serves as the center of rotation of the arm block (121). A second slider (131) which, being interlocked with the rotation of the arm block (121), makes linear movements in one direction, is provided opposite the first slider (134), in such a way as to have the arm shaft (105) held between the first and second sliders (134, 131).

Abstract: A cover for protection of a threshold. The cover includes a first flange. Extending from the first flange is a first portion intended to protect a sill channel or a threshold cap of the threshold. Extending from the first portion is a second portion intended to protect a sill deck of the threshold. Extending from the second portion is a second flange. The second flange has openings in the form of apertures or notches configured to allow water to drain from under the cover.

Abstract: An apparatus that provides a continuous one-piece drip edge for a roof that not only protects from water damage, but also protects the roofing material at the rake and eaves from peeling as well as offer protection from wind, snow and ice and any other weather conditions that commonly strip roofing material from a roof surface.

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods described herein can be used to secure a rail to a module or the rail to a support using a nut that can be inserted at a desired point of mounting. Another exemplary system describes a flashing to be inserted under a roof shingle, wherein the flashing is secured to a support for a rail or module. Yet another exemplary system describes a clamp that secures a rail or module and is adjustable along the length of a post. Spacers can be added to the post to extend the adjustment range of the clamp.

Abstract: A retention clip for a movable partition includes a top portion and a base portion. The top portion includes an elongated member having a top surface and a bottom surface. The base portion includes an elongated member having a front surface, a back surface, and a side surface. The base portion further includes an extended side portion extending at an angle relative the front surface. A related movable partition system includes a plurality of interconnected panels, a first retention clip and a second retention clip connected to one of the plurality of interconnected panels proximate a first interface and a second interface. A related method for restricting relative movement of adjacent panels of a movable partition includes connecting a first retention clip and a second retention clip each having an extended side portion extending at an angle from a base portion proximate an interface between a pair of adjacent panels.

Abstract: A trellis system is disclosed wherein the trellis comprises a front tube, a back tube, and two end tubes joined together, a plurality of roof panels, each panel having a perimeter, wherein the perimeter of the panel is coupled to at least a back tube surface and a front tube surface; a plurality of cross member assemblies wherein the cross member assemblies assist in creating tension between the front tube and the back tube, and a plurality of fasteners coupling the front tube to the end tubes, the back tube to the end tubes, and the roof panels to at least the front tube and the back tube, wherein the fasteners are not visible when the trellis system is installed. The trellis system also includes accent bands. A plurality of turnbuckles allows for easy leveling of the trellis.

Abstract: A portable shelter is erectable on a support surface for providing short to long term housing for humans. In general, the shelter includes a foundation, a floor supported by the foundation, and an enclosure. The shelter defines an interior which may be inhabited by a human. The shelter may include front, rear, side, and top walls, all of which may be folded to define inboard and outboard folds which enhance the structural integrity of the walls. The floor of the structure may include indentations corresponding to inboard folds of one or more walls for receiving the inboard folds for enhancing structural integrity of the shelter. The floor may be folded to form upstanding portions adjacent the indentations for securing the inboard folds in the indentations. Moreover, the walls may be folded to define feet which engage the support surface.

Abstract: Foldable building units are provided based on structural frame and connection assembly designs that enable greater construction efficiency and flexibility. The structural frame and connection assembly designs allow for easier connection of frame elements in the prefabrication process of the foldable building units and for easier connection of frame elements at the building site, for example, of foldably connected frame elements after unfolding. They also allow for more finish in the prefabrication process, and/or less and faster work at the building site, for example, by enabling conventional structural lumber grids that can be continuous through the edges and corners of the building envelope for conventional exterior finishing, while providing a tight building envelope with reduced heat transfer, particularly, through the edges of the foldable building unit.

Abstract: A building assembly kit with roof ring having an open-ended plurality of hollow cuboid tube joints radially disposed around an open center of a roof ring and a plurality of parallelepiped strut members disposed between each of the plurality of cube joints, each of said cube joints and strut members disposed to interconnect endwise with a plurality of extant rafters, said rafters then interconnectable with a plurality of top brackets disposed to interconnect each of said plurality of rafters at a juncture between a pair of horizontally disposed extant wall top beams and a vertically oriented corner post, said corner post connected at a juncture of a pair of base runners at a base bracket, wherein a structure is expediently erected by inserting each rafter, wall top beam, corner post, and base runner into a corresponding tube joint, top bracket, and base bracket.