Abstract: A method of assembling a seal in a horizontal split plane gas turbine engine including providing a rotor assembly including a turbine blade assembly defining a forward face and a seal ring extending axially from the forward face. The rotor assembly is positioned extending through a lower compressor casing and a lower turbine casing, the positioning including tilting the rotor assembly at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis for the engine. An upper turbine casing is positioned over the tilted rotor assembly, and the upper and lower turbine casings define a circumferentially extending seal groove. The rotor assembly is moved in an axially forward direction to position the seal ring in axially overlapping relation within the seal groove. The longitudinal axis of the rotor assembly is then aligned with the longitudinal axis of the turbine engine to further position the seal ring within the seal groove.

Abstract: A seal assembly includes a body having two circumferential sides, a leading end, and a trailing end. At least one of the circumferential sides includes a first channel sidewall, a second channel sidewall, and a channel bottom wall that together define a seal channel for receiving a seal. The seal channel includes a slot that cooperates with a tab on the seal to facilitate securing the seal within the seal channel.

Abstract: A fluid spray head comprising an expulsion channel provided with a spray orifice (1) and a spray profile (10) formed in an end wall of said expulsion channel, said spray profile (10) comprising non-radial spray channels (11) opening out to a central spray chamber (12) disposed directly upstream from said spray orifice (1), the central axis (X) of said spray orifice (1) being offset from the central axis (Y) of the spray chamber (12) by a distance that is less than 0.12 mm, and preferably less than 0.08 mm.

Abstract: Three methods of fabricating an intermediate, center or combination gear for a stacked planetary gear assembly are presented. A first method comprehends forming male splines on the outer surface of the inner (ring) gear and female splines on the inner surface of the outer (sun) gear. The gears are then heat treated and assembled. A second method comprehends broaching internal splines in the outer (sun) gear as well as end milling, broaching or polygon turning face splines on one end of the outer gear and an opposing, adjacent end of the inner (ring) gear. A third method includes fabricating and heat treating the inner and outer gears. A small area of the hardened case is then removed by, for example, machining. The gears are mated, heated rapidly by a pulse of electric current and upset in the heated region.

Abstract: A method and a device for machining the tooth edges (23, 25) developed between each end face (22, 24) and the tooth flanks (26, 27) of end-cut work wheels (2). The axis of rotation (20) of the spindle that carries the machining tool (21) is displaced around an orthogonal swivel axis (16) relative to the tool axis of rotation so that the cutting directions are opposite to each other with respect to the work wheel (2) in the machining of the lower tooth edges (23) and the upper tooth edges (25).

Abstract: Methods for the preparation of a pulling roll including a sleeve (800) and/or a cartridge (1330) are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for the change or repair of at least a portion of a heat resistant material of a pulling roll. Also disclosed are a sleeve and a cartridge for use with a pulling roll, each including a heat resistant material.

Abstract: Dental prostheses may be manufactured based on electronic models of the prostheses. Manufacturing aids may be used to check manufacturing quality of the dental prosthesis and components thereof. For example, a jig may be used during and after the manufacture of the dental prostheses and systems and methods for using the same. A customized tooth die may be designed and fabricated to fit a dental prosthesis or components thereof in a jig for inspection. A customized jig may be designed and fabricated for inspecting a dental prosthesis or components thereof throughout the manufacturing process.

Abstract: Exemplary methods are provided for installing a ramp assembly into a vehicle. The vehicle includes a floor, a vehicle well disposed in the floor, and first and second ramp support members. In one embodiment, ramp assembly mounts, such as movable mounting blocks, are utilized for installing the ramp assembly into the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an animal shearing machine with a housing, a shearing head connected to the housing and a drive unit arranged in the housing. The drive unit comprises an electric motor and a reduction gear connected to the shaft of the electric motor. The shearing head of the animal shearing machine has a stationary shearing blade and a movable shearing blade. A planetary gear is used as reduction gear. The driven shaft of the planetary gear is arranged parallel, in particular coaxially to the shaft of the electric motor. If oscillatingly driven shearing heads are used, the drive unit comprises an eccentric connected to the driven shaft of the reduction gear and an oscillating lever. The oscillating lever is in engagement with the movable shearing blade via the first front end and with the eccentric via a sliding element in the area of the second rear end.

Abstract: A shaving razor that improves stability, corresponding user control and offers a closer shave is provided. The shaving razor can include a razor handle configuration that reduces the propensity for the shaving razor to roll in a users hand and improves the maneuverability of the razor cartridge during shaving. In addition, the shaving razor can include a biasing pivoting member producing a progressively increasing return torque on the razor cartridge that forces the cartridge into flat contact with the skin thus improving glide and shaving closeness.

Abstract: A cutting device with an auto-retractable blade, having a housing containing an active blade extendable from a front aperture thereof and a spare blade box therein. An actuator is provided being fixed to an actuator seat contained in and slidable with respect to the housing. The actuator seat has a side protrusion having a front dent defined therein. A blade seat is slidably contained in the housing. The blade seat has an upper fulcrum, a side protrusion, a side blocker, a blade installation plate, a lower fulcrum, and a blade seat return spring. The side protrusion has a front slope and a back tip which is receivable in the front dent of the actuator seat.

Abstract: A chisel includes a blade joined with a handle configured to be struck by a striking instrument. The blade includes a front beveled cutting edge portion at its forward end, a beveled side cutting edge portion along one longitudinal side of the blade, and a strike surface along an opposite, longitudinal side. The blade also has a main body portion that narrows in thickness as it extends in a forward direction from a relatively rearward portion thereof to the front beveled cutting edge portion and that narrows in thickness as it extends in a lateral direction from the strike surface towards the beveled side cutting edge portion. The beveled side cutting edge portion has a surface forms an angle with a surface of the main body portion.

Abstract: A blade set for hair clippers which has a lower fixed blade, an upper fixed blade, a movable blade assembly and a blade holder. The movable blade assembly is flat and extends in a plane parallel to a lengthwise plane of the upper fixed blade and a lengthwise plane of the lower fixed blade and disposed in between the lower fixed blade and the upper fixed blade in such a way that a user's skin is protected from getting injured by the movable blade assembly. A third toothed front edge is provided at a front end of the movable blade assembly, a lower portion of which cooperates with an upper portion of the first toothed front edge to define a first cutting surface, and an upper portion of which cooperates with a lower portion of the second toothed front edge to define a second cutting surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable electric tool having an active head motor-driven by an actuator and provided on the top end of a head-mounting shaft, the bottom portion of which has a handle, characterized in that a second shaft, or auxiliary shaft, is attached or arranged to be attachable onto the head-mounting shaft underneath and remote from said active head while forming, at least in the proximal portion thereof, an acute angle with said head-mounting shaft. The size of said auxiliary shaft being such that the free end thereof, provided with a handle, is located at or substantially at the handle being provided with the bottom part of the head-mounting shaft, one of said handles constituting the control handle of said actuator.

Abstract: The hand held grass cutter preferably includes an elongated handle provided with a user interface adapted to be held by a user, a motor located at the handle wherein the motor is communicatively coupled to the user interface, a cutting mechanism located at a distal end of the handle and communicatively coupled to the motor; and a disc section adjustably attached to the handle and spaced subjacent to the cutting mechanism.

Abstract: A trimmer head for cutting vegetation is adaptable to operate in blade trimming mode and in monofilament trimming mode, and requires minimal time and effort to change between the two modes. The device comprises a bottom plate and a top plate. The top and bottom plate are urged together, thereby locking the blades in place. When the top and bottom plate are separated and rotated relative to one another, a blade may be inserted or removed from the blade posts by a gap formed between the top of the blade post and the top plate. The top plate includes a surface having a plurality of trimmer blade posts adaptable to pivotally mount at least one trimmer blade. The top plate further comprises a plurality of monofilament holes for receiving a monofilament line therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention relates to eating utensils including a support configuration adapted for elevating the utensil above a horizontal surface to prevent the contamination of germs or bacteria that may linger on the surface. The eating utensils are also adapted for use by children or adults having limited motor skills or dexterity. In one embodiment, a utensil such as a fork, knife or spoon is attached to an egg-shaped member having a weighted base and designed for preventing the utensils from coming into contact with horizontal surfaces such as a table.

Abstract: A utility knife blade includes a portion made of a first material; and an elongated portion made of a second material, the second material being harder than the first material and coated on the first material by melting a powder of the second material on the first material, the elongated portion forming the tip of the blade, wherein the second material includes tungsten carbide particles embedded in a soft binder, and wherein the size of at least 90% of the tungsten carbide particles is lower than about 5 micrometers.

Abstract: A pencil sharpener (1) with a handle (3) and a sharpener insert (4) inserted into the handle (3) with a pencil guide channel (33) and a paring blade (34) is proposed, in conjunction with which the handle (3) is formed so as to correspond at least partially to the inner contours of a curved human hand (26). Improved ease of handling is achieved through the formed handle (3). Also proposed is a method for the manufacture of a pencil sharpener (1) of this kind, in which the handle (3) is formed in subsidiary areas so as to correspond to the inner contours of the human hand (26).

Abstract: An article with a color change portion and a method of changing color is disclosed. The article includes at least one color change portion capable of changing colors. The color change portion comprised electrochromic fiber or fabric. The color change portion can change colors according to one or more performance parameters. The article can be connected to a computer and the color change portion can be controlled using the computer.

Abstract: The device relates to a device for marking, during nighttime riding through a transport vehicle such as bicycles, two-wheeled vehicles, electric wheelchairs, etc., a rider's temporary dedicated road lines by laser-emitting means mounted at the rear side of the transport vehicle, thereby ensuring the safety of the rider of the transport vehicle. The device includes: laser-emitting modules adapted to form luminous lines spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance on the road beside or behind the transport vehicle; a power supply module adapted to supply power to the laser-emitting modules; an external housing adapted to accommodate the laser-emitting modules thereinto; and a fixing module adapted to fix the external housing to the transport vehicle.

Abstract: This invention is a universal and configurable land surveying and mapping tool. This invention combines several functions into one tool and is unique because of its one tool that provides the ability to perform a plurality of surveying task including metal detection and determining location data (i.e. GPS data).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to measure an angular position of craft components are disclosed. An example apparatus includes an opening to receive a component along a first plane; and a first magnetic coupler positioned along a first exterior side of the apparatus to removably couple an inclinometer to the apparatus at a first angle relative to the first plane.

Abstract: The recirculating dryer includes a housing having an operator control panel and a locking door mounted to a side of the housing. A rotating tumbler for holding the laundry to be dried is mounted inside the housing. Heated air is introduced through an inlet of the tumbler, and the outlet is kept closed by a flap. The heated air is recirculated and recycled through the tumbler. The air is reheated back to a predetermined temperature if the temperature falls below a level suitable for drying. A layer of moisture-absorbent material surrounds the tumbler to absorb the moisture gathered in the air from the drying process. At drying completion, the flap is opened to vent the used air. A control system controls various features with data from a thermostat and a moisture detector.

Abstract: A process of freeze drying of an essentially aqueous solution comprising at least one first step having a first temperature and pressure level (i.e. primary drying phase) and at least one second step having a second temperature and pressure level (i.e. secondary drying phase) following the first step, wherein in the secondary drying phase limited desorption energy input is applied.

Abstract: A substrate drying apparatus includes a drying gas nozzle configured so that, assuming that a surface WA of the substrate W is a projection plane, regarding the drying gas flow Gf in the nozzle moving direction Dr, a collision position Gfw with the substrate W is located downstream of a projected discharge position Gfv?, the projected discharge position Gfv? being a discharge position from the drying gas nozzle projected on the projection plane. In a three-dimensional space, the drying gas flow Gf is inclined, such that an angle ? formed by an axis Ga of the drying gas flow Gf and a vertical line Wp of the substrate W is in a range from a half contact angle ?/2 to an angle determined by deducting the half contact angle ?/2 from 90°, the half contact angle ?/2 being a half of the contact angle ?.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. The sole assembly has a shell having a first hardness and a recess. A lateral side of the recess has a first depth and a medial side of the recess has a second depth that is different than the first depth. A first aperture extends through a forefoot portion of the shell, with the first aperture defining a first tongue fixed on a medial side thereof with a remainder of the first tongue free to flex with respect to the shell. An insert has a second hardness and is seated in the recess. A lateral side of the insert has a first height and a medial side of the insert has a second height that is different than the first height, with the second hardness being different than the first hardness.

Abstract: An article of footwear with an automatic lacing system is disclosed. The automatic lacing system provides a set of straps that can be automatically opened and closed to switch between a loosened and tightened position of the upper. The article further includes an automatic ankle cinching system that is configured to automatically adjust an ankle portion of the upper.

Abstract: A shoe that is conveniently put on and taken off includes an outsole, an upper, a supporting piece, and a guiding piece. The upper is attached on the outsole and has a counter and a collar extending upward from the counter and configured as a shoehorn. The supporting piece is attached to the counter and the collar of the upper. The guiding piece is attached to an instep of the upper. Because of the supporting piece having a predetermined hardness and the collar having a shape like a shoehorn, the rear of the upper can be served as a shoehorn for helping a user's foot in slipping into the shoe. In addition, the guiding piece can avoid the instep of the upper from becoming crease and unsmooth. As a result, the shoe is convenient for the user to put on without bending his back and using his hand.

Abstract: The boot having skin-exfoliating means therein is a normal boot that when worn targets different regions of a foot and exfoliates dead skin from said regions of the foot, but in different exfoliating manners. The exfoliating means are designed to massage and exfoliate dead skin from the foot of an end user. The exfoliating means comprise massaging nodes aligned along a front, interior of the boot, which target skin between toes. Another exfoliating means is included along a middle region of the sole and includes an array of nodes that exfoliate skin along a bottom surface of the foot. Exfoliating ridges are located on two regions of the sole and are adapted to exfoliate skin at the rear of the foot and between the array of nodes and massaging nodes. Edge ridges adorn a periphery of the sole and provide additional exfoliating means.

Abstract: A support frame assembly for supporting a plow, or another front-mounted implement, on a small vehicle such as an all-terrain vehicle (“ATV”) is provided. The frame assembly comprises a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion is typically raised with respect to the rear portion, allowing the plow to be pivotally attached to the front of the frame assembly at a higher location. The rear portion comprises a locking mechanism allowing the frame assembly to be easily mounted to the underside of the vehicle. A releasing mechanism, operatively connected to the locking mechanism, allows for the easy removal of the frame assembly from the vehicle.

Abstract: An excavation system employing a high-pressure pulsed air jet in combination with a low-pressure high velocity blower for excavating improvised explosive devices or other buried objects. The excavation system may also be employed to operate a pneumatic tool such as a cut-off tool or a chisel. The high velocity blower may incorporate a bifurcated fan duct having two air outlets. The system may include a pressure control module for regulating the from a high-pressure air source to an evacuation valve. The evacuation valve employs first and second valves where the second valve controls the operation of the first valve.

Abstract: An interchangeable themed system for plates of all types. A race is provided within a plate and member releasably disposed within the race and having a decorative upper visible surface. The groove is arranged as a border for framing or setting off the particular table setting element. Opposed exterior surfaces of the member are decorated so as to establish a predetermined theme. The member is so dimensioned as to fit flush with the exposed surface of the dish in which it is installed to present the appearance of being integrally formed with the dish or other table setting.

Abstract: A display apparatus for a medallion, challenge coin, or the like, provides a generally circular or other shape holder with an integral recess on the front surface thereof for receiving and retaining the medallion for display. The rear surface of the mount is preferably secured to the desired mounting surface by adhesive, and may includes a reservoir for the adhesive material in the form of a pair of arcuate channels. The display apparatus may be installed on a variety of surfaces, including several locations on a motorcycle, by shaping the rear surface of the mount to correspond to the shape of the surface of the desired mounting location.

Abstract: In one embodiment a child safety sign device is composed of a substrate that may be curved and secured to a post or other structure. Fasteners are provided to affix the sign around mail box posts, sign posts, to provide a message to operators of motor vehicles and or pedestrians.

Abstract: A flash suppressing and recoil compensating muzzle device for use with a firearm provides a muzzle device that reduces recoil and inhibits muzzle flash while preventing audible harmonic resonant ringing after the firearm is discharged. The present invention accomplishes this through the use of an open ended muzzle device that redirects a portion of the high velocity gasses exiting the terminal end of the weapon through asymmetrically placed narrowing exhaust openings. The asymmetrically placed narrowing exhaust openings gradually direct exiting gases to the rear and to the sides of the muzzle in order to reduce recoil and reducing light emissions. The narrowing exhaust openings are formed by the radially positioned prongs of a distinct weight and width, which widen from the proximal to distal end of the muzzle device. The weight and mass disparity between prongs prevents audible ringing by reducing resonant vibrations between neighboring prongs.

Abstract: A detachable handguard for firearms having a receiver defining a handguard mounting flange. Clamp members have hook-like ends that engage the handguard mounting flange and are attached to clamp actuating levers that are pivotally mounted to the handguard. The clamp members are positioned in clamping engagement with the mounting flange and are pivoted to clamping positions to force the handguard into tight assembly with the receiver and to move the connection of the clamp members with the actuating levers over-center, thus causing the clamp actuating levers to remain at their clamping positions. Lock members secure the clamp actuating levers at their clamping positions.

Abstract: A rifle assembly includes a central chassis for carrying an action including a trigger and a trigger guard, the central chassis having a front portion and a rear portion, a rifle fore-end for carrying a barrel, the fore-end having a rear portion, and a fore-end adapter having a rear portion removably secured to the central chassis front portion and a front portion removably secured to the fore-end rear portion. The rifle assembly further includes a rifle butt stock having a front portion and a butt stock adapter having a rear portion removably secured to the butt stock front portion and a front portion removably secured to the central chassis front portion.

Abstract: The present folding stock adapter can be used with many types of military-type assault rifles that typically comprise a receiver extension, buffer and action spring. The present folding stock adapter can be used to add a folding capability to a standard stock allowing it to fold against a rifle's receiver when the weapon is not in use, thus reducing the overall length of the weapon. This reduction in length can facilitate its maneuverability, storage and transport in cramped quarters. The present device can also allow for the quick unfolding of the stock in order to allow the weapon to function and be fired normally.

Abstract: A universal rail for a firearm has a plurality of through holes and a plurality of attachment points for ancillary equipment along a length of the universal rail, a fastener so as to be fastenable to the firearm, and a power or signal connection point arranged in at least one attachment point of the plurality of attachment points. The power or signal connection point has at least two contact pins surrounded by a seal, and a resilient portion and inner contact faces. The power or signal connection point is further connected to conductors arranged in the universal rail. The resilient portion ensures that the at least two contact pins and contact points are out of contact with each other when the ancillary equipment is not mounted on the universal rail.

Abstract: The described apparatus and method enable the production of thin edible products having complex contoured shapes that cannot be made using conventional molding technology. In particular, chocolates having detailed surface topology can be made utilizing a pliable substrate and a vacuum mold. The process may be made substantially continuous.

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: A sight base is configured to receive and secure a sighting device and is coupled to a base by a pin running in each of the grooves and rotatable about the pins between an aligned position with the base extending between the parallel walls and the optical device aligned with the sighting axis, and a deployed position rotated away from the aligned position. A detent releasably retains the sight base in the aligned position. A clamp member is carried on the lower extent of the base, and releasably engages the rail with selectively movable to tighten and secure the clamp and base to the rail. A lever is coupled to the base and to the clamp member, and has a camming surface configured to move the movable portion of the clamp into and out of engagement with the rail in response to actuation of the lever. The camming surface of the lever bears on a resilient surface carried by the base.

Abstract: A turkey decoy for receiving and supporting a real or artificial turkey tail fan is disclosed herein. The turkey decoy can be configured in a stake-supported configuration where the turkey tail fan is supported on a stake and remotely movable by a hunter operating the turkey decoy. Alternatively, the turkey decoy can be configured in a clamp-supported configuration where the turkey tail fan is supported on a clamp that a hunter can hold or attach to a variety of structures in the hunting environment.

Abstract: A fishing pole includes an outer tubular member having a tubular wall defining an axial hole, and an inner rod member inserted telescopically and axially into the outer tubular member. The tubular wall has small and large diameter wall sections, and a shoulder between the small and large diameter wall sections. The inner rod member has an extension portion extending out of the outer tubular member through the small diameter wall section, an enlarged engaging end portion provided at one end of the extension portion, a plurality of angularly spaced-apart openings extending axially from the enlarged engaging end portion toward the extension portion, and a plurality of compressible resilient pawl plates each extending axially between two adjacent ones of the openings. The resilient pawl plates are compressed within the large diameter wall section, and frictionally contact an inner surface of the large diameter wall section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blade bait fishing lure apparatus with a barbed tail for securing interchangeable soft bait components. The blade bait has a plurality of upper apertures for connecting a fishing line and a plurality of lower apertures of attaching fishing hooks. The front end of the blade bait fishing lure includes a weighted component for balancing the blade bait in water.

Abstract: A fishing lure includes a plurality of segments flexibly joined by a flexible line linkage to form a substantially linear array of segments. One or more fish hooks are secured to one or more of the segments. A fish line attachment is provided at the front most segment of the linear array. A plurality of angled slots are formed between each segment due to the spaced linear array. Each segment defines an internal buoyancy chamber and one or more vent apertures are provided which control the flow of water into the buoyancy chambers when the fishing lure is emerced. The lure provides a variety of travel paths and performance under the control of the user through manipulation of the attached fishing line.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a fishing line bobber includes a bobber body having a length and an exterior surface. The bobber body includes an aperture that extends through the length of the bobber body and a slot extending along the length of the bobber body and connected to the aperture through sidewalls that extend from the exterior surface of the bobber body inward to the aperture. The fishing line bobber includes a closing mechanism movable with respect to the bobber body between an open position that permits insertion of a fishing line into the aperture and a closed position that retains the fishing line within the aperture. The closing mechanism is configured to enable the fishing line bobber to function as an attachment bobber that maintains a fixed position on the fishing line and as a slip bobber that is moveable along the fishing line.

Abstract: A rodent management station includes a housing having a base and a lid together at least in part defining an interior space of the housing. The base has a floor panel and an upstanding wall extending up from the floor panel about at least a portion of the circumference thereof. The upstanding wall has an upper edge and at least one gutter disposed in and extending along at least a portion of the upper edge of the upstanding wall to facilitate water drainage from the upstanding wall. The lid is positionable relative to the base between a closed configuration and an opened configuration. The housing has an entry opening through which rodents enter the interior space of the housing. The rodent management station further includes least one of a trap and a bait positionable within the interior space of the housing.

Abstract: A high pressure injection system for applying a pesticide includes a portable, handheld application tool and a manifold head connected to the application tool. The manifold head has at least one internal passage. At least one high pressure nozzle is positioned in the manifold head and in fluid communication with the at least one internal passage. The at least one high pressure nozzle is operable at pressures between about 25 psi and about 10,000 psi. A contact plate is mounted to the manifold head and has at least one opening aligned with the at least one high pressure nozzle. A source of pesticide is fluidly connected to the at least one high pressure nozzle. A discharge valve is moveable between a closed position wherein the pesticide is inhibited from flowing to the at least one high pressure nozzle and an opened position wherein pesticide flows to the at least one high pressure nozzle.