Abstract: The present invention is directed to a seed metering assembly comprised of a set of stand-alone modular seed metering units. Each seed metering unit is selectively driven by a common drive member, such as a drive shaft. When a seed metering unit is engaged with the drive member, the unit will meter granular material. On the other hand, when the seed metering unit is not engaged with the drive member, the metering unit will not meter granular material. Hence, the present invention provides a seed metering apparatus in which the number of seed metering units can be scaled to match the number of distribution headers of a seeding implement.

Abstract: A method for assembling or disassembling spokes of a tubeless wheel includes following steps: selecting a rim, assembling an adaptor onto an assembling tool, assembling the adaptor to the position hole, assembling a spoke, assembling the spoke to the adaptor and disassembling the assembling tool from the adaptor. Therefore, a user can assemble or disassemble the spokes easily and conveniently.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the disclosure provide one or more methods and/or systems to provide for determination of valid fastener zones that meet certain design rules. A method may include selecting at least one fastener having a preselected size and providing a first structural member and second structural member each having preselected sizes and shapes. The method may include determining a first fastener placement zone in said first structural member and determining a second fastener placement zone in said second structural member, where the respective first and second fastener placement zones are determined as a function of said structural design rules. The method may include determining a final fastener zone by identifying an overlap of the first and second fastener zones.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing operations on a workpiece. A first frame in a frame system may be held on the workpiece by applying a vacuum to the first frame. A second frame in the frame system may be detached from the workpiece by applying a pressure to the second frame. The second frame may be moved to a location on the workpiece. The second frame may be attached to the workpiece by applying the vacuum to the second frame. An operation may be performed on the workpiece.

Abstract: This invention relates to a nail clipper with a mechanism and functionally different to those well-known, it allows accumulating temporary pieces of nails trimmed, preventing to spread everywhere to be discarded later in the proper place and simultaneously. Nail Clipper with integrated waste-holding container forms a deposit through two leaves creating a space between their bodies, it also has the special feature of having a three channels lever that work in a radial way, and provides different results depending on the location of the pin in the channels: Bolt located on the first channel allows thick material cutting; bolt located on the second channel, allows thin matter cutting and when pin is located on the third channel, allows to store three channels lever to take up less space when not in use. The cutter has a special lid with different finishes that in addition to controlling the output nails trimmed, functioning as a grind to give a finish to the freshly cut nails.

Abstract: A rotary electric shaver includes a handle assembly having a housing, a motor disposed in the housing, a drive shaft operatively connected to the motor and extending through the housing, and a socket for securing a shaver head thereto. The shaver head assembly includes a coupling for detachable coupling to the socket. The coupling is configured to allow the shaver head to be detachably coupled to the handle assembly in at least two different orientations of the shaver head relative to the handle assembly.

Abstract: A surveying instrument which comprises a rotation unit 7 adapted to direct a distance measuring optical axis to an object to be measured and the rotary drive unit 5 rotates the rotation unit, comprising a rotary motor for rotating an output shaft 6 and a clutch unit for connecting or disconnecting the rotary motor and the output shaft, wherein the rotary motor and the clutch unit are arranged in a series along the output shaft, and the output shaft is fixed to the rotation unit.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a device and technique for tilt detection and indication is disclosed. The tilt indicator includes a first member having a reservoir for retaining a granular indicating media therein; and a second member coupled to the first member and having an adhesive portion located corresponding to an indicating area of the first member. Responsive to a tilt event, at least a portion of the indicating media exits the reservoir and travels to the indicating area where the adhesive portion retains at least a portion of the indicating media within the indicating area. A blocking element located within a buffering area located between the reservoir and the indicating area is configured to impede travel of the indicating media from the reservoir toward the indicating area when the tilt indicator is in an activated state.

Abstract: There is provided a grid system (10) containing a set of stakes (40), a grid (20) and a key (3) that can be transported to a crime scene to create a working area in which evidence can be accurately catalogued as to its precise location at the time of its discovery. The grid strings (21) are secured to the grid rings (22, 23, 24) to form a grid (20). The grid rings (22, 23, 24) attach to the stakes (40). The key (30), which also attaches to the stakes (40) ensures that the grid (2) is square. The preferred embodiment features a key (30) comprising two key rings (32) and a key string (31). The key (30), when fully extended to opposite corners of the grid (20), forms the shared hypotenuse to the right triangles on either side of the key (30) formed by the grid (20), thereby forming a grid system (10) The stakes (40) can be ribbed in a way to enable the grid rings (22, 23, 24, 32) to remain at a distinct position along the stake (40).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an extensometer for measuring high-temperature structural deformations by magnification, the structure of the extensometer is that: two mounting block assemblies are mounted at the planar ends of two extension bars respectively, the top ends of the extension bars are connected tightly with the surface of a test piece, two connecting pieces are mounted at the inner sides of the two mounting block assemblies respectively, a deformation magnifying mechanism and a sensor bracket are mounted on the connecting pieces, a sensor is mounted on the sensor bracket, two connecting pieces are mounted on a same straight line, and the straight line is parallel to a straight line at which the top ends of the two extension bars are located, so as to ensure that the deformation of the test piece is delivered equally to the deformation magnifying mechanism on the connecting pieces.

Abstract: A detecting gauge with high accuracy mainly comprises a machine table, a detecting set, a clamping apparatus, a detecting apparatus, and a sliding apparatus. Particularly, the sliding apparatus includes a sliding rail disposed on a machine table and a sliding base slidably disposed on said sliding rail. A sliding groove is disposed on both sides of the sliding rail, an embedding portion is formed on the sliding base for matching the sliding groove, and a plurality of rollers are embedded on a surface of said embedding portion which is in contact with said sliding groove. By matching the embedding portion with the sliding groove, the sliding base can be slid and moved precisely and smoothly on the sliding rail, and a target to be detected can be stably held by the clamping apparatus, whereby the detecting apparatus can obtain the measurement with high accuracy.

Abstract: A tool, or template, for the accurate positioning of asphalt shingles on a roof having a valley, wherein first and second plates, each with leading edges, are coplanar and exactly 5 inches apart, held there by struts. The first plate being longer than the second plate by a predetermined distance to the left and right thereof and the ends of the leading edge being tapered at a 45° angle. Handles are attached to the first and second plates extending from one to the other, and those handles are insulated to inhibit injury to the roofer using the tool.

Abstract: An apparatus and its method of use with a conventional tape measure confirms right angles of the corners of a rectangular structure. The apparatus is a two-part tool including a tape measure tab part and a tape measure tape part. The tab part secures a tape measure tab at one corner of the rectangular structure as the tape measure tape is pulled from the tape measure housing diagonally across the structure. The tape part of the apparatus is secured to the diagonally opposite corner of the structure and is used to check the diagonal distance measurement of the tape across the structure. The process is then again performed between the other diagonally opposite corners of the structure to obtain a diagonal distance measurement across the other corners to determine if the two diagonal measurements match and confirm the right angles of the rectangular structure.

Abstract: A gauge for measuring the headspace dimension of a firearm chamber. The gauge includes a first member coupled to a second member in a telescopic fashion. The first and second members may be positioned in an open firearm chamber. With the firearm chamber subsequently closed, the first and second members are moved into a position that gives the actual headspace dimension and locked in that position. The gauge may then be removed from the chamber and measured to give the user the actual headspace dimension.

Abstract: There is provided a measuring device having a pair of pivoted arms, the ends of which remote from the pivot having an associated tape. The tape is fixed to one arm and extends internally through the other arm to be wound on to a biased reel located in a housing part, the reel taking up any slack in the tape.

Abstract: An improved tape measure apparatus which includes a catch that is both slidable and rotatable relative to the rule blade in a plane which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rule blade when the rule blade is extended from the tape casing. In one embodiment the catch can both roate and slide relative to the rule blade when frictional forces exceed a predefined minimum or are within a predefined range.

Abstract: Provided is a low-dielectric constant material curing process including irradiating a low-dielectric constant material on a semiconductor substrate with ultraviolet rays. In the low-dielectric constant material curing process, the ultraviolet light source is a fluorescent lamp including: a light-emitting tube sealed and filled with a discharge gas containing xenon gas; a pair of electrodes for inducing a discharge in the interior space of the light-emitting tube; a dielectric material being interposed between the interior space and at least one of the pair of electrodes; and a phosphor layer formed on a surface of the light-emitting tube and containing a phosphor that is excited by light generated from the discharge gas by a discharge in the interior space. The phosphor emits ultraviolet rays having a wavelength within a range of 180 to 300 nm.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for reducing moisture in mineral slurries, particularly mineral slurries containing minerals of small particle diameter, using a granular drying material. The invention also relates to novel mineral products and intermediates useful in connection with the process. The method and system reduced moisture by contacting the mineral slurry with the granular drying material. The granular drying material is selected to be readily separated from the dried minerals using a size separation technique such as a sieve screen. The granular drying material is the regenerated, preferably using a process involving heat exchange and cross-flow air. The granular drying material is preferably capable of regeneration and recycling in a continuous process with minimal attrition.

Abstract: Methods of making thermal insulation products are provided, one method including the steps of sealing a support material (e.g., a nanoporous core such as fumed silica, an aerogel powder, etc.) and at least one vapor (e.g., steam) within an interior portion of a substantially gas-impermeable envelope (e.g., a metallic and/or polymeric film), and then condensing at least a portion of the vapor after the sealing step to reduce the pressure within the gas-impermeable envelope from a first pressure before the condensing to a lower second pressure after the condensing. The disclosed methods limit or eliminate the need for mechanism pumping mechanisms to drawing the vacuum within the products, drying of the core before the sealing, and the like.

Abstract: Foot protector (30) adapted to be worn between the foot and a predefined shaped item of outer footwear (10), comprising a thin flexible resilient elastic non slip membrane (30) shaped to grip the foot without slipping. The membrane (30) is of a complementary shape corresponding to the predefined shape of the outer footwear (10) so as to engage the outer footwear (10) in a non slip manner. The membrane (30, 31, 32, 36) may have an orthopaedic style of support (41) integrally incorporated into the foot protector (30) to provide support under the arch of the foot of the wearer.

Abstract: A coupling device molded into a shoe sole for allowing a user to detachably couple a shoe upper to the shoe sole. The coupling device includes a socket with a set of ratchet teeth that are movable between an unbiased position and biased position by touching a button. The coupling device also includes a prong that can be inserted into the socket and has a plurality of complementary ratchet that can engage with the ratchet teeth of the socket.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes a sole structure comprising a midsole and an outsole. The midsole has a plurality of midsole recesses formed in a bottom portion, and the outsole optionally defines a plurality of outsole recesses or other structures formed in a top portion thereof. The midsole recesses are formed to align with the outsole recesses to form a plurality of separately distinct fluid-filled chambers. Methods of designing such sole structures based on foot pressure data also are described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are innersoles for cycling shoes and to cycling shoes including such innersoles.

Abstract: A spacer textile material has at least a portion of a tensile strand located between a first layer and a second layer of the spacer textile material where the first layer and second layer have been joined together to form channels in which the tensile strand moves freely. The tensile strand travels through the spacer textile material in a non-linear direction. Further, the channels may be formed in the spacer textile material in non-linear directions. The spacer textile material with a tensile strand may be incorporated into an article of footwear.

Abstract: A spacer textile material has at least a portion of multiple tensile strands located together between a first layer and a second layer of the spacer textile material, where the first layer and second layer have been joined together to form channels in which the tensile strands move freely. The tensile strands may be disposed in the spacer textile material together or they may be separated into different portions of the spacer textile. Further, the spacer textile material having channels with multiple tensile strands may be incorporated into an article of footwear.

Abstract: A lacing cord is used in an article to be laced that includes shoes, clothing and bags. The lacing cord basically includes a core wire and at least one protruding part. The core wire includes at least one wire member. The at least one protruding part is provided to a peripheral section of the core wire so as to intersect with an axial direction of the core wire and to protrude radially outward from the peripheral section of the core wire.

Abstract: Articles of footwear, including athletic footwear, may include: (a) an upper including an opening through which a leg of a wearer extends, wherein the upper includes a foot insertion opening extending rearwardly and downwardly from a front portion of the leg opening at least to a heel area of the upper; (b) a closure system for releasably closing the foot insertion opening and optionally tightening the shoe on the foot; and (c) a sole structure engaged with the upper. The foot insertion opening widely opens the side and/or rear area of the shoe to allow for easy insertion and removal of a foot. Such uppers can be particularly useful for hightop athletic footwear, boots, or other footwear that extends up to or at least partially over a wearer's ankles.

Abstract: A spacer textile material has at least a portion of a tensile strand located between a first layer and a second layer of the spacer textile material where the first layer and second layer have been joined together to form channels in which the tensile strand moves freely. The tensile strand may be disposed within or about the spacer textile material in any location on the material. The spacer textile material with a tensile strand may be incorporated into an article of footwear and/or article of apparel.

Abstract: A spacer textile material has at least a portion of multiple tensile strands located between a first layer and a second layer of the spacer textile material where the first layer and second layer have been joined together to form channels in which the tensile strands move freely. In one or more locations, a first tensile strand and a second tensile overlap at an intersection region. Further, the spacer textile material may be incorporated into an article of footwear.

Abstract: A branched braid member has a central braid portion and one or more tensile strands or small braids at either end of the central braid portion. The branched braid member may be incorporated into a shoe upper.

Abstract: An athletic shoe includes stabilization mechanisms designed to inhibit ankle sprains while also providing comfort for a wearer. Such mechanisms include inner and outer straps that overlie the instep of the athletic shoe and wrap around the wearer's ankle to provide ankle support and inhibit inversion of the ankle during athletic activity. The athletic shoe also includes an inner boot liner that stabilizes the wearer's foot within the athletic shoe, provides a comfortable buffer between the wearer's foot and the inner and outer straps, and wicks perspiration away from the wearer's foot during athletic activity.

Abstract: A footwear covering system includes a piece of footwear having a sole with a perimeter boundary material and a footwear cover attached to the piece of footwear. The footwear cover includes an attachment device, a sheath attached to the resilient clamp and forming an elongate arcuate cover and indicia on the sheath portraying the face of a character. The attachment device may include a snap-fit connector and/or a resilient clamp with an inner surface with grippers, the resilient clamp being shaped to conform with the perimeter boundary material of the sole of the piece of footwear. The footwear cover may include a battery compartment housing a battery, and in some embodiments the snap-fit connector comprises conductors that establish an electrical connection when the snap-fit connector is mated with a complementary connector on the piece of footwear.

Abstract: A high-heeled shoe having a sole and a heel of at least 4 cm height provided thereto, wherein the heel is provided with a damping means. The damping means comprises at least one damping element. The damping element has different effective damping cross sections along the heel's longitudinal axis and/or is freely deformable in at least one direction perpendicular to the heel's longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An anti-slip overshoe has a contoured outer band and first gripping pad and second gripping pad disposed interior to the contoured outer band for enhanced traction. A web structure connects the first gripping pad and second gripping pad to the contoured outer band. A plurality of gripping devices is attached to the first gripping pad and second gripping pad for enhanced traction on natural surfaces. The gripping devices includes a body, button extending from a first end of the body, plurality of spikes disposed around a perimeter of the body, and central spike extending from a second end of the body. A neck is disposed around the body between the button and spikes. The spikes include a traction arm, plurality of edges formed along the traction arm, and concave surface between a first edge and second edge along the traction arm.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a waterproof and breathable shoe has a step of preparing a mold. Then, the mold is soaked into the rubber material, and the rubber material can cohere to a surface of the mold. Then, the rubber material cohering to the surface of the mold is dried to form into a thin and integrally molded shoe body on the surface of the mold. Then, an inside layer is combined with the shoe body. Then, the inside layer and the shoe body are reversed inside out and stripped off from the mold at the same time. Finally, the sole is combined with a bottom of the shoe body to form the waterproof and breathable shoe. Therefore, the shoe can provide a waterproof and breathable effect.

Abstract: A wing plow post and method of manufacturing the post is disclosed. The post is intended for attaching a wing plow to vehicle for moving material, such as snow. The links of the post are parallel to the angle of the wing plow when the plow is in the plowing position to minimize stress on the post and frame of the vehicle. The post includes a float collar on the hydraulic lift cylinder to provide free floating of the toe end of the wing plow. It allows a wing plow to move over road surfaces and limit the stress on both the post itself and the frame of the vehicle to which the post is attached. Further, the present invention also allows power to be provided by a hydraulic cylinder in the downward direction to the toe end of the wing plow.

Abstract: A snow removal device may include an auger assembly, a mobility assembly, a housing and a blowback prevention assembly. The auger assembly may include a rotatable auger that imparts momentum to draw material engaged by the auger toward an ejection path. The auger may extend substantially transversely with respect to a front portion of the snow removal device. The mobility assembly may be configured to enable the snow removal device to move with respect to a surface. The housing may be disposed proximate to a portion of the auger assembly to direct at least some of the material toward the ejection path responsive to rotation of the auger. The blowback prevention assembly may be disposed to inhibit blowback of material between the housing and the surface. The blowback prevention assembly may include a scraper bar and a trailing shield.

Abstract: A wear assembly for excavating equipment which includes a wear member and a base each with upper and lower stabilizing surfaces that are offset and at overlapping depths to reduce the overall depth of the assembly while maintaining high strength and a stable coupling. The nose and socket each includes a generally triangular-shaped front stabilizing end to provide a highly stable front connection between the nose and wear member for both vertical and side loading. The lock is movable between hold and release positions to accommodate replacing of the wear member when needed, and secured to the wear member for shipping and storage purposes.

Abstract: A card, such as a greeting card, is provided. The card includes an enclosed space that is partially embedded in or coupled to a portion of the card, where the space includes pieces of material that are moved within the space by one or more moving pieces. In embodiments, a front or a back panel of the card features an enclosure housing fan operable to disperse the pieces or particles. In some cases, the fan and other components for moving the pieces is concealed from view by a cover. In one example, a card features an enclosure with the appearance of a snow globe and includes a wheel connected to a control that allows a user to activate movement of particles inside the enclosure. In embodiments, movements may be timed to increase the interactions of the particles.

Abstract: A model that includes advertisement objects, shopping window advertisement, open air advertisement, closed space advertisement and with the real three dimensional characteristic within the sector of advertisement that is not virtual, including the following parts: main box, plates, the mirror/the reflecting surface, the electronic circuit, the soft (paper fabric) material/Teflon dry grease product, first engine, second engine, the mechanism engine, the metal plate, the battery, and the lighting unit, and the magnet, the metal rod, and the gear engine, the first main gear, the interim gears and the second main gear, and the magnet inside the product, capable of providing the image that a half of a real product is rotating in the air and the other half is being reflected on the mirror the reflective surface in a virtual manner and thus being able to provide the vision that the whole product is rotating on empty space.

Abstract: A multi-directional signal assembly includes a signal display assembly having one or more display surface, and at least one signal indicia affixed to each display surface. The multi-directional display assembly comprises a buoyant construction such that the signal indicia affixed to the display surface(s) are readily visible above the surface of a body of water in which the assembly is deployed. A counterweight assembly is mounted to the signal display assembly to maintain the signal display assembly in a substantially upright, operative orientation when deployed. An illumination assembly comprising one or more illumination member is mounted to the signal display assembly, and is actuated to increase visibility of the signal display assembly while it is deployed n the surface of a body of water.

Abstract: A very thin edge lit sign is described using a mirrored acrylic sheet or similar material. The mirrored side is engraved to create an Image and the reverse side is painted any color desired to provide illumination in the engraved areas. A bright white LED light strip is enclosed in a piece of trim attached to the top and bottom of the sign. The resulting sign can have vivid multicolor illumination and is thin enough to be magnet mounted to the side of a vehicle.

Abstract: An article (101) is provided which includes a plurality of panels (103), wherein each panel comprises a first edge having a first longitudinally extending protrusion (107) adjacent thereto and a second edge having a second longitudinally extending protrusion (109) adjacent thereto, wherein each of the first and second protrusions has a planar exterior surface (131) and an interior surface (133) having an indentation (135) therein, and wherein the plurality of panels are arranged in an abutting manner such that the planar exterior surface of at least one first protrusion and at least one second protrusion are disposed in an opposing relation to each other. A coupler (113) is also provided which extends over said first and second protrusions. The coupler is equipped with at least a first protuberance (145) which engages the indentation on the interior surface of the first protrusion.

Abstract: A personalization device is adapted to be placed on a surface of a personal item. The device includes a medallion having markings thereon, a holding member having a front surface configured to receive and hold the medallion; and attachment means for attaching the medallion to the holding member. The attachment means is formed on the front surface of the holding member.

Abstract: A system for mounting a badge to a component of a vehicle is provided. One aspect of the system comprises a mounting base including first and second fastening apertures defined therein, which extend in a direction through a plane defined by the mounting base. The mounting base includes an attachment surface configured for allowing the badge to be adhesively attached directly thereto. A flexible fastening member is configured to be positioned within the first and second fastening apertures, around at least a portion of the vehicle component, and between the mounting base and badge to fasten the badge to the vehicle. The badge includes front and rear surfaces, wherein the rear surface may include an adhesive material configured for attaching the badge to the attachment surface. In another aspect, the attachment surface may include an adhesive material configured for attaching the mounting base to the rear surface of the badge.

Abstract: A system for mounting a badge to a component of a vehicle is provided. The system comprises a mounting base including a fastening aperture extending in a direction through a plane defined by the mounting base, a trim ring coupled with a peripheral edge of the mounting base and configured to selectively mount the badge between the trim ring and the mounting base when said trim ring is coupled with the peripheral edge, and a flexible fastening member including a first end that is fixedly coupled with the mounting base and a second end that is positioned within the fastening aperture. The flexible fastening member is configured to be positioned around at least a portion of a component of a vehicle and between the mounting base and the badge to fasten the badge to the vehicle.

Abstract: A mounting device includes a bottom plate of a chassis, and a frame. The frame includes a holding plate and a limiting portion extending from the holding plate. The holding plate is integrally formed with the bottom plate. The limiting portion and the holding plate cooperatively define a gap for receiving a display strip therebetween.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system that includes a support member and a sign supported by the support member. The sign may have a generally planar shape and may extend in a plane. The system also includes a repositioning mechanism coupled to the sign and the support member. The repositioning mechanism rotates the sign substantially in-plane. The system may further include a controller for controlling rotation of the sign. In one implementation, the repositioning mechanism is retrofitted on an existing sign and an existing support member. The repositioning mechanism may include a power source attached to the support member that provides power to the repositioning mechanism. The repositioning mechanism may further include a linkage attached to the sign and a transmission for transferring rotational power to the sign, wherein the transmission is interconnected between the power source and the linkage.

Abstract: A label holder for a retail display apparatus is provided. The label holder comprises a front panel, a sign clip, and a mounting structure for securing the label holder to the retail display apparatus. The sign clip includes a leg portion, including a gripping surface, and resiliently biases to secure a sign between the gripping surface and the front panel. In one embodiment, defined in the front panel are two sign engagement projections that interleavingly interact with the gripping surface. The sign clip is integrally connected to the front panel via an integral hinge and pivots relative to the front panel through the integral hinge between a normal state and a biased state. In the normal state, the leg portion of the clip is positioned proximate the front panel. In the biased state, the leg portion is spaced apart from the front panel and holds a secondary sign therebetween.

Abstract: A recoil pad for a firearm includes at least one gas chamber, and at least one access port to the gas chamber. The access port retains gas pressure within the gas chamber, and also allows pressurization and depressurization of the gas chamber. In additional embodiments, a recoil pad encloses two or more gas chambers having different pressures therein. Firearms include such recoil pads. Methods of fabrication of firearms include attaching such a recoil pad to a stock or grip of a firearm. Methods of using such recoil pads and firearms include the selective pressurization or depressurization of a gas chamber in a recoil pad.