Abstract: A folding template for a fitted sheet includes an elongated panel having a length slightly greater than the neutral width of an elastic end of the fitted sheet, and a width that is less than one-third the length of the fitted sheet. The panel is divided into four segments separated by a hinge configured so that the panel can be folded laterally inward with the fitted sheet engaged around the panel. In a method for folding a fitted sheet, the folding template is engaged in one elastic end of the sheet, spanning the width of the sheet. The template is repeatedly flipped over width-wise along the fitted sheet while maintaining the length of the template intact. Once the template reaches the opposite end of the sheet, the panel is folded inward on itself to a reduced configuration including the fitted sheet.

Abstract: A multi-functional tape measure is provided with a top-mounted viewing window which reads a bottom surface of a coiled measuring tape for providing interior distance measurements using measuring indicia disposed on the bottom surface of the tape. The bottomside measuring indicia has an applied correction factor to compensate for the size of the housing and provide the dimension needed. The tape measure is also provided with a level for indication of a surface that is level and plumb. Further, the tape measure is provided with a fold-out locking T-square mechanism.

Abstract: A tape measure has a finger recess in a housing, with at least a portion of the underside of a tape blade exposed in the finger recess. Pressing a finger against the underside of the tape allows the user to create a drag brake that acts against the retraction spring to slow and/or stop the retraction of the tape blade. The finger recess is located upstream (i.e. closer to the coiled portion of the retracted tape blade) than the point at which the tape measure's lock engages the tape blade. This arrangement results in a compact yet versatile overall tape measure with good tactile feedback during finger-braking.

Abstract: An electrically powered caliper is provided which includes a scale member, a slider, a displacement sensor, a force sensing arrangement and a signal processing portion. The signal processing portion is configured to receive a force signal and indicate a respective force corresponding to the respective position of the slider. Force data is acquired comprising a plurality of respective forces corresponding to respective positions of the slider. The signal processing portion defines an acceptable measurement force range defined by at least a minimum force threshold that is determined such that it exceeds a compensation force corresponding to at least one force component included in the force signal that is independent of user variations of the measurement force. It may analyze acquired force data to identify pre-contact data, and set the minimum force threshold for a current measurement procedure based on that pre-contact data.

Abstract: A test device includes a base rested on an object, an inserting member slidably mounted to the base and contacts a slanted surface of a chamfer of the object, and a test member slidably rested on the base. The base includes a positioning bar abutting a bottom end of the chamfer. A first cutout and a second cutout communicating with the first cutout and positioned in front of the first cutout are defined in a bottom surface of the testing member. A depth of the second cutout equals the tolerance of a standard depth of the chamfer. If a top surface of the inserting member can be received in the second cutout, the depth of the chamfer is qualified. If the top surface of the inserting member cannot be received in the second cutout, the depth of the chamfer is unqualified.

Abstract: A scent eliminating locker that has a housing that includes a plurality of motors disposed in an interior of the housing for circulating, moving and heating air within the interior. Additionally, in the interior of the housing there are a plurality of carbon filters that eliminates odor from tangible objects placed in the interior of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a substrate dryer, a substrate treating apparatus including the substrate dryer, and a substrate treating method. The substrate dryer includes a chamber, a process chamber constituting one part of the chamber and provided for supplying supercritical fluid to a substrate to dry the substrate, and a high-pressure chamber constituting the other part of the chamber and provided for boosting the process chamber above a critical pressure. According to the present invention, the substrate drying chamber is boosted fast by the high-pressure chamber to change to a supercritical state and thus a substrate dry treatment is performed using supercritical fluid.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments or implementations are disclosed of systems for drying materials and control apparatus and methods relating to material drying systems. In an exemplary embodiment, a control apparatus for a material drying system is configured to select one or more heat sources from a plurality of heterogeneous heat sources for drying the material. The selecting is performed based on one or more sensor inputs. The control apparatus controls the selected heat source(s) to provide heat to dry the material. In some configurations, a material drying system operates as a typical heat pump only when more cost-effective auxiliary heat cannot be provided to maintain a drying temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for delamination drying a substrate is provided. A chamber for receiving a substrate is provided. A chuck supports and clamps the substrate within the chamber. A temperature controller controls the temperature of the substrate and is able to cool the substrate. A vacuum pump is in fluid connection with the chamber. A tilting mechanism is able to tilt the chuck at least 90 degrees.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying gloves is provided, including a main member, at least one light source, and at least one air source. The main member includes an outer surface configured for receiving a glove, and a plurality of apertures disposed along the outer surface. The light source emits a UV-C light, and the air source blows air. The UV-C light from the light source and air from the air source can at least partially pass through the outer surface. The apertures are in communication with at least the air source.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide a method for the treatment of a transport support (1) for the conveyance and storage of semiconductor substrates, with said support (1) possibly having first undergone a cleaning operation using a liquid. The method includes a treatment stage in which the transport support (1) is placed in a sealed chamber (4) connected to a vacuum pump (5) and said transport support (1) is subjected to the combined action of a subatmospheric pressure and infrared radiation to favor the removal of foreign bodies on the walls of the transport support (1). The invention also concerns a treatment station for a transport support (1) for implementation of the method.

Abstract: A lacing element for a fastening system of an article of footwear is formed using a continuous strip of material that is folded across itself in a series of different directions to produce a plurality of folded loops. A first group of exposed folded loops form eyestays for a lace, with each eyestay being formed by a trailing edge of one exposed loop and a leading edge of an adjacent exposed loop. The trailing edge and the leading edge are formed by folded regions in the continuous strip of material that are points of contact for the lace. A second group of secured folded loops are disposed below the exposed loops and are used to attach the lacing element to an upper of the article of footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes a knitted component and, in some configurations, a skin layer secured to the knitted component. The knitted component may have a plurality of protruding areas that extend outward and away from a void within the upper for receiving a foot of a wearer. The protruding areas may include one or both of (a) a first tubular structure and an inlaid strand extending through the first tubular structure and (b) a second tubular structure and yarn sections extending across the second tubular structure.

Abstract: A structure of a toe cap and a shoe having the toe cap embedded which does not disturb foot movement such as walking while protecting a toe against lateral collision with an object such as a wheel of a dolly includes a cup-shaped shell body which is formed by connecting a front end wall, bilateral side walls and an upper face wall with a gentle curved face, and an extension side wall disposed at least to one side wall as rearwardly extending a rear end edge of the side wall. The shoe having the toe cap embedded can sufficiently protect the toe even when an impact is applied from the outer side (i.e., the little toe) direction of the toe of which protection is not sufficient with a normal toe cap embedded shoe.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear is disclosed. The sole structure includes a reinforcing plate. The reinforcing plate includes a first flange portion corresponding to a big toe of a foot and a second flange portion corresponding to a ball region of a foot. The first flange portion and the second flange portion each include a cleat member.

Abstract: A cleat member for an article of footwear is configured to associate with a raised base on a sole of the article of footwear. The raised base includes an angled face with a plurality of protruding portions extending outwards from the angled face. An underside of the cleat member is provided with an indentation that corresponds to the angled face of the raised base. A plurality of recessed portions are disposed along the indentation on the underside of the cleat member and are configured to associate with the plurality of protruding portions on the angled face of the raised base. The plurality of recessed portions and the plurality of protruding portions have coincident shapes so that the protruding portions fit with the recessed portions. With this configuration, the cleat member and sole are configured with an interlocking arrangement that resists loosening when the article of footwear is used on a ground surface.

Abstract: A shoe having a sole and an upper extending from the sole. The upper having an eyelet which carries a strap. The strap extends between a first end and a second end. The second end is attached to the upper and the first end includes a catch. The catch is adapted for manipulation with a dressing stick, such that the dressing stick enables a user to fasten the shoe with the aid of the catch.

Abstract: An earth engaging wear member is rearwardly telescoped onto a support member and is releasably retained thereon by specially designed connector apparatus extending through aligned connector openings in the wear and support members. The connector apparatus includes a spool member rearwardly bearing against the wear member, a shim member forwardly spaced apart from the spool member and having a sloping rear surface, and a wedge screw member interposed between the spool and shim members. The wedge screw member has a non-tapered body threadingly engaging the spool member side portion, and a non-threaded, radially sloped surface area rampingly engaging the sloped shim surface area. Threaded advancement of the wedge screw member rearwardly moves the wear member relative to the support member to tighten an operationally-created loosened interfit therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention relates to articles having die cut portions that form a window or a frame-like structure. Set into the window or frame-like structure is an object, affixed or mounted in transparent material, such that the object is visible from both the front and the rear of the article.

Abstract: A combination gift card holder and message delivery package facilitates the identification of a gift card contained within the package while presenting the recipient with an accompanying message prior to fully revealing the gift card. The package includes first, second and third panels. The first and second panels and the second and third panels are connected with one another along a common edge and are pivotable with respect to each other. The panels have cutouts therein. The gift card is positioned in the package between the second and third panels thereby exposing a portion of a front surface of the gift card through the cutout in the third panel and exposing a portion of a rear surface of the gift card through the cutout in the second panel, thereby partially concealing the gift card while exposing an identification marking thereon.

Abstract: An exit sign includes an explosion-proof housing having a first chamber and a second chamber within the housing separated by a divider wall, a bottom plate attached to said housing and defining an interface between said housing and said bottom plate, and a window, disposed in said bottom plate, containing a clear glass or plastic window pane and located proximate to said first chamber of said housing, wherein a volume of said first chamber, a housing wall thickness surrounding said first chamber, a divider wall thickness, and a window pane thickness are arranged and designed according to an expected internal explosion pressure within said first chamber, and wherein a volume of said second chamber, a housing wall thickness surrounding said second chamber, and a divider wall thickness are arranged and designed according to an expected internal explosion pressure within said second chamber.

Abstract: Packaged decorative thin-film appliqués for the exterior surface of toilet seat lids have a backer panel with a back side and an opposing release side, the release side having a release layer opposite the back side, the decorative thin-film appliqué having an application side facing and in contact with the release layer of the backer card, and a decorative side opposite the application side, the decorative side bearing printed images or indicia, and an appliqué frame substantially surround the decorative thin-film plastic appliqué and in contact with the release layer of the backer panel, the appliqué frame bearing printed images or indicia different from the decorative thin-film appliqué, and a separation between the decorative thin-film appliqué and the appliqué frame at which the decorative thin-film appliqué is separable from the backer panel with the appliqué frame remaining on the backer panel.

Abstract: A configurable large-depth panel display uses a number of frame members and a number of corner brackets coupled to one another to create an flexible and easily customized display device. The frame members relatively uniform, having a substantially constant cross-sectional configuration which is easily coupled to the frame members. The corner brackets can be configured in a number of different ways to produce a display product with a desired configuration. More specifically, the corner brackets can be configured to attach to frame members in a manner which produce an overall framework having multiple shapes and orientations, depending upon the desired design of the overall display. Various panels, brackets and supports can be easily attached to the frame members using integral portions of the constant cross-sectional configuration. Further, more complex displays can be easily created by simply attaching different framework components to one another thus creating a single structure with multiple panel members.

Abstract: An attachable display device that promotes brand awareness is provided. The device includes a display part having a display area to display an image and a securing portion and a mounting part having an upper portion disposed and secured inside the display part and a lower portion having at least one hole defined therein. The mounting part wraps around an object such that the securing portion engages the at least one hole to secure the display device to the object.

Abstract: I provide a hang tag, preferably used for a saleable item such as clothing, that is convertible into a storage container. The storage container can then be used to store the purchased item. In a method of use, a user can remove the hang tag from a recently purchased saleable item of clothing, and, through a series of folds and interlocking of panels, create the storage containers in which the user could place the item.

Abstract: A system and method for hanging a picture frame on a wall, comprising the steps of providing a picture frame with a hanger, for receiving a nail therein and a marking device temporarily secured to the picture frame and disposed near the void for receiving the nail; pressing the picture frame with the marking device protruding out from the picture frame, so that the marking device makes a perceivable mark on the wall, then removing the marking device; inserting a nail, screw or a length adjustable wall auger into the wall at the mark; and hanging the picture with the hanger so that the nail, screw or a length adjustable wall auger occupies some of the space earlier occupied by the marking device.

Abstract: A magazine adapter includes a base that is structured to fit within the magazine well of a firearm, and to accept a magazine designed for smaller caliber ammunition than the original firearm. The adapter includes a bolt catch actuator slidably mounted therein. Magazines for which the adapter is intended include an upwardly extending rear projection of the follower, projecting from an opening in the rear of the magazine housing when the follower is in an upper portion of the magazine. When the upwardly extending projection pushes upward on the bolt catch actuator, the bolt catch is actuated, holding the firearms bolt in a rearward position. The magazine adapter thereby facilitates use of the original firearm controls with a caliber conversion unit, or with an upper receiver and barrel combination of a different caliber.

Abstract: Aspects described herein relate to an open chamber gun mechanism comprising a frame and a cylinder assembly that forms an open chamber positioned for rotation within the frame, said open chamber including an insert positioned within the open chamber, the insert forming an expandable region between the open chamber and cylinder. According to one embodiment, the insert is configured to deflect into the expandable region upon firing the open chamber gun mechanism.

Abstract: Foldable and flippable adapter devices, apparatus, systems and methods of attaching accessories, such as grips and lights to firearms. Adapters can include a slidable thumb switch for locking a swinging plate with side rails to a main plate, and spring loaded detents for locking the swinging plate in substantially vertical orientations. A folding rail adapter can be substituted for the existing rail system on firearms to allow the rail to be directly attached to the firearm. A flipping rail adapter can have a pivotal lever which supports a folding rail in an open position. Springably biased detent pins allow the lever to lock open. Pushing the lever back will overcome the springs so that the pins can pass out of the detents allowing the folding rail to move to a folded position.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for attachment to a firearm's tactical rail, the mounting bracket including a “C” member having a web and lateral and oppositely lateral hooks, the web further having a seam dividing the “C” member into lateral and oppositely lateral halves; extending and retracting slide bars and slide channel combinations connected to the “C” member's halves for movements of the halves between first and second positions, the halves in their first positions displacing from each other for rail receipts and releases, and the halves, upon opposite movements, capturing the rail between the “C” member's lateral and oppositely lateral hooks; and latching pawls connected to the “C” member's lateral and oppositely lateral halves for, upon movements of the halves to the second positions, alternatively resisting and permitting movements of the halves to their first positions.

Abstract: An ice fishing strike indicator preferably includes a support base and a strike indicator. The strike indicator preferably includes an indicator housing, a pop-up indicator and a trigger member. The pop-up indicator is slidably biased upward in the indicator housing. The trigger member preferably includes a support tube, a trigger rod and a fishing line reel. The support tube is retained by the indicator housing and adjustably retained by the support base. The trigger rod is slidably retained in the support tube. A trigger finger is formed on one end of the trigger rod and the fishing line reel is retained on the other end thereof. The trigger finger hooks into the pop-up indicator. Rotation of the fishing line reel by a fish strike causes the trigger finger to release the pop-up indicator. A light emitting strike indicator may be used for night time fishing.

Abstract: A fishing lure includes a leading lure body shaped like a fish; and a trailing lure body shaped like a fish. The leading lure body includes a passage therethrough to enable a fishing line to slidably pass through the passage for connection to the trailing lure body. The trailing lure body includes a front portion and a curved front surface. The front portion of the trailing lure body is weighted such that the trailing lure body tends to sink front portion first in water. The curved front surface of the trailing fishing lure facilitates a swimming motion for the trailing lure body when the trailing lure body moves through water, and tends to lift the trailing lure body if the trailing lure body is pulled through water.

Abstract: An animal trap for restraining animals, such as raccoons. The trap includes a hollow body having an entrance opening, an external and an internal grip member spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the body, and a biased restraint member adapted to move towards the grip members when released to engage an extremity of an animal inserted through the entrance opening. A trigger assembly is adapted to restrain the restraint member until proper engagement with a respective trigger member. The trigger assembly releases the restraint member via a first directional force or an opposite second directional force applied to a trigger member. A ground stake having jagged teeth and a swivel chain may be used for anchoring the trap.

Abstract: A device for attracting and capturing or otherwise disabling insects includes a fan mechanism structured and arranged to provide an outflow of air out of the device to atmosphere, and to draw an inflow directed counter the outflow from atmosphere into the device, the outflow being substantially within the inflow outside of the device. The flow mechanism is also structured and arranged to provide an insect attractant in the outflow. The device can include mounting structure being adapted to position the device with the outflow directed in a substantially downward direction. The outflow attracts insects to the vicinity of the device, and the inflow urges the insects to enter the device. An insect disabling structure is arranged with the flow mechanism to capture or otherwise disable insects being urged into the device by the inflow.

Abstract: A combined greenhouse has a foundation bed, an outer wall assembly, a temperature control assembly, a roof and a plant bed. The foundation bed has multiple stands and a reinforcing device. The outer wall assembly is mounted on the foundation bed and has four walls and an outer frame. Each wall has a base frame and a transparent device. The outer frame is mounted outside the wall that is mounted on the front stand of the foundation bed. The temperature control assembly is mounted in the foundation bed and has a ventilating device, a water-wall device and an air-sucking device. The roof is mounted on the outer wall assembly and has multiple roof mounts. The plant bed is mounted on the reinforcing device and each has two end frames, at least one linking frame, a baseboard, a plant net and multiple resisting boards.

Abstract: A plant growth support medium is described to enhance soil characteristics and provide where required, improved water, or nutrient contents. La addition the medium can be inoculated with microorganisms to aid soil characteristics and provide interactions within micron-scale environment between plant roots, water, nutrients and where applicable, bacteria and root exudates. This micro-environment provides direct delivery of active ingredients to the plant roots. The medium comprises a polymeric material having a primary pore size of greater than 30 micron. The walls of the pores are elastic, enabling the pore to swell in size to retain water, solutes or other biologically useful components and allow root penetration through them. Sulphonation of the walls renders the walls more hydrophilic so attracting water into the pores and also increasing the wall elasticity. Capillaries can be provided to interconnect pores and allow root penetration into the medium.

Abstract: A sliding door device for a vehicle includes a sliding door installed to be slidingly moved, a door weather strip attached to the sliding door, a pressure switch for sensing internal pressure of the door weather strip, a pneumatic line for connecting the door weather strip and the pressure switch to communicate with each other, an electronic control unit (ECU) for receiving a sensing signal of the pressure switch to control opening and closing of the sliding door, and an opening and closing valve for having the pneumatic line communicate with the atmospheric pressure or blocking the pneumatic line from the atmospheric pressure. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent an object or an occupant from being jammed in a process of closing the sliding door.

Abstract: A safety guard or gate for placement in a frame of an opening to prevent a child or pet from passing though the opening. The present invention includes an adjustable means for adjusting the guard to fit the width of the frame, wherein the adjustable means has a first end and a second end to form an axis along which the means can be adjusted. The invention further includes an attachment means for securing the guard to the frame; and a securing means for securing the adjustable means to the attachment means. The securing means prevents the adjustable means from disengaging from the attachment means along the axis when in a locked position, and allows disengagement and reengagement of the adjustable means in direction that transects the axis when the securing means is in an unlocked position. The present invention further includes methods for using the safety guard, and systems that include elements of the safety guard.

Abstract: A sealing system for a vehicle includes a first and second seal. The first seal is attached to a first edge of a first flange of the vehicle. The first seal presents a first outer contact surface that extends in generally parallel relationship to the first edge. The second seal is attached to a second edge of a second flange of the vehicle. The second seal presents a second outer contact surface that extends in generally parallel relationship to the second edge. The first outer contact surface and the second outer contact surface are in sealing contact relationship with the movable pane of glass when the movable pane of glass is in a closed position. The first outer contact surface and the second outer contact surface are not in sealing contact relationship with the movable pane of glass when the movable pane of glass is in an open position.

Abstract: A surface covering includes a frame, an element structure comprising an elongated member and a plurality of elements, and wherein spaced-apart portions of the elongated member being attachable to spaced-apart portions of the frame so that some of the elements are disposed in an overlapping relationship.

Abstract: An eavestrough having a front wall, rear wall and top wall with a foraminous membrane extending between the rear wall and front wall, and a recess formed between the eavestrough top wall and the foraminous membrane which permits reversal of water flow flowing towards the recess.

Abstract: Snow guards and mounts for attaching to seams of metal roofs have tops, spaced sides and inward and downward extending holes for elliptical tipped set screws. Square recesses opposite inner extremities of the holes form square bends in the seams. One screw and recess deform two layers below a rolled seam. Another screw and recess deform five layers in the rolled seam. Bottom lobes near one support provide a lowered hole and a lowered opposite recess. Snow blades extend upward and outward from the top and sides and downward to near a level of the bottoms of the sides.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roof structure which can be formed from a reduced number of components with respect to a conventional structure. The structure is typically pitched or sloped and comprises a series of spaced apart trusses which are spanned by roof panels which form the external face of the roof. The panels are interlinked or engaged and may in one embodiment be provided with an inner face of insulating material. In one embodiment the panels and/or other components, such as the trusses, may be formed from plastics material.

Abstract: A roofing shingle includes a shingle body having a buttlap portion with a butt edge and a headlap portion with a head edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. An exposure zone extends from the butt edge toward the headlap portion and is configured to be exposed to the environment when the shingle is installed on a roof. A water impermeable sheet is attached to the shingle body and has a width, length, first end and second end. The width extends from between about the butt and head edges to beyond the head edge of the shingle body. The length extends from between about the first and second side edges to beyond the first side edge. The sheet is formed from a different material than the shingle body.

Abstract: A lift anchor assembly is characterized by a lift anchor defining a longitudinal axis, a bilaterally symmetrical lift plate, an opening through the lift plate bisected by the longitudinal axis, a bilaterally symmetrical embedment portion spaced away from and coupled with the lift plate, and a pair of elongate legs, each coupled with the embedment portion and with the lift plate parallel to the longitudinal axis. A recess insert is characterized by a pair of pivotably coupled concave insert shells defining a chamber and a longitudinal plane of symmetry. An elongate rod-like shear bar is characterized by a U-shaped bend. The recess insert is engageable with the lift anchor by coupling the insert shells on either side of the lift anchor through the opening. The shear bar is engageable with the lift anchor and recess insert by positioning the U-shaped bend over the lift plate and the opening.

Abstract: An integrated railroad signal bungalow assembly where a railroad signal bungalow is surrounded by an external frame, which supports a walkway structure assembly. The walkway structure assembly, in turn, supports one or more solar panels and a wind turbine. The solar panels and wind turbine supply power to equipment in the railroad signal bungalow.

Abstract: Window pane systems which offer improved protection against blast and impact hazards, including contact blast caused by a bomb or a shell, with or without hollow charge and bullets. A window pane system of the present invention includes multiple glass layers, to absorb the ballistic impact of the explosion; a thick polymer such as polycarbonate, to absorb the kinetic energy of the blast including contact blast; and multiple elastic thin layers of polymer such as polycarbonate, to absorb the blast impact such as the shock wave and shrapnel. Optionally, the last layer is extended such that the last layer is covering up to the full width of the window pane system, preferably in all four sides of the window pane system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fixture for external frame sections (1) of solar modules on a profiled support (2). Said fixture comprises a clamping piece support (3) which can be moved in a guided manner on the profiled support (2) in the longitudinal direction of the profiled support (2) and can be braced with the profiled support (2) so as to enclose a frame section (1) of the solar module and a clamping piece (4) that is guided within the clamping piece support (3). The clamping piece (4) is designed as a double-angled profiled element which has legs (4.1, 4.2) extending in opposite directions. The upper leg (4.1) embraces the frame section (1) of the solar module while the lower leg (4.2) is disposed in and on the clamping piece support (3) so as to be vertically adjustable in a guided manner in the moving direction (7).

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a solar power unit comprising a frame, configured to be integrated into a building structure, for supporting a solar panel, the solar panel for generating a power signal, and a front cover for securing the solar panel to the frame.

Abstract: Curtain walls according to embodiments of the present disclosure integrate a variety of energy producing and/or energy saving features and may be used to clad buildings to achieve net zero energy or low energy ratings. A curtain wall may comprise: a support frame; a grid assembly attached to the support frame; and, panels and cassettes each comprising a prefabricated unit attached to a frame; wherein the assembly is configured for ease of attachment of the frames carrying the prefabricated units. A wide range of different panels and cassettes with different functions can be integrated into the curtain wall, such as glazing, electrochromic, solar, photovoltaic (PV) and aluminum.