Abstract: A skinning knife includes a handle, a blade carrier coupled to the handle, the blade carrier including a mount having a mounting surface, a boss extending outward from the mounting surface, and a spring including a front portion, a middle portion, and a rear portion, the front portion secured to the mount, the middle portion bent outward from the front portion and the rear portion, and the rear portion including a free end of the spring movable relative to the mount, and a blade including a sharpened edge, a body, and a slot formed through the body, the slot includes a narrow portion and a wide portion, the narrow portion includes the front end of the slot and the wide portion includes the rear end of the slot. The blade is releaseably secured to the blade carrier by interaction between the boss and the spring of the blade carrier and the slot of the blade.

Abstract: A recip blade has a blade body and a tang located at one end of the blade body. The blade body has a distal portion located on an opposite end of the blade body relative to the tang. The distal portion defines a tip and at least one aperture extending through the blade body. A cutting edge extends along the blade body between the tang and the tip.

Abstract: A cutting guide for a saw, the guide comprising: (a) a guide including a follower path, the guide including a plurality of indicia each representative of a plurality of different substrates; (b) a follower repositionable with respect to the guide along the follower path and into alignment with at least one of the plurality of indicia; and, (c) a lock operatively coupled to the follower, the lock being repositionable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the locked position operative to retain the guide in a fixed position with respect to the follower, and the unlocked position operative to allow a relative position of the guide with respect to the follower to be changed.

Abstract: An organizational device includes an organization and dispensing container that facilitates the organization and accessibility of beautification tools, cords, and accessories. The device includes a housing configured to store, dispense, and segregate the tools and accessories and electrical cords that join with the tools. The device utilizes various means to organize the tools, including, without limitation, variously shaped and dimensioned containers, holsters, and slots. Additionally, color coding, magnet holders, text, and graphics help segregate the tools. A retraction portion includes reels that wind and unwind the cords from the tools for extension and retraction. Each cord passes through a cord reel and plugs into a single power outlet. A locking grommet regulates the winding and unwinding of the cords. In this manner, each tool can be identified and accessed, and each cord is stored out of view to help restrict tangling and misidentification.

Abstract: Low friction or nearly frictionless compasses are provided. One compass embodiment includes a housing having a wall forming a chamber, the housing having a closed end and an open end. The compass includes a fluid disposed within the chamber. The compass includes a magnetized material floating in the fluid, wherein the magnetized material is operative to indicate Earth's magnetic north. The compass includes a protective face adjacent to the open end, wherein the protective face closes the open end of the chamber. Also provided is a compass that includes low friction material deposited on at least one side of the magnetized material and the adjacent closed end of the housing to create a nearly frictionless interface.

Abstract: A system (12) for measuring geometry of a non-circular twisted strand (10) during a stranding process, the system comprising: a pulley (14), for being rotated by linear displacement of the strand (10) induced by the stranding process; a first encoder (16), for measuring the rotation of the pulley (14), thereby measuring the linear displacement of the strand (10); at least one embracing element (36), for embracing a vertex (38) or another zone (48) of the strand (10), for being rotated perpendicular (60) to the longitudinal position (58) of the strand (10), the embracing obtained by the non-circular character of the strand (10) rather than by friction, thereby allowing sliding the at least one embracing element (36) therealong; and a second encoder (20), for measuring the rotation of the at least one embracing element (36), thereby measuring the twist character of the strand (10).

Abstract: The 3D contact measuring device senses work pieces in machine tools for adjusting the zero point of a numerically controlled machine tool or for positioning tasks. The device comprises a preferably elongated housing, a sensing arm projecting from the housing and bearing a sensing tip. The sensing arm being movable in the direction of a measuring axis and pivotable in all directions about the measuring axis. A sensing lever is connected to the sensing arm and forms the first universal joint, and a measuring device for detecting a parameter, which characterizes the displacement and/or the pivoting of the sensing arm. A further control surface forms a second universal joint. An elongated toothed rack of a gear transmission is aligned along the measuring axis and is movably supported and is coupled to the sensing lever via the second universal joint.

Abstract: A system for determining a vehicle door axis adjustment amount may include a plurality of first setting jigs fixed to a sealing flange of a vehicle body and configured to adjust a position of a door with respect to the vehicle body in a vehicle width direction, a second setting jig configured to support the door and adjust a position of the door with respect to the vehicle body in an up and down direction, and an eccentricity measurement bolt configured to temporarily assemble a door hinge bracket of a door hinge mounted on the vehicle body with the door and measure eccentricity with respect to a hinge bracket bolt hole formed in the door using a gauge.

Abstract: A door hardware locating tool includes a first side wall having a first side, a second side opposite, and a cavity defined between the first and second sides. The door hardware locating tool further includes a second side wall coupled to the first side wall and extending substantially parallel to the first side wall, a center wall disposed between the first and second side walls, a clamping mechanism operable to clamp a door between the first and second side walls, and an insert at least partially located within the cavity and translatable along the first side wall between a first position and a second position. The insert includes an aperture sized to receive a cutting tool. In the first position, the aperture is located a first backset distance from the center wall, and in the second position, the third aperture is located a second backset distance from the center wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a polishing pad includes a housing including a body, an interconnection portion, and a discharging portion, and a stirrer located in the housing, the stirrer mixing a polishing pad composition and a pore forming material with each other. A diameter of the discharging portion is in a range of about 9 mm to about 16 mm.

Abstract: A clothes dryer configured to cause air to flow through a drying chamber, an exhaust passage (an air passage) 103 and a filter by a blower to dry clothes includes a heat pump installed in the exhaust passage (103) and having a heat exchanger (122) including a refrigerant pipe (132) and a pin, and a flow velocity sensor (107) of airflow having a hot thermistor (a heat generating body) 107a and a temperature compensation thermistor (a temperature detecting body) 107b and installed downstream from the heat exchanger (122), wherein the thermistors (107a and 107b) are disposed at a refrigerant pipe (132) of the heat exchanger (122) in parallel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining a fluffing state of laundry based on a determined temperature indicative of the surface of the laundry.

Abstract: An insole assembly for use in footwear is provided. The insole assembly generally includes a full-length insole base made of a flexible and resilient material (e.g., resiliently compressible foam), and a heel cap made of a generally rigid material (e.g., a carbon fiber reinforced polymer) which is attached to the insole base and mimics the contours thereof to provide proper biomechanical support of the heel and arch areas of a foot in a particularly lightweight and sleek form factor.

Abstract: A shoe comprises a sole, an upper, and a welt. The upper is operatively secured to the sole. The sole and upper define a seam. The seam has a seam toe region, a seam heel region, a seam lateral side region, a seam ball region, and a seam instep region. The welt is secured to at least one of the sole and the upper. The welt covers the seam toe region, the seam lateral side region, the seam heel region, and the seam instep region. The welt does not cover the seam ball region.

Abstract: An article of footwear has a sole member with an exposed central torsion bar or rod connecting the heel region of the sole member to the forefoot region of the sole member. The torsion bar or rod may be supported at either end by sockets of the sole member. The torsion bar or rod may also be supported at one or more intermediate points by a hollow component. This hollow component may itself be supported by ribs extending to the medial and lateral sides of the sole member, respectively. The torsion bar or rod, the sockets, the hollow component and the ribs form a suspension structure connecting the forefoot region of the sole member to the heel region of the sole member.

Abstract: An ultra-lightweight sole plate assembly can include a ground engaging outer shell, a structural component, and one or more cleat members. A method of making the outer shell includes thermoforming a foil material such as polyamide. Thermoforming the foil includes applying vacuum to the foil material. Excess foil material can be trimmed from the outer shell. The structural component can be made by injecting a molding material onto the outer shell. The cleat members can be co-molded with the shell during forming of the structural component. The resulting sole plate assembly has a reduced weight with the desired traction, strength and durability.

Abstract: Improved soles and insoles for shoes, in particular sports shoes, are described. In an aspect, a sole for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, with at least a first and a second surface region is provided. The first surface region comprises expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”). The second surface region is free from expanded TPU.

Abstract: Improved soles and insoles for shoes, in particular sports shoes, are described. In an aspect, a sole for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, with at least a first and a second surface region is provided. The first surface region comprises expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”). The second surface region is free from expanded TPU.

Abstract: Improved soles and insoles for shoes, in particular sports shoes, are described. In an aspect, a sole for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, with at least a first and a second surface region is provided. The first surface region comprises expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”). The second surface region is free from expanded TPU.

Abstract: A snow or material pushing device for plowing a surface including a moldboard with a scraper blade, and having side plates attached at either end. The side plates further include skid or wear shoes pivotally or rotationally affixed to the side plates to remain in full contact with the surface, thereby reducing the need to adjust and replace the scraper blade and wear shoes.

Abstract: A bucket (100) for screening and crushing inert material comprises an outer casing (1), a screening device (2) for screening the material which has to be crushed, a crushing unit (3) located in said casing (1) to crush the material and a detecting device (44) for detecting the angle of orientation (w) of the bucket (100) with respect to a reference surface (S), in which the screening device (2) and the crushing unit (3) are selectively operated, individually or in combination, according to the angle of orientation (w) of the bucket (100).

Abstract: A retention system is provided for use with a ground engaging tool. The tool retention system may have a generally C-shaped clamp configured to be disposed within an aperture of a work implement and to engage apertures in a tool adapter. The retention system may also have a wedge configured to be disposed within the apertures of the tool adapter and the work implement and against the generally C-shaped clamp. The retention system may additionally have a generally C-shaped slider configured to be disposed within the apertures of the tool adapter and to engage the aperture of the work implement. The C-shaped slider may have an opening oriented away from the generally C-shaped clamp, and the retention system may further have a fastener configured to connect the generally C-shaped slider to the wedge.

Abstract: A tooth for earthmoving and mining equipment, including a cutting tip; and a mounting portion rearward of the cutting tip, the mounting portion having ‘a cavity therein opening to the rear and including a cone portion extending forward from the rear opening and terminating in a beak portion. The cone portion being defined at least in part by spaced apart upper and lower faces and opposed spaced apart side faces, the upper and lower faces being joined to the side faces by curved corner faces and the opposed upper and lower faces converging towards each other and the opposed side faces converging towards each other away from the rear opening so that the curved comer faces diminish away from the rear opening.

Abstract: An interactive electronic greeting card with pop up feature includes a three-sided pocket or cavity which houses various electronic and mechanical components and a pop up element. In a first position, the pop up element is substantially contained within the greeting card pocket or cavity. When the push button is depressed, the pop up element is ejected or “pops up” out of the greeting card pocket or cavity, revealing a greeting or other printed indicia. The push button also initiates playback of a pre-loaded digital audio file, which may be a spoken message, a sound, a song, music or other such audio recording.

Abstract: A sign plate 1 includes a plate-shaped metal plate 2 having a a slot 23 which penetrates from the front surface 21 toward the back surface 22, an RFID inlay 3 arranged on the front surface 21 of the metal plate 2 so as to straddle the slot 23, and a retroreflective sheeting 4 arranged on the front surface 21 of the metal plate 2 and having a mirror reflective region 41 and a non-mirror reflective region 42. In a plan view of the retroreflective sheeting 4, the mirror reflective region 41 includes a plurality of mirror reflective regions which are formed as independent regions by being divided by the non-mirror reflective region 42, the slot 23 region overlaps the mirror reflective region 41 and the non-mirror reflective region 42, and the overlapping mirror reflective region 41 does not straddle the slot 23.

Abstract: A page-turning device turning a page of a book includes a sticking part, an arm part and a first drive unit. The sticking part sticks to the page of the book being opened. The arm part is provided with the sticking part on a top end and swings such that the sticking part sticks to the page at a departure position of the page and separates from the page at a destination position of the page while the sticking part goes to and fro between the departure position and the destination position over the page of the book. The first drive unit swings the arm part around a drive shaft of the drive unit. An effective surface of the sticking part obliquely comes into contact with the page at the departure position at an initial stage of the contact.

Abstract: A pad of labels and labels for use on store shelves in a retail environment. The pad of labels include labels with adhesive strips applied to a bottom surface of each label and a top laminate layer with a release coating applied to the top surface of each label. The labels in the pad are sequenced according to a store's planogram.

Abstract: A pad of labels and labels for use on store shelves in a retail environment. The pad of labels include labels with adhesive strips applied to a bottom surface of each label and a top laminate layer with a release coating applied to the top surface of each label. The labels in the pad are sequenced according to a store's planogram. When viewed in profile, an embodiment resembles an accordion-like shape when the uppermost label in the pad is gently pulled. Another embodiment resembles a spiral-like shape.

Abstract: A dissolvable produce washing label includes a dissolvable facestock impregnated with a produce cleanser; an adhesive layer; and a coating to seal and protect from water and humidity. When rubbed and washed with water by the end user the top coating wears and breaks to expose the dissolvable substrate, thereby dissolving the facestock and releasing the produce wash.

Abstract: A point of purchase display for coupling to a commercial product on display at a retail store. The point of purchase display includes a flexible and wrinkle-resistant sheet material having indicia displayed thereon and at least one coupling member for coupling the sheet material to the commercial product. In example forms, the indicia being displayed on the sheet material is provided for advertisement or instructional purposes of the commercial product.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a magazine for a firearm are described. In one aspect, a magazine for a firearm may include a magazine shell having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a plurality of sidewalls between the first end and the second end. The first end may have an opening and may be configured to attach to the firearm. The second end may include a bottom plate. At least a first primary sidewall of the sidewalls may include a deformable concave area that caves inward with respect to the magazine shell such that the concave area bulges outward with respect to the magazine shell to accommodate one or more ammunition cartridges with of a first caliber and that the concave area does not bulge outward to accommodate one or more ammunition cartridges of a second caliber smaller than the first caliber.

Abstract: A trigger mechanism includes a hammer, and a trigger disconnector assembly including a trigger body having a trigger nose, and a disconnector having a disconnector hook. A reset lever is mounted for movement between open and closed positions. The trigger disconnector assembly is in mechanical communication with the reset lever. A striking end of the hammer strikes the reset lever in a past-cocked position of the hammer moving the reset lever from the open position to the closed position, the reset lever acting on the trigger disconnector assembly to reset the trigger body and the disconnector in the past-cocked position of the hammer in preparation for securing the hammer in a cocked position preparatory to firing by another trigger pull of the trigger body.

Abstract: A firearm locking assembly combines a firearm and a locked safety assembly and is configured to allow owner and deny non-owner use. The assembly allows owner unencumbered use without an alarm sounding. The assembly allows owner very fast unlocking without the use of anything external, except the owner's hands. Motion detector and alarm plus trigger lock guard against the firearm being taken to a school, public place, or unauthorized use and theft. The assembly includes automatic locking if the firearm it is put down or forcefully taken away. The assembly includes means for a multiple position safety lever to signal: 1) if firearm is locked, 2) if firearm ready to accept code, 3) if firearm is unlocked, and 4) if firearm is in timed unlocked mode. The assembly also includes law enforcement and military modes, audio and silent FM alarm, a GPS and a digital camera.

Abstract: A wireless network assembly incorporates a system that may involve an adapted trigger and wireless safety trigger assembly within firearms to add safety features; The scope and ideals include but are not limited to its intent to replace current triggers from manufactures and also be a separately sold weapons accessory; The communication system and methods used between and within wireless networks and newly designed and adapted trigger and wireless safety trigger assemblies, form the invention; The user may allow the wireless safety trigger to automatically disable the weapon when it receives a predetermined signal; The user may also allow the wireless safety trigger to automatically disable the weapon when it is no longer receiving a predetermined signal; The user may also predetermine a series of movements with the firearm to enable the weapon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to system and methods for providing enhanced firearm safety by utilizing an electronic firearm locking device present in the firearm, in communication with a mobile application of a wireless mobile communication device and a remote firearm management server that provides five levels of safety for selective and dynamic enabling and disabling of the firearm based on real time situations along with several value added features.

Abstract: A firearm safety system as well as a method associated with the firearm safety system capable of preventing a firearm from firing is described. By incorporating a control module into firearms, the presence by the firearm may be detected by a detecting device receiving signals sent by the control module. The detecting device may in turn transmit signals to an established signaling network, such as a mobile telephone network, which may then telecommunicate with the control module to disable the firearm and prevent it from being fired. Such a system and method may be most effective in gun-free zones, especially places such as schools and courthouses. Thus, both the system and the method may be used to reduce firearm violence.

Abstract: An adjustable shooting rail device retrofittable to a conventional hunting stand or hunting blind. The device includes an adjustment mechanism having an actuator that is pivotally secured between a shooting rail and a vertical member of the hunting stand. The device further includes a pair of support collars pivotally coupling the actuator between the shooting rail and the vertical member. A locking means is provided for releasably locking the shooting rail at a selectively-desired vertical position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are several embodiments of a level indicator for a firearm that is configured to be repositioned from a home position, generally above the barrel of the firearm, to an extended position, generally above and to the side of the barrel of the firearm. Several different mounting apparatuses are also disclosed, as well as variations of adjustment mechanisms.

Abstract: A sight includes a power-changed unit and a bullet impact correction unit. The power-changed unit includes an outer barrel, a rotary frame disposed around the outer barrel, a frame screw disposed in the rotary frame, and a resilient member disposed between the outer barrel and the frame screw. The bullet impact correction unit includes an elevation adjustment screw and a windage adjustment screw, both of which abut the power-changed unit.

Abstract: A line light provides a disc shaped battery carrying, in electrical connectivity, two parallel electrically conductive tubes, one tube on each battery pole. A line tube is carried adjacent and parallel to one electrically conductive tube. A waterproof coating extends entirely thereabout. An LED releasably simultaneously interconnects with the two electrically conductive tubes to complete a circuit providing electrical power for illumination of the LED.

Abstract: hose holder for a boat, or for another object upon which contact with a hose is undesirable, is a shaped rigid rod provided with a means for suspending the rod close to its midpoint, the shape created by bending each end of the rod into a helix. The rod is smaller in diameter than a common garden hose. The helices have a common, horizontal axis with an inner diameter larger than such a hose. The means for suspending the rod is above the outer diameter of the helices. Other embodiments utilize non-helical rod shapes to support the hose.

Abstract: A method distinguishes electrical signals corresponding to an activation or deactivation of a single electrical power consuming device from an electrical signal that supplies electricity to multiple electrical power consuming devices has been developed. The method includes generating signatures corresponding to activation and deactivation of a plurality of electrical devices from a transformation of an electrical power signal using sparse deconvolution to cluster and then identify the activation and deactivation of one of the plurality of electrical devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for pest control; and to the use of said apparatus for pest control. The apparatus comprises a hollow station forming at least one entrance for the pests to be controlled; a pheromone of a pest to be controlled; and a contact pesticide for the pests to be controlled, said contact pesticide being provided inside said hollow station, and the hollow station being designed to prevent the pests from remaining within said hollow station without expenditure of energy.

Abstract: A decorative molded candle and method of making the candle is disclosed in which coloring agents are limited to the outer peripheral surface of the candle.

Abstract: Provided is a method of economically modifying low rank coal (LRC) to be high grade coal having minimized water re-absorption and minimized spontaneous ignition possibility while saving energy by coating heavy oil directly on coal without using solvent oil. Provides is a method of modifying coal using palm oil residue, including milling the coal, homogenously mixing the palm oil residue with the milled coal, melting the palm oil residue mixed with the coal so as to be coated on a surface of the coal, and simultaneously drying moisture in the coal, cooling the dried coal, and briquetting the cooled coal.

Abstract: A process for treating coal to obtain lower ash content coal including: (i) pretreating high ash coal in a pretreatment unit with ultrasonic waves or microwaves, (ii) forming a slurry of coal fines in a solvent solution including N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and one of Ethylenediamine (EDA) or Monoethanolamine (MEA), (iii) maintaining said slurry in a refluxed condition at a temperature of about 170-190° C. for a period of about 15 minutes to 2 hours; (iv) separating the refluxed slurry into two parts consisting of extract and residue by coarse filtration, (v) recovering up to 85% of the solvent solution by evaporation of the extract to form a concentrated extract, (v) precipitating the coal by adding water to the concentrated extract, (vi) separating the coal from the water-extract solution by filtration, and (vii) recovering the rest of the solvent by distillation of the water-extract solution.

Abstract: A coal deactivation treatment device for deactivating of coal by means of a treatment gas that is a mixture of air and nitrogen gas is provided with, among other things: a treatment column inside of which coal flows from the top to the bottom; treatment gas feed means, and the like, for feeding treatment gas to the inside of the treatment column; humidifying heaters for heating and humidifying the treatment gas such that the treatment gas fed to the inside of the treatment column can maintain a relative humidity of 35% or greater, even at 95° C.; a temperature sensor and a control device for adjusting the temperature inside the treatment column such that the inside of the treatment column is maintained at a relative humidity of 35% or greater and a temperature of 95° C. or lower.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method for managing the growth of crops by individually monitoring the growth state of crops produced in a greenhouse or plant factory. The crop growth management apparatus includes a weight measurement unit configured to measure the weight of a crop that is being grown using the tension of a support string connected to the crop, a crop growth and development management unit configured to determine whether or not the growth and development state of the crop or the weight of the crop is proper based on the measured weight of the crop, and an environment control unit configured to locally control a crop cultivation environment based on a result of the determination regarding whether or not the growth and development state of the crop or the weight of the crop is proper.

Abstract: A device for protecting a plant including: a caged frame, where the caged frame includes spikes; a series of horizontal rods extending across a back side and a front side of the frame; a series horizontal rods extending the sides of the frame; a vertical rods extending vertically up each of the frame; and a plastic wrap, where the wrap fits around the caged frame. The spikes provide a mechanism to penetrate the ground and to secure the frame around a plant. The present invention further includes a method of protecting a plant including the steps of: placing frame around a plant; securing the frame around the plant by inserting spikes into a ground surface around the plant where the spikes extend from the frame; and placing a plastic wrap around the frame.

Abstract: A pot support adapted to be secured on the ground for receiving and maintaining a pot therein in a desired position in respect with the ground is presented. The pot support comprising including a ground-securing member adapted to secure the pot support to the ground. A kit thereof is also presented.