Abstract: According to an embodiment, a device for tightening an article includes a housing having an interior region and a spool positioned within the interior region and rotatable relative thereto. A tightening mechanism is operably coupled with the spool to cause the spool to rotate within the interior region of the housing. A tension member is coupled with the spool and is configured to be tensioned upon rotation of the spool via the tightening mechanism. The device also includes a tension limiting mechanism that allows the tension member to be tensioned via the tightening mechanism until a tension threshold is achieved. After the tension threshold is achieved, further operation of the tightening mechanism does not substantially tension the tension member due to the tension limiting mechanism.

Abstract: A structure of a fastener is used in an article, such as a garment, a bag, and a shoe and includes a fastener. The fastener has a surface in which at least one hollow portion is formed. The hollow portion has a corner in which a narrow slot that is in communication with the hollow portion is formed. A string is received through the hollow portion and is, after subjected to length adjustment, pressed into the narrow slot so that narrow slot securely clamps the string. As such, the drawbacks and shortcomings of a conventionally used string buckle, such as structural instability, including slipping, vibrating, skewing, and loosening, being difficult to assemble, and having a high manufacturing cost, can be overcome. The fastener may additionally function as a rivet to be mounted to an article, such as a garment, a bag, and a shoe.

Abstract: A piezoelectric device is manufactured in which the material of a supporting substrate can be selected from various alternative materials. Ions are implanted into a piezoelectric substrate to form an ion-implanted portion. A temporary supporting substrate is formed on the ion-implanted surface of the piezoelectric substrate. The temporary supporting substrate includes a layer to be etched and a temporary substrate. The piezoelectric substrate is then heated to be divided at the ion-implanted portion to form a piezoelectric thin film. A supporting substrate is then formed on the piezoelectric thin film. The supporting substrate includes a dielectric film and a base substrate. The temporary supporting substrate is made of a material that produces a thermal stress at the interface between the temporary supporting substrate and the piezoelectric thin film less than the thermal stress at the interface between the supporting substrate and the piezoelectric thin film.

Abstract: A needle assembly removal device is presented having a coupling mechanism adapted to engage a disposal device, a housing, and a carriage adapted to engage a needle assembly. Axial movement of the carriage relative to the housing causes the needle assembly to disengage a medicament delivery device. Also described is a disposal device comprising an interface adapted to engage the needle assembly removal device and a resilient seal covering the interface.

Abstract: An Archimedean screw comprising a spiral helix. The Archimedean screw is characterized in that it further comprises a central element plastically twisted like a helix about a central symmetry axis. The spiral helix, in turn, is wound about the central element. Furthermore, the central element is the only supporting element of itself and of said spiral helix.

Abstract: A tamper resistant enclosure for an electronic circuit includes an inner copper case, a tamper sensing mesh wrapped around the inner case, an outer copper case enclosing the inner case and the tamper sensing mesh, and a venting device forming a vent channel from inside the inner case to outside the outer case, the vent channel passing between overlapping layers of the tamper sensing mesh and having at least one right angle bend along its length. The venting device consists of two strips of a thin polyamide coverlay material laminated together along their length, and a length of wool yarn sandwiched between the two thin strips and extending from one end of the strips to the other end of the strips to form the vent channel. The length of yarn follows a zig-zag path between the first and second strips, the zig-zag path including at least one right angle bend.

Abstract: An improved mount for, and method of mounting, an optical structure having a grooved/relieved protruding member with a damping ring therein or on is provided. The grooved/relieved protruding member may extend from the optical structure, and an upper element having a first opening extending therethrough may receive at least a portion of the grooved/relieved member in the first opening. The upper element may include second and third openings therein that operate along with the first opening and a tightening mechanism. Tightening of the tightening mechanism into at least one of the third opening and the second opening causes the ends of the head portions to draw toward each other so that the first opening of the upper element tightens around the at least a portion of the grooved/relieved protruding member.

Abstract: An improved mount for, and method of mounting, an optical structure having a grooved/relieved protruding member with a damping ring therein or on is provided. The grooved/relieved protruding member may extend from the optical structure, and an upper element having a first opening extending therethrough may receive at least a portion of the grooved/relieved member in the first opening. The upper element may include second and third openings therein that operate along with the first opening and a tightening mechanism. Tightening of the tightening mechanism into at least one of the third opening and the second opening causes the ends of the head portions to draw toward each other so that the first opening of the upper element tightens around the at least a portion of the grooved/relieved protruding member.

Abstract: Implementations disclosed herein allow a printed circuit board (PCB) to be removeably secured to a lapping carrier. The lapping carrier may include a clamping mechanism and one or more alignment pins that thread through corresponding holes in the PCB. In other implementations, the lapping carrier includes insulation that prevents current leakage or short-circuiting of electrical paths on the PCB during contact with the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: An enclosed proximity switch assembly includes a top enclosure and a bottom enclosure that are coupled to form an interior volume. A shaft protrusion upwardly extends from a top surface of the top enclosure, and an interior bore portion having an enclosed volume is defined within the shaft protrusion to form a portion of the interior volume. A first end of a vertical shaft is rotatably disposed within the interior bore portion such that the shaft rotates relative to the top and bottom enclosures. A samarium cobalt target magnet is coupled to the shaft, and the target magnet interacts with a samarium cobalt driver magnet within a proximity switch when the target magnet is rotated within a predetermined distance of a top portion of the proximity switch. The interaction causes a switch to move from a first state to a second state, or vice versa.

Abstract: A method of repairing damaged RJ-type connectors that have a broken latch includes providing a forward-facing connector latch arm replacement device. The device includes a dual-action T-piece having a T shaped distal end with a narrow waist section linking to the proximal end and a C-spring coupled to the proximal end whereby the C-spring enables selective deflection of the T-piece whereby the narrow waist selectively engages and disengages the locking lugs provided by the RJ-type connector plug. The C-spring further includes a base configured offset from and opposite to the distal end. The device also includes a means for coupling the connector latch replacement device to the RJ-type connector.

Abstract: A device for assembling insulating glass panes from glass panels includes a first horizontal conveyor having a conveying track, a rotating station, a second horizontal conveyor having two conveying tracks and an assembling and pressing station, wherein the first horizontal conveyor conveys the glass panels, which are to be assembled to insulating glass panes, to the rotating station which respectively pairs two glass panels and the second horizontal conveyor conveys the paired glass panels from the rotating station to the assembling and pressing station. A displacement station is arranged upstream or downstream of the rotating station, wherein a glass panel conveyed by the single-track first horizontal conveyor is movable out of the transport path and can be brought into a parking track by the displacement station.

Abstract: A terminal block for an apparatus includes at least one terminal conductor having a first end that extends to a second end. The first end includes a first connection portion and the second end includes a second connection portion. A non-electrically conductive member covers the at least one terminal conductor. The non-electrically conductive member includes a body having a first end section arranged at the first end extending through an intermediate section to a second end section arranged at the second end. The first end section includes a first opening exposing the first connection portion, and the second end portion includes a second opening exposing the second connection portion. The body further includes a conductor routing system having at least one conductor routing member configured and disposed to restrain and guide a conductor member across the at least one terminal conductor.

Abstract: The invention includes an inner roller that is mounted on a front portion of the bundle 2 in an insertion direction where the bundle is inserted into a casing and is configured to roll on an inner peripheral surface of the casing, an outer roller 36 that is mounted on a rear portion of the bundle 2 in the insertion direction where the bundle is inserted into the casing and is configured to travel on a rail member 13, a receiving portion 30 that is provided on one of the base surface 11 or the rail member 13 and the bundle 2, and a position adjusting mechanism 40 that is provided on the other thereof and is configured to adjust the position of the bundle 2 in a horizontal direction by applying an adjusting force to the receiving portion 30.

Abstract: A trailer and method of manufacturing a trailer are provided. The trailer has a storage vessel which may include hoppers and which is partially formed from a plurality of top wall segments having peaks. The peaks or other components may be angled relative to one another to provide improved aerodynamics. A jig is provided to facilitate the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A self-leveling multi-line laser device is disclosed. The multi-line laser device includes at least two laser beams and at least two reflecting cones, wherein the cone axes of the reflecting cones are perpendicular to each other and each of the laser beams can be directed, preferably eccentrically, parallel to the axis of one of the reflecting cones against the tip of said reflecting cone. With the multi-line laser device, at least two projectable laser lines can be generated.

Abstract: A level can include a measurement base portion having a reference surface arranged thereon to abut on a measurement surface and a bubble tube having a liquid and a bubble enclosed therein, the bubble tube arranged to be inclined at a certain angle in such a fashion that the bubble tube is away from or near to the reference surface in a direction from a peripheral portion of the reference surface toward a central portion of the reference surface.

Abstract: A sizing gauge (4) is structured to be used with a patient (8) and is structured to enable an identification of a particular patient interface that is most appropriately sized for the patient. The sizing gauge includes a support portion (12) and a sizing portion (16). The sizing portion includes a first gauge element (36) and a plurality of second gauge elements (40A,40B,40C). The first gauge element is disposed on the support portion and is structured to be positioned at a first location on the patient's face. The plurality of second gauge elements are disposed on the support portion and are situated at locations spaced from the first gauge element. The distance between the first gauge element and each second gauge element is representative of a size in one direction (44) of each of at least some of the plurality of patient interfaces. At least one of the plurality of second gauge elements comprises a tactile feature.

Abstract: An inner diameter measuring device (50) for measuring an inner diameter of a hollow object to be measured, wherein the inner diameter measuring device comprises a circulation unit (1) and a measuring head (2) and is insertable into inside of an object to be measured, wherein the measuring head has a contact measuring unit (27) for measuring the inner diameter by contacting an inner surface of the object to be measured and an advancing/retreating unit (23) for making the contact measuring unit to advance and to retreat in a radial direction, and wherein the circulation unit can rotate the measuring head around a center line (51) of the inner diameter measuring device.

Abstract: A drying container with humidity display function is disclosed, which is used for storing biological test pieces and is formed with at least one peeping window to be used for observing a humidity display unit embedded inside the drying container so as to determine whether the biological test pieces inside the drying container had already been exposed to moisture and become damp according to the reading on the humidity display unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hair care appliance comprising a body having a duct which may at least partially define a fluid flow path through the body, an outer wall extending about the duct and a side wall extending between the duct and the outer wall, wherein a control switch is provided on the side wall and wherein the outer wall, side wall and the duct are all external walls of the appliance. The body has an inlet end and an outlet end and the side wall is at the inlet end. The side wall may at least partially define a fluid inlet into the fluid flow path. The duct may be recessed within the outer wall at the inlet end. A handle may be provided and may have a second control switch which may be located on the handle adjacent to the inlet end of the body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hair care appliance comprising a body comprising an outer wall, and a handle comprising an outer wall and a wall disposed within the outer wall wherein, the outer wall of the body and the wall of the handle are formed as a single unit. The outer wall may extend about the wall and partially along the wall. The wall may comprise an access aperture and a hatch for closing the access aperture which the outer wall may extend over. The outer wall may extend about the wall for substantially the whole length of the wall. The handle may comprise a primary fluid inlet disposed at and/or near the distal end of the handle from the body which may comprise at least one aperture extending around and along the outer wall. Also disclosed is a hand held appliance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hair care appliance comprising a handle, the handle comprising a wall and an outer wall wherein the wall defines a primary fluid flow path that extends from a primary fluid inlet into the appliance and the outer wall is an external surface of the appliance. The outer wall may extend substantially continuously around and along the wall. An insulating layer may be provided between the wall and the outer wall, the insulating layer is may be substantially continuous around and along the wall and may mitigate one or more of noise, vibration and heat produced by the appliance. The handle may include a fan unit for drawing fluid into the primary fluid inlet and along the primary fluid flow path.

Abstract: A heating device (124) for heating particles to be freeze-dried in a rotary drum (102) of a freeze-dryer (100) is provided, the device comprising at least one radiation emitter (202) for applying radiation heat to the particles, and a tube-shaped separator (204) for separating the particles from the at least one emitter (202). The separator (202) being integrally closed at one end and separating an emitter volume (206) encompassing the at least one emitter (202) from a drum process volume (126) inside the drum (102), wherein the heating device (124) protrudes into the drum process volume (126) such that said integrally closed end of the separator (204) is arranged inside the drum (102) as a free end.

Abstract: A rotary friction dryer or gasifier and a method of using the same is provided. The rotary friction dryer generally comprises an entrance stage, an exit stage, a decompression zone located such that it separates the entrance and exit stages, a multi-stage compression screw, a mixing means coupled to the screw, at least one exhaust vent located in the decompression zone, and at least one discharge outlet located in the exit stage. The entrance stage includes an intake throat and the temperature of each stage (entrance and exit) is controllable.

Abstract: A detection system assembly is provided. The detection system assembly includes a detector system including a housing having a sample port configured to receive a sample of an unknown substance, a detector assembly in flow communication with the sample port, and a pump in flow communication with the detector assembly. The detection system assembly further includes a dryer cartridge removably coupled to an outer surface of the housing of the detector system. The dryer cartridge is in flow communication with the pump and the detector assembly.

Abstract: A framework-chamber arrangement for an article of footwear, and an article of footwear having a sole structure including a framework-chamber arrangement, is provided that can cooperate to provide various advantageous features, such as multiple-stage cushioning and specialized attenuation of and reaction to ground contact forces. The framework-chamber arrangement can include a fluid-filled chamber forming laterally extending arms and a framework having corresponding recesses formed therein and receiving a lower portion of the chamber. The fluid-filled chamber can be retained within the framework without a bond being formed between lower regions of the chamber arms and the framework. Peripheral portions of some of the chamber arms can be spaced apart from adjacent portions of corresponding channels while in a relaxed state.

Abstract: A framework-chamber arrangement for an article of footwear, and an article of footwear having a sole structure including a framework-chamber arrangement, is provided that can cooperate to provide various advantageous features, such as multiple-stage cushioning and specialized attenuation of and reaction to ground contact forces. The framework-chamber arrangement can include a fluid-filled chamber forming laterally extending arms and a framework having corresponding recesses formed therein and receiving a lower portion of the chamber. The fluid-filled chamber can be retained within the framework without a bond being formed between lower regions of the chamber arms and the framework. Peripheral portions of some of the chamber arms can be spaced apart from adjacent portions of corresponding channels while in a relaxed state.

Abstract: Biomechanically, a human foot operates as a lever of the second class during the motions involved with walking, running or jumping. Extending the toes during such motion increases the distance between the fulcrum and effort of the foot-lever and results in increased foot propulsion.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a braided upper comprised of a unitary braided structure. The unitary braided structure of the braided upper may be engineered with specific features tailored to particular activities. Different regions of the upper may have different braided configurations. For example, higher braid densities may be used in specific areas of the footwear to provide additional structural support or compression. Also, strands of a different material may be incorporated in different regions of the braided upper to provide specific properties to the footwear in those areas.

Abstract: A structure of shoe is formed of a shoe-forming piece through thermoplastic molding. The shoe-forming piece is formed in an integrated form through weaving a plurality of set yarns. The shoe-forming piece includes a first shoe cover and a second shoe cover. The first shoe cover and the second shoe cover are symmetric to each other. The first shoe cover includes a first shoe body and a first opening. The second shoe body includes a second shoe body and a second opening. The first opening and the second opening are coupled to each other. The first shoe body is inserted through the second opening to have the first shoe body received in the second shoe body and then subjected to thermoplastic molding to form the structure of shoe. As such, advantages of making the manufacturing process efficient and easy and reducing the manufacturing cost can be achieved.

Abstract: A shoe including a sole having specific characteristics, namely a width, a length, a thickness and a front/rear profile, where the sole is made with materials having a certain type of deformation and lateral reinforcements emerging from the sole and surrounding the upper that are suitable for significantly increasing both performance, such as speed and reduced fatigue, and user comfort, such as reduced impact on knees, back, leg muscles, of the shoe, which are particularly suited for use when jogging or walking on uneven outdoor surfaces, as well as for jogging or walking on roads. Furthermore, the characteristics of the sole, such as the spike surface and deformation when contacting the ground, improve safety for a user by providing enhanced grip on sloping terrain as well as on snow-covered or wet terrain.

Abstract: A foot support structure for a shoe includes a toe box, a connection member facilitating adjustable connection of the toe box to a cooperable connection member on a separate shank portion of a shoe, an opening defined by a peripheral edge of the toe box portion, and a toe box liner lining the inner surface of the toe box portion. The toe box and toe box liner are each moulded from a thermoplastic polymer material and the toe box liner extends beyond the peripheral edge of the toe box at its opposing lateral sides to form foot-supporting side wings; and wherein the thermoplastic polymer material of the toe box has a greater stiffness than that of the toe box liner.

Abstract: A ballet pointe shoe having a sole, an upper, a toebox, a platform, a shank, and a heel is disclosed. The ballet pointe shoe comprises a more rigid portion and a less rigid portion. The more rigid portion is above the sole and below the upper. The more rigid portion has a graduated increasing thickness at least partially inside the toebox and toward the platform. The more rigid portion diminishes to a remaining thickness toward the heel.

Abstract: A spring shoe, and also in particular a spring, as well as a method of returning energy to a user, are provided. In one embodiment, a method and apparatus stores foot strike energy and releases it after a slight delay, when it will exert a force on the user which includes a forward component. This is accomplished in an embodiment by a spring in the sole which has a decreasing spring force, such that the force required to compress the sole decreases for all or part of the compression displacement as the spring is compressed.

Abstract: Low-profile dance shoes and associated methods of manufacture are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a dance shoe that includes an integrated heel member that provides increased support, stability, and shock-absorption for the dancer. The dance shoe can further include a support member configured to provide lateral support to the foot and/or ankle, and a shock-absorption member.

Abstract: A framework-chamber arrangement for an article of footwear, and an article of footwear having a sole structure including a framework-chamber arrangement, is provided that can cooperate to provide various advantageous features, such as multiple-stage cushioning and specialized attenuation of and reaction to ground contact forces. The framework-chamber arrangement can include a fluid-filled chamber forming laterally extending arms and a framework having corresponding recesses formed therein and receiving a lower portion of the chamber. The fluid-filled chamber can be retained within the framework without a bond being formed between lower regions of the chamber arms and the framework. Peripheral portions of some of the chamber arms can be spaced apart from adjacent portions of corresponding channels while in a relaxed state.

Abstract: The sandal with pneumatic support includes an inflatable bladder in the sole, in the area immediately beneath the arch of the foot when the sandal is worn. A manual air pump is provided integrally with the sandal. In one embodiment, the pump is located atop the toe divider of a flip-flop type sandal. In another embodiment, the pump is located in the heel. A pressure relief valve is located along one of the upper straps of the sandal. The arch bladder, air pump, and relief valve communicate pneumatically with one another. The sandal may be devoid of structure extending between the toes when worn, but may include straps passing over and/or around the foot. Other embodiments provide additional air bladders in the straps to better secure the sandal on the foot. The sandal provides greatly improved support and reduces or eliminates muscular problems resulting from the lack of arch support.

Abstract: A crampon that includes a body extending lengthwise from a first end to a second end, widthwise between a first edge and a second edge, and heightwise between a supporting surface and a receiving surface, the crampon including points projecting in the area of the supporting surface. The body includes a first portion extending lengthwise from the first end to a first limit, and a second portion extending lengthwise from the second end to a second limit, the crampon including a fastening system that includes an envelope and an arrangement for connecting the envelope to the body.

Abstract: A snow thrower head comprises an impeller and an auger disposed within a housing. The impeller is to contact a surface to be cleared by the impeller. The impeller is rotatable within the housing about a first axis while the auger is rotatable within the housing about a second axis above and forward the first axis.

Abstract: A cordless electric snow thrower is disclosed having a separate and distinct battery housing containing a battery being positioned on a handle of the cordless snow thrower. The cordless snow thrower may include an electronic controller that allows a user to rotate a chute of the cordless snow thrower to alter a direction in which snow is thrown. The cordless snow thrower may also include a light that provides sufficient light to allow the user to use the cordless snow thrower at night to clear snow. The placement of the battery housing provides balance to the cordless snow thrower and allows power to be provided to all of the electronic devices and components of the cordless snow thrower.

Abstract: An encapsulated underwater excavation assembly for removing solid materials (such as mud, soil, vegetation or debris) from a water bottom including, without limitation, during pile driving or installation operations. The excavation assembly can be contained within a housing that beneficially fits within an inner bore of a piling or other tubular member. A rotary motor having a cutting blade mechanically cuts solid materials while a centrifugal pump moves cuttings away from the lower portion of the excavation assembly for facilitate efficient installation of a piling.

Abstract: A wear part for earthmoving and mining equipment, the wear part having a mounting portion for engaging with a mount such as a nose mount or adaptor, a cheek plate, a boot, a cable hitch or the like provided on or by a bucket, the wear part having a cavity in the mounting portion defined at least in part by an outer wall having an inner face and an outer face, at least one passage formed through said outer wall and opening at one end to the inner face of said outer wall and at the other end to the outer face, and a retainer in said at least one passage and adapted to be selectively engaged with the mount to which the wear part is to be mounted, said outer wall including stop means engaged by said retainer and arranged to stop said retainer escaping from said at least on passage via the outer face end of said passage.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a notification boards. Specifically, this invention relates to a notification board configured to organize and display papers, photographs and other documents for viewing. Embodiments of the present invention may include a labeling apparatus configured to describe or otherwise detail the displayed contents of the notification board.

Abstract: A business card comprises front and back sides and a flap permanently attached to the business card. The flap comprises front and back sides and an adhesive on at least a portion of the flap's back side. The adhesive is capable of removably and reusably adhering to objects. The flap is foldable with respect to the business card such that the flap can be placed in at least two configurations. In a first configuration, the adhesive adheres to a portion of the back side of the business card, so that the business card is non-adhesive and can be used like a convention business card. In a second configuration, the flap aligns at least approximately with the business card, thereby presenting the flap's adhesive to be able to adhere to another object such that the front side of the business card faces outward from said another object.

Abstract: A plurality of ear tags is provided and may include a panel portion and a relatively narrow neck portion extending from the panel portion. The plurality of ear tags may be arranged so that the panel portions of adjacent ear tags are at least partially overlapped and edges of the neck portions of adjacent ear tags are juxtaposed and attached to one another at an attachment location at the edges of the neck portions of the adjacent ear tags.

Abstract: A current-generated photo-luminescent hybrid sign is provided that includes one or more light emitting elements within a channel in the frame to evenly distribute light, while at the same time energizing a photo-luminescent glow material in case of power outage. A method of use of the sign is also provided.

Abstract: A backlighting system for a cabinet sign may include a plurality of panels. Each panel includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) attached to the panel. The diode has a box sign depth factor of less than about 1.4. An integrated circuit may also be located on the panel. A wire physically connects adjacent panels.

Abstract: A support component comprises a tab configured to be coupled to a bar (as comprises a part of an item to be suspended), the tab including a plurality of openings disposed therethrough and configured to receive an overhead support interface (such as a corresponding flexible link) to thereby provide overhead support to the bar. These openings can be laterally offset from one another to facilitate selecting a particular pitch orientation for the bar. The tab can have a non-circular hole disposed therethrough sized and configured to receive the bar. This hole can include a surface that is configured to key with respect to a corresponding bar surface to thereby prevent the bar from rotating.

Abstract: A method of increasing the stability of a corrugated display apparatus defining a plurality of lower openings and having a plurality of walls at least partially defining a plurality of channels, each with a channel width, spanning from one of the plurality of lower openings toward an upper end of the display apparatus, the method including providing a cutting device with a handle length and a blade member coupled along the handle length, cutting a portion of at least one of the plurality of walls with the blade member to combine two of the plurality of channels adjacent to the cut portion of the at least one of the plurality of walls to create an enlarged channel, and inserting a post-like member into the enlarged channel, the post-like member securely retained within the enlarged channel.