Abstract: An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a fluid bearing and a method of adjusting the load carrying capacity of a fluid bearing. The fluid bearing may include a bore defined in the fluid bearing and a rotatable bearing including a rotatable bearing surface. Lubricating fluid in the bore may be contacted with at least a portion of the rotatable bearing surface, wherein an effective bearing surface area is provided where the lubricating fluid contacts the rotatable bearing surface. The effective bearing surface area may be altered by either increasing or reducing the area of the rotatable bearing surface which is contacted by the lubricating fluid.

Abstract: In forming an actuator, a large end surface of a tapered roller of a tapered roller bearing is shot with minute particles of silicon carbide having a diameter of 0.5 to 100 ?m and having an angle formed by crushing, and such a surface is scraped concavely at a diameter within a range from 0.5 to 100 ?m to form a large number of concavities having a depth of equal to or greater than 1 ?m at a pitch of equal to or less than 200 ?m. The concavities are non-continuous and isolated from each other, and serve as a lubricant puddle. The concavities are formed by scraping and not by plastic deformation, and thus the surface is not hardened.

Abstract: A utility knife includes a handle, a blade assembly secured to the handle, a blade cover mechanically coupled to the handle facilitating manipulability of the blade cover to an extended position over the blade assembly, and a slider that is repositionable along the handle to release the blade cover from the extended position, the slider being pivotally coupled to the blade assembly.

Abstract: A can opener includes a housing, a driving gear, a reduction transmission device, a cutting wheel, a slide, an idling wheel, a first driven gear, a second driven gear, a torsion spring, a third driven gear, and a cam. The driving gear rotates the cutting wheel and the first driven gear. The first driven gear drives the second driven gear which rotates the third driven gear which rotates the cam which moves the slide which moves the idling wheel, so that the idling wheel is moved toward the cutting wheel to clamp the rim of the lid between the idling wheel and the cutting wheel. The idling wheel and the cutting wheel are moved along the rim of the lid to cut the rim of the lid and to separate the lid from the can to open the can automatically.

Abstract: A system comprising a primary electrical device, such as a shaver, and an auxiliary electrical device, such as a shaver cleaner, defining a receiving arrangement for receiving the primary electrical device. The primary electrical device includes a first connector configured to couple with an associated connector of the auxiliary device to transmit electrical or electromagnetic energy between the devices. The primary electrical device includes an additional connector configured to couple the primary electrical device for receiving electrical or electromagnetic energy, such as from an electric mains voltage.

Abstract: A coordinate measurement device comprises an articulated arm having a first end, a second end, and a plurality of jointed arm segments therebetween. Each arm segment defines at least one axis of rotation. A laser scanner assembly is coupled to the second end of the arm and is rotatable about a last axis of rotation of the articulated arm. The laser scanner assembly comprises a laser and an image sensor. The laser is positioned on an opposite side of the last axis of rotation from the image sensor.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a shaft alignment tool including a center hub and a plurality of adjustable arms. The plurality of adjustable arms are coupled to the center hub and include a proximal end section and a distal end section. The shaft alignment tool further includes one or more roller assemblies mounted on each distal end section of each adjustable arm.

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

Abstract: While a dryer is running, continuously automatically monitor operation of a dryer venting system, and continuously automatically determining if the dryer venting system is operating improperly, and if it is determined that the dryer venting system is operating improperly then automatically disabling the dryer. If the dryer starts running then automatically turning on a booster fan. Operation of booster fan is monitored by sensing the current drawn. Monitoring operation of the venting system through a first controller and automatically disabling the dryer through a second controller. Automatically turn off the booster fan if the dryer is not running. Automatically adjust operating parameters of the dryer venting system in an attempt to operate the venting system properly, and disabling the dryer if the venting system continues to operate improperly after adjustment. Check to determine if the dryer is drawing current to indicate the dryer is running.

Abstract: A skate dryer assembly. The assembly has a skate, a dryer module, and a device for blowing or sucking air through or from the module. The skate includes a boot and a blade. The dryer module defines a slot therein adapted to receiving and retaining the blade therein.

Abstract: A transportable or hand carriable forced air dryer for boots, gloves and facepieces such as gas masks and other headpieces with attached drinking tubes. A pair of manifolds having spaced parallel tubes extend in opposite directions from a blower housing/plenum structure. Each manifold has plural spaced upstanding air discharge tubes. Each air discharge tube has attached thereto a form expander in looped form extending in spaced parallel arrangement and terminating beyond the air discharge to prevent air blockage by the article to be dried. One manifold is permanently connected and the other is quick connected and quick disconnected, without tools for field reassembly. For transport, the released manifold is inverted and nested on the permanently connected manifold for compact installation in a tote bag.

Abstract: An oxidation furnace for the oxidative treatment of fibers, which, comprises a process chamber arranged inside a housing, a blowing device arranged in the center of the process chamber, a suction device arranged in the two opposite end regions of the process chamber, at least one ventilator that circulates the hot air through the blowing device, the process chamber and the suction devices, and at least one heating device arranged in the flow path of the hot circulated air. The blowing device comprises a plurality of vertically interspaced blowing boxes comprising an inlet, and, on opposite sides, outlets for the hot air. Two stacks of vertically interspaced blowing boxes may be provided, said blowing boxes being interspaced one behind the other in the direction of movement of the fibers, and/or the built-in boxes in a stack comprise at least one additional outlet in the upper side and the lower side, for hot air.

Abstract: A device for removing liquid from a part of a vehicle, the liquid removal device including an intake (11) for receiving matter containing gaseous component and non-gaseous components, a separator (14) for separating the gaseous and non gaseous components of matter entering the inlet (11), and an outlet (9, 10) for directing a gaseous component of the matter leaving the separator (14) towards the part of the vehicle from which liquid is to be removed, so as to remove liquid therefrom.

Abstract: A protective member having a substantially flat base portion, and a substantially cup-shaped member extending from a forward end of the base portion. The base portion is attachable to a shoe, such that the cup-shaped member substantially encapsulates and protects a forefoot and toe region. Further, at least one opening is provided in a forward portion of the cup-shaped member to allow access to the forefoot and toe region. The cup-shaped member is further defined by an anterior portion extending upward from the base portion, a dorsal extension portion extending from an upper end of the anterior portion, where the dorsal extension portion provided to substantially cover a top portion of the forefoot and toe region, and at least one lateral extension portion extending from a side end of the anterior portion, where the at least one lateral extension portion provided to substantially cover a lateral portion of said forefoot and toe region.

Abstract: An adjustable plow blade which is adapted to be easily reconfigured between multiple configurations, including a straight-blade configuration and a V-shaped configuration. The adjustable plow blade generally includes a pair of blade portions which are adapted to be removably secured to each other in various configurations including a straight-edge blade configuration and a V-shaped blade configuration. The blade portions each include linkages which may be utilized in connection with fasteners to transition the present invention between the configurations. A mount bar is also provided to which the blade portions are secured to mount the present invention to a plowing object such as a handheld snow plow.

Abstract: The small clothes iron for use with children's clothes is a small iron when compared to a traditional clothes iron. The small clothes iron resembles a toy train wherein a front surface resembles a face of a toy character while a top surface includes a handle, control buttons, and a chimney/smokestack for refilling a water reservoir. The small clothes iron has a smaller iron surface on a bottom surface, which is useful in ironing small clothes for children and infants.

Abstract: The greeting card of the present invention contains a sound mechanism which is operative to replay one or more audio clips upon a user pulling a pull device which extends outward from the front of the greeting card. The pull device controls activation of the audio but also serves as a three-dimensional aspect of the scene or picture printed on the front of the greeting card.

Abstract: Sani Card, the professional business card that combines a standard size business card with a pre-moistened, self-contained hand, eye glass or computer screen cleaning wipe all in a clear plastic wrap sealed at both ends. This card is a marketing/promotional product designed to separate the card holder from his competition. It is a considerate, thoughtful and value add gesture in anticipation of future business and causes the recipient to remember who the card holder is, what he does and what company he represents. The main components are a standard size business card, pre-moistened wipe and clear plastic wrapper.

Abstract: An advertising apparatus including a body portion adapted to be one or both of connected to or disposed on a support structure accessible for advertising purposes and, an interchangeable and/or replaceable advertising device, the advertising device being adapted to be one or both of connected to or disposed on the body portion.

Abstract: A multi-panel display device having a center panel positioned between a first side panel and a second side panel and a third panel comprising a header panel and an adhesive panel. In one aspect, the invention can be a blank for a multi-panel display device comprising: a center panel; a first side panel attached to the center panel along a first pre-weakened line; a second side panel attached to the center panel along a second pre-weakened line; and a third panel comprising a header panel and an adhesive panel, the third panel detachably coupled to the second side panel along a third pre-weakened line.

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

Abstract: An adjustable stock and cheek rest assembly for a firearm includes a buffer tube extending rearwardly from the firearm at an angle relative to the firearm receiver. A stock is slidably mounted on the buffer tube, and a cheek rest is disposed in overlying relationship to the stock. A cheek rest adjustment arrangement is connected between the stock and the cheek rest, and is provided with a movable linkage for enabling vertical movement of the cheek rest relative to the stock as the stock moves along the angled buffer tube. A movable member provided with locking structure is mounted on the stock for selective engagement with lock receiving structure on the buffer tube for locking the stock in various axial adjustment positions along the buffer tube.

Abstract: A gun stock retainer, a gun rest operable to mount on a human knee, and an inclined seat pad may be used separately or included in a single garment (e.g., a hunting vest). The gun stock retainer includes an opening in a base material and a retaining strap including a nonslip material operable to engage the stock and pull the stock into the base material and the opening. The gun rest includes a knee cup shaped to conform to a front of a wearer's knee, a knee strap to hold the knee cup to the wearer's knee, and a cradle attached to the knee cup and sized to receive a fore-end of a gun. The inclined seat pad is generally wedge-shaped and is attached or releasably attached to a back portion of fabric of the garment via a hinge.

Abstract: Described in an example embodiment herein is a portable support mount that can be employed as a firearms rest or as a mount for any other suitable device. The portable support mount comprises a first pair of poles intersecting to form a first rest while in a first configuration and a second pair of poles having first ends coupled with the first pair of legs. The opposite ends of the second pair of poles intersect to form a second rest while in the first configuration.

Abstract: A device for the extermination of burrowing vermin is disclosed. The device is configured as a plenum chamber having an intake adapted for sealed communication with the exhaust of an internal combustion engine. An outflow conduit communicates between the plenum chamber and a burrow entrance for vermin such as gophers. Heat and gas under pressure from the engine is communicated through the outflow conduit to the burrow along with any fumes from heated liquid or solids deposited to the plenum chamber to rid the burrow of any subterranean occupants.

Abstract: A light pipe for use in aqueous environments comprising an optical rod capable of total internal reflection, and disposed in the optical path of a light source such as a light emitting diode or other source. The optical rod has frosted and unfrosted portions, such that the light is propagated distally along the rod at the unfrosted portions, but a portion of the light is coupled out of the rod into the aqueous environment at each of the frosted portions. The relative sizes of the frosted portions are arranged so that substantially the same light power is coupled out of the rod at each frosted section, thus facilitating rapid and uniform growth of algae in the aqueous environment.

Abstract: Various embodiments related to a tree guard are disclosed. One embodiment provides an L shaped breakaway bracket for use with a modular tree guard assembly. The L shaped breakaway bracket includes a horizontal member extending substantially perpendicularly from a vertical member, wherein the vertical member is thinner and longer than the horizontal member. At least one fastener hole is provided in the horizontal member for receiving a fastener for securing the horizontal member to a rail. At least one fastener hole is provided in the vertical member for receiving a fastener for securing the vertical member to a post. The breakaway bracket is adapted to break along the intersection of the horizontal member and the vertical member and separate the rail from the post when a force that would otherwise be sufficient to deform the rail is applied to the rail.

Abstract: A raised border system is disclosed. The system includes one or more brackets that secures at least one beam in position using at least one anchor stake to create a variety of edging systems. The brackets include nubs that can be inserted into the brackets without the use of tools and are sized and shaped to securely engage a beam in a manner such that the force required to assemble the beams is relatively small and is well exceeded by the force required to disengage the beam from the bracket. While the nubs obviate the need for traditional fasteners or tools, the border system is still compatible with traditional fasteners affording the user a wide variety of options during construction. The system is also universally compatible with a variety of beam materials and sizes.

Abstract: An automated gravimetric screening system and method controls soil moisture in a plurality of potted plants to perform water deficit experiments in a greenhouse using a stationary support platform and pot design that maintains the plants in a static location during the testing. By weighing and re-watering the pots from beneath the platform, the present system and method permits an upper gantry to capture high resolution images, temperature data, or other sensor data to quantify the plant stress level or plant canopy characteristics during the experiment.

Abstract: A detecting unit (14) forms a plurality of detection spots arranged two-dimensionally on a floor surface near a door panel (12). Each detection spot is capable of detecting a human or an object by infrared light independently from other detection spots. Region distinguishing means (30) distinguishes a region formed by plural ones of the said detection spots that have detected the human or object. Person's movement judging means (44) judges the direction in which the distinguished region moves. A signal which causes a door panel (12) to be opened is supplied to a door controller (34) only when the direction of movement of the distinguished region is the direction toward the door panel.

Abstract: A self-storing security door assembly including a door frame and a self-storing glass sub-assembly is disclosed. The door frame may include four side members and a freeze bar extending two opposing side members. The freeze bar may also divide a first portion of the door frame from a second portion of the door frame. A glass section may be coupled over the first portion of the door frame, and a screen section may be coupled over the second portion of the door frame. The self-storing glass sub-assembly may be coupled to the door frame included two protruding tracks. Each protruding track may include a channel and be positioned on an interior edge of opposing side members. At least two opposing side members may also include a recessed track on an interior edge. Each recessed track may include a channel between the protruding track and the respective side member.

Abstract: A fenestration operation hardware assembly includes at least one latch mechanism and an operation hardware assembly configured for coupling with a panel slidable within a frame. The latch mechanism includes a latch bolt and a latch biasing element coupled with the latch bolt. An operator of the operation hardware assembly is remote from the latch mechanism and is coupled with the panel. The operator includes an operator interface feature movable between initial and operating positions. In the initial position the latch bolt is in a projecting position, and in the operating position the operator interface feature moves the latch bolt into one or more withdrawn positions. The operation hardware assembly includes a retention assembly for retaining the latch bolt in a withdrawn position.

Abstract: A vehicle width direction wall portion (29) and a front-rear direction wall portion (33) are formed in a stiffener (7) provided inside a front door (1), the vehicle width direction wall portion (29) extending in a vehicle width direction, the front-rear direction wall portion (33) extending from a vehicle width direction inner end (31) of the vehicle width direction wall portion (29) in a vehicle front-rear direction. Additionally, a locking member (23) is provided on the front-rear direction wall portion (33) at a portion, and faces a lock lever (25). The locking member engages the lock lever, after a load is inputted to an outside handle and a door outer panel thereby deforming the door outer panel, to prevent movement of the lock lever after the deforming the door outer panel.

Abstract: A transportable large capacity theatre includes a primary theatre body with laterally spaced apart first and second long sides, opposing first and second ends attached to the long sides, and a roof over the long sides and ends, the body defining an enclosed interior chamber. The roof, the long sides and the ends may be defined by a plurality of laterally extending inflated tubes, and the long sides of the primary theatre body may have a substantially vertical orientation relative to a surface on which theatre may be supported for at least a major portion of the height of the respective long sides. The theatre further includes a seating section, a display screen positioned in the interior of the primary theatre body and viewable by a viewer seated in the seating section, and a projection system in the interior of the primary theatre body and in communication with the screen.

Abstract: An attachment system is provided. In another aspect, a latching assembly is mounted to a building roof. Another aspect employs a moveable latch that removeably attaches an auxiliary component, such as a solar panel, to a building in a single motion and/or snap-in installation manner.

Abstract: A headwall for a patient's room includes a panel having a vertically-extending front surface, an opening defined in the front surface of the headwall, and a door sized to be received in the opening. The door is vertically movable from a first position where an outer face of the door is flush with the front surface of the panel to a second position where the outer face extends parallel to the front surface and the door is positioned behind the front surface.

Abstract: Retail marketing environments of the present technology include retail stores and store layouts that provide a plurality of experience zones to guide a consumer through a purchasing experience. The first experience zone includes the front façade of the retail store and at least one window display case displaying merchandise that can be viewed through the front window. The second experience zone includes an interactive display that provides product information to consumers. The third experience zone includes at least one merchandise display area and at least one merchandise handling area. The fourth experience zone includes a plurality of interaction areas in which consumers can interact with store employees. A veil wall can be used to separate one or more of the experience zones.

Abstract: A mobile aboveground safety shelter to provide protection from dangerous events such as storms, tornadoes and similar occurrences is provided. The shelter includes a pallet and a room connected to the pallet. The pallet has a generally planer base and a wall extending upward from the base. The wall and base form a cavity suitable for containing a weighting material.

Abstract: A break away connector system is provided for coupling together structural elements, such as a firewall and a floor or ceiling. The break away connector system comprises a support member and a fusible member. The support member is connectable to a firewall for securing a floor or ceiling to the firewall. The break away connector system further comprises at least one securing member for connecting the floor or ceiling to the support member. The fusible member has a lower melting point than the support member. The support member is configured such that when the fusible member is weakened by heat, the floor or ceiling is slidably releasable from the support member. In a further embodiment, a method is provided for constructing a firewall connection system.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a portable tower having multiple sections including a base section and at least two slidable sections. The sections form a nested telescopic structure where each of the slidable sections is configured to move within another of the sections. The tower can also include a lifting system configured to extend the at least two slidable sections substantially simultaneously. Each section of the tower may also include multiple rollers configured to roll against at least one adjacent section of the tower.

Abstract: A loading dock barrier assembly includes a loading dock having a front wall. Each of a pair of spaced side posts is positioned adjacent to the front wall. A top end of each side post extends above a top edge of the front wall. A barrier is coupled to and extends between the side posts. The barrier is slidable between a deployed position and a retracted position. The barrier blocks passage between the side posts when in the deployed position. The barrier is positioned to permit passage between the side posts when in the retracted position. An actuator moves the barrier. A trigger is coupled to the front wall of the loading dock between the side posts. The trigger is operationally coupled to the actuator and configured to activate the actuator when a truck is positioned in the loading dock adjacent to the front wall.

Abstract: A locking apparatus for mounting a photovoltaic module on a rack, the locking apparatus includes a pressing member, a blot having a head and a threaded portion, and a mounting member fixed to the rack. The pressing member includes a bottom portion, two side portions extending up from opposite sides of the bottom portion, and two pressing pieces extending outward from tops of the side portions respectively. A through hole is defined in a center of the bottom portion. Two ribs extend inward from inner surfaces of side portions respectively. A distance between the ribs is less than a diameter of the head. The head is retained in the pressing member between the ribs and the bottom portion. The threaded portion extends through the through hole to be screwed into the mounting member.

Abstract: A mounting support for a photovoltaic module is described. The mounting support includes a pedestal having a surface adaptable to receive a flat side of a photovoltaic module laminate. A hole is disposed in the pedestal, the hole adaptable to receive a bolt or a pin used to couple the pedestal to the flat side of the photovoltaic module laminate.

Abstract: A modular tile configured to interlock with multiple tiles to form a modular floor covering over a floor. The tile includes a top surface having a periphery defining side walls extending downward from the top surface, the side walls having a coupling portion configured to couple with other tiles adjacent thereto to form the modular floor covering. The tile also includes a bottom side, opposite the top surface, having a support grid including an array of downward extending polymeric post structures, at least some of the post structures including at least one resilient end portion configured to be positioned against the floor to facilitate controlled deflection of the post structures. The post structures may comprise primary and secondary post structures, with the secondary post structures limiting the deflection of the primary post structures.

Abstract: A skylight shaft is coated with a highly reflective film to maximize the amount of light transmitted from the top of the skylight to a room below the skylight. Surface irregularities are formed in the shaft or adhesive that holds the film onto the shaft to diffuse the light and thereby prevent the formation of focal “hot spots” in the room below.

Abstract: A window for engagement with a building structure having a window opening, the window is providing a perimeter frame adapted to engage the window opening of the structure. The window has at least one window pane having a window pane perimeter. The window uses multiple perimeter retainer members including an outer perimeter retainer member and an inner perimeter retainer member, the perimeter retainer members typically having opposed substantially flat walls configured to engage the outer pane surface and the inner pane surface, respectively, and perimeter clip member engaging walls. Holding the retainer members are perimeter clip members configured with a first end and a second end, at least the first end adapted to resiliently engage at least one of the perimeter retainer members and a second end to engage the other retainer member so as to maintain the retainers in spaced apart relation with the flat walls thereof flush against walls adjacent the window pane perimeter.

Abstract: A modular wall assembly includes a frame assembly that includes at least one vertical frame member and at least one horizontal frame member, wherein the frame assembly is configured to define a door opening, a door member slidably operable between a closed position, wherein the door member is at least partially located within the door opening, and an open position, wherein the door member is at least partially removed from with the door opening to allow ingress and egress through the door opening, and a support assembly that includes a sliding support member that slidably supports the door member between the open and closed positions, and at least one mounting arrangement coupling the sliding support member, wherein the at least one mounting arrangement allows vertical adjustment of the sliding support member with respect to the frame assembly.

Abstract: An elongated stabilizer bar for maintaining a pair of grid runners in parallel upright positions to support a panel on respective grid runner support surfaces, the stabilizer bar having a horizontal leg and a vertical leg, the horizontal leg having self-penetrating tabs arranged to pierce and thereby grip a core of the panel to fix the stabilizer bar to the panel, a vertical leg having a vertical slot at each end, the slot having an open bottom, the slot having a horizontal width adapted to receive and confine an upper reinforcing bulb of a respective one of the pair of grid runners to thereby restrain the respective grid runner against excessive bowing and twisting deflection.

Abstract: A short cross member for a narrow utility channel formed of malleable sheet metal and having a vertical double ply web and a horizontal flange symmetrically disposed on both sides of a lower edge of the web, integral end connectors formed on each end of the cross member from sheet material contiguous with the web, the integral end connectors being arranged to support the flange in coplanar relation with flanges of the channel, the end connectors and the web being weakened at a predetermined vertical line whereby the cross member can be assembled in a narrow channel by bending at the associated line of weakness to shorten the effective overall length of the cross member.

Abstract: A windfence supporting tower with tension-integrity, includes a tubular metal tower having a central tubular post and four inclined tubular structural tensile elements attached to the post via the coupling ring and the lower ends attached to the free ends of a yoke of compression tubes, which is in turn attached to the post by the reaction flange of the yoke, further receiving at the free ends of the yoke four vertical tensile structural elements which are tensioned and anchored to the ground through four independent foundations located around the foundation of the central tube. These vertical ties pull on the connection point of the yoke and in turn the inclined structural elements connected to the coupling ring, thereby providing stability with tension-integrity, which is the main feature of the present supporting tower for absorbing forces caused by the wind.