Abstract: An apparatus for cutting toenails and fingernails includes a frame member that includes an upper frame member and a lower frame member. One of a pair of cutting blades is attached to a front of the upper frame member and a remainder of the pair of cutting blades is attached to a front of the lower frame member so that a cutting edge of each of the pair of cutting blades are in alignment and face each other. According to certain preferred embodiments, the device is disposable. According to certain other preferred embodiments each of the pair of cutting blades can be replaced with a new replacement blade assembly.

Abstract: A retractable knife includes a handle and a utility blade having a first side and a second side. The retractable knife further includes a blade holder comprising a first plate and a second plate configured to cover at least a portion of said first and second sides of said utility blade, and for supporting said utility blade. The blade holder may be telescopically movable relative to said handle between an extended position and a retracted position, and wherein the blade holder extends out from the handle in said extended position. A blade release member may be mounted on the blade holder.

Abstract: A shaving razor includes a cartridge having a cartridge housing and a handle. The cartridge housing has a front edge, a rear edge and two side edges extending from the front edge to the rear edge. One or more shaving blades are located on the housing and between the front edge and the rear edge. A connecting member is connected to the cartridge housing and includes a deflectable element defining at least a portion of an opening extending through the connecting member. The handle includes a handle interconnect member that includes a protrusion having an enlarged distal end and angled side surfaces extending from the distal end to a base.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a tracking apparatus includes a spherical body, three or more spherical driving units, a hold unit, a control unit. The three or more spherical driving units are connected to the movable body and kept in contact with portions of the spherical body to move the movable body in a desired direction. The hold unit connects the third gimbal to the movable body, and holds the spherical driving units pressed against the spherical body. The control unit controls the spherical driving units to track the target, using the first to fourth rotation angles.

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

Abstract: A bicycle cleat positioning kit includes a foot locating instrument and a foot measuring instrument. The foot locating instrument includes a foot support surface. The foot measuring instrument includes a foot reference indicator indicative of a foot reference location and a cleat attachment indicator indicative of a cleat attachment location relative to the foot reference indicator.

Abstract: A go/no-go gauge for hole tolerance measurement incorporates a handle, a first pin having a first diameter extending from a first end of the handle and a second pin having a second diameter extending from a second end of the handle. A force measurement element is disposed between the ends of the handle and configured to provide an indication upon exceeding a predetermined force level when attempting to insert one of the pins into a hole.

Abstract: A battery identification device which sorts a specialty battery requiring replacement initially by diameter then subsequently by thickness through the interaction of an open channel and ridges which include progressively larger ridges that project into the channel to form zones of progressively diminished thickness.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dryer for drying of garden waste, particularly of chopped lop and other bulk material, comprising an elongated lying container with a cross section which is at least partially round; the container comprises at its one end an inlet and at its other end an outlet for the material; the container wall is perforated at least over parts of its length; the perforations are connected to pressurized air; there are provided conveyer means which seize the material in the ascending quadrant of the container wall and transport the same upwardly over a certain length of path.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for drying a product comprising placing the product on a first side of a support surface, and directing dry radiant heat toward the second side of the surface to heat the product. A sensor can be included to measure at least one characteristic of the product, such as the temperature or moisture content thereof. The temperature of the heat source can be regulated as a function of the measured characteristic. The support surface can also be made so as to be movable relative to the heat source. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of control zones are defined and through which the product is successively passed. Each of the control zones has at least one associated heat source and an associated sensor so as to regulate the temperature of the heat sources associated with each control zone independently of those associated with another zone.

Abstract: An ink curing apparatus (11) comprising a UV light source (13); at least one moveable shutter means (17, 17a), which is moveable about the longitudinal axis of the UV light source (13); and at least one reflector (15); wherein at least one air passage (19a) is defined along substantially the entire surface area of the or each reflector (15).

Abstract: A process for producing dispersion powders by spray drying of aqueous polymer dispersions and addition of antiblocking agents in a rotary atomization dryer, wherein the antiblocking agent is conveyed by delivery air, wholly or partly, into an annular gap which is formed by a moulding arranged concentrically around the housing of the rotary atomizer, and which ends at a distance above the upper edge of the atomizer plate of the rotary atomizer.

Abstract: A rack of the type for circulating air interiorly for drying multiple pairs of boots and/or gloves, where the articles to be dried are sprayed with a liquid sterilizing agent while on the rack. The blower housing, manifold and hollow members of the rack have no exterior horizontal surfaces to prevent pooling of the sterilizing agent. In addition, drain holes are provided in the blower housing, rack tubes and manifold to prevent interior trapping of sterilizing agent or moisture from condensation. In one version intended for sterilizing with power connected, a conduit in the manifold drains any liquid in the blower housing directly into the rack tubes. Another lower cost version is intended for sterilizing after electrical power has been externally disconnected and has liquid/moisture drain holes in the blower housing. Either version may be wall mounted or arranged as portable free standing single or double sided rack drying systems.

Abstract: A laundry drying unit includes a process air circuit and a component arranged in the process air circuit. Provided above the component is a washing tank for dispensing a cleaning fluid, with a flow of cleaning fluid dispensed from the washing tank to the component being controlled by a controllable valve. The valve can be controlled on the basis of an amount of cleaning fluid in the washing tank.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for drying a piece of textile which is impinged upon by an air flow having a varied partial steam pressure to evacuate moisture. The method and apparatus are particularly suitable for drying a piece of textile with a layered structure having a semi-permeable membrane.

Abstract: A shoe (and fabrication techniques therefor) on which is provided a bottom portion that includes a sole portion and a heel portion and that has a bottom surface and an upper portion extending upwardly from the bottom portion. The bottom surface of the bottom portion of the shoe has areas of a fabric material (such as cotton, nylon, polyester, any other cloth or fabric), or any of a variety of other first materials, interspersed with areas of a durable material (such as ethylene vinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, thermoplastic rubber, any other plastic, and/or any other natural or synthetic leather or rubber), or any of a variety of other second materials.

Abstract: The present invention is footwear having a convex shaped outsole with opposing wedge shaped configurations in the bottom of the front sole section and the back sole section which provide rotation of the front sole section and the back sole section in opposite directions when weight is applied. The present invention is also footwear convex shaped in the longitudinal direction with a split sole having opposing wedge shaped configurations in the bottom of the front sole section and the back sole section that provide rotation of the front sole section and the back sole section in opposite directions when weight is applied. The invention further includes footwear having at least one pair of wedges on the outsole which provide footwear having improved arch support. The invention is also footwear with a flexible, elastic, member between the front sole section and the back sole section of the sole.

Abstract: A cushioning sole for footwear includes a heel portion, an opening, and a cushioning slide. The heel portion includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The opening extends vertically through the heel portion from the bottom surface to the top surface. The cushioning slide is disposed in the opening and extends out from the top surface and out from the bottom surface.

Abstract: A footwear for protecting the foot against an impact with an external body, comprising a protective component (20) adapted to deforming under pressure from the foot and/or the external body in case of impact. The protection component is made in a way to react under said pressure with a permanent and irreversible structural alteration, thus absorbing and simultaneously dispersing the received energy during the impact.

Abstract: An outsole for an article of footwear. The outsole includes an outsole body having a ground contact surface and defining grooves having a sinusoidal path along the ground contact surface. The grooves are arranged to provide an edge density of between about 40 mm/cm2 and about 200 mm/cm2 and a surface contact ratio of between about 40% and about 95%.

Abstract: A traction element arrangement for a sole structure of an article of footwear is described. Traction elements include cut step features. Cut step features provide a traction element with a stepped height. Cut step features on medial rotational traction elements that have a plurality of stud elements arranged in a circular grouping include arc-shaped or straight cuts. Cut step features on traction elements disposed in a heel region are aligned laterally across the sole structure. Traction elements also include raised platform members. Cut step features can be combined with raised platform members.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an article of footwear includes a sole defining a lateral side and a medial side, an upper attached to the sole, and a resilient member positioned within the sole. The resilient member includes a plurality of arms including a medial arm extending along the medial side of the sole and a lateral arm extending along the lateral side of the sole, wherein an end of the medial arm is connected to an end of the lateral arm.

Abstract: A footwear assembly having an upper that comprises a neoprene sock with a foot portion integrally connected to a leg portion. The foot portion has heel, vamp and under-foot portions. The leg portion has front shin, side wall, and rear calf-side portions. The upper has a unitary, outer, injection molded layer molded directly onto the foot and shin portions of the neoprene sock, while the sidewall and rear calf-side portions remain substantially uncovered by the injection molded layer. The injection molded layer encases the foot portion of the neoprene sock. The injection molded layer on the shin portion defines a shin guard portion having a necked down area integrally connected to the injection molded layer at the vamp portion, wherein the shin guard extends upwardly from the necked-down portion in an outwardly diverging shape away from the vamp.

Abstract: A weighted footwear assembly includes a foot covering including a sole and a perimeter wall attached to and extending upwardly from the sole. The perimeter wall includes an upper, a heel counter and a heel collar extending upwardly from the heel counter. The foot covering includes a back side, a front side, a first lateral side and a second lateral side wherein the front side is configured to cover toes of a foot. A plurality of sleeves is attached to the perimeter wall. Each of a plurality of weights has a size and shape for being received by one of the sleeves.

Abstract: The present application discloses a plow blade that may be mounted to a plow moldboard. In one exemplary embodiment, the plow blade comprises one or more blade segments, an elastomeric portion that at least partially surrounds the one or more blade segments and permits the one or more blade segments to move relative to the moldboard, and one or more bushings disposed in the elastomeric portion for attaching the plow blade to the moldboard. The one or more blade segments are generally shaped and positioned within the elastomeric portion such that a portion of each blade segment is disposed between at least one bushing and a top edge of the plow blade.

Abstract: A mining shovel adapted to dig a bank of material includes a boom having an end, a hoist rope extending over the end of the boom, an elongated member movably coupled to the boom, a dipper for engaging the bank of material, a bail assembly, and a pitch brace. The member includes a first end and a second end. The dipper is coupled to the second end of the member and includes a digging edge. The bail assembly includes a first end pivotably coupled to the dipper and a second end coupled to the hoist rope passing over the boom. The pitch brace includes a first end pivotably coupled to the bail assembly and a second end pivotably coupled to the member.

Abstract: An edge-lit light engine module for signs and a sign are provided. The light engine module has housing and a light engine that fits within the housing. The housing has a base member and at least one side member that overlaps a tab formed along an edge of a sign face. The housing is configured to align the light engine with the partial edge of the sign so that light from the light engine enters and is reflected within the material that forms the sign face so that the sign face becomes illuminated. The housing properly aligns the light engine, and also serves as a heat sink to draw heat away from the light engine and transfer the heat outside the housing.

Abstract: A configurable large-depth panel display uses a number of frame members and a number of corner brackets coupled to one another to create an flexible and easily customized display device. The frame members relatively uniform, having a substantially constant cross-sectional configuration which is easily coupled to the frame members. The corner brackets can be configured in a number of different ways to produce a display product with a desired configuration. More specifically, the corner brackets can be configured to attach to frame members in a manner which produce an overall framework having multiple shapes and orientations, depending upon the desired design of the overall display. To complete the display panel, a removable face panel is attached to the frame using an interference fit caused by a ridged tab inserted into a channel that has a supporting recess. Various face panels, can be easily attached to the frame members using integral portions of the constant cross-sectional configuration.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclose a corral and enclosure defined by three members having an opening configured to hold one or more shopping carts and display one or more advertisements, with two substantially parallel walls of different lengths and advertisement panels affixed on the walls, such that they are staggered. The staggered arrangement of the at least two advertisement panels facilitates better visibility and allows the simultaneous viewing of at least two advertisement panels. The longer member also further protects vehicles parked on its side from colliding with shopping carts.

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.

Abstract: An image display apparatus (10) for displaying one or more images (20) such as photographs. The image (20) is mounted on a raised portion (14) around which is arranged a further raised portion (16) as a mounting panel (8). The portions are separated to provide a gap (30) there between which gives the illusion that the image and the mounting panel (18) are floating. This effect accentuates the image which is additionally enhanced by the choice of color of the mounting panel (18). The portions are located on a backing panel which extends beyond the perimeter of the mounting panel to provide an additional framing feature. The backing panel (12) and mounting panel (18) are made of durably rigid materials such as Perspex® or aluminum so that the apparatus can be mounted without a frame.

Abstract: A display device includes a display panel for irradiating light, a transparent substrate comprising an active portion for passing through the image light and a decoration portion surrounding the active portion, and a decoration layer filling a groove at the decoration portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide firearm receiver with ambidextrous features. Some of these features include a bolt-locking mechanism on a firearm receiver that is configured to allow an operator to clear jams while maintaining hold of a firing grip. The bolt-locking mechanism may include a linking mechanism configured to manipulate a bolt-catch device in response to activation of a magazine release button on a firearm receiver. Other features include an ambidextrous magazine release mechanism on a firearm receiver that is configured to allow an operator to release an inserted magazine while maintaining hold of a firing grip with either hand. The magazine release mechanism may include a linking mechanism configured to manipulate a magazine catch device in response to activation of either a right-handed magazine release button or a left-handed magazine release lever that pivots on an external fulcrum on a firearm receiver.

Abstract: An extractor is mounted on a slide of an auto-loading firearm. The extractor is capable of rotational and translational motion relative to the slide resulting in improved functioning through an increase in flag distance and reduced friction between the extractor and cartridge when the slide moves into battery. The extractor has a cam follower which cooperates with a cam on the slide to maintain the extractor hook in engagement with the rim of the cartridge during extraction. The extractor is biased into engagement with the cam, and a second cam follower on the extractor is engageable with the barrel face when the slide moves into battery.

Abstract: A firearm includes a frame having at least one interior receptacle defined by opposed interior walls and having opposed guide rails extending from the opposed interior walls, and at least one modular housing disposed in the receptacle and accommodating at least one operational component of the firearm. The modular housing is defined by opposed sidewalls having opposed guide channels formed therein, the guide channels being configured to selectively engage the guide rails to facilitate the aligning of the modular housing with respect to the interior receptacle. The at least one operational component and the modular housing are pre-assembled together as an integrated unit for drop-in insertion into the receptacle during assembly of the firearm.

Abstract: A foregrip for a firearm may comprise a mounting device configured to attach to a mounting rail of a firearm and a grip body. The grip body may include a top portion configured to be removably attached to the mounting device and a lateral side portion configured to be gripped by the hand of a person using a firearm. A cavity may be disposed within the grip body, and a blade may be disposed at least partially within the cavity, wherein the blade is movable between a retracted position and a deployed position relative to the grip body.

Abstract: A locking adjustable cheek rest comprising an upper U-shaped portion and a lower portion located on the stock of a rifle or other firearm. The U-shaped portion is biased against the lower portion, such that the walls of the U-shaped upper portion press against the lower portion, thereby locking the upper portion in position. A first release and a second release are depressed to release the bias and enable the upper portion to be raised and lowered relative to the lower portion. Interlocking mechanisms located on the upper and lower portions facilitate locking of the cheek rest in a position determined by the user.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a butt stock assembly for a firearm. The butt stock assembly comprises a front cap, a base, a center frame, a tube housing, a release lever, a locking pin, a rotation pin, and a spring. The center frame has a plurality of attachment holes. The attachment holes provide a means for attaching modular firearm components to the butt stock assembly. The release lever is attached to the center frame by the rotation pin. The release lever pivots about the rotation pin. The release lever engages the locking pin. The locking pin engages the spring. The center frame has a top edge, a front edge, a back edge, and a bottom edge. The front cap is removably secured to the front edge of the center frame. The base is removably secured to the back edge of the center frame.

Abstract: A firearm is provided that includes a receiver, a stock, an elongated barrel and a muzzle. The barrel extends from the receiver to the muzzle and has a rectangular internal bore extending from the receiver to the muzzle. The internal bore has two short sides and two long sides. A plurality of teeth extends along one of the short sides within the internal bore. A disk-shaped bullet fitting within the internal bore may be fired from the firearm. A bullet case having a rectangular orifice is provided to chamber the disk-shaped bullet for propulsion through the rectangular internal bore of the firearm.

Abstract: A firearm is provided that includes a receiver, a stock, an elongated barrel and a muzzle. The barrel extends from the receiver to the muzzle and has a rectangular internal bore extending from the receiver to the muzzle. The internal bore has two short sides and two long sides. A plurality of teeth extends along one of the short sides within the internal bore. A disk-shaped bullet fitting within the internal bore may be fired from the firearm. A bullet case having a rectangular orifice is provided to chamber the disk-shaped bullet for propulsion through the rectangular internal bore of the firearm.

Abstract: This trigger guard roll pin tool makes it possible to safely and quickly install or remove the trigger guard roll pin on a conventional M16/M4 family weapon. In the disassembly or reassembly of the trigger guard on such weapons the handling of the trigger guard roll pin element is often a manually challenging and painstaking activity that can result in damage to the weapon if done incorrectly. This disclosed tool handily is an assist in such activities. The trigger guard roll pin tool makes it possible to remove and install the trigger guard roll pin without risking breakage of the roll pin flanges on the lower receiver.

Abstract: A dot sight includes a base, a housing, a reflective element, an emitter, a horizontal adjusting portion and a vertical adjusting portion. The housing is coupled to the base. The reflective element is coupled to the housing. The emitter provides a reticle image to the reflective element. The reflective element reflects at least a portion of the reticle image. The emitter is coupled to the housing. The horizontal adjusting portion adjusts a position of the housing relative to the base. The vertical adjusting portion adjusts a position of the housing relative to the base.

Abstract: A scope adjustment system includes a turret cap assembly, a saddle assembly, and a quick spanner assembly. The turret cap assembly includes a ring with a plurality of regularly spaced apart teeth residing circumferentially around the ring. The saddle assembly includes a transportation element in mechanical communication with a plunger. The saddle assembly includes a click element to engage the teeth of the ring. The quick spanner assembly includes a bolt that may be coupled to the transportation element, a cam lock hinged to the bolt, and a pressure plate residing between the bolt and the cam lock. The bolt can be screwed into the transportation element, and the cam lock can be set to apply a force on the pressure plate such that the transportation element engages the plunger. When engaged, the plunger is responsive to rotations of the turret cap to adjust, e.g., an aiming reticle.

Abstract: An articulating targeting device comprises a mounting base, a swing arm and a sighting component carrying body. The swing arm is pivotably attached to the mounting base for allowing the swing arm to pivot about a first pivot axis between a first swing arm position and a second swing arm position. The sighting component carrying body pivotably attached to the swing arm for allowing the sighting component carrying body to pivot about a second pivot axis between a first carrying body position and a second carrying body position.

Abstract: A portable fishing aid that contains two detachable parts, the outer sleeve and the sleeve holder, wherein the outer sleeve contains a built-in audiovisual bite and alert sensor and the outer sleeve holder contains a wire basket or similar material permanently attached to a penetration spike that can be safely driven into the ground at a preferable angle and depth to withstand and support the weight of the fishing pole.

Abstract: A fishing jig with a flexible shank allows a minnow on the fishing jig to swim free. This natural movement of the minnow entices a predator to feed while foraging. Predators not foraging are enticed into a reaction strike with the use of various types of terminal tackle, such as colored beads, blade spinners, turbo spinners and the like. The fish hooks and the jig head can be matched to meet the fishing conditions and type of fish being targeted. For example, a heavier jig head can be used with a smaller fishing hook for fishing smaller fish in deep water.

Abstract: An insect decoy is provided that includes a vapor-isolated vessel, a chemical compound disposed within the vapor-isolated vessel, and an excitation energy source. The chemical compound may have one or more absorption bands at a set of absorption wavelengths and have one or more emission bands at a set of emission wavelengths. The excitation energy source may be configured to produce electromagnetic radiation at the absorption wavelengths so as to fluoresce the chemical compound and release photons at the emission wavelengths. The vapor-isolated vessel may be configured with at least one infrared transmissive window that is substantially transparent to the released photons at the emission wavelengths of the chemical compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bait station and method for securing it using a receptacle for holding a weight to weight a bait enclosure and by stakes formed as a unitary part of the enclosure for securing the enclosure.

Abstract: A rodent bait station has a plastic base with a bottom opening which receives a removable bait receptacle which is engaged by two resilient fingers to the base, and secured by a downward projection from the lid, which offers a child-resistant latch, such that the bait receptacle can only be removed for rebaiting by simultaneously deflecting the downward projection and the two fingers while extracting the receptacle.

Abstract: Locks for use with pest-control devices such as bait stations or other loadable devices, kits that include a lock and key, and pest control devices that include a lock.