Abstract: In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a footwear comprises a base and a retainer being coupled to the base for forming a cavity and an opening thereto. The footwear further comprises a heel counter being coupled to at least one of the base and the retainer. The heel counter is biased in an up position and is positionable between the up position and a down position. When a foot interacts with the heel counter, the heel counter is positioned away from the up position towards the down position for facilitating access of a foot to the opening. Subsequently, when the foot is fully inserted into the cavity, the heel counter returns to the up position for engaging the heel of the foot in order for preventing dislodgement of the foot from the cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a digital absorbent pad of any size, shape and material comprising a twisted, wrapped, layered, bent, rolled and folded formation for multiple usages, including a comfortable insertion or placement in between the toes and front portion of the feet of a human being for the treatment and prevention of all symptoms of athlete's foot. This invention is designed and constructed to be comfortably worn during the day time and/or night time, including while the user of this absorbent pad wears regular enclosed boots, shoes, sneakers and/or socks, stockings, tights or footies during military activities to counter terrorism, regular military activities, regular civilian activities, regular work activities, regular sports activities and other activities. Alternately, this invention is also designed and constructed for comfort wear during the daytime and/or nighttime by the user with or without regular enclosed boots, shoes, sneaker, socks, stockings, tights or footies, including during bedtime.

Abstract: A cushioning boot for bed-ridden patients. The boot includes a thickly-padded leg engaging portion and foot engaging portion with a front opening for easy insertion of a patient foot and leg. A series of stretchable, adjustable closure panels are removably secured to the boot for positioning and inserted leg in the proper orientation and retaining it in place.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed which has a sock-like fabric body that may be readily applied to the feet of an infant, wherein the article is adaptable to a variety of different sized feet.

Abstract: A device for preventing loss of a foot covering includes a first strap wrapped around a leg adjacent an ankle of a wearer of such foot covering and a hook and loop fastener for securing the first strap around the leg. A second strap extends generally downwardly from the first strap and has a loop formed in a first end thereof for receiving therethrough the first strap and for slidably attaching the second strap to the first strap. A second hook and loop fastener or a clip is attached to a second end of the second strap for releaseably connecting the second strap to such foot covering.

Abstract: A dynamically molding orthotics device. The orthotics device consisting of a pre shaped counter frame containing an envelope within which a non-catalytic dynamic molding compound is sealed to interface between the pre-molded counter frame and the anatomy of the user. The counter frame of the pre molded shapes consist of irrigating canals, volume and pressure regulating pockets and relief areas for the purpose of (perpetually) dispersing and uniformly molding the compound to functionally dynamically and comfortably support and protect normal and amputated extremities and articulations of humans and animals. The molding compound is managed continuously by the pressures exerted between the continuously variable anatomical shapes of each extremity and articulation, flesh textures and bone densities, the pre molded counter frame shapes, and, the respective biomechanical dynamics of the whole body anatomy in each physical activity.

Abstract: A snow remover for the roofs of trucks and tractor trailers in which a structure of two vertical supports and a cross piece spanning them in supporting a plow rests upon a connected base plate provided with pairs of pockets on each side of the structure to allow for its lifting by a pair of forklifts operating in tandem and moving to a truck terminal access lane when snow build up removal is warranted, and thereafter moved into storage, in which the snow plow is in the configuration of an elongated-V from side-to-side angled forwardly toward the vehicles to meet substantially one-half way between the two vertical supports.

Abstract: A system for controlling outdoor signs has an outdoor sign having a price that is controllable. A controller sends a price signal that controls the price on the outdoor sign. A feedback system determines if the outdoor sign is functioning properly.

Abstract: A note and photo organizing system configured to extend around at least a substantial portion of a perimeter of an object, having: a first portion dimensioned to extend in a perpendicular direction from the perimeter of the object; and a second portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the first portion, such that the second portion is positioned in front of the object such that the system forms a pocket extending around at least a substantial portion of the perimeter of the object. A plurality of clips are connected to the second portion of the system such that articles held by the clips are positioned to extend outwardly away from the system such that they do not cover a viewing surface of the object.

Abstract: A hangtag is provided that is capable of hanging multiple tools. The hangtag has a body portion, a hanging mechanism connected to the body portion, and a tool supporting mechanism also connected to the body portion for supporting a tool. The body portion has a front surface and a back surface. On the back surface is disposed a hangtag attachment apparatus. The hangtag attachment apparatus comprises a bracket, and an elongated attachment bar configured to be selectively attached to and detached from the bracket. The attachment bar has a length that permits it to be connected to at least two and preferably more hangtags so that multiple hangtags may be selectively connected together. In this way, tools that would otherwise be sold individually can now be sold as a set.

Abstract: A flyer distribution device for holding and displaying flyers for distribution, which includes a transparent envelope including four corners, an opening, and a releasably couplable flap for closing the opening; a hole in each of the four corners; and a securing means attached to each of the holes.

Abstract: A launcher which can be readily converted for use by either a right-handed or left-handed shot. The launcher has a receiver with upper and lower extensions extending forwardly from the receiver body. A barrel is pivotally mounted near forward portions of the extensions, in one of two positions, such that in one position it is pivotable from a home position aligned with the receiver and the extensions between the two extensions, to a load position with the breech of the barrel to the left, and such that in the other position it is pivotable from the home position, to a load position with the breech to the right. One way of accomplishing this is with a barrel support bracket to which the barrel is pivotally mounted, with the barrel support bracket being secured at or near the front of the receiver extensions, and being rotatable between two positions, each corresponding to a different swing direction for the barrel.

Abstract: Safety device for a hand-held weapon comprising a transponder for authenticating at least one authorized weapon user carrying or wearing the transponder or for authenticating an allowed area for using the weapon. The transponder is adapted to emit a wireless preferably cryptified authenticating signal. The Safety device further comprises a safety means for a grip of the weapon which is adapted to be necessarily activated by a hand of the user when the hand is holding the grip of the weapon and which upon activation emits a wireless request signal. The transponder is adapted to emit the authenticating signal upon receipt of the request signal from the safety means. The safety means receives and processes the authenticating signal from the transponder and permits firing of the weapon by the user upon receipt of an authenticating signal from the transponder authenticating an authorized user.

Abstract: A shooting rest supports a firearm and reduces recoil energy of the firearm. The shooting rest has a rear support and a front support for supporting the firearm and a frame connecting the rear support and the front support. The frame supports at least one weight to reduce the amount of recoil energy felt by a shooter.

Abstract: A firearm holding device for holding a firearm having a forend, a grip and a buttstock. The holding device comprises a base having a longitudinal axis, a forend support mounted on the base for supporting the forend of the firearm, a grip support mounted on the base for supporting the grip of the firearm, and a buttstock support mounted on the base for supporting the buttstock of the firearm. At least one of the forend support, grip support and buttstock support are moveable on the base along the longitudinal axis of the base to accommodate various sizes and types of firearms.

Abstract: The present invention is a rear sight for a firearm that is usable for both Close Quarters Combat (“CQB”) and standard shooting scenarios. The invention features both a primary targeting aperture and a CQB “notch”, both for use in conjunction with a standard sighting bead for the desired effects. The larger notch allows a greater field of view and raises the weapon slightly in comparison with the regular targeting aperture, thus making its use more efficient for CQB situations.

Abstract: A gunstock assembly includes a laser sighting device, and a gunstock having a cavity containing the laser sighting device. In one exemplary embodiment, a portion of the laser sighting device extends outside the cavity at a fore end of the gunstock. In another exemplary embodiment, a laser output port of the laser sighting device is substantially flush with a fore end of the gunstock. In yet another exemplary embodiment, a laser output port of the laser sighting device is recessed from a fore end of the gunstock within the cavity. The laser sighting device can also include an actuator switch that, when actuated, causes the laser sighting device to emit a laser beam.

Abstract: An accessory mount having a rail for removably mounting an accessory (such as a light beam generator) to a firearm, the accessory mount being removably secured to the firearm through utilization of a transverse pin retained by the firearm, and positionally stabilized by utilization of a wedge shaped member urged between the mount and the firearm's trigger guard.

Abstract: An accessory device for being mounted to a longitudinal rail carried by a firearm and accommodating longitudinal rails of different configurations.

Abstract: A hand-held fish handling device includes a shaft having one pointed end, useful in entering the mouth of a fish and then retrieving a swallowed hook from the stomach of a fish. The other end of the shaft has a multi-purpose tool fastened thereon; the tool is able to be used as a pithing device, as an external hook remover, and as a gaff. A hand grip enclosing the centre of the shaft may be brightly coloured and of high buoyancy to aid in retrieving a dropped device. One version of the device employs a wooden shaft and the attached multi-purpose tool is made of a bent metal rod, sharpened at both ends.

Abstract: An apparatus is described, combining a portable outrigger holder with a fishing rod holder; so that both can be moved to a plurality of positions in both a horizontal plane and a vertical plane.

Abstract: A trap may include structure which provides the attraction of mosquitoes to breeding water and provides a variety of destruction mechanisms, including drying, drowning, heat, and ultrasonic killing mechanism and method for larvae, and a quick suction killing mechanism and method for adult mosquitoes. Other mechanisms, ancillary structures and additional action can be employed with any of the mechanisms singly, or a pair of the mechanisms along with a double acting trap to help kill adult mosquitoes.

Abstract: A pest-control product that has a simple structure and that can protect targets from pests, regardless of the shape and size of the targets, is provided. A pest-control product for protecting targets from pests includes: a plurality of pest-control members, which are made of a material containing a pest-control component; and a connector for connecting the pest-control members.

Abstract: An additive concentrate comprises a lubricity enhancer dissolved in a solvent. The lubricity enhancer comprises from 10 to 90% by weight of the concentrate and is a salt formed by the reaction of a carboxylic acid with di-n-butylamine or tri-n-butylamine. The concentrates have excellent low temperature stability.

Abstract: A process for de-ashing coal wherein a wet or methanol soaked coal is subjected to a high current pulse of electrical energy to induce rapid heating, causing an explosive release of vapor breaking the coal particles apart and separating the organic fraction from the inorganic. The particles are swept along by the large volume of gas and the particles are separated by fluidization. Heavier ash particles are gravity separated from the lighter organic coal particles. The de-ashed organic coal particles leave the top of the fluidized bed. They are then separated in a cyclone separator from the vapor. The vapor is then condensed to a liquid and discharged or recycled.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for producing a liquid inoculant containing a desiccant. The method can improve survival and stability of bacteria in liquid inoculants in pack and on seeds. The method includes providing a liquid inoculant of a bacterium grown to a substantially stationary phase. A desiccant treatment containing a desiccant is added to the liquid inoculant to form a partially desiccated inoculant product. The partially desiccated inoculant product can be packaged and stored. The partially desiccated inoculant product can also be applied to seeds.

Abstract: A gaseous fuel and air mixing venturi device adapted for retrofitting in a carburetor has a venturi body with a passage for air flow through the body, the passage having a throat of reduced cross-sectional area. The body has an axial fuel inlet port at a first end and fuel supply ports connected to the fuel inlet port and spaced around the throat for supplying fuel to the air flow passage for mixing with air flowing through the passage. The first end of the venturi body has mating seating formations for seating against corresponding seating surfaces of a gaseous fuel carburetor after removal of a spring mass air/fuel mixing section, and a fastener mechanism for releasably securing the venturi body in the carburetor, with the fuel supply port of the carburetor connected to the fuel inlet port of the venturi body.

Abstract: A gate within a gate within a barrier. A first, relatively small gate is engaged within a second, relatively large gate, which is engaged in a barrier for extending across a passageway of a residence. The relatively large gate can be closed to, for example, minimize access of toddlers to the passageway, while the relatively small gate can be opened to, for example, maximize access of small dogs to the passageway. One example of a passageway is the head or bottom of a stairway. The relatively large gate, when closed, minimizes toddlers from falling down or climbing up stairs. The relatively small gate, when open, permits small dogs to walk down or climb up the stairs.

Abstract: A bulkhead door for a ship, which includes a door sheet, a gasket arranged along the periphery of the door sheet for cooperation with a knife edge of a door frame, and a strengthening rib extending along the periphery of the door sheet near the gasket. The strengthening rib arranged perpendicular to the door sheet.

Abstract: A method of making an abrasive product includes compacting a cohesive layer of abrasive particles and particulate curable binder precursor prior to forming curable shaped structures, and then at least partially curing the curable binder precursor.

Abstract: A bonded abrasive tool comprises a blend of abrasive grains and a bond component. The blend of abrasive grains comprises a filamentary sol-gel alumina abrasive grain and agglomerated abrasive grain granules. A bonded abrasive tool comprising an agglomerate of filamentary sol-gel alumina abrasive and non-filamentary abrasive grains, and a bond component is also disclosed. The filamentary sol-gel alumina abrasive grain has a length-to-cross-sectional-width aspect ratio of greater than 1.0. The agglomerated abrasive grain granules comprise a plurality of abrasive grains held in a three-dimensional shape by a binding material. A method of making such a bonded abrasive tool as described above is also disclosed.

Abstract: A polishing composition contains silica abrasive grains having an average particle size of 20 to 100 nm, an alkali selected from the group consisting of ammonia, ammonium salts, alkali metal salts, and alkali metal hydroxides, and a silicone oil having an HLB value greater than or equal to 8. The polishing composition is suitable for use in an application for polishing an object to be polished.

Abstract: A device for producing a prefabricated cast concrete element. The device includes a plurality of central structural elements, each of the plural central structural elements comprising two parallel welded wire lattice mats, straight bridging wires welded at each end to the two wire lattice mats holding the wire lattice mats at a predetermined mutual separation and an insulating member penetrated by the bridging wires arranged with its cover surfaces parallel to the wire lattice mats and at a predetermined distance to the wire lattice mats. Shuttering walls are arranged on opposing sides of the plural central structural elements, each of the shuttering walls comprising a plurality of sections connectable to one another. A plurality of spacing members composed of rustproof materials are arranged and dimensioned for defining a spacing between each of the plural structural elements and the shuttering walls for receiving concrete for forming concrete shells.

Abstract: A liquid dispersing device includes a relatively rigid thin perforated plate having a plurality of closely spaced minute openings or holes in the form of a fine mesh. A plurality of plates are mounted on brackets secured along a side wall of a structure in the path of liquid flowing over and downward from the upper end of the wall. The liquid passing through the holes is dispersed into fine droplets with minimum agglomeration. The angle of the plate and holes determine the direction in which the droplets are dispersed. Use of the perforated plates can eliminate the usual gutter and leader structures which remove rainwater from roofs of houses and can also provide more effective cooling when mounted along internal cooling tower walls.

Abstract: A portable drilling mast structure comprising a lower drilling mast having a lower end pivotally coupled to a base. A hinge is coupled to an upper end of the lower drilling mast and a lower end of an upper drilling mast. The drilling mast structure has a first position wherein the lower drilling mast is parallel to the base and the upper drilling mast is disposed between the lower drilling mast and the base. The drilling mast structure has a second position wherein the lower drilling mast is perpendicular to the base and the upper drilling mast is aligned with the lower drilling mast.

Abstract: A shade structure includes a vertical column and a roof having a cover, a framework supporting the cover, and a mount attached for rotational adjustment to a top of the column and supporting the roof on the column. The framework includes a triangularly-shaped main beam arrangement comprising a plurality of beams secured together to form a triangle that lies in a vertical plane and that defines a peak and opposing first corners, with the mount being located between the peak and one of the opposing corners. The framework further includes a pair of transverse beams and a bracing beam secured to the triangular main beam arrangement that define opposing second corners. By this arrangement, an adjustable shade structure is provided that is able to withstand over 40 mph wind loads.

Abstract: A modularizable and assembleable structure including a plurality of individual and three-dimensional shaped components, each being interengageable along opposingly extending edges in order to establish a three-dimensional and internally accessible structure. The components include a roof, a plurality of walls and a floor, each exhibiting an impression molded plasticized/polymer based construction with an aggregate filler material incorporated therein.

Abstract: A building module for housing purposes comprises a rigid, rectangular, three-dimensional truss formed with four steel end columns and steel beams extending between the columns. The modules may be combined with similar modules to form building structures. Each module includes a floor panel extending between the four end columns, wall panels, and a roof panel extending from two of the end columns, parallel to the forward column and terminating a spaced distance from the two end columns. A first rectangular folding panel has one end hingedly attached to the edge of the roof panel termination and a second rectangular folding panel, larger than the first rectangular folding panel, has one end hingedly supported between the two end columns.

Abstract: Assembly time of a modular washroom may be reduced when compared to assembly of a conventional washroom, thereby reducing delays in occupancy of building units such as those in a strip mall. In one embodiment, a modular washroom comprises coupling devices on adjoining walls that are easily accessible so that the modular washroom may be more easily and quickly moveable than a conventional washroom. In one embodiment, the modular washroom comprises components that receive compliance certification prior to installation into a building structure, thereby reducing delays related to compliance inspections that typically occur after construction of a washroom at the building site.

Abstract: A combinational housing structure comprising several housing units, every housing unit has a rectangular steel frame as backbone, several wedge holes are on the top, bottom and four comers of the steel frame, several hook parts corresponding to four walls are on the edges of the steel frame; four walls, one floor and one ceiling can attach to the steel frame; pipes for utility, water are inside the walls, ceiling and floor, extension connectors are on both ends of these electricity and water pipes for extension connection; windows and doors are on the walls. Based on the structure described above, the housing units are made in advance for different functions in rapid, large quantity method for easy transportation and assembly; these housing units are shipped on site for fast installation, the pipes are connected with extension connectors; such can assemble a full function shelter as temporary building or for rescue purpose.

Abstract: A drip edge and related method for building roofs includes an elongate, substantially rigid edge strip having a generally L-shape defined by an upper flange with a forward portion protruding outwardly from the bottom edge of the roof and a generally flat rearward portion, and a lower flange disposed at an angle to the upper flange and extending vertically downwardly to cover the bottom edge of the roof and an adjacent portion of the fascia. A compliant fastener strip is connected with the rearward portion of the upper flange and extends rearwardly therefrom. The fastener strip has a flexible construction, which conforms with the underlying surface of the roof, and is configured to receive fasteners therethrough which extend into the roof to anchor the drip edge in place, whereby deformation of the fastener strip during installation of the fasteners does not alter the flat shape of the upper flange, thereby alleviating leakage around the drip edge.

Abstract: A device for deterring birds from alighting onto an object, the device having a mounting adapted to be fixed to an object upon which birds may alight, a hub rotatably associated with the mounting, and at least one arm adapted to extend radially from said hub. The at least one arms each include an associated vane moveable between a storage position parallel to the associated arm and a working position moveable between angles generally perpendicular to the associated arm, certain of the vanes being wind driven in the working position to rotate the arms about the mount to deter birds from alighting upon an object. The device may also be folded such that the at least one arms are brought into a position adjacent to each other, the vanes thereof being moveable to the storage position when the device is folded to avoid damage thereto.

Abstract: The inside surface of a cover for a skylight is molded to have a variable prism that directs low-angle light into the skylight tube and that reflects away some high-angle light, to achieve a more constant light output over the course of the day. The prism is established by a series of circular parallel grooves, with grooves nearer the apex of the cover having cross-sections that are different than the cross-sections of grooves nearer the periphery of the cover.

Abstract: A door frame includes a pultruded profile extending from a first side to a second side and having a back wall and a front wall, the first side of the front wall having a recessed area, the second side including a mounting section to receive a wood board.

Abstract: Bottom of wall unit compartment plinth support for cable passage (C) and users connections fixations (32) at the bottom of wall (M), comprising the assembly of several elements treated at various stages of work, with a wall construction profile (1) for the connection with the wall (M), a chest profile (3, 5) for the cables and users connections arrangement (32), and of a bottom of plinth profile (6) for the adaptation to the floor covering (R).

Abstract: A hotel area designed for family reunions and the like includes a large common area from which each of a plurality of bedrooms is accessible. The bedrooms each include one or two beds and a bathroom. The common area is substantially larger than the bedrooms (i.e. sized to accommodate at least the number of people that can be accommodated in all the bedrooms). The common area includes a large kitchen area, suitable for preparing food for all of the people. A play area (indoor or outdoor) is accessible only via the common area and the kitchen area is preferably located between the play area and the common doorway, to prevent little children from wandering away. Thus, the common area provides a natural, casual gathering area for the guests of the bedrooms. The minimal amenities in the bedrooms encourage the guests into the common area, such as the kitchen.

Abstract: A tool for leveling and finishing concrete footings that is light weight and easy to use in many varying situations. Specially designed hinges allow the tool to become rigid when opened for work and also fold for transport and storage. The tool has two working surfaces of different lengths. By inverting the tool the workman can change from long or short areas easily. The working surfaces are joined by two handles of sufficient length to perform at various depths and configurations.

Abstract: Provided is a waterproof/drainage structure for a lower casing 11 having a plurality of pushbuttons 16 on a surface thereof. The waterproof/drainage structure has a cover member 14 forming the surface and provided with a plurality of button holes 14a, the plurality of pushbuttons 16, and a sheet portion 17 retaining the plurality of pushbuttons 16 at predetermined positions. The waterproof/drainage structure includes a button unit 15, in which the sheet portion 17 is arranged along a back surface 14b of the cover member 14 and in which an outer peripheral portion of the sheet portion 17 is held in close contact with the cover member 14, with the pushbuttons 16 being inserted in button holes 14c of the cover member 14. The sheet portion 17 is provided with a groove-like drainage channel 22 having a channel portion that is opposed to each of the pushbuttons 16 and is larger than a surface area within a maximum outer periphery of the pushbuttons 16.

Abstract: An insulating wall assembly including a substantially rectangular framework having opposite interior and exterior sides, the framework including a plurality of vertical support studs mounted to a plurality of horizontal end studs so as to define at least one inner spacing within the framework, the vertical support studs and the horizontal end studs having each opposite front and rear sides corresponding to the interior and exterior sides of the framework. A foam of water-based polyurethane is injected into said at least one inner spacing so as to complete fill the same and provide the wall assembly with insulating capabilities. Outer components are mounted respectively onto the interior and exterior sides of the framework so as to close up the framework and provide the wall assembly with additional insulating capabilities.

Abstract: An insert for storm doors is provided. The insert includes swing-out doors that allow a homeowner to pop out and pass items through the storm door without requiring that the storm door be opened.