Abstract: A barrel measuring device for accurate measurement of all internal dimensions and barrel wall thickness of a gun, tube, pipe or cylinder is comprised of a fixed probe transversely attached to a cross member at a distal end. A second probe transversely attached to a body member proximate to the fixed probe, said body member and second probe slidaby moveable along the axis of the cross member. A measurement device attached to the body member and second probe for recording of the diameter proportional to the degree of expansion of the fixed and second probe within the barrel. A recoil means for expansion contained with the cross member and attached to the body member coupled with the second probe providing an expansion pressure between the probes for measurement with the measuring device.

Abstract: A clothing drying machine having a subsidiary rack detachably installed in a drying tub. The clothing drying machine includes a cylindrical drying tub, the front and rear surfaces of which are opened; a front support plate rotatably supporting the opened front surface of the drying tub; and a subsidiary rack detachably installed in the drying tub for supporting laundry, and provided with a front support portion, the front end of which is supported by the front support plate, wherein through holes for passing air are formed through the front support portion, thereby preventing the reduction in the flow speed of the air due to the subsidiary rack.

Abstract: A drying rack assembly, for use in a clothes dryer with a rotatable tumbler, is constructed with a perforated tray to support clothing in a stationary manner within the tumbler. A duct is attached to the perforated tray to direct a primary airflow through the perforated tray and to at least a portion of air outlet opening in the tumbler cavity. The duct further includes openings to provide a secondary path by which a portion of the total airflow is allowed to bypass the perforated tray. A movable damper is provided to allow variable bypass airflow. An air outlet cover, attached to the combination of the duct and perforated tray, is adapted to cover the portion of the air outlet opening that does not interface with the duct. The air outlet cover is movable to a second position to enable compact storage. A hanging feature is further provided on the side of the dryer cabinet to provide a convenient storage space.

Abstract: Disclosed is a breathable insole heater element (12, 40) for footwear. The heater element is formed by photochemically etching a porous metallised fabric, e.g. nickel-metallised polyester woven fabric. The heater element is embedded in or laminated in an insole for an article of footwear such as a shoe or boot. The insole may be cut to size as desired. The insole may include microencapsulated agents such as fragrances, perfumes, microbials or insect repellents. The microcapsules may be activated to release the agents due to the heat generated by the heater element in operation.

Abstract: A breathing shoe is disclosed to include an air pumping mechanism formed of an air bladder and mounted in the top wall of the outsole for pumping outside cooling air into a front part inside the shoe body to force foul air out of the shoe body through air holes in the front upper part of the shoe body when the user is walking or running.

Abstract: Children's footwear configured to have the appearance of a motor vehicle. The footwear has a light emitting device, a sound emitting device, and a remote transmitter for controlling the light emitting device and the sound emitting device. The footwear may come in a variety of motor vehicle appearances.

Abstract: An electricity-producing shoe comprises a shoe body including an electricity-producing module and an electricity generator mounted therein. The electricity-producing module includes a rack, first and second gears, and a spring buffer that mounts between the first and second gears. The first and second gears are engaged with the rack and an axial gear of the electricity generator, respectively. The electricity generator has an electricity output terminal connected to an electric device of the shoe body. As a result, the rack drives the first gear and the second gear drives the axial gear of the electricity generator by means of normal stepping motion of walking for producing electric power and thereby supplying the electric power for the electric device.

Abstract: A shoe clip (100) includes two members (10, 12) that attach together in positions above and beneath shoe laces (20), to grip the shoe laces (20) between them and position the clip (100) on the shoe (22). A first member (10) is shaped and sized to slide under one or more laces (10) of the shoe, without requiring unlacing thereof. A second member (12) rotatably attaches at one end to the first member and, after insertion of the first member (10) beneath the laces (10), rotates to overlie the first member (10). The members then fasten to one another at their free ends (15, 17), such that the members grip the laces (20) between them. The second member supports or is integral with a component that is to be attached to the shoe.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrothermal massage shoes, mainly comprising an electrothermal tube, conductive metal plate and low frequency metal web in the mid sole of shoes like sleepers, outdoors shoes, sports shoes, leisure shoes and hiking shoes, and shoe sole made of moisture-absorbing and sweat-repelling material and equipped with a remote controller that operates at a fixed frequency. Thus, when the user is wearing the shoes, the user's feet can receive thermal therapy due to heat generated by the electrothermal tube and enjoy massage though easy remote control.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rear finisher for smoothing an outer surface, which is attached in the forward direction behind a device for outdoor preparation and particularly for snow piste preparation. In order to allow a uniform appearance of the piste surface, the rear finisher has a guide device, which is applied so that the material to be prepared is guided in front of the bottom of the rear finisher and subsequently smoothed thereby. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for smoothing an outdoor surface, in which the outer surface to be smoothed is smoothed by two different oscillating means guided one after another on the outdoor surface.

Abstract: A plow assembly comprises a blade, structure attached to the blade and adapted to be attached to a vehicle for mounting the blade to and supporting the blade from the vehicle, and a wing attached to an end of the blade. The wing has a first portion mounted to the blade for translational movement relative thereto, and a second portion mounted to the first portion for rotational movement relative thereto. An actuator has a cylinder and first and second oppositely movable piston rods. The first piston rod and the cylinder operable to move the first portion of the wing relative to the blade, and the second piston rod and the cylinder are operable to move the second portion of the wing relative to the fist portion of the wing.

Abstract: This invention is a swiveling blade snow blower with central chute, allowing snow to be blown in the desired direction, whether backing up or going forward. A toothed wheel placed on the side of the swiveling blade is powered by a hydraulic stepping motor that makes the said blade turn forward and backward, plowing the snow through the opening until intercepted by a bidirectional auger that sends the snow at the center of the said auger into the impeller, which propels the snow out, in the desired direction, through the discharge chute located in the centre.

Abstract: A plow assembly has a blade, structure attached to the blade and adapted to be attached to a vehicle for mounting the blade to and supporting the blade from the vehicle, and a wing attached to an end of the blade. The wing has a first portion mounted for movement along the blade to and between a retracted position and an extended position, and a second portion mounted in fixed relation relative to the first portion at an angle relative thereto.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hydraulic excavator comprising a magnet attached to its stem or an attached magnetic cross-beam, in which the power of the magnets is adjustable, wherein it includes a safety control such that the magnetic force of the respective magnets is increased upon taking up a load and upon leaving a safety zone around the load take-up point, the travel speed of the excavator being switchable at the same time from a reduced value during load take-up to an increased speed.

Abstract: This invention relates to mechanized drive units and a trenching attachment thereto for installing low-voltage wire, cable or fiber optic media. It is specifically an improved mechanized drive unit and attachment that can vary its driving speed and trenching speed independently, and have an extremely narrow width of cut so as to vastly improve the cutting operation. Additionally, it improves the operation in existing residential or light commercial installations by being small and having an improved turning radius as to better negotiate and maneuver. Lastly, it improves the consistency of wire and cable installation by forcing the installed media to the maximum depth tightly in proximity to the cutting operation itself.

Abstract: In order to improve the transport process of at least one piece of luggage and/or of at least one receptacle which transports the piece of luggage from a starting place, in particular from a check-in counter or from a loading point to a target place, in particular to a cabin of a passenger ship and/or inversely in such a manner that the loading and unloading of the piece of luggage and/or of the receptacle can take place reliably and quickly, it is proposed to fix at least one identification (10) for tracking the path of transport of the piece of luggage (15, 16, 17) from a starting place (25) to the target place (37) on the piece of luggage (15, 16, 17) and/or on the receptacle (40) which transports the piece of luggage (15, 16, 17).

Abstract: The present invention provides a calendar desk pad, comprising a base member having a first major surface area and extending along a longitudinal axis, a plurality of calendar pages removably associated with the base member and lying in stacked, respective planes that overlie the first major surface area, and a fold line that extends transverse to the longitudinal axis and about which the base member and the plurality of calendar pages are adapted to collectively fold.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing cards decorated with embroidered fabrics is provided. Various kinds of drawings are embroidered on a fabric with threads of different colors. Firstly, a paper is cut into a shape of a long rectangle which is divided into three equal sections and one of which, the first section, has a window at the center therefore and three trapezoidal wings are formed along the three edges thereof, to one end of the short side of the rectangle, opposite to the first section, is connected a distorted trapezoid along the bottom side of which one trapezoid wing is developed. The first sheet of card stock is folded into four portions. A part of the first portion of the card stock, the frame, is cut out of various shapes. The embroidered fabric is cut into a certain size and adhered to the rear side of the frame with hand. The front side of the paper frame is decorated with various kinds of paintings, pictures, phrases and emblems.

Abstract: Apparatus to identify a beverage container. The apparatus includes an elongate pliable portion. A loop formed in the elongate pliable portion is adjustable to fit different sized containers and includes an intermediate portion extending from the loop to an identification member. The length of the intermediate portion is adjustable. A portion of the intermediate portion can be formed as a slip knot that moves along the pliable portion to alter the size of the loop and the length of the intermediate portion.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for an object is provided, including a first mounting element, a second mounting element, and a resilient spring located therebetween. An object can be secured to either one of the first mounting element and the second mounting elements. In addition or alternatively, a method of manufacturing the mounting assembly is also provided. The method includes the steps of molding a resilient spring directly to the first mounting element, attaching the second mounting element to the spring, and attaching an object to either of the first and second mounting elements. In addition or alternatively, another method of manufacturing is provided for manufacturing a plurality of mounting assemblies. In addition or alternatively, the first mounting element can include a base member and a leg member. In one example, the leg member can be movable relative to the base member.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method is provided facilitating the planning and tracking of nutrient consumption and expenditure by humans, especially children, including various indicators such as graphical images pertaining to potential dietary intake of foods and liquids like vegetables, fruits and water and physical activities like running, dancing and the like, wherein the various indicators are uniquely charted to accomplish the monitoring and/or projecting of nutrient utilization.

Abstract: A computer device comprises a housing for supporting a display element, the housing having at least one opening configured to receive at least a portion of an option card therethrough.

Abstract: An information dissemination assembly 10 which may be selectively and removably deployed upon a selectively movable assembly, such as a vehicle 92, thereby allowing information 50, 52 to be displayed to a wide variety of people as the selectively movable assembly, such as vehicle 92, is driven or moved within an environment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for illuminating a banner, flag, or pennant, in addition to illuminating substantially the entire length of a support, such as a flagpole. In the preferred embodiment, a lighting element is placed inside a transparent or partially or wholly translucent support, thereby illuminating the support as well as the banner. A handheld embodiment preferably comprises a handle with a switch and finger grips.

Abstract: Advertising apparatus for vending machines, mainly of the type of those which have a glass front which allows the products to be seen presented in the different compartments of the plurality of storage trays and from which compartments they are delivered to a reception tray formed in an ascending/descending body, by way of an elevator, for their carriage to the delivery box for collection by the user, so that to the ascending/descending body (7), proximate to the internal face of the glass door (2) of the machine (1), is fastened, by one of its sides, a laminar element (9) that holds publicity, which laminar element (9) on its opposing side is fastened to and wound on a bottom roller (10), which is driven by a spring tending to cause its rotation and the winding of the laminar element (9), the laminar element (9) in the unwinding thereof remaining abutting on the internal face of the glass front (3) of the machine door.

Abstract: A sign for use with a restroom stall having a mounting plate that is detachably mounted to the inner surface of the bathroom stall. Connected to and extending from the mounting plate is a flexible or rigid cord. Connected to the opposite end of the flexible or rigid cord is a signage plate that is formed to fit between the spacing in the stall door and has a groove or notch that is formed to fit over the latch in the stall door.

Abstract: A decorative container assembly includes a container and a cap is removably connected to either one of two ends of the container. The cap has an enclosed space defined therein and a combination liquid is received in the enclosed space. The combination liquid includes a first liquid, a second liquid and decoration pieces. The two respective specific weights of the first and second liquids are different so that when the container is filed with a third liquid which transfers its temperature to the combination liquid and the decoration pieces are movable in the combination liquid.

Abstract: A wristband is assembled from a flexible preferably vinyl carrier and a preferably laminated ID label, the carrier having a panel portion and a strap portion with a snap closure located in a toe extension at the end of the carrier adjacent the panel. The strap has a series of holes, one of which is captured within the snap closure to attach the wristband to the wearer's limb. The laminated ID label has a pair of opposing slots, one of which slips over the strap to abut the panel and the other of which is captured by the snap closure to attach the label to the carrier. The panel portion has a relieved edge formed along its opposing sides which increases the comfort of the wristband as it is worn.

Abstract: The picture frame has a transparent front and back panel with integrated friction clamps that interact to close the frame around a picture, or has a transparent folded outer glazing that holds an inside assembly around a picture. The frictional clamp and the folded outer glazing and inside assembly allow the frame to be opened and the picture to be replaced. A hanging-bumper device protrudes from the back of the frame either as an integral component of the back panel, outer glazing, or inside assembly, or as a removable attachment.

Abstract: An improved inserting engaging frame for photos, it forms channels along two lateral edges of an opening on the back side of its frame body, and has on a top rim of the opening a top edge, an engaging recess is provided at the bottom of the opening; thus a back plate for receiving photos can slide in the channels and is assembled on the back side of the frame body to seal the opening, and an engaging rib is provided on the bottom of the back plate to match the engaging recess. After assembling and the engaging rib being engaged in the engaging recess, assembling and positioning of the back plate is completed. And pivotally connecting seats with their middle sections opened are formed on the back side of the back plate; a bracing strut having on its top a rotating axle is mounted on the pivotally connecting seats directly by pressing the rotating axle into the pivotally connecting seats.

Abstract: A visual display has front and rear display panels and a surrounding frame. The display is configured to be supported by and between rows of gaming machine by first and second downwardly extending support legs, the legs each having transverse stop plates extending in cantilever manner from opposite sides of the vertical support legs at a position spaced above the lower ends of the legs. The frame supports pivotal clamps for clamping signage over the display panels. In one embodiment, the display panels are illuminated. In a thin configuration of the sign, the front and rear panels are arranged back-to-back and are edge lit.

Abstract: A pump gun is disclosed having a loading and firing mechanism which comprises a cartridge stop lever (21), that is not connected to the hammer, interacts with the cocking slide (22) associated with the cartridge magazine and is susceptible to rocking movements on an intermediate pin (30) between an operating interception position of a first cartridge in the magazine, when the cocking slide is in a retracted work position, and an idle release position of the same cartridge from the magazine tube, when the cocking slide is in the forward rest position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for substituting a different stock, and a forend assembly, in a long gun (e.g., a shotgun) without the use of tools by a user in the field. Applicants' preferred apparatus for substituting a stock comprises: a long gun (e.g., an illustrated shotgun) having a stock and a receiver assembly; and an adaptor which removably interconnects the stock to the receiver assembly, wherein the adaptor includes: an adaptor base bolted to the receiver assembly; and a tool-less stock release means slidably attached to the base, whereby the stock release can be lifted up by a user to release the stock from the adaptor. Upon a new stock being placed in the adaptor, the stock release means can be pushed down, back into the adaptor base, to lock the adaptor, whereupon the adaptor interconnects the substitute stock with the receiver assembly. Applicants' preferred forend assembly comprises: a modified forend carrier that is affixed to the long gun (e.g.

Abstract: A harpoon device is provided which has attachable components, including a plurality of lengths of shaft segments joined by a coupler and a variety of functional units.

Abstract: The invention relates to a module (100) which is attached to a trawl, and which at least comprises measuring sensors (330) and a power supply unit. (320) The sensors are basically inactive, but can be activated as the need arises to measure different parameters. In an embodiment the module also includes a power-generating movement device connected to a charging device that can supply energy to the power supply unit. The module may also include communication means. In an alternative embodiment the module ma include a trawl door that can drag the drawl in a desired direction. Several modules may be (combined to form a system that both measures different parameters and positions the trawl in order to achieve an optimal trawling process.

Abstract: A fishing outrigger with automatic hooksetting is provided by employing a mounting arm having at one end a device for setting the angular position of the mounting arm to a boat and having at the other end a taper and pivot for pivotally mounting and setting the angular position of the mounting arm to a fishing rod support arm which fishing rod support arm includes a device for setting the position of a fishing rod and reel with respect to the fishing rod support arm. The novel fishing outrigger set the pivot or hinge at an angle to the horizon and provides an armed position and a hook setting position triggered by a fish taking the lure or bait.

Abstract: Two V-shaped fishing rod support elements are telescopingly coupled together and each element has a tubular element fastened thereto. Each support element has a pointed end which is forced into the ground to support a fishing rod once the two elements have been separated from each other.

Abstract: A fishing lure assembly has a first multiple hook device, a second multiple hook device attached to follow behind and articulate relative to the first hook device, and a pliable dressing arranged to cover the points of the hooks of the two hook devices to resist snags. The pliable dressing can be a plurality of narrow pliable members arranged to span from a leading end of the fishing lure assembly across the points of the hooks, or a single member having an integral head portion with a plurality of long narrow bodies protruding from the head portion and spanning across the points of the hooks. A sharpened leading point or barbed head is provided at the leading end of the lure assembly for attaching the pliable dressing at the leading end. Variations in the hook devices, pliable dressings, and barbed heads for holding the dressings are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing bait fish to a fishing hook. The apparatus is in the form of a kit and includes a bait hook attachment device and crimping pliers that provides a quick and convenient attachment point for securing to a fishing hook. The bait hook attachment device is formed from a preformed single piece of wire having two ends spaced apart and available for placement on each side of a bait. The attachment device is secured to the fish hook by crimping of wire by use of a matching crimping pliers. Upon securement of the hook assembly, an aperture is formed for use in attachment to a bait fish.

Abstract: Device to be attached to a line comprises a body with a through hole and at least one line receiving recess extending on the outer side of said body, wherein (a) a line retaining portion is provided for retaining the line by friction, form-fit and/or adhesion, and/or (b) the line receiving recess forms in the wall of the through hole two body binding portions having substantially rounded cross-sections. When tying-in a device according to the last mentioned second alternative (b) a line loop is threaded into the hole and the body is then rotated through the loop for achieving a line intertwist at said body.

Abstract: Honey Do Hook is a hook with a handle used to remove a fishing hook from a captured fish. A user holds Honey Do Hook by the handle and inserts the hook into the fishing hook, usually located in the mouth of a fish. The user then pulls one direction with the handle and the opposite direction with the fishing line containing the fishing hook. The fish can then be flipped until it is free from the fishing hook.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for the production of biodiesel and co-production of an enriched food product. The method comprises the steps of extracting with solvent from distillers grains sufficient to produce an extract and an enriched food product, separating the oil from the extract, reacting the oil sufficient to produce biodiesel, and refining the biodiesel.

Abstract: An improved method is disclosed for optimizing the use of a single portable platform component in landscaping and related activities involving intentional horticultural structures. The inventive technique utilizes the full modularity and compartmentalization capabilities of the portable platform component in activities involving the design, installation and maintenance of intentional horticultural structures. The inventive technique also employs a template specification to organize and store all information relevant to the structure. An orderly set of well defined steps are suggested to optimize the benefits derived from the inherent modularity of the platform component employed in well integrated processes. These steps also permit the maximum advantage to be made of the template specification in organizing and guiding the design, installation and maintenance processes.

Abstract: A garden edging including a corrugated strip of sheet metal and a guard capping the corrugated strip. The guard includes a metal clip having a crosspiece from the opposite ends of which a pair of legs extends downwardly in the form of an inverted “U”. A plastic coating covers the clip. The coating is formed so as to have a pair of ribs that project inwardly toward one another from the bottoms of the legs for gripping the corrugated strip.

Abstract: It is intended to provide an apparatus for producing seedlings and a method therefor whereby, in producing grafted seedlings of fruit vegetables, a process from the culture of their stocks (rootstocks and scions) to welding after the grafting can be accomplished in a consistent process at low cost. Rootstocks and scions are nursed on multi-staged seedling culture shelves 3 installed in a closed-type structure surrounded by light-interceptive thermally insulating walls, and then these rootstocks and scions are joined to each other to produce grafted seedlings 8. Then, these grafted seedlings 8 are placed on shelf boards 3a of the seedling culture shelves and covered with a light-transmitting shield 9 provided with vent holes 15, and light of a predetermined luminous intensity is projected onto these grafted seedlings from fluorescent lamps 5 through the light-transmitting shield to weld the grafted seedlings 8.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for irrigating Christmas trees which are retained in a planter or synthetic mounting pan, particularly during holiday and Christmas seasons. The apparatus relies upon a container of water which incorporates a small valve allowing water to be released from the container hung within the Christmas tree and drop the water into the planter, when the water level in the planter has evaporated to a certain level.

Abstract: A flexible floral container comprising an inner membrane for acting as a reservoir or “catch basin” to minimize water spillage when the flexible floral container having a fluid medium therein is tipped over. The stems of a floral grouping disposed in the flexible floral container provide structural support to the flexible floral container and cooperate to maintain the flexible floral container in a substantially erect condition.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a system including a chemical composition and a drill may be used to reduce insect infestation of trees. A chemical composition may include one or more lightweight hydrocarbons. Openings may be formed in a tree. The chemical composition may be added to the openings such that insect infestations of trees may be substantially reduced. In an embodiment, the chemical composition may be added to three or more openings positioned around a circumference of a pine tree such that pine beetles are substantially eradicated from the pine tree.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for providing flowers characterised in that they have the look and feel of fresh flowers. The method comprises a selection and cutting step, a step of setting up holder devices on grids, and three optionally repeatable dehydration, infiltration and evaporation steps. The present invention does not require the use of molecular sieves during the method. The method is also technically advanced and can therefore be implemented on an industrial scale.

Abstract: A planter having a body with a base and a depending sidewall is disclosed. The body has at least three layers, an outer layer, a central layer, and an inner layer. The outer layer is a polyurethane foam. The central layer is fiberglass. The inner layer is polyester resin. A method of making the planter is further disclosed.