Abstract: A snow plow leveling device comprising a housing having a front surface, a plate, and an axle rotatably coupled to the housing. The plate is coupled to the housing via the axle. The plate moves within a gap or open region within the housing. There is also a coupling element for coupling the housing to a snow plow or other device wherein when the housing is positioned in an upright position, the plate rests on the axle in a position flush with the front face of said housing to indicate a particular position of a snow plow blade. This device can optionally be used with an adjustable skid for a snow plow blade.

Abstract: In a wear assembly for securing wear members to excavating equipment, a spool is used with a wedge to hold the wear member in place. The spool is formed with at least one laterally extending arm at its upper end in lieu of an axial arm such as used in a conventional C-shaped spool. In this way, the spool can be easily supported in the assembly as the wedge is installed. The spool does not fall through the opening and no special care is needed to prevent it from falling. The spool also holds itself in place when the wedge is driven into the passage. As a result, installation of the wear assembly is easier and less hazardous. In addition, the lateral support reduces the risk that the spool will suffer spreading.

Abstract: A lock that includes a wedge that is used to releasably secure separable components of an assembly together. The wedge can be used with a spool. The wedge and spool are threadedly coupled together to drive the wedge into and out of an opening in the assembly without hammering or prying. The direct coupling of the wedge and spool eliminates the need for bolts, washers, nuts and other hardware so as to minimize the number of parts. As a result, the lock is inexpensive to make, easy to use, and unlikely to become inoperative because of lost or broken parts or due to fines or other difficulties encountered in harsh digging environments. Further, the wedge can be driven into the assembly to provide the degree of tightness necessary for the intended operation and/or to re-tighten the assembly after incurring wear during use. A latch assembly is preferably provided to securely hold the wedge in place and avoid an undesired loss of parts during use.

Abstract: Greeting cards intended as a reply to other greeting cards, or as a reply to expressed emotions. The reply greeting cards may be paper, electronic, or other delivery medium and may be written in any language or languages. The reply greeting cards may the same basic design of a new or an existing greeting card.

Abstract: A sign comprising a surface having a display, and a plurality of sources of visible light. The sources of visible light are oriented to illuminate at least a portion of the display, and include solid state light emitters and/or luminescent materials. Line segments drawn on a Chromaticity Diagram connecting coordinates of some of the illumination color hues define a shape which encompasses coordinates of the display color hue(s). Also, a sign comprising a surface having a display having a surface area of at least 4 square meters, and at least 100 sources of visible light including solid state light emitters and/or luminescent materials. Also, a sign comprising a white light source and at least one additional source of light. Also, methods of illuminating signs.

Abstract: A decoration device may include a low-friction drive line and a PWM controlled motor that reduces or eliminates the gearing needed to achieve appropriate speed and torque at the motor output shaft. In preferred embodiments, the decoration device is an ornament that includes a low friction interfaces to accommodate relatively low torque output from the PWM drive motor. In certain embodiments, the PWM controller drives a motor at low speeds suitable for ornament applications.

Abstract: A display with changeable information and methods of changing information. An information scroll with opposite ends, each may coil, may include one+ display areas. A scroll support with display and opposite retaining sides includes first and second openings for receiving the scroll ends. The scroll is variously positionable between the openings to selectively display one+ display area. The scroll may support one+ information scrolls through the same openings and/or others. A tick catcher on a scroll may catch a tick to retain the scroll's end in an opening. A frame may be positioned on the support's display side to frame a display area of the scroll. Framing may cause at least some pressure on a part of the scroll to facilitate movement of the scroll between openings in the support. The frame and support may be unitary. A spacer(s) may be inserted between the support and frame.

Abstract: A sign for indicating an egress from a room is provided. The sign comprises a non-transparent substrate having a front planar surface and an afterglow photo-luminescent material on the front planar surface. At least one light source adjacent the substrate shines on the front planar surface of the substrate and the photo-luminescent material for charging the photo-luminescent material wherein the light source is a light emitting diode (L.E.D.) emitter and wherein the L.E.D. emitters emit light from the front or side to charge the afterglow photo-luminescent material.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention is a customized non-rotatable decorative displaying image mechanism wheel assembly. The wheel assembly comprises a wheel mount supportable by of the wheel of a vehicle. A protective cover is affixed to the wheel mount to form a housing with an interior cavity therein. The display holder can be transparent or translucent with any image, logo, emblem, insignia or hologram covering affixed thereto. A display holder and member is positioned behind the protective covering within the cavity of the housing. The display holder is bolted with predefined weighted members and ball bearings such that the display holder and member remain stationary during within the interior cavity as the vehicle's wheel turns. Alternatively, predefined weighted members may not be used for certain design, since shaft members may stabilize image. The display member can be illuminated by a light source which is powered by an electromechanical power source utilizing the Faraday Effect.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems to maintain the confidentiality of posted or written information while at the same time providing a visual display in the place of the posted or written information. The presently disclosed methods and systems maintain the confidentiality of posted or written information while providing a visual display by providing a reversible board having a first side adapted to accept information and a second side with a visual display wherein when information on the first side should be concealed, only the visual display on the second side is viewable.

Abstract: A post for supporting a roadway sign comprises a hollow, continuous sleeve formed of thermoplastic resin. The sleeve has an interior surface and a continuous core disposed within the sleeve and generally coextensive with the interior surface of the sleeve. The core is formed at least partially of recycled crumb rubber.

Abstract: A picture frame assembly includes a main body having a receiving portion for receiving a picture. A cover with a transparent portion is attached to the main body to against and display the picture received in the main body. A first urging means is disposed between the main body and the cover to produce a first urging force to urge against the cover to firmly be attached to the main body, and as the cover is released from the main body to urge against the cover to depart from the main body in a first direction. A second urging means is disposed between the main body and the cover to produce a second urging force to urge against the cover to depart from said main body in a second direction when the cover is released from the main body.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a display apparatus includes a flat type display panel and a housing which houses the panel. The panel has two opposite edges and two supporting portions integrally mounted on the two edges. Each supporting portion is mounted on each edge over 70% of the length thereof. The housing has two fixing portions each of which supports and fixes the whole of each supporting portion.

Abstract: An ammunition clip is provided for supplying cartridges to a firearm. The ammunition clip includes an elongated housing having an internal chamber for holding a plurality of laterally aligned cartridges, said elongated housing having a loading end and an opposing end, a movable carriage disposed within the internal chamber for urging the aligned cartridges towards the loading end and a spring that urges the movable carriage towards the loading end, said spring being disposed completely outside the internal chamber, said spring being coupled on a first end to the elongated housing and on a second end to the movable carriage and being operatable in a direction of spring pressure that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the longitudinal housing.

Abstract: A muzzle loading firearm has a barrel with a bore on a bore axis, and has a muzzle end and a breech end. A frame is connected to the barrel, and has a breech face. The frame moves between an open position in which the breech face is away from the breech end of the barrel, and a closed position in which the breech face abuts the breech end of the barrel. A breech plug is removably attached to the barrel, and is connected to the barrel by way of interrupted, or multistart threads, or locking lugs. The breech plug may have a rear face that abuts the breech face when the frame is closed, so that a primer contained in a primer pocket in the rear of the breech plug is fully supported on all sides.

Abstract: Firearms are used for self defense and sport. Self defense requires immediate access to a loaded firearm. A safety cartridge is designed to prevent an unauthorized person from firing a loaded pistol, revolver, rifle, or shotgun. The safety cartridge is placed in the firing chamber of a loaded firearm containing live ammunition. The firearm owner may quickly use his weapon for self defense or in a police action by ejecting the safety cartridge or by rotating the cylinder. An attempt to fire the loaded firearm by an unauthorized person initiates the safety cartridge causing the resulting primer gases to propel the slug down the gun barrel until it is stopped by action of the spring which is attached to both the cartridge case and the slug causing it to jam preventing injury to the firearm owner or children. Removing the fired safety cartridge requires skill.

Abstract: A system for inserting one or more rounds of ammunition into an ammunition magazine is disclosed and claimed including a quick load apparatus comprising a plunger, a plunger guide, an optional spring, and an optional sleeve stop. A method of inserting one or more rounds of ammunition into an ammunition magazine is also described and claimed.

Abstract: A removable integrated target-illuminating device holder and grip apparatus and method thereof are disclosed. The apparatus mounts to an existing forestock of a weapon with an interference fit actuated by a single screw. The apparatus also includes a passage for receiving the barrel of a target illumination device. Resilient prongs are provided adjacent the rear of the passage to press the illumination device longitudinally along approximately the same axis as the weapon's barrel to prevent dislodgment upon movement of the weapon during handling or discharge, and to enable relatively quick, one-handed release and replacement of the entire illumination device.

Abstract: A method for shooting a projectile weapon involves determining the inclination of a line of sight from a vantage point to a target and a line-of-sight range to the target, then predicting a trajectory parameter at the line-of-sight range, for a preselected projectile. Using the trajectory parameter, an equivalent horizontal range may then be determined, wherein the equivalent horizontal range is the range at which the trajectory parameter would be expected to occur if the projectile were shot from the vantage point toward a theoretical target located in a horizontal plane intersecting the vantage point. The equivalent horizontal range may be utilized to compensate for ballistic drop when shooting the projectile weapon. The method may be embodied in a handheld laser rangefinder including a memory for storing ballistic data. Systems for automatic hold over adjustment in a weapon aiming device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A rifle scope has a body with a number of optical elements. An adjustment knob is rotated we connected to the body and interacts with at least one of the optical elements to provide an image shift in response to rotation of the knob. A detent mechanism interacts with the knob, and has a number of detent positions. Many of the detent positions have a first detent force, and a selected subset the detent positions have a greater second force. The selected subset of detent positions may correspond to selected major distance intervals.

Abstract: The invention includes a sighting system for use with a firearm that has a telescopic sight, a laser rangefinder for providing the distance to the target, device(s) for receiving various inputs, a computing system that calculates the point of aim of the firearm's projectile based upon the input(s) and the calculated distance to the target, and a display means that provides an image of the computed point of aim within the telescopic sight's field of view. A method and weapon that employs the sighting system is disclosed.

Abstract: A handheld rangefinder device operable to determine ballistic hold over information is disclosed. The rangefinder device generally includes a range sensor operable to determine a first range to a target, a tilt sensor operable to determine an angle to the target relative to the device, and a computing element, coupled with the range sensor and the tilt sensor, operable to determine a hold over value based on the first range and the determined angle. Such a configuration facilitates accurate firearm and bow use by providing ranges and hold over values without requiring time-consuming and manual user calculations.

Abstract: This waterfowl decoy kite is designed in a manner that allows for its deployment over a body of water or other potential waterfowl landing area to facilitate the attracting of specific species to the hunter. The kite is made from a an oval wing and circular stabilizer. The wing and stabilizer may have a variety of notches so as to impart bird like characteristics to the kites flight pattern and visual appeal. The kite may also be painted so as to exhibit a bird like appearance during flight.

Abstract: A decoy including a body, a stake extending from the body for connection to earth, and wings extending from the body. The wings have a first surface which has a convex or convex-like configuration. Lights, preferably LEDs are constructed and arranged relative to the first surface such that they emit light away from the first surface and to the environment. The LEDs are selectively activated so as to simulate wing movement.

Abstract: Fishing lures are provided that include a shank and a plurality of closed or substantially closed loops of fiber-based material that are attached to and extend from the shank, and, if desired, to and from other portions of the lure and/or to and from one or more lure attachments, so as to enable the teeth of a fish to become and remain entangled within the fiber loops whether or not the lure includes a hook.

Abstract: Device and method for killing fire ants by the introduction of high-pressure heated gas pulses to the fire ant mound is disclosed. A metal hollowed probe having a couple of orifices near the bottom is mechanically or manually inserted into the fire ant mound. Heated gas in the metal hollowed probe is ejected in pulse from the orifices into the ant mound, going through channels in the mound, whereby the whole ant mound is filled with the heated gas rapidly. Fire ants and ant queens are killed by the heat before they move to safety. The invented device provides a fast and safe method for killing fire ants and ant queens without using any hazardous or toxic poisons.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, system and apparatus for controlling the movement of insects such as termites by using a vibration device that produces mechanical vibrations within a certain frequency range. The frequency range may be chosen to attract or repel. The source may be coupled with insect food sources or other attractants. The present invention can be used to protect a natural or man-made structure from termite infestation. The present invention can also be used for controlling activity of other social insects such as ants, bees and wasps.

Abstract: A method is presented for producing biodiesel from a triglyceride feedstock. The feedstock is first thermally cracked to remove contaminants and convert triglycerides to form a middle distillate fraction rich in fatty acids. The middle distillate fraction is then esterified the in the presence of an alcohol and a catalyst to produce a biodiesel stream. The biodiesel stream can be treated with a basic solution to convert unesterified free fatty acids to non-foaming metallic soaps, which can be removed by centrifugation, filtering or a combination thereof. A method is also provided for producing a biodiesel/naphtha mixture, in which a triglyceride feedstock is thermally cracked to produce a middle distillate fraction, a naphtha stream and a gas stream. The naphtha stream and the middle distillate fraction are then esterified to produce a mixed biodiesel/naphtha stream, which can be treated with a basic solution to convert unesterified free fatty acids to non-foaming metallic soaps.

Abstract: Compositions containing unsaturated fatty esters may be stabilized against atmospheric oxidation by the addition of an antioxidant package containing a phenolic oxidant and a nonphenolic oxygen scavenger, which may be a hydroxylamine, an amine N-oxide, an oxime, or a nitrone. If an amine N-oxide is used, it may be used with or without a phenolic antioxidant. Compositions treated in this manner show good resistance to atmospheric oxidation and resultant viscosity increase.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an adapter that makes possible the use of decorative handles as floral bouquet holders. An umbrella handle floral adapter couples to a handle, such as a detachable umbrella handle, while receiving a flower-mounting device on the opposing side. Vintage umbrellas are one type of the class of umbrellas that typically have a decorative handle that includes a threaded aperture to receive the umbrella portion; however, the present invention is applicable to umbrellas of any date or period that have a detachable handle. Handles such as vintage umbrella handles are made of solid material, decorated with etchings and jewel stones. Such handles are designed to have a comfortable and secure grip. Therefore, when complemented by the present invention and used as a bouquet holder, they provide unique aesthetic value and a comfortable maintenance-free grip. In addition, the handle may be retained after use as a durable and aesthetic memorabilia from the event or for future use.

Abstract: A floatable plant cultivation system that comprises a plurality of buoyant bases secured together and float on a water surface. One or more of the bases includes means for supporting one or more plants. The bases have side edges that abut one another and are secured together. In a preferred embodiment, the bases are rectangular mats fabricated from a closed-cell foam plastic material. Each of the bases has at least one side edge wherein a plurality of indentations are spaced apart along the side edge forming a plurality of protrusions and each indentation is positioned between consecutively spaced protrusions. The side edges of respective bases are joined together such that the protrusions on one base are positioned in mating relationship with the indentations of another base. In addition, or alternatively, the bases can be secured together by clips.

Abstract: A carrier for growing trays, comprising a series of legs and a supporting surface carried thereby, wherein: in said supporting surface, adjacent at least a number of and preferably each of the legs, an opening is provided, such that the carriers in a storage position are stackable in nested position, with a number of legs of one or more upper carriers reaching into at least a number of said openings of a lower carrier, and the supporting surface determines at least one outer contour, while the legs extend at least partly outside said outer contour, such that two carriers in a position of use are stackable, with the legs of an upper carrier resting on the legs of a lower carrier.

Abstract: Containers for a plant and a method of constructing thereof. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a plant container includes (1) a pot and (2) a base, coupled to the pot, that is configured to (2A) conform to a surface where the container is placed and (2B) support the pot in a substantially upright position.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a gasifier having a partial moderator bypass are provided. The gasifier includes a partial oxidation reactor including an inlet and an outlet and a primary reaction zone extending therebetween, the partial oxidation reactor configured to direct a flow of products of partial oxidation including fuel gases, gaseous byproducts of partial oxidation, and unburned carbon, and a secondary reaction chamber coupled in flow communication with the partial oxidation reactor, the secondary reaction chamber is configured to mix a flow of moderator with the flow of gaseous byproducts of partial oxidation and unburned carbon such that a concentration of fuel gases is increased.

Abstract: A fuel reformer includes a reforming element (7) having at least one reforming catalyst passage (22) supporting a reforming catalyst which generates reformate gas from fuel; and a combustion element (8) having at least one combustion gas passage (11), which heats the reforming element (7) by the heat of combustion gas generated by burning the generated reformate gas supplied in air introduced in said at least one combustion gas passage (11). The reforming element (7) and combustion element (8) are laminated in the fuel reformer. The fuel reformer further includes plural supply holes (13) arranged in a line along said at least one combustion gas passage (11), each supply hole (13) communicating with said at least one combustion gas passage (11). At least part of the generated reformate gas is supplied to each supply hole, and is burnt downstream of each supply hole.

Abstract: A biomass gasification system, which generates fuel gas from the thermal treatment of biomass in a gasification furnace thermally powered by a thermal airflow generator, incorporates a slag feed system which supplies slag S generated in the gasification furnace to the thermal airflow generator for use as combustible fuel therein. A vertical hopper is installed to the slag feed system for accumulating the slag to provide a sealing function which separates and seals the respective internal environments of the gasification furnace and thermal airflow generator. A detector is provided in the form of electrodes 9, 10 and 11 which are used to monitor the amount of slag in the vertical hopper by contacting the slag to establish conductivity in the electrode circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a component, a fuel reformer, and a reformer modulator. The fuel reformer is fluidly coupled to the component to supply reformate gas thereto and has a variable operating frequency. The reformer modulator is configured to modulate the operating frequency of the fuel reformer so as to promote maintenance of an operating parameter associated with the component at a predetermined setpoint. An associated method is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for humidifying syngas to achieve a water to carbon monoxide molar ratio in the product syngas within a desired range and in which the molar ratio which can be varied over time in response to changes in downstream syngas requirements. The raw syngas is produced by reacting a carbonaceous material with oxygen, water, or carbon dioxide and can be combined with a diluent to produce a diluted syngas stream which can be cooled and contacted with liquid water to give a humidified syngas. The H2O:CO molar ratio of the humidified syngas may be adjusted in response to time-varying downstream syngas requirements by changing the amount and/or temperature of the diluent that is combined with the raw syngas stream, by adjusting quench and heat exchange conditions, or a combination thereof. The application of the process to the coproduction of chemicals and power are also disclosed.

Abstract: A shutter assembly includes a stile having a solid core and a plastic outer cover. Holes are formed in the plastic outer cover and aligned with an axial groove formed in the solid core to receive a slotted louver pin. The louver pin includes a pair of arms that provide a sufficient compression fit in the axial groove of the stile while enabling each louver to rotate freely. Separate stile end caps are formed to be flush with the edges of the ends of the plastic cover. Each louver includes louver edges and opposite end caps which are substantially flush with the louver edges. A method of manufacturing a shutter assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A window sash assembly includes a window sash having an upper rail and at least one side rail that form a corner of the window sash. A slot at the window sash corner opens laterally outwardly from the corner and is defined in part by opposed linear tracks on the upper rail. A tilt latch is disposed in the slot, and includes a housing having opposed sidewalls and outwardly extending ledges overlying the sidewalls slidably received over the tracks on the upper rail. A flexible resilient spring element on each sidewall is spaced from the associated ledge such that the tracks on the rails are slidably received between the ledges and the spring elements. The spring elements preferably comprise at least one arcuate spring, most preferably a plurality of arcuate springs, on each sidewall of the housing with concave portions opposed to the ledge. The housing preferably is of molded plastic construction, and the arcuate springs preferably are integrally molded with the housing.

Abstract: A motorized universal swing door operator includes a motor driving a gear reduction drive mechanism having an output shaft adapted to be connected to a swing door operating arm. The output shaft supports a sprocket around which is trained a chain having opposite ends connected to a link supported on a shaft which is connected to a return spring. The return spring stores and returns energy regardless of the direction of rotation of the output shaft so as to provide the universal operating capability of the operator.

Abstract: A window latch assembly for locking first and second windows together includes a cover member coupled to the first window, and a handle pivotably coupled to the cover member. A lock member is fixedly coupled to the handle and has a lock portion adapted to protrude beyond a planar extent of the cover into a locked position, wherein the lock portion engages a lock keeper coupled to the second window, and an unlocked position, wherein the lock keeper is retracted inside the cover member. A mechanical finger is movable between a first position allowing the lock portion to be moved from the unlocked position to the locked position, and a second position preventing the lock portion from being moved from the unlocked position to the locked position, thereby preventing damage of the first and second windows.

Abstract: A door weather strip for sealing a gap between a door of a motor vehicle and a door opening portion of a vehicle body has an outside strip portion, an inside strip portion and a connection portion for integrally connecting the outside strip portion and the inside strip portion to each other. The outside strip portion has a base part for attachment to an inside part of a retainer, and a seal part. The seal part has a seal wall and a connection wall. The seal wall curves outwardly into an arc-shaped cross-section, a lower end of the seal wall contacts a rear face of an outside end of a door molding, and when the door is closed, the seal wall turns about the base part, and moves toward a bottom of the retainer while sliding on the rear face of the outside end of the door molding.

Abstract: An air distribution system includes a portable air compressor feeding a flexible branched air distribution hose. The hose includes branch air lines branching from a main air line. The branch air lines have multiple exhaust ends on distal ends of corresponding branch air lines, distal from the main air line. The exhaust ends are adapted for mounting to an air inflatable structure in fluid communication therewith. The main air line has an infeed end adapted for mounting to the compressor in fluid communication therewith.

Abstract: A covering apparatus includes a seat assembly and a cover. The seat assembly includes at least a seat with a plurality of flights on an internal side. Each of the flights includes a plurality of steps. The cover includes, on a lower side along an edge, a plurality of flights corresponding to the flights of the seat. Each of the flights of the cover includes a plurality of steps corresponding to the steps of each of the flights of the seat. Various combinations of the steps of each of the flights of the cover can be positioned on related combinations of the steps of each of the flights of the seat so that the cover can be positioned on various levels on the seat.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to an insert-receiver system for modular and/or relocatable buildings. A modular and/or relocatable building can be fitted with one or more receivers. Each receiver can have multiple inserts. A single receiver can interchangeably accept a shipping insert, an installation insert, a securing insert, a lifting insert, or any other type of insert.

Abstract: A plate of steel, which when cut, bent, shaped, slotted and galvanized becomes a wind-load fastener. The wind-load fastener attaches to the roller track of any new or existing residential overhead garage door. The fasteners are installed, (3) per door jamb track, top, center and bottom, using the imbedded masonry anchor bolt on the wall jamb and the smaller bolt at the track end. When installed, the wind-load is transferred from the wood jamb to the masonry wall.

Abstract: To attenuate electromagnetic energy, a capacitive bond between a window and a frame is provided by a capacitive coupling. This capacitive coupling includes an elastomeric matrix and a conductive media. The elastomeric matrix provides a seal between the window and the frame. The conductive media is bound to the matrix and conducts electromagnetic energy from the window to the frame.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments, a frame for an opening includes a first member, a second member, and a coating that is capable of facilitating bonding between the first member and the second member and also is capable of facilitating dimensional stability of the frame.

Abstract: A prefabricated window structure is disclosed, comprising a sash member having a central area for receiving a glazing, a casing surrounding the sash member. Both the sash member and the casing have a core made of an extruded structural plastic material with an exterior face covered with a cosmetic aluminium sheet.