Abstract: A steam home appliance and a control method thereof are disclosed. The method for controlling a steam home appliance includes sensing a temperature of water for generating steam, determining a heating time of heating water to generate steam according to the sensed temperature, and correcting a predetermined operating time of the steam home appliance according to the determined heating time. Accordingly, the steam home appliance is convenient in use by setting a correct operating time during operation using steam.

Abstract: A clothes dryer bearing structure has an arcuate channel for receiving the open end of a dryer drum. The channel has an inner wall portion, a base wall portion extending radially outward from the inner wall portion and an outer wall portion extending from the base wall portion. A gasket is positioned in the channel in contact with the dryer drum. The outer wall portion has a plurality of spaced apart elongated clips formed on the outer wall portion and curving back into the channel. At least one of the outer wall portion and the base wall portion has a plurality of elongated bumps protruding into the channel. Each of the elongated bumps is interspaced between the elongated clips whereby the gasket lies serpentinely in the channel ascending over bumps and descending below the clips to prevent slippage of the gasket along the channel during dryer drum rotation.

Abstract: A clothes dryer front bearing structure that fits within an open end of the dryer drum has wear resistant bearing glides attached to an upper arcuate wall portion without the use of an additional fastener. The upper arcuate wall portion has one or more pairs of spaced apart apertures that define between them a glide wall supporting portion. The bearing structure also has pairs of spaced apart curb walls for each pair of apertures that extend below the upper arcuate wall portion adjacent to the apertures. The bearing glide has an intermediate portion overlying the glide wall supporting portion for rotatably supporting the open end of the drum, and opposing end portions that each pass through a corresponding aperture for engagement with a corresponding curb wall to thereby limit longitudinal movement of the glide and restrain the opposing end portions of the glide in the apertures and within the curb walls.

Abstract: The present invention includes a removable shoe cover and method for using the same. The removable shoe cover includes a front part and a strap that can be used by placing the front part on the anterior of a shoe and securing the strap around the posterior of the shoe to maintain a snug fit. The removable shoe cover leaves the heel of a shoe substantially exposed. The removable shoe cover may also include removable sections on the top side, traction for enhanced protection and performance, and one or more connections for the strap to the front part or within the strap itself.

Abstract: An article of footwear for water sports, especially canoeing, is disclosed. The article of footwear includes an upper attached to a sole forming a first live hinge and a strap system attached to the sole forming a second live hinge. The second live hinge is disposed distally from the first live hinge.

Abstract: A sole includes a base having a first gasbag and a second gasbag respectively received therein. The first gasbag and the second gasbag communicate with each other by multiple windpipes. Multiple through holes are respectively and laterally defined in two opposite walls of the base and respectively communicating with the first cavity and the second cavity. Each through hole has a check valve mounted therein. A first airtight cover is mounted to the first gasbag for closing the first gasbag and a second airtight cover is mounted to the second gasbag for closing the second gasbag. The first airtight cover has a blowing hole defined therein and communicates with the first gasbag. The second airtight cover has multiple blowing holes defined therein and communicating with the second gasbag. A ventilative insole connected to the first airtight cover.

Abstract: An article of footwear for water sports disclosed. The article may be worn by a helmsman on a sailboat. The article may include provisions to facilitate increased traction and support for a foot of the helmsman.

Abstract: An article of footwear for riding is disclosed. The article includes a second portion of an upper having a second coefficient of friction that is greater than a first coefficient of friction associated with a first portion of an upper. The article further includes a detachable spur member configured to attach to a heel counter of the article.

Abstract: An article of footwear for water sports disclosed. The article includes straps that fasten an upper into place. The straps are configured to maintain a fastened position when water is splashed from below the article. The article further includes padded members to protect the instep and the front ankle of the foot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe sole that creates the reversed appearance of shoes. In one embodiment, the shoe sole contains a raised arch support on a side opposite of the side where it is customarily located in a shoe.

Abstract: An anatomy-based biomechanic shoe sole comprises an inner arch supporting segment bulging toward a arched human plantar surface, an outer arch supporting segment bulging toward the arched human plantar surface, and a depressed calcaneus supporting segment formed fitting the arched human plantar surface. The aforesaid supporting segments are respectively arranged at an optimum position that is determined through measurement based on foot anatomy so that the supporting segments are effective to mitigate the pressure borne by a human foot and enhance comfort to the human foot in the perspective of biomechanics.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an air-conditioned item of footwear (1), suitable for causing condensation of the humidity that is formed inside as a result of the perspiration of the foot, as well as to collect and extract the condensate. This air-conditioned item of footwear (1) it's of the type that envisages first means, operated by the foot, designed to generate a circulation of air in a gap (6) made in the upper (5) of said item of footwear, said air being taken in from outside said item of footwear (1), said item of footwear being characterized in that it envisages second means designed to expel outside said item of footwear the water deriving from condensation of the water vapour emitted by the foot, said condensation occurring within said gap (6) of said upper (5) as a result of cooling actuated by said air.

Abstract: A beam system, a tire system, and a system and a method for using the beam system and the tire system are provided. The beam system for moving earth moving equipment has a beam transversely supporting a load. The beam system has axles and moves in response to road irregularities to allow for movement, stability, and/or ground clearance. Furthermore, the tire system has a rim, fasteners, and mounted plates. Attached to the mounted plates are rubber tracks. The mounted plates and/or the rubber tracks may be removable. The tire system allows for removal of portions of the tire if damaged without replacing the whole tire.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a cover for a power shovel which can be manufactured at a low cost by reducing the number of parts and production man-hours and can be improved in maintenability. In the power shovel 50 which include an upper revolution structure (10) having: a body frame (11), a seat support stand (13) disposed at the rear of the body frame (11) and covering an upper part of the engine, and a device frame (12) disposed on a front part of the body frame (11) and storing hydraulic devices, side and a rear parts of the seat support stand (13) and the side part between the device frame (12) and the body frame (11) are covered by left and right side-covers (14) and (15) and a rear cover (16).

Abstract: Heavy equipment having a tool box opening in forward direction of the equipment is provided, in which a tool box door mounted on an upper frame of an excavator can be simply opened and closed through pressing of a button, an auxiliary structure, such as a handrail that is used when an operator ascent toward an engine room, is not required, and the shape of the tool box door can be freely designed to sufficiently secure storage space.

Abstract: A modular system for connecting attachments to the extension arm of a construction machine, wherein each module has a standardized coupling arrangement. As a result, each module is compatible with another module to provide great versatility in configuring the machine. Additionally, the system includes a variety of different modules and a mechanism for remotely activating the coupling between modules.

Abstract: The invention concerns an ironing appliance comprising a vessel (2) for producing steam under pressure provided with a filling orifice (3) closed with a removable plug (5), characterized in that said plug (5) is coupled to the end of a tube enclosing the filling opening by bayonet-type fixing means enabling the plug to be rapidly opened and/or closed by a single rotating same for less than one revolution, the plug comprising a clamp including claws urged to be engaged under ramps formed at the end of the tube (4), the tightness of the plug being provided by means of a seal (56) borne by a core (55) which is mobile in rotation relative to the clamp of the plug.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a steam iron, which comprises a base, a main body and a control board. The base comprises a water tank, a steam generator and a pump that is connected between the water tank and the steam generator. The main body comprises a controlling switch and an adjusting device for users controlling the steam iron. The control board is used to control the power of the pump to adjust the quantity of water that is pumped into the steam generator from the water tank and the quantity of steam generated by the steam generator. The control board is divided into at least two parts: a first part is connected to the controlling switch and the adjusting device and a second part is connected to the pump, and there is a signal line between the two parts.

Abstract: A trophy including a base having a support surface for supporting a support platform of a rotation mechanism configured to support and rotate a rotating article about a vertical axis of rotation. The rotation mechanism includes a motor concealed inside the rotating article and a support platform substantially concealed inside a recess formed in an outside surface of the rotating article. An output shaft aligned with the axis of rotation connects the motor inside the interior of the rotating article to the support platform. The motor includes a motor body nonrotatably coupled to the interior of the rotating article. Surface interaction forces between the support platform and the support surface are greater than or equal to a predetermined amount of rotational drive force generated by the motor and applied to the output shaft causing the motor body and the rotating article coupled thereto to rotate about the output shaft.

Abstract: A mountable signage enclosure for encasing a graphic media comprising a frame being generally elliptic or having a substantially aerodynamic edge, an encasement for protectively displaying the graphic media through a clear covering through a front side of the mountable signage enclosure and allowing the exchange of the graphic media, a plurality of light emitting diodes perimetrically positioned to illuminate the encasement and the graphic media inserted therein, a power source for providing power to the light emitting diodes, a plurality of suction cups fixed to a back side of the mountable signage enclosure enabling the fixing of the mountable signage enclosure on a smooth surface; and optionally comprising a photovoltaic charging means providing an electric current for charging the power source. The mountable signage enclosure provides a stand-alone illuminated sign that can be easily installed in a variety of configurations, while allowing the quick exchange of the signage.

Abstract: An enclosure attachment for storing, carrying, dispensing, protecting, displaying, and otherwise broadcasting general advertisement and communication including but not limited to business cards, restaurant menus, flyers, digital text displays, flat panel screens (e.g. LCDs), any other media, in the scope of being attached to any surface of an automobile.

Abstract: The Kitchen Butler is a high-end management system for the household made from durable plastic, which can be attached to a refrigerator via magnets located on the back or hung from any space desired via groves for a hook located on back. The plastic housing “tablet” allows you to view specific imprinted items on a card that can be slid into groves of three slots in a display of five windows. A slider is placed under each item that displays a buy sign when it's moved implying that the item needs to be brought.

Abstract: A low profile name card carrier includes a housing, a sliding board, which has two guide rods respectively coupled to respective tracks in the housing to guide movement of the sliding board in and out of the housing, a label adhered to the sliding board, and a torsional spring, which has a compressible spring body suspending inside the housing and two end portions respectively fastened to a recessed hole at an inner end of the sliding board and a locating block inside the housing.

Abstract: A snap-in frame arrangement for an organizer component system is disclosed. At least one of a locking nib is disposed within an organizer/component image receiving area of the organizer system. The locking nib has an under-cut to aid in the removal of a snap-in frame from an organizer/component image receiving area by allowing the use of a finger tip or finger nail to catch the edge of the snap-in frame and lift it out. During the lifting out process the snap-in frame bends (flexes) slightly around each locking nib and allows the snap-in frame to be removed.

Abstract: Provided is an activity toy configured to allow for a primary image, such as a photograph, to be converted into a fun and amusing secondary image in a manner that does not harm the original primary image. The toy may be used by children to decorate photographs with decorative devices, such as markers or stickers, without permanently marking the underlying photograph. Provided systems for use with both traditional and digital images.

Abstract: A round counter assembly for a firearm is provided. The round counter assembly has a pin for connecting a barrel assembly to a receiver portion of the firearm, a housing connected to the pin, a sensor in the housing for detecting the firing of ammunition from the firearm by a user, and a data processor in the housing connected to the sensor for receiving and storing data related to the firearm. The data can include some or all of the following: a count of the number of rounds of the ammunition fired from the firearm, frequency of firing the firearm, time of firing, angle of firing trajectory, identity of the firearm, or identity of the user. The data can be collected wirelessly, for example via a handheld device brought into proximity with the assembly.

Abstract: A trigger activating tactical light grip includes a cramp for Picatinny rail to assemble the grip to the firearm, a light cramp to clamp the tactical light and a grip to provide holding place. Wherein the grip, there is a trigger to lead a connecting rod, a connecting rod to deliver the movement of the trigger, a tunnel for the connecting rod to slide, a circular shaft to assemble the trigger, and a fixing bolt to keep the connecting rod connected with the tactical light switch. When a user gives pressure with a hand to the trigger, it pivots on the circular shaft (fulcrum) and leads the connecting rod to slide along the tunnel. As a result, the connecting rod exerts pressure to the switch of the tactical light and then the aim of activating the light is accomplished.

Abstract: An animal decoy is provided. The decoy comprises a body having an outer wall defining an inflatable inner chamber and a platform having a fluid passage therein and at least one nozzle disposed thereon. The at least one nozzle is in fluid communication with the fluid passage. The body is releasably attached to fee at least one nozzle to place the inflatable inner chamber in fluid communication with the fluid passage. A means for inflating the body is secured to the platform and is in fluid communication with the fluid passage to provide inflation fluid to the fluid passage. The inflation means is actuated remotely to supply inflation fluid to the fluid passage and inflatable inner chamber to inflate the body.

Abstract: A waterfowl decoy motion system comprised of a multiplicity of movable decoys, a first elastic drive belt, means for connecting said first elastic drive belt to said movable decoys, a primary drive pulley, a secondary drive pulley, an electric motor connected to said secondary drive pulley, and a multiplicity of idler puller assemblies.

Abstract: A novel fishing rod holder is based upon a foundation member mountable on a vertical, horizontal or angled surface of a boat or other structure, and includes a socket member structured for releasably retaining a fishing rod; an adjustable attitude arm member coupled between the foundation and the socket member; a relatively rotatable and releasably interlockable ball-and-socket articulation mechanism coupled between the foundation and the arm adjacent to a first end thereof; and a relatively rotatable and releasably interlockable pivot mechanism coupled between the socket member and the arm member adjacent to a second end thereof.

Abstract: A fish length and weight measuring device includes a tape measure having graduated markings displayed on at least one side thereof and a weight measuring hook extending from the device opposite the tape measure. Loop fasteners are provided on a back side of the device for coupling it the butt end of a fishing rod. The measuring device may include a housing having a transparent face through which the weight of a measured fish is displayed on a digital display. A power supply is coupled to the display. A fish is easily measured by hooking the end of the tape measure into the mouth of the fish and extending it along the length of the fishing rod. The fish is easily measure by gripping the butt of the pole and hooking the fish onto the weight measuring hook. In this manner, a fisherman can easily determine whether the fish is a keeper or can accurately measure the size and weight of a caught fish.

Abstract: A fishing lure includes a rattle and a foam sleeve. The foam sleeve is carried by the rattle and amplifies an audio signal provided by the rattle. The rattle has a tube with a channel extending through it. The foam sleeve includes closed cell foam with one or more open cells facing the tube. The audio signal flows through the open cell(s).

Abstract: An aggregation base for use within a subterranean cavity for detecting subterranean termites includes an elongate member having longitudinally opposite ends, a circumference, and an outer surface. A void extends longitudinally within the elongate member for forming an aggregation site for the termite. The elongate member is open at least at one end in communication with the void. At least one channel extends circumferentially about at least a portion of the circumference of the elongate member at the outer surface thereof and also extends transversely through the elongate member from the outer surface inward to the void.

Abstract: The air screen flying insect repellant system includes a series of perimeter blowers designed and arranged to circulate a vertical air curtain from one blower to the next to create a physical barrier of continuous moving air around the “insect free” zone. The velocity of the moving air curtain is maintained between the blowers by the action of the tangential fans, which draw air into the blower from the adjacent blower, as well as propelling air outward toward the next adjacent blower. The blowers maintain the velocity of the air curtain at sufficient velocities (generally over 3.6 miles per hour) to prevent mosquitoes from passing between the blowers. The blowers also incorporate a mechanism for dispersing insect repellent or fragrance into the air curtain. The dispersion mechanism allows insect repellants to be actively or passively introduced into the air curtain to further deter the encroachment of mosquitoes and other flying insects.

Abstract: A trap for capturing an arthropod comprising a solid wax matrix and a semiochemical. Other embodiments of the trap and/or a dispenser, and methods of attracting an arthropod to a trap and/or a dispenser, are further disclosed.

Abstract: There are provided bioproducts and methods of improving production of the bioproducts from engineered microbial cells, the methods comprising: providing a fermentation broth comprising a crude carbon source; inoculating said fermentation broth with said microbial cells; and incubating the inoculated fermentation broth; wherein said bioproduct is a hydrophobic solvent immiscible with said fermentation broth, and wherein a toxic side product present in said crude carbon source is soluble in said hydrophobic solvent. Also, provided are kits for practicing the methods of improving production of bioproducts.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and systems for processing triglyceride-containing, biologically-derived oils, wherein such processing comprises conversion of triglycerides to free fatty acids and the separation of these fatty acids by saturation type. Such separation by type enables the efficient preparation of both lubricants and transportation fuels from a common source using a single integrated method and/or system.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed that comprises the reaction product of an acidic organic compound, a boron compound, and a basic organic compound. The composition is useful as a detergent additive for lubricants and hydrocarbon fuels.

Abstract: A granular solid wax particle, comprising a) a highly paraffinic wax having a T10 boiling point less than 427° C. and comprising at least 40 weight percent n-paraffins, and b) an inorganic powder coating on the wax particle. Also, a process for making a fuel or a base oil, comprising transporting the granular solid wax particles in a transport vessel to a distant location where the granular solid wax particles are processed into the fuel or the base oil.

Abstract: A process for treating biomass comprises providing a material that contains an amount of residual moisture. The material is heated to a torrefying temperature in a low-oxygen atmosphere in a torrefaction reactor to convert it into a torrefied material. The material with the contained residual moisture is essentially fully dried in a drying chamber by evaporation of residual moisture. The torrefaction reactor comprises a torrefying chamber, in which the torrefaction of this dried material is essentially carried out. The material is conveyed through the torrefaction reactor. The drying of the material in the drying chamber is carried out by introducing into it a hot drying gas that flows therethrough cocurrently with the material. The torrefaction of the material in the torrefying chamber of the torrefaction reactor is carried out by introducing into it a hot torrefying gas that flows through the torrefying chamber countercurrently with the material.

Abstract: A method for stimulating resin formation in all breeds of Aquilaria tree. The method including selecting an Aquilaria tree that is at least five years old, having a trunk diameter between 4 inches and 6 meters. The method also includes wounding the tree by removing section of an outer layer of the trunk and forming holes in the wounding. Finally, the resin which results from the holes in the wound is harvested.

Abstract: A method of controlling noxious weeds comprising removing the noxious weed, encouraging the germination of the seed remaining after removal of the plant, covering the area containing the seed until the seed germinates into a seedling, allowing the seedling to die under the cover then removing the cover either physically or by incorporating it into the soil.

Abstract: A device and method that uses the application of light to retard the wilting and spoilage of cut flowers. The lamps used can direct focused illumination in the targeted wavelengths known to positively and optimally affect the viability of different types of cut flowers, hi the most preferred embodiment, an LED light source is positioned to direct light upwardly toward the flowers, either from a base structure upon which a vase holding the flowers and having a transparent bottom surface is placed, or from a position within an opaque vase holding flowers that is substantially below the flower stems. Optionally, light can be directed from the side or overhead, but such a configuration is not optimal. Side-by-side testing confirms that flowers exposed to the light lasted more than a week longer than those not having the added illumination.

Abstract: An apparatus for a portable planting frame is presented. The apparatus includes a plurality of vertical corner pieces that when arranged define positions on a perimeter of the planting frame and a plurality of horizontal connecting pieces for joining the corner pieces to form the planting frame. Means for joining the connecting pieces and the corner pieces forms the planting frame where the planting frame can be filled with planting material, the planting frame can be disassembled from around the planting material without moving the planting material and the planting frame can be reassembled.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for forming a flower pot cover with at least one indented portion to retain the flower pot cover on the flower pot. The apparatus includes a male and female die. The female die has a plurality of fingers movable radially into an opening of the female die. The male die has a recess formed between the lower end and the upper end and adapted to receive the fingers of the female die to form the at least one indented portion of the flower pot cover when the sheet of material is pressed between the female die and the male die.

Abstract: A polygeneration system, wherein the various units of the polygeneration system are integrated to effectively separate the undesired species. In one embodiment, a polygeneration system is provided that includes a syngas generator for producing a syngas, a syngas enrichment unit for separating undesired species from the syngas to produce an enriched syngas and a syngas utilization system that utilizes the enriched syngas to produce useful products and a stream to facilitate the separation of undesired species in the syngas enrichment unit. In some embodiments, the polygeneration system includes membrane reactor, catalytic burner and power generation unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to heat exchanger tubes acting like resonant tubes of a Helmholtz resonator and used as swirl tubes. They are capable of drastically increasing heat transfer in the boundary layers determining the heat flow to be exchanged as a result of their geometrically deformed surfaces.

Abstract: An access control apparatus for an access gate. The access gate typically has a rotator that is configured to rotate around a rotator axis at a first variable speed in a forward direction. The access control apparatus may include a transmission that typically has an input element that is operatively connected to the rotator. The input element is generally configured to rotate at an input speed that is proportional to the first variable speed. The transmission typically also has an output element that has an output speed that is higher than the input speed. The input element and the output element may rotate around a common transmission axis. A retardation mechanism may be employed. The retardation mechanism is typically configured to rotate around a retardation mechanism axis.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a device for preventing persons from boarding a vehicle, more specifically a bus, through the open door opening, said device including a stopper system (10) that is pivotal outward from the interior of the vehicle, said stopper system (10) including two rows of a plurality of arms that are arranged on top of one another said arms (20) are individually pivotable toward the outside, said arms (20), which are lying on one plane with respect to one another, being oriented so as to point angularly outward.

Abstract: A communication flap including a door for closing or freeing the access to an opening on a wall, the door having at least two leaves. A first leaf is pivotably mounted on the wall in such a way as to open and close the door, and a second leaf is pivotably mounted on the first leaf in such a way as to enable a range of movement around the first leaf. The disclosed embodiments also relate to an aircraft provided with one such flap.