Abstract: A foot orthotic device is disclosed. More specifically described is an individualized foot orthotic device to correct and/or restore the ideal alignment and/or positioning of foot structures. The device is designed using a method and system that applies sequential pressure to regions on a plantar foot surface, and obtaining positional information about each region. Based on the positional information, an orthotic profile is determined, for design of one or more custom, individualized foot orthotic devices for a subject.

Abstract: The specification and drawing figures disclose, describe and claim a rigid orthotic plate with a resilient member, the combination positionable into footwear. In at least one aspect, a resilient member is fixedly mounted on the rigid orthotic. In another aspect, the resilient member is removably mountable on the rigid orthotic plate. In yet another aspect, a plurality of resilient members is provided.

Abstract: An article of manufacture may be adjustable and may include a cage having a plurality of apertures and an insert having a frame with a plurality of projections that extend from the frame. The insert may be inserted into the cage and may cause the cage to expand to the shape of the insert. The projections on the frame may extend through the apertures of the cage when the insert is inserted into the cage. The cage may be capable of expanding to a plurality of sizes and shapes of various inserts. The article of manufacture may be an article of footwear, a container, an article of apparel, a textile, and any other object of manufacture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a midsole structure having an airbag in the rear portion or from the rear portion to the front portion for Masai walking specialized shoes, wherein a connecting panel shank comprising the front shank and rear shank coupled with a connecting panel is built such that rolling movement of three steps occurs actively during walking three steps of landing, center moving and leaving step and an arch styled finger pressure effect occurs because the front and rear shank are compressed.

Abstract: A wrap boot for a wearer's foot comprising a shoe member and a legging. In use, the legging is wrapped a plurality of times around the lower part of the wearer's leg. The wrap boot may be manufactured from any conventional materials and the legging may be permanently or detachably affixed to the shoe-member. The legging may comprise a fastening means to prevent the wrap boot from unraveling.

Abstract: An engine of a snow blower is arranged with a crankshaft along a front to rear direction of the snow blower, and an output shaft, with an outer circumferential portion on which a drive pulley is fixed, is provided in a front end portion of the crankshaft. Further, an intermediate shaft with a rear end circumference on which a driven pulley is fixed and with a front end circumference, on which an impeller drive pulley is fixed, is arranged to extend toward a front direction higher than the output shaft. An impeller drive shaft with a rear end circumference on which an impeller driven pulley is fixed is arranged to extend toward the front direction more downward than the intermediate shaft. A first transmission belt is meshed with the drive pulley and the driven pulley, and a second transmission belt is meshed with the impeller drive pulley and the impeller driven pulley. Using this arrangement, it is possible to provide a snow blower with a low center of gravity.

Abstract: A trencher has two wheels equidistant on either side of the arbor, and a third steerable wheel at the front of the trencher in line with the arbor. Speed of the arbor, forward motion of the trencher and the direction of motion are determined by motors controlled by an onboard control system. The onboard control system is controlled by a remote control, which may be a simple manual wireless controller or a programmable computer. With a programmable computer, the trencher can be pre-programmed to dig along a pre-selected path, e.g., a logo, flower or other design.

Abstract: A dragline bucket includes a bottom wall, a pair of sidewalls and a rear wall that collectively define a cavity. The sidewalls each have a large downward taper of at least about 7 degrees in at least its forward area. In an alternative embodiment, the sidewalls each have an upward taper in its rearward area which alleviates the need for a spreader bar. The dragline bucket collects earthen material with minimal disruption of the material.

Abstract: An excavator bucket top assembly can be completed as an assembly before being attached to other components to form an excavator bucket. The top assembly includes a flat bottom plate and a top plate with two bends, each having relatively simple geometry for ease of manufacturing. Two hinge plates penetrate through the top plate and are joined to both the bottom plate and the top plate. The top assembly includes strategically positioned, continuous weld joints to avoid weld starts and stops that create stress risers. The top assembly produces a torque tube which is stiff and resistant to fatigue.

Abstract: A mobile trencher machine having an upper assembly, a ground drive assembly, and an adapter frame positioned between and coupled to each of the upper assembly and the ground drive assembly. The ground drive assembly being positionable in one of a number of mounting positions relative to the upper assembly, including a forward position, a rearward position, and a central position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a name badge comprising an attachment device (3) which comprises a base (20) and two cheeks (29, 30) which are arranged at a distance from each other, in addition to a clamping element (27) which is pivotably mounted between the cheeks (29, 30). The attachment device (3) is held by a mounting (8), which is embodied in the form of a frame (10, 13) which at least partially surrounds the attachment device and comprises holding down clamps (16, 17) for the base (20).

Abstract: A message card includes: a card body having first and second leaves, the card body being foldable and unfoldable in a manner that the first leaf is movable toward and away from the second leaf between closed and opened positions; a mounting base provided on the second leaf; a supporting mechanism mounted on the mounting base and defining two opposite end openings that are spaced apart from each other by a gap; a circuit unit; a switch mounted on the mounting base, coupled electrically to the circuit unit, and having an actuating member extending into the gap; and a flexible driving lever attached to the first leaf, extending through the end openings, and co-movable with the first leaf relative to the second leaf. The driving lever has a driving segment that is received in the gap to drive movement of the actuating member of the switch.

Abstract: A rocking head picture display device includes a casing and a rocking assembly received in the casing. The rocking device includes an electromagnetic device mounted to the bottom of the casing and a rocking device mounted to the top of the casing. The rocking device includes a pivotal shaft supported by the casing and a rocking arm extending downward next to the electromagnetic device. A circular plate shaped connector is eccentrically joined to the outer end of the pivotal shaft in front of the casing. A channel shaped base is joined to bottom of the casing to form a locating groove. A picture has a head portion adhered to the connector and a body portion rested in the locating groove. When the electromagnetic device is powered on. the rocking device is induced to swing with the connector and the head portion.

Abstract: An arrangement for indicating an exceptional state using product-related information display units. The display units include at least of a display. The display includes visual display segments and a visual background. The color of the visual display segments and visual background can be changed electrically. The arrangement includes exceptional state indicating devices for indicating an exceptional state on the displays by changing the color of the background or the display segment segments or both.

Abstract: An album (10) is described for collecting thin and flexible objects (22), in particular photos or portraits, comprising a multitude of sheets (12) folded in half along a central folding line (14) and joined together with a binding (16) positioned at such central folding lines (14). Each sheet (12) therefore creates a pair of pages of the album (10). At least part of the sheets (12) is provided, on at least one of the two facing surfaces of each sheet (12), with a frame or perimeter border (18) fastened to the surface of each sheet (12). At least one of the sides of the perimeter frame (18) is not joined to the surface of the sheet (12), so as to be able to be lifted in such a way as to define a passage slit (36) to slide in or take out a photograph (22) or another document of substantially the same size as each sheet (12) between the perimeter frame (18) and the corresponding sheet (12).

Abstract: A sign frame having a rigid structure, the frame of which contains a mounting collar attached to a heat pipe extending vertically from the center of the lower horizontal member of the sign frame. An integrated solar heating means within the luminaire of the sign, and a means for timing the release of the stored heat to the fluorescent bulbs is provided. The internal illumination means for the sign includes a flexible vinyl sign face stretched over a the sign cabinet's rigid frame over, in which the flexible vinyl sign face material has sewn hems on all edges with inserted rigid rods and tension springs extended through the hems and hooked to the rods. The invention also provides a control method for determining the run time for loads utilizing solar power.

Abstract: A multi-panel fold-out device made from a blank includes at least first, second, and third panels which are joined together in sequence, and formed by separation lines between the first, second, and third panels. The first and second panels each have an internal panel portion including a score line adjacent to an edge of the panel. Each internal panel portion is releasably secured to its panel such that the internal panel portion can be pivoted around its score line relative to its panel. The first panel is foldable over, along the first separation line, to secure the first panel to the second panel. The first and second panels are foldable under, along the second separation line, to secure the first and second panels to the third panel. The first and second internal panel portions are of different sizes so that these panels can be folded out in sequence.

Abstract: This invention is a portable display sign with a magnetically-mounted frame and a removable/reusable display panel. It is intended for use by merchants, trades people, educators and other organizations as an advertising and/or informational tool. Two magnetic foot assemblies provide stability and strong holding capability on any horizontal steel surface. The display panel is made of 4 mm coroplastic, which is temperature resistant. The frame is rigid and composed of PVC foam. The overall size of the sign is compact (66×48×2 cm) and lightweight, so it can be conveniently transported, shipped and stored. The overall design of the sign and its components are economical to manufacture and reusable.

Abstract: A sign system is disclosed in which a flexible sign panel is supported by light weight frame numbers such as fiberglass ribs joined together with a pivot connection. A sign panel of flexible material has a center section disposed between a pair of opposed sign panel portions. The center portion of the sign panel engages a cross member with the sign panel portions being folded over on either side of an upright support member. Free ends of the sign panel member are secured with a stretchable elastic cord, ribbon or the like, to a mounting member having a socket for receiving one end of the vertical support member. By engaging the mounting member and stretching the elastic cords, the mounting member is disposed over one end of the vertical support and one released, engages the vertical support holding the sign panel portions in a display position.

Abstract: An A-frame sign apparatus in which a panel includes a recessed portion for receiving a signage plate containing a message for display to passers-by and a support attached to the panel for selectively positioning at an oblique angle relative to the panel to standing the A-frame sign apparatus on a surface. A method of selecting the signage plate from a plurality of pre-designed signs accessible by a computer and printed on a local printer is disclosed.

Abstract: An adhesive label comprises a substrate having a first side and a second side. The first side includes printed information, and the second side includes an adhesive coating. The substrate is shaped such that a front cover portion of the substrate is foldable to be alongside a back cover portion of the substrate to leave a hinge portion of the second side exposed along a first edge of the substrate and a fastener portion of the second side exposed along a second edge of the substrate. In one embodiment of the invention, the adhesive label includes a backing layer disposed between the front cover portion and the back cover portion, wherein the backing layer includes a tab extending beyond an outer periphery of the front cover portion near the fastener portion.

Abstract: A clip has an inner convolution, an outer convolution, a connecting element, a stem and a label. The inner convolution generally includes a first leg and a second leg. The inner convolution legs have a distal end and a proximal end and the legs are connected at their proximal ends. The outer convolution generally includes a first leg and a second leg. The outer convolution legs have a distal end and a proximal end and the legs are connected at their proximal ends. The connecting element generally connects the inner convolution to the outer convolution such that the inner and outer convolutions are disposed in a substantially common plane, with the inner convolution within the outer convolution, and such that the connected proximal end of the inner convolution legs may be flexibly moved transversely or away from the connected proximal end of the outer convolution legs.

Abstract: A digital picture frame having a scanning function comprises a digital picture frame, a scanning module, and a universal supporting member, wherein the universal supporting member further comprises a fixing seat, a ball, a friction unit and a support. The fixing seat is a spherical cavity formed in the digital picture frame for receiving the ball therein. The ball has a through hole penetrating a center of the ball. The friction unit is provided between the fixing seat and the ball.

Abstract: A non-lethal self-defense device that ejects two electrically charged streams of conductive fluid at a biological target for a period of time sufficient to have the liquid contacting both the target and the electrically charged device until incapacitation of the target occurs.

Abstract: A two-stage trigger assembly for the M16 or AR15 weapon systems. The trigger assembly comprises a spring loaded hammer, trigger and disconnector. Calibrated springs are provided to facilitate the adjustment of the second stage trigger pull weight. No set screws adjustments are necessary and a secondary safety sear similar to the factory original fire control components has been incorporated to prevent the unintentional mechanical discharge of the firearm. Installation of the disclosed device is identical to the factory fire control group and requires no hand fitting.

Abstract: A firearm steady-rest which is incorporated as part of a rifle sling. The steady-rest may be a single support arm or a folded support arm system deployed by folding it outward to provide either a V-shaped support configuration or a U-shaped support configuration whereby the upwardly extending distal ends of the support engage and support the firearm therebetween. The steady-rest may be grasped by the operator's forward extending hand to provide maximum steadying of the firearm for sighting and shooting. A gravity deploying bi-pod leg set is also provided which automatically locks into position when fully deployed by a gravity slide lock.

Abstract: A laser sighting device for a firearm and a method for mounting a laser sighting device on a firearm. A laser sighting device for a firearm comprises a holder adapted to attach to the handgrip of the firearm such that the firearm may be held in a firing position by the handgrip with the device installed thereon, the holder including a first compartment for receiving a laser and holding the laser so as to propagate a beam of light substantially in the muzzle direction of the firearm, and a second compartment for receiving a battery to power the laser, a switch for activation of the laser by the user's hand holding the handgrip in firing position, and an electrical circuit disposed within the holder for interconnecting a laser disposed in the first compartment, a battery disposed in the second compartment and the switch.

Abstract: A gunsight reticle defines a system of dimensioned indicia spaced at specific separations to improve aiming accuracy of a gun. The indicia may include perpendicularly intersecting center vertical and center horizontal hairlines, and four (or more or less) horizontal range-marker lines disposed at specific angular separations below the horizontal hairline in bisected relationship with the center vertical hairline. Spacing of the range marker lines below the center horizontal hairline is proportional to bullet drop at selected ranges, depending upon ballistic characteristics of bullet used. Relative lengths of said range-marker bars on each side of the central vertical crosshair are proportional to a specific crosswind (say 10 mph) at target range reflected by respective range marker. The method involves employing this reticle to determine distance to target, and using distance thus determined to ascertain a precise aiming point on the reticle.

Abstract: A frog lure device that has a life-like swimming action. In a preferred embodiment, the device has a diving “collar” disposed around an upper region of the lure body, rather than a lower region, which is common in conventional lure devices. In a specific embodiment, the collar caused the lure body to dive under the surface like a frog. Concurrent with the diving action, the lure device also has a kicking action to resemble a living frog device. In a specific embodiment, the collar also forms a trail of one or more bubbles and a vortex, or slight vacuum behind it. In a specific embodiment, the lure body includes a pair of legs, which have a suitable length to be caught in the vortex and become trapped in the vortex the pair of legs also straighten out to cause a kicking action and also provide stability to the lure body as it accelerates through the water. As the frog device traverses through the water, the legs also slightly contract and extend to resemble a kicking action.

Abstract: The invention is a insect trapping device comprising a truncated, tapered hollow body such as a truncated cone or pyramid having a nondrying glue substantially covering its interior surface. The glue has a removable covering that protects it when it is in its package or ready to deploy configuration. It may be placed on a horizontal surface with the large opening facing down or hung in an overhead position with the large opening facing up. The device may be sized for different applications: a large version placed over dung in a field will capture house flies, while a smaller version put on a countertop using overripe fruit as an attractant will capture fruit flies. Various embodiments are presented that allow the embodiment to be folded, stacked, or flattened for storage. The invention traps members of the insecta class (e.g. flies), members of the arachnid class (e.g. spiders) and other arthropods.

Abstract: This invention permits biodiesel (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters—FAMES) fuel and/or fuel blends to be used in cold weather climates without crystallization/precipitation of solids which plug fuel lines. The high melting point components are removed by physical separation from the biodiesel. Crystallization or distillation are used to separate the high melting temperature components. The low melting temperature components are used for blending with petroleum diesel with reduced or no winterization; low melting temperature components are used as a biodiesel with reduced or no winterization; low melting temperature components are blended into aviation jet fuel; or low melting temperature components are used as aviation jet fuel. The high melting temperature components are blended with petroleum diesel for temperate and/or hot weather climates.

Abstract: A method of purifying an organic solution comprising contacting a flocculating and sequestering agent with the organic solution, which organic solution comprises fatty acid alkyl esters. Also provided is a process for purification of the organic solution. The process comprises adding a flocculating and sequestering agent to the organic solution to facilitate the purification, and removing a portion from the organic solution, which portion comprises the flocculating and sequestering agent and impurities.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a process and system for continuous removal of water during production of bio-fuels such as bio-diesel. The process may utilize either a homogeneous catalyst or a heterogeneous catalyst in an esterification reaction vessel to drive the esterification process to completion by continuously removing water and returning dried methanol back to the reaction vessel.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is a composition of diesel, biodiesel or blended fuel (DF) with exhaust gas (EG) mixtures or with liquid CO2. The composition is in a liquid state near the supercritical region or a supercritical fluid mixture such that it quasi-instantaneously diffuses into the compressed and hot air as a single and homogeneous supercritical phase upon injection in a combustion chamber. Suitable temperatures and pressures are greater than about 300° C. and 100 bar, and the mole fraction of EG or CO2 (XEG or XCO2) in DF is in the range of 0.0-0.9. In a combustion process embodiment, composition embodiments are injected into a combustion chamber under supercritical conditions.

Abstract: This invention discloses systems and methods for conversion of high moisture waste materials to dry or low moisture products for recycle or reuse. The equipment systems comprise a gas turbine generator unit (preferred heat source), a dryer vessel and a processing unit, wherein the connection between the gas turbine and the dryer vessel directs substantially all the gas turbine exhaust into the dryer vessel and substantially precludes the introduction of air into the dryer vessel and wherein the processing unit forms the dried material from the dryer vessel into granules, pellets or other desired form for the final product. Optionally, the systems and methods further provide for processing ventilation air from manufacturing facilities to reduce emissions therefrom.

Abstract: A greenhouse structure has first and second sections. The second section includes moveable and fixed supports and a flexible material retained therebetween. The first section is adapted to bias the moveable support from an initial position to a final position in which at least a portion of the moveable support is more distant from the fixed support. In the final position, the flexible material is tauter than in the initial position.

Abstract: The invention is for landscape edging with improved mulch containment and improved drainage. The landscape edging has a substantially vertical planar surface adjacent to a substantially horizontal surface. The vertical planar surface and the horizontal planar surface are adhered to a sidewalk or pavement that borders a flower bed or garden. A riser extends upward from a first end of the horizontal surface. A lip surface extends from the riser in a direction away from the horizontal planar surface. A curved canopy surface extends from the lip, back over the lip and the horizontal surface, until it intersects with a flower bed wall. The flower bed wall it is a curved surface that extends between a second end of the horizontal planar surface and the canopy surface. The flower bed wall has orifices disposed therein to allow water from the flower bed to enter the landscape edging.

Abstract: A kit for a mobile gardening cart that includes the following: a base structure, form, storage areas, and a plurality of wheels to allow it to pivot in any directions, coupled to a base and an upright frame structure with reasonable braced support, linage/connection to a main vertical frame, and multiple stackable container forms to be placed parallel to each other in an ascending upward fashion.

Abstract: A device for securing and holding a plant creeping along a support wire (11), comprising a fastener (12) configured as a skewed-surface, open ring composed of an annular web (21), which delimits an internal volume (13) for receiving the plant through an access opening (16), and a pair of hooks (14, 15), which are bent back outwardly at the ends of said web to form semi-open retaining eyes (17) that are offset in the heightwise direction and make it possible to exert a wedging effect on the support wire due to oblique deformation relative to the vertical direction. The fastener (12) is hingeless and is made in one piece from biodegradable material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a prefabricated type flowerpot block. It can be assembled in a simple manner, it can perform root-balling for a predetermined period and it can allow a plant to be transplanted to thus be conveniently moved. Accordingly, it eliminates the trouble of planting a plant to be transplanted in the ground during a transplanting process, and thus it prevents the roots of a plant to be transplanted from being damaged while the plant is moved to a transplanting place. The prefabricated type flowerpot block can also function as a flowerpot to plant therein any size of plant.

Abstract: A process and system suitable for producing syngas from biomass materials. The process and system entail the compaction of a loose biomass material to remove air therefrom and form a compacted biomass material. The compacted biomass material is then introduced into a reactor and heated in the substantial absence of air so as not to combust the compacted biomass material. Instead, the compacted biomass material is heated to a temperature at which organic molecules within the compacted biomass material break down to form ash and gases comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas. Thereafter, the carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas are released from the reactor, and the ash is removed from the reactor.

Abstract: A process for producing a purified synthesis gas stream from a carbonaceous feedstock, the process comprising the steps of (a) partial oxidation of the carbonaceous feedstock with a molecular oxygen comprising gas to obtain a synthesis gas comprising water, hydrogen sulphide, and carbon dioxide besides the main constituents carbon monoxide and hydrogen, (b) mixing the synthesis gas and methanol and reducing the temperature of said mixture and separating a liquid methanol-water mixture from a cooled gaseous synthesis gas, (c) contacting the cooled synthesis gas obtained in step (b) with methanol to decrease the content of hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide in the synthesis gas, thereby obtaining a rich methanol stream comprising hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide and a synthesis gas stream depleted in hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide; (d) regenerating the rich methanol stream of step (c) by separating from the rich methanol a carbon dioxide fraction and a hydrogen sulphide fraction to obtain lean meth

Abstract: Disclosed is a two part hook and loop weatherstripping system in which one portion, such as the hook portion that is attached to a window frame and another portion such as the loop portion that is attached to the hook portion and includes a flexible material that may be compressible to provide a seal between a window sash and the window frame. The removable portion can be easily removed and cleaned or replaced with a new portion. Different thicknesses of the removable portion of the hook and loop weatherstripping allows various size gaps between a window frame and a sash to be easily filled. The use of two part hook and loop components incorporating a weatherstripping system provides for the components to be utilized in such a way so as to provide an overlap joint at all corners that restricts linear shrinkage and eliminates the holes that commonly materialize at the corners from shrinkage of single part weatherstripping systems.

Abstract: A tailgate for the bed of a pickup truck has a generally U-shaped tailgate frame that is adapted to be coupled to the bed of the pickup truck and is pivotable about a first axis between a generally vertical closed position and a generally horizontal open position. A door assembly is coupled to the tailgate frame and is pivotable about a second axis generally normal relative to the first axis for movement between a closed position proximate the tailgate frame and an open position away from the tailgate frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to vehicle glazing, in particular to sliding windows for land vehicles such as buses, trams and trains, in particular slow speed trains.

Abstract: A weatherstrip and a sash molding are attached along a door sash. A hard material clip is insert-molded in the die-molded part at the end of the weatherstrip. The clip has a latch protruding from the die-molded part. An end cap die-molded at the sash molding end has an engaging part. The engaging part engages with the latch to retain the sash molding end.

Abstract: A trim panel retention system for a vehicle interior includes serviceable trim clips holding trim panel to a base panel in an operating condition. A secondary retaining member extends from the trim panel and passes through a secondary retention opening in the base panel, overlapping the base panel adjacent to the secondary retention opening and spaced from the base panel. If the trim clips become disengaged due a collision and the trim panel separates from the base panel, the secondary retaining member engages the base panel to limit movement of the trim panel.

Abstract: The 3-piece metal door frame comprises two vertical side metal door frame members and a horizontal top metal door frame member. An improved joining system comprises a pair of L-shaped joining brackets provided on one of the door frame members, the joining brackets being adapted to receive matching screw fasteners provided in connection with an adjoining door frame member. When the screws are received in the brackets they allow the adjoining frame members to achieve a secure and close mitre fit. Guiding tabs are provided at the top of the jam of each vertical side door frame member and are adapted to be received in matching slots provided in each end of the jam of the horizontal top metal door frame member. When two of the door frame members are joined to form a joint the guiding tabs help to keep the door frame members correctly aligned.

Abstract: A gutter system is provided. The gutter system may include a channel that is capable of catching water from a roof. A mounting member may be present and may be configured for at least partially supporting the channel. The channel may be rotationally mounted to the mounting member so that the channel is capable of rotating with respect to the mounting member. The channel can have a force applied thereto in order to thus rotate about an axis of rotation so that debris present in the channel will fall from its interior and thus effect a cleaning of the channel.

Abstract: A column borne building construction according to the present invention comprises a building and one substantially vertical column for bearing the load of said building construction. The building has a polyhedron shape, this polyhedron shape having a top face defining a polygon shape by means of N1 top edges and N1 top vertices. The polyhedron shape comprises additional faces other than said top face, which additional faces are defined by additional edges and additional vertices. The top face is substantially perpendicular to the column and encircling the column. Each of the N1 top vertices join two top edges and at least one additional edge of the polyhedron. The column has a top coupling point and at least 3 of the N1 top vertices are connected to the column by means of a tension member. The extensions of these tension members coincide in the top coupling point.