Abstract: Double dual shoe to hem protective clip clamp prevents a baggy pant hem from dragging on the ground by attaching one clamp to the pant hem, with the other clamp attaching directly onto the shoe heel rim. The device is made of two components, an upper clamp and a lower clamp, which may be attached permanently, or may be interchanged for versatility.

Abstract: In embodiments of the invention, a dredging head assembly uses vacuum only, or a combination of vacuum and flexible PVC tines, rather than the harsh digging and/or scraping features of conventional dredging equipment. Embodiments of the invention also provide a dredging head assembly that may be used in very shallow water. An embodiment of the invention includes a hose and wand to enable vacuuming around obstacles. One variant of the dredging head assembly is adapted for skimming floating debris from the surface of a body of water.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a chain assembly comprises a boom comprising a sliding surface and a plurality of chain links adapted to slide along the sliding surface. At least one polycrystalline ceramic enhanced insert at an interface between the chain links and at least a portion of the sliding surface.

Abstract: A device (1) for supplying superheated water, comprising a container (3) for containing water, and a heating element (5) for heating water in the container to a superheated state. During use the water in the container is superheated, by the heating element typically 120 to 140° C. The pressure in the container is suppressing the evaporation of the water If this superheated water is released from the container via a water outlet (7) for letting out superheated water, it evaporates due to decrease of pressure when leaving the container As a result the increased.

Abstract: A steam ironing device (10) provides an ionized steam output using an ionizing arrangement (30). The ionization process, in particular the high energy electric discharge used for ionization, breaks down steam particles into finer particles. As a result, a greater proportion of the steam particles generated can penetrate into the fabric of the garment being ironed, to improve fabric treatment and fabric moistening. Air ionization can also be used. The ionization process is improved by limiting the temperature of the steam.

Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus for display or storage. The apparatus comprises two parts; a first part being a base to indicate an actual object and a second part being a display window atop the base, the display window showing an indicator related to the object indicated by the shape of the base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a greeting card with the capability of connecting to and interacting with a device. More particularly, this invention relates to a card having a connector that permits a memory device coupled with the card to interact with a device, such as a multimedia player or computing device. The memory device may include a file, such as a video or image, that has been stored by the card purchaser and that can then be executed on the device for the enjoyment of the card recipient. The memory device may store a file for the greeting card recipient to access or view on a device, such as a multimedia player, when the card is connected to the device. Additionally, the memory device may include executable software that causes the device to perform an action, such as opening up a webpage, once the card is connected to the device. In such an embodiment, the card may be a gift card, such as a standard gift card issued by retailers.

Abstract: This invention relates to a temporary plaque manufacturing apparatus of the type comprising a plaque support frame having a pair of substantially parallel slots, one of which is a plaque receiving slot and the other is a flexible sheet receiving slot. The plaque receiving slot has a plaque support surface and an elongate flap housed therein and located on opposite sides thereof. Biasing means are provided to urge the flap towards the plaque supporting surface. A temporary plaque comprising a two part plaque, one part being a mounting plate and the other part being a flexible sheet, is inserted through the plaque receiving slot to affix the flexible sheet to the mounting plate. The elongate flaps are provided with wear resistant covers, preferably of a reinforced vinyl material that extend upwardly along the forward face of the elongate flaps.

Abstract: A convertible hangtag display comprising a unitary piece of material foldable into a hanging portion for hanging and displaying a retail item and a boxing portion for packaging the retail item is provided. The hanging portion is separable from the boxing portion along a perforation. The boxing portion has oppositely facing front and rear sheets connected by a crease and a seam. Upper and lower flaps are provided at opposite ends of each of the sheets. Upper and lower creases corresponding to the upper and lower flaps are provided such that the upper and lower creases are foldable about the corresponding creases. At least one crease is provided to the hanging portion opposite the perforation for bending the hanging portion. The hanging portion defines a slot for guiding a hook or other standard display means from which the unitary piece may be suspended. In a display configuration, the upper and lower flaps extend coplanar with the respective sheets from which they extend.

Abstract: A security package is disclosed having a barrier cut to stop tears from propagating into the package.

Abstract: Animated printed media (e.g., greeting cards, books, etc.) are disclosed herein. An animated printed medium according to one embodiment includes two pages that define a pocket therebetween. At least one of the pages has a window with a plurality of spaced apart transparent sections, and a pushsleeve is coupled to an element that is rotatable relative to the two pages. The pushsleeve extends in the pocket and has a coded image positioned to move beneath the window. A fold line is between the pushsleeve and the element to allow the pushsleeve to rotate relative to the element. The pushsleeve is movable between a first position where the element is between the fold line and the window and a second position where the fold line is between the element and the window. Movement of the pushsleeve between the first and second positions causes the coded image to move beneath the window.

Abstract: The invention provides a displaying device such as a souvenir product and method thereof. The device comprises a visual effecter and a display, wherein the visual effecter comprises at least one encapsulated electronic-optical element; the display can be a 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional display or any combination thereof; the display locates outside the visual effecter; and the display is subject to the visual effect of the visual effecter. The invention exhibits some merits such as easy manufacturability, lower failure rate, improved cost-effectiveness, production efficiency, easy handling and speedy supply, and better product stability and reliability.

Abstract: An advertisement board, which comprises one or more light emitting diodes capable of full-color display, one or more advertisement sheets, a light guide plate, and a frame, comprises: a frame which is provided with a containing portion for containing the one or more light emitting diodes, the one or more advertisement sheets, and the light guide plate, and parts of which are openable and closable in order to easily replace the one or more advertisement sheets; the one or more light emitting diodes placed at one side of the frame; the one or more advertisement sheets located on the light emitting diodes, and displaying advertisement contents by the light emitted from the light emitting diodes; the light guide plate which is located on the rear surface of the one or more advertisement sheets, diffuses the light emitted from the light emitting diodes, and sends the light to the one or more advertisement sheets to make the picture quality of the advertisement contents clearer

Abstract: Broadly the present invention is a message creation and display device and method of using the same, the message creation and display device includes an elongate substrate, a message display surface for displaying a message, wherein the message display surface is disposed upon said elongate substrate, and a plurality of permanent markings disposed upon the elongate substrate outside of the message display surface.

Abstract: A non-interactive advertising display is provided for use by golfers in their golf carts, which supplies useful advertising information to the cart occupant(s). In some cases, the display holds print advertisements protected under a clear removable film. Furthermore, the system is free from being unduly obtrusive in comparison to some interactive advertising methods due to its static, printed delivery—which can be free from animation, video or sound—and its unique placement, mounting under the front of the roof of the cart as opposed to the roof mounting poles. The advertising display can be used to attach to many commonly occurring golf cart roof shapes. This is due to a universal design and removable mounting brackets. Furthermore, the non-interactive advertising display can be maintained without the use of tools. Because the display can be manufactured in a way that purposefully matches cart roof colors this further minimizes the display's obtrusiveness.

Abstract: An assembly includes a flexurally deformed panel, which is connected to a membrane tie by a linear connector and is tied by the membrane tie to form a geometrically stable pre-stressed structure. More than one panel may be flexurally deformed and tied together in an assembly and more than one membrane tie may be present within an assembly. Panels are typically semi-rigid sheet materials, for example metal sheets, plastic sheets, or sheets of composite materials, such as glass or carbon fibre reinforced plastics or resins. Membrane tie members are typically flexible, for example plastic films, fabrics or nets or arrays of rods or cables. The assemblies have many different geometric forms and many different practical applications. Assemblies may be relatively large, for example demountable and reusable shelters or flat-pack point-of-purchase display assemblies, or may be relatively small, for example a photograph or postcard display system.

Abstract: An identification plate designed to be bonded to the wall of an object requiring protection, such as a computer, providing identification and/or recovery information for the said object if it is lost or stolen, comprises first information about the object which is located on a first plate and second information about the object which is located on a second plate, and is characterised in that the second plate is located in a window provided within the first plate, and that the level of protection for the second information is greater than that for the first information.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a band into a persistent loop. The band incorporating the apparatus has a hole portion which contains a hole, a tongue portion which fits through the hole, and an adhesive attachment area on one or both of the hole and tongue portions. The band is made into a persistent loop by drawing the tongue portion through the hole and attaching the adhesive attachment area to the loop's outside surface. The size of the loop may be adjusted by varying the amount of the tongue portion which is drawn through the hole. A loop may be temporarily preformed by engaging a structure on the tongue portion with the hole. In embodiments in which the band is made of stiff material, the engaging structures may be the edges of the tongue portion and the edges of the hole. The disclosed embodiment of the apparatus is an identification band.

Abstract: A system for displaying memorabilia includes a display platform, at least one sheet of mounting material, and a cover. The mounting material is arranged and configured to be assembled into a first display piece, wherein when the first display piece is assembled, the first display piece includes at least two facing layers of mounting material fastened together and at least a first magnet fastened to one of the at least two facing layers of mounting material. The first magnet is arranged and configured to secure the display piece to the display platform. A first combined thickness of the at least two facing layers of mounting material and the first magnet define a first height. The cover encloses the display platform and has a transparent surface that permits viewing the at least one display piece when the cover is closed and when the display piece is secured to the display platform.

Abstract: Disclosed is a decorative wall mounted container system. The system includes a container with an opened front and a pivotal forward cover. The cover has both a closed orientation, overlying the opened front of the container and an opened orientation. The front face of the cover can take the form of a decorative picture, which is displayed when the cover is in the closed orientation. In the opened configuration, the cover is retained at a 90-degree angle relative to the container, such that the rearward face of the cover can be used as a work surface and the contents of the container can be accessed.

Abstract: A multi-screen display device includes a display device and a folding bracket. The display device includes a first display frame and a second display frame. The folding bracket includes an inner rotating portion pivotally connected to the first display frame, and an outer rotating portion pivotally connected to the inner rotating portion and pivotally connected to the second display frame.

Abstract: A firearm accessory holder and method for making it, the accessory holder including a housing, for holding a firearm accessory, and a mounting rail coupled to the housing, the mounting rail being complementary to a bayonet mounting rail on a firearm.

Abstract: The boresight laser aiming system for firearms provides a laser aiming beam through the mechanical action (20), chamber, and barrel (36) of the operable firearm (10) and through a specially configured live rimfire cartridge within the chamber, enabling a marksman to place the laser upon the target and fire the weapon simultaneously. The laser device (12) may be installed concentrically with a light passage through the bolt (22), hammer, or other mechanism of the firearm, or may be offset with the light path guided by one or more reflective mirrors, prisms, etc. The firearm may comprise a rifle (10), semiautomatic pistol, revolver, etc. The live cartridge has concentric inner and outer tubes defining a toroidal explosive charge-containing chamber therebetween and a light passage through the innermost tube, and a bullet having a passage therethrough allowing light to pass through the live cartridge assembly when placed in the firearm chamber.

Abstract: A device mount for a weapon with a stabilizing function is provided. In one embodiment, the device mount includes a device bracket, a stabilizing tube and at least one stabilizing member. The device bracket has a support plate and a side plate that extends generally at a right angle from the support plate. The stabilizing tube is movably coupled to the side plate. The at least one stabilizing member is received in the stabilizing tube. Moreover, the at least one stabilizing member is configured to stabilize motion of the device bracket.

Abstract: A novel waterfowl decoy has a retractable anchor and accompanying anchor line. In one embodiment of the invention, an anchor line passes through a substantially hollow keel mounted at or near the base of the decoy. The line can be selectively locked in either a retracted (anchor stored) or extended (anchor deployed) position, as desired. When the anchor line is retracted, the anchor weight can be secured to the decoy keel or decoy body for convenient storage. In an alternative embodiment, the waterfowl decoy has a rotating head that can spin about an axis passing through the neck of the decoy. When the anchor is deployed, the anchor line extends from the bottom of the decoy, keel or other lower portion of said decoy. Conversely, when the anchor is not deployed, a portion of the anchor line can be spooled or wound around the neck of the decoy to remove excess slack from the anchor line.

Abstract: A swim bait fishing lure. The lure has a longitudinally aligned tapering supple body with a drag producing flipper substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis and a longitudinal length. The tapering supple body further has: a base portion adjacent to the drag producing flipper. The base portion has a base transverse width. The lure also has a pendulum hinge portion positioned a pendulum distance at least one third of the longitudinal length forward from the drag producing flipper. The pendulum hinge portion has a pendulum transverse width a substantially smallest width of the tapering supple body. The base transverse width is substantially larger than the pendulum transverse width which provides a transversely narrowing taper along the tapering supple body from the base portion to the pendulum hinge portion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing self-propelled casting within a fishing apparatus that is the functional replacement of a conventional rod and reel combination. The system and method of the present invention advantageously include utilization of a self-propelled casting apparatus that employs a compression spring motor to impart a sufficient force on a projectile loaded within a tubular support member, to launch the projectile during a casting cycle. The casting apparatus employs a point-and-release method of safely and accurately casting a bobber or other article of fishing tackle over a specified distance.

Abstract: A fishing lure that includes an adjustable head member statically coupleable in a first and second position, about an axis of rotation, to a body member. The body member has a vertical centerline plane. The adjustable head comprises a steering bill member projecting therefrom in a first direction. When the adjustable head member is in the first position, the first direction of the steering bill member is directed away from a first side of the centerline plane to steer the fishing lure, when moved through water, in a first steering direction. When the adjustable head member is in the second position, the first direction is directed away from a second side of the vertical centerline plane opposite the first side of the vertical centerline plane to steer the fishing lure, when moved through water, in a second steering direction.

Abstract: The present invention describes a new non-compound based approach for insect and/or arachnid control. The present inventors have identified for the first time novel targets for RNAi, which can effectively control insect and/or arachnid pest populations. Accordingly, the invention provides both nucleotide and amino acid sequences for the novel targets. Also provided are RNA constructs including double stranded RNA regions for mediating RNAi in insects, DNA constructs, expression vectors, host cells and compositions for controlling insects and/or arachnids using RNAi. Finally, the invention also provides for the use of the constructs, vectors, host cells and compositions in control of insects and/or arachnids populations and suitable kits for use in an RNAi based method of controlling insect and/or arachnid pests.

Abstract: A glue trap includes a thin flexible layer of non-drying adhesive is deposited on a substantially flat flexible substrate. Both the adhesive layer and the substrate are of extended length and extremely flexible. The glue trap is provided in roll form and may be mounted in a dispenser which facilitates cutting the glue trap to a desired length at the job site.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of rylene derivatives of the general formula (I) as markers for liquids, where the symbols and indices have the meanings given in the specification.

Abstract: The combustion of gasoline can be facilitated by the addition of molecular hydrogen. The hydrogen can be generated by placing into the gasoline a hydrogen generating device, such as a mixture of metallic magnesium and EH-101 (HB-101) containing solution, whereby the device allows for the selective passage of the generated hydrogen but restricts the passage of magnesium and EH-101 (HB-101) components. This partitioning of hydrogen from EH-101 (HB-101) components is achieved by using reverse osmosis membrane, low density gasoline resistant plastic material or low molecular weight cutoff dialysis membrane to create a sealed container of the magnesium and EH-101 (HB-101) components, which can be placed into the gasoline. The EH-101 (HB-101) can be initially placed into a breakable inner compartment within the hydrogen permeable container. This compartment can be easily broken by simple squeezing just prior to placing the device into the gasoline that is intended to have its hydrogen content increased.

Abstract: A method of processing coal to remove sulfur and other contaminants by mixing coal in a solution of aqueous ammonia having a selected concentration range (preferred range of 3%-5%) of ammonia to water in a reaction vessel. The mixing causes the solution to be brought into contact with the surfaces and pores of the coal. The process is monitored to detect when the concentration of aqueous ammonia in the reaction vessel has fallen below the selected range, and aqueous ammonia with an ammonia concentration in or above the selected range is fed into the reaction vessel to return the solution to within the selected range. The cleaned coal may be rinsed and dried, or dried without rinsing to form an ammonia coating on the coal surfaces and pores. Several plant layouts to practice the method are described.

Abstract: An accessory for providing an aperture through a container, including two interconnecting parts, a socket part and an insert part insertable into said socket part, at least one of said parts having a wall portion circumscribing a central bore and arranged such that an insert portion of the insert part is sized to engage with a receiving portion of the socket part such that the parts may be operatively connected to one another with their respective bores in substantial alignment, and remote from said insert and receiving portions, each said part having container engagement means for engaging with respective walls in each of a base and a lid of the container when an orifice is cut therein.

Abstract: The water reservoir for plants comprises a single sheet of flexible plastic material. Fasteners are employed to join the ends of the sheet together to form a continuous circle or collar. The sheet is positioned in a trench that is excavated to receive the new plant, thereby forming a barrier around the roots of the new plant. After the plant is placed in the excavated trench, dirt is used to fill the space outside the walls of the sheet. The space inside the walls of the sheet, containing the root ball, is filled with water.

Abstract: The invention provides a means to suspend a single or a series of flower pots and or containers. The invention is comprised of a plank like body having at least one flat edge into which is molded or cut a cavity, or a series of cavities. Each cavity affords the entry of a flowerpot or container. Each cavity contains a weight bearing shoulder an angled inner wall, upon which the lip and body of a flowerpot or container may rest, flanked by a supporting finger which enters the flowerpot or container holding it against the angled inner wall and all components are spatially situated to compliment the lip and or body of a common flowerpot or container.

Abstract: The present invention includes long-day onion plants comprising bulbs having low pungency and methods for obtaining such onions. The present invention also provides reagents and materials that can be used in the methods for obtaining such onions.

Abstract: A method of altering the heating value of a liquefied natural gas by adding higher heating value components is disclosed. A portion of the liquefied natural gas is used to cool the higher heating value component stream prior to combining the higher heating value components with the liquefied natural gas to obtain a combined stream having a heating value greater than the liquefied natural gas.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing synthetic natural gas are provided. The method can include gasifying a carbonaceous feedstock within a gasifier to provide a raw syngas. The raw syngas can be cooled to provide a cooled raw syngas. The cooled raw syngas can be processed in a purification system to provide treated syngas. The purification system can include a flash gas separator in fluid communication with the gasifier and a saturator. The treated syngas can be converted to synthetic natural gas to provide steam, a methanation condensate, and a synthetic natural gas. The methanation condensate can be introduced to the flash gas separator.

Abstract: Electro-mechanical and electronically controlled access devices are described for controlling access to a building, premises or area in a secure manner such that a subject who is deemed ineligible for access will be barred entry and may be optionally retained. The devices can contain multiple rotatable door panels, which can be positioned behind one another. The door panels can be controlled by mechanized arms or other control devices in order to control the passage through the device. The direction of flow through a device according to these embodiments is electronically controlled and may be changed at any point in time. At any instant in time, the flow through the device is unidirectional. Multiple devices can be stacked together to form clusters, which can be controlled according to traffic, time of day, or other factors.

Abstract: A seal for a sliding glass window is provided. The seal can include a sliding glass guide and an elastomeric channel member that is at least partially within the sliding glass guide. Located between the elastomeric channel member and the sliding glass guide can be an electroactive actuator that is operable to change its shape when a voltage is applied thereto. Also included can be an electrical source of power that is electrically connected to the electroactive actuator. In some instances, the electroactive actuator is an electroactive polymer and can be a dielectric electroactive polymer or an ionic electroactive polymer. If the electroactive polymer is a dielectric electroactive polymer, it can be made from silicones and/or acrylic elastomers.

Abstract: A push-pull chain and actuator for opening and closing a hinged window, door or other panel.

Abstract: The invention is a window regulator for moving a closure panel between a first and a second position in a door for a vehicle. The window regulator includes at least one rail with a lift plate slidably mounted to the at least one rail that retains the closure panel. An adjustable mounting structure pivotally attaches the at least one rail to a surface in the door so that the closure panel is operable to pivot around a fixed instantaneous center that is displaced away from the at least one rail. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting structure includes a jackscrew mounted to one end of the rail and a four bar hinge located at the other end.

Abstract: A balance assembly for a sliding sash window, where a spring-loaded pulley arrangement is interconnected between the window frame and the window, to counter the weight of the window, and permit ease of opening and closing the window. The spring-loaded pulley arrangement is located within a housing, which also facilitates attachment of the shoe. The shoe of this balance assembly being rotatable between a first and a second position to permit fitting the assembly into the side of the window frame, when the shoe is in the first position, and to permit final installation of the assembly when the shoe in the second position. The shoe is retained in the first and second positions by detents. This rotatable shoe feature permitting installation, of the Balance Assembly of this invention, into a window frame at later stages of the window assembly sequence.

Abstract: A fastening strip (10, 30) and seal (40) arrangement are described. By use of a plurality of individual retention elements (20) that are coupled—either integrally or separate—to the fastening strip it is possible to effect inter-engagement of the seal and strip. The retention elements are received into the seal, which is deformable and engages with the retention elements to effect the retention of the fastening strip to the seal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing profile (27) which is used as a seal on the window (4) of a vehicle door and which consists of a fastening section (28) to be put onto a ridge (13) and a sealing section (30) designed to rest against the window (4) when the latter is closed. The sealing section (30) is characterized by at least one sealing lip (32) onto the free end of which a section (32?) is molded which is bent in the direction of the fastening section (28). Said bent section is deflected in the direction of the lower side (31?) of an additional sealing lip (31) when the window (4) is closed and defines therewith a closed space (33) that is open in the open state of the window (4). The space (33) formed by the sealing lip (31) being rolled up results in favorable damping properties and reduced closing forces as compared to a classical hollow profile, owing to an increased supporting effect on ventilation.

Abstract: A coated abrasive article comprises a fabric backing having a presize layer thereon, and an abrasive layer secured to and contacting the presize layer. The abrasive layer comprises a make layer and abrasive particles. The presize layer comprises, based on a total weight of components a) through f), a reaction product of components comprising: a) from 60 to 90 percent by weight of epoxy resin preparable by reaction of epichlorohydrin with bisphenol A; b) from 5 to 25 percent by weight of polyfunctional (meth)acrylate; c) from 10 percent by weight of aromatic acid-functional free-radically polymerizable material having an acid number up to 300; d) from 5 to 15 percent by weight of dicyandiamide; e) an effective amount of photoinitiator; and f) optionally, an effective amount of epoxy cure catalyst. Methods of making and using the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) cutter having a body of diamond crystals containing cobalt is coated with Teflon which is impervious to hydrofluoric acid. After the Teflon coating is dried, a segment of the Teflon coating is removed and a mixture of 50% hydrofluoric acid and 50% nitric acid is supplied to the diamond crystal body through the template in the Teflon coating to leach out the cobalt catalyzing material contained within the body of diamond crystals. In an alternative embodiment, a similar process is used to coat a PDC drill bit and the PDC cutters mounted in the PDC drill bit. After the Teflon dries, a segment of the coating is removed and the acid mix is applied through the templates in the cutters to leach out the cobalt in each of the bodies of diamond crystals. In another alternative embodiment, a tube is placed over the PDC cutter, the tube having one or more templates exposing only the segment or segments of the cutting surface to the acid mix.

Abstract: Disclosed is a support structure comprising a tension-compression element (1) which is composed of tension-compression bars (2) that are connected in real joints (3) as well as tension straps (4) that extend from one joint (3) to another (3). The outermost tension-compression bars (2) are connected in one respective knot (9). Two pressurized hollow members that are surrounded by a cover (6) are arranged on both sides of a plane that extends through the tension-compression element (1) such that the linear tensions ? generated in the cover (6) preload the tension straps (4) on the plane of the tension-compression element (1), secure the tension-compression bars (2) against bending, and stabilize the joints (3). The linear tensioning components that extend perpendicular to said plane of symmetry strut the tension-compression element (1) against lateral bending. Air-tight, optionally elastic pneumatic elements (7) can be inserted into the hollow members (5).

Abstract: A masonry wall includes a masonry foundation, a flashing unit disposed on the masonry foundation, a masonry weep structure, a mortar bed and at least one layer of masonry units disposed upon the mortar bed. A gap defined between the back surface of the masonry unit and the back edge is sufficient to allow water that has seeped through a plurality of masonry units to downwardly toward the platform. A mesh masonry weep structure is disposed on the platform of the flashing unit to allow drainage of water that has seeped behind the wall. A modular flashing unit and template system facilitates building a masonry foundation and quick application of flashing.