Abstract: A centrifugal dryer that has improved throughput capacity resulting from the combination of a high angle agglomerate catcher with optional overflow, increased dewatering capacity, a cylindrical dewatering feed chute, a modified rotor design with positionally and structurally modified lifters in the feed and dewatering section, the drying and propagating section, as well as the pellet discharge section, and an efficient circumferential foraminous membrane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ensuring a user to change a filter dryer of a refrigerant recovery unit having a refrigerant determining module that is configured to determine a condition of the refrigerant or an amount of refrigerant that has passed through the filter dryer, or a condition of the filter dryer, an alert device that notifies the user to change the filter dryer in response to the condition, a pressure module that regulates the pressure in the filter dryer, and a pressure-sensing device that is configured to detect a change of pressure in response to filter dryer maintenance. The refrigerant recovery unit is disabled from recovering refrigerant when the refrigerant determining module determines that the filter dryer needs to be replaced, and it is activated in response to the change of pressure detected by the pressure-sensing device.

Abstract: A dryer includes a mixing type lifter to increase a contact area between laundry and air blown to the laundry. The lifter includes a main body provided to a drum of the dryer to move laundry received in the drum, a bent section formed on the main body to cause three-dimensional movement of the laundry, and a separation maintaining section formed on the main body to form a space between the laundry and the main body.

Abstract: A drying and smoothing apparatus for a machine which produces or processes a layer of material, specifically for machines that produce or process paper, cardboard or tissue, the drying and smoothing apparatus including a heated drying and smoothing cylinder having a curved external surface, the drying and smoothing cylinder configured to rotate, a pressurizing jacket encasing a portion of a curved external surface of the drying cylinder to form a pressure zone, a plurality of stacked sealing assemblies configured to seal the pressure zone from an ambient, the plurality of stacked sealing assemblies being supported on a first end and a second end of the curved surface of the drying and smoothing cylinder, wherein each of the plurality of stacked sealing assemblies include at least three seals, the seals pressed inward against the curved external surface of the drying and smoothing cylinder and stacked in sequence axially outward from the pressure zone to the ambient.

Abstract: An exsiccation system provides a chamber for drying persons or animals in a fast, efficient and antibacterial manner. A series of apertures throughout the chamber provides jets of warm air directed onto a body in the chamber. The warm air removes moisture and exits out of the entrance to the chamber. The air flow into the chamber is optimized by adjusting the size of the outlets into the chamber. A control panel allows an operator to adjust the airflow and temperature of the exsiccation chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a washer/dryer (1) whereby the processes of loading, unloading the laundry and carrying the unloaded laundry to another place can be performed easily.

Abstract: A clothes dryer has a drying drum with an airflow inlet and a motor for rotating the drum. A blower rotated by a fan motor flows air into, through, and out the drum. A refresh or touch-up de-wrinkle course is selected via a signal input on a control panel. Steam is supplied to the drum by a steam generating device, and heated air from a heater is supplied via the inlet. A controller operates the steam device and heater, in response to the course being selected, to supply to the drum a plurality of steam pulses of at least one first predetermined time and a heated air pulse after each steam pulse. Heated air pulses between steam pulses are intermediate pulses of at least one second predetermined time to reduce condensation in the dryer and the final pulse of heated air is of a duration to dry articles.

Abstract: An operating method for a drum type laundry machine including a drum (300) for receiving laundry, an air supply unit (600) for supplying air into the drum (300), and a steam generation unit (400) supplying steam into the drum (300), the operating method comprising the steps of supplying cool air into the drum (300) to remove dust from the laundry; supplying steam into the drum (300) to remove wrinkles from the laundry; and resupplying cool air into the drum (300).

Abstract: A retort apparatus includes a primary rotating pipe within a second rotating pipe within a fixed pipe (27). The interior area of the primary rotating pipe is bounded by a heated pipe. A first annulus is formed between the primary and second rotating pipes. A second annulus is formed between the second rotating pipe and the heated pipe. A third annulus is formed between the primary rotating pipe and the fixed pipe. A heater is positioned within the interior area of said primary rotating pipe. In one embodiment, an inlet gate is provided for introducing a liquid and solid mixture into the first annulus proximate the second end thereof. A first conveyor is provided to move the mixture toward the hot end of the primary rotating pipe.

Abstract: A steam dryer control method controls the amount of water supplied to a heater to adjust an amount of steam. The steam dryer control method includes turning on a steam heater, turning on a water supply valve and counting the number of lapses of unit water supply duration at any time when the unit water supply duration elapses, and rotating a drum when the number of lapses of the unit water supply duration reaches a preset number.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the non-contact drying of a web of material. The apparatus includes air flotation nozzles for floating the web, and direct air impingement nozzles for enhanced drying of the web. The nozzle arrangement is particularly well-suited to float and dry light weight webs under moderate to high tension. Increased cushion pressure is created to support the web preferably with the same horsepower as conventional arrangements. The increased cushion pressure pad of the nozzle arrangement allows for good flotation with reduced velocities below about 11,500 FPM. Machine direction wrinkles are removed and the result is positive flotation with no marking on the web or ink build up on the air bars. The nozzle arrangement includes pairs of flotation nozzles directly opposing pairs of direct impingement nozzles. A perforated member can be positioned between flotation nozzles within a pair of flotation nozzles to control return air.

Abstract: A kind of multi-function health care self-cleaning shoe material comprises a shoe material main body (10). The shoe material main body (10) has a peripheral contour area (11), an inner area (12) and at least a sheet-form web body (120), which is located in the inner area (12) of the main body (10). The web body (120) is fixed on the peripheral contour area (11). The web body (120) is a web-form braid having plural fibers in warp direction (12) and plural fibers in weft direction (13). Many functional particles (130) are contained in the fibers.

Abstract: An article of footwear having a rubber outsole, a polyurethane midsole bonded to the rubber outsole by polyurethane (PU) adhesive, and a polyurethane upper bonded to the midsole and the rubber outsole by injection molding. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing an article of footwear comprising the steps of applying a layer of primer to a selected portion of a rubber outsole and allowing the layer of primer to dry; applying a first layer of PU adhesive over the primed portion of the outsole and allowing said first layer of PU adhesive to dry; applying a second layer of PU adhesive over the dried first layer of PU adhesive and allowing the second layer of PU adhesive to dry; forming, separately, a polyurethane upper by injection molding; setting the outsole and the upper in a mold; and, forming, via injection molding, a polyurethane midsole and activating the PU adhesive to bond the outsole to the midsole and to the upper, thereby forming the article of footwear.

Abstract: An air cushion shoe has an air chamber at an upper surface of a front side of a main body. An air passageway extends from the air chamber to an air inlet. Air pockets are formed in the main body at predetermined positions below the air passageway. First air vents are formed at a front side of the hardened reinforcement sheet positioned onto the main body to cover the open upper portions of the air passageway and the air pockets. Second air vents are formed at a front side of a main body of a shoe liner. A cushioning material having a honeycomb structured body is formed at the bottom surface of the main body.

Abstract: A stabilizing insole has a base, a heel pad and a forefoot pad. The heel pad is formed on the base and has a heel supporting segment. The forefoot pad is formed on the base and has a forefoot supporting section. The heel and forefoot pads concentrates force applied by a person's foot at natural balance points so the user does not twist his or her ankle.

Abstract: A sneaker-like or exercise shoe with an adjustable, posterior heel strap that provides for a one size fits all configuration. A plurality of peripheral hook members are positioned around the mid-section and toe portion of the shoe for attaching an elastic or stretchable band. Specifically, the plurality of hook members are positioned (A) on the inside of the foot at the medial portion of the 1st metatarsal distal end; (B) on the outside of the foot at the lateral medial portion of the 5th metatarsal distal end; and (C) on the distal end of the 2nd metatarsal. At the back of the shoe the strap goes around the posterior calcaneus of a foot for adjustable sizes.

Abstract: Any footwear comprising of interchangeable footwear sole and interchangeable upper portion. The interchangeable upper portion consist of upper foot grip straps, vamp or a full shoe upper portion already attached to a soft pad insole. The interchangeable sole is attached to the upper portion.

Abstract: A shoe structure for athletic use includes an upper adapted and constructed to at least partially cover an upper surface of the foot of a wearer of the shoe. A sole element is secured to the upper, and is fabricated from a relatively flexible and cushioned material. A plurality of multi-island platforms are secured to the sole element. The multi-island platforms have varying degrees of stiffness. Stiffer multi-island platforms are located in areas of the foot requiring stiffness to enhance footwear performance, and more flexible multi-island platforms are located in areas of the foot requiring flexibility to enhance footwear performance.

Abstract: A footwear assembly including footwear including a sole and a map formed on the sole, the map including markings that define an orientation and position for mounting an item on to a bottom surface of the sole.

Abstract: A weight lifting system wherein shoes of substantially normal fit and construction have additional parts that are designed to attach to and detach from corresponding hardware on weights and weight holding devices, and the additional parts on the shoes will not interfere with walking or other exercises or with the normal function of the shoe. Structural support for the added parts is embedded in the sole of the shoe where it will be unnoticeable by the user. The hardware works quickly and easily and a plurality of different weights is preferred with the net result being that the user can quickly and easily pick up and put down weights with their feet, change the amount of weight, and change weights from foot to foot and, hence, can easily move from one exercise to another, and there is no need to remove the shoes when performing other exercises.

Abstract: The invention is directed to intelligent systems for articles of footwear that adjust automatically in response to a measured performance characteristic. The intelligent systems include one or more adjustable elements coupled to a mechanism that actuates the adjustable elements in response to a signal from a sensor to modify the performance characteristic of the article of footwear. The intelligent system adjusts the performance characteristics of the article of footwear without human intervention.

Abstract: A strap for a shoe has a first resilient and flexible fabric element extending from a first end to a second end and a clear flexible element substantially fixed at respective ends of the clear flexible element to corresponding ends of the first fabric element. Methods of assembly and of use are described.

Abstract: An assembly insole impermeable to water and permeable to water vapor, with a structure including a membrane impermeable to water and permeable to water vapor and arranged in an upward region, and a supporting layer arranged below the membrane, made of a material resistant to hydrolysis and vapor-permeable or diffusely perforated, and capable of acting as a support for the foot, as a manufacturing base for the shoe, as an element for protecting the membrane against the penetration of blunt objects, and of withstanding the stresses induced in the shoe during use. The membrane and the supporting layer are mutually joined so as to make, as a whole, the assembly insole impermeable to the passage of water and not compromise the vapor permeability of the membrane.

Abstract: Methods for making footwear products include: (a) applying cement to a surface of an upper and/or midsole; (b) cooling the upper and/or midsole so that these parts will move relative to one another despite the cement's presence; and (c) placing the midsole in the upper. Additional methods include: (a) providing an upper having an interior chamber; (b) placing a prelast member including a midsole allowance part into the chamber; (c) removing the prelast member; and (d) placing a midsole in the chamber. The upper and/or midsole may have cement applied thereto and may be cooled before the insertion step, as described above. When sufficiently cooled, the cement will not immediately bind the parts contacting it, but it will allow relative movement of these parts. After the midsole is positioned in the upper, the assembly may be heated to activate the cement and fix the parts together.

Abstract: A method for trenching below the water table in environmentally sensitive areas such as the Florida Keys is shown. A first pass made by a trencher digs a first trench from the surface to the water table. During the first pass, relatively dry spoil is removed from the first trench. Next, a much deeper second trench is dug below the first trench; however, wet spoil remains in the now combined first and second trench, the combined first and second trench being large enough to accumulate the wet spoil with expansion. Thereafter, the combined first and second trench may be filled with the relatively dry spoil, packed and driven upon. Later, the packed spoil may be removed and water pipes, electric cables, sewer lines or the like buried in the trench. According to the requirements of the work area, the spoil may be used to partially fill the combined first and second trench or be hauled away.

Abstract: A display device includes a glass sheet, a front frame, and a fastening device. The glass sheet is used for protecting a display module disposed in an enclosure of the display device. The front frame is a part of the enclosure of the display device. The fastening device has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first surface is glued to the glass sheet with adhesive. The second surface is detachedly attached to the front frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insignia device that incorporates a set of indicia that has been manufactured using an electrodeposition/electroforming process. The set of indicia can include business letterheads, personal letterheads, logos, pictorial graphics, text, images, communicating marks, or illustrative marks where the set of indicia has been mounted on a mounting service.

Abstract: A tethered display frame has a planar backer sheet, a top sheet of transparent or translucent material overlaying the planar backer sheet, a border attached along a common periphery of the planar backer sheet and the top sheet, a plurality of straps fastened to the frame, and a fastener affixed to distal ends of each of the straps whereby the frame can be releasably fastened to an article. The border encloses the planar backer sheet and the top sheet on three sides with a fourth side providing means for a user to insert a display item between the top sheet and the planar backer sheet.

Abstract: An article of print media that includes an electronic module that has at least one chip for storing data and for controlling the electronic module and first means for closing the electronic module such that at least a first video is shown.

Abstract: The present invention relate to an anti-fraud return device that deters persons from temporarily using garments and or other consumer goods for a short period of time and then returning them to a merchant for a refund, exchange or credit. The present invention includes a strip of material formable into a fixed loop that may be provided with one or more security features.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a signage system (10) comprising a plurality of textile products (12), wherein each textile product comprises a flexible display device (14) adapted to show a display content forming part of a unified message. The system is characterized in that each flexible display device (14) further is adapted to show an indication of the position of the display content of the flexible display device in relation to the display contents of the other flexible display devices in the unified message, before showing the display content. The present invention also relates to a method for presenting a unified message by means of a plurality of flexible display devices (14) each comprised in a textile product (12).

Abstract: A retractable banner stand includes a canister with an extendable banner having an ad and/or message thereon viewable when the banner is extended. A kit comprised of a pair of end caps with foldable legs and a pole support are releasably engaged to the canister and can be removed without tools. The kit can be releasably engaged to a second canister, without tools, with the second canister containing a second banner with a different (or new) ad and/or message to thus facilitate changing banners.

Abstract: A sign attachment device including a body portion for attaching a sign and an attachment portion whereby, the sign attachment device provides a means for enabling a sign to be secured to at least one support member. The body portion preferably has provided two parallel side walls which are adapted to be spaced apart by a prescribed distance to receive and hold the edge of a sign therebetween. The side wails preferably have provided at least one aperture which Is adapted to receive a securing member therethrough In order to secure a sign to the attachment device. It Is preferred that the side walls have at least one crest portion which Is adapted to accommodate the presence of a prong member positioned between said side walls. The attachment portion consists of two side portions divided by a living hinge so that the device can be attached to any shaped support.

Abstract: A themed picture holding plaque having the form of objects, flora, and fauna includes a body member having a front surface and a rear surface, a plurality of openings spaced about the body member for viewing pictures or photos disposed therein, a plurality of picture pockets mounted on the rear surface and into which the pictures are slidably disposed, a plurality of information pockets located on the rear surface with one information pocket located beneath one picture pocket for placement therein of an information sheet pertaining to the corresponding picture with each particular themed body member having either an aperture at the upper end thereof through which a fastener is inserted for wall mounting or a foldable support leg mounted on the rear surface for supporting the picture holding plaque as a free standing structure.

Abstract: A buffer tube for a firearm, which is not an M16-type firearm, the buffer tube including a recoil mitigation tube, a recoil piston reciprocatingly mounted inside the recoil mitigation tube, and a recoil absorbing mechanism disposed in the recoil mitigation tube and engaging the recoil piston.

Abstract: Exchangeable choke for a fire arm with a smooth gun barrel, whereby said choke is provided with mechanical coupling means to mount and dismount the choke, characterized in that the choke is equipped with additional sealing means so as to seal the choke, at least in one place, in relation to the gun barrel, as well as to prevent the choke from being unscrewed during the shooting.

Abstract: A programmable, mechanical scrape making device that is battery operated and that can be fastened to the ground. When activated, the device comes in contact with the ground to create a scrape through a sweeping and/or linear motion that is the same as or similar to that of an actual scrape that is performed by deer during the Rut or breeding season. The device also has a scent spraying mechanism that operates as the scrape is made. The device can be enclosed and operate from a weatherproof case which may be designed to look like a tree log. The design of the case can vary in appearance as to create a look that is indigenous to the end users' geographic area. The device is portable and may include a carrying case with a shoulder strap allowing the end user to transport the device from one location to another. The device may include power ports accessible for other devices such as motion detecting digital cameras and mock licking branches.

Abstract: An integrated fishing rod holder kit incorporates a grip coupler that replaces a butt cap on a preexisting fishing rod that has a hollow rod blank having a void space that extends linearly through from the butt of the rod through a rear grip end and forward through the grip area and reel seat area of the rod towards the fishing rod tip. The grip coupler is securely fixed to the rear grip end coaxially and preferably about the rod blank butt end that is revealed after the butt cap is removed. The grip coupler has external threads on its outer surface for engaging a coupler engagement collar of a rod holder body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fishing rod with ergonomic handle. The disclosed fishing rod places the angler's wrist in a more ergonomically correct position while waiting for a fish to strike. To accomplish this the fishing rod includes a flexible rod including a plurality of ferrules extending downward; a handle including a primary handle substantially parallel to and vertically above the flexible rod and a secondary handle extending upwards from the primary handle. The primary handle also includes a reel seat for downward attachment of a fishing reel. A transition structure is joined at one end to the flexible rod and at the opposing end to the upper portion of the secondary handle.

Abstract: A surface floating fishing lure including a forwards facing concave surface located at the water line, designed to scoop, redirect, and “spit” water into the air to subsequently splash unto the surface of the water when the fishing lure is tugged sharply, whereby a surface disturbance is created to attract fish hiding under cover of lily pads and other floating weeds or debris. This fishing lure shall include at least one fish hook rigged to be weedless, containing a flexible member deflecting weeds and debris away from each barbed point, a forwards facing concaved surface oriented in a manner predetermined to be suitable to redirect and splash a spray of water across the water surface, a floating body, a fish line connecting means at the forwards end of said fishing lure, and may, in some embodiments, further include at least a portion of said floating body in the form of a soft polymer flexible body in a shape resembling natural fish prey such as worms, frogs, minnows, centipedes, and etc.

Abstract: A versatile pest station for use with interchangeable inserts includes a housing, a lock mechanism, a first insert, and a second insert. The housing includes a base, a lid, and an opening. The base and the lid form a cavity, and the opening provides access to the cavity. The base has a bottom surface and is configured and arranged to be securely mounted to a surface. The lock mechanism interlocks the base and the lid. The first insert is configured and arranged to fit within the cavity, and the first insert includes an entrance mechanism. The second insert is configured and arranged to fit within the cavity, and the second insert includes a snap trap. The first insert and the second insert are interchangeable for individual use with the housing, and the first insert and the second insert are elevated relative to the bottom surface of the base.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an intelligent pest-killing lamp that attracts, disorients, and ideally kills plant pests, soil insects and sanitary insects, protecting plants and crops. The invention generates light at wavelengths between about 360 nm and about 420 nm with about 365 nm being preferred. The invention can also generates combinations of four colors of light. The light pulses at frequencies ranging from about 250 to about 500 hz, disorienting pests. The invention comprises a screw lamp base, an upper cover, a middle cover, a lamp and a control circuit board. The control circuit board comprises a controller that controls the light pulse frequency and an oscillator that drives the lamp.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a maritime facility for the production of large quantities of hydrogen or hydrocarbons, consisting of a plurality of interconnecting modules of two designs. The first module design (a generating module) converts the linear motion of wind into electrical energy. A second module (a refining module) converts the electrical energy into chemical energy stored in the form of hydrogen or hydrocarbons. Each module can also serve as a docking port for a detachable transport vessel, and all modules are interconnected using a plurality of ridged inter-modular trusses of a standard design that also permit the transfer of stress loads, electricity, gases/fluids, and control commands between all modules.

Abstract: Methods for the production of an intergeneric hybrid plants and plants produced thereby. In certain aspects, intergeneric hybrid plants are produced by crossing a sorghum parent plant comprising a mutant sorghum iap allele with a second moncot plant. Methods for the use of such plants and products obtained therefrom are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for obtaining biofuel from an algae composition comprising algae and water. The system comprises a pump for pressurizing the algae composition to a predefined pressure and a heater for heating the algae composition to a predefined temperature. Lipids in the algae are extracted and/or hydrolyzed to form fatty acids at a set of predefined temperature and pressure. The water may be in a subcritical or supercritical state at the predefined pressure and predefined temperature. The system further comprises a separator for partitioning the treated algae composition into an organic phase which includes the lipids and/or fatty acids, an aqueous phase, and a solid phase with biomass residue, and for collecting the organic phase. The organic phase can be upgraded to biofuel.

Abstract: A fuel additive contains ferrocene and/or ferrocene derivative(s), and lecithin. A fuel additive contains 80 to 99 mass % of ferrocene and/or ferrocene derivative(s), and 1 to 20 mass % of lecithin, and being in the solid state. A fuel additive contains 78 to 99 mass % of ferrocene and/or ferrocene derivative(s), 0.9 to 20 mass % of lecithin and 0.1 to 2 mass % of water, and being in the particle state. A fuel additive containing 2 to 5 mass % of ferrocene and/or ferrocene derivative(s), 5 to 50 mass % of lecithin and mineral oil, and being in the liquid state, wherein the ferrocene and/or ferrocene derivative(s), and the lecithin are dissolved in the mineral oil. The above-mentioned fuel additive is used by being added into a fuel so as to make the concentration of the ferrocene and/or ferrocene derivative(s) and the lecithin in ranges of 1 to 50 ppm, and 0.01 to 500 ppm, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flotation agent comprising a collector hydrocarbon composition comprising more than 80 wt % of iso and normal paraffins, less than 1 wt % aromatics, less than 5 ppm sulphur and less than 1 ppm nitrogen, and having a density of between 0.65 and 0.8 g/cm3 at 15° C., and at least one frothing agent, and to a process for the froth flotation of non-metal and metal ores and sludges.

Abstract: A landscape edging system includes an elongate edging strip having first and second mutually perpendicular plate-like members forming an L-shape. The first plate-like member extends coextensively with the second plate-like member and is configured to lie parallel with an upwardly facing surface of a landscaping surface upon which it has been placed. A further plate-like member is oriented either above or below the first plate-like member. Plural fastening members fasten the first plate-like member to the further plate-like member to facilitate clamping of a porous material layer therebetween to facilitate a fixed orientating of the edging strip relative to the landscape surface on which the edging strip has been placed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the controlled irrigation of hydrogel-containing soils.

Abstract: A gel-coated seed is provided, which has sufficient strength for handling just after the production thereof and after the recovery following the storage under drying, and has a good property in terms of standing-up of seedling. The gel-coated seed includes: a seed of a plant; a coating gel-layer, which coats the seed, consisting of alginic acid-based aqueous gel gelled in the presence of a multivalent metal ion; and grains consisting of water-containing hydrophilic polymer, which is resistant to the multivalent metal ion, distributed in the coating gel-layer.