Abstract: A process for removing water and solutes from the lumens of green wood, while leaving the cell walls throughout the wood uniformly fully swollen, comprises subjecting the green wood to supercritical carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry dryer and a controlling method of a dryer, which can dry clothes, cloth items, beddings and laundry objects (hereinafter, laundry) efficiently. A dryer includes a cabinet in which laundry is placed, a low temperature air generation unit that generates relatively low temperature air supplied to the cabinet to dry the laundry, and a path through which the relatively low temperature air is supplied to the cabinet. in another aspect, a controlling method of a dryer includes generating relatively low temperature air, and drying laundry by using the relatively low temperature air.

Abstract: A technology can efficiently dry the high-boiling point solvent contained in the object and achieve the space-saving and energy-saving of a drying apparatus. A drying method for drying an object containing a first solvent while conveying the object into a chamber (38), comprises: a first drying step of drying the object up to a drying point in the prestage of the chamber (38); and a second drying step of forming a vapor atmosphere of a second solvent having a lower boiling point than the first solvent in the chamber (38) and drying the object such that the temperature of the object in an inlet port of the chamber (38) is made to be lower by a predetermined temperature difference than the temperature of the vapor atmosphere.

Abstract: A water supply device for a drying machine and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. The water supply device includes a common hose having one end connected to at least one water supply source, a drying machine water supply hose having one end connected to the common hose and the other end connected to a steam generator of the drying machine, and a washing machine water supply hose having one end connected to the common hose and the other end connected to a washing machine. With the provision of the water supply device, the drying machine has the effects of preventing wrinkles, creases, or the like from being generated in an object to be dried, such as clothes, and the like, or eliminating wrinkles, creases, or the like in clothes, and the like.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing the air flow in a clothes dryer by determining a pressure characteristic of the air within the drying chamber when the dryer is turned on and comparing the determined pressure characteristic to a predetermined reference value to ascertain the condition of the air flow in the dryer.

Abstract: A granulation device comprises a wet granulation unit (2), comprising a chamber (4), for mixing a powder product with appropriate binding agents, and a dry granulation unit (3), comprising a chamber (26), for mixing a product exiting from the wet granulation unit (2); the dry granulation unit (3) being operatively connected with the wet granulation unit (2).

Abstract: A structure of the bottom of shoes is provided. The bottom of shoes includes a bent portion whose top portion is shaped concavely between the rear heel and the rear heel; and an elastic restoring portion equipped in the bent portion, so that the bottom of shoes may adhere to the heel constantly. The rear heel of the bottom of shoes is lifted up toward the heel constantly, thereby coming off of the bottom of the shoes can be effectively prevented. Further, convenience in walking can be increased because coming of the bottom of the shoe can be prevented. Still further, an explosive muscular strength can be increased through increased adherence because the real heel of the bottom of shoes is adhered to the heel constantly. Still further, various foot-ware can be worn easily regardless of the size.

Abstract: A first thin insole (2) having an arch insole (2a) configured with a recess (2b) in the metatarsal region (1b) is provided on the sole body (1) of a shoe, which extends from the heel region (1a) across the metatarsal region (1b) to the front ball/toe region (1c). A foam insert (3), which has a cutout (3a) corresponding to the size of the arch insole (2a), is disposed on the first insole (2), the insert extending from the heel region (1a) to the front ball/toe region (1c). A second insole (4) in the form of a support, which has a spherical segment-shaped or ellipsoid segment-shaped hollow body (4c), which protrudes in the metatarsal region (1b) from the bottom of the insole (4) and is adapted to the arch insole recess (2b), is provided on the foam insert (3).

Abstract: A removable traction device for wearing over an article of footwear includes an outer peripheral band, a forefoot pod member disposed interior of the outer peripheral band, a heel pod member disposed interior of the outer peripheral band, and a plurality of resilient connecting strands extending between the forefoot pod member and the outer peripheral band and between the heel pod member and the outer peripheral band, thereby connecting the forefoot pod member and heel pod member to the outer peripheral band. According to one aspect of the invention, at least some of the connecting strands define a non-linear configuration According to a further aspect of the invention, the forefoot pod member and heel pod member include a ground-engaging outsole surface having a non-slip tread configuration and the forefoot pod member and heel pod member further include a footwear engaging surface having an anti-fatigue tread configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shoe provided with at least one elastic body, which is combined with the outer sole thereof, so that friction induced in the shoe itself can be reduced, thereby enhancing the endurance of the shoe, and the shock absorption efficiency of the shoe becomes excellent, thereby allowing walking to be easier. The inventive shoe provided with at least one elastic body includes a plate-type outer sole protection sheath (21), a plate-type elastic body (22) stacked on the outer sole protection sheath (21), an outer sole body (23) stacked on the entire area on the top of the outer sole protection sheath (21) including the top of the plate-type elastic body (22), and a block type elastic body complementarily fitted in the outer sole body (23).

Abstract: Disclosed are an elastic sole member which optimizes between a shock absorbing function and repulsive elastic force, between which a tradeoff relationship exists, and a shoe with the elastic sole member. The elastic sole member includes a sole body which is upwardly inclined toward a back end thereof, and an elastic member comprised of a fixing piece inserted through and fixed in a space formed through an upwardly inclined back portion of the sole body, and an elastic plate extending from the fixing plate while it is downwardly inclined and having a first end exposed to the outside and a second end spaced apart from the sole body, in which the elastic sole member elastically contracts when external force is applied to a back portion of the sole body while the fixing piece serves as the elastic support axis and provides elastic recovery force when the external force is removed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe (1) with an electrically conductive sole (2) and with at least one contact electrode (7, 8) inside the shoe (1), which is electrically connected to the sole (2). An improvement of health and personal well-being can be achieved by providing at least one permanent magnet (6) in the middle section of the sole (2).

Abstract: The invention is a sandal that includes a base and at least one strap connected to the base. The strap includes at least one chamber that is at least translucent and that is preferably transparent. A fluid is located in the chamber, and a plurality of charms is suspended in the fluid located in the chamber. The sandal may be constructed as a thong-type sandal and many different types of charms may be placed in the chamber. The fluid may optionally be colored and may optionally have glitter or simulated snow suspended therein. A removably attachable charm may optionally be attached to the strap.

Abstract: A shoe (and fabrication techniques therefor) on which is provided a bottom portion that includes a sole portion and a heel portion and that has a bottom surface and an upper portion extending upwardly from the bottom portion. The bottom surface of the bottom portion of the shoe has areas of a fabric material (such as cotton, nylon, polyester, any other cloth or fabric), or any of a variety of other first materials, interspersed with areas of a durable material (such as ethylene vinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, thermoplastic rubber, any other plastic, and/or any other natural or synthetic leather or rubber), or any of a variety of other second materials.

Abstract: A snow blower is provided that includes a muffler and a heater box that has a top wall. The heater box has a plurality of side walls that extend from the top wall. The top wall and side walls define an interior of the heater box. One of the side walls defines a muffler aperture for use in venting exhaust gases from the muffler. The muffler is at least partially located in the interior of the heater box so that the side walls of the heater box surround at least a portion of all of the sides of the muffler.

Abstract: A mounting for a tooth bar to a mounting surface of a thumb sub-assembly, the mounting including one or more inwardly narrowing slots located adjacent the mounting surface and into which a part of a mounting portion of the tooth bar can be wedgingly engaged, there being fixing means for fixing the tooth bar into engagement with the mounting surface following the mounting portion being wedgingly engaged.

Abstract: The invention is a steamer head, which includes a steamer body having a front face having at least one steam hole, the steam hole being in fluid communication with a steam chamber; and a crease panel assembly movably connected to the steamer body, the crease panel having a crease panel face, wherein the crease panel face has at least a portion in substantially parallel orientation to the front face.

Abstract: The invention relates to an iron (1) having a sole (2) on top of which is formed a body (3, 5) defining a handle and a sleeve (4), said body (3, 5) including at least one switch (7, 9) associated with a function such as steam generation, characterised in that the sleeve (4) is mounted so as to be capable of movement relative to the body (3, 5) and in that the switch (7, 9) can be actuated by a mechanical member (10, 14) secured to the sleeve (4).

Abstract: A steam ironing machine, at least comprises a base, a telescopic shaft and an ironing device, wherein the base is provided with a steam generator and an outer case surrounding it. The telescopic shaft with a support seat mounted on its top end is disposed on the base and the support seat can move a distance relative to the base. The ironing device can detachedly be mounted on the support seat, wherein the steam generator in the base is attached to the ironing device.

Abstract: A steam iron is disclosed. The steam iron at least includes a base, a handle and a mechanical pump, in which the base has a steam generator and a water tank. The handle is connected with the base. The handle has a storage space and a shell surrounding the storage space. The mechanical pump is set in the storage space of the handle. The mechanical pump is connected with the steam generator and the water tank, and the bailing member of the mechanical pump is adjacent to the handle. The invention provides the mechanical pump having the bailing member that has short length and mounted in the handle. Because the bailing member may be hidden in the handle, user can easily press the bailing member without driving up finger to press the bailing member. So, the problem is solved that common steam iron is discommodiously used.

Abstract: A four step process for organization usually in a home type setting. Step 1—Print from a computer program or write on a 3.5?×2? blank business card. Step 2—Display those cards on a specially designed board to make them very easy to view on a refrigerator or wall. Step 3—Remove the cards from the display board and store them. Step 4—Pull only the cards you wish to re-use from the storage area and put them back on the board again. Example: meals can be printed on the cards and new meals added to the storage tray as they are found to be liked. This prevents having to constantly try to remember meals to plan, just thumb through the cards and choose. This same process could be used for planning kids chores, TV shows to watch, daily to-do list, exercise plan, or anything else that involves planning.

Abstract: The invention relates to a frame assembly for displaying a plurality of indicia and reflecting an image. The frame assembly comprises a frame supporting at least one light source, a sheet member positioned adjacent to the light source, a substrate bearing indicia releasably secured to the sheet member, a mirror positioned adjacent to the sheet member and light source, and a sensor for detecting an object. The frame assembly in a first mode displays desired indicia through the mirror and, upon the sensor detecting an object at a desired distance, in a second mode functions as a mirror to reflect an image.

Abstract: An animal ear tag that is sufficiently light and small that it may be secured to the ear of an animal without causing irritation to the animal or loss of attachment. The ear tag includes an identification code that may be in the form of human-readable or machine-readable indicia or an RFID tag mounted on or inside the ear tag. The ear tag may be part of a sequential set of ear tags arranged in a strip.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for conveying information associated with containers. The apparatus comprises a container supporting modification means which when selectively altered effectively changes the appearance of the container such that a unique visual communication is produced. The related method comprises selectively altering the modification means supported by the container thereby providing a unique visual communication.

Abstract: An attention-attracting device arranged such that strength can be secured against an external force and a light source can be installed at the upper, middle or lower portion in an envelope where characters, pictures, or the like, are displayed in order to attract attention. The attention-attracting device includes a stand (10) equipped with an air blower (70), one or a plurality of telescopic poles (20) standing on the stand (10), an envelope (30) attached to the stand (10) and covering the telescopic poles (20), a frame (40) attached to the telescopic pole (20) and inside of the envelope (30), and a lamp (50) attached to the frame (40) (or to the middle position of the telescopic pole or the upper portion of the stand), the lamp (50) being connected electrically with an electronic ballast (11).

Abstract: A display system to mount to a selective portion of a motor vehicle. The display system may be used to display any number of graphical images. The display system is configured to selectively mount thereto various portions of the motor vehicle. The display system may be mounted to a metallic surface of the vehicle, to a hitch receptacle, to a license plate holder, or to a portion of the vehicle grill.

Abstract: The invention relates to a display element for attaching advertising to the handle of a shopping cart or the like. The display element includes a base body having a recess for inserting advertising media in a flat manner and fastening elements for fastening the display element on the handle bar, or the handle bar mounts, of a shopping cart. The display element is made of half shell-shaped parts, which in the joined state surround the handle bar, or the handle bar mount, in the shape of an enclosed box profile. The half shell-shaped parts are non-positively or positively connected to the handle bar.

Abstract: A banner stand including a banner presenting graphics thereon, a base and a post operably coupled to the base and extending upwardly therefrom, and a support member operably coupleable with the post to support the banner in an upright display mode and to convert the banner to a curved configuration, wherein when the banner is the upright curved display mode, the banner includes a banner axis along a length thereof, the banner axis in a first position at an angle relative to an absolute vertical, wherein the angle is greater than zero degrees. The banner stand can further include an adjuster presented with the base and configured to enable adjustment of the post, such that the banner axis is effected to a second position, wherein the angle is substantially equal to zero degrees with respect to absolute vertical.

Abstract: A wind deflectable sign-stand includes a base, a mast for mounting a sign, and first and second polymeric resilient support members connecting the mast to the base. The mast has first and second mast members, and a breakaway member including a first end and a second end and being operably connected to the first and second mast members. The sign-stand is configured such that, upon sufficient impact, the breakaway member will fracture, thereby separating the first end and the second end. Such separation of the first end and the second end occurs along a breakaway section of the breakaway member, and the breakaway section defines a first acute angle with respect to a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the breakaway member.

Abstract: An identification wristband includes a liner layer permanently affixed to one end thereof, which covers an adhesive whereby the wristband may be secured to a person or object in a looped fashion securing the ends of the wristband together. The liner releasably covers a portion of the adhesive and is permanently attached to an adjacent portion of the adhesive. In this way, the liner is not separable from the wristband. The liner includes a first portion which is not adhered to the wristband to allow for ease of separation. The liner layer also includes a second portion that is not adhered to the wristband to ensure against accidentally exposed adhesive.

Abstract: Needle mail-back systems and kits are disclosed. Methods of making and using needle mail-back kits are also disclosed. Methods of doing business involving needle mail-back systems and kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: Identity labeling system for a typical tight switch cover plate (5) used in a manner that is common for covering typical light switches and their electrical connections. The switch plate cover includes openings (25) that expose the electrical switches or devices and holes (35) to accept screws (45) that secure the switch plate cover onto the wall to cover the electrical connections. The improved method of labeling an existing switch plate comprises a label cover plate (15) attached to the switch cover plate (5) with the existing screw (45) that typically secures an existing switch cover plate to the wall. The cover plate is made of a clear material. The cover plate (15) includes a recess (55) in the back of the cover to hold the identity label (95) tabs (65) and grooves (75) to insure correct alignment during installation. The identity label (95) is a typical label that is used in offices to identify file folders.

Abstract: A contoured framed artwork comprises a picture frame surrounding a support member. The support member is a three-dimensional support member that has a raised, carved, or contoured portion surrounding a planar portion. A two-dimensional artwork is adhered to the planar portion, The support member includes a coating the provides an appearance of plaster or metal, or the like. A variety of different prints can be adhered to the planar portion of the support member to allow the support member to be used with a variety of different artworks.

Abstract: A sighting device is mountable to a gun. The device includes a light source (preferably a laser), a power source connectable to the light source and a mount attachable to the gun so that the laser is juxtaposed either the top surface of the gun or a side surface of the gun. In one embodiment, the sighting device includes a bottom rail mountable in a slot on the gun, wherein the slot is preferably positioned on the top surface of the gun. The sighting device may also include a mechanical sight that functions as the rear mechanical sight on the gun and/or a secondary light source.

Abstract: A fishing bobber device including an elongated float portion for exerting a sideways directional force on a fishing line, for example, during trolling or fishing moving water.

Abstract: A fish lure break away system, having a lure attachment member, a hook section with at least one elongated shank, an eyelet, an eyelet guide, and a least one curved bend terminating in a tip section. The eyelet defines an eyelet gap having a predetermined width. In one embodiment the lure attachment member has a predetermined breaking strength in combination with a selected thickness and a selected flexibility such that the lure attachment member can be squeezed by a user through the eyelet gap and thereby attached to the eyelet.

Abstract: A new and improved fish attracting light for use at any depth or location along an angler's fishing line and/or tether line. Said improved light also optionally can employ a slip on float for surface fishing or for depth control of bait. The lighted area produced now becomes the zone of fishing or fisherman's Own Zone. This light consists of a directional line mountable housing. An upper line attachment point and a lower line attachment point directing the light downward and outward. Optionally attachable float mounted over the said light and retained by a threaded removable nut.

Abstract: A fishing lure with retractable-deployable hooks that deploy when a fish takes the lure into its mouth, and a lure body configured to induce a swimming action with a diving capability. The lure body has nose and tail portions and dorsal, ventral and lateral sides. The tail portion has an airtight cavity therein and is lighter than the nose portion such that the lure tends to dive downward when drawn through water. One or more forward hooks are located on the ventral and/or lateral sides of the lure body, and at least one tail hook is located on the tail portion of the lure body. The hooks each have a deployed position wherein its point is exposed outside the lure body for hooking a fish. Each hook further has a stowed position wherein its point is sufficiently retracted to avoid being snagged as the lure is drawn through water.

Abstract: An apparatus for catching an insect sitting on a contact surface. The apparatus includes a casing, a light source disposed in the casing for dazzling and immobilizing the insect on the contact surface, and a catch tube disposed in the casing and movable relative to the casing. The apparatus further includes a catch container disposed adjacent to the catch tube and a slider to lift the insect off the contact surface. The slider is movable relative to the casing.

Abstract: A motor-driven tubular hollow cylindrical partial mask component surrounds a central vertical blue light and rotates around the blue light. The hollow cylindrical partial mask blacks out a major portion of the blue light. A single vertical transparent slit in the partial mask admits blue light out to form a 360 degree scanning vertical beam of blue light as the partial mask rotates to attract deer flies, bell hornets and other flying insects. The flying insects enter through a surrounding exterior electrified cage to be electrically zapped and exterminated.

Abstract: Structure (10) of an inhibiting container to inhibit the proliferation of insects in a liquid body, comprising a containment body (11) to contain said liquid body and inhibiting devices (17) in contact with said liquid body to inhibit said proliferation of insects, wherein said inhibiting devices are at least partially incorporated in said containment body so that said container structure simultaneously performs both the functions of containing said liquid and of being insecticidal to said insects. The invention also refers to an inhibiting device capable of being incorporated in a containment body and to a method of assembling said device to said containment body to realize said structure of an inhibiting container.

Abstract: An integrated process has been developed for producing diesel boiling range fuel from renewable feedstocks such as plant and animal fats and oils and using a byproduct naphtha as a denaturant for ethanol. The process involves treating a renewable feedstock by hydrogenating and deoxygenating i.e. decarboxylating, decarbonylating, and/or hydrodeoxygenating to provide a hydrocarbon fraction useful as a diesel fuel or diesel boiling range fuel blending component. If desired, the hydrocarbon fraction can be isomerized to improve cold flow properties. A byproduct naphtha stream from the diesel boiling range fuel production process is used as the denaturant in an alcohol denaturing process for the generation of denaturized ethanol.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to oil compositions and methods of producing such oil compositions. More particularly, the present invention relates to an oil composition recovered from a fermentation product as well as methods of recovering such oil compositions for use in various processes such as bio-diesel production as well as in various edible applications.

Abstract: Accordingly, the current invention provides a method for the manufacture of a mixture of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural ethers by reacting a hexose-containing starting material or HMF with mixed alcohols in the presence of an acid catalyst.

Abstract: Provided herein are blends oils or fatty acids comprising more than 50% medium chain fatty acids, or the fatty acid alkyl esters thereof, and having low melting points. Such blends are useful as a fuel or as a starting material for the production of, for example, a biodiesel. Also provided genetically altered or modified plants, modified such that the amount of medium chain fatty acids generated by the plant are increased. Further provided is a method of predicting the melting point of a blend of fatty acid methyl esters and the use of such a method for identifying blends suitable for use as, for example, a biodiesel.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for obtaining fuels from vegetable and/or animal fat waste which contain, in addition to fat and/or oils, free fatty acids. The free fatty acids contained in the fat waste are reacted at reaction temperatures of above 220° C. with at least one polyvalent alcohol in the absence of enzymatic and solid neutral catalysts so as to produce the esterification of the free fatty acids.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use, in a hydrocarbon distillate with a boiling temperature of between 150 and 450° C. and a crystallization onset temperature as measured by Differential Calorimetric Analysis of greater than or equal to ?50° C., preferably of ?5° C. to +10° C., of a homopolymer obtained from an olefinic ester of carboxylic acid of 3 to 12 carbon atoms and from a fatty alcohol containing a chain of more than 16 carbon atoms and optionally an olefinic double bond, as a compound for revealing the efficiency of filterability additives based on copolymer and/or terpolymers of ethylene and of vinyl ester of a carboxylic acid of 3 to 12 carbon atoms, and of a monoalcohol containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms. The invention is also directed to an additive composition comprising a conventional hydrocarbon filterability additive in combination with an efficiency reveal additive, and also to the combustion fuels, motor fuel and oil fuel that comprise these additive combinations.

Abstract: Catalyst based reactions are taught for non-oxidative chemical conversion of liquid alcohols to higher boiling alcohols, ethers, glycol ethers, amines and oxygenated gasoline products, comprising ethanol to butanol, propanols to hexanols, butanols to octanols, ethanol plus butanol to ethyl butyl ethers, ethanol plus ethyl butyl ethers to ethyl hexyl ethers as oxygenated gasoline, ethanol plus ethyl hexyl ethers to butyl hexyl ethers as oxygenated gasoline, n-butyl amine plus ethanol to ethyl butyl amine, hexyl amines and related products at ambient pressure. This same catalytic chemistry also converts substituted liquid organic compounds comprising aldehydes, ketones, ethers, esters, organic acids and thiols possessing at least one active hydrogen to related alkylated organic products in the absence of air. Catalysts are based on selected transition metal complexes possessing a degree of symmetry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the development of tobacco plants, modified through mutagenesis techniques, interspecific hybridisation followed by poliploidisation and recombinant DNA technologies, characterised by the fact of being capable of producing a very high amount of seeds and their use for the production of oil for energetic and industrial scopes, such as combustion oil, biodiesel and lubricating oil, and for animal and human alimentation.

Abstract: There is provided a polymeric film comprising one or more thermoplastic polyurethane and one or more acrylic polymer comprising, as polymerized units, one or more hydrogen-bondable monomer.