Abstract: A wear member for attachment along the digging edge of excavating equipment that includes ridges formed along its front working end. As the front end wears away, the tips of the ridges along the front of the wear member project forward to define a serrated penetrating edge. A serrated front edge is able to more easily cut into and through the ground. The ridges may be arranged in a generally axial direction along the front working end to present a reduced surface area to contact the ground for easier penetration. The ridges provide the front working end with sufficient rigidity and strength without unduly enlarging the surface area of the penetrating edge that initiates contact with the ground.

Abstract: This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12,170,438, filed 2008 Jul. 10 by the present inventor, which claims priority to Provisional Application Ser. No. 60,954,815, filed Aug 9. 2007. One embodiment of a bobblehead sign display contains a body portion (12) and a head portion made up of head substrates (10 and 11). Head substrates (10 and 11) are joined together by head spacers (14 and 15) using an adhesive or reusable fastener. An elastic cord (16) spans a distance between head spacers (15). A support rod (13) is rigidly attached to the body substrate (12). The weight of the assembled head portion is supported by the support rod (13) via a connection to the elastic cord (16). Graphics may be affixed to the outer surfaces of 10, 11 and 12, which will be viewable to spectators around the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a selectively attachable wheel cover for a motor vehicle. The invention comprises a base member and a display member. The base member is selectively secured to the vehicle rim and the display member is rotatably mounted relative to the base member such that it can rotate in relation to the base member and, thus, the vehicle rim. In one aspect, a portion of the display member is sufficiently weighted such that, when the rim rotates (when the vehicle is in motion) the display member remains substantially static.

Abstract: Present invention relates generally to an advertisement on the roadway. In particular, it relates to an advertisement device located with the municipal street sign, positioned directly on the municipal street sign, in close proximity to a municipal street sign, or adjacent to a municipal street sign. Whenever street sign appears on the street, such as on a municipal light posts, on the cross streets, or a street sign on the municipal or privately owned building. The invention allows a vehicle driver to see the advertising simultaneously with the road sign without taking their attention off the road.

Abstract: A holder for charts having two transparent sheets, a connecting mechanical hinge and non-ferrous latching devices. The chart holder is sized to hold aeronautical charts and related flight planning documents. The hinge allows the two transparent sheets to be opened at least 180 degrees where the charts and documents can easily be place therein. The two sheets are able to close together, clamping the charts and documents between them. The two sheets are kept together by the latching devices. The transparent sheets provide an erasable writing surface where the pre-flight plans and in-flight data can be drawn and written with a non-permanent marker, thus protecting the documents enclosed. The chart holder also provides for the storage of the non-permanent marker. The chart holder can easily be opened with one hand to allow for repositioning of documents in flight. The transparent sheets have a tab allowing for an offset tab arrangement to allow for quick identification between multiple chart holders.

Abstract: A multi-display digital photo frame is provided. The multi-display digital photo frame includes a front cover, a rear cover, and a body. The front cover includes at least two apertures, the body includes at least two holding components for placing LCDs, the bottom of each holding component mounted a LCD further for mounting a processor, wherein the processor is connected to the corresponding LCD through a bus.

Abstract: A device for holding advertising media in a frame, usually constructed of aluminum extrusion which houses glass that protects and covers the advertising poster. Wherein the poster is changed periodically to promote different types of products or services.

Abstract: A dampened recoil rest for supporting a rifle for enabling a shooter to operate the rifle with adjustable attenuation of recoil felt by the shooter, eliminating damage to the rifle by progressively absorbing or attenuating recoil, with the sight remaining on the target thereby eliminating a need to reacquire the target, without having to add additional weight to absorb the recoil, and with comfortable transfer of the recoil from the rifle to the shooter's shoulder. The rest includes a stationary base assembly, a rotating base assembly, a recoil attenuating assembly, and a rifle support assembly. The stationary base assembly is for attaching to a bench top. The rotating base assembly is rotatably attached to the stationary base assembly.

Abstract: A firearm comprising a frame, a barrel with a firing axis connected to the frame, a cylinder pivotally attached to the frame and positioned within an opening in the frame and having a plurality of firing chambers sized to receive a cartridge, and a firing mechanism including a trigger attached to the frame to actuate the firing mechanism, wherein the frame is substantially nonmetallic and includes at least one metal insert having a polymer over-molding. A cylinder retaining mechanism selectively retains the cylinder in a first position within a window in the frame and comprises a biasing pin operatively attached to a yoke and which is oriented in a direction substantially transverse to the bore axis when the cylinder is in the first position.

Abstract: A conversion kit and method for converting the RUGER® 10/22® semi-automatic caliber rim fire rifle to shoot 0.17 HM 2 cartridges utilizes the original bolt in the receiver and replaces the bolt operating handle with increased weight to replace the original bolt handle along with a 0.17 caliber barrel to permit the modified rifle to safely fire, eject and reload the 0.17 caliber cartridges.

Abstract: A firearm has a frame, a trigger, a trigger bar, a hammer-type firing mechanism including a hammer having a hammer pin connected to the trigger via the trigger bar and a firing pin, and an automatic firing pin block safety mechanism (“automatic safety”) including a flange that is spring biased into engagement with the firing pin and a pivot lock arm rotatably mounted to the hammer pin and releasable engageable with the flange. The flange blocks the firing pin from discharging a chambered round unless and until the trigger is positively actuated. The automatic safety reduces the risk of accidental discharge, thereby rendering the firearm safer.

Abstract: A firearm has a frame, a slide mounted to the frame, a trigger, a hammer-type firing mechanism including a hammer, and a manual slide and hammer lock safety mechanism (“manual safety”) including a detent spring biased rotatable tab mounted to the frame that blocks the slide from reciprocating and the hammer from rotating relative to the frame if the tab is actuated in an “on” position. The manual safety completely disables the firearm even if the trigger is actuated, thereby rendering the firearm safer.

Abstract: A sling swivel component that interfaces with an S.I.R. system to allow attachment of a sling strap thereto while also having a flat head screwdriver integrated into the end of the threaded neck of the swivel body itself is provided. The sling swivel includes a swivel body and a sling swivel pivotably attached to an upper end of the swivel body. The sling or shoulder strap passes through the elongated opening of the sling swivel. The swivel body includes a threaded neck that is sized for threaded engagement within one of the threaded openings that are normally provided along the S.I.R. system such as those found in one of the optional rail segments or directly in the lower hand guard of the rail system.

Abstract: The invention is a device that allows a marksman to easily rotate and position a gun from the elevated position of a deerstand. The invention utilizes displaced parallel axes of rotation so that the marksman can maximize the mobility of the gun during shot selection while at the same time minimizing both noise and personal bodily displacement.

Abstract: A gun protection device comprising an elastic muzzle cover shaped to fit selectively over the muzzle and only a portion of the barrel; and a separate cover for the gun firing chamber, including means for shaping itself to provide a selective fit over the firing chamber.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for an article of manufacture for use in a weapon sight wherein the article of manufacture comprises a passively charged photoluminescent material. When installed in a weapon sight, the passively charged photoluminescent material provides light to a fiber optic of the weapon sight during low light conditions to illuminate a reticle pattern of the weapon sight.

Abstract: A rear aperture sight for use in conjunction with a front sight post sight on a rifle. The front sight post has a horizontal top edge and vertical side edges. The rear aperture sight comprises a rear sight adapted to be mounted on the rifle. The rear sight has a horizontally elongated aperture formed therein having height and width dimensions. The width dimension is greater than the height dimension. The aperture is defined by two circular segments s1 and s2 having chords c1 and c2, respectively, defined by included angles ?1 and ?2, respectively, of circles having radii R1 and R2, respectively. The chords c1 and c2 have heights h1 and h2, respectively. Radii R1 and R2 and angles ?1 and ?2 are selected such that chords c1 and c2 are of equal length. The circular segments are positioned such that chords c1 and c2 are co-linear and oriented horizontally.

Abstract: A firearm has a frame, a slide mounted to the frame, and a configurable sight that is removably connected to the slide using a combined transverse dovetail- and longitudinal lap-shaped protrusion and slot engagement. The configurable sight can be quickly and easily installed by hand without the use of tools.

Abstract: Mats for holding flies or baits are disclosed which include a holding mat body formed by foamed material and one or more shaped slot(s) separately disposed on the body. The shaped slots pass through the body along the thickness direction and one end of each shaped slot is connected with a cutting slit passing through the body along the thickness direction. The cutting slit is used to hold the hook portion or the vanes of flies or baits. The holding mat can be used to hold various flies and baits quickly and laborsavingly.

Abstract: A rodent management station includes a housing having a base and a lid together at least in part defining an interior space of the housing. The base has a floor panel and an upstanding wall extending up from the floor panel about at least a portion of the circumference thereof. The upstanding wall has an upper edge and at least one gutter disposed in and extending along at least a portion of the upper edge of the upstanding wall to facilitate water drainage from the upstanding wall. The lid is positionable relative to the base between a closed configuration and an opened configuration. The housing has an entry opening through which rodents enter the interior space of the housing. The rodent management station further includes least one of a trap and a bait positionable within the interior space of the housing.

Abstract: A rodent management station includes a housing having a base and a lid together at least in part defining an interior space. The housing has an entry opening and an internal partition structure configured to partition the interior space of the housing into a bait chamber having an entryway spaced from the entry opening. A pathway is defined at least in part by the partition structure and extends away from the at least one entry opening to the entryway of the bait chamber. The partition structure has at least one through-opening therein other than at the bait chamber entryway to provide open communication between the pathway and the bait chamber other than at the bait chamber entryway. The at least one through-opening is sized substantially smaller than the housing entry opening and the bait chamber entryway to inhibit rodents against entering the bait chamber at the at least one through-opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of at least one protein, in particular at least one hydrophobin or at least one derivative thereof, for improving phase separation in compositions comprising at least two liquid phases, to methods for separating at least two liquid phases in a composition comprising at least two liquid phases, and to formulations comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of fuels, combustibles, crude oils or water-soluble or oil-soluble polymer solutions and at least one protein, in particular at least one hydrophobin or derivatives thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to catalysts, systems, and methods for producing products such as fuels and fuel additives from polyols. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of producing a fuel additive, including combining a polyol and a component selected from the group consisting of alcohols and organic acids to form a reaction mixture and contacting the reaction mixture with a metal oxide catalyst at a temperature of greater than about 150 degrees Celsius. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Fuels and other valuable compositions and compounds can be made from oil extracted from microbial biomass and from oil-bearing microbial biomass via hydroprocessing and/or other chemical treatments, including the alkaline hydrolysis of glycerolipids and fatty acid esters to fatty acid salts.

Abstract: A fibrous catalyst for production of biodiesel by transesterification of oil/fat and alcohol, in which a graft chain is introduced into a polymer fiber substrate through graft polymerization, and the graft chain has one or more functional groups selected from amino groups and quaternary ammonium groups, and a hydroxide ion.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of at least one oil-soluble compound B) which acts as a nucleating agent for paraffin crystallization and which is selected from substantially linear hydrocarbons with at least 22 C atoms, for improving the response of cold flow improvers for mineral oils C) in middle distillates that contain at least one ashless, nitrogenous detergent additive A), which is an oil-soluble, amphiphilic compound that comprises at least one alkyl or alkenyl group bound to a polar group, said alkyl or alkenyl group having 10 to 500 C atoms and the polar group having 2 or more nitrogen atoms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for producing fuels. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of producing a diesel-equivalent fuel, including pyrolyzing biomass to form a pyrolysis oil and contacting the pyrolysis oil and an alcohol with a metal oxide catalyst at a temperature of greater than about 60 degrees Celsius. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of refining pyrolysis oil including contacting pyrolysis oil and an alcohol with a metal oxide catalyst at a temperature of greater than about 60 degrees Celsius.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of producing one or more fatty acid derived compounds in a genetically modified host cell which does not naturally produce the one or more derived fatty acid derived compounds. The invention provides for the biosynthesis of fatty acid derived compounds such as C18 aldehydes, C18 alcohols, C18 alkanes, and C17 alkanes from C18-CoA which in turn is synthesized from butyryl-CoA. The host cell can be further modified to increase fatty acid production or export of the desired fatty acid derived compound, and/or decrease fatty acid storage or metabolism.

Abstract: Algae production systems and associated methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, an algae production system can include a plurality of elongated growth receptacles arranged in a desired configuration at a work site. The growth receptacles have a generally non-circular cross-sectional profile and are configured to hold an algae culture, and wherein the individual growth receptacles have a generally non-circular cross-sectional profile. The system can also include a carbon dioxide (CO2) subsystem configured to supply provide CO2-enriched air to the growth receptacles, a fresh medium subsystem configured to supply a fertility solution to the growth receptacles, and a harvesting subsystem.

Abstract: Method and means are described that constitute systems for utilizing solar energy to facilitate the following processes: 1. Grow and collect micro-algae as a source of bio-fuel or industrial products; 2. Desalinate sea, brackish or waste water for industrial use; 3. Extract carbon dioxide from flue gas. The method employs two modified greenhouses, one for growing algae and/or preheating air and aqueous liquid mixtures, and the other for harvesting and drying algae or other finely dispersed solids content of slurries. The processes are controlled by varying the degree of atomization with linear nozzles. In the first greenhouse, linear nozzles spray liquid sheets and coarse droplets to absorb solar energy. In the second greenhouse, linear nozzles finely atomize suspensions for solar drying. The method and greenhouses are also utilized for solar desalination of water and for extraction carbon dioxide coupled with its absorption in magnesium hydroxide slurry.

Abstract: An aquaculture harvesting, gas exchange, and media circulation device and method of use for the cultivation and collection of microalgae is disclosed. The current invention couples water motion, gas exchange, and harvesting into one comprehensive system. A modified airlift pump is used to circulate water, exchange gas, and facilitate harvesting. By eliminating other energy consuming components, a more energy efficient and cost effective device and method is disclosed for the production of microalgae, which can be used as a biofuel or food source while simultaneously removing carbon dioxide from the environment.

Abstract: A maple syrup production spout with an interior chamber is disclosed. The spout is designed for use with vacuum-based maple syrup production systems. The interior chamber serves as a reservoir that allows the vacuum to accumulate, thereby facilitating the flow of sap from the tap hole, through the spout and into the dropline. The interior chamber also facilitates reduced liquid-liquid contact between the tubing system and the taphole, which improves the cleanliness of the tap hole and increases sap yield. Methods of using the spout in maple syrup production system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible floral container comprising an inner membrane for acting as a reservoir or “catch basin” to minimize water spillage when the flexible floral container having a fluid medium therein is tipped over. The stems of a floral grouping disposed in the flexible floral container provide structural support to the flexible floral container and cooperate to maintain the flexible floral container in a substantially erect condition.

Abstract: A stable flowerpot system for holding at least one plant comprising a pot supporter (22), a corresponding pot (23), and a corresponding saucer (24). The pot supporter comprises a hollow shell (22D) whose bottom portion is significantly broader than the top portion of the shell. The top portion of the shell extends in-and-downwardly into the interior region of the hollow shell (22D) to form a pot receiver (22C) into which the corresponding pot (23) is removably secured. The corresponding saucer (24) is removably secured in the predetermined position in the interior region of the shell (22D) by a plurality of saucer-holders (22F) formed on the wall of the shell (22D). The stable flowerpot system further includes a decorative skirt (26) to be clad on the outside of the shell (22D) of the pot supporter (22) and a cushion (27) to be placed under the pot supporter (22) for the decoration of the pot (23) being held in the pot supporter (22).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for utilizing the by-product of a board plant in production of a synthetic gas (referred to as “syngas”). The syngas produced by way of the present invention can then be utilized within the board plant to, thereby, reduce the amount of natural needed. The method utilizes the heated water vapor (H20) and carbon dioxide (C02) found within the flue gas of a board dryer. The H2 and CO2 are used in a gasification process to yield the syngas.

Abstract: A refractory lining system comprises an inner refractory layer; and an outer layer located outside of the inner refractory layer, the outer layer comprising: a plurality of layer segments; and at least one control joint located between the plurality of layer segments, the at least one control joint configured to allow expansion and contraction in the outer layer. A segment of an outer layer of a refractory lining comprises an edge shaped corresponding to a control joint configured to allow expansion and contraction in the outer layer.

Abstract: A gasifier lining comprises a first support shelf located directly under a dome area of the gasifier lining; and a second support shelf located directly under a thermocouple that penetrates the gasifier lining. A method of producing a gasifier comprising support shelves comprises providing a first support shelf directly under a thermocouple insertion area in a lining of the gasifier; and providing a second support shelf in the lining of the gasifier directly under a dome area of the gasifier.

Abstract: A removable teeter lever and gear assembly arrangement (100) is provided for use with a pneumatic cylinder/differential engine for operating vehicle doors. The arrangement comprises a teeter lever (16), which is associated with the vehicle doors, a gear assembly (17) having a toothed portion and an output shaft (20) extending therethrough, and at least one securing member for removably securing and/or retaining the teeter lever (16) and the gear (17) on the output shaft (20). The securing member comprises at least one retention key (18a, 19a) which allows the arrangement to be easily disassembled for maintenance and/or replacement thereof.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicle opening/closing body driving apparatus which allows reduction in the number of components and reduction of cost and which allows application of appropriate tension to a cable. The invention also intends to reduce the workload needed at the time of cable installment and facilitate the installment. The apparatus includes a cable retained to the opening/closing body of the vehicle for opening/closing this opening/closing body, a drive wheel, a drive mechanism for moving the cable back and forth, a guide member for guiding the cable extending from the opening/closing body to the drive wheel and further guiding the cable past the drive wheel back to the opening/closing body, a support member for supporting either the guide member or the drive wheel and a tension applying member affixed to the support member and configured to apply a tension to the cable.

Abstract: A weatherstrip for use with a T-slot. The weatherstrip includes a scaling element, such as a pile of yarn, on one side thereof and a bead on the opposite side thereof. The bead includes a curved surface for engaging an interior surface of the T-slot. Preferably, the bead is a material which adheres to the weatherstrip and comprises a hot melt glue such as ethylene vinyl acetate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for treating spent abrasive slurry obtained from a process for cutting a body of a substrate material into wafer-like slices, said slurry comprising a lubricant fluid, unspent abrasive particles and fines. The method comprises separating the spent slurry in a first sedimentation step into a solids concentrate comprising unspent abrasive particles and a solids depleted slurry; and subsequently separating the solids depleted slurry by cross-flow filtration into a fines containing fraction and a solids and fines depleted regenerated lubricant fluid.

Abstract: A mobile building module comprises rigid load-bearing surface elements and one or more inflatable flexible surface elements connected therewith. In the transport condition, several of the load-bearing rigid surface elements are disposed to form a parallelepiped container having a floor and surrounding rigid walls for accommodating the inflatable flexible surface elements, with the height of the container being lower than the height of the building. A building, which is assembled of several partial modules, which are constructed according to the above-mentioned principles, is also an object of the invention.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a roof support apparatus which may be used for securing a load to a tile-covered roof. The roof support apparatus comprises a mounting plate, a first and second attachment member, an upper support member, and a load. The mounting plate engages its base with an upper surface of the roof. A track of the mounting plate extends parallel to the base and has a width less than a width of said base. The first and second attachment members are adapted to extend downward through an exposed surface of the base on both sides of the track. The upper support member is adapted to pass vertically upward through an opening in a roof covering material, such as tile, and engage a screw which may slide along the tack until the screw and the upper support member are fully engaged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wind-power unit having a turbine having a vertical turbine shaft (3), an electrical generator (6) connected to the turbine and a vertical hollow supporting pillar (2) supporting the turbine. According to the invention the material of the supporting pillar is in all essentials wood. The invention also relates to a supporting pillar for such a wind-power unit, an electric mains connected to the wind-power unit, a use of the wind-power unit and a method for the manufacture of such a supporting pillar.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a stiffened panel, and a datum part for use in such a method. The method comprises: holding the panel with a jig; holding a datum part with the jig; engaging the panel and the datum part with a stringer; and joining the stringer to the panel. Preferably an additive process is used to form the datum part. By growing the datum part in a series of layers, the shape of each layer can be selected to enable the shape or size of the datum part to be optimised.

Abstract: Spot footing designed especially for securing a precast concrete or timber column to a foundation and/or for extending such a column, said spot footing comprising a base plate (3) provided with a mounting hole (7), and a substantially cylindrical, rigid protective casing consisting of a top plate (2) and a side wall part (4, 6) having an opening (5), an anchor bar being secured to said top plate (2). The spot footing comprises two or more anchor bars (1) secured to the top plate (2) and specifically so disposed in the top plate that the anchor bars are located substantially around the hole (7) of the base plate (3).

Abstract: A flood resistant structure includes a building structure container and a building structure positioned proximate to the building structure container. The building structure is moveable relative to the building structure container in response to water flow through the building structure container. The building structure moves upwardly in response to water entering the building structure container. The building structure moves downwardly in response to water leaving the building structure container.

Abstract: A flood and wind resistant structure includes a building cover which includes a guide beam, and a building structure which includes a buoyant material structure positioned proximate to a floor of the building structure. The building structure is within an inner volume of the building cover. The building structure moves between raised and lowered positioned in response to being engaged by water. The building cover is shaped to deflect incident wind upwardly.

Abstract: A solar insert for shingled roofs includes an insert with a generally wedge-shaped body designed to be installed beneath a shingle and a face that is exposed and extends along a lower edge of the shingle. The face preferably is angled with respect to the shingle and a solar collector in the form of a thin-film solar strip is mounted to and extends along the face. The inserts of multiple shingles are electrically coupled together to form an electrical grid for aggregating the electrical energy of the individual solar collectors and delivering it to a remote location for storage or use. In a second embodiment, a shingle has a solar collector strip mounted to its surface extending along a forward edge of the shingle, and in another, the solar collector surrounds the tabs of their shingles. The solar collectors not only generate electrical energy from the sun; they also enhance the appearance of a shingled roof by providing a look of increased thickness and texture.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a protective panel over a window includes at least one telescoping retainer bar that is tightly fixed within a window frame, adjacent the panel. Spring-biased locking buttons removably seat within one or more longitudinally-disposed apertures to fix the retainer bar at a desired length. At each end of the bar is a resilient pad that firmly engages one of two opposing sides of a window or door frame. One of the pads is movable relative to the bar to further tighten the bar within the frame once the telescoping bar has been extended as far as possible. The pad at the opposing end includes a biasing means for further anchoring the bar within the frame.