Abstract: The invention relates to a piste grooming vehicle with a point of application for cable forces that is associated with a cable winch, said point being at a distance from a yaw axis of the piste grooming machine, at least one control device being provided and being operatively connected to at least one control means for automatically compensating at least one cable torque that can be applied by a cable traction force of the cable winch in relation to the yaw axis.

Abstract: A fully stabilized excavator tooth attachment. An excavator tooth includes a nose-receiving pocket bounded by an inner end, upper and lower, and opposing side walls, the end wall having a nose-engaging interface surface formed orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the tooth, at least one of the side walls having a fastener opening formed therethrough, and each of the upper and lower walls having two spaced apart nose-engaging interface surfaces formed thereon substantially parallel to each other. Another excavator tooth includes side walls having generally planar nose-engaging interface surfaces formed therein, one surface resisting rotation of the tooth about the longitudinal axis in one direction, and another interface surface resisting rotation of the tooth in an opposite direction. An attachment system includes a fastener configured for releasably securing the tooth on the nose, the fastener having a thread which is eccentric relative to a body of the fastener.

Abstract: In a wear assembly for securing wear members to excavating equipment, a spool is used with a wedge to hold the wear member in place. The spool is formed with at least one laterally extending arm at its upper end in lieu of an axial arm such as used in a conventional C-shaped spool. In this way, the spool can be easily supported in the assembly as the wedge is installed. The spool does not fall through the opening and no special care is needed to prevent it from falling. The spool also holds itself in place when the wedge is driven into the passage. As a result, installation of the wear assembly is easier and less hazardous. In addition, the lateral support reduces the risk that the spool will suffer spreading.

Abstract: An automatically cooling iron has: a housing with an electric heating plate on the bottom, a fan inside of the housing, a motion status detector and an automatic switch circuit. The motion status detector is a ball switch providing three kinds of status information: statically and horizontally placing/statically and vertically standing/motion. The automatic switch circuit has a heating switch, a fan switch and a microprocessor. The microprocessor calculates horizontally placing time or vertical standing time according to the information of statically and horizontally placing/statically and vertically standing/motion provided by said ball switch, and if the horizontally placing time or vertical standing time reaches a predetermined value, the microprocessor controls the heating switch to cut off power to the electric heating plate and controls the fan switch to turn on the fan.

Abstract: A card holder includes a unitary hollow main body having with a base portion, a first side, a second side, and a top portion. The first side and the second side are angled toward one another and coupled to the top portion. The base portion is coupled to at least one of the first side and the second side. At least one of the first side, the second side, and the top portion has a plurality of grooves formed therein. Each of the grooves has a depth sufficient to hold at least one card in a substantially upright position.

Abstract: A store information mount apparatus for flippably displaying substrates bearing information pertaining to a consumer electronic device. The apparatus has amount flange, a display flange made integrally with the store mount flange, a clamp flange bearing plural ring clamps to be received by the display flange, and at least one substrate engaged with the ring clamps.

Abstract: A cover for hay bales and other three dimensional objects, and a method of advertising using the cover is described. The cover is generally of a size and shape to be wrapped about an cylindrical object having the relative proportions of a beverage can. When the cover is applied to hay bales, round bales may be stacked to provide suitable proportions. The cover bears indicia associated with a particular brand and/or type of beverage, such that the covered bales will resemble an enlarged version of the particular beverage can, thereby providing suitable advertising benefit to the beverage company.

Abstract: An illumination display assembly 10 is provided whereby centrally received lighting cove assemblies 22 are removably fixed or adjustably positioned to provide customized lighting across central portions of the assembly 10. Receivers or receiver groups 24, for example, may be employed to removably fix lighting cove assemblies 22 within a central portion of the assembly 10, thereby facilitating the modification and customization of both the advertising and the lighting as desired.

Abstract: A device having movable slats for visual display of a plurality of indicia, such as numbers, letters and/or symbols. The internal slat supporting structure is secured to prevent movement of portions thereof when struck or jostled. In some embodiments, the indicia are associated with the downs in a football game.

Abstract: A configurable large-depth panel display uses a number of frame members and a number of corner brackets coupled to one another to create an flexible and easily customized display device. The frame members relatively uniform, having a substantially constant cross-sectional configuration which is easily coupled to the frame members. The corner brackets can be configured in a number of different ways to produce a display product with a desired configuration. More specifically, the corner brackets can be configured to attach to frame members in a manner which produce an overall framework having multiple shapes and orientations, depending upon the desired design of the overall display. Various panels, brackets and supports can be easily attached to the frame members using integral portions of the constant cross-sectional configuration. Further, more complex displays can be easily created by simply attaching different framework components to one another thus creating a single structure with multiple panel members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a display unit including of two panels which are joined along the lateral edges thereof, and at least one push unit joined to one of the panels and including first and second edges wherein at least the second edge is a free edge. The inventive display unit can be collapsed, whereby the element and the panels are disposed back-to-back adopting a flat configuration. The invention also includes a pull element intended to rotate, curve or bend the push element thereby pushing the free second edge of the push element towards one of the two panels in order to expand the panels automatically from the collapsed configuration to a service position in which the display unit it adopts a convex configuration able to stand upright.

Abstract: A Snap N Place sign system and method for supporting a sign message includes a sign substrate associated with a number of rubber nipple fasteners and a lens. The sign message and the lens further include mounting holes placed at their corners for securely holding the sign message in association with the sign substrate and lens. The rubber nipple fastener can be pulled through the mounting holes in the lens utilizing a relatively low insertion force. The rubber nipple fasteners can be driven axially into the mounting holes in the lens with a flexible tab engaging the lens and flexing as they move through the hole in the lens. The rubber nipple fastener can be specifically designed such that the force required to install or push the rubber nipple fastener through the mounting hole is relatively low thereby facilitating ergonomic considerations. The Snap N Place sign system is capable of holding signs of a variety of thicknesses and sizes.

Abstract: A beverage identifier is in the form of a ring or a flat strip attachable at each end to form a ring, and the ring fits around a beverage container. The beverage identifier includes a writing surface for temporarily affixing the name of the individual to whom the beverage container belongs. The writing surface is protected from beverage spillage by a surrounding wall. The beverage identifier further comprises an identifying character for users who do not read. A character name plate is adjacent the identifying character to assist a user in learning to read the name of the identifying character. A charm may be added to the beverage identifier for additional identification. The beverage identifier may include a system for counting the number of drinks completed with the associated beverage container.

Abstract: A fire control assembly for a firearm includes a trigger engagement link comprising a forward end, a rearward end, and an intermediate portion. The fire control assembly further includes a sear including a bottom portion engageable with the intermediate portion of the trigger engagement link, and a hammer moveable between cocked and firing positions. The hammer includes a link displacement portion operable to displace the forward end of the trigger engagement link as the hammer is moved from its firing position to its cocked position. The displacement of the forward end of the trigger engagement link by the link displacement portion of the hammer disengages the intermediate portion of the trigger engagement link from the bottom portion of the sear so as to at least temporarily deactivate the fire control assembly.

Abstract: A striker-fired firearm with field stripping mechanism and method. A striker-fired firearm generally includes a frame, a slide supported by the frame for longitudinal forward and rearward movement, a striker axially movable in a path of travel along a longitudinal axis, a trigger pivotably connected to the frame, a trigger bar movably coupled to the trigger and adapted to engage the striker, and a trigger bar camming member pivotably disposed in the frame and defining a camming surface engaged by the trigger bar. Pivoting the camming member moves the trigger bar from a first position to a second position in spatial relationship to the striker. In a preferred embodiment, the camming member is an ejector operable to expel spent cartridge casings from the firearm.

Abstract: Gun barrels and similar tubular devices for repeatedly guiding fired projectiles are fabricated from superalloys, titanium metals, tantalum metals, and similar metal materials by a flowforming process. Combinations of these metals are also flowformed to produce gun barrels and projectile-guiding tubes. In addition, inner liners for such barrels and tubes are made with these metals and flowforming processes. These barrels and tubular devices can withstand high temperatures and corrosive environments. The flowforming process is efficient and produces strong, yet thin and/or light weight, gun barrels and similar tubular devices.

Abstract: A display clamp, and related method, are disclosed for removably attaching a second, interchangeable barrel to a fully assembled long gun (i.e., a shotgun or rifle) for display purposes only, wherein the extra barrel's gas cylinder or lug is suspended from the long gun's magazine tube, and held in place by the shotgun's/rifle's removable magazine cap. The method and apparatus allow a retail store (or buyer) to display the firearm and extra barrel as a combination unit either vertically or horizontally oriented within display cases.

Abstract: A rail cover for use on a handcover having a rail. The rail cover includes a body having opposing side edges, a top surface and a bottom surface. Parallel sidewalls depend from the bottom surface to define a socket therebetween for slidably engaging the rail of the handguard. A snap clip is carried by the body and is movable between a raised position for allowing sliding engagement with a rail of a handguard and a lowered position wherein a portion thereof is received within a slot of the handguard and prevents sliding engagement thereof.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is directed to shooting rests for supporting a firearm having a first portion and a second portion rearward of the first portion. In one embodiment, a shooting rest includes a frame, a front support for supporting the first portion of the firearm, a support member for carrying one or more weights, and a stop for inhibiting rearward movement of the firearm relative to the shooting rest. The front support is coupled to the frame, and the support member is positioned at least proximate to the frame. The stop includes a flexible portion and is also coupled to the frame.

Abstract: A firearm support apparatus operable to increase the accuracy of a weapon, comprising first and second vertical frame element 20 movably attached to swivel attachment 40 at one end, and movably attached to first and second horizontal frame element 25 by at least one tension spring 30. At the end opposite the at least one tension spring 30, first and second horizontal frame element 25 are optionally held together by a horizontal tension spring 35. It will be appreciated that the first and second vertical frame element 20 and first and second horizontal frame element 25 may be arranged such that they form two nearly triangular supports, allowing for a firearm to be suspended from the apex of one such triangle, and wherein the at least one tension springs are sized and selected to reduce the weight of the firearm suspended therefrom, allowing full range of movement by a shooter.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an automatic hook setter having a housing with an internal cavity having an opening with several notches. An eyelet trigger is attached to the housing by a pivot in the internal cavity and has a first end and a second end. The second end extends outside of the housing. A fishing line trigger is pivotally attached to the housing and has a first position and a second position. In the second position the fishing line trigger overlaps the notches to form a number of slots. A lanyard is attached to the housing. One end of the lanyard has cord clip.

Abstract: A roller fishing line guide device for a fishing rod, comprising inter alia, a guide frame having a rod mounting bracket configured for mounting the guide frame to a fishing rod, a guide frame body, a roller means mounting bracket and a grooved disc shaped roller means with bearings to reduce the friction resulting from repeated contact between the fishing line and the fishing line guide rings. The roller means is secured to the roller means mounting bracket using an interlocking threaded axis.

Abstract: An artificial bait for fishing, or a component to be added to an artificial bait or hook for fishing, that includes, or simulates, crawdad eggs, and/or crawdad babies, or simulates a crawdad with crawdad eggs, and/or crawdad babies attached to it.

Abstract: A top water fishing lure fashioned in the configuration of an insect is provided with vibration generation means embodied as a cartridge removably inserted in a watertight structure defining the lure body, operation of the vibration generation means the lure body producing vibrations which are replicated in the lure body, the body vibrations in turn transmitting to insect wing structure affixed to the lure body, the wing structure being caused to flex in manner as occurs when a live insect landed on the top water struggles to fly off th water surface, the components of the generation means being arranged in a piggyback array thereby enabling reduction in lure body size so as to better approach a size more like that of a live insect.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrocution and disposal of pests includes a reusable power source and a low cost disposable portion. The reusable power source includes batteries and a circuit to provide a high voltage and low current signal through external leads to the disposable portion, to electrocute small pests without presenting a risk to humans or pets. The disposable portion is constructed from low cost material, for example, cardboard, and may be packaged for sale in a flat folded state, and easily configured into a container with a floor including conducting surfaces connected to the external leads. In one embodiment, the conducting surfaces are formed of a conducting material formed or glued on the floor of the disposable portion and the conducting material further forms internal leads reaching to a male connector surface configured to cooperate with a female connector of the external leads.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrocution and disposal of pests includes a reusable power source and a low cost disposable container. The reusable power source includes batteries and a circuit to provide a high voltage and low current signal through external leads to the disposable container, to electrocute small pests without presenting a risk to humans or pets. The disposable container is constructed from low cost material, for example, cardboard, and may be packaged for sale in a flat folded state, and easily configured into a container with a floor including conducting surfaces connected to the external leads. In one embodiment, the conducting surfaces are formed of a conducting material formed or glued on the floor of the disposable container and the conducting material further forms internal leads reaching to a male connector surface configured to cooperate with a female connector of the external leads.

Abstract: A portable insect trap includes a base which supports a pair of lamps and a removable double sided glue board which is removably mounted between the lamps. A shield which has apertures in the form of a grill work allows insects which are attracted by the lamps to enter the shield and then become trapped by adhesive layers on the glue board.

Abstract: An emulsion fuel is provided which is usable as a fuel for combusting an internal combustion engine under an appropriate combustion condition. A slight amount of air is added to, and is mixed with, a liquid mixture between a fuel oil as a continuous phase and water as a dispersed phase. In this manner, since air bubbles reduced in buoyancy is hydrophobic, the air bubbles do not adhere the surfaces of water droplets, and are dispersed in the fuel oil, increasing a gas-liquid interfacial area (combustion surface area) and exerting surface activity (similar to the function of a surfactant) due to electrostatic polarization. This makes it possible to prevent the coalescence of fine water droplets and stabilize the water droplets in the emulsion fuel.

Abstract: A tank infrastructure that is installed on space that is covered with human development, and used to grow blue green algae or other algae. This includes application over roads, tracks, buildings, parking lots, and any other space that is viewed from space as being any color other than green due to human development destroying photosynthetic life. It can also be utilized in desert landscapes and other areas such as in or over oceans. The algae produced will act as a large carbon sink to aid in curbing global warming, and will be used in the production of alternative fuels as well as for human or animal consumption and in industry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of at least one heterocyclic compound of the formula (I) in which R is H or C1-C3-alkyl as a frictional wear-reducing additive in fuel compositions; to corresponding additized fuel compositions and their preparation; and to additive concentrates which comprise such compounds.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for producing eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and/or derivatives and/or mixtures thereof by growing algae that produce the oils containing EPA and/or DHA and/or derivatives and/or mixtures thereof, harvesting the algae with fish in one or more enclosed systems, and then processing fish to separate and purify the EPA and/or DHA. The multi-trophic systems provided herein comprise at least one enclosure that contains the algae and the fishes, and means for controllably feeding the algae to the fishes. Also provided herein are the lipid compositions extracted from the fishes.

Abstract: A system and process of producing a biodiesel product which meets the specifications of the Cold Soak Filtration Test method (ASTM D6751-08).

Abstract: A fuel oil composition comprising a major amount of a fuel oil and a minor amount of a compound being the product of the 1,4-addition reaction of (i) ammonia, a primary or secondary hydrocarbyl-substituted amine or a mixture thereof to (ii) a species containing one or more ?,?-unsaturated carbonyl groups, wherein the compound includes at least one hydrocarbyl group containing at least 10 carbon atoms. The fuel oil composition has improved low temperature properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel fuel additives obtainable by reacting carboxylic acids and alkanol amines under specific conditions. Said additives show an improved performance in fuels, like gasoline. The invention also relates to methods of preparing the same; additive packages containing said additives; and methods of improving the storage stability of additive packages comprising a detergent additive in an organic solvent.

Abstract: Through a low-dose irradiation, a seaweed's growth becomes fast and its production is improved as well. By doing so, a material for biomass energy is provided.

Abstract: A home garden planter system is shown that can be assembled or disassembled for movement from one location to another. A frame with quick connecting corners is provided. A hose connects passages in a portion of the frame to a source of pressurized water. Opposite ends of the passages connect to irrigation devices for watering said soil within the frame. A translucent cover is supported above the frame. Also, a bed may be included that fits snuggly within the frame and holds the soil in which the plants will grow.

Abstract: A process for the propagation of Theobroma cacao L. by somatic embryogenesis using explant material which is subjected to a) primary embryogenesis in the dark in a solid culture medium causing induction and expression to produce primary embryos, b) secondary embryogenesis i) in which the primary embryos are treated in the dark in a solid or liquid culture medium to produce and multiply embryogenic callus followed by ii) treatment of the embryogenic callus in the dark in a suitable liquid culture medium causing expression of the embryogenic callus to produce further new secondary embryos, c) pre-germination of the secondary embryos in a Petri dish on a solid medium, or in a bioreactor in a liquid medium, into pre-germinated secondary embryos at the cotyledonary stage, d) ex-vitro germination of the pre-germinated secondary embryos at the cotyledonary stage by sowing directly on a culture substrate in the greenhouse to produce the plantlets, and e) development of the plantlets.

Abstract: A container for seedlings to be grown by the air root pruning method is moulded as a flat plastic blank with walls hinged for folding and base hinged to one of the walls permitting the container to be erected by engaging the walls and the base and attaching one wall to another. The erected containers stand in a tray like carrier and are connected together by a tie which overlies the containers. A handle extends through the tie to engage the carrier allowing a group of containers to be handled.

Abstract: A floral sleeve and method of using the floral sleeve to cover a pot. The floral sleeve has a body and an insert or extension attached thereto. The floral sleeve may have an inwardly folded bottom gusset for forming a bottom in the sleeve which is concealed by the lower sidewall of the sleeve when the sleeve is opened and the pot is disposed therein. The sleeve may have a detachable upper portion for enclosing a floral grouping disposed within the pot.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method of extending the duration of pollen availability by planting a section of male parent seeds that includes alternating groups of male seeds adjacent to a section of female parent seeds in a field. The male seeds are planted and/or conditioned so that one group of male seeds produces plants that generally shed pollen at a different time than plants produced by the one or more other groups of male seeds. In some embodiments, the field may include multiple male and female sections and the male seed groups may alternate between sections so as to create a checkerboard pattern of male seed groups within the field. In some embodiments, the field may be planted with the aid of a positional data system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for growing plants in a rotatable, horizontal, drum-like configuration, wherein plants grow inwards towards a centrally located light source, includes plant receiving hollow members each having a recessed slot facing the light source with a plurality of apertures at the base thereof for receiving plant holders and defining, with the outer walls of the hollow member, reservoirs on each side thereof for holding water when the plants are generally inverted.

Abstract: A floating island comprising a combination-cell thermoplastic foam. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a floating island comprising: an island body comprising at least a first portion that comprises a combination-cell thermoplastic foam and having a cavity; and a bedding material that is disposed in said cavity; wherein said combination-cell thermoplastic foam is buoyant in water and permeable to gas and water. In another embodiment, the invention is a floating island comprising: an island body comprising a first matrix layer, a second matrix layer and a third matrix layer; and a gas-trapping insert that is disposed between two of said layers.

Abstract: A floating island comprising a combination-cell thermoplastic foam. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a floating island comprising: an island body comprising at least a first portion that comprises a combination-cell thermoplastic foam and having a cavity; and a bedding material that is disposed in said cavity; wherein said combination-cell thermoplastic foam is buoyant in water and permeable to gas and water. In another embodiment, the invention is a floating island comprising: an island body comprising a first matrix layer, a second matrix layer and a third matrix layer; and a gas-trapping insert that is disposed between two of said layers.

Abstract: A plant irrigation apparatus for providing a fluid to one or more plants includes a plurality of platforms that are disposed in an array. Each platform has a support surface that is disposed at a platform elevation. A fluid reservoir for containing the fluid is defined at least partially in between adjacent platforms of the plurality of platforms. At least one fluid-regulating structure is configured to maintain a maximum elevation for the fluid, wherein the maximum elevation for the fluid is lower than the platform elevation. A capillary mat is supported by the plurality of platforms. At least a portion of the capillary mat is disposed within the fluid reservoir below the maximum elevation of the fluid.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided including a housing and a cover mechanism . The housing defines a hole, and the cover mechanism covers the hole. The cover mechanism includes a cover member, a latching portion, and a locking member. The cover member includes a locking portion. The latching portion latches the cover member to the housing. The locking member includes elastic arms. The locking member is locked to the locking portion and configured to prevent the cover member from being separated from the housing by a resisting of the housing against the elastic arms.

Abstract: A pocket door system with a constant rail system provides a pocket door adapted for sliding into and out of an enclosed wall pocket to enable or prevent egress through a framed door opening. The pocket door includes a roller mechanism mounted at a top surface and a slotted lower guide mechanism mounted at a bottom surface. A floor track with a vertically extending, flat, planar protruding plate element is mounted upon a floor surface is secluded within the enclosed wall pocket. The vertically extending, flat, planar protruding plate element is insertable into the corresponding vertically extending flat, planar slot of the guide mechanism. The roller mechanism of the pocket door system engages an upper track as the lower guide mechanism engages with the protruding element guide wherein the pocket door slides into and out of the enclosed wall pocket without wobbling and dislocating from the tracks during use.

Abstract: An explosion-proof decompression plate is provided outside the explosion-proof window of an architecture or equipment. A convex part that protrudes out of the window is formed in the center of the decompression plate, and a flange is formed around the convex part. Further, a confined space is formed inside the decompression plate that is opposite to the convex part. Several thru holes are formed on the flange, and a lock-joint portion of which the area is smaller than the thru hole is formed. Several joint ribs easily splitting are formed between the flange and the lock-joint portions to connect. Accordingly, when the air blast occurs in the architecture or equipment, the decompression plate is thrust away by the blast pressure caused by the air blast and an open mouth is formed to vent out the blast pressure.

Abstract: A panel and panel systems are described herein and can include a rigid panel that includes a plurality of apertures and an undulating pattern. The panel acts to block sunlight and may otherwise protect the area behind the panel. In an example, the panel is fixed in a spaced apart relation to a building. The panel or panels block a portion of the direct sunlight to assist in the environmental control of the building. The panel can be strong enough to further protect the building from weather damage or other damage. A lighting system illuminates the exterior of the panel. The lighting system can be mounted on the support for the panels or to the panels themselves. The lighting system can further be controllable to illuminate a pattern on the panels. The lighting control system can control intensity and color of the lights on the panels. The undulating pattern on the panels can provide further lighting effects. The lighting system can also correct for the undulating pattern on the panels.

Abstract: A protective covering helps to prevent fastener leaks from roof installed fasteners, which are used to mount roofing systems, such as a solar panel installation system, to roofs with a mounting bracket attached to the roof. The protective covering is a portion of flat, malleable waterproof material molded to form a cover, forming a triangular-shaped structure when viewed from the side. The triangular shaped structure includes a base and a hypotenuse portion where the line of the roof acts as a side which is covered by at least the hypotenuse portion. The hypotenuse portion meets the roof at an angle. The covering is adapted for insertion under portions of a roof shingle, and extends back in a slight rise (downwardly with respect to the roof) to cover the fastener and L-shaped bracket, which the fastener fastens to the roof.

Abstract: A collapsible enclosure comprising a plurality of support arms, supporting a canopy and movable on a track, from a stored position in which the support arms lie side by side in a substantially horizontal configuration, to an in-use position in which the support arms are erected in spaced apart arrangement in a substantially vertical configuration to define an enclosure, and means to hold the support arms in the spaced apart condition. Preferably the support arms are stored in an underground structure at the location where the enclosure is to be erected.