Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating the condition of a lift sling. The apparatus includes a body with an upper section and a lower section. The lower section includes a cradle member with a load bearing surface that engages an inner surface of a connecting link at one end of a sling. The apparatus includes an engagement section that receives and positions the end of a measuring device so that it is in tangential alignment with the load bearing surface of the cradle member. In use, one end of a sling is positioned on the load bearing surface of the cradle member and one end of a measuring device is positioned on the engagement section of the apparatus. The apparatus is then raised so that the sling and the measuring device are hanging freely. The reach of the sling is then measuring using the measuring device.

Abstract: A household appliance includes a housing, a controller within the housing, a drying chamber within the housing, a closed-loop process air channel within the housing and including, a first blower operable by the controller, a heat pump operable by the controller, a condensate collector that collects condensate from the heat pump, and means for cooling a component of the heat pump including an open-loop cooling channel with a second blower operable by the controller. The appliance further includes a temperature sensor within the housing operable by the controller to generate a signal dependent upon a temperature within the housing, and wherein the controller operates the second blower in response to the signal.

Abstract: Machines and methods for curing ultraviolet (UV)-curable coating materials. In one embodiment, the machine includes a UV radiation source having one or more lamps partially enclosed within a shroud of a curing head. The machine may further include a supplemental energy source located outside of the shroud. The supplemental energy source may illuminate an uncured area of the floor coating material that is beyond the curing head. In some embodiments, the supplemental energy source may reduce or prevent the partial curing of the coating material outside of the curing head resulting from stray UV energy.

Abstract: A rotatably indexable and stackable apparatus and method for UV curing an elongated member or at least one UV-curable ink, coating or adhesive applied thereon is further disclosed, comprising at least one UV-LED mounted on one side of the elongated member, and an elliptically-shaped reflector positioned on the other side of the elongated member opposite the at least one UV-LED.

Abstract: This invention is directed to freeze dryers used in the pharmaceutical industry, and in particular, to a barrier system for freeze dryers located in an isolator or clean room facilitate sterilization of the isolator.

Abstract: A freeze-dryer and method of controlling the same is provided. The disclosed freeze-dryer includes a chamber adapted to hold material or product to be freeze-dried; one or more depressurization orifices; a gas pressurization circuit having a source of gas to pressurize the chamber to a prescribed pressure; a depressurization circuit coupled to the chamber via the one or more orifices and having a depressurizing control valve; and a control unit adapted to pressurize the chamber with the source of gas and actuate the depressurizing control valve to depressurize the chamber upon command. The ratio of total depressurization orifice area to the chamber volume is preferably between about 6×10?2 and about 4×10?4 m2/m3.

Abstract: A device for treating fabrics comprising a cabinet, said cabinet comprising: a shell having an interior surface, said shell forming an opening; the device further comprising: at least a first and a second spray head positioned upon said interior surface of said shell, the first spray head comprising a multitude of spray nozzles and the second spray head comprising at least one spray nozzle, wherein in at least one first direction the first spray head produces a spray pattern comprising a sequence of a first spray-on area, a first spray free area, and a second spray-on area and in said first direction the second spray head produces a spray pattern comprising at least a third spray-on area and wherein the third spray-on area covers at least a portion of the first spray free area.

Abstract: An article of footwear with an inflatable system may have a valve incorporated therein to adjust the level of cushioning in the article of footwear. The valve may be in communication with an inflatable bladder and may have a body, a piston, and an interface. The body may have an interior chamber, a fluid inlet, and a fluid outlet. The piston may be located within the interior of the body and can be spring actuated. The interface may be connected to the body such that movement of the interface between a first position and a second position results in the piston moving between a first position wherein fluid is permitted to enter the interior chamber at a first rate and a second position wherein fluid is permitted to enter at a second rate, wherein the first rate is greater than the second rate.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention includes a footwear assembly comprising: an upper and a sole assembly connected to the upper. The sole assembly has a footwear assembly comprising a sole assembly connected to an upper. The sole assembly has a midsole made of a first material and having a forefoot portion, an arch portion, a heel portion, and a sidewall extending around a lateral side, a medial side, and a heel side of the midsole. A stiffener is connected to the midsole. The stiffener is made of a second material stiffer than the first material. The stiffener has a base portion adjacent to the arch portion and at least one of the forefoot portion and the heel portion of the midsole. The stiffener has a side stabilizer and a heel wrap coupled to the base portion. The side stabilizer is adjacent to the sidewall in at least one of the arch portion and forefoot portion. The heel wrap is adjacent to the heel side and at least one of the lateral side and medial side of the midsole's sidewall.

Abstract: The therapeutic cushioned sole has a base that carries a cushioning material capable of simulating the feeling of walking on grass. The cushioning material may attach to the bottom of the footwear, such as a sandal or an over-shoe, or may affix to an after-market insole designed to replace or complement a stock insole. The cushioning material includes an artificial grass-like material such as field turf, Astroturf, or another like material and may be formed in different densities and lengths depending on the comfort level specific to a particular use or wearer.

Abstract: A footwear article comprising a generally elongate sole for engagement with and support of the foot of a person, said sole having an upper surface, a lower surface, a first portion being for interaction with at least the heel region of the foot of the person and a second portion for interaction with at least the metatarsal region of the foot of the person; and a foot engagement means for securing the footwear article to the foot of a person. The footwear article being characterised in that a first portion of the sole includes a first material having a first material property and the a second portion of the sole includes a second material having a second material property; and said first portion and said second portion extend at least to the upper surface of the sole and first material property provides for dampening of load imparted to the foot of the person upon contact with a surface.

Abstract: A golf shoe is disclosed comprising an upper portion coupled to a sole. The upper portion of the shoe is sized to receive a foot. The sole may have a front portion and a rear portion. The rear portion may have an elevation that is greater than the elevation of the front portion such that, when worn by a golfer, the heel of the foot is elevated above the toes of the foot.

Abstract: Footwear for use with a plurality of footwear-mounted devices, a combination of footwear and footwear-mounted devices, and footwear-mounted devices. In some cases, the footwear may include a heel portion and forefoot portion that may be independently coupled in a locked engagement with the footwear-mounted devices. In one embodiment, the footwear-mounted device may be slidably coupled with the heel receiver and/or the forefoot receiver with an insertion motion that is substantially coplanar with the footwear's sole.

Abstract: The shoe sole with embedded gemstones is a shoe sole having opposed upper and lower surfaces with a plurality of gemstones being embedded therein, adjacent to the upper surface. The shoe sole includes a base layer, with the plurality of gemstones each partially projecting above the upper surface of the base layer such that the gemstones contact the user's feet when the shoes are worn. Alternatively, a removable insole for shoes may be provided, with the shoe insole similarly forming a base layer having opposed upper and lower surfaces, with a plurality of gemstones being embedded within the base layer. Similarly, the plurality of gemstones each partially project above the upper surface of the base layer such that the gemstones contact the user's feet when the shoes are worn.

Abstract: Therapeutic devices and methods suitable for stretching the Achilles tendon. Each device includes a base portion and at least one wedge portion. The wedge portion has heel and toe ends, inside-foot and outside-foot edges, and an upper surface. The upper surface has a nonuniform elevation relative to the base portion as a result of the wedge portion having a fore-aft taper in the fore-aft direction and a lateral taper in the lateral direction, wherein the inside-foot edge has an increasing elevation toward the toe end. The wedge portion further has a nonconstant lateral width as a result of the toe end being wider than the heel end. The fore-aft and lateral tapers are sufficient so that placement of a user's foot on the upper surface causes supination and locking of the foot and enables stretching of the Achilles complex.

Abstract: A shoe body has an upper member and an outsole. The upper member comprises multiple foam elements connected integrally to each other. The outsole is connected to the upper member and comprises multiple irregular foam elements having multiple colors and connected integrally to each other meaning the shoe body will not lose aesthetic value with usage.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an injection foam molding apparatus for manufacturing one-piece shoes or soles and one-piece shoes manufactured using the same. A thermoplastic resin is injected into top and bottom molds in a state in which the top and bottom molds are coupled with a middle mold and is then pressed to form the upper and lower parts of a shoe, the middle mold is separated therefrom, and then the top mold and bottom mold, including the upper part and lower part of the shoe, respectively, are pressed, thereby forming the upper part and lower part of the shoe into one body. The injection foam molding apparatus is advantageous in that, since functional one-piece shoes or soles, having various colors, hardnesses and specific gravities, and having excellent feeling and durability, can be manufactured using different materials by one apparatus, working time is decreased, and productivity can be increased.

Abstract: An intermediate plate member (22) having a plate thickness equal to or less than that of a door body (19) is provided between the door body (19) and a reinforcing member (24) constituting a right side door (18). The door body (19) and the intermediate plate member (22) are jointed by spot welding, and the intermediate plate member (22) and the reinforcing member (24) are jointed by fillet welding, thereby jointing the reinforcing member (24) through the intermediate plate member (22) on the inner side surface (19A) of the door body (19). Through the use of the intermediate plate member (22), the generation of distortion in the door body (19) is reduced and the outer appearance of the right side door (18) is maintained in good condition.

Abstract: A steam iron includes a sensor for detecting and measuring movement of the steam iron. The sensor is coupled to an actuator that regulates the flow of steam via a valve located between a steam chamber and steam outlets. The sensor can detect movement in three directions (X, Y, Z) and adjust steam generation based on speed of movement of the iron and tilt angle. A pre-heater is used to pre-heat water in a water chamber. The pre-heated water is provided to a steam chamber where it is later converted to steam.

Abstract: Provided is an iron which enables ironing to be performed efficiently through both forward and backward movements of the iron and which provides improved usability thereof when moved backward in the direction of a rear end portion of a soleplate. A support is provided for supporting an iron main body to be in a self-standing state where the soleplate, which has the front and rear end portions each formed in a pointed shape, is substantially vertically disposed. The support has first and second support portions that are provided to both sides of the rear end portion so as to protrude backward from the iron main body, and has a third support portion provided at a rear portion of a grip part. A space that allows the rear end portion of the soleplate to be visible is provided between the first and second support portions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steam generating device comprising a steam chamber provided with a hydrophilic coating. The hydrophilic coating comprises an alkali metal silicate compound and boron, preferably a salt of boron with a metallic element. The coating promotes steaming and is resistant to flaking. The invention also relates to a method of producing the hydrophilic coating in the steam chamber of a steam generating device, and to an iron, comprising the steam generating device.

Abstract: An ironing board 1 having a permeable ironing surface 5 mounted on a body 3. The body 3 has one or more ports 54 through which fluid may be driven to cause the fluid to flow through the permeable surface 5. The body 3 also has a means for modifying the flow of fluid through selected regions of the surface 5. The means for modifying the flow of fluid may be one or more fans which are capable of sucking fluid from the body interior or blowing fluid into the body interior. The permeable surface may be a steel mesh surface with holes of different cross-sectional area.

Abstract: In an apparatus at least two spreader clamps (10, 11) that are configured for receiving a piece of cloth from two pairs of conveyor clamps (16, 17) that belong to a charger station (14). Typically, three or more charger stations (14) are provided. The operator of the apparatus first assesses whether a given batch of pieces of cloth predominantly contains small-sized pieces of cloth, of which more can sit next to each other on the conveyor belt (6) of the apparatus, or large-sized pieces of cloth that may take up as much space as the full working width of the apparatus. If the apparatus is set to the batch of pieces of cloth predominantly containing small-sized pieces of cloth, the spreader clamps (10, 11) are operated such that, for each single piece of cloth in the portion, they are operated to first spread the clamps to each their side of a centreline for small-sized pieces of cloth.

Abstract: An article to be worn, such as a badge, displays indicia such as identification and advertising. The article includes a housing, a first indicia member positioned on the first indicia portion of the housing and a second indicia member positioned on the second indicia portion of the housing. The first and second indicia portions are discrete from one another and can receive interchangeable indicia members. The invention further includes a method of identifying a wearer of the article, such as a sales clerk or food service preparer, and advertising a product or service, all with the same badge.

Abstract: The present invention is a label tag cord used as a connector between the label tag and the product or as an independent identifier. The label tag cord includes a linearly extending and pliable cord body. At the two ends in the extending directions of the cord body, a first positioning part and a second positioning part are configured. An identifying surface is integrally formed at a preset position between the first and second positioning part and is in the form of an expanded area compared to the cord body, so that a trademark can be printed or etched on the identifying surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for lowering a display object in synchronization with a particular timing or event. The display object is lowered by a lifting apparatus. In particular, the display object is a guitar and the lifting apparatus is a crane.

Abstract: A supportive edge retaining graphic display arrangement for supportively holding a display banner in a readily exchangeable manner. The arrangement comprises an elongated, generally “U”-shaped, extruded first or inner housing having an upper elongated flange, and an arrangement of opposed, spaced apart, aligned display panel engaging ribs on side walls thereof extending oppositely from a flange supporting bridge member, an outer elongated extruded outer housing having an inner channel for sliding receipt of the elongated flange of the inner housing, and a display panel having an elongated fastener member attached to an upper end thereof, wherein the elongated fastener member has a plurality of aligned engagable elements extending outwardly therefrom, the aligned engagable elements being in spaced alignment with the ribs on the inner housing for sliding longitudinal engagement therewith.

Abstract: A retaining device for improving the functionality of placard holders when the placard holder is subject to transient atmospheric conditions. The retaining device includes a member used in conjunction with a placard holder to more fully secure a placard with the placard holder when transient atmospheric conditions are encountered. The retaining device may be adapted to use with many designs of placard holders, including, but not limited to, U.S. Department of Transportation approved hazardous material information placard holders.

Abstract: A wristband assembly comprising a wristband strap, an adhesive positioned on the strap, and a liner assembly. The liner assembly includes a liner having a releasable portion in releasable contact with the adhesive, and an affixed portion secured to the wristband strap (e.g., by a bonding agent spaced from the adhesive). The releasable portion is spaced from the affixed portion. Preferably, the liner assembly further includes a release layer (e.g., comprising silicone) on the releasable portion and not on the affixed portion. In one embodiment, the release layer includes an edge between the releasable portion and the affixed portion, and bonding agent is spaced from the edge. In another embodiment, the liner includes a perforated portion between the affixed portion and the releasable portion (e.g., substantially at an edge between the releasable portion and the affixed portion).

Abstract: A wristband tag strip comprises a border portion, a tag portion having a perimeter, and a cut portion between the border portion and the tag portion to define at least a portion of the perimeter. The cut portion includes a kiss-cut portion and a through-cut portion. In one embodiment, the perimeter comprises at least two corner sections separating at least two side sections, wherein through-cut portions define the at least two corner sections and kiss-cut portions define the at least two side sections. Preferably, the through-cut portion has a length that is at least 2% (e.g., at least 3%, 4%, or 5%) of a length of the perimeter. Also, the kiss-cut portion preferably has a thickness that is less than 25% (e.g., less than 15%, 10%, or 5%) of the thickness of the tag portion.

Abstract: A filmic label including a face material having a front side, a reverse side and an adhesive layer including pressure sensitive adhesive on the reverse side of the face material. The face material includes at least one surface layer on at least one side of at least one central layer. The at least one central layer includes cavities that have been initiated at initiation sites by stretching the face material in a longitudinal direction and in a cross direction. The cavities have been expanded in a thickness direction of the face material by allowing a gaseous substance to have an effect on the at least one central layer. Also a method for forming a plastic film for a filmic label.

Abstract: The present multiple display retainer device is directed to a single polymer extrusion used to retain and display paper, card stock and posters of varying sizes at schools, offices and conference rooms. The device has the capability of retaining one or more articles on the upper side pressure contact area flange, one or more in the central cavity inside surface arid one or more on the lower side pressure contact area flange. Any of the articles held by the retainer may be removed separately without disturbing the other articles.

Abstract: A collapsible stock which includes a stock body having a buffer tube holder, a firearm buffer tube slidingly mounted in the buffer tube holder, the stock body being arranged for linear reciprocating motion relative to the buffer tube during firing of the firearm, a recoil absorbing mechanism mounted inside the stock body and affixed to the buffer tube, and a locking pin mounted through the stock body and affixed to the buffer tube, the stock body being arranged for motion relative to the locking pin during firing of the firearm.

Abstract: A handgun having a frame with a barrel. The barrel has a muzzle end and a breech end. A handgrip is mounted to the frame to pivot about an axis. The handgrip is movable between a firing position and a storage position. The axis is movable relative to the frame along a path extending in a direction of the barrel wherein the handgrip is movable along the length of the frame to the storage position wherein the handgrip is adjacent the frame.

Abstract: A handgun comprised of a frame having a barrel with a muzzle end and a breech end. A slide is movable on the frame between one of a closed position and a blow-back position. A handgrip is pivotally mounted to the frame about an axis, wherein the handgrip is movable between a firing position and a storage position. A trigger guard is attached to the frame. The trigger guard is movable between a firing position and a storage position, wherein the trigger guard is collapsible relative to the frame.

Abstract: A handgun comprised of a frame having a barrel with a muzzle end and a breech end. A breech area is adjacent the breech end of the barrel. A slide is movable on the frame between one of a closed position and a blow-back position. An opening in the slide allows communication with the breech area. A hatch on the slide is movable between one of a closed position enclosing the breech area and an open position allowing access to the breech area.

Abstract: A handgrip apparatus for firearm includes a hollow housing defining a handgrip surface and forming an enclosure. A fastener is connected to the housing for removably attaching the handgrip apparatus to a fore-end portion of a firearm. A retractable leg assembly is movable between a retracted position and an extended position and includes a pair of pivoting legs usable as a bipod support when the leg assembly is in the extended position. In one aspect, one or more switches for controlling operation of one or more electronic devices are coupled to the handgrip apparatus. One or more connectors are electrically coupled to the one or switches and are adapted to be electrically coupled to one or more electronic devices. In another aspect, a handgrip apparatus having a pivoting attachment between the fastener and the housing positions is provided. In another aspect, a handgrip apparatus includes integrated conductors in the fastener.

Abstract: A firearm buttstock includes a buttstock body having first, second and third passages. A transfer member is received in the second passage and a retaining member is received in the third passage. A firearm is also disclosed that has a receiver extension. The firearm buttstock can be supported on the firearm such that the receiver extension is received within the first passage. A method of assembling a firearm buttstock assembly is also included.

Abstract: A buttpad assembly for use on a firearm includes a base wall, a cushion body and a guard element. A firearm buttstock assembly is also included that has a buttstock body and a buttpad assembly. A method of assembling a firearm buttstock assembly is also included.

Abstract: The invention is a pistol shot stabilization harness comprised of a plurality of elongated interwoven strands of durable rawhide or nylon material knotted at the ends thereof to form a closed loop which is, in turn fitted with a slideable clasp unit at the end thereof opposite the knotted end once the interwoven strands are affixed together to thereby form a pair of internal loops with one internal loop being worn about the neck of the user of a pistol and with the second internal loop fitted about the handle portion of a pistol.

Abstract: A trawl system component includes T90 netting and a first seam formed of a first netting panel attached to a second netting panel with the first seam having a seam ratio of less than one. The first netting panel is selected from a group consisting of: i) T0 meshes; and ii) T90 meshes having a mesh size of 160 mm or less. The second netting panel is T90 netting having a mesh size of 160 mm or less. The stretch measure of the second panel's netting has a lesser horizontal value than the horizontal stretch measure of the first panel's netting. The first panel is situated forward of the first seam, and the second panel is situated aft thereof. The trawl system component also third netting panel secured into the trawl system component by a third seam that is located further aft in the component from the location of the first seam.

Abstract: An ice fishing hole lighting device has a solid frame with an opening within the frame having an average diameter of at least six inches. The frame has a top portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion of the frame having a flat surface so as to lay against surfaces of ice, the bottom of the frame having between 2 and 12 high efficiency light emitting devices that emit light from the bottom portion of the frame without extending beyond the flat surface to interrupt contact between the flat surface and the ice surface. There are leads from the lights to a battery storage area, and a battery is in the battery storage area.

Abstract: A large animal trap including a hollow cylindrical shell having a front end opening. A vertically slidable trap door is positioned to close the front end opening. A trigger mechanism associated with the trap door is provided so that when a bear seizes the bait located within the cylindrical shell, the trigger will allow the trap door to fall closing the front end opening. This animal trap is further provided with a pneumatic braking assembly which stops downward movement of the trap door when an object is within the front end opening. The large animal trap is further provided with structure to allow a user to raise the trap door from a location away from the trap.

Abstract: A trap for collecting insects and pests is formed in a triangular prism shape. The triangular prism shaped trap is formed from a rectangular plate that is divided into three sections, the rectangular plate being bent into the triangular prism shape. A rectangular cavity that protrudes inward into the trap may be formed on one wall. Also, a control card may be mounted on one wall.

Abstract: Once woods are converted to warming charcoal that is mixed up with purified water in the warming electric distiller of an extending distillation, the both matters turn out to the carbon liquid (1). While the powder of charcoal is mixed up with palm oil that is warming in different distiller, there is kind of combustible liquid (2). The step carbon liquid deriving from warming charcoal with water and combustible oil from charcoal mixed up with palm-oil are all together filtered to start again warming of mixing liquid in single electric distiller. Then the all liquid increases the volume level and energy power. In fact, the transfer of electric power of warming electric distiller inside combustible carbon liquid turns out this warming liquid to energy and combustible fuel with kind of road matters converting. This bio-fuel contributes to power an engine and vehicle without polluting effects into the environment.

Abstract: Provided are additives of formula I for use in hydrocarbonaceous compositions, such as petroleum or liquid fuels: (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are as defined herein. The additives improve the corrosion resistance of the compositions and, when the composition is biodiesel, also improve microbial resistance. The additives further enhance the antimicrobial efficacy of any added biocides contained in such compositions.

Abstract: A process for making cerium-containing oxide nanoparticles includes providing an aqueous reaction mixture containing a source of cerous ion, optionally a source of one or more metal ions (M) other than cerium, a source of hydroxide ion, at least one monoether carboxylic acid nanoparticle stabilizer wherein the molar ratio of said monoether carboxylic acid nanoparticle stabilizers to total metal ions is greater than 0.2, and an oxidant at an initial temperature in the range of about 20° C. to about 95° C. Temperature conditions are provided effective to enable oxidation of cerous ion to ceric ion, thereby forming a product dispersion of cerium-containing oxide nanoparticles, optionally containing one or more metal ions (M), Ce1-xMxO2-?, wherein “x” has a value from about 0.0 to about 0.95. The nanoparticles may have a mean hydrodynamic diameter from about 1 nm to about 50 nm, and a geometric diameter of less than about 45 nm.

Abstract: A fuel composition contains a liquid fuel and nano-sized zinc oxide particles. The nano-sized zinc oxide particles can be used to either improve cold start performance of internal combustion engines or lower a flash point temperature of a liquid fuel.

Abstract: A fuel composition contains a liquid fuel and a specific amount of nano-sized zinc oxide particles. The nano-sized zinc oxide particles can be used to either improve combustion or increase catalytic chemical oxidation of fuel.

Abstract: Genetically engineered microorganisms are provided that produce products from the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway (fatty acid derivatives), as well as methods of their use.