Abstract: A Yankee dryer which exploits centrifugal forces to assist in evacuating condensate. A condensate collection system has individual pickup straws arranged at an angle such that the required amount of motive steam pressure is reduced to extract and move the steam condensate from the intake opening of the straw to the discharge point of that straw. The pickup straws communicate with a collection header arranged along the length of the Yankee dryer. The collection header is configured such that it has a radius from the axis of rotation which is greatest near the point at which collected condensate is discharged to a disposal riser conduit which conducts collected condensate to the exterior of the Yankee dryer.

Abstract: A water-removal bucket includes a frame, a pedal, a spur gear, a first bevel gear, a second bevel gear and a basket. The pedal is pivotally connected to the frame and meshes with the spur gear. The first bevel gear is connected to the spur gear via a linking shaft and meshes with the second bevel gear. The basket is connected to the second bevel gear via a driving shaft.

Abstract: A water removal device is disclosed. The water removal device includes a base, a pedal, a lead nut, a hollow lead screw, an annulus, at least one planet gear, a sun gear, a shaft, and a basket. The pedal is pivotally connected to the base. The lead nut is connected to the pedal. The hollow lead screw is threaded into the lead nut. The annulus is connected to the hollow lead screw. The planet gear is pivotally connected to the base and meshing with the annulus. The sun gear meshes with the planet gear. The shaft is connected to the sun gear through the hollow lead screw. The basket is connected to the shaft.

Abstract: A lamp heater and a drying apparatus including the same, the lamp heater including a plurality of three-phase power source lamps, a dummy load, the dummy load being configured to maintain a phase balance of the three-phase power source lamps, and a controller, the controller controlling the three-phase power source lamps and the dummy load depending on a lighting condition of the three-phase power source lamps.

Abstract: A method of preventing a porous product positioned within an interior area of a railcar bin from caking includes positioning a first vertical pipe at least partly into the product, positioning a second vertical pipe at least partly into the product, capturing moisture from within the granular product and within the railcar bin through the first and second vertical pipes, and expelling the moisture from the railcar bin. The first and second vertical pipes each has a first open end and a second open end and may optionally include apertures along a length of each of the vertical pipes. The second vertical pipe is spaced from the first vertical pipe at a distance sufficient to create natural convection.

Abstract: This drying system dries material with circulating gas or steam of any type. Air is used as the name for the gas. A drying cycle consists of the following basic phases: •Charging of drying material •Heating with circulating air without discharge of air until the air before the air heater has reached desired relative humidity and temperature •Discharge of warm humid air with continued heating of circulating air and intake of outside air or returned dehumidified air. The discharged flow is so controlled that the in the dryer circulating air keeps its desired relative humidity and temperature. •Discharge of the dried material and at the same time cleaning of all the components whose function can be disturbed by dust. •Charging of new material to be dried.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper, a sole assembly, and a support assembly positioned in the sole assembly and including a plurality of pillars. Each pillar includes an outer layer and an inner layer of cushioning material contained with the outer layer.

Abstract: A pneumatic inflation device disposed within the sole of a shoe and comprising a pump with integral air release valve and which is entirely within the sole, a pump actuator which is entirely within the sole when not in use, and an inflatable bladder which is entirely within the sole and is operatively connected to the pump. Such a device can include a mechanism to lock the pump actuator within the sole such that the mechanism's cap is flush with the outer wall of the sole and finger-operable to allow the shoe-wearer to easily operate the inflation device and release air therefrom.

Abstract: Provided is a shoe with a replaceable screw-on heel.

Abstract: An article of sports footwear (10) comprises an upper part or casing (11) to partly surround the user's foot, and a sole (12), associated with the casing (11). The sole (12) comprises an internal insole (13) having, during use, an upper surface (13a) attached to the casing (11) and a lower surface (13b) to which at least an anti-slip support element (14), made of an at least partly soft material, is attached. The insole (13) has a plurality of stiffening elements (15) made of a harder material than that of the anti-slip element (14), and disposed in correspondence with the position of the sole (12) where the front bindings (19) and/or back bindings (20) of the skis act.

Abstract: A shoe construction comprising an outsole constructed from a slip resistant material and a wedge shaped cushion member having a rounded and beveled shaped lower surface bonded to the outsole. A midsole body member is bonded to the cushion member having a torsion spring member secured to the midsole body member. The torsion member assists in stabilizing the shoe construction by directing an outer surface of the outsole to a preferred position, while the lower surface is constructed and arranged to provide a curved rocker-like surface whereby the outsole remains in contact with the ground, and requires muscle control, throughout a walking step.

Abstract: A shoe construction utilizing a fluid containing chamber as a cushion. The shoe includes a stabilizer positioned in the shoe and having a heel portion in overlying relation to the cushion and a forward portion in overlying relation to at least a midfoot portion of the shoe bottom. The forward portion extends across a substantial portion of the inside width of the shoe where it is located to resist deformation of the shoe bottom under load from a user both in lateral bending and longitudinal torsion.

Abstract: A slippers structure comprises: a sole, a toe post and a vamp. The sole is defined with a concave, and close to a middle of both lateral edges of the sole is formed a protruding portion, respectively, a bottom of the sole is an arc-shaped surface. The toe post has one end integrally formed with the concave, and a head portion at the other end of the toe post has a larger diameter than the post portion. The vamp has two ends integral with the protruding portions of the sole and is located around an outer periphery of a rear half of the sole, an engaging portion extends from the inner edge to near a center of the vamp, the vamp can be folded upward over the sole from its two ends connected to the two protruding portions so as to make the toe post engage in the engaging portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hockey foot shield for covering at least in part the laced foot portion of a player wearing a hockey skate, the hockey skate having a front portion including a tongue and laced portion. The hockey foot shield covering includes a first and second layer forming an envelope and the envelope including a shock absorbing polymeric gel, wherein the hockey foot shield is adapted to fit over the tongue portion of the skate.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure. The upper has a foot portion for receiving a foot and a leg portion for receiving at least a portion of a leg, and the sole structure is secured to a lower area of the foot portion. The footwear includes at least one of a plate system, a hinge system, and a sole structure formed from materials of different hardness, stiffness, or density. The plate system includes a plate that extends over a medial side of the footwear and may (a) be formed of materials of different hardness or (b) extend onto the sole structure and into an indentation in the sole structure. The hinge system includes a chassis secured to the foot portion and a beam secured to the leg portion, with a hinge rotatably-joining the chassis and beam.

Abstract: A ventilative PU midsole or sole pad includes at least a solid layer, which is composed of plural PU strings, and the strings are overlaid mutually and irregularly to become multi-layers with numerous gaps among one another, so that the solid layer is provided with good ventilation to be used as a midsole for a shoe, or directly used as a sole pad. Thus the midsole has a good ventilation, preventing a wearer from getting skin disease or bad foot odor, and at the same time it may have no odor, no smell and environmentally friendly, letting a wearer feel comfortable without getting tired in wearing.

Abstract: A snow plow including a quick connect/disconnect hitch. The snow plow includes a hitch frame nose assembly configured to couple to a vehicle. The hitch frame nose assembly includes a chassis coupler secured at each end of a hitch frame tube with each chassis coupler including a traverse pin. A plow frame is included with the plow frame having a front portion and a rear portion. A plow blade is coupled to the front portion of the plow frame. A lift bar assembly is coupled to the rear portion of the plow frame. A lift bar assembly includes a pair of notched members with each notch member aligned with a corresponding chassis coupler of the hitch frame nose assembly. Each of the notched members is configured to engage the traverse pin in each of the chassis couplers, wherein the snow plow is pivotally coupled to the vehicle.

Abstract: A snow plow is provided with an articulated wing blade. The snow plow includes a hitch frame nose assembly configured to couple to a vehicle by securing each of a chassis coupler to the vehicle chassis. A plow frame having a front portion and a rear portion is configured to coupled to a central plow blade and a lift bar assembly. The central plow blade includes a wing blade pivotally attached at each end of the central plow blade. Each wing blade is configured to selectively move independently of the central plow blade from a first position to a second position about a vertical axis parallel with each of the first and second ends of the central plow blade. The lift bar assembly is coupled to the rear portion of the plow frame and couples to the hitch frame nose assembly wherein the snow plow is pivotally coupled to the vehicle.

Abstract: A dump block with a self-adjusting bearing includes two side sections, a sheave with a peripheral groove and a central bore, a bearing assembly, and a sheave pin. The sheave pin has a first end with a shoulder, a second end with a threaded portion, and a bearing support section of a predetermined length extending between the first and second ends. The sheave pin is positioned within the bearing assembly and adjusted by urging the sheave pin to translate in the direction of the second end. A fastener is secured to the threaded section at a location between the two side sections.

Abstract: A handle for a beverage dispensing tap that incorporates a feature that permits a protective cap from the Barnes neck of a malt beverage keg to be attached for the purpose of identifying the beverage being dispensed.

Abstract: A solar powered advertising apparatus comprising a digital display to display an advertisement heading, wherein the apparatus is configured to be affixable to an exterior of a printed directory. The apparatus comprises a memory to store a set of advertisement headings, with the advertisement headings stored in the memory prior to affixing the advertising apparatus to the printed directory. The advertising apparatus further comprises a set of buttons for selecting an advertisement heading to be displayed.

Abstract: A placard holding device can be a clear sleeve or a board with clips and a clip assembly that attaches to a vehicle sun visor. The assembly consists of a locking pivot mechanism to hold the placard securely in the up or down position. A knob or protruding ridge or bar is attached to the placard holding device sufficiently large for ease of griping to rotate the placard between a visible position for parking and a position against the visor out of the line of sight of the driver for driving.

Abstract: An advertising device (150) for a vehicle has at least one panel (160) that carries advertising material, the device (150) having a first, closed configuration, in which the panel (160) is substantially hidden and an open position in which the panel (160) is substantially visible. The device (150) has a bottom member (152) and a top member (154) and the panel extends between the top and bottom members (152, 154) within their perimeter to form a relatively airtight volume. A fan (162) creates a low pressure in the volume during closure so the panel (160) is drawn inwards as the device (150) is closed and does not extend beyond the perimeters of the top and bottom members (152, 154).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a banner hem sealing apparatus for use with impulse sealer and method of using the same. The apparatus is designed to reduce the misalignment problem caused when an impulse sealer is used to hem a banner. The apparatus is comprised of: a first member which comprises a tray and the means to mount to a second member; the second member which comprises an opening, a fence, a backplate, and the means to mount to the first member.

Abstract: An information sign, especially name plates, door plates or notice signs, comprising a base body made of frame parts and optionally a base plate, and a cover plate or decorative plate which can be inserted in the base body, wherein the cover plate or decorative plate can be lifted off by means of a lifting tool, preferably a suction pad, acting upon the outside surface, so that a forward bulging of the cover plate or decorative plate is produced and the same can be removed. Two opposite longitudinal or narrow sides of the preferably rectangular or square cover plate or decorative plate and the adjacent frame parts are provided with a groove-and-tongue latching connection which ensures a secure holding of the cover plate or decorative plate in the base body.

Abstract: A method for identifying, tracking, and monitoring a firearm includes steps of: attaching a low frequency radio tag to the firearm; storing, in the data storage device of the radio tag, identification data relating to the firearm; and reading the identification data from the transceiver by interrogating the radio tag. The radio tag includes a shot sensor, a shot count register for tracking the number of shots fired and cadence registers for tracking the intervals between shots.

Abstract: A new firearm action is described. The action may be adapted to single-shot handguns and rifles, lever-action firearms, single-action revolvers or to other types of firearms. The new firearm action provides a safety device in a firearm that does not affect the trigger pull when firing the firearm and maintains a durable and reliable action. The trigger cannot be pulled when it is in the safe position, and when the action is in the safe position, the hammer cannot contact the firing pin. The action does not allow the barrel of the firearm to be opened when the hammer is in the cocked position. It also keeps the barrel from being closed if the hammer is cocked when the barrel is in the open position. The hammer cannot contact the firing pin if the top slide is in the retracted position.

Abstract: A choke for use with a shotgun is provided. In accordance with one embodiment the choke has a body that defines a bore with a longitudinal axis therethrough. The body is configured for engagement with a shotgun, and the bore is positioned for traversal of a wad and shot therethrough and out of an end of the bore. The body has a circumference, an inner surface, and outer surface. The body defines at least one port for venting gas from the bore that extends from the inner surface to the outer surface. The shape of the port at the inner surface is asymmetrical.

Abstract: A firearm having a receiver defining a bore with the receiver extending along a longitudinal axis. The receiver defines an ejection port transverse to the longitudinal axis with the bore defining an inner surface. A bolt carrier is disposed in the bore and moves relative to the receiver along the longitudinal axis between a firing position and a rearward position with the bolt carrier defining at least one exhaust port transverse to the longitudinal axis. A shield defines an aperture aligned with the exhaust port for exhausting gases therethrough. The shield is longitudinally affixed to the bolt carrier and moves with the bolt carrier as a unit between the firing and rearward positions along the longitudinal axis with the shield blocking the ejection port when in the firing position and the shield sliding along the inner surface away from the ejection port when moving to the rearward position in conjunction with the bolt carrier.

Abstract: A gun sight system featuring point-to-point visual alignment is provided. A front sight coupled to a forward end of a gun includes a top sighting point and optionally lateral sighting points. A rear sight coupled to a rearward end of the gun includes a pair of spaced apart rear lateral sighting points each visually alignable with and visually touching one of the front lateral sighting points or the top sighting point for visually touching the top sighting point with a target while simultaneously visually aligning at least one of the rear lateral sighting points with a point on the front sight.

Abstract: A mounting device for mounting an accessory to a rail of a weapon includes a base portion and first and second side portions. One side portion is movable to grip the rail. An elongated connecting member has a first end engaging the first side portion and a second end connected to a camming device. The camming device engages the second side portion and pulls the elongated connecting member to move the side portions to an engaged position. A locking mechanism locks the camming device in the closed position. The locking mechanism includes a locking element that is movable between a lock position and an unlock position. The locking element has an engagement portion that selectively engages the camming device when the locking element is in the lock position thereby locking the camming device in the closed position.

Abstract: A combination sight comprises a magnifying optical sight and a non-magnifying optical sight arranged in parallel. The combination sight is characterized in a switchable component capable of assuming two states so as to deflect a beam path through the combination sight, wherein the first state allows for a user to observe a target through the non-magnifying sight and the second state allows for a user to observe a target through the magnifying sight while keeping an aiming eye static.

Abstract: A remote controlled duck decoy to retrieve downed waterfowl off a body of water. It is remote steered and driven from a hand-held transmitting unit and pushes the downed waterfowl to the bank utilizing two extendable pushrods that are manually pulled out prior to use. These are retractable so they will not break or bend when they are stored or transported. There is also a stud on the front of the decoy that allows it to deploy decoys or to pull the multiple decoy back to shore with a deploying jerk cord assembly. It is externally prop driven with a moss and weed guard for keeping debris away from the prop.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic bite display (5) for displaying that a fish (13) has bitten the bait that is attached to the fishing line of a fishing rod (2) that can be placed on a fishing rod holder (1), said fishing rod comprising a reel (3) for reeling in the fishing line. The sensor of the bite display is an electronic acceleration sensor (B) and said bite display (5) comprises a console (21) that is secured between the fishing rod holder and a fishing rod stand (8), that protrudes approximately horizontally in the position of use and extends approximately parallel to the fishing rod (2). A pivoting shaft (27) that can pivot about a pivoting axis and that extends horizontally in the position of use is provided on the console (21). One first end of a pivoting arm (31) is pivotably mounted on the pivoting shaft, the other end supports the housing of the bite display.

Abstract: A roller assembly for a fishing rod roller guide includes a roller having two receiving portions each receiving a bearing. A side cover is mounted to each of two ends of the roller and includes an inner side having a lip received in a first annular groove in the end of the roller. Each lip includes a second annular groove aligned with a peripheral flange on one of the ends of the roller. A ring made of soft material is partially received in each second annular groove. A gap is formed between each ring and a peripheral flange on one of the ends of the roller. A spacing portion is formed between the inner side of each side cover and one of the ends of the roller. Grease is received in the gaps and seals a portion of each bearing aligned with an end edge of one of the receiving portions.

Abstract: A repeating animal trap is described that humanely captures animals and allows for their safe release. In one embodiment, the animal trap includes a wire body that forms a cage. The cage includes one or more animal entrances. The one or more animal entrances are each configured such that an animal enters from outside the cage and traverses a passageway that ends about the middle of the cage. The natural instincts of the animal causes the animal to go toward the perimeter and corners of the cage to escape. The natural instinct assists in keeping the animals from finding their way back into the passageway to leave the cage. To further keep animals from leaving the cage via the passageway, a passageway door is provided for each passageway. Each door is configured with a bias and a shape that precludes the animal from opening the passageway door once inside the cage.

Abstract: An insect trap for targeting multiple species with an entrapment chamber having an entry structure attached to one end of the entrapment chamber and a lower lid closing a second end. The entry structure is configured to generate a first attractant plume, and includes an annular lid, a tapered guide, a plurality of members slidably engaging the lid, and an attachment fixture. The entry structure also has means for retaining a first attractant. The lower lid includes means for retaining a second attractant and a plurality of apertures, such that a second attractant plume may be generated that is spaced apart from the first attractant plume. The lower lid may include entry apertures to provide insect ingress to the entrapment chamber, and may further include a second tapered guide. The lower lid may alternatively comprise micropores that permit egress of the second attractant.

Abstract: Disclosed are biodiesel fuels with improved oxidative stability. Disclosed are biodiesel fuels which comprise two or more antioxidants which increase the oxidative stability of the biodiesel fuel.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the use of formulations of new random copolymers and terpolymers, synthesized by a method of semi continuous emulsion polymerization, and that function as flow improvers, lowering the pour point and reducing the viscosity of Mexicans crude oils, which have gravities within the range of 9 to 30° API.

Abstract: A generally pillow-shaped charcoal briquet having a convex upper surface and a convex lower surface, wherein at least one of these surfaces contain an enhanced surface feature comprising one or more grooves. When two or more grooves are located on one or both convex surfaces, the grooves are generally parallel to each other and to two opposing sides of the briquet, and generally perpendicular to two opposing sides of the briquet. The briquets have improved ignition characteristics and enhanced burn phase properties.

Abstract: A wrap for use in air-layering made from a long tubular plastic net sack filled with a rooting media. The sack is used for secure placement of the rooting media about the plant surface. Furthermore, a method for air layering large woody plant is provided that comprises of placing the wrap containing the rooting media, over the plant surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a weather protection system for crops, comprising a series of posts (1) forming rows in correspondence with the rows of the corresponding plantation, establishing at the upper part of each post (1) a roll (8) formed by a sheet rolled on a torsional tube (7) with which tensioning cables (5) are integral, such that the sheet of the roll (8) can be folded at its middle (8?) and form two branches or flaps (9 and 10) which are simultaneously rolled and unrolled, such that branches which can be separated are established in the unrolling in order to determine a covering of the corresponding crop or plantation (12), those covering or protection branches (9 and 10) being spread out by means of spreading out the arms (11) of a compass articulated to the actual post (1).

Abstract: A memorial floral arrangement stand which includes an H-shaped frame having a pair of vertical ground penetrating stakes and a horizontal cross arm between the pair of vertical ground penetrating stakes. A decorative arch is affixed to and extends across top ends of the vertical ground penetrating stakes. A mechanism is attached onto the horizontal cross arm for holding a display of flowers above the ground, so as to prevent the display of flowers from being blown away.

Abstract: A device for packaging or transporting a floral grouping comprising an elongated member having a top portion and a base portion; a handle coupled to the top portion; and a securing member coupled to the elongated member configured to secure a floral grouping to the elongated member. A method for packaging, packing, or transporting a floral grouping comprising providing an elongated member having a handle coupled to a top portion of the elongated member; positioning a floral grouping adjacent to the elongated member; and wrapping a securing member coupled to the elongated member circumferentially around the floral grouping such that the floral grouping is securely coupled to the elongated member.

Abstract: A hydroponic system useful for providing a continuous flow nutrient solution to the roots of a plurality of plants. The system includes a tubular assembly of horizontally inclined members interconnected to each other at elbow joints, and comprising a plurality of cutouts configured to receive the roots of the plurality of plants, and having a top entry and a bottom exit. A pump is configured to pump the nutrient solution to the top entry of the tubular assembly, wherein the angles of the horizontally inclined members allow the solution to flow downward through the tubular assembly before exiting through the bottom to return to the pump.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for capturing a carbonous gas and using the captured carbonous gas for cooling purposes. For example, a system may include a carbon capture system configured to collect a carbonous gas from a syngas, and a cooling system having the carbonous gas in a coolant circuit.

Abstract: A reforming apparatus for reforming a raw fuel into a hydrogen-rich reformed gas includes a reformer for generating the reformed gas from the raw fuel, and a steam supply means for supplying the steam to the reformer. The steam supply means has a dry-out heat exchanger that dries out the water by conducting heat exchange with the reformed gas generated when the raw fuel is combusted. The cross-sectional area of passage in the dry-out heat exchanger is larger than that of a pipe connected upstream of the dry-out heat exchanger.

Abstract: A gasification quench chamber baffle is disclosed. An embodiment of the baffle includes a ring that has a predominantly vertical longitudinal axis; several pipes are attached to the ring, where each pipe has an upper end and a lower end. The lower ends of the pipes extend downwards towards a sump in a gasification quench chamber. Additionally, there are gussets that are configured to guide water towards the upper ends of the pipes. A quench chamber that used the baffle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon synthesizer system for the production of petroleum fractions from a feedstock. Methods of synthesizing hydrocarbons from a feedstock.

Abstract: This invention relates to processes and apparatuses for reducing pollutants and/or producing syngas. The process includes the step of reacting a first stream with at least one sulfur compound to form a second stream with carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and a reduced amount of the at least one sulfur compound, and the step of recovering elemental sulfur from a portion of the second stream to form a third steam with the at least one sulfur compound, carbon dioxide, and a reduced amount of hydrogen sulfide. The process includes the step of directing at least a portion of the third stream to form a portion of the first stream.