Abstract: A dipper including a dipper door and an impact actuated jaw having a “C” shape defining a lip and a chin The jaw is rotatably mounted on the dipper door for rotation between a door-opened position and a door-closed position and positioned so that when the jaw is in the door-opened position, the jaw chin can be impacted by the dipper body when the door pivots to the door-closed position. The dipper also includes a hold open mechanism for releasably holding the door latch in the latch open position when the latch is in the open position, and a locking mechanism for releasably locking the latch when the latch is in the door-closed position. The locking mechanism includes one bar pivotally attached to the door, and another bar pivotally connected to and extending between each of the one bar and the latch.

Abstract: Steam irons with a steam valve that is controlled by an intuitively operated, usually pivotable handle may not provide consistent steam ironing behaviour due to the fact that the force exerted on the handle by the user may change over time. To overcome or mitigate the problem, the present invention provides a steam iron (1), comprising a by-pass (9) around the handle-operated valve (7). The by-pass allows a relatively small but continuous water stream to be transported from a water reservoir (6) to steam outlet openings (12) in the soleplate (11) of the iron. Consequently, subject to an ample supply of water, the steam iron provides a minimum of steam ironing comfort throughout a steam ironing session.

Abstract: A steam iron having a boiling compartment (15) for producing steam and a steam distribution circuit with a smoothing brush (3) including a head (31) equipped with at least one hole (32) for emitting a flow of steam, characterized in that it contains a steam flow acceleration device (4) that generates a puff of air to increase the steam flow rate at the outlet of the smoothing brush (3).

Abstract: A telescoping greeting card having a plurality of pockets and/or panels that arc connected in sequence and configured to slidably telescope between a closed position wherein each of the pockets and/or panels are contained within a main panel and an open position wherein each of the pockets and/or panels are extended in a longitudinal array. The greeting card additionally contains a switch and a sound module with at least one pre-recorded audio file that may be played back upon removal of one of the panels or pockets of the greeting card, which triggers the switch.

Abstract: The present invention is an illuminated aerial aircraft display rowed by an airplane with a propeller with a front facing with a plurality of illuminated indicia that includes letters and numbers and illuminated computer generated or non-computer generated moving indicia or pictorial images disposed on the front facing and a wind milling generator installed on a lead pole of the illuminated aerial aircraft display and a plurality of LED lights that illuminate the illuminated indicia. The display has illuminated indicia that can utilize a wide variety of colors and aesthetically pleasing styles and works in combination with the propeller that spins and produces electricity used by the LED lights once the illuminated aerial aircraft display is picked up and towed by the aircraft. A battery can also be used to power the LED lights.

Abstract: A signage system (10) including one or more visual display devices (11), each mounted for display behind the windshield (15) of one or more parked and ignition-off vehicles (16). Each sign (11) has a visual display surface (12) that is capable of forming an illuminated graphic display (13) on the visual display surface (12). The visual display surface (12) would be visible to observers in front of the vehicle (16). The system (10) includes wireless communication hardware (60) that allows the visual display (11) to be programmed by a remote programming device (41). Each of the display devices (11) can be programmed to have a separate message and each message would scroll from left to right across the display surface (12) in a time coordinated manner so that the message appears to scroll consistently from left to right across the visual field of the plurality of display surfaces (12).

Abstract: An emergency exit indicator includes a flat housing and a light source received in the housing. The housing has a length greater than a width thereof. The housing includes a panel provided with a sign thereon to indicate emergency exit. The light source includes a plurality of LEDs each being covered by a lens. Light of the LED goes through the lens and is then illuminated on the sign to cause the sign to be visible. The lens has two opposite sides along a lengthwise direction of the housing longer than other two opposite sides along a widthwise direction of the housing, such that the light through the lens along the widthwise direction of the housing is converged in a narrower manner than the light through the lens along the lengthwise direction of the housing.

Abstract: The Rotating Billboard is an improvement of the structures which are now being used by outdoor billboard operators in the industry. The current standard of the contemporary billboard structure consists of a steel frame on which a high resolution advertising material is tied using steel wires and illuminated using front-lit metal halides using steel light supports. The weight of the frame is supported by a series of web-like large steel angle bars and thrushes engineered to fully secure the structure in case of adverse weather conditions. The base is bolted through a concrete slab which is buried deeply beneath the ground. The Rotating Billboard is a smaller structure and may be strategically located on areas where the contemporary billboard could not. The frame of the Rotating Billboard is composed of four sides and is illuminated from the inside.

Abstract: A closure mechanism receiving aperture presents a substantially contiguous, uninterrupted planar surface on a flexible medium, primarily for use with identification devices, i.e., wristbands. The aperture does not interrupt the printable area so that printer ink may be printed over the aperture without passing through. The inventive aperture also does not produce waster material or chads which can jam or foul-up a printer. An inventive wristband includes both snap closure and adhesive closure mechanisms that can be used at the same time.

Abstract: A product announcement and merchandizing device and system is provided and includes a system and method for matching or merging a first product with one or more distinct products or services and displaying that merged message through use of a hang tag or an article identifier arrangement. The hang tag or article identifier has first and second sections with one or more individually operable and distinct fields. The system can actuate a message or other response in connection with receiving a particular signal or as part of an advertising campaign.

Abstract: A garden marker comprising a nameplate having a connecting portion with a tapered opening into which a stake may be inserted. The stake has fins adjacent the connection to the nameplate to make a secure and non-spinning connection. The stake has several bends which, when inserted into the earth, prevents the garden marker from spinning with wind.

Abstract: A picture frame assembly that includes a frame that surrounds an opening and a fragrance media that is partially disposed in the opening of the frame. A display member that provides an image is disposed within the opening in the frame and the fragrance media diffuses a predetermined fragrance passively to allow multiple senses to be stimulated during the viewing of the image.

Abstract: A display device includes a foam panel resiliently bendable from a generally planar configuration to an arcuate configuration, a sheet article, such as a picture, including a base sheet bearing an image to be displayed, and an adhesive carrier for adhering the base sheet in surface area contact with the foam panel. The base sheet is non-stretchable to hold and maintain the foam panel in the arcuate configuration, thereby enabling viewing of the image in curved form. A frame of a resilient foam material may peripherally surround the foam panel in the generally planar configuration with an interchangeable, compression fit. The foam panel self-conforms to any irregularities on a support surface against which the foam panel is directly mounted.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a magazine holder (3) for detachably holding a cartridge magazine (2) in a grip part (1) of a handgun, wherein said magazine holder features an actuating element (12) that can be operated from both sides of the grip part (1) and a spring element (11) for resetting the actuating element (12) into a center position. A simple and inexpensive manufacture and assembly of the magazine holder can be achieved if the spring element (11) contains one or more locking elements (16) for engaging into locking grooves (27) of the cartridge magazine (2) in an interlocking fashion.

Abstract: A clamping system for mounting accessory devices onto a rail type mount such as a Picatinny-rail is characterized in that the clamping system comprises at least one body which is passed through by a cross bolt or a cross screw and wherein the cross bolt or cross screw have a stop bar which engages in a cross slot when mounted to the rail of the rail type mount.

Abstract: A planar triangular patch for cleaning firearm bores. The patch has similarly sized notches placed centrally along the edges of the patch, permitting a uniform level of pleating as the patch is inserted into a firearm bore and wraps around a jag. The patch is made of a material design to clean and preserve the interior of a firearm bore and applies uniform pressure against the bore as it presents the face of its longest radius to the bore interior, cleaning the entire bore simultaneously.

Abstract: There is disclosed a barrel jacket covering at least partially the outer surface of the bullet-guiding barrel of a firearm, wherein the barrel jacket has at least one inner casing and one outer casing and a spacer. The inner casing is arranged adjacent to the barrel, covering the barrel in a close-up position. The outer casing is arrange at a distance to the inner casing, covering the inner casing, thus providing a continuous gap. The continuous gap is stabilized by at least one spacer, which stabilized the inner casing and outer casing in their relative positions.

Abstract: A sighting telescope mounting system for a firearm for mounting a sighting telescope onto the firearm in a desired position, wherein the firearm and/or the sighting telescope are aligned in the desired position in an axial direction, with an arresting foot which can be attached to the sighting telescope and with an arresting holding device which can be affixed to the firearm. The arresting foot has at least one support area and the arresting holding device has at least one connection area, wherein due to the support area and the connection area in a contact area, a form-fit connection of the arresting foot on the arresting holding device is attained in a first radial direction. The arresting foot and the arresting holding device form an arrest which detachably affixes the arresting foot in the other radial direction.

Abstract: A moving decoy is provided. The decoy is connected to a actuator which causes the decoy to pivot. When positioned on the surface of a body of water, the decoy is capable of mimicking the movements of a live animal.

Abstract: Described are devices and methods for pest control, including devices useful to place pest control devices at locations of use such as at a crop (e.g., at a branch of a tree), certain embodiments of devices including a capsule (200) and a tether (206) that can become tangled or caught in a tree or other crop location.

Abstract: A lobster trap that promotes entry of lobsters into the trap while restricting lobsters from exiting the trap. Accordingly, a lobster trap comprises at least one head including an opening for entry into an interior of the trap, and a shield member mounted to the trap adjacent the opening. The shield member extends into the interior of the trap away from a plane of the opening and shields the opening from egress from the interior of the trap from at least one direction while not restricting entry to the interior of the trap. The lobster trap can further include a guard member extending from the shield so as to further restrict exit from the trap via the head.

Abstract: Low metal biomass-derived pyrolysis oils and processes for producing the same are provided. Low metal biomass-derived pyrolysis oil is produced by a process of contacting metal-containing biomass-derived pyrolysis oil with an acidic ion-exchange resin having sulfonic acid groups. Low metal biomass-derived pyrolysis oil is removed from spent acidic ion-exchange resin after ion-exchange.

Abstract: The present invention is a polymer having structural units, units of formula I, units of formula II and units of either formula IIIa or formula IIIb: The polymer improves the low-temperature properties of fuel oils from petroleum sources and especially from vegetable or animal sources.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing a mixture of biofuels comprising fatty acid esters and at least one mixture of glycerol ethers from fatty substances that may contain free fatty acids and ethanol comprising: a) a step of transesterification of a vegetable or animal oil by ethanol in the presence of a catalyst based on at least one alkali metal salt or ammonium heteropolyacid salt characterized by differential heat of absorption of ammonia which is greater than or equal to 150 kJ/mol, stable at T>150° C., in order to obtain fatty acid esters and glycerol, and, b) a step of etherification of the glycerol formed during step a) by the alcohol used in step a) in the presence of the catalyst from step a) in order to obtain at least one ether of the glycerol, said steps a) and b) taking place simultaneously, in one and the same reactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing fatty acid alkyl esters as well as cellulosic simplified sugars, shortened protein polymers, amino acids, or combination thereof resulting from the simultaneous esterification and hydrolysis, alcoholysis, or both of algae and other oil containing materials containing phospholipids, free fatty acids (FFA), glycerides, or combination thereof as well as polysaccharides, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignocellulose, protein polymers, or combination thereof in the presence of an alcohol and an optional acid catalyst.

Abstract: The oxidation stability of biodiesel fuel or mixtures of biodiesel fuel and conventional diesel fuel is improved by at least 50% by the addition to such fuel of at least 250 mg of N-M (C1-C5) alkyl cyclohexyl amine per liter of the biodiesel fuel or per liter of the biodiesel fuel component in the mixture of biodiesel fuel and conventional diesel fuel as compared to the oxidation stability of said fuel without such additive.

Abstract: Low water-containing biomass-derived pyrolysis oils and processes for preparing them are provided. Water-containing biomass-derived pyrolysis oil is distilled in the presence of an azeotrope-forming liquid to form an azeotrope. The azeotrope is removed at or above the boiling point of the azeotrope and low water biomass-derived pyrolysis oil is obtained.

Abstract: Low metal, low water biomass-derived pyrolysis oils and methods for producing the same are provided. Metal- and water-containing biomass-derived pyrolysis oil is contacted with an acidic ion-exchange resin having sulfonic acid groups to produce a low metal, water-containing biomass-derived pyrolysis oil. The low metal, water-containing biomass-derived pyrolysis oil is removed from the spent ion-exchange resin after ion-exchange. The low metal, water-containing biomass-derived pyrolysis oil is distilled to produce a low metal, low water biomass-derived pyrolysis oil and a distillation product. The distillation product comprises one or both of an alcohol ion-exchange regenerant and an acidic ion-exchange regenerant which may be used to regenerate the spent ion-exchange resin. The regenerated acidic ion-exchange resin may be recycled. The spent alcohol and acid ion-exchange regenerants may be recovered and recycled.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments regarding the production of fatty acid methyl esters. Disclosed herein are various embodiments regarding the use of methanol compositions for the production of fatty esters.

Abstract: A fuel composition comprising a combustible fuel, an effective friction reducing amount of at least one C6 to C30 aliphatic amine, and a detergent package is disclosed, as well as a method of reducing the amount of friction in an internal combustion engine by adding the fuel composition to the engine.

Abstract: A fuel composition comprising a combustible fuel, an effective friction reducing amount of at least one saturated C5 to C31 ?-glycerol ether, and a detergent package is disclosed, as well as a method of reducing the amount of friction in an internal combustion engine by adding the fuel composition to the engine.

Abstract: Methods for regenerating acidic ion-exchange resins and reusing regenerants in such methods are provided. A spent ion-exchange resin is contacted with an alcohol ion-exchange regenerant. The spent ion-exchange resin is thereafter contacted with an acidic ion-exchange regenerant to recharge the acidic ion-exchange resin to produce a regenerated acidic ion-exchange resin. Metal- and water-containing biomass-derived pyrolysis oil is then contacted with the regenerated acidic ion-exchange resin to produce low metal, water-containing biomass-derived pyrolysis oil. The regenerated acidic ion-exchange resin may be recycled. The spent alcohol and acid ion-exchange regenerants may be recovered and recycled.

Abstract: A system and method of aeroponic farming includes depositing seeds in a flat containing micro-fleece cloth and placing the flat within a growth chamber. The upper side of the flat is subjected to light of the proper frequencies to promote growth in plants. A nutrient solution is sprayed onto the micro-fleece cloth and the developing root mass of the plants, while controlling temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide within the growth chamber. The plants are harvested resulting from the seeds at a desired stage of growth. The growth chambers can be stacked on each other and/or located side by side to save space within a facility, and to permit sharing the subsystems which control the nutrient solution, temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide for the growth chambers.

Abstract: A panel assembly includes a plurality of open faced cells fluidly interconnected for retaining a growing medium and live vegetation in a vertical orientation of the panel assembly. The fluid interconnection of the cells provides for gravitationally induced water transfer from the growing medium of a first cell to the growing medium of a second cell, as well as root growth between the cells.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a grain germinating system comprising a temperature controlling device, an incubation device, a drying device and a monitoring device. The temperature controlling device comprises a heat pump module, an air conditioning module and a piping module. The heat pump module can output a high or low temperature heat exchanging liquid. The temperature of a culture medium of a grain is adjusted by the incubation device. The incubated grain is dried by the drying device. The air conditioning module is for a plant building. The piping module is connected with the heat pump module, and is provided for the high or low temperature heat exchanging liquid to flow. The incubation device and the drying device are heated by the high temperature heat exchanging liquid. The drying device is cooled by the low temperature heat exchanging liquid provided for the air condition of the plant building to use.

Abstract: A decorative cover positionable about a flower pot or floral grouping is formed of a polymeric material or a laminated polymeric material. The decorative cover has a texture and/or appearance simulating the texture and/or appearance of paper on at least a portion of one surface thereof while exhibiting improved durability and decreased sensitivity to water, humidity and pressure when compared to a decorative cover formed of paper. In addition to the texture and/or appearance simulating the texture and/or appearance of paper, the decorative cover may further be provided with printed and/or embossed patterns, which may be in or out of register with one another.

Abstract: Planter modules, preferably of plastic or fiberglass, are mounted into holes on a one or two layer trellis. Mounting of the planter modules occurs normally after the planter module is filled with a bag of soil and plants are planted into the soil so as to start growing out of a front surface of said planter module. The plants are grown for 1-3 months typically before the planter module is mounted in its hole in the trellis. An array of said planter modules is used. The trellis is then erected and mounted to a wall which is to be converted into a green wall covered by plants. The plants then continue to grow in the planter modules and eventually cover the whole trellis thereby covering the wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a growth device for crop, provided with at least a casing and a core part, wherein the casing is substantially manufactured from mineral wool such as rock wool and surrounds the at least one core part at least partly, wherein the core part comprises a growth medium or is formed therefrom. The invention further relates to an assembly of at least two of such growth devices, a cladding or construction part comprising such growth device and a method for the manufacture of growth devices.

Abstract: The improvements proposed in this invention provide a reliable apparatus and method to gasify low rank coals in a class of pressurized circulating fluidized bed reactors termed “transport gasifier.” The embodiments overcome a number of operability and reliability problems with existing gasifiers. The systems and methods address issues related to distribution of gasification agent without the use of internals, management of heat release to avoid any agglomeration and clinker formation, specific design of bends to withstand the highly erosive environment due to high solid particles circulation rates, design of a standpipe cyclone to withstand high temperature gasification environment, compact design of seal-leg that can handle high mass solids flux, design of nozzles that eliminate plugging, uniform aeration of large diameter Standpipe, oxidant injection at the cyclone exits to effectively modulate gasifier exit temperature and reduction in overall height of the gasifier with a modified non-mechanical valve.

Abstract: A coal feed system to feed pulverized low rank coals containing up to 25 wt % moisture to gasifiers operating up to 1000 psig pressure is described. The system includes gas distributor and collector gas permeable pipes imbedded in the lock vessel. Different methods of operation of the feed system are disclosed to minimize feed problems associated with bridging and packing of the pulverized coal. The method of maintaining the feed system and feeder device exit pressures using gas addition or extraction with the pressure control device is also described.

Abstract: A gas generator and process for converting a fuel into an oxygen-depleted gas and/or hydrogen-enriched gas. The gas generator, which may be used in any process requiring oxygen-depleted gas and/or hydrogen-enriched gas, is preferably used for generating protection gas or reducing gas for start up, shut down or emergency shut down of a SOFC or SOEC.

Abstract: Solid fuel can be converted into a clean hot flue gas with a low content of volatile organic compounds (VOC's), NOx and dust, and clean ash with a low carbon content by means of a stage-divided thermal reactor, where the conversion process of the solid fuel is in separate vertical stages (from below and up): ash burn-out, char oxidation and gasification, pyrolysis, drying, and a gas combustion stage where gas from the gasifier is combusted.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a fuel by gasification in a high-temperature gasifier such as a dust gasifier. An essential feature of the invention is that in the method the dust gasifier is operated by way of co-feeding along with peat dust another kind of biomass dust such as ground wood-based biomass, soil biomass and/or some other similar biomass.

Abstract: In a method for activating a motor vehicle closure and in a closure device for motor vehicles a sensor device is activated by switching on an activation device and comprises a proximity sensor arranged in the vicinity of the closure part. The activated sensor device transmits an opening signal to the drive device to open the closure part when an approaching person and/or an approaching object comes within a predetermined distance from the proximity sensor, whereupon the drive device opens the motor vehicle closure.

Abstract: One end of the cover unit of a printer is supported freely rotatably on the device case, and a rotating shaft is disposed with both ends supported freely rotatably on the distal end. A right pressure lever and an operating lever are supported on the right end of the rotating shaft, and a left pressure lever is supported on the left end. When the operating lever rotates, the right and left pressure lever rotate in the same direction through an intervening rotation transfer member extending widthwise to the device. When the operating lever rotates when the cover is closed, the left pressure lever contacts the device case before the right pressure lever . The right and left pressure lever are set so that their rotational positions are the same when the cover starts to rise due to deformation of the rotation transfer member.

Abstract: The invention discloses a shaft structure comprising a fixing part and a braking part, and both the fixing part and the braking part are disposed in a housing. The fixing part comprises a plurality of first protruding part and a plurality of concave part formed between any two adjacent first protruding parts. The braking part comprises a plurality of flexible second protruding part, and each second protruding part leans against to one of the concave parts. The braking part can be fixed in a specific angle relative to the fixing part after the braking part rotating along with the fixing part by crossing each of the second protruding part over the first protruding part and leaning against the adjacent concave part.

Abstract: In order to pivot the encasement provided with glass panes about the pivotal axis thereof in an opening frame, a mobile blade at the bottom of the frame is pressed down and the pivotal movement is initiated in one direction or the other after unlocking the spring blocks bearing the blades covering the grooves of the vertical profiles of the frame. The seal having a U profile slightly lifts the blade and the covering blade of the upper profile of the frame, whereby the pivoting of the frame is continued until, if the lower blade has been released in the meantime, the ledge of the flange of the upper profile of the encasement abuts the side edge of this same blade while the ribbed blade enters the opening of the U seal of the upper profile.

Abstract: A sliding door for a vehicle includes a guide rail, a sliding carriage and a guide pin (34). The sliding carriage is longitudinally displaceably journalled at the guide rail and is connected by a multijoint to the vehicle body. The guide pin (34) is guided in a guide track (41) provided at the sliding door. To improve such a sliding door, the guide track (41) includes a first guide track (42) and a second guide track (43) which is elastically biased (47) with respect to the first guide track (42) (FIG. 4).

Abstract: This invention relates to temporary closures for a room vent and is particularly although not exclusively applicable to temporary closures for room vents to enable a room to be sterilised by circulating sterilant vapour without allowing vapour to enter the vent or gas to enter the room from the vent during the sterilising operation. The temporary closure comprises a hood to extend over the vent having a peripheral seal for engaging a surface around the vent and a telescopically extendable strut on which the hood is mounted to engage a fixed surface disposed opposite the vent to hold the hood in place over the vent.

Abstract: The present invention provides generally a mounting assembly for selectively securing a device, such as an RFID reader, an access point (e.g. a wireless router), or the like, to a structure, such as a wall, a ceiling, or the like, and an associated method. The mounting assembly includes at least a bracket, a base plate, and one or more retention members. More specifically, the present invention provides a mounting assembly for selectively securing a device to a structure, wherein the mounting assembly provides adequate ventilation to the device, has a footprint that is no larger than that of the device, may be used in a variety of directional configurations, and is simple to install and operate, among other advantages.