Abstract: A shaving cartridge-cover assembly having a housing with a guard, a cap, a rear wall with at least one retention member, a front wall, and a pair of side walls. At least one blade is mounted to the housing between the guard and the cap. A protective cover has a top wall, a front wall and a rear wall that define a pair of opposing open ends. The housing has a dimension between the retention member and the front wall that is greater than an inner width of the open ends of the protective cover such that sliding one of the side walls of the housing into at least one of the open ends deflects the front and rear walls of the protective cover to facilitate mounting of the protective cover over the housing.

Abstract: A method and a gauge for inspecting a self-locking threading provided close to one end of a tubular component used for exploration or operation of hydrocarbon wells, the threading including a lead with a constant width and thread root widths that increase in the direction of a distal surface of the tubular component. The gauge can be displaced in the self-locking threading to a locking position, the locking position then being marked and compared with a reference locking position.

Abstract: An alignment tool and method is disclosed for use in aligning wheels of trucks and truck trailers. The tool includes at least one self-leveling laser for checking wheel alignment. The self-leveling laser includes a body, an attachment member and a laser. The attachment member secures the alignment tool to the vehicle or trailer and the alignment tool provides for self-leveling to enable a user to make various predetermined measurements from the laser marking “+” when aligning the wheels of the vehicle or trailer. The alignment tool also may include a fifth wheel adapter for attaching the alignment tool to a fifth wheel pin of a truck trailer when checking the alignment of a truck trailer.

Abstract: A metal clip molded into or used in conjunction with a standard recoil tape measure. The purpose of the clip is to hold a standard carpenters pencil which has six sides. This clip has a solid back which attaches to a standard recoil tape measure. The front of the clip has two finger like tabs which grip the pencil and may be adjusted with an individuals fingers to accommodate the different thicknesses of a carpenters pencil and to allow for easy removal of the pencil from the clip.

Abstract: Electrical hair dryer with noise reducer and noise reducer, of a groundbreaking electrical hair dryer (9) model with a noise reducer element (1) which can be incorporated to a hair dryer (9), or usually, be used as fitting element, being properly attached to the equipment (9) back side of the air entrance (18), being the said hair dryer (9) especially designed to bring more acoustic comfort for the user, reducing the motor and turbine assembly emitted noise, being the said noise reducer made of phono absorbent material and provides physical structure which allows sound waves breaking, substantially reducing the hair dryer (9) noise produced.

Abstract: A transport- and drying line for individual articles, a grouped plurality of articles and/or a plurality of articles transported in a row and/or side by side, the articles at least partially showing humidity and/or liquid drops on their outer surface. The articles are each standing on a link conveyor in an airflow of drying air. A support plane is at least partially permeable for the drying air flow and flow conducting surfaces are arranged at the lower surface of the support plane for the drainage of the humid drying air carrying the liquid removed from the articles to be dried. A method for transporting and drying of individual articles, a grouped plurality of articles and/or a plurality of articles transported in a row and/or side by side whereby the articles at least partially show humidity and/or liquid drops on their outer surface.

Abstract: A device (1) for refreshing garments comprises means (5) for supporting a garment and means (3) for generating an air flow at the location where a garment is present when it is put in place on the supporting means (5). The supporting means (5) comprise two parts (6, 7) which are both suitable to be used for supporting a garment, and which are displaceably arranged with respect to each other. In this way, an enhanced functionality of the device (1) may be achieved in comparison with a device having supporting means which comprise only a single part.

Abstract: This invention is applicable to new and old clothes dryers, even clothes dryers that have a moisture sensor built-in because this invention measures the humidity. The invention, Retrofit Moisture and Humidity Sensor and Automatic Shutoff device for Clothes Dryers, relates to an apparatus and methods for reducing energy consumption for gas and electric domestic or industrial clothes dryers by placing or retrofitting a moisture/humidity sensing apparatus inside or unto the drum of a clothes dryer. The Sensor is able to remotely/wirelessly communicate to a Receiver device. The clothes dryer is directly plugged into the Receiver. The Receiver device serves the purpose of shutting the power to the clothes dryer when the items in the clothes dryer are dry as indicated by the Sensor. The moisture/humidity detecting sensor has various levels of dryness to choose from. Although moisture detecting dryers are readily available, these types of dryers are not in the price range of most consumers.

Abstract: Footwear with a powerful arch spring made with spring boards that can be utilized by the heel and ball of the foot areas during impact for efficient energy storage and return during walking, running and other forms of self-propelled locomotion. The spring boards can extend into the toe area of the footwear to create a toe spring with efficient energy storage and return. Embodiments of the present invention combine the spring boards which are excellent for storing and returning energy with a shock absorbing material which can also function as a secondary spring in order to achieve high efficiency energy returns while maintaining comfort and stability with the footwear.

Abstract: A fluid-filled chamber may include including an outer barrier, a plate having indentations, and a fluid. The plate may be located within barrier and secured to an inner surface of the barrier. The fluid is also located within the barrier and pressurized to place an outward force upon the barrier. The indentations in the plate may permit flexing of the plate in one direction while obstructing flexing of the plate in another direction. Accordingly, the plate may enhance shape-retention properties of the chamber while also enhancing an overall transparency of the chamber.

Abstract: A shoe including cushioning elements housed in a tread sole adapted to come into contact with the ground, the cushioning elements including a plurality of cushioning capsules orientated in a manner such that they substantially follow a line on which the weight of a person is transferred during walking, that is, a podalic line; the cushioning capsules have different sizes and shapes that are geometrically similar to each other, constituting a series of modular elements adaptable to every shoe size and type.

Abstract: A shoe and a process for fabricating high-heeled shoes or pumps incorporates Strobel technology having an upper outer material with a lower end region of the outer material located in a lower upper end region, an upper lining material, which is arranged on the inner side of the upper outer material, incorporates a functional layer and has a lower end region of the lining material, the end region of the lining material having a lining edge that is not covered by the upper outer material, and a connecting band, resulting in a comfortable high-heeled shoe that can be worn all day and reduces foot stress over conventional high-heeled shoes.

Abstract: Articles of footwear may include self-adjusting studs that adjust to various types of conditions, environmental changes, and applied forces. The self-adjusting studs may have a first portion and a second portion of different levels of compressibilities and/or retractabilities that compress and extend based on the type of surface on which the wearer is walking or running. This footwear with self-adjusting studs may easily transition between surfaces of varying hardness without causing damage to the surface, but also providing the wearer with the necessary amount of traction on each type of surface. Wearers will enjoy the benefit of being able to move on various surfaces without the need to change their footwear multiple times to accommodate the wearer's varying traction needs on different surfaces.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a pair of arch members is disclosed. The arch members provide the only structural connection between a forefoot portion of a sole and a heel portion of the sole. In particular, the arch members provide a connection between a forefoot portion and a rearward portion of the heel portion of the sole.

Abstract: An alpine touring heel unit is provided which comprises a base for mounting the heel unit and an upper portion with a heel connector. The upper portion is slidably engageable with the base for movement by a user into a downhill position and a touring position spaced rearwardly from the downhill position for disconnection of the heel connector. Complete movement in at least one direction between the downhill and touring positions may be actuated by a single motion by the user. Also provided is a heel unit movable between downhill and touring positions which comprises a heel support pivotally coupled to the heel unit. Also provided is a heel unit comprising a post and a body with a heel connector, the body being coaxially mounted on the post and rotatable between opposing lateral release positions and further containing a biasing device mounted outside of the body. Also provided are kits comprising a heel unit of this invention and a toe unit which functions independently from the heel unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wedge type article of footwear having a concealed storage cavity for storing personal items, including but not limited to, small wallets, coin purses, keys, money, credit cards, makeup, pepper spray, small cellular telephones, tampons, etc., for increased personal safety and increased convenience.

Abstract: A shoe comprising an upper, a midsole, and an outsole, wherein a single collapsible support element is positioned in a recess proximate to a wearer's first metatarsal bone. The single collapsible support element has aniotropic mechanical proerties disposed in the recess, the support element being stiffer in a longitudinal direction and more collapsible in a transverse direction, and having a variable thickness in a transverse direction wherein an inner thickness is thicker than an outer thickness, The collapsible support element resists collapsing when a golfer walks but have a propensity to collapse during the golfer's swing, which allows more efficient transfer of energy during the swing. The shoe further comprises flexing channels in a forward portion as well as a flexing channel in the rear portion.

Abstract: A set of shoe lace flaps with golfing accessory holders (1) that attach to new golf shoes (10) and cover the laces (9) of the golf shoes, thereby giving the appearance of vintage golf shoes. Each shoe lace flap with golfing accessory holders has a set of apertures (8) on one end that allow a user to attach the shoe lace flap to a golf shoe by placing the laces of the golf shoe through the apertures. fringe is located on the opposite end of each shoe lace flap. In addition, each flap has a storage area (11) for storing a golf tee (12) and a storage area (15) for storing a golf ball marker. The storage areas allow a user to easily access a stored golf tee and/or golf ball marker while bending over to set up a tee shot and/or to mark a golf ball.

Abstract: A modular shoe includes an upper with an upper side and a lower side, a chassis releasably arranged in an interior of the upper, and a plurality of studs. Each stud is releasably attached to the chassis through the lower side of the upper. The lower side of the upper is clamped between the chassis and at least one of the attached studs. The invention also relates to the various components used in a modular shoe in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: A snow track maintenance system is described herein including a frame extending along an axis which is oriented along a direction of displacement, a mounting assembly secured to the frame for mounting the frame to a motorized vehicle so as to be trailed therefrom along the direction of displacement, and a leveller mounted to the frame so as to be pivotable relatively to the direction of displacement. Other equipments may further be provided to the maintenance system, including a snow regenerator mounted to the frame along a first longitudinal axis generally perpendicular to the direction of displacement, and a snow compactor mounted to the frame upstream from the snow regenerator. The system can be used for the maintenance of alpine ski tracks and cross-country ski tracks, even in an underbrush trail, and allows setting a track on any type of snow.

Abstract: An animal tag and methods for making an animal tag include a primary body of material (e.g., that includes a circuit holding portion and an animal attachment portion), a circuit assembly, and a cover configured to cover the circuit assembly. The cover is welded to the primary body of material using light radiation.

Abstract: An illuminating electronic gift or souvenir device a case in the shape of a small telescope, binocular or monocular and an internal electronic circuit including a type of integrated circuit and luminescent elements such as LEDs or similar lights which cause, upon actuating a switch on the outside, multiple and diverse lighting effects that lead to a visual effect that simulates a starry sky or galaxies in motion, inspiring the imagination of the user of the device. The circuit can be programmed to present lighting effects in its interior that are static or changing.

Abstract: Systems, kits and methods allow a life-sized figure, whether configured as a cut-out or wall-mounted image, to be portrayed as “holding” a real musical instrument such as a guitar or a piece of sports equipment such as a tennis racket, thereby enhancing the visual appeal of the arrangement through the inclusion of a real, 3-D object while a storage function for the instrument or other implement when not in use. The invention may be configured for converting an existing wall-mounted figure or cut-out, or may be provided in kit form for later assembly. Apparatus and methods are also disclosed for taking photographs for life-sized novelty figures for use on cut-outs and wall-mounted displays, particularly when “action” shots are required.

Abstract: The invention provides a lighting arrangement comprising a carpet structure, and a control unit, The carpet structure comprises a carpet back lighting system comprising a carpet back lighting unit having a lighting unit front face and a unit back face. The lighting unit front face comprises a light source arranged to generate light. The carpet back lighting system comprises a plurality of said light sources. The carpet structure comprises a light transmissive carpet unit comprising a carpet unit front face and a carpet unit back side. The light transmissive carpet unit is selected from the group consisting a carpet and a carpet tile. The lighting unit front face of the carpet back lighting unit and the carpet unit back side of the light transmissive carpet unit are adjacent. The light transmissive carpet unit is arranged to transmit at least part of the light travelling in a direction from the carpet unit back side to the carpet unit front face.

Abstract: A light emitting sign comprising a light box housing a plurality of blue LEDs operable to generate blue excitation light and a light emitting display surface overlaying the light box opening. The light emitting display surface comprises a light transmissive substrate configured as a light transmissive window such that light generated by the sign is emitted from the substrate and a phosphor overlaying at least a portion of one face of the substrate. The phosphor is configured to absorb at least a portion of the blue light generated by the LEDs and, in response, to emit light of a selected color.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the thermal management of one or more light emitting diode (LED) modules disposed within a channel sign are disclosed. The apparatus, in various aspects, detects the ambient temperature generally proximate the LED module and regulates the current flowed onto the LED's within the LED module based upon the ambient temperature. Methods for thermal management of the one or more LED modules disposed within a channel sign are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A display stand for a laptop computer has an L-shaped spine supporting the computer. A T-shaped upper advertising substrate holder can be slid into the vertical leg of the spine in one of multiple orientations, i.e., with the cross-bar of the T horizontal to the ground or vertical to the ground on either the left side or right side of the computer, as point of sale (POS) physical constraints demand. In all orientations of the upper holder, an upper advertising substrate is supported by the upper holder in a vertical orientation. A T-shaped lower advertising substrate holder can be slid into the horizontal leg of the spine to support a lower advertising substrate in a horizontal orientation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for launching electrified projectiles from a firearm (preferably, a shotgun) by using a specially designed breech bolt which also prohibits firing lethal ammunition. The preferred method comprises: opening a receiver of a shotgun by retracting a breech bolt having a central protrusion on a leading end; inserting a caitiidge, having an electrified projectile, into a breech of the firearm; wherein the electrified projectile contains a primer and adjacent pyrotechnic propellant; nesting an end portion of the cartridge within the protrusion of the bolt; propelling the electrified projectile from the firearm by striking a firing pin of the shotgun against the primer, thereby igniting the pyrotechnic propellant, of the nested electrified projectile; and prohibiting, by the central protrusion of the bolt, the firing of lethal ammunition from the firearm.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for easily, quickly and reliably longitudinally securing and rotationally locking a noise suppressor or other auxiliary device to the muzzle end of a firearm barrel, and to a fixture such as a flash suppressor affixed to the muzzle end of the firearm, and for easily, quickly and reliably removing the noise suppressor or other auxiliary device therefrom.

Abstract: An optical sight is provided and may include an optical element, a reticle selectively displayed on the optical element, and a housing. The housing may include a base, a first post extending from the base, a second post extending from the base, and a cross member extending between the first post and the second post to define an opening receiving the optical element therein. The cross member may include a first surface opposing the optical element and a second surface disposed on an opposite side of the cross member than the first surface, whereby the second surface has a substantially concave shape.

Abstract: A decoy, typically used for hunting fowl, having a hollow body including a head, a tail and a pair of feet. The decoy includes a pair of wings mounted to the body of the decoy for multi-axis movement. A drive mechanism typically including an electric motor and a power source is positioned within the hollow body. A pair of crank members connects to the electric motor and extends outwardly from the body. A pair of link members connect the wings to the crank members whereby rotation of the crank members enables cyclic movement defined by up/down and fore/aft motion of the wings.

Abstract: The present invention solves several problems of the existing fishing rod holder systems by employing a fishing rod holder design which makes the rod holder structurally robust, fully and easily adjustable, and totally conducive to the setting of the hook right out of the rod holder. Furthermore, the present invention employs a t-bar design which makes the t-bar system strong, easy to transport and store, and more importantly, fully adaptable from a boat or pier fishing to bank fishing. In addition, the present invention, replaces the bobber with a more practical, more efficient and easier to use visual tool, the strike indicator.

Abstract: One embodiment of a strike indicator may be constructed of a buoyant member having a curved outer surface, a central axis and a slot extending from the outer surface to the central axis. This slot is used to hold the fishing line. A securing member is removably coupled to the outer surface of the buoyant member. The securing member has a protrusion that can be positioned within the slot such that the line does not slide within the slot when casting the line.

Abstract: A charge box for charging phosphorescent fishing lures. The box includes a bottom, top and walls, the bottom and walls being connected to define an interior space, the top is hinged to the walls such that the box can be opened and closed. A reflective material covers the interior surface, along the bottom, top and walls. A light source is housed within the interior space and a power source is provided to energize the light source. Once the light source is energized it is reflected by the reflective surface, so the a phosphorescent fishing lure can be charged when placed into the interior space with the top closed.

Abstract: A bedbug trap having at least a first plane panel of fibrous material and a second panel of fibrous material, the first panel having a zone covered in an adhesive for fastening to the second panel, the second panel including a strip of adhesive on at least one face, which adhesive strip is of a width that is less than the width of the first panel, and the first panel including a zone that is covered in an adhesive that is located at a distance from and facing the adhesive strip, wherein the second panel is plane, and the first and second panels are made of respective first and second portions of a single initial plane panel of fibrous material that is previously coated in adhesive and then folded in half so that the first portion and the second portion face each other, the adhesive strip extending over the second portion of the initial panel, being prolonged over the first portion of the initial panel, the fastening zone between the first and second portions of the initial panel being implemented by adhesive

Abstract: A method for attracting bed bugs includes placing a climb-up pitfall trap apparatus that includes a chemical lure composition. The lure composition includes a combination of (a) L-lactic acid, and (b) at least one fatty acid or salt selected from the group consisting of (1) propionic acid, (2) butyric acid, and (3) valeric acid, and (c) 1-octen-3-ol, and (d) a suitable ketone, and (e) a suitable aliphatic sulfide. The trap may also include in conjunction with the lure composition a carbon dioxide source and/or a heat source to compose a lure arrangement.

Abstract: D- and l-tetrahydrocarvone and d- and l dihydrocarvone are effective for the control of termites, fire ants and carpenter ants.

Abstract: A high pressure injection system for applying a pesticide includes a portable, handheld application tool and a manifold head connected to the application tool. The manifold head has at least one internal passage. At least one high pressure nozzle is positioned in the manifold head and in fluid communication with the at least one internal passage. The at least one high pressure nozzle is operable at pressures between about 25 psi and about 10,000 psi. A contact plate is mounted to the manifold head and has at least one opening aligned with the at least one high pressure nozzle. A source of pesticide is fluidly connected to the at least one high pressure nozzle. A discharge valve is moveable between a closed position wherein the pesticide is inhibited from flowing to the at least one high pressure nozzle and an opened position wherein pesticide flows to the at least one high pressure nozzle.

Abstract: A method of treating soil adjacent a structure generally includes positioning an injection apparatus over a first injection site generally adjacent a structure. The injection apparatus is operated to inject pesticide down into the soil at the first injection site without prior disturbance of the soil at the first injection site. The injection apparatus is moved over a second injection site at least in part different from the first injection site and generally adjacent the structure. The injection apparatus is operated to inject pesticide down into the soil at the second injection site and without prior disturbance of the soil at the second injection site.

Abstract: Colloidal coal-in-water slurries having nano-particles of coal creating a pseudo-fluid. The colloidal coal-in-water slurry generally includes from about fifty to about seventy two weight percent of coal, with about 20 to about 80 percent of the coal having a particle size of about one micron or less with a mode particle size of about 250 nanometers. The coal-in-water slurry can also include a surfactant system containing one surfactant or mixtures of two or more surfactants, or mixtures of one or more surfactants and an inorganic or organic salt. The coal-in-water slurry can be used in low NOx burner applications as the main fuel and/or the reburn fuel, in gasification processes as the input fuel either alone, or in combination with organic materials, in gas turbine applications, and in diesel engine applications.

Abstract: The method of inflammable minerals liquefaction is related to the technology of producing synthetic liquid fuel and can be applied to the processing of any kinds of fossil power-generating raw materials into various inflammable liquid products. The object of the present invention is to ensure a complex utilization of the initial power-generating raw material, to intensify its processing, to decrease the power consumption of synthetic liquid fuel production and to weaken the harmful impact of the technological process on the natural environment. The method includes initial raw material milling, its hydrogenation in the presence of a catalyst and separation of non-liquefied solid residue from synthetic oil. However, milling of the initial raw material is carried out in two stages in an aqueous solution of mineral salts catalyzing hydrogenation, which is saturated to an intermediate density between those of inflammable mineral and waste rock.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to novel biodiesel fuel compositions having enhanced low-temperature properties. The present invention is additionally directed to methods (i.e., processes) for making such enhanced biodiesel fuels by improving the low-temperature properties of ester-based biodiesel fuels via in situ enhancement and/or additive enhancement.

Abstract: [Object] To provide an additive that can achieve uniform dispersion of oil and water to improve combustion efficiency and also can stabilize the uniform dispersion of oil and water for a long period of time, an additive-modified fuel oil and a water-mixed fuel obtained by addition of the additive, and methods of producing them. [Solution] A method of producing an additive that is used for generating a water-mixed fuel or a water-unmixed modified fuel oil by being added to a fuel oil includes the steps of: dissolving a relatively low molecular weight alcohol in a fatty acid or a relatively high molecular weight alcohol to generate an intermediate product 1; adding a surfactant to the intermediate product 1 to generate an intermediate product 2; adding only an amine compound or both an amine compound and ethylene glycol to the intermediate product 2 to generate an intermediate product 3; and adding aqueous ammonia or gaseous ammonia to the intermediate product 3 to generate a desired additive.

Abstract: A stabilized alkyl ester fuel is disclosed. The stabilized alkyl ester fuel comprises alkyl esters, an effective amount of an alkylalkanolamine, and an effective amount of an alkylhydroxylamine. The alkyl ester fuel is stabilized to oxidative degradation of the alkyl esters of unsaturated fatty acids found in alkyl ester fuels.

Abstract: Triglyceride oils and fuel compositions derived therefrom are disclosed. In some embodiments the novel oils contain levels of medium chain fatty acids such as those having chain lengths of 8, 10, 12, and 14 carbon atoms. Also disclosed are biodiesel and alkane diesel fuels derived from the novel oils. Byproduct animal feeds from the process of manufacturing the novel oils are also disclosed.

Abstract: Techniques, systems, apparatus and material are disclosed for generating multi-purpose H2-dense fuel for isolating contaminants and storing energy. In one aspect, a method of producing a renewable multi-purpose biomaterial for isolating a hazardous contaminant from an environment and storing energy includes dissociating biomass waste using a thermochemical reaction to produce at least one of hydrocarbon and alcohol by applying waste heat recovered from an external heat source. The method includes dissociating the at least one of hydrocarbon and alcohol to generate carbon and hydrogen. Carbon dioxide emitted from an industrial process is harvested and reacted with the hydrogen to generate the hydrogen-dense fuel. A hazardous contaminant is dissolved in the hydrogen-dense fuel operating as a solvent to generate a liquid mixture that isolates the hazardous contaminant from the environment. The hazardous contaminant includes at least one of a carbon donor and a hydrogen donor.

Abstract: A process and system for producing sterilized shredded material such as mulch or compost introduces a sterilant during a grinder stage for forming the shredded material, wherein the sterilant is presented by introduction with water via a spray bar at the grinder stage. The grinder stage may have a preliminary first (initial) grinder stage. The process may include shearing wood parts to a uniform size prior to the first grinder stage. The resulting shredded material can be irradiated or subjected to external heat. Testing of the resulting output shredded material can be conducted to determine the presence of mold spores, or the like and, if found, for redirecting the shredded material to the grinder stage associated with the sterilant.

Abstract: Biomass production apparatus is disclosed and comprises a stack of trays, each tray, in use, being in receipt of a respective layer of liquid, the layers being spaced apart from one another such that each layer has associated therewith a respective headspace. Light sources are provided for each layer and are disposed in the headspace associated with said each layer, to illuminate, at least in part, said each layer.

Abstract: A garden enclosure apparatus and means for assembling the same is set forth, including a circular base frame, a dome topped superstructure having a removable hatch, the superstructure resting upon the circular base frame, and in the preferred embodiment, the removable hatch is hinged to the base frame, and benefits from a spring lift assist means to open and close the removable hatch providing access to the protected area within.

Abstract: A method for wrapping a floral grouping is disclosed. In the method a substantially shape-sustaining sheet of material having a substantially circular shape is formed into a substantially frusto-conical shaped bouquet holder with an open upper end that has a diameter greater than the diameter of a lower end thereof. A floral grouping may be disposed within the bouquet holder, and the bouquet holder may be further provided with a skirt.