Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device, as well as the variants thereof, which operates continuously or discontinuously for the agglomeration and/or drying of powder materials using selective infrared irradiation on a surface which is continually supplied with renewed powder, with or without the spraying of liquids. The process can be performed in sealed conditions or open to the atmosphere, with or without the recovery of volatile components.

Abstract: An automatic clothes dryer comprises a cabinet defining an interior space in which is rotatably mounted a drum that defines a drying chamber, a heater assembly having a heating element for heating air, and a motor for rotating the drum. A blower is mounted within the interior space and is fluidly coupled to the drying chamber for moving heated air through the drying chamber. A first temperature sensor is mounted upstream of the heating element. A second temperature sensor is mounted downstream of the blower. Outputs from the temperature sensors are utilized with one or more methods to determine the air flow characteristics through the dryer.

Abstract: A dryer rack for use with an apparatus for drying an object inside a drum is disclosed, wherein the dryer rack includes a platform for having an upper surface for supporting the object. The platform may include at least one grip for loading and unloading the dryer rack into an interior space of the drum. The at least one grip is flush with the upper surface of the platform. The at least one grip is formed in a forward portion of the platform, to be near an access point of the drum.

Abstract: A shoe insert to be used for heating or cooling the foot. They are to be manufactured and sold as pairs of left and right shoe inserts. The insert has a number of components forming a sandwich within a sandwich. The outer sandwich has the shape of a shoe, and is partly adjustable in size to fit a range of shoe sizes. So, the inserts may be sold in sizes, for example, small, medium, and large, and these sizes may then be fine tuned to fit a sub-range of shoe sizes. The inner sandwich is smaller than the outer sandwich. The inner sandwich is a pouch positioned at the instep which ruptures when pressure is applied. This pouch contains a liquid that can then flow into a cushioned region. The cushioned region contains a chemical, which when combined with the liquid from the pouch, emits heat (exothermic reaction) or absorbs heat (endothermic reaction). An exothermic reaction would heat the foot while an endothermic reaction would cool the foot.

Abstract: A draining insole for shoes that dislodges foreign objects therein is disclosed; the insole has a plurality of bridges projecting from the insole and with an upper surface on top of which the foot rests; the bridges extending wide-wise of the insole and separately distributed from each other alongside thereof. The insole also includes a plurality of channels, each one of the same separating a bridge from the other; each channel having a pair of open ends and a bottom with a gabled surface. In turn, these bridges are joined at areas where the foot might get hurt; each end of the channel is in fluid communication with one draining hole included in the shoe in order to dislodge foreign matter located at the insole.

Abstract: An article of footwear with an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper may include one or more fluid systems with a pump chamber and a pressure chamber located adjacent to and below the pump chamber. In one configuration, at least a portion of a fluid within the pump chamber is separated from a fluid within the pressure chamber by a single layer of a polymer material. The fluid system may also include a fluid path extending between the pump chamber and the pressure chamber, and substantially all of the fluid path may be located between the pump chamber and the pressure chamber. In another configuration, at least one-half of a volume of the pump chamber may be located above a highest point of the pressure chamber.

Abstract: An interchangeable glove-like covering for the toe end of a woman's high heel shoe that is used to change the visual appearance of the shoe. The covering has an upper portion and a lower portion that are mated to each other so as to form a closed end and an open end in the shape of the front end of the shoe. The upper portion is used to cover the top part of the toe end of the shoe and the lower portion is used to cover the sole of the shoe at the toe end. The lower portion has a slit extending from the open end and ending before the closed end to facilitate pulling the covering over the toe end of the shoe.

Abstract: Articles of footwear and other devices include modules, e.g., for sensing physical and/or physiological characteristics associated with use of the footwear or other devices. Such devices include: (a) a housing, optionally an asymmetrical housing, for receiving an electronic module; (b) release mechanisms for removably mounting the module in the housing; and/or (c) activation/authentication systems for selectively activating the module. Additionally, methods of making articles of footwear or other structures that include such housings, electronic modules, release systems, activation systems, authentication systems, etc. are described. Performance sensing systems and methods of using the above devices for sensing performance characteristics also are described.

Abstract: A walk-behind trenching vehicle incorporating a trenching boom with an endless trenching chain. The trenching boom may be connected to a forward end of the vehicle via a dual pivot mechanism. The boom may be movable between an operating position and a transport position via a single actuator, e.g., hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A machine bucket may include an upper pin hole and a lower pin hole. The machine bucket may also include a bottom section. A distance between the lower pin hole and a tip of the bottom section may have a first length. The machine bucket may also include a top section. A distance between the lower pin hole and a tip of the top section may have a second length. A ratio of the first length to the second length may be equal to a value between approximately 0.95 and 1.05. The machine bucket may further include a middle section located between the bottom section and the top section. At least a portion of the middle section may be curved.

Abstract: An ad sign to be mounted on a seat back of a shopping cart child seat, the ad sign comprising one or more frame bodies configured to display information content, each frame body having a front side and a back side, one of the one or more frame bodies being configured to be connected to a first face of the seat back; and one or more safety strap anchors integral with the one frame body, the one or more safety strap anchors being configured and adapted for securing a child seat safety strap within the child seat; wherein at least one of the one or more safety strap anchors extends from a perimeter of the one frame body; wherein at least one of the one or more safety strap anchors forms a respective opening, the at least one safety strap anchor being configured such that the child seat safety strap can be passed through the opening and connected to the seat back, and being further configured so as to limit a movement of the child seat safety strap when the strap is passed through the opening and connected to the

Abstract: A dual panel-frame interface system for the construction of portable displays comprises one or more frame members and one or more panel members. Each frame member is adapted to accommodate the releasable connection of two general types of panel members. One type of panel member is generally flexible with mounting gaskets flexibly connected to its peripheral edge for receiving engagement by a mounting groove in the frame member. The other type of panel member is a more rigid, face-mounted type that is placed in clinging engagement directly with a lateral wall of the frame member. The frame member is adapted such that when a rigid type panel member is placed in clinging engagement with the lateral wall, the respective unused mounting groove remains visually obscured from a viewpoint outward of the outer surface of the panel member, thus making the system more visually appealing.

Abstract: A post cover with advertising for use with a substantially semi-circular guard post of the type commonly found surrounding fuel pumps at gasoline stations. The post cover has a substantially semi-circular shape with an interior cavity dimensioned to receive a generally semi-circular guard post in slip fit engagement. The cover is generally molded of a resilient, durable, low maintenance and exposure resistant structural plastic that can be treated during the molding process with coloring agents and chemical additives to enhance its esthetic and resiliency character respectively.

Abstract: The advertising display stand includes a planar base with two opposed mounting brackets secured on an upper surface of the base. A collapsible support post of a rectangular configuration is secured atop the base due to engagement with the brackets. The collapsible support post in a non-collapsed state includes opposed slots that receive and engage upwardly extending portions of the mounting brackets. An advertising media is provided on or supported by the support post. In one embodiment the support post is formed from stacked elements of a known segmented wall advertising system.

Abstract: An overload protection device using a slide sheet and a number of hooking through holes formed in a receiving groove to lock a holder onto a base. the receiving groove is defined in the base, the slide sheet is slidably received in the receiving groove via a spring. The slide sheet and the hooking through holes can be concealed by the holder when the holder is locked onto the base.

Abstract: A construction for a firearm comprises an action, including a barrel, and a stock. The action is seated to the stock on a three-point bearing system comprising three bearings arranged in a triangular array. This provides for firm seating for the action and results in a more accurate firearm.

Abstract: A device for assisting in the chambering of a handgun that can also serve as a safety device for preventing unwanted firing of the handgun is disclosed. The device comprises a slide pull that includes an elongate laterally flexible structure having a first end configured for being releasably coupled to a first side of a slide of a handgun and a second end configured for being releasably coupled to a second side of the slide. A trigger restraint is coupled to the slide pull near a mid-portion thereof. In a first position, the slide pull is configured for being grasped by a user in order to chamber a bullet. In a second position, the trigger restraint is positioned relative to the trigger to prevent movement of the trigger that would otherwise cause the weapon to fire.

Abstract: A firearm includes a receiver, a lower receiver, a magazine supported by a magazine catch, a grip, a bolt and a bolt-slide, and a slide catch lever. The bolt and bolt-slide are moveable during the firing procedure of a shot. The slide catch lever automatically blocks the bolt-slide when the magazine is empty. The firearm also includes a moveable ergonomic control group that includes a control button to eject the magazine and activate the slide catch lever. The moveable ergonomic control group also includes a vertical rod, which extends above from the button as far as the slide catch lever. The moveable ergonomic control group is manually activated by the user with the same hand holding the grip.

Abstract: A system and method for mounting large caliber guns with a laser emitter is disclosed. The laser emitter mounting system includes an elongated tubular member for insertion into a gun chamber. The elongated tubular member is compressively secured within the gun bore. A mounting surface for a laser emitter and a breech assembly detachably engaged with the elongated tubular member by an anti-roll plate.

Abstract: A folding rear sight includes a base member and a spring-loaded sight housing that deploys into an operational position with a simple release lever. The sight includes two separate dual-purpose aiming elements, one fixed, and one that rotates between an inactive position and an active position in front of the fixed element. The top aiming end of the fixed aiming element includes a large diameter close quarter battle (CQB) aperture and an vertically extending sighting notch configured and arranged above the large CQB aperture. The top aiming end of the rotatable aiming element includes a smaller, long-range sighting aperture and an elongated vertically extending sighting notch configured and arranged above the smaller sighting aperture. The dual-purpose aiming elements provide standard aperture sights for situations where the soldier has reasonable time to aim the weapon.

Abstract: A fishing device for indicating a lure strike from fishes is disclosed. The device may be a strike indicator that may include a hollow body filled with trapped air, where the strike indicator includes a tab having an opening formed therein and a grommet made from a hard, durable material seated in the opening. Alternatively, the device may be a fishing lure that may be attachable to a fishing hook and having a hollow body filled with trapped air and an attachment mechanism for attaching the lure to the fishing leader and/or fishing line. For example, the fishing lure may be a fishing fly having a hollow body filled with trapped air. In either embodiment, the device may be made from a lightweight, resilient material, for example ethylene vinyl acetate or other similar thermoplastic material.

Abstract: The invention involves a fishing device used for operatively connecting a first fishing line and a second fishing line from a first fishing rod and a second fishing rod, respectively, to a hook. The fishing device includes a spreader bar having a first connector at a first end, a second connector at a second end, and a third connector interposed between the first end and the second end. The first connector is shaped to connect with the first fishing line. The second connector is shaped to connect with the second fishing line. The third connector is shaped to operatively connect with the hook. The spreader bar is shaped to remain streamline when pulled through a body of water. The spreader bar thereby acts to inhibit the first fishing line from entangling with the second fishing line.

Abstract: An animal deterring device has a carrier with a first conductive trace that is separated from a second conductive trace. The carrier has a bottom with a first glue trough disposed beneath the first conductive trace. The first conductive trace is coupled to the carrier by a first fastener that extends from the first glue trough to the first conductive trace.

Abstract: A collapsible trap (10) particularly suitable as a crab pot for trapping crabs. The collapsible trap (10) comprises a frame structure (13) having a central axis and pliant material such as netting (15) attached to the frame structure (13). A haul line (11) is connected to the frame structure (13). The frame structure (13) comprises a plurality of elongate frame elements (31). The frame structure (13) is moveable between a retracted condition in which the frame elements (31) extend generally parallel to central axis and an extended condition in which the frame elements (31) extend outwardly of the central axis giving form and shape to the netting (15) to provide an enclosure (17) defining an entrapment zone (19). When the frame structure (13) is in the retracted condition, the netting (15) can be wrapped about the frame structure (13) to assume a compact condition for storage and transportation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conical device for presenting individual bouquets of flowers, said device being characterized in that it comprises a regulatable closing system consisting of complementary (3) nesting male and female three-dimensional geometrical structures, the undercut outer side of the male three-dimensional geometrical structures (6) coming into contact with the undercut inner side of the female three-dimensional geometrical structures (7).

Abstract: A structure for fixing a planting base 100 supporting a planted raising member 106 by a bottom plate 101 to a laying face 300, the structure being provided with a cylinder portion 105 which projects from the bottom plate 101 of the planting base 100 to a top side and top and bottom of which are opened in which an inner diameter is gradually contracted from a top end to a bottom side, a bolt 110 constituting a fixing member is inserted to the cylinder portion 105, the bolt 110 is screwed to and fixed by an anchor holder 120 of the laying face 300 until a position at which a bolt head portion 110a is brought into contact with and caught by an inner face of the cylinder portion 105, and a top face of the bolt head portion 110a is arranged at a height the same as that of a top end of the cylinder portion 105, or arranged at inside of the cylinder portion 105.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to articles that are packaged in a compressed state relative to an uncompressed fully articulated state and methods of making and using same. In a specific embodiment, but not to be considered as limiting, the articles so packaged in a compressed state are plant covers that are either substantially rigid and/or substantially flexible.

Abstract: A child safety gate apparatus, system, and method comprises a barrier that is securable in a passageway and comprises at least one pair of correlated magnets capable of being aligned such that an attractive force secures or locks the gate.

Abstract: The gutter cover to be utilized with a gutter that is attached to a building below a roof comprises a first section, a second section, a third section, a fourth section, a water channel, and a barrier. The first section may be installed over or under roofing material. The second section may be coupled to the first section and generally overlies the open portion of the gutter. The third section may be coupled to the second and may include a hem along the length of the gutter cover. The fourth section may be coupled to the third section and may include cutouts for water to drain into the gutter. A lip may also be coupled to the fourth section and may engage the upper front portion of the gutter. The water channel may be formed between the third section and the lip. The barrier may couple with the hem to cover the water channel and allow water to flow into the channel while blocking debris from entering the water channel.

Abstract: A portable container is provided which comprises a passing room(s) allowing entry into a second area into a first area, the passing room having at least two openings with a walkway in-between. Barrier device(s) can be located in the walkway but not connected to the first or second opening. A control room(s) can also be provided, the control room being connected to the passing room(s).

Abstract: The present invention is an integrated housing mounting system for mounting ornamentation to buildings. Mount components are attached to a building in place of J-channel, J molding, drip edge, gutter apron or siding. Rail components are assembled to the desired length using connector components and lights or signage are attached to a rail component using hooks. A guide member is placed at each end of the assembled rail and the rail is guided through an opening in the mount component securing the lights or signage to the building. The rail components are then guided through an opening in the mount component.

Abstract: An exterior siding mounting bracket used in conjunction with siding placed over sheathing of an exterior wall has a base member having a base flange fastened to the sheathing. A wall arrangement projects laterally outward from the base flange and away from the sheathing. A trim member of the bracket has a partition arrangement that preferably snap fits to the wall arrangement and a trim flange constructed and arranged to cover cut edges of the siding that cover in-part the base flange. Integrated at least into the trim member is a water diversion device that diverts water away from the base flange and sheathing. Preferably, the water diversion device has an elongated trough supported by the trim member and projecting laterally inward from the trim flange and toward the base flange and above the wall and partition arrangements.

Abstract: Sill seal and termite shield (SSTS) devices are disclosed. SSTS devices for residential housing are shown for poured concrete, masonry block, and frost protected shallow foundations. The polymeric foam pad of the SSTS device seals the rough foundation wall surface. For the termite shield function, the SSTS devices use a metallic web—either foil or an impenetrable screen—or a nonmetallic web—either plastic sheet or impenetrable scrim. The termite shield or barrier layer is shown as adjacent to a weatherproofing membrane or as an interior layer of an polymeric laminate weatherproofing membrane. Hot melt adhesives attach the foam pad to the weatherproofing membrane and, where applicable, the barrier layer to the weatherproofing membrane. Pressure-activated, hot melt adhesives attach the SSTS device to the sill plate. A release sheet is applied forming a peel-and-stick device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a noise insulation device for aircraft, comprising a first opening that is delimited by a series of conducting surfaces whose inner edge is oriented towards the interior of the noise insulation device from a horizontal cross-sectional perspective and whose outer surface is directed towards the side, a roof, and a second opening which is located opposite the first opening and is delimited by walls. The inventive noise insulation device is characterized in that the size of the second opening can be modified by making changes to the walls.

Abstract: A structural support for supporting equipment on a rooftop, which is connected to a frame and to equipment to be supported, comprises a mechanism connecting a base cap and a base connector of the structural support. One of the base cap and the base connector includes at least one plate and the other of the base cap and the base connector includes a pair of plates that receives the at least one plate allowing for pivoting adjustments of the base connector about the base cap when the at least one plate is received within an opening between the pair of plates to achieve desired positioning of the base connector. In one example, a pair of base cap plates is received by a pair of inwardly biased base connector plates. Once a desired position is achieved, a fastening assembly secures the position of the base connector. The structural mounting may also include, for example, a base support, a base flashing, and a rubber base gasket.

Abstract: An access floor assembly includes a base floor, a substructure mounted to the base floor, a bearing plate, formed with a first cavity, mounted to the substructure and disposed apart from the base floor, an isolator plate, formed with a second cavity, overlying the bearing plate, a ball disposed between the bearing plate and the isolator plate contacting the first and second cavities, and a floor plate coupled to the isolator plate and together forming an access floor disposed at an elevated location relative to the base floor.

Abstract: A storage assembly structured to be supported on a base is presented, wherein the base includes a plurality of spaced apart beams. At least one embodiment of the storage assembly includes a platform and at least one mounting device attached or otherwise connected to the platform. The mounting device(s) comprises an attachment mechanism which is structured to be removably engaged with the base and/or one or more beams thereof. Further, in at least one embodiment, the mounting device(s) is disposed and structured to removably support the platform in a predetermined spaced relation to said base.

Abstract: Window element (1, 23) with a covering tape (7, 36) and a covering means (8, 35) and comprising a window assembly (5, 25) which can be fixed in a hermetically sealed manner to the window frame (4, 24) by means of a retainer (15, 26), the window frame (4, 24) being enclosed by an encircling seal (11, 32) which has an encircling recess (12, 33).

Abstract: A muntin bar joiner clip having a relatively flat, thin body and first and second muntin bar engagement legs extending from the body. These legs extend along a longitudinal axis of said joiner clip. The body has opposite sides defining substantially parallel major surfaces having substantially parallel opposite edges extending substantially parallel to the axis. A region of weakness such as a line of weakness allows the body to be separated into two portions between the first and second legs. One or more muntin bar abutments project from said body in a direction transverse to the axis and each abutment includes a muntin bar abutment face oriented in a direction transverse to said axis.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a window which treats effectively dew-water generated on a window glass to prevent dust, stain and bad smell from being generated and capable of storing dew water in a means for treating dew-water for a certain time to maintain properly an indoor humidity and enhance the air-tightness, water-tightness and adiabatic property. The window according to the present invention comprises a window frame including a vertical frame for supporting a vertical side of a window glass and a horizontal frame for supporting a horizontal side of the window glass; and a dew-water treating means including a dew-water flow passage provided on the horizontal frame and a drainage trap provided on the window frame for discharging dew water introduced from the dew-water flow passage and stored therein to an outside.

Abstract: A decorative structure is provided that is suspended within a space and includes a flexible panel maintained in a flexed configuration. The decorative structure includes a cable that supports the flexible panel and that is connected to a biasing member. The biasing member cooperates with a portion of the flexible panel to maintain the panel in a flexed configuration. A method of configuring a decorative structure with a flexed panel is also provided.

Abstract: A system for partitioning an interior space includes a plurality of slotted, horizontal and vertical frame components configured for stable, permanent or temporary mountings. In one implementation, the frame components are configured to receive a plurality of different panels, such as glass or resin panels (or panes). The panels can be assembled with the frame components on site into virtually any length or shape, and can further be removed and replaced on-site as needed or desired without necessarily requiring complicated deconstruction efforts. In one implementation, a manufacturer can prepare a preliminary assembly. The manufacturer can then insert a plurality of different panels therein in any horizontal or vertical alignment. The manufacturer can then position an end frame-component to complete the sub-assembly after the different panels are inserted therein.

Abstract: A connector arrangement for a wall panel system is provided which includes connector blocks that join serially-adjacent wall panel frames together in proper alignment with each other. These corner blocks also are matable with a system of spacer strips, light block strips, single-side trim covers and multi-side trim covers which enclose the connector blocks and connector structure. A corner spline arrangement is also provided between adjacent trim covers which spline extends vertically and defines a closed corner, right-angled corner between the interconnected trim covers.

Abstract: A subject of the invention is the lining panel with insulation. The panel is a thin, cuboidal block made of a porous insulation material with internal protruding elements on two adjacent sides and frontal undercuts on the remaining sides, having parallel horizontal protruding elements on the external surface, where the distance between the two adjacent protruding elements is a standardised width of ceramic tiles and it has the developed surfaces between the protruding elements (4.) and round pressed forms evenly distributed in rows (5.), with dimensions corresponding to edges of expansion bolts, and in the centres thereof the forms contain deeper aligning pressed forms (6). The panel is made of the expanded polyurethane resin or of a rigid structural foam having an increased hardness.

Abstract: A connector for securing a roofing band to a roofing beam by a threaded fastener may include a circumferential flange portion, first and second recess extending within the circumferential flange portion sized to accept a roofing band, and a central portion extending within the circumferential flange portion between the first recess and the second recess, a middle area of the central portion being offset laterally from the circumferential flange portion by a distance enough to permit the roofing band to be slid through the first and second recesses so that the circumferential flange portion is located on a first side of the roofing band and the middle area of the central portion is located on a second side of the roofing band opposite the first side. A single fastener opening defined through the central portion, the fastener opening sized for receiving a threaded fastener therethrough for fastening the roofing band to a roofing beam. Related roofing assemblies and methods of construction are disclosed.

Abstract: A roof membrane is disclosed, for use in simulating a standing seam metal roof when applied to a roof surface and a roof system is also provided, that employs the roof membrane, disposed between longitudinal, but spaced-apart, generally parallel roof battens. Underlayments of various constructions are also provided, beneath the membrane, as an option. Caps are provided for upstanding legs of the roof battens.

Abstract: A building form that uses two building panels made of a rigid board and rigid insulation are supported by light gauge framing members and integrating two adjacent building panel molds forming a ribbed chamber into which concrete can be poured. The building panels when jointed together form a depression within the mold panel for a concrete rib when concrete is poured over the building panels. In addition, each of the building panels when separated by another fire resistant board thereby forming a space between the panel molds forming a wider forming mold which becomes an integral part of the building panel. The separated building panels also allow for mechanical means to be distributed. Additional forming means can be added for a wider and deeper forming structure. Several different transverse support beams can be used to increase the panel mold structural strength.

Abstract: A stackable masonry unit having male and female elements that cooperate with complementary female and male elements on identical, opposing, adjoining units to create an interlocking two- or three-unit module from single design element. Each interlocking module comprises a portion of a course in a block wall made of cementitious material, e.g., a concrete masonry unit or insulating concrete foam.

Abstract: A fastener with a head having a stepped configuration in assist in drawing down a composite material about a fastener to reduce flagging.

Abstract: A method for forming a sheathing retaining anchor of a post-tension anchor system includes the steps of: forming an anchor having a bore where the bore has a tapered portion and a constant diameter portion, inserting an end of a tendon through the bore of the anchor so that the end of the tendon extends outwardly of tapered portion of the bore of the anchor, positioning a sheathing lock on the end of the sheathed portion or a tendon, placing a pair of wedges on the unsheathed portion of the tendon, and moving the sheathing lock and the pair of wedges into the bore of the anchor so that the sheathing lock affixes the end of the sheathed portion within the bore and so that the pair of wedges affixes the unsheathed portion within the bore.