Abstract: The present invention discloses a vegetation pruning device comprising a main body; a cutting element; a guide bar for supporting the cutting element; a motor for driving the cutting element; a first handle assembly; a second handle assembly; a locking mechanism for detachably securing the second handle assembly to the first handle assembly; a connecting mechanism being positioned between the first handle assembly and the guide bar; the first handle assembly or the second handle assembly being operable to move linearly toward to or away from the guide bar, the connecting mechanism is provided to change the linearly movement of the first or the second handle assembly to the pivoting of the guide bar. Both of the first handle assembly and the second handle assembly are moving linearly, which makes the operator feel comfortable in any working instance.

Abstract: A tool assembly that includes a tool, which has a frame and a pair of suction cups. Each suction cup has a cup housing and a cup structure. The cup housing is coupled to the frame. The cup structure is at least partly received in the cup housing. At least one of the cup structures is rotatable relative to the frame. A method for releasably securing a tool assembly to a wall is also provided.

Abstract: A navigational plotter for use with a selected navigational chart and its method for production include providing a generally transparent elongated planar straight edge member having each of a first and a second straight edges parallelly disposed opposite one another bounding a generally rectangular interior surface. A printed central axis bisecting the rectangular interior surface and at least one compass rose arranged to have its North/South ordinal points to lie upon the printed central axis thus to allow the user to maintain orientation of the plotter on the chart. A first distance scale is calibrated in accord with the scale of the selected chart along a selected line of latitude. The first distance scale is printed to span the East/West ordinal points on the compass rose and along the first straight edge. A second distance scale is calibrated in accord with longitude according to a Mercator projection.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical sensor with collision protection for a measurement machine, in particular for a coordinate measurement machine. The optical sensor comprises a sensor-side coupling part for mechanically and optically connecting to the measurement machine, and a sensor element. According to the invention, the sensor comprises a sensor protective coupling as collision protection, said protective coupling comprising a coupling part on the measurement machine side and a coupling part on the sensor element side, wherein a fiber optic cable is routed between the coupling parts of the sensor protective coupling and wherein a fiber optic cable protection element surrounds the fiber optic cable, wherein the ends of the fiber optic cable protection element are fastened to the associated coupling part of the sensor protective coupling.

Abstract: A gauge device for assessing at least one alignment parameter associated with a motorcycle chassis. The motorcycle chassis having an axle shaft, a rear suspension swing arm and a pair of front fork suspension shock absorbers. The device comprising: an elongate member; a first locating element coupled to the elongate member and adapted to locate an axis of the axle shaft; a second locating element coupled to the elongate member and adapted to locate a rotation axis of the rear suspension swing arm; and a pair of alignment elements each coupled to the elongate member, each of the pair of alignment elements being adapted to locate an axis of a respective one of the front shock absorbers. A linear distance measurement element is coupled to the elongate member for indicating relative movement between elements.

Abstract: A system for applying a protective layer on the screen of an electronic device is disclosed. The system includes an alignment tray with one or more alignment lugs molded into the tray. The electronic device is then placed into the tray with the screen up. A combination protective layer/release layer is then placed over the tray and electronic device and holes in the combination protective layer/release layer are then placed over the lugs for proper alignment. The release layer is then removed then either two pieces utilizing a slit that extends through the release layer only or using a pull tab that may be easily separated from the protective layer using a slit or die cut line in the protective layer at the base of the pull tab.

Abstract: A method of operating a laundry treating appliance having a rotatable treating chamber for receiving laundry to be dried according to a predetermined cycle of operation and determining when the laundry is dry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closing part (1) for a shoe (2) that includes an upper (3) comprising an open area (5) for facilitating the insertion of the foot into said shoe (2), said closing part (1) being designed so as to close said open area (5), said closing part (1) being characterized in that it comprises a unitary portion (100) to be attached to said upper (3) by means of at least first and second zip fasteners provided on either side of said open area (5), respectively. The invention also relates to a shoe closing device.

Abstract: An improved resilient shoe sole includes an outsole having a substantially inelastic side wall with a heel cavity. A substantially inelastic platform is located below the heel cavity, and a connector connects the platform with the side wall. The connector has a particular length and thickness to maintain the platform substantially below the sidewall when the shoe sole is not under a wearer's weight. When brought under forces of a wearer's weight, the connector bends and stretches as the spring compresses to allow the platform to deflect into the heel cavity. As weight is removed, the connector and spring cause the platform to deflect out of the heel cavity, biasing the platform below the side wall.

Abstract: Disclosed is a midsole for women's shoes which covers the area ranging from the rear end of the foot to the rear end of the forepart of the foot. The curvature (S) formed in the lengthwise direction of the foot along an upper surface of the pad has a portion that bulges out upwardly from the straight line interconnecting both ends of the pad in the lengthwise direction. The highest point (X) of the bulging portion, which is the point at which the bulging portion bulges out the farthest from said straight line, is positioned further forward (toward the forepart of the foot) than the point at which the line starting perpendicularly from the half point (M) of the straight line meets the curvature (S).

Abstract: A shoe that can be added with pictures, the shoe is provided on any surface thereof with at least a transparent bag, the bag at least has a pocket, the peripheries of the bag are stuck on the surface; the pocket of the bag is inserted therein with a picture which is accommodate in the bag, and the content of the picture can be shown on the surface through the transparent bag.

Abstract: A sole with adjustable sizing is disclosed. The sole includes a fixed region and an adjustable region. The adjustable region is deformable when the sole is heated to a melting point associated with the adjustable region. The shape and size of the sole may be adjusted by deforming the adjustable region.

Abstract: Self-ventilating footwear, especially applicable to sports trainers, includes a sole with a chamber (4) in communication with the exterior by means of one-way valves (8) that allow air to exit the chamber (4) to the outside and prevent the ingress thereof towards the inside. This chamber (4) communicates with the inside (5) of the footwear (1) via holes (6) made in the insole (3) that delimits the chamber (4) at the top, the holes (6), in combination with elastic patches (7), forming one-way valves that only allow air to pass from the inside (5) of the footwear (1) towards the chamber (4), but not in the opposite direction. Therefore, the loading of the foot (11) on the sole and the cessation of the loading give rise to a one-way circulation of air to the outside, via the chamber (4), providing ventilation to the inside (5) of the footwear (1) and therefore to the foot (11).

Abstract: A footwear sole includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface includes a plurality of tread members formed thereon. The tread members include a plurality of projections or lugs of various sizes and shapes which are grouped together into specific patterns. The material from which the projections are formed increases the shoe sole's ability to resist slipping on floor surfaces which are covered with oil, water, soap, etc. The shape and pattern of the projections or lugs enable them to resist flexing and disengaging the floor surface. This increases the footwear sole's ability to resist slipping.

Abstract: The ballast hopper (14) of a ballast plough (1) is connected at a rear end—with respect to a working direction (5)—to the machine frame (3) by means of a joint (22). A pivot drive (25) is provided for pivoting the hopper (14) about a joint axis (24), extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the machine, of the joint (22). Associated with a discharge end (18), spaced from the joint (22), of the bottom conveyor belt (16) is a transfer conveyor belt (28) for passing the stored ballast (12) on to a storage wagon adjoining the ballast plough (1).

Abstract: Snow groomer for treating snow-covered surfaces, the snow groomer having an internal combustion engine and least one generator connected via power electronics to at least one electric motor for a rotational functional drive of the snow groomer, wherein two generators connected in parallel between the internal combustion engine and the power electronics.

Abstract: The present invention and related disclosure describes greeting cards with moving elements or devices which are operable to create motion in connection with some portion of the greeting card. The greeting card may include a multi-panel greeting card body or a three-dimensional foam greeting card body. At least one movable object is contained upon or within the greeting card body. A sound module having at least one pre-recorded digital audio file saved therein and a motor module are contained and concealed within the greeting card body. One or more switches may be used to activate the sound and motor modules, causing the pre-recorded audio file to play and causing movement of the movable or mobile object.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying printed media includes a base member, clamps for securing the base member to a restraint bar of a ski-lift chair, and a top panel coupled with the base member such that the printed media is viewable from the ski-lift chair through the panel. A method of advertising at a ski area includes integrating advertising displays with ski-lift chairs of the ski area. Each of the advertising displays has one or more places to secure printed media. The method also includes inserting printed media within each of the advertising displays. Another method of advertising at a ski area includes integrating printed media within viewable regions of at least one media display system, and integrating the media display system with a ski-lift chair of the ski area.

Abstract: A display device includes a display panel for irradiating light, a transparent substrate comprising an active portion for passing through the image light and a decoration portion surrounding the active portion, and a decoration layer filling a groove at the decoration portion.

Abstract: An illuminated sign that includes a base configured to face a front direction and configured to be placed in a first orientation and a second orientation when the base faces the front direction. A first character is configured to rotate with respect to the base between a first position facing the front direction and a second position facing the front direction. A second character is configured to rotate with respect to the base between the first position facing the front direction and the second position facing the front direction. A rotation mechanism is configured to enable at least one of the first character and the second character to rotate between the first and the second positions.

Abstract: A sign holder has a main portion, a sign or display holding member, a detachable portion, and a breakaway portion. The main portion has a first gripping member and at least first and second receiving members. The sign or display holding member is attached to the main portion and is arranged to releasably and frictionally hold a sign or display. The detachable portion includes a second gripping member and an engagement member. The breakaway portion detachably attaches the main portion and the detachable portion to one another. The engagement member is arranged to engage one of the first and second receiving members in a manner permitting the first and second gripping members to grip a fixture so as to hold the sign holder to the fixture.

Abstract: A cheek support apparatus comprising a generally inverted U-shaped shell member, a base member, and a cheek supporting member is provided for a firearm. The shell member made of a form fitting material, for example, a thermoplastic material, is selectively configured with different coefficients of friction to enable rigid contact of the shell member to a stock of the firearm. The shell member comprising an inner frictional surface defines an opening for accommodating the stock of the firearm. The base member is rigidly attached to a closed upper end of the shell member. In an embodiment, one or more shim members are removably attached on the base member for adjustably positioning the cheek supporting member on the base member. The cheek supporting member is removably attached on one or more of the shim members or the base member for supporting a user's cheek, for example, during recoil of the firearm.

Abstract: A method for producing a gun barrel, in which the barrel is formed from a pipe blank (1) in which barrel rifles (2) are formed against a mandrel (3) having grooves (2b) shaped as the rifles.

Abstract: A sighting device is mountable to a gun. The device includes a light source (preferably a laser), a power source connectable to the light source and a mount attachable to the gun so that the laser is juxtaposed either the top surface of the gun or a side surface of the gun. In one embodiment, the sighting device includes a bottom rail mountable in a slot on the gun, wherein the slot is preferably positioned on the top surface of the gun. The sighting device may also include a mechanical sight that functions as the rear mechanical sight on the gun and/or a secondary light source.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a light source which produces a first radiation within a first wavelength range and which produces a second radiation within a second wavelength range when a property of the light source is changed. The apparatus further comprises an optical device which receives the first radiation and attenuates the first radiation to emit a first attenuated radiation having a first perceived brightness. The optical device also receives the second radiation and attenuates the second radiation to emit a second attenuated radiation having a second perceived brightness. The first and second perceived brightnesses are approximately equal.

Abstract: A scent container for the dispersing of animal scent comprising: a top portion; a bottom portion, where said bottom portion and the top portion are flexibly connected; an absorbent sponge contained in both the top portion and the bottom portion, where the absorbent sponge includes an animal scent; and a clamping portion, where the container attaches to the clamping portion. The clamping portion may include a handle and gripping teeth. The top portion and bottom portion may be interchangeable between a closed position and an open position. The container enables the disbursement of the animal scent when in the open position.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder and transport device that allows a plurality of fishing rods to each be secured in place via a resistive locking channel within the rod holder. When needed the fishing rods can be quickly removed from the rod holder with a single hand and the rods are stably supported within the holders such that they will not be accidentally dislodged and will not damage the rods.

Abstract: A fish keeping system includes a bucket for storing a floating net assembly. The bucket may include a cushioned seat on a lid portion thereof to provide a seat for a user. The floating net assembly may be removed from the bucket and allowed to float in water. The floating net assembly may include a float ring on a top portion and a weighted lower ring to allow the net assembly to become elongated when disposed in water, such as a lake. A drawstring may be included at the lower end of the net assembly for easy removal of fish kept in the net. The net assembly may allow a fisherman to keep their catch in a more natural environment, without any physical restraint attached to the fish.

Abstract: The invention could be a plant pest trap and a method of using same, the trap comprising of a laminate of a first sheet and a cover, the first sheet having a thickness greater than the cover, the first sheet further comprising of a first side and second side, the first side bearing a low adhesion adhesive and a bright color, while the second side presents a graphic representation, the cover reversibly covers the first side of the second sheet, the laminate being formed into a shape that matches the outline of the representation presented by the second side; a support staff secures at one end to the laminate while the other end of the support staff is used to anchors the staff in soil surrounding a plant to which the trap is to protect after the protective covering is removed from the first sheet.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a mosquito trap which includes a mosquito trap enclosure having at least one sidewall and an interior space within the enclosure. A combination of water and biomass which is attractive to mosquitoes is located within the enclosure interior space. The trap also includes at least one entry point formed in the enclosure sidewall allowing mosquitoes to enter the enclosure. In addition, the trap includes a conduit having a first opening which is connected to the enclosure entry point and a second opening which is located within the enclosure interior space. The enclosure interior space is capable of retaining the combination of water and biomass without spillage if the enclosure is overturned.

Abstract: A detection device and method for monitoring the presence of crawling insects, such as bedbugs is provided. One embodiment of the device includes a strip of material, having opposed front and rear surfaces and a plurality of apertures extending through the material, and an adhesive strip applied to the rear surface of the longitudinal strip, thereby exposing the adhesive through the apertures in the longitudinal strip.

Abstract: A bed bug monitor and/or capture device includes a housing defining a substantially enclosed interior space and a deadfall trap; a harborage element mounted adjacent the deadfall trap that defines at least one pathway through which bed bugs can travel; at least one bed bug attractant element positioned within the interior space of the housing; and at least one opening defined in at least one wall of the housing at a location either on or adjacent the deadfall trap and/or the harborage element, wherein fumes emanating from the bed bug attractant element can escape through the at least one opening to a location outside of the device in order to lure bed bugs toward the deadfall trap and the harborage element.

Abstract: The present invention is a candle composition containing a vegetable lipid base component and a candle formed from the composition. The candle composition may contain up to 100 percent by weight of a vegetable lipid base component. The candle composition may further contain a plant derived crystal modifier.

Abstract: A process for increasing the energy density of a biomass, which includes establishing a temperature and pressure within a reaction chamber that includes water and is at or above a desired reaction condition wherein the desired reaction condition is sufficient to increase the energy density of a reacted biomass; introducing a biomass into the reaction chamber such that the desired reaction condition is maintained or equilibrates thereto; and subjecting the biomass to the desired reaction condition for an amount of time effective to increase the energy density of the reacted biomass relative to the biomass prior to reaction.

Abstract: This patent relates to biofuels, such as biodiesel and production of biofuels. One example, introduces a reactant to a renewable feedstock. The example produces a biofuel from the renewable feedstock and separates the reactant from the biofuel. The example recycles the reactant to react with additional renewable feedstock. The example also transfers heat from the recycled reactant to the additional renewable feedstock.

Abstract: A method for recovering lipids from microbial biomass, the method including providing wet microbial biomass which contains lipids to extraction without disrupting the biomass cell walls, and subsequently, extracting the wet microbial biomass with a liquid extractant at elevated temperature of at least 170° C. and elevated pressure. The combination of the temperature and pressure is such that the lipids in the cells are contacted with the extractant. Subsequently the extracted lipids are recovered from or with the extractant.

Abstract: An additive mixture for fuels including a) at least one N-formal, b) at least one antioxidant and c) at least one corrosion inhibitor. The additive mixture ensures that the additized fuels and lubricants have biocidal and corrosion-inhibiting additization, especially when they include proportions of renewable raw materials, such as biodiesel, and when they are in contact with copper-containing surfaces.

Abstract: A liquid fuel composition includes: a liquid fuel; and a sublimatable organic compound that has a sublimation point lower than 45° C. at atmospheric pressure, and that includes a skeleton selected from bicycloheptane, indane, pyrone, cyclopropane, cyclobutane, cyclopentane, cyclohexane, cycloheptane, cyclooctane, and benzene.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and system of recovering multiple products from industrial-scale production of a biomass of an aquatic species.

Abstract: A sulfur compound adsorbent for solvent extraction of coal and methods using the same to adsorb sulfur compounds and refine coal are provided. The adsorbent for solvent extraction of coal serves to remove sulfur compounds from an organic solvent containing a coal's combustible component resulting from solvent extraction of low-grade coal and is composed of any one or a mixture of two or more selected from among alkali earth metal oxide, alkali earth metal hydroxide, aluminum oxide and activated carbon.

Abstract: A stackable holder for a potted plant has a top having a central opening and a plurality of legs extending from the top. A plurality of flexible flaps may extend inward from the central opening, and be frangibly joined to each other along a length of the flap. The stackable holder has a plurality of connectors attached to the top and/or the legs, which may connect multiple stackable holders side-by-side in a row. The stackable holder is configured so that it may be stacked upon a second stackable holder, allowing the stackable holders to be tightly packed for storage or shipment. The stackable holder may have a planter body having a base and at least one sidewall extending from the base to form a cavity. The planter body may be attached to the stackable holder or may be removable. The planter body may have a lid.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for reducing global warming. In an embodiment, a platform is provided over a surface area and supports growing at least one plant. At least one panel is coupled to the platform that comprises a plurality of solar cells. Further, at least one water storage unit is coupled to the platform and configured to collect rain water. At least a portion of the surface area is shaded as a function of the platform thereby reducing temperature of the surface area.

Abstract: A flexible sleeve disposable about at least a portion of a flower pot or floral grouping is formed of a flexible polymeric material having at least a portion of one surface thereof modified to provide a textured or matte finish to the flexible sleeve. The flexible sleeve may also be provided with perforations at preselected areas for removing an upper portion of the flexible sleeve from a lower portion thereof. Methods for wrapping a floral grouping or packaging a plant using the flexible sleeve are also described.

Abstract: It is supposed to be possible to achieve an essentially uniform water film protecting the corresponding metal panels, in a gasification reactor for producing crude gas containing CO or H2, by gasification of ash-containing fuel with oxygen-containing gas, at temperatures above the melting temperature of the ash, wherein a reaction chamber formed by a membrane wall through which cooling medium flows, a transition area as well as a quench chamber with a slag collection container that follows in the direction of gravity are provided within a pressure container. This is achieved in that, in addition to a device (14, 15) forming a water film (16) in the quench chamber (11), at least a part of the cylinder forming the quench chamber wall (17) is designed with a double wall and with a coolant overflow (21) for additionally wetting (18) the inner surface of the quench chamber wall (17), and a tangential coolant supply (20) in the bottom area of the double walled cylinder (19) which is closed at the bottom.

Abstract: A cooling shield is to be made available, in particular within the pressure container, with conical regions for the exit of gas or slag, in a gasification reactor (1) for producing crude gas containing CO or H2, having a pressure container (2) and a reaction chamber (4) formed by a membrane wall (3) of cooling pipes, wherein an annular space is formed between the inner wall of the pressure container (2) and the membrane wall (3), wherein elements such as burners (17) or the like are provided, which elements horizontally pass through the pressure container wall in the membrane wall substantially on the same plane (18), wherein the suspension or connection between the cooling shield and pressure container (load removal) is optimized, while avoiding difference expansions. This is achieved in that, for removal of the load on the membrane wall (3), direct or indirect support takes place at the cooling inlet lines (5) or mixture outlet lines (14).

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a system includes a first cross-flow filter configured to remove at least a first portion of a liquid from a fuel slurry to increase a concentration of a solid fuel in the fuel slurry. The system also includes a gasifier configured to generate a syngas from the fuel slurry.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a carrier for an automobile with integrated active ducting. The carrier includes at least one aperture, and at least one louver rotatably mounted in the aperture. Also attached to the carrier is an actuator, and the actuator is connected to the louver. The actuator is operable for moving the louver between an open position and a closed position such that when the louver is in the open position, air flow passes through the aperture.

Abstract: A door urging apparatus, for use with an existing door hingedly mounted in a frame, the door moving between a closed, a crossover, and open states, the door urging apparatus including an offset bracket with a base and an arcuate planar element having a proximal end that extends from the base and a distal end with a first pivotal attachment. Also included is a plate affixed to a frame portion opposite of the hinged mount, the plate having a second pivotal attachment. Further included is a gas spring assembly having a lengthwise cylinder with a telescoping rod, the gas spring provides a dampened force extending the rod outward. The gas spring is pivotally attached between the first pivotal attachment and the second pivotal attachment, wherein operationally the door is urged into the open state by the gas spring and is also urged into the closed state by the gas spring.

Abstract: A door operating system for open and closing a door. The door operating system including a control unit for providing a signal indicative of whether the door is to be moved to an open or closed position. A motor mounting assembly is coupled to the control unit. The motor mounting assembly includes a motor operatively coupled to the control unit. The motor mount assembly further includes a primary chassis having a drive gear assembly coupled to the door and the motor and a secondary chassis isolated from vibrations with the primary chassis, the secondary chassis configured to mount to the motor assembly.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a vehicle movable panel is provided having a drive cable coupled to a slide mechanism disposed within a guide track by a coupling interface. The coupling interface can include a rigid support structure connected to the drive cable, a composite over-mold, and at least one load bearing zone to spread the load from a high force event from the slide mechanism. A first load bearing zone can have a foot on the rigid support structure extended into a slot on the drive mechanism, but preferably can include a second load bearing zone having a pair of fore and aft tabs extending from the rigid support structure configured to generally abut internal edges a pair of fore and after sliding pads on the sliding mechanism, the fore and after tabs connected by an over-molded continuous load bearing member.