Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for reliably limiting the cartridge loading capacity of firearm magazines. In one embodiment, a magazine capacity limiting assembly includes a limiter body and a limiter base. The magazine capacity limiter body reliably operates with a cartridge follower of a firearm magazine. The limiter body is installed substantially within coils of the magazine's spring, thereby limiting the travel of the follower within the magazine body to limit the magazine's cartridge capacity. The limiter base is coupled to both the limiter body and the magazine's floor plate.

Abstract: A firearm includes a receiver with a socket defined by a forwardly extending circumferential rim having an inner surface, a barrel extending from the socket of the receiver and terminating in a muzzle, and a cocking lever housing carried above the barrel. A partial tubular body is received over the barrel with a rearward end abutting the receiver at the forwardly extending circumferential rim. A clamp element is carried by the partial tubular body and is movable between a release position and an engaged position in which a clamp end of the clamp element frictionally engages the inner surface of the circumferential rim.

Abstract: A barrel clip of unitary plastic construction is used to securely clip onto the barrel of a firearm and simultaneously is able to hook the firearm to a non-human support such as a fence when, during hiking and/or hunting, there is a need for the hiker and/or hunter to be hands free and out of contact with his/her firearm. This lightweight, inexpensive inventive barrel clip helps prevent clogging and dirtying of the firearm barrel. Further it does not cause damage to the environment in which it is used. It is easily stored in a pocket, on the barrel of the firearm, or clipped onto some convenient item being taken on the hike and/or hunt.

Abstract: The firearm support includes one or more inflatable air bladders and a valve. The valve allows the user to inflate and deflate the air bladder to selectively control the firmness of the support device and the elevation of the firearm.

Abstract: A method for shooting a projectile weapon involves determining the inclination of a line of sight from a vantage point to a target and a line-of-sight range to the target, then predicting a trajectory parameter at the line-of-sight range, for a preselected projectile. Using the trajectory parameter, an equivalent horizontal range may then be determined, wherein the equivalent horizontal range is the range at which the trajectory parameter would be expected to occur if the projectile were shot from the vantage point toward a theoretical target located in a horizontal plane intersecting the vantage point. The equivalent horizontal range may be utilized to compensate for ballistic drop when shooting the projectile weapon. The method may be embodied in a handheld laser rangefinder including a memory for storing ballistic data. Systems for automatic hold over adjustment in a weapon aiming device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for attracting and capturing or otherwise disabling insects includes a fan mechanism structured and arranged to provide an outflow of air out of the device to atmosphere, and to draw an inflow directed counter the outflow from atmosphere into the device, the outflow being substantially within the inflow outside of the device. The flow mechanism is also structured and arranged to provide an insect attractant in the outflow. The device can include mounting structure being adapted to position the device with the outflow directed in a substantially downward direction. The outflow attracts insects to the vicinity of the device, and the inflow urges the insects to enter the device. An insect disabling structure is arranged with the flow mechanism to capture or otherwise disable insects being urged into the device by the inflow.

Abstract: An ice fishing hole cover comprising a cover body having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an edge surface surround the cover body, a fishing line access extending through the cover body from the top surface to the bottom surface, a fishing line removal guide extending from the fishing line access to the edge surface of the cover body, and a set of vent hole preventing the ice hole from freezing or closing up.

Abstract: A retractable compact knife spear is provided. The knife spear may include a knife blade, as opposed to standard barbs and may be compacted to strap to a diver's leg. The retractable knife spear may include other features, such as sound signaling devices and may be used as a pointer when leading dive teams. The retractable knife spear is useful for eradication of invasive fish species, such as the lion fish in the Caribbean and along the U.S. east coast.

Abstract: The invention relates to a line of floats which allow for greater visibility during both day and night fishing. The greater visibility is created by a combination of one of more marker devices, including light sticks, flags, viz sticks, reflective surface, and/or use of chemiluminescent and phosphorescent materials. These objects and materials are used on a variety of floats, especially large floats such as jug floats and a new type of float termed a noodle float. These large floats are especially useful for catching large catfish and can be used in any body of water where fish are found, such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and the sea.

Abstract: An apparatus for attracting fish including a fin that imparts motion to the tackle when the tackle is deployed and moves relative to water. A weighted body having a cabochon shape includes a fin member that extends past the body. The fin member includes an attachment portion and a fin that has a non-planar configuration. The attachment portion is secured to a flat surface of the body. In one embodiment the fin extends forward and forms an obtuse angle relative to the attachment portion. In another embodiment the fin has two members disposed laterally on opposite sides of the body. The fins are blades that cause the body to spin or rotate when moved relative to the water. In yet another embodiment the fin extends forward and aft relative to the body, and the fin has openings for connecting lines and hooks, thereby replacing the eyelet of other embodiments.

Abstract: A bed bug trap includes heat, carbon dioxide and/or semiochemicals (pheromones and/or kairomones), to attract and trap bed bugs. The trap may be combined with the appearance and/or function of another appliance, such as an air freshener. The release of semiochemicals may be combined with the release of air freshening compositions. The bed bug trap may provide one attraction mode, or two attraction modes, namely one which uses heat, carbon dioxide and/or kairomones to attract bed bugs seeking a meal, and the other which uses pheromones to attract bed bugs seeking a safe harbor, i.e. a hiding place. The bed bug trap may be combined with a wide variety of appliances, such as air fresheners, alarm clocks, clock radios, humidifiers, desk or table lamps, power bars, etc..

Abstract: This invention relates to low sulfur marine/bunker fuel compositions and methods of making same. Contrary to conventional marine/bunker fuel compositions/methods, the inventive lower sulfur compositions/methods focus on use of mostly uncracked components, such as (cat feed) hydrotreated gasoils, and/or can also have reduced contents of residual components.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and a method for generating emulsified fuels for improved fuel efficiency of combustion devices with reduced specific fuel consumption rate and emissions, comprising at least a continuous phase fuel, a dispersed phase component, and an infrared radiation source whose infrared radiation spans at least a portion of 3-16 micrometers wavelength spectrum. In said system the continuous phase fuel and/or dispersed phase component are exposed to said infrared before or during emulsification. The continuous phase fuel may be selected from fossil fuels, biofuels, alcohol fuels, vegetable oils, or any combustible liquid fuels, while the dispersed phase component may be oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon monoxide, methane, propane, butane, any petroleum gas, hydrogen peroxide, or water. The emulsified fuels can be used in combustion devices such as internal combustion engines, boilers, burners, or gas turbines.

Abstract: A copolymer obtainable by free-radical copolymerization of (i) monomer units of the structure M1 in which the variables are each hydrogen, alkyl groups, carboxyl groups or carboxyl derivative moieties, and (ii) monomer units of the structure M2 in which R5 is the radical of a carboxylic ester of the formula -A-CO—O—R10 where A is an alkylene group and R10 is a hydrocarbyl radical, and in which R6, R7 and R8 are each hydrogen or alkyl radicals, and subsequent polymer-analogous reaction of the product formed with a long-chain hydrocarbyl alcohol. This copolymer is suitable for improving the cold flow properties of middle distillate fuels, especially those which consist of or comprise biofuel oils.

Abstract: A fuel for automotive applications, stationary engines and marine applications is prepared by catalytic liquid phase conversion of the alcohol(s) of an alcohol-containing primary fuel to the corresponding ether(s) in a compact device comprising an inlet for an alcohol-containing fuel from the primary tank, a start-up heater, a heat exchanger, which heats up the cold alcohol(s) to a suitable temperature before entering the reactor, a catalytic bed within the reactor, wherein the alcohol(s) is/are partly converted to ether(s), a pressure reduction valve, inlet means for adding additives and a buffer tank, wherein the resulting fuel mixture of alcohol(s) and ether(s) is stored after passing back through the heat exchanger for suitable cooling, the heater only being used during start-up and the process thereby being conducted under auto-thermal operation conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to butanol compositions for fuel blending and fuel blends comprising such compositions. The compositions and fuel blends of the invention have desirable performance characteristics and can serve as alternatives to ethanol-containing fuel blends. The invention also relates to methods for producing such butanol compositions and fuel blends.

Abstract: Disclosed are eco-friendly and low-price solid fuel, which is naturally dried, and a method of manufacturing the same. Disposable diapers or disposable sanitary pads, which are failed during the manufacturing process, are used to produce industrial alternative fuel having a low price through a predetermined process, so solid fuel having no pollution problem in combustion is provided. The solid fuel is mainly made of synthetic resin-pulp scrap including synthetic resin integrated with pulp like the disposable diapers or the disposable sanitary pads. The method includes introducing a scrap, such as the wasted disposable diaper or the wasted disposable sanitary pad, including synthetic resin integrated with pulp into a crusher to break the scrap into fragments, adding a slight amount of waste cooking oil serving as a binding agent to the fragments, performing an extrusion-molding with respect to the fragments, cutting the extrusion-molded fragments to make pallets, and then drying pallets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for recovering lithium from a starting material comprising lithium. According to the invention, the starting material is heated with carbon in a reactor by carrying out direct inductive heating of the carbon.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards methods and compositions for treating piles of low-rank coal to inhibit its spontaneous combustion. The method involves applying to the low-rank coal a composition containing VAE and crude glycerin. The composition prevents water from evaporating out of the low-rank coal. This prevents the formation within the low-rank coal of hollow openings which are a huge factor in causing its spontaneous combustion. The composition has better performance than its ingredients do alone. In fact it is so effective that certain cumbersome low-rank coal-handling methods, such as FIFO recordkeeping and inventorying, not using pinch points, or only using elbow-free equipment can be disregarded when the composition is used.

Abstract: A method for mushroom cultivation is developed which requires no manual picking and a limited packaging step. The invention also induces lesser chances of contamination and provides longer shelf life to the mushrooms. The device used for production of mushrooms comprises two parts, one basal plate perforated with holes for the mushroom pins to emerge into the container. The apertures/holes on the base of the container may be covered with casing material. The other portion is the top part functioning as a cover which could be used to secure the container in order to prevent contamination from out side, maintain the moisture level and also maintains the micro environment for growing mushrooms. The top cover is preferably also perforated for the escape of excessive moisture. When mushrooms are ready to pick, the whole container is removed and preserved at a lower temperature, such as 4° C. in a cooler or refrigerator.

Abstract: Methods and systems for growing algae are disclosed. For example, disclosed is an exemplary bioreactor for growing algae that includes a chamber, a liquid-permeable membrane that includes a plurality of hollow fiber membranes disposed within the chamber. Each hollow fiber membrane can include a hollow interior and may be made of a liquid-permeable, algae-impermeable membrane, and each hollow fiber membrane may be disposed within the chamber. The respective interiors of the hollow fiber membranes may at least partially define an inner-capillary space (ICS). The interior of the chamber and respective exteriors of the hollow fiber membranes may at least partially define an extra-capillary space (ECS). When algae is grown in the ECS, lipids produced by the algae may be extracted from the ECS to the ICS via the hollow fiber membranes without killing the majority of algae and while containing the algae to the ECS.

Abstract: A solar greenhouse structure includes a plurality of supporting frames, a light-permitting roof supported by at least one supporting frame, and at least one solar panel disposed below the roof and near the bottom surface thereof. The instant disclosure uses thinner solar panels, where the supporting frames can be less rigid, in lowering the solar greenhouse cost.

Abstract: A handing garden planter apparatus includes a backing having a top portion adapted to hang from a vertical surface, a plurality of planter pockets vertically aligned and integral with the backing, each planter pocket of the plurality of planter pockets defining an interior space adapted to house soil and plant matter therein, a drainage trough integral with the backing, the drainage tough being positioned below the plurality of planter pockets, and an integrated drainage system. The integrated drainage system is adapted to allow excess water to drain from the plurality of planter pockets to the drainage trough.

Abstract: Various embodiments related to a tree guard are disclosed. One embodiment provides a modular tree guard assembly. Various other embodiments disclosed include one or more of the following: a multi-purpose top rail unit facilitating flexible installation of various side panel units and top rail accessories; modular side panel units including decorative units and urine guard units; corner and other post units; and various adjustable foot units. In one embodiment, a sign holder unit of the tree guard assembly is provided with different tamper proof bolts than are other elements of the assembly such that control over signage on the tree guard may be effectively given to a different entity than an entity with control over assembly of the rest of the tree guard unit. Various other embodiments related to tree guards are disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments related to a tree guard are disclosed. One embodiment provides an L shaped breakaway bracket for use with a modular tree guard assembly. The L shaped breakaway bracket includes a horizontal member extending substantially perpendicularly from a vertical member, wherein the vertical member is thinner and longer than the horizontal member. At least one fastener hole is provided in the horizontal member for receiving a fastener for securing the horizontal member to a rail. At least one fastener hole is provided in the vertical member for receiving a fastener for securing the vertical member to a post. The breakaway bracket is adapted to break along the intersection of the horizontal member and the vertical member and separate the rail from the post when a force that would otherwise be sufficient to deform the rail is applied to the rail.

Abstract: A plant-growing device with light emitting diode comprises a darkroom, a generator, a gas collecting device and a water supplying device. The darkroom comprises an accommodating space and a plurality of light emitting diodes disposed in the accommodating space for producing a light beam irradiating the accommodating space. The generator is disposed outside the darkroom. The generator is configured to receive sunlight from the atmospheric environment and convert it into an electric energy and provide the electric energy for the light emitting diodes. The gas collecting device connected between the accommodating space and the atmospheric environment is configured to transfer carbon dioxide from the atmospheric environment into the accommodating space and discharge oxygen from the accommodating space into the atmospheric environment. The water supplying device connected to the darkroom is configured to transport water outside the darkroom into the accommodating space.

Abstract: A support structure is configured to be pierced by stems of flowers to hold the flowers in place and to retain moisture. The support structure extends along a longitudinal path and has front and rear surfaces and two opposite side surfaces. A backplate overlies the support structure's rear surface. A frame overlies the support structure and is attached to the backplate to hold the support structure against the backplate. The frame includes longitudinal bands that extend along the longitudinal path along the support structure. The frame further includes cross bands that extend about the support structure's front and side surfaces in directions that are perpendicular to the longitudinal band. Each cross band crosses the longitudinal bands at crossing points at which the longitudinal band is perpendicular to and adjoined to and underlying the respective longitudinal band.

Abstract: A spacer device for vine support wires adapted to be fixed to a vine post is described. Methods for operating a spacer device for vine support wires adapted to be fixed to a vine post are also described.

Abstract: A process for breeding plants which comprises growing plants of a species in an array of containers charged with growing medium of uniform characteristics in an environment of controlled climatic conditions with controlled supply of nutrients and feed water and changing the positions of the containers within the environment as required to ensure at least substantially uniform exposure of all plants in the containers to conditions in the environment. A process for the breeding of open pollinating plants in a greenhouse environment is also provided. A process for breeding plants which comprises identifying trait leads.

Abstract: The present invention is provided with a shower with a sliding body, which includes a handle and an outlet unit, the handle is disposed with an inlet waterway. The inlet waterway is disposed with an inlet hole on the obverse side of the handle; the outlet unit is disposed with at least two outlets, each outlet is disposed with an outlet hole on the reverse side of the outlet unit, the outlet holes are interval disposed along the X direction; The handle is connected to the outlet unit with sliding along the X direction, the obverse side of the handle and the reverse side of the outlet unit are sealing connected together, making the inlet hole connecting to one of the outlet holes. The present invention without the pushing button and the linkage mechanism, reduces the cost and simplify the structure, providing a new switch experience for the user.

Abstract: A system may include first and second louvers and a drive system. The first louver may be movable between first and second positions. The second louver may also be movable between first and second positions. At least one of the first and second louvers may be positioned proximate an opening in a vehicle, such as a grille, to control airflow therethrough. The drive system may drive at least one of the first and second louvers between the first and second positions. The drive system may include a first member connected to the at least one of the first and second louvers, and a rotatable member having a first arcuate guide. The first arcuate guide may slidably engage the first member. The rotatable member may rotate to cause movement of the at least one of the first and second louvers.

Abstract: A drive device for boarding/deboarding devices, in particular inward-swinging doors, for public transport vehicles is described, comprising a drive unit, which is disposed in a rotation post and drives it for opening and closing the boarding/deboarding device, wherein the drive unit is supported by a supporting component on the vehicle and the supporting component acts as a counter bearing for a torque of the drive unit, and with at least two supporting arms connected to the rotation post for supporting the boarding/deboarding device, wherein at least one supporting arm has an extension component parallel to the rotation post.

Abstract: A device for connecting a window pane to a motor vehicle window lifter, said device comprises a follower comprising a basic follower body connected to guide and transport means of the window lifter and a coupling follower body which is to be connected to a pane socket connected to the window pane, a coupling portion of the pane socket being attached to a fastening means in a mounting direction for connecting the pane socket to the follower. The fastening means is pre-installed to the coupling follower body and by actuating the fastening means the coupling portion of the pane socket is braced to the coupling follower body.

Abstract: Door leveling apparatuses are disclosed herein. A door leveling apparatus configured in accordance with one embodiment includes a bracket mounted to a door, such as a vertically-opening sectional door. The apparatus further includes a cable assembly having a first end portion coupled to the bracket and a second end portion coupled to a door lifting system, such as a counterbalance assembly. The first end portion includes an adjuster that enables an operator to adjust the operational length of the cable assembly extending between the lifting system and the bracket, thereby enabling the operator to individually adjust the lengths of two such cable assemblies on opposite sides of the door to align the door with a corresponding opening.

Abstract: A panel fastening system includes a first panel unit having a first glass panel mounted within a first frame, a second panel unit having a second glass panel mounted within a second frame, and a detachable fastener. The detachable fastener includes a bracket configured to be positioned on a jamb of the first frame, a suction cup configured to be fastened to the second glass panel, and a joining link having one end coupled to the suction cup and another end coupled to the bracket for urging the first frame against the second frame.

Abstract: A panel includes a base plate, a door, a locking member, and a button. The base plate has an opening defined therein. The door engages with the base plate to cover the opening, wherein a hook extending from the door to pass through the opening. The locking member is installed in an inner side of the base plate, wherein a block section is arranged on the locking member to block the hook. The button is installed to the base plate, and a press member of the button extends through a first passage of the base plate when the button is depressed, so the press member presses against the locking member to release the hook from the block section. The panel includes a resilient member; the two ends of the resilient member are installed on the base plate and the locking member to rotate the locking member to block the hook by the block section.

Abstract: A roller assembly for use with a sliding door, the roller assembly comprising upper and lower housings, a roller mounted in the upper housing, a shaft extending between the upper and lower housings with a spring extending about the shaft, and a screw-threaded member for securing the lower housing to the shaft at a desired location. The arrangement permits self adjustment of the door within a channel.

Abstract: Fine perforated shield (1) for automobiles having the same dimension as the window and being supported by a reinforcing frame (2). This shield should provide aeration to the automobiles to prevent suffocation, asphyxia or even death of the remaining passengers when the driver is forced to stop the motor for taking a break or sleeping for refreshment during long travels. It also should protect against mosquitos, reptiles, snakes etc. and especially against robbers and thieves. The arrangement is placed to the inside position of the glass window and includes additional nm channels and seals. It is resistant to cutting, scratching and burning and can be controlled manually or electrically with a window regulator having a locking button.

Abstract: Provided is a door frame assembly that enables a molding portion to be bent with ease and in which end portions of a door frame do not rust due to the entry of raindrops or the like. A second end portion B that follows on a second flange portion of a door frame is located between an inner wall portion of a glass run channel and a portion of a main frame portion that faces the inner wall portion. An engagement portion of the molding portion is partially connected to a third side wall portion at multiple locations along the direction in which a vertical door frame assembly extends.

Abstract: An abrasive article includes a bonded abrasive body having abrasive particles comprising microcrystalline alumina (MCA) contained within a bond material. In an embodiment, the bonded abrasive body has a strength ratio (MOR/MOE) of at least about 0.80.

Abstract: The invention relates to hard-metal body comprising a hard-metal, the hard-metal comprising tungsten carbide grains and metal binder comprising cobalt having a concentration of tungsten dissolved therein, the body comprising a surface region adjacent a surface and a core region remote from the surface, the surface region and the core region being contiguous with each other; the mean binder fraction of the core region being greater than that of the surface region; the mean carbon concentration within the binder being higher in the surface region than in the core region; to tools comprising same and methods of making same.

Abstract: Thermally stable diamond constructions comprise a diamond body having a plurality of bonded diamond crystals and a plurality of interstitial regions disposed among the crystals. A metallic substrate is attached to the diamond body. A working surface is positioned along an outside portion of the diamond body, and the diamond body comprises a first region that is substantially free of a catalyst material, and a second region that includes the catalyst material. The diamond body first region extends from the working surface to depth of at least about 0.02 mm to a depth of less than about 0.09 mm. The diamond body includes diamond crystals having an average diamond grain size of greater than about 0.02 mm, and comprises at least 85 percent by volume diamond based on the total volume of the diamond body.

Abstract: A dome shape theater has a reflective floor. Audience members may sit or stand on a central platform viewing area surrounded by the screen. Audience members may access the viewing area via a tunnel passing under the reflective floor, by a movable bridge, or by passageways between divided sections of the reflective floor. A compound curved screen may alternatively lower from above to surround the viewing area. A 2D/3D projection system may be used to create images on the screen. Integrated special effects located throughout the theater can be synchronized with the media presentation.

Abstract: A rain gutter filter apparatus and method utilize a filter element of a reticulated foam material adapted for insertion into a gutter having an open top defining a top width of the gutter. The filter element has a flat top surface with a width substantially matching the top width of the gutter, a bottom surface having a width less than the top width of the filter element, and front and rear surfaces extending upward from the bottom surface of the filter element to thereby form a front and a rear open passage for water on front and rear sides of the bottom surface of the filter element when the filter element is installed into the gutter. The reticulated foam material of the filter element has a composition that is flame resistant, germicidal, mold resistant, and resistant to degradation by exposure to ultraviolet rays.

Abstract: Gutter devices for keeping debris out of a gutter are disclosed.

Abstract: A waterproof sheet comprising a rubber base and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer of silicone resin or gel thereon is applicable to the boundary between an outdoor tank and a concrete pedestal. The waterproof sheet maintains waterproofness over a long period of time and is in long-term service without degradation of physical properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to an enclosure for a pleasure pool, which is completely or partially in the form of a rotunda and which comprises a plurality of rotary angular roof elements. The aforementioned rotary angular roof elements form an angular portion of the rotunda and rotate about the same vertical axis, each element comprising a frame framing at least one cylindrical filler panel. The frame includes a lower circular edge that rests on the ground and an upper edge from which at least two sections extend towards the rotation shaft, which sections join so as, together with the upper edge, to form a frame for an angular portion of the roof-forming filler panel. The roof elements are mounted to rotate about the same vertical axis in order to move between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to geodesic dome structures. More particularly, the present invention relates to a hub and strut connection for a geodesic dome structure and method for making same. The apparatus described herein provides a unique design for a geodesic dome utilizing materials that are affordable and readily available throughout much of the world for the construction and connection of hubs and struts.

Abstract: A method and a device for damping relative motion between structural elements (4a, 4b, 5), and in particular for damping oscillations in a stay cable of a building or a civil engineering structure. A damping device is disclosed which provides motion damping by means of frictional engagement (1a, 1b) between friction surfaces composed of low-friction polymeric material (2a, 2b, 3a, 3b). The polymeric material preferably includes a dispersed lubricant. The use of low friction polymers results in a constant damping which is effective over a broad range of displacements and forces.

Abstract: A refractory includes a cement, a binder and a matrix. The matrix comprises both stainless steel fibers and organic fibers. The refractory can be easily cast, without additional steel reinforcement, into large fire wall 16 panels 10 capable of meeting the requirements of testing conducted in accordance with ASTM E-119, Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials in support of IEEE Std. 979-1994, Guide for Substation Fire Protection. The fire wall 16 assembly withstood the fire endurance test without passage of flame and gases hot enough to ignite cotton waste during a four-hour fire exposure. The assembly also withstood a 45 psi water stream for five minutes immediately following the four-hour fire exposure period. This is a stringent mechanical requirement, as all fire walls 16 must maintain their integrity before, during and after a fire, per the Universal Building Code's definition of a true fire wall 16.