Abstract: Shoes and shoe sole assemblies and associated methods of manufacture are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a shoe and shoe sole assembly made of a non-linearly viscous, SEBS block copolymer-based material that becomes more resilient as more energy is applied. The shoe and shoe sole assembly is configured with a heel and forefoot insert configured to fit within a recess in a midsole. In other embodiments, the non-linearly viscous, SEBS block copolymer-based material is mixed with at least one other polymer in a foam. The midsole is formed with a heel impact region and a forefoot region made of the foam.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes at least one of an upper and a segmented sole structure. The sole structure may include an insole portion and a plurality of discrete sole elements disposed within an outsole unit. The insole is positioned adjacent the upper and may extend along a longitudinal length of the upper. The sole elements extend from the connecting portion, and the sole elements are separated by a plurality of flexible regions.

Abstract: An elongated perimeter outlining a substantially planar foresole region, a substantially planar heel region, and an arch region recessed from the foresole and heel regions, each of the regions having medial and lateral sides; a heel pad attached to the heel region; a plurality of pockets formed in the foresole region, each pocket having a base and a rigid rim rising from the base above the plane of the foresole region; and a slide pad element in each pocket, having a bottom surface interchangeably secured to the base of the pocket and an outer slide surface, and a peripheral edge which closely conforms to the rim, wherein the conforming edge has a bottom edge portion substantially abutting the rim, and an upper edge portion that protrudes above the rim, whereby the rim is recessed relative to the slide surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sports shoe, in particular an alpine ski shoe, comprising an upper part and a sole formation. A stiffening element for influencing the stiffness of the sole formation extends between a toe side and a heel side of the sole formation. A detachable fixing element is assigned to the stiffening element and is exclusively disposed at the heel side of the sole formation, so that said fixing element can be operated from the entry for the user's foot into the sports shoe and in the detached state permits removal of the stiffening element from the interior of the upper part of shoe via the entry for the user's foot.

Abstract: The “Boot Pocket” named invention herein is a pair of cuffs that surrounds and secures to a pair of boots by means of a multiple fastener zipper system. The cuffs are constructed with a pocket that enables the user to carry personal items and valuables and secure them to a pair of boots while being worn. The cuffs adhere to a pair of boots by means of anti-slip silicone strips sewn into the back side of the cuff. The boot pockets are valuable at sporting events, concerts, schools, and other social venues where carrying a pocketbook, purse, wallet, or other means to carry valuables is prohibited or inconvenient. The boot pockets can be made from a variety of fabrics and materials to change the appearance of any pair of boots and address any venue from casual to sporting to formal.

Abstract: A walking shoe that senses a fall and urges a user of the shoe to perform movement for fall prevention. When the walker stumbles or almost falls, a microprocessor is activated, based on a sensing signal of a pressure-sensitive sensor that senses a pressure applied to a tread to detect a lifting velocity and/or a lifting amount of the foot based on a detection signal of an acceleration sensor, and when the lifting velocity and/or the lifting amount is lower than a reference value, the microprocessor actuates a stimulator that stimulates a bottom of the foot. At this time, since the user reflexively lifts the foot, the user can avoid stumbling.

Abstract: An improved sole structure comprises a main body, an intermediate layer, and a decorative strip. The main body, being made of fresh rubber material having good physical properties, has a bottom surface provided with anti-slip ribs and a top surface defining a recess having specific depths respectively for a heel portion and a sole portion thereof. The intermediate layer, being made of mixture of recycled materials, is shaped to conform to the recess of the main body. The intermediate layer is disposed in the recess of the main body to be heated and pressed to fill the recess of the main body. The decorative strip, being made of fresh rubber material, is bonded to the main body along the periphery of the main body without stitching threads. Therefore, the sole structure has a flat top surface, a wear resistance and anti-slip characteristics, and can provide comfort in walking.

Abstract: An article of footwear may have an outsole with multiple contact zones. Each of those contact zones may include perimeter regions formed from a harder elastomeric material and traction elements formed from a softer elastomeric material. The traction elements within a particular contact zone may be generally planar in shape and aligned in parallel along on orientation direction for that contact zone. When undeformed, the traction elements in a contact zone may extend outward from the outsole beyond the perimeter regions of that same contact zone. In response to a shear force resulting from activity of a shoe wearer, the traction elements may be deformable so as to rest within a volume formed by the perimeter regions.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes at least one of a stretchable upper and an articulated sole structure. The upper may include an exterior layer and an interior layer. The exterior layer forms at least a portion of an exterior of the upper, and the exterior layer includes a plurality of incisions that extend through the exterior layer. The interior layer is located adjacent an inner surface of the exterior layer, and the interior layer is exposed through the incisions. The sole structure may include a connecting portion and a plurality of discrete sole elements. The connecting portion is positioned adjacent the upper and may extend along a longitudinal length of the upper. The sole elements extend from the connecting portion, and the sole elements are separated by a plurality of sipes that extend upward into the sole structure.

Abstract: A closure member is pivotally connected with respect to a hydraulically operated bucket. A link member is pivotally connected to a hydraulically operated arm segment. The link member is also pivotally connected to the closure member. The closure member and the hydraulically operated bucket are connected for simultaneous pivotal movement in opposite directions with respect to each other.

Abstract: An excavation tooth assembly comprising: a first tooth member comprising a body having a first end and an opposite second end that incorporates a socket configured to receive the nose portion of a second tooth member, the first tooth member also comprising laterally facing opposing surfaces, the opposing surfaces and one or more surfaces of the second tooth member defining at least in part a locking space; and a lock which is configured to be inserted into the locking space in an operative position to lock the first tooth member to the second tooth member.

Abstract: A retention system for a ground-engaging tool includes a pin. The pin may include a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis of the pin; a radial projection extending from a first end of the shaft; and a head disposed at a second end of the shaft, the head having a non-circular axial cross-section. The system may also include a retainer collar. The collar may include an annular wall surrounding a recess configured to receive the first end of the shaft; an axial slot in an inner surface of the annular wall, the axial slot extending from a first end of the annular wall inward and being configured to receive the radial projection; and a circumferential slot connected to the axial slot in the inner surface of the annular wall, the circumferential slot being configured to receive the radial projection of the pin.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for a greeting card having an integrated bubble feature.

Abstract: A greeting card is provided. The greeting card has a back cover, a front cover, a control module, a movable component, and a protective cover. The back cover is configured as the base of the greeting card. The front cover is coupled to the back cover and contains a window. The front cover can be folded over the back cover. The control module is mounted within or on the back cover. The movable component is mounted within or on the back cover and is driven by the control module The window is located on a location on the front cover corresponding to the movable component. The protective cover is mounted within the window and configured to protect the movable component and provide moving space for the movable component.

Abstract: An electronic greeting card containing a recordable audio module with a pre-recorded audio or music clip which allows a user to sing along with the pre-recorded audio or music clip and record it within the audio module in the card. The card also contains a preview function that allows a consumer to try the recording function before purchasing the greeting card. In preview mode, the recorded message is played back, simultaneously with the pre-recorded clip, only once and then erased. Once a consumer has purchased the card, the preview function can be disabled whereby the user-recorded sound clip is saved, and whereby the user-recorded sound clip is played back simultaneously with the pre-recorded sound clip.

Abstract: The interactive greeting card of the present disclosure and related inventions combines a traditional paper card with one or more special effects that are initiated by interaction between a user and the greeting card. One or more touch sensors are used to initiate effects including, but not limited to sound, light, movement or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a figurative print for a plane print carrier. In a preferred embodiment, the figurative print comprises both a primary, a secondary, and a tertiary figurative element. Each of the three elements shows an angular displacement of between 0° and 90° in relation to a view of the print being parallel to the print carrier and being perpendicular to a base line on the plane print carrier so that the figurative print appears with a special effect, when the print is viewed from an oblique position relative to a perpendicular viewing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to motion enhanced sign apparatuses and methods for providing information such as advertising using a motion enhanced sign apparatus.

Abstract: An image mounting system that comprises a mounting element and an image carrying element. The mounting element is a blank of foldable material with a substantially main portion that has at least one foldable extension to provide, in use, a three-dimensional mounting structure. An image carrying element that is larger than the main portion and is adhered to the main portion of the blank such that the image carrying element extends onto at least one foldable extension of the main portion.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a blank safety device is provided that includes: a body defining a cylindrical bore having a closed distal end, the body also defining an proximally extending internal cavity in communication with the cylindrical bore; a bullet plug received within the cylindrical bore, the bullet plug being configured to distally displace within the cylindrical bore towards the closed distal end in response to the impact of a fired bullet; and a back section received within the internal cavity in the body, the back section defining an internal chamber that is sealed with respect to a proximal bore for receiving a firearm attachment.

Abstract: A basic device for a pistol, intended to work in the DAO mode of operation and easily adaptable to other operation modes, is disclosed. The pistol has a rod, including in an edge opposed to a trigger, a stick and a crosswise arm. The crosswise arm is projected from the lengthwise body of the rod, toward the central portion of the pistol, and includes a front surface, able to mechanically interfere with a tongue, and a wing, frontal to the crosswise arm and projecting downwards, in which middle region an oblong opening is included; a guiding pin for the rod. The guiding pin of the rod crosses the oblong opening of the wing of the crosswise arm, so to limit the movement of the crosswise arm upwards and downwards; and a rod ramp. A pistol for actuation in SA mode is also disclosed.

Abstract: Method of providing a gun sight for a firearm having an accuracy comprising predetermining as a function of the accuracy a region surrounding a point of aim within which a projectile issued from the firearm will strike with a known probability, aiming the firearm at the intended target, and outlining the region about the point of aim with a laser and method for supporting a decision to fire a projectile from a firearm having an accuracy and pointed towards an intended target and an unintended target comprising precalculating as a function of the accuracy a region surrounding a point of aim within which a projectile issued from the firearm will strike with a known probability, aiming the firearm at the intended target, delineating the region about the point of aim with a laser, and not firing when at least a portion of the unintended target is within the region.

Abstract: The safety device provides an added measure of safety to striker fired semi-automatic pistols. The safety device includes a contact member in the form of a sliding bar or pivoting lever, that is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, such that the contact member operatively blocks the movement of one of the fire control mechanism components to prevent discharge of the weapon but only when the contact member is manually held in an engaged position. The user manipulates and physically holds the contact member in its engaged position by pressing a thumb plate or button located at the rear of the slide.

Abstract: A bipod foregrip includes a longitudinally extending mounting base constructed to slidingly engage a mounting rail of a firearm. A fixed gripping portion is affixed to the base adjacent the rear end. A movable gripping portion has a first end pivotally attached adjacent a lower extremity and pivotal between a stored orientation and an extended orientation. The opposed end is positioned in abutting engagement with a lower surface of the mounting base in the stored orientation. Two legs form the movable gripping portion in the stored orientation and extend angularly outwardly and downwardly into a bipod rest in the extended orientation.

Abstract: Butt with recoil pad for a shoulder-held firearm, with the butt comprising a recoil pad, characterised in that the recoil pad is mounted on the butt by means enabling the position of the recoil pad to be adjusted with respect to the butt so as to be able to personalise the position of the recoil pad for the shooter with respect to an average position in which the recoil pad is primarily located in the extension of the butt.

Abstract: Apparatus and system for mounting accessories to firearms and the like. More specifically, an apparatus and system for mounting accessories such as optics, sighting telescopes, lasers, thermal imaging devices, night vision devises, knives, cameras, flashlights and the like to firearms that have been fitted with a Picatinny mounting rail. The mounting apparatus is quickly secured to and removed from a Picatinny rail and provides a highly secure and stable mount for accessories. The apparatus and the accessories that are attached to it may be removed and replaced from the Picatinny rail repeatedly without affecting the preset sighting zero of the device.

Abstract: A range finder includes housing, circuitry, a lens, a display, and a plurality of threaded apertures. The housing has a front end, a rear end, and a bottom portion extending between the front end and the rear end. The range finder circuitry is located within the housing. The lens is located at the front end of the housing. The display is located at the rear end of the housing. The plurality of threaded apertures are located in the bottom portion of the housing.

Abstract: Fishing rod components and method of making and using the same are disclosed. The fishing rod components include a fishing rod reel seat with one or more removable handles. The fishing rod components also include a multi-functional anchoring device that secures a fishing rod to the ground, dock, boat, or other object. The disclosed anchoring device may include two main securing devices: a ground spike and a clamp. The ground spike is used primarily for securing a fishing rod to the ground, and the clamp is used to secure a fishing rod to a dock, boat, or numerous other objects. The ground spike and clamp may be combined into one compact unit that can either be integrated into and form a removable fishing rod handle, or be a separate unit that resides underneath a fishing rod handle during use.

Abstract: A spring-loaded receptacle designed to accept and reversibly link a stringer spike to an angler or watercraft to collect and combine fish. The sheath is a dual lumen device comprised of an outer tubular shell, a vertically movable, hollow inner stem, and a helical spring about the lower portion of the inner stem. The inner stem manifests three holes drilled at 120 degrees from one another and beads placed in these holes for engaging and securing the spike. A conically shaped bead deflector skirts the inner stem, surrounds the bead system, and exhibits a widening circumference as it descends into the outer shell. Spike insertion is accomplished by depressing the stem, compressing the spring, and allowing bead movement downward and outward away from the sheath center. The beads grip the spike when the stem is released, the spring expands, and the beads move into the bead deflector's tapered angle.

Abstract: A fuel deoxygenation system includes an oxygen permeable membrane having a porous membrane and an oleophobic layer. The porous membrane has pores that create a passage extending from a first side to an opposite second side of the porous membrane. The pores have an average pore diameter less than or equal to about 0.06 microns. The oleophobic layer and the porous membrane allow oxygen to cross the oxygen permeable membrane but substantially prevent fuel from crossing the oxygen permeable membrane. A method for removing dissolved oxygen from a fuel includes delivering fuel to an oxygen permeable membrane and removing oxygen from the fuel using the oxygen permeable membrane. A method for modifying a surface of a porous membrane includes depositing an oleophobic treatment agent on the porous membrane, removing solvent and heating the porous membrane to form an oleophobic layer on the porous membrane.

Abstract: A compression ignition fuel composition comprising diethyl ether (DEE) and water, in amounts that correspond to the reaction product of dehydration of anhydrous or hydrous ethanol (EtOH) with water content between 0 and 30 wt %, and further characterized by: a) a diethyl ether content in wt % that is larger than or equal to 50, and a water content in wt % that is lower than or equal to 50 minus concentration of ethanol in wt % for mixtures containing 0 to 20 wt % ethanol; or b) a diethyl ether content in wt % that is larger than or equal to 54 minus 0.2 times the ethanol concentration in wt %, and a water content in wt % that is lower than or equal to 46 minus the 0.8 times concentration of ethanol in wt % for mixtures containing 20 to 30 wt % ethanol; or c) a diethyl ether content in wt % that is larger than or equal to 61.5 minus 0.45 times the ethanol concentration in wt %, and a water content in wt % that is lower than or equal to 38.5 minus the 0.

Abstract: Liquid suspensions are disclosed comprising a suspending medium, small particles of biomass, and small particles of an inorganic material. The inorganic material stabilizes the suspension, so that it may be transported by pipeline or tank car without developing a sediment.

Abstract: Catalyst compositions comprising a phosphorous-promoted ZSM-5 component and a silica-containing binder, and methods for making and using same, are disclosed. More specifically, processes for making a catalyst for biomass conversion are provided. The process includes: treating a ZSM-5 zeolite with a phosphorous-containing compound to form a phosphorous-promoted ZSM-5 component; preparing a slurry comprising the phosphorous-promoted ZSM-5 component and a silica-containing binder; and shaping the slurry into shaped bodies. Such catalysts can be used for the thermocatalytic conversion of particulate biomass to liquid products such as bio-oil, resulting in higher bio-oil yields and lower coke than conventional catalysts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cooling additives for middle distillates, containing A) at least one comb polymer carrying hydroxyl groups, which can be produced by polycondensation of a polyol that contains two primary OH groups and at least one secondary OH group with a dicarboxylic acid or the anhydride or ester thereof, which carries a C16-C40 alkyl radical or a C16-C40 alkenyl radical, characterized in that the OH number of the comb polymer is at least 40 mg KOH/g, B) at least one copolymer of ethylene and of at least one ethylenically unsaturated ester, and C) at least one organic solvent.

Abstract: The invention provides a lighting system (100, 200, 300) for controlling the growth of plants, the system comprising; an array of solid state/semiconductor light sources (101, 201, 301) adapted to emit light of a predetermined wavelength or wavelength range; and a cooling arrangement(102, 202, 302) comprising a pipe (103, 203, 303) having at least one inlet opening for receiving a gaseous cooling medium and a plurality of outlet openings (105, 205, 305) for releasing said gaseous cooling medium from said cooling arrangement, the cooling arrangement being in mechanical and thermal contact with said light sources. The invention also provides a method for controlling the growth of a plant in a greenhouse of growth chamber. The invention allows promoting the photosynthesis of a plant by modifying the conditions (light intensity, temperature, CO2 concentration) locally around the plant.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a method of modulating the development stage of strobili growing on a gymnosperm tree comprising: (a) installing a protective covering over one more strobili bud(s), wherein the type of protective covering is selected to delay or advance strobili development; and (b) maintaining the protective covering over the strobili bud(s) for a time period sufficient to delay or advance the development stage of the covered strobili buds in comparison to the development stage of naturally growing, uncovered, control strobili.

Abstract: A post for retaining wires in wine and fruit growing includes a basic body with first and second limbs made of sheet metal, on which there is disposed at least one transverse extension arm running substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the basic body and having a multiplicity of hooks and/or eyelets for retaining the wires. The first and second limbs each contain an opening with a shape adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the transverse extension arm, and through which the transverse extension arm can be pushed into the basic body, substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the basic body, into a locking position. A quick-acting closure produces a form-locking connection between the basic body and the transverse extension arm, in the locking position.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a manufactured seed comprising a seed shell and a restraint disposed within the seed shell. The seed shell is a structure having an open end and a closed end. The restraint comprises a parabolic cavity. A seal assembly is disposed on the open end of the seed shell in a configuration effective to seal the seed shell.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a shoot restraint for use with manufactured seeds comprising. In some embodiments, the shoot restraint includes a substantially porous material having a top surface and a bottom surface. The substantially porous material is formed to define a substantially cylindrical upper portion having an upper diameter; and a substantially cylindrical lower portion having a lower diameter. The upper diameter is larger than the lower diameter. A parabolic cavity extends from the top surface to the bottom surface through the upper portion and at least partially into the lower portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a manufactured seed comprising a seed shell and a restraint disposed within the seed shell. The restraint has a parabolic cavity. The seed shell is a structure having an open end and a closed end. A primary end seal is disposed on the open end of the seed shell. A secondary end seal is arranged on the primary end seal, the secondary end seal having one or more dimples. Each of the one or more dimples each have a substantially parabolic shape.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a manufactured seed comprising a seed shell and a restraint disposed within the seed shell. The seed shell is a structure having an open end and a closed end. A primary end seal is disposed on the open end of the seed shell. A secondary end seal is arranged on the primary end seal, the secondary end seal having one or more dimples. Each of the one or more dimples each have a substantially parabolic shape.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes manufactured seed comprising: a seed shell comprising a structure having an open end and a closed end; a restraint disposed within the seed shell, the restraint comprising a cavity; and a seal assembly disposed on the open end of the seed shell in a configuration effective to seal the seed shell. An embryo disposed within the seed shell in a substantially parallel or a substantially skew configuration with respect to a plane in which the sealing assembly is arranged.

Abstract: This manual and localized weeding apparatus (1) comprises a heat generator (4) which is attached to a rod (2). The heat generator (4) comprises a fan and a heating resistor projecting a hot air jet (J1) into an inner volume (V5) of a bell (5) provided with a free edge (551) for supporting the apparatus (1) on the ground. According to the invention, the bell (5) is provided with at least one hole for discharging an air jet (J2) from the inner volume (V5) of the bell (5). The hole is separated from the free edge (551) by a distance of more than 2 cm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for evaluating germination properties of plant seeds and/or of sprouts developed from the plant seeds, on the basis of anatomical characteristics (x, y) at a particular point in time, wherein determining the anatomical characteristics (x, y) at a particular point in time comprises analyzing the plant seeds and/or sprouts using at least one imaging method and obtaining three-dimensional analysis data (410) at a particular point in time, segmenting the analysis data (400) at a particular point in time and associating segments (516--519) thus obtained into anatomical units of the plant seeds and/or sprouts, and determining the anatomical characteristics (x, y) of the anatomical units of the plant seeds and/or sprouts at a particular point in time from the associated segments (516-519) at at least one point in time.

Abstract: A collapsible and/or erectable shape-sustaining container having a substantially erect condition and substantially collapsed condition is disclosed. The collapsible and/or erectable shape-sustaining container is provided with at least one condition modifying element to facilitate erecting and/or collapsing the container.

Abstract: A collapsible and/or erectable shape-sustaining flower pot having a substantially erect condition and substantially collapsed condition is disclosed. The collapsible and/or erectable shape-sustaining container may be provided with at least one condition modifying element to facilitate erecting and/or collapsing the flower pot.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a planter includes a plurality of sidewalls extending from a base, wherein the base in corrugated and includes alternating peaks and valleys thereon. An irrigation aperture disposed on at least one of the plurality of the sidewalls, wherein the irrigation aperture is adapted to receive a soak hose.

Abstract: A preformed decorative wrapper for covering a flower pot has an open upper end, an open lower end, and a sidewall extending therebetween. At least a portion of the preformed decorative wrapper extends beyond an upper end of the pot and at least a portion of a lower end of the flower pot extends through the open lower end of the preformed decorative wrapper.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydroculture pot that can store an optimum amount of water at which a water level is appropriate for a depth of roots. A soil culture pot, having a supply and drainage hole that enables supplying and draining of water in a bottom portion, is used and a partitioning wall, vertically partitioning an interior of the pot main body in a watertight manner to store an optimum amount of water at which a water level is appropriate for a depth of roots of a spider plant, is disposed at an inner circumferential surface of a pot main body. An interior of the pot main body is filled with hydroculture soil and the optimum amount of water is stored in the pot main body so that the water level appropriate for the depth of roots of spider plant planted in the pot main body is a maximum level.

Abstract: A cover device for at least partially closing off a cavity includes at least one cover element for closing off the opening of the cavity, and a support structure in the form of an elongate body for supporting and positioning the cover element in or close to the cavity. The cover element is in the form of a pneumatic mattress equipped with return elements for urging it back into a most compact configuration in which it is rolled up about a free one of its sides and forms a spirally wound roll, the free side being formed by the side of the mattress that is opposite from the connecting side of the mattress via which side the mattress is connected to the support structure. This device includes at least one support arm for supporting the mattress while going from its rolled-up most compact configuration to its rolled-out least compact configuration.