Abstract: The present invention concerns processes for reducing water in never-dried fiber comprising copolymer derived from the copolymerization of para-phenylenediamine, 5(6)-amino-2-(p-aminophenyl)benzimidazole; and terephthaloyl dichloride, the process having the following steps in a continuous process, (a) a step of drying a never-dried fiber at less than 100 C until the moisture content of the fiber is less than 60 weight percent; and (b) a step of further drying the fiber above 150° C. while the moisture content of the fiber is no more than 40 weight percent; and the fiber being further heated to at least 350° C. in either an additional continuous or separate step.

Abstract: A system for drying vehicle bodies and/or for controlling the temperature thereof. The system includes a cabin and has a heater for heating hot air for the cabin. The system is equipped with a mechanical energy-consuming device, for example, a generator and/or a fan. The heater contains at least one heat exchanger. The hot exhaust gas of a thermal engine can be supplied to the heat exchanger. The thermal engine is coupled to the mechanical energy-consuming device, for example, the generator, so as to move together. Because of the coupled movement, mechanical energy can be transmitted from the thermal engine to the mechanical energy-consuming device.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter provides an adjustable midsole that can be contained within sole units for shoes generally and particularly within thin profile sole units. An adjustment of the midsole results in a change in the profile of a predetermined portion of the foot-supporting surface of a shoe to help accommodate the foot morphology of a particular wearer or to provide performance enhancements.

Abstract: A decorative cover (10) for a shoe (12), including a toe section (14) and a heel section (16) separated by a bridging section (18), wherein the cover (10) is at least partially resiliently expandable so that the toe section (14) and the heel section (16) resiliently bear against respective heel and toe sections of the shoe when the cover is fitted over the shoe, wherein the cover includes an upper boot section (32) shaped for engagement with a leg of a person wearing the shoe.

Abstract: A non-cleated, soft metal traction device reduces or eliminates slippage on wet and hard surfaces, such as mossy rocks beneath the water surface of a body of water. The traction device includes at least one external metal shank, plate or bar attachable to a footwear item with a desired binding system. The shank is preferably made from a soft metal material, such as a non-heat-treated aluminum alloy, so it is soft enough to grip and elastically conform to moist, wet or otherwise slippery rock and shale. The contact surface of the shank may include grooves, ribs, spaced apart ridges, or other small surface variations to improve the traction of the device in transition environments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of electric irons of domestic appliance, and in particular relates to an oil-storage type electric iron. The oil-storage type electric iron comprises a flat ironing part and an adjustable temperature controller (6), wherein the flat ironing part comprises a stainless steel soleplate (1), an upper casing plate (2), an electrothermal tube (3) and a heat conducting oil (4), wherein the stainless steel soleplate (1) and the upper casing plate (2) form a closed shell, and the closed shell is internally provided with the electrothermal tube (3) and the heat conducting oil (4). The present invention also provides a scheme for a cordless type oil-storage type electric iron with a contact pin. The present invention can effectively increase the thermal capacity of the soleplate of the electric iron and solve the problems of poor temperature stability and uniformity of the soleplate of the electric iron.

Abstract: A quilt fabrication and display device and kit of parts for producing the display device. The device includes upper and lower stretcher rails separated from one another by use of a pair of rail support members, the upper stretcher rails and lower stretcher rails being substantially parallel to one another and the rail support members being substantially parallel to one another and substantially orthogonal to the upper and lower stretcher rails. The upper and lower stretcher rails and the rail support members are of two subparts and the kit includes fasteners for selectively connecting the subparts for assembly and disassembly of the device. A set of four butterfly wing extenders are provided each extender selectively attachable to the upper stretcher rails and lower stretcher rails such that when assembled, two of the butterfly wing extenders extend above the upper stretcher rails and two of the butterfly wing extenders extend below the lower stretcher rails.

Abstract: The invention described herein is a travel luggage identification and recognition system, and methods for its use. The identification systems which are shown and described herein, comprise a combination of three of more sections or labels which include both graphic design aspects, functionality and identification portions which are intended to provide proof of ownership as well as identification and ease of recognition. The travel identifications system assists in the recognition and identification, demonstration of ownership of items such as luggage, bag, travel articles or items shipped on airplanes, trains, buses, cruise ships and other travel items. In addition, our tag or label offers the ability to show proof of ownership with an inside tag or decal that can adhere to the inside of any luggage/bag or travel article.

Abstract: Advertising envelopes are anchored light envelopes that display an advertising (32). They are filled with a gas. They are made with a light plastic film or paper. Said advertising envelope and gas together are heavier than the air. When said gas is heated, whether indistinctly during the day by the sun or at night by an electrical source the envelope gets lighter than the air. The fixed envelope raises and displays said message. Other optional elements used to set the advertising envelope on place that not necessarily all embodiments have are: an electricity generator (41), an electricity reservoir (54), a conductive element (51), a resistance (43), a lamp (43), a funnel (23) acting as a valve, a vehicle (27) that drags the envelope (32), a bridle (21), control lines (24), a fan (40), and a photoreceptor (42) connected to an electrical switch (57).

Abstract: A transportable sign (1) is provided which comprises a base portion (3), a support portion (5), and a display portion (7), In the sign, the display portion comprises a carrier (9) configured to carry a display medium (11) to display an image (13), e.g. a board, a cloth or a sail etc. The base portion is configured to position the sign supporting the support portion and the display portion, and the support portion is configured to support the display portion, when mounted to or on the base portion. In the sign, the display portion is mounted or mountable to the support portion to form a transformable assembly such that, when mounted to the base portion, the display portion is positionable in and movable between at least a first, relatively high, position and a second, relatively low, position with respect to the base portion.

Abstract: A mounting system for receiving a display item for display, comprising a display item receiving surface for receiving an item to be displayed, a release layer arranged on the receiving surface including first and second adjacent foldable portions arranged in a first configuration, and an adhesive layer interposed between the receiving surface and the release layer, wherein, when arranged in a second configuration, the first and second portions expose a first region of the adhesive layer and define a mounting support for the display item.

Abstract: A firearm-magazine interface for replacing an existing firearm-magazine interface of many existing firearms such as assault rifles, namely AK series (AK74, AK47, etc.) provides a lock that holds open the bolt after a last round is fired from a magazine. The firearm-magazine interface also includes a single-button magazine eject. After firing the last round, a bolt-hold lock is urged upwardly in the path of the returning bolt and catches a face of the bolt, thereby locking the bolt open until the magazine is replaced with a replacement magazine, at which time a bolt-hold release paddle pulls the bolt-hold lock downwardly, releasing the bolt to chamber a first round from the replacement magazine.

Abstract: A rifle includes an upper receiver body, a lower receiver body detachably attached to the upper receiver body, a stock and a bolt carrier group. The upper receiver body has a bolt carrier receiving bore exposed at a stock engaging portion thereof. The stock includes a recoil spring receiving bore therein exposed at a mounting portion thereof. The mounting portion of the stock is engaged with the stock engaging portion of the lower receiver body in a manner whereby the recoil spring receiving bore is accessible from the bolt carrier receiving bore. A centerline axis of the recoil spring receiving bore is skewed with respect to a centerline axis of the bolt carrier receiving bore. The bolt carrier group has a bolt carrying structure slideably disposed within the bolt carrier receiving bore, a recoil spring engaging structure slideably disposed within the recoil spring receiving bore and a linkage member structure pivotably engaged between the bolt carrying structure and the recoil spring engaging structure.

Abstract: A detachable chassis base for a tactical rifle is presented. The lower chassis receiver assembly can have a detachable chassis base that substantially selectively attaches to the chassis receiver interface. The detachable chassis base can be completely removable, or it can be hingedly attached to provide access without completely removing the chassis base, or a combination thereof. Multiple combinations of parts included in the detachable chassis base are possible. Several variations and combinations are illustrated herein, although others are contemplated.

Abstract: An accessory bracket 100 comprising first element 200 and second element 300 along with means for attaching first element with a firearm mount 10 and second element. The second element provides a semi-cylindrical accessory bar 320 with a length to safely extend the accessories such that the accessories do not interfere with operator vision or full movement or deflection of firearms. When attaching the second element with the first element, the accessory bracket provides an upper and lower position for adjusting the height of the second element in relation to the first element, the firearm mount, and the firearm 20. Safe, interchangeability for multiple firearms and accessories are provided as well as access areas and apertures for attaching the first and second elements, changing a barrel, wiring and connectors for accessories, as well as for firearm cooling and dispersal of gas and debris from the firearm rounds of ammunitions.

Abstract: A shooting rest assembly is engageable with a stand for supporting a weapon in the stand. The shooting rest assembly includes a base having at least one clamp for coupling to the stand. A platform is rotatably coupled to the base and has a platform frame and a telescoping member telescopically coupled to the platform frame. The telescoping member is configured to move along a longitudinal axis relative to the platform frame between a retracted position and an extended position. A front rest and a rear rest are spaced along the longitudinal axis and are mounted to the telescoping member in fixed positions so that each of the front rest and the rear rest move with the telescoping member as the telescoping member moves along the longitudinal axis between the retracted and extended positions relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to target acquisition and related devices, and more particularly to telescopic gunsights and associated equipment used to achieve shooting accuracy at, for example, close ranges, medium ranges and extreme ranges

Abstract: A decoy collapsible base and frame that floats with a portion thereof immersed in a body of water. A plurality of fowl shaped bodies defining duck decoys that float are detachably connected to the frame by tether lines. The tether lines are connected to cam and a tether anchor moveably mounted on the frame. Mechanical means rotates the cam connecting to the tether lines alternating pivoting opposing duck decoys resulting in a dunking motion of selectively positioned duck decoys.

Abstract: Generally, a decoy duck apparatus of the invention includes a decoy duck body which includes an interior cavity which receives anchor retrieval means. A quantity of tether is wound on a spool portion of the anchor retrieval means, and an anchor is attached to a distal end of the tether. With a first embodiment of the invention, the anchor retrieval means include a spring-powered anchor retrieval mechanism. Preferably, a bottom chamber is located in the decoy duck body below the interior cavity. The bottom chamber is defined by an interior cavity bottom wall and a decoy body bottom wall. A removable and replaceable drain plug located in the decoy body bottom wall for permitting drainage of water out from the bottom chamber. Preferably, a resilient tether guide is interconnected between the interior cavity bottom wall and the decoy body bottom wall. The resilient tether guide receives the tether and wipes water off of the tether when the tether is raised and lowered with respect to the decoy duck body.

Abstract: A fishing device may include a base section to magnetically connect to a support surface, a middle section being connected to the base section and including a light source to emit light and a top section being connected to the middle section reflecting the light through a inclined wall of the top section. The top section may include a pair of opposing arms to hold fish scent. The light source may be a flashlight.

Abstract: A slip style bobber comprising a hollow central housing constructed from a first mating half and second mating half. The hollow central housing includes a mounting member for the attachment of a pair of printed circuit boards having a replaceable power source, a switch, and a light source. A pair of tubes arranged coaxial are received within mounting member and extend from the interior of the housing to the exterior of the bobber. The bobber is water tight and constructed out of a translucent plastic to allow for illumination of the device during low light conditions. The bobber is multi colored and reversible.

Abstract: A retaining apparatus for fishing tackle is provided. The retaining member comprises a main body defining a hollow interior, and coupling means for releasably coupling the retaining member to a fishing rod, wherein the hollow interior houses the fishing tackle. The coupling means may comprise an engagement member that pivots about the main body between an engaged position and an open position, the engagement member being biased toward the engaged position, wherein pivoting the engagement member to the open position allows the retaining member to be placed on or removed from the fishing rod and pivoting the engagement member to the engaged position secures the retaining member to the fishing rod.

Abstract: An connection apparatus for fishing tackle that is adapted to allow the securement of the apparatus to a fishing line by the half-hitch, overhand knot or any other low dexterity knot through the use of at least one dual conical bores passing through the body of the apparatus. The apparatus generally incorporates another fishing tackle article such as a hook or split ring but can also be utilized alone when made of a suitable floating material. The configuration of the dual conical bores in relation to each other and in relation to the linear axis of the apparatus, lends itself to different purposes and different methods of securing different fishing tackle articles to the connection apparatus. With the use of a simple linear connector, two connection apparatuses may be adjoined to allow fishing lines of different sizes to be connected.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods which include exposing a beetle of the species Pityophthorus juglandis and/or treating surfaces susceptible to infestation by the species or to infection by Geosmithia morbida with compositions including one or more semiochemicals capable of being produced by Pityophthorus juglandis. The semiochemicals can be 3-methyl-2-buten-1-ol, conophthorin or chalcogran. Also disclosed are compositions and systems used in the methods.

Abstract: A system, a method, and a device for exterminating insects are provided. The system includes a housing having a heating chamber, a fan disposed inside the housing and coupled to the heating chamber. The heating chamber includes a first heating element, a tube having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the tube is coupled to the housing. The distal end includes at least one second heating element. Upon activation, the fan creates a suction effect throughout the tube and causes an insect from a surface to be drawn into the distal end. When the insect is drawn into the distal end, the second heating element applies heat to initially exterminate the insect. Then, the insect is drawn in to the heating chamber. The first heating element performs final extermination of the insect and deposits the insect inside the heating chamber.

Abstract: A method for generating electric power and for producing gasoline from methanol, includes the steps of: synthesizing gasoline by reacting methanol under a catalyst; recovering heat generated from the gasoline synthetic reaction of methanol by cooling the reaction with coolant to vaporize the coolant; and generating electric power by using the coolant vapor produced in the heat recovery. The power generation step may include generating electric power with a plurality of steam turbines in series, e.g., a high-pressure turbine, a medium-pressure turbine, and a low-pressure turbine.

Abstract: A fuel composition and the process of making the fuel composition are described. More specifically, a novel biomass derived low sulfur bunker fuels composition and the method of making thereof. Embodiment of the invention discloses a novel low sulfur bunker fuels composition derived from blending various bio-oil with other heavy residual fuel oils and distillates where final sulfur content and carbon intensity is controlled by the ratio of bio-oil to other heavy residual fuel oils and distillates. Embodiment of the invention also discloses a process of making a novel biomass derived low sulfur bunker fuels by blending various bio-oil with other heavy residual fuel oils and distillates.

Abstract: Method for the preparation of a compression ignition engine fuel, comprising the steps of providing a mixture of a primary hydrocarbon fuel comprising one or more alcohols; and dehydrating in the mixture the one or more alcohol to its or their corresponding ether and water, to obtain the compression ignition fuel.

Abstract: A free-standing support frame (1) for a horticultural growing bag (B) and plants (P) growing therefrom, the support frame comprising a pair of substantially A-shaped uprights (3), held in spaced apart relationship by upper and lower cross-members (5), the lower cross-member being adapted to engage with and support a horticultural growing bag (B) along one of its longitudinal edges. The growing bag is supported such that the bag presents an increase depth of growing media (C) for the roots (R) of the plant (P) to grow therein and form a void (V) over the growth media to retain a volume of water to percolate therethrough.

Abstract: A method and device for containing or encompassing the roots of the plant comprises a base sheet of material containing at least one selected area on the sheet facing the roots, the at least one selected area containing selected nutrients for promoting plant and/or root growth.

Abstract: A system for growing plants without soil uses removable V-shaped baskets to support plants in a tiered, self-contained unit. Nutrient enriched water is sprayed on the plant roots. The roots are held by perforations in the elongated V-shaped basket and a plant blanket. The unit is multilevel and can be set over an aquarium. The growing shelf can have a worm bag in order to add natural nutrients. Baskets can be comprised of a pair of identical halves that can be readily mutually coupled. Coupling mechanisms can include those that snap together and those providing for a pivoting coupling.

Abstract: Large or macro planter structures for comparatively large plantings for use in large spaces formed from planter modules, which planter structures are assembled on-site with extremely large dimensions, e.g., several hundred feet, to provide unusual and stunning visual effects and which structures include lighted cladding walls which may also function as lighted advertising displays visible from great distances owing to their size.

Abstract: A system for watering plants including a pot having a plant therein, a line carrying a hook, a watering activation switch connected to a watering system, and a pot weighing system comprising a movable arm assembly interacting with a weight switch. The pot does not move the movable arm assembly when the plant needs to be watered, whereby the movable arm assembly interacts with the weight switch to allow watering of the plant and the hook engages the plant watering activation switch to thereby activate the watering system to provide water to the plant. The pot moves the movable arm assembly when the plant does not need to be watered, whereby the movable arm assembly interacts with the weight switch to prevent activation of the watering system to prevent water from being provided to the plant.

Abstract: A hanging flowerpot structure includes a flowerpot body which has an engaging seat at one side wall and an engaging post at an opposing side wall. Through engagement of the engaging seats and the engaging posts of a plurality of flowerpot bodies, the flowerpot bodies can be connected steady. A hook lug of a rear wall of the flowerpot body is used to hook a wall. An automatic watering hose is engaged in engaging recesses of the two side walls of the flowerpot body to guide water into the flowerpot body. The excess water is drained from a drain hole of a bottom of the flowerpot body to the lower flowerpot body to save water. The present invention is convenient for use and stable in configuration.

Abstract: A slag agglomerator includes an inlet, an outlet and a plurality of obstacles. The inlet receives a flow of gas and slag droplets and the outlet allows the flow of gas and slag droplets to exit the agglomerator. The obstacles are oblique or perpendicular to the flow of gas and slag droplets and have an exterior surface containing a ceramic matrix composite.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for gasification. According to an example embodiment of the invention, an apparatus can include a container operable to facilitate mixing a fuel and at least one gas inside the container. The apparatus can also include an inlet operable to receive the fuel and the at least one gas into the container, wherein an inlet flow path is defined by at least one trajectory of the fuel and the at least one gas entering the container. Further, the apparatus can include an outlet operable to permit a fuel-gas mixture to exit the container, wherein an outlet flow path is defined by an exit trajectory of the fuel-gas mixture exiting the container, wherein the inlet flow path not is aligned with the outlet flow path to facilitate increased operability for at least a portion of the fuel-gas mixture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for upgrading coal and other carbonaceous fuels includes subjecting the carbonaceous fuel to a pyrolyzing process, thereby forming upgraded carbonaceous fuel and a flow of lean fuel gases. Auxiliary fuel is combusted in an auxiliary fuel combustor to produce auxiliary fuel combustion gases, and the lean fuel gases are heated with the auxiliary fuel combustion gases. The heated lean fuel gases are combusted in a lean fuel combustor, thereby producing a gas stream of products of combustion, and at least a portion of the gas stream of products of combustion are to directed to the pyrolyzer.

Abstract: A door actuation mechanism for a sliding door of a motor vehicle is disclosed as having a motor driven door actuator connected to first and second actuation cables used for opening and closing the door. Both of the actuation cables has a portion extending away from the door actuator in a direction in which the respective cable moves the door.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main body, a document board to open and close an upper side of the main body while being pivoted, and a shock absorber to reduce impact generated when the document board closes the upper side of the main body, wherein the shock absorber includes a link pivotably mounted, at a first end thereof, to the document board while guide protrusions are formed at a second end thereof, and a guide slot formed so that each guide protrusion is movable. Since the guide slot applies a pressure gradually increased from the first end side of the guide slot to the second end side thereof, to the guide protrusion, a speed of the guide protrusion and a pivoting speed of the document board are restricted below a certain speed when the upper side of the main body is closed through the document board.

Abstract: A hole plug assembly includes a covering base connected to a first lip, at least one extensible member having a first portion connected to one or both of the covering base or the first lip, and a second lip connected to a second portion of the at least one extensible member. The at least one extensible member is configured to expand and contract with respect to a central axis of the covering base.

Abstract: Abrasive aggregates and fixed abrasive articles comprising formaldehyde-free polymer binder and a plurality of abrasive grains are provided that are particularly suitable for machining operations, in which abrasion is carried out to remove material and improve surface quality. Certain embodiments combine an abrasive grain, which can be in the form of microparticles, and a formaldehyde-free polymer binder, which can be in the form of a polymer resin and cross-linking agent. Optionally, the abrasive aggregate can contain a secondary cross-linking agent, or a functional filler, such as a grinding aid.

Abstract: A cerium salt wherein, when 20 g of the cerium salt is dissolved in a mixed liquid of 12.5 g of 6N nitric acid and 12.5 g of a 30% hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution, a concentration of an insoluble component present in the solution is 5 ppm or less by mass ratio to the cerium salt before dissolution and cerium oxide produced by processing the cerium salt at high temperatures. Scratch on a surface to be polished can be reduced when a cerium based polishing slurry containing the cerium oxide particles is used, since an amount of impurities in cerium oxide particles and cerium salt particles, raw material thereof, is reduced for high purification.

Abstract: A system for controlling water leakage and excess humidity in a basement, including a water leakage vacuum apparatus that includes a water vacuuming apparatus to collect a water leakage through a basement wall, an air dehumidifying apparatus, and a perimeter channel system having a plurality of flow channels, disposed along the perimeter of the basement wall. The perimeter channel system includes a water channel for conducting the water leakage away from a basement wall to the water vacuuming apparatus, a humid air channel for communicating humid air from the air space proximate to the outer wall of the basement to a dehumidifying apparatus, and a dehumidified air channel for communicating the dehumidified air discharged from the dehumidifying apparatus to the air space proximate to the outer wall of the basement.

Abstract: A gutter hanger system includes a gutter having an outer wall, an inner wall in spaced relation to the outer wall, and a base connecting the outer wall and the inner wall; a support surface supporting the inner wall; and a gutter hanger including opposing top and bottom ends, a coupling member located at the bottom end, and a retainer located at the top end. The gutter hanger is positioned intermediate the inner wall and the support surface, oriented in a downward direction, and the retainer is positioned atop the inner wall. A method for installing a gutter hanger system includes the steps of providing a gutter, providing a support surface to which an inner wall of the gutter is attached, inserting a gutter hanger intermediate the support surface and the inner wall of the gutter, and retaining a top end of the gutter hanger on the inner wall of the gutter.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a one piece corner fitting for a corner section of an eaves trough. The corner fitting of the present invention includes two arms designed to substantially fit within the corner section of the eaves trough, each arm including a back side wall configured to lie substantially adjacent a back side wall of the eaves trough corner section, a front side wall configured to lie substantially adjacent a front side wall of the eaves trough corner section and a bottom surface extending between the back side wall and the front side wall of the corner fitting, said back side wall front side wall and bottom surface forming a channel.

Abstract: A self-contained structure configurable as a shipping container and as a dwelling is provided.

Abstract: A prefabricated integrated utilities building core including a floor diaphragm, four walls connected to the floor diaphragm, and a utilities access corridor, and a method of constructing a building using the same are disclosed herein. The floor diaphragm and the four walls form an interior of the prefabricated integrated utilities building core. The utilities access corridor has at least one access wall with a passage configured to provide access to and from the utilities access corridor from the interior of the prefabricated integrated utilities building core. There are a plurality of integrated utilities arranged within the prefabricated integrated utilities building core so as to be fully accessible from within the utilities access corridor. The utilities access corridor also includes an in-floor access hatch arranged to provide access to an in-floor portion of at least the plumbing of the plurality of integrated utilities.

Abstract: Protective shelters for enclosing one or more persons and/or animals are described. A capsule can be a spherical or substantially spherical, water-tight shell surrounding a frame and forming an interior portion which accommodates the one or more persons and/or animal; and at least one sealable entry door configured to seal at least one opening formed in the shell.

Abstract: A sheet piling member comprising including a base construction material forming a rigid shape and an aversive agent incorporated with respect to the base construction material. The aversive agent deters contact with the base construction material by living rodents.

Abstract: A prefabricated ribbed panel for installation either in a horizontal, vertical or inclined condition, characterized in that said panel comprises a caisson block (1) made of an inert insulating material, defining a plurality of recesses (2) for housing therein a longitudinal reinforcement structure (10) which can be embedded in a first concrete casting (11) made at a concrete casting shop; a first finishing slab floor (13) with an electrowelded network (15) at panel joining regions being moreover provided.